various squashes

Can You Use Butternut Squash Instead of Spaghetti Squash?

Among the many varieties of winter squash commonly available at farm stands and in grocery stores are the butternut squash and spaghetti squash. Both of these varieties provide a high amount of Vitamin A and fiber in a delicious low-calorie package.

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Physical Therapy: Patient with backache

Erector Spinae Strengthening Exercises

If your back is aching and tired, weak muscles may be to blame. The erector spinae are muscles that run along the spine and are the primary muscles that help you rise back up when you bend over. With an inactive lifestyle, these muscles become weak, which puts you at risk for back strain.

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Young people training in the gym

What Is a Fit Test on a Lifecycle Treadmill?

When shopping for a treadmill you'll often look for basic features such as the type of motor, the size of the machine and the ability to change incline and speed. Another helpful feature of electronic treadmills is installed programs that automatically adjust speed and incline as you exercise.

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foot of traveler

How to Put Cleats on Cycling Shoes

Although they may seem a tad bit scary at first, clipless pedals allow you to ride more efficiently than platform pedals. With clipless pedals, a cleat on the bottom of your shoe attaches to the pedal.

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Close-up of man fixing bicycle

The Best Bike Lubes

Whether installing new cables, taking care of a noisy chain or performing a full bike overhaul, you'll need some lube. Bike lubricants not only keep everything running smoothly, but also help repel the dirt and moisture that can wear out your components.

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Female executive using phone and computer at office

What Can I Do to Burn Calories While Sitting at My Desk at Work?

If your job entails long hours behind a desk, you may notice your waistline gaining inches. Sitting for long periods slows your metabolism, which can lead to weight gain. Although you could buy treadmill desks and desk risers so you can stand while you work, these items can be costly.

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Woman in safety helmet in bike shop

When Do Bicycle Helmets Expire?

Although wearing a bicycle helmet may seem like a hassle, this simple piece of equipment is vital to your cycling safety. In 2011, according to a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 67 percent of people who died from a cycling accident weren't wearing a helmet.

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Biker in action

Ankle Pain and Cycling

As you chug up hills or sprint along flat stretches, you can expect a bit of soreness in your body from the physical exertion of cycling. However, ankle pain during or after a ride is a sign that something is wrong with your equipment, your form or your body.

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Racing Cyslist

How to Fit Cycling Shoes Properly

You can ride a bike wearing an old pair of sneakers, but cycling shoes can improve your performance. Cycling shoes attach to the pedals of the bike via cleats on the bottom of the shoe. Known as clipping in, this attachment allows a rider to make efficient use of the leg muscles in the upward and downward pedal stroke.

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woman tying the laces on her sneakers

How Much Room Should Running Shoes Have?

When it comes to running shoes, size matters. Buying shoes on size alone won't always get you the best fit, though. As you run, the impact causes your foot to splay and your toes to push forward.

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Cyclist

What Causes Toe Pain from Cycling?

After a long ride, you may expect some soreness in your arms and legs as the result of supporting your upper body and cranking the pedals. What you don't expect is pain in your toes. Soreness in the toes may be caused by the wrong type of equipment, but it could be a sign of an injury.

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Woman exercising

Quadriceps Exercises Using Your Body Weight

The quadriceps include four long muscles that run down the front of your thigh. These large muscles work together to extend and swing the leg as well as to support the knee joint.

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woman runner tying shoelaces on trail

How to Measure Your Foot for Running Shoes

Whether you run marathons or just put in a few miles at the track, your running shoes can make or break your run. While quality matters when it comes to supporting your feet, even the best shoes won't feel comfortable if they don't fit properly.

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Proper Bike Size by Height

When shopping for a new bike, you'll not only need to select the type of bike that best suits your riding style, but also which frame size will fit you. Choosing a frame that is too large or too small can lead to discomfort, pain and even injury.

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