Diet and Fitness

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Running is a great way to get exercise, but if you're just getting started, there are a few things you should know to keep your running routine a safe and effective activity. Learn the dos and don'ts of running for exercise.

By Greg Shealey

Find out the differences between refined and unrefined carbohydrates as nutrition expert Dr. Allan Spreen answers this common question about diet and fitness.

By Dr. Allan Spreen

If you're training for 10K or a marathon, you don't want to halt your preparation because of a nasty cold. Is it OK to run when you're under the weather?

By Debra Ronca

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If you've got the blues, it's highly likely that a jog around the block will cheer you up. Why does running have a therapeutic effect?

By Charles W. Bryant

There's nothing like pounding the pavement to take the edge off after a bad day at work. Why is running so good at reducing stress?

By Charles W. Bryant

Scientists once assumed that running and walking used the same amount of energy -- that is, they burned the same number of calories. However, a group of Syracuse University researchers found that running actually burns more calories than walking. What factor had scientists overlooked in the past?

By Josh Clark

Running is a great way to lose weight. But whether you were born to run or just looking for a way to drop some pounds, it's a good idea to have a plan in place well before putting your sneakers on the pavement.

By Caitlin Uttley

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You want to stay in shape but pain in your lower legs is holding you back. What's going on? You may be suffering from shin splints.

By Victoria Vogt

Runners constantly push themselves to improve, seeking faster times or greater endurance. But sometimes less can be more when overtraining begins to have negative effects.

By John Kelly

There's nothing like a good run on a crisp, sunny day. But what happens when the weather turns from crisp to frigid? What can you do to make your daily winter run a little easier?

By Debra Ronca

"Oh, gotta stop for one second! I have a side stitch!" Has that ever happened to you while running? Of course it has. We've got some simple techniques for avoiding and treating this common ailment.

By Kevin P. Allen

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When it comes to running, no one is invincible. Injuries can hinder veteran runners as well as beginners. What should you do if you twist something -- can you treat some injuries yourself, or should you head to the doctor's office?

By Marianne Spoon

Some athletes try to improve their performance by determining their maximal oxygen consumption, or VO2 max. How do you determine this number, and what does it really mean anyway?

By Stephanie Crawford & Jennifer Walker-Journey

It's the day of the big race. You've got your running shoes on and your lucky rabbit's foot in hand.. You've trained for weeks for this marathon, but have you shortchanged yourself by not having a cup of coffee?

By Molly Edmonds

While long distance runners need a lot of calories, a diet rich in double quarter pounders with cheese just won't cut it. Keep reading to find out what will make your body go faster, longer.

By Laurie L. Dove

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Exercise not only makes you healthier, it also may make you more intelligent. Learn how new research has linked exercise with the creation of brain cells and increased brain function.

By DiscoveryHealth.com writers

Sometimes the very acts we do to get healthy can actually push us past our physical limits. Learn how to gauge whether you're overtraining.

By the editors of PureHealthMD

VO2 max, or maximal oxygen consumption, is the amount of oxygen your body can use, per kilogram of body weight, per minute. Learn about calculating your maximal oxygen consumption.

By the editors of PureHealthMD

When looking at weight training vs. cardiovascular exercise, there are plenty of conflicting opinions on which is better. Read about the benefits and risks of weight training and cardiovascular exercise.

By DiscoveryHealth.com writers

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If you're going to commit to getting fit, you want to get the biggest bang for your buck. Learn three of the best exercises any woman can do to effectively lose weight and strengthen muscles.

By Discovery Fit and Health Writers

Yoga can be a spiritual experience, but most people who explore yoga actually discover that it strengthens and deepens their own faith. Learn about the ties between yoga and religion.

By the editors of PureHealthMD

Almost all diets involve eating less of something, and the range of food that come in for cutting in today's diets is staggering. In this article we cover diets that have you cut down on fat, sugar, or dairy. Here are details.

Tired of running and getting nowhere? Join the club -- endless rounds on the treadmill aren't for every gym rat. But if you know where to look, you just might find the very special workout you've been hoping for.

By Molly Edmonds

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Some people notice that their weight fluctuates around their sleep. Why does this happen?

So you've been diagnosed with celiac disease. Now it's time to cut the gluten from your diet -- no wheat, barley and rye, for starters. What's the best way to navigate a gluten-free existence?

By Molly Edmonds