Exercise & Fitness

Why You Should Add Rest to Your Workout Routine

Most fitness advice urges people to squeeze in more workouts. That’s reasonable, considering government data show that only about a quarter of American adults meet the current guidelines for adequate physical activity: 150 minutes of...

By Jamie Ducharme November 27, 2019

Running Can Help You Live Longer. But More Doesn't Always Mean Better

One major reason Americans don't get enough exercise is they feel they don't have enough time. It can be difficult to squeeze in the 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise per week that federal guidelines...

By Mandy Oaklander November 7, 2019

Why Drinking Water All Day Long Is Not the Best Way to Stay Hydrated

Dehydration is a drag on human performance. It can cause fatigue and sap endurance among athletes, according to a 2018 study in the journal Frontiers in Physiology. Even mild dehydration can interfere with a person’s...

By Markham Heid August 9, 2019

The Best Sports and Exercises to Avoid Injury

The human body is made to move, and physical activity is a requirement for lifelong health. But exercise-related injuries are a significant concern few people think about until it’s too late. Even a mild sprain...

By Markham Heid August 7, 2019

More U.S. Teenagers Are Trying to Lose Weight Than in Years Past. That May Be Reason for Concern

According to one expert

By Jamie Ducharme July 17, 2019

Sitting Is Bad for Your Health, But Not All Types of Sitting Were Created Equal

Here's what to do about it

By Jamie Ducharme June 26, 2019

Can Americans Hack Their Way Out of an Aversion to Exercise?

Communities play an important role

By Jamie Ducharme June 14, 2019

You May Not Need the 10,000 Steps a Day Your Fitness Tracker is Telling You to Take

Some people may need fewer

By Jamie Ducharme May 30, 2019

Is Our Obsession With Health Data Making Us Crazy?

There may be such a thing as too much data

By Jamie Ducharme May 30, 2019

The 3 Most Effective Exercise Moves That Don’t Require Equipment

No machines or dumbbells required

By Markham Heid May 8, 2019

Many Marijuana Users Turn to the Drug for a Surprising Reason: Workout Fuel

A new survey is challenging stoner stereotypes

By Jamie Ducharme May 7, 2019

Just 10 Minutes of Exercise a Week May Be Enough to Extend Your Life, Study Says

But more is better

By Jamie Ducharme March 20, 2019

Every Little Move You Make Can Help Your Health, Study Says

Even checking the mail counts

By Jamie Ducharme March 15, 2019

Better Late Than Never: Exercising Helps You Live Longer No Matter When You Start, Study Says

Even if you’ve slacked off in the past

By Alice Park March 8, 2019

This Is the Best Time of Day to Work Out, According to Science

Time your workouts to get the best results

By Jamie Ducharme February 27, 2019

You Asked: What’s the Most Effective Machine to Use at the Gym?

You don’t need much time to get a total-body workout

By Markham Heid February 13, 2019

Exercising Might Help You Make Healthier Food Choices, Study Says

Here's how

By Jamie Ducharme February 6, 2019

Can Exercise Prevent Depression? Here's What the Science Says

Even a little bit goes a long way

By Jamie Ducharme January 25, 2019

Want to Live Longer? For Just 30 Minutes a Day, Do Anything Else But Sit

"Exercise doesn't have to be done for hours at a time"

By Jamie Ducharme January 15, 2019

Dance Like Your Doctor Is Watching: It's Great for Your Mind and Body

Here's why

By Jamie Ducharme December 20, 2018

Diet and Exercise Might Reverse Aging in the Brain

According to a new study

By Alice Park December 19, 2018

Exercise Is Great. But Even Light Activities Like Walking and Housework Can Improve Your Health

Every movement counts

By Jamie Ducharme November 29, 2018

'Move More' Government Exercise Guidelines Say

Americans should sit less and move more, even if that activity comes in tiny chunks, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

