fitness information library

 

Fitness is an important component of overall health. Staying in shape lets your body's systems accomplish their jobs more efficiently, and you'll look and feel better, too. Find information about diets, exercise and weight management.

Featured Article:  Can vitamins lower cholesterol?

There is some reason to believe that vitamins and minerals might help lower cholesterol, but at this point the evidence is mostly inconclusive. Learn about the results of various studies. See more »

How Electrolytes Work

How Electrolytes Work

Athletes know that the body loses salt through sweat. It's important for the salt to be replaced to minimize things like muscle cramps that are associated with salt imbalance. That's where electrolytes come into play.

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The Ultimate Calorie Burning Quiz

The Ultimate Calorie Burning Quiz

So you've fallen off the diet wagon. Don't worry, it can happen to anyone. Want to find out how much exercise you'll have to do to make up for your caloric splurges? Take this quiz to find out.

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What causes the muscle cramps in my legs?

What causes the muscle cramps in my legs?

Leg cramps can stop you dead in your tracks, anytime day or night. What causes your muscles to spasm like that, and what can you do about the pain?

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12 Sports and Recreational Activities and the Calories They Burn

12 Sports and Recreational Activities and the Calories They Burn

Some activities burn more calories than others, so knowing which activities burn the most calories in the shortest time can be helpful to those with busy schedules. Read our list to learn which activities burn the most calories.

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20 Everyday Activities and the Calories They Burn

20 Everyday Activities and the Calories They Burn

You don't always have to go to the gym to burn calories because the activities you do every day can help with weight loss. Read our list of 20 activities and the calories they burn.

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25 Steps to a Healthier You

25 Steps to a Healthier You

Losing weight doesn't have to be a painful and grueling process. A simple 30-minute walk while enjoying the sunset can burn as much as 1500 calories each week. Read our list of 25 simple steps to a healthier you.

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Can vitamins lower cholesterol?

Can vitamins lower cholesterol?

There is some reason to believe that vitamins and minerals might help lower cholesterol, but at this point the evidence is mostly inconclusive. Learn about the results of various studies.

See more »
Walking

Walking

Walking is an easy and convenient way to lose weight. It's a great way for you to burn fat without robbing your body of essential nutrients. Learn the health benefits of walking and increase your fitness one step at a time.

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Walking Accessories

Walking Accessories

Walking accessories mostly focus on a good pair of walking shoes, but you can also buy pedometers and reflective gear. A proper set of shoes can protect you from any sort of physical discomfort you might feel. Learn about walking accessories.

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Walking and Injuries

Walking and Injuries

Walking injuries can usually be avoided with proper conditioning. Minor aches and pains are common because you're asking your body to do things it has not done in a while. Learn about common walking injuries, their causes, and helpful prevention tips.

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Walking to Lose Weight

Walking to Lose Weight

Walking to lose weight is a great alternative to crash diets and complicated workouts. Walking is a low-impact activity that has one of the lowest dropout rates of any activity. Find out how walking burns calories, builds muscles, and more.

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10 Suggestions for the Treatment of Shin Splints

Shooting pain starting in the front of your ankle and continuing up almost to your knee cap could be shin splints. When you touch the area on either side of your shin bone, it may feel sore and tender.

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Choosing a Diet Program

It can seem like there are hundreds of diet plans to choose from. Fortunately, they boil down to just a few categories. Learn how to spot the one that's best for you.

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How do I burn calories on a stair machine?

The motion on a stair climber burns calories as you go up and down. Find out how your body processes this movement to burn calories.

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How to Assess Your Health

Evaluating the state of your health is a complex issue, rife with approximations, theories, and guesses. Learn about the variables that intertwine to form the mosaic of your health and well-being.

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USDA Exercise Guidelines

Though the USDA Dietary Guidelines focus on food items, it also stresses daily exercise. The government has put physical activity on par with nutrition for achieving a healthy lifestyle. Learn about the USDA exercise guidelines.

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Warm-Up Exercises

Warm-up exercises both prepare you for a workout and promote circulation by loosening up your entire body. Find out how to prevent injuries by following these steps before you begin any intense physical activity.

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Weight Lifting for Women

For women, weight lifting can be as important as aerobic exercise. Learn valuable women's weight lifting exercises using our illustrated instructions.

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What causes heat stroke?

How can someone die from heat? Learn what happens in the body during a heat stroke.

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Why can a trained athlete run a marathon, but a couch potato cannot run half a mile?

Athletic training dramatically increases a person's ability to exercise at a high level. How does your body acclimate to higher levels of exercise?

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