Connect and sync your brain to the information in our research-based articles about walking, step challenges, losing weight, health, nutrition, and more! View Article Index
Building a balanced workout routine is primarily about what works for YOU! Like most healthy habits, if it’s convenient and valued by you, it’s more likely to happen. The question most of us have about physical activity is no longer about whether exercise is good for us – we know it is. What’s harder to figure out is how we can exercise to gain the most benefit and when we’ll fit that into already busy schedules.
Our bodies are made to move, but we can’t be in motion all the time. So, it’s important to move in ways that help keep our muscles, fascia, and connective tissues pliable and elastic, allowing our joints to move through their full range of motion.
Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscles, repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and carrying out many other important jobs in the body. It has also received increased attention for its potential role in weight management and body composition, as adequate protein intake may help preserve muscle during weight loss and support feelings of fullness, which can contribute to healthier eating patterns.
Protein is one of the most important nutrients for human health. It is one of three macronutrients, alongside carbohydrates and fats, that the body needs to function properly. Foods that provide these macronutrients also supply many vitamins and minerals (micronutrients), making them the foundation of a balanced dietary pattern.
Have you ever heard the phrase, “a calorie is a calorie” when it comes to weight loss? The idea suggests that as long as you consume the same number of calories, it doesn’t matter where those calories come from, and you’ll lose the same amount of weight. But is it really that simple? Let’s take a minute to unpack what is and isn’t true about calories and diet.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by your liver. It plays a crucial role in your body, including supporting cell structure, hormone production, and digestion. However, when cholesterol levels exceed healthy ranges, your risk of heart disease and stroke rise dramatically. So, understanding cholesterol and taking steps to maintain healthy levels can help prevent disease and support lifelong heart health.
Stretching is a great way to improve flexibility and range of motion around your joints. Static stretching – lengthening a muscle and holding it in a fixed position – is generally recommended after the muscles have been warmed up.
It’s important to gradually warm-up your body before you exercise. A warm-up helps your joints move more freely and lengthens muscles that may have been held in a shortened position during inactivity, improving your ability to generate strength and power.
Metabolic syndrome isn’t a disease, but rather a cluster of risk factors that increase your risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other serious health conditions. It is defined by having at least three of the following five conditions:
Inflammation is the body’s immune response to injury, infection, or anything it sees as harmful. This process helps protect the body by activating the immune (defense) system to limit damage and support recovery. Inflammation works by fighting harmful germs, clearing away damaged or infected cells, and triggering tissue repair through a series of coordinated steps.
Scroll through social media and you’re likely to come across posts about the anti-inflammatory diet. So, what exactly is an anti-inflammatory diet? An anti-inflammatory diet is not a standardized or prescribed diet, but rather a pattern of healthy eating designed to help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
Balance training exercises are important for all ages and fitness levels, whether you’re an athlete trying to improve performance, an individual trying to recover from an injury, or a senior trying to maintain mobility, stability, and prevent falls. Incorporating balance exercises into your routine can be beneficial at any age and fitness level.
Set up a group step challenge at your worksite, school, church, and more!