By Jamie Ducharme November 12, 2018

Getting Rid of Cellulite Is Tough. But Here's What Works Best

Certain types of exercise may help

By Markham Heid October 24, 2018

The Case For Taking a Walk After You Eat

A post-meal stroll helps control blood sugar

By Markham Heid September 26, 2018

Does Thinking Burn Calories? Here's What the Science Says

Your brain uses more energy than you think

By Markham Heid September 19, 2018

Which Exercise Burns the Most Calories? Here's What Science Says

You might want to up the intensity of your workouts

By Markham Heid September 12, 2018

A Quarter of the World's Adults Don't Get Enough Exercise, Study Says

It's a problem that needs to be 'urgently addressed'

By Jamie Ducharme September 5, 2018

Do This Kind of Exercise If You Want to Live Longer, Study Says

It could add as many as 10 years to your life

By Jamie Ducharme September 4, 2018

Only 23% of Americans Get Enough Exercise, a New Report Says

Rates varied widely by state and gender

By Jamie Ducharme June 28, 2018

You Asked: What’s the Best Way to Treat Plantar Fasciitis?

Rest first—but there's more that you can do.

By Markham Heid June 27, 2018

How to Seriously Tone Your Arms With Just a Bath Towel

This workout will leave you sore for days!

By Anna Kaiser June 26, 2018

Why You Should Pick Up the Pace When You Walk

Fast walkers may be healthier than slowpokes

By Jamie Ducharme June 1, 2018

You Need This Much Exercise to Keep Your Brain Healthy

The closest thing we have to an exercise prescription

By Alice Park May 30, 2018

Good News: Sitting All Day Isn't as Bad for You if You're Fit

You may be able to offset some of sitting's unhealthy effects

By Alice Park May 23, 2018

This Amount of Exercise Keeps Your Heart Young

Four to five times a week is the ideal amount

By Alexandra Sifferlin May 21, 2018

Getting a Lot of Physical Activity at Work May Actually Be Bad For You

Having a very active job may lead to a higher risk of dying early, study says

By Alice Park May 14, 2018

This Type of Exercise May Help Relieve Depression

Here's another reason to lift weights

By Jamie Ducharme May 9, 2018

Going Hiking? This Is What You’ll Need to Protect Yourself Against Bears

What you need to know heading into hiking season

By Markham Heid May 9, 2018

These Are the 6 Best Strength Exercises for Runners

Build your strength and you'll run faster.

By Ashley Mateo / Health.com April 17, 2018

This Is the Best Way to Treat Sore Muscles After a Workout

It sounds a little ironic.

By Jamie Ducharme April 16, 2018

Easy Ways to Actually Improve Your Posture

You’ve probably heard about “tech neck”—the head-drooped, shoulders-forward pose many of us strike while crouched at a computer or peering into our phones. The more time a person spends in this position, the more the...

By Markham Heid April 4, 2018

The Scientific Reason Boot Camp Workouts Are So Good For You

Boot camp-style workouts have been around for decades. But now they come in many shapes and flavors—from bridal boot camps designed to tone people up for their nuptials to "prison-style workouts" taught by people who...

By Markham Heid April 2, 2018

Why Tai Chi Works So Well For Pain Relief

A new study compares tai chi and aerobic exercise to reduce chronic pain linked to fibromyalgia

By Alice Park March 22, 2018

Women Who Are in Shape Are 90% Less Likely to Develop Dementia

The latest study finds a strong link between fitness and brain health

By Alice Park March 14, 2018

How Exercising Into Old Age Can Keep Your Immune System Young

Exercise, even in old age, is known to have a wide range of health benefits, from preventing disability to slowing memory decline. But a new study reveals that it can also protect the immune system....

By Alexandra Sifferlin March 9, 2018

Exercise & Fitness

How to Exercise When It's Really Hot Outside

Extreme Heat Makes It Hard for Kids To Be Active. But Exercise Is Crucial In a Warming World

Forget Physique. Mental Health Is the Newest, Hottest Fitness Goal

Best At-Home Workouts: What Fitness Experts Said