Actress Suzanne Somers popularized the ThighMaster, an inner thigh toning device, during the 1990s. The V-shaped, rubber-coated ThighMaster adds resistance to easier exercise and enhances body awareness during more subtle movements. The company now makes two models.
Read more →
Whether you're an athlete, a fitness enthusiast, or just a regular Joe, knee injuries can take you out of action and put you on the bench. A good stability training program for your knees will help prevent injury and optimize your knee function and performance.
Read more →
Agility, as defined by the National Strength and Conditioning Association, is the ability to change directions and gain speed without losing motor control. It is directly related to speed, balance and coordination skills.
Read more →
Postural lordosis is characterized by a curvature of the lower back. A number of factors contribute to this postural misalignment. These include weak core muscles, tight hip flexors, poor exercise form and weak gluteal muscles. Some of these conditions may be corrected with exercise.
Read more →
The hamstrings, located on the back of the legs, are involved in leg flexion movements. Leg flexion and extension play a major role in elliptical aerobic exercise. Some elliptical exercise machines have a mechanism that allows you to increase its incline, which simulates hill climbing.
Read more →
Exercise should be invigorating, but if your workout causes fatigue, a number of factors may be at play. Post-workout fatigue is a symptom, not the problem.
Read more →
Whole body vibration training machines have a vibrating platform, upon which you can stand, sit or lie down. This device, which originated in Europe, supposedly strengthens your muscles, increases blood circulation and hastens weight loss. When news of these "good vibrations"
Read more →
The sacroiliac joint, also called the SI joint, sits at the bottom of your spine and makes up the rear portion of your pelvic girdle. The human body actually has two -- one sits at the left side of the pelvis and the other sits on the right. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a possible cause of lower-back pain.
Read more →
Skiing and snowboarding are both snow sports but use different types of foot and ankle movements. The boots worn for these sports have only one thing in common: both attach to the bindings of snow sport equipment. Otherwise, the two types of snow-sliding boots look and feel completely different.
Read more →
Postural kyphosis describes a syndrome that affects the neck and upper back. People displaying this type of posture typically have a rounded or hunched upper back and a forward head position. Congenital spinal deformities, tumors, paralytic disorders and arthritis may cause kyphosis.
Read more →
The calf pain associated with stiff ski boots is enough to make you consider snowboarding. Fortunately, the pain-killing endorphins produced while soaring downhill at exhilarating speeds usually override the pain.
Read more →
The bosu resembles a stability ball that has been cut in half. The device, which has a dome side and a flat side, combines the benefits of a stability ball and balance board training. The bosu is an efficient type of balance-training and sports-conditioning equipment. It does, however, have a few significant drawbacks.
Read more →
Your shinbone connects to your knee bone. Your knee bone connects to your thighbone. Your ligaments connect these bones to each other. The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, runs diagonally across the middle of your knee.
Read more →
Every nationality has its warm drink tradition. Americans and Europeans have their coffee houses, while the British and Asian have their teas. In South America, the tea called yerba mate plays a key role in the local culture and lifestyle.
Read more →
The basis of strength training is to break down your muscle fibers during a workout and then allow your body to naturally heal them stronger than they were before, thus preventing further damage. One of the most important parts of recovery is your diet.
Read more →
Sleepytime tea is a type of herbal tea produced by Celestial Seasonings. The company maintains that this tea is made from all-natural herbs, has zero calories and is caffeine free. According to Celestial Seasonings' website, Sleepytime tea has a "comforting aroma" that can help soothe your body after a long day.
Read more →
Life Water and Vitamin Water are two popular flavored waters that come in a variety of flavors. Life Water is manufactured by a beverage company owned by Pepsi, named SoBe. Vitamin Water is produced by Glaceau, a bottled water company. Life Water comes in 8-oz. and 12-oz. bottles. Vitamin Water is available in 12-oz.
Read more →
Gatorade is a sport drink targeted toward athletes, but you don't have to be an athlete to benefit from drinking it. Gatorade was developed to combat the loss of fluids and electrolytes from perspiration. It is advertised as a thirst quencher as well as an effective beverage to rehydrate the body.
Read more →
Crystal Light is a low calorie, powered drink mix. It comes in a variety of forms and offerings including on-the-go powders and caffeinated varieties in more than 35 different flavors. Most flavors have 5 calories per serving although the Pure and caffeinated lines have 15 calories per serving.
Read more →
Energy drinks are marketed toward people who desire a boost in energy. According to an article in the March 2011 issue of "Pediatrics," 30 to 50 percent of adolescents and young adults reportedly consume energy drinks. Common energy drinks include Red Bull, Monster, Amp, Rockstar and 5-hour Energy.
Read more →