Man smoking a cigarette

The Effects of Smoking on Bodybuilding

It is nearly impossible to live in today's world and not know the detrimental health effects of smoking. Because of its influence on heart rate, respiration and blood pressure, smoking also affects athletic performance. Bodybuilding is an area where these effects are noticeable.

Read more →
Sleeping woman

Why Do You Lose Weight After a Night's Sleep?

If you've ever weighed at night before you go to bed and then again first thing the next morning, you noticed that there is usually a difference of anywhere from one to three pounds. You may have wondered how this could happen because you didn't seem to be expending any energy while you were asleep.

Read more →

What Is the Best Workout If You Have Hypothyroidism?

People with hypothyroidism often struggle with weight gain. One of the ways to counter the effects of a sluggish metabolism is to rev it up with regular exercise. Exercise causes tissues to be more sensitive to thyroid hormone and increases the amount of hormone that is secreted from the thyroid gland.

Read more →

MSM & Weight Loss

Methylsulfonyl-methane, or MSM, is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in the diets of humans and other vertebrates. The concentration of MSM in the body declines as people age. Although MSM has been studied quite a bit for its effect on arthritis, MSM has a number of positive actions in the body.

Read more →

Sugar's Effects on Teens

Teens typically consume large amounts of sugar daily: 34 teaspoons for the 14- to 18- year-old age group, as opposed to 22 teaspoons for adults, according to the American Heart Association, or AHA. The biggest offending foods are soft drinks, candy, cakes, cookies and pies.

Read more →
Man at television with remote control

Negative Effects of the Lack of Exercising

Just as exercise creates a number of positive effects in the body, a sedentary lifestyle creates negative effects. Lack of exercise affects the heart, lungs, blood sugar levels, joints, bones, muscles and mood. It may even play into the development of other heath conditions such as cancer and mental decline.

Read more →

Do Different Types of Music Affect the Heart Rate?

Music has been used therapeutically for a number of conditions -- from improving respiration and lowering blood pressure to reducing heart rate and relaxing muscle tension. It has been used to reduce pain, relieve stress and anxiety, influence mood and stimulate movement.

Read more →
Woman on treadmill in home gym

Hormonal Changes Due to Exercise in Women

Exercise can cause hormonal changes in women. Some changes are considered beneficial, while others can have a negative effect. In most cases, moderate amounts of exercise produce positive effects on hormones, while excessive amounts of exercise can actually harm the body by throwing off normal hormonal patterns.

Read more →
Dancer Portrait

How Long Should I Dance to Burn 500 Calories?

You may not ever qualify as a contest on "So You Think You Can Dance", but if you let your inner dancing diva out to play, you can burn some serious calories. Dance is an excellent form of aerobic conditioning and enjoyable enough for some people that they don't consider it exercise.

Read more →
Smiling businessman clinking glass of beer with bartender

Does Alcohol Affect Weight Training?

If your fitness goals include building muscle and having a lean, trim body, you should think twice about indulging in alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption affects your muscles, hormones, liver and brain in ways that are counterproductive to becoming more fit.

Read more →

What Are the Causes of Excessive Fat Around the Neck?

Although neck fat can be caused by several different factors, one of the main reasons for it is the same reason for excess fat anywhere on the body: excess body weight and obesity. Neck fat can be caused by or contribute to certain health conditions, and can signal an increased risk of heart problems.

Read more →

What Are the Health Benefits of Walking Backwards?

Walking backwards is not just for frolicking kids or teenagers goofing off any more. It actually has some health benefits for sports performance and rehabilitation after surgery or an injury. Walking or jogging backwards is popular in Japan because it burns several times more calories than doing it forwards.

Read more →
Healthy breakfast with wholegrain cereal in the garden

Vitamins and Nutrition for Brain Recovery After Drugs

Proper nutrition is an important component in recovery from overuse of drugs and alcohol. Every bodily system is impacted by the use of drugs. In order for healing to take place, you must build a strong nutritional foundation.

Read more →
Grilling Chicken

What Are Good Foods for Gymnasts?

Gymnasts are often considered to be extraordinary athletes. Their sport requires perfect timing, intense focus and power that can only come from having a lean, muscular body. Compared to swimming or long-distance running, gymnastics is considered to be an "anaerobic"

Read more →