Exercise & Fitness Archive

Many lifestyle factors can influence the development of atrial fibrillation, and doctors now better understand the importance of these factors in treating afib. Those who are at risk of developing afib can take action to improve their health, and in some cases they may be able to reduce their symptoms.

Playing youth sports is a great way for children to be active and learn important socialization skills, but the risks of COVID-19 mean parents with children who participate in sports must consider a number of factors when deciding whether to play.

You might be eager to leap into your exercise routine and get on with the day — but don't just dive in. Starting a workout with "cold" muscles can lead to injury. It's important to start each workout with a warm-up and end with a cool-down — and that goes for true beginners, seasoned pros, and everyone in between.

Warm-up

Warming up pumps nutrient-rich, oxygenated blood to your muscles as it speeds up your heart rate and breathing. A good warm-up should last five to 10 minutes and work all major muscle groups. For best results, start slowly, then pick up the pace. Many warm-up routines focus on cardio and range-of-motion exercises, such as jumping jacks and lunges. If you prefer, you can do a simpler warm-up by walking in place while gently swinging your arms, or even dancing to a few songs. 

How maintaining a healthy weight and other lifestyle habits can help prevent this common heart rhythm disorder.

During a bout of atrial fibrillation, your heart may beat so rapidly, it may feel as though it's going to explode out of your chest. Commonly known as afib, this heart rhythm problem can leave you breathless and lightheaded—or cause no symptoms at all. About 9% of people ages 65 and older have afib, which raises the risk of stroke and other heart-related problems. But there are ways to lower your odds of developing afib—or to reduce its impact if you already have the condition.

Lessen your load

By far, the most important step you can take is to attain and stay at a healthy weight. "We have good evidence from multiple studies showing that people who are overweight have a higher risk of afib than people who are at a healthy weight," says Harvard professor of medicine Dr. Christine Albert, former director of the Center for Arrhythmia Prevention at Brigham and Women's Hospital. And the more you weigh, the higher your risk: people who are overweight have a 20% to 25% higher risk, whereas those who are obese (a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher) have a 60% higher risk.

How does exercise reduce stress? Surprising answers to this question and more.

How does exercise reduce stress, and can exercise really be relaxing?

Rest and relaxation. It's such a common expression that it has become a cliche. And although rest really can be relaxing, the pat phrase causes many men to overlook the fact that exercise can also be relaxing. It's true for most forms of physical activity as well as for specific relaxation exercises.

Men need to manage their bone health as much as women do.

Most people think of osteoporosis as a women-only health problem, but older men also need protection from this bone-weakening disease.

About one in four men older than 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis during his lifetime, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. And research has found that compared with women, older men are more likely to die following a fracture related to osteoporosis.

Stretching becomes crucial as you age. Here is a quick routine that addresses the major tight spots.

Stretching is much like flossing. You know it's good for your health, but for whatever reason, you may not always make time for it.

"Most people know they need to stretch more, but find it burdensome or are not sure what to do," says Urvashi Chogle, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Spaulding Rehabilitation Network.

In the journals

Don't be discouraged if you're not a quick walker. A new study suggests that total daily steps — and not how many steps you take per minute — are related to a lower risk of death. The results were published in the March 24/31, 2020, issue of JAMA.

Researchers examined data from 4,840 people, average age 57, who were involved in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The participants wore an accelerometer — a device that measures movement, including the number of steps taken per minute — for about 14 hours a day for an average of 5.7 days. The people were then followed for 10 years.

Research we're watching

A yoga-based rehabilitation program may be a safe alternative to conventional cardiac rehab, a new study suggests. A customized program of exercise and education, conventional rehab helps people recover from heart-related problems.

The study included nearly 4,000 heart attack survivors in India, where cardiac rehab programs are uncommon. Half took part in a program featuring 13 weekly sessions of gentle yoga exercises. The other half received standard care, which included three sessions of advice and handouts.

There are plenty of ways to exercise when you're indoors.

When your gym is closed and exercising outdoors isn't an option, it's tempting to focus on a couch routine, working out your thumb on the TV remote. But exercising is a crucial way to keep your immune system healthy, boost your mood, and stave off chronic illness. And there are many options to keep exercising, even when you're stuck indoors.

Aerobic workouts

Aerobic activity often requires lots of space, but it doesn't have to. "Just stepping in place is a simple and effective workout," notes Harvard fitness expert and certified fitness instructor Michele Stanten.