SparkPeople’s Exercise Reference Guides offer an in-depth look at the principles of fitness.
We often hear a lot about aerobic or “cardio” exercise and how it improves fitness, reduces one’s risk of lifestyle diseases, an... Read more
When people begin a fitness program, they understandably have lots of questions, from how to perform certain moves to which exercises are most effective. One question that everyone seems to ask is how to breathe properly when working out.
I know... Read more
If only there were two or three more hours in a day, then I’d be able to reach the bottom of my to-do list. But between children, work and juggling the needs of an elderly mother, there never seems to be enough time. And like many women, exerci... Read more
There’s no doubt that getting older changes your body and appearance, but it also affects your ability to exercise. Your maximum heart rate declines with age, which means your heart and lungs can’t pump as much oxygen and blood to your mu... Read more
Robin (KASHMIR) has been a member of SparkPeople since 2006. She has lost 95 pounds and is training for her first marathon.
Robin Before
Robin After
What m... Read more
Hi, I'm training for a triathlon (my first) and my exercise has gone way up. Along with it, so has my appetite - and I've gained 5 pounds. My family is (mostly) vegetarian and, as a result, my daily protein intake is low by SparkPeople standards.... Read more
So I've been running since the beginning of February and it seems like no matter what I do I can't get any better or faster....my 5k is still a disappointing 30 minutes. At first I tried not to worry so much about speed and most of my fellow spark me... Read more
I have lost 10 pounds so far, and possibly another 2-3 since the last time I weighed myself. I used to be 34C which I was of course happy with, and worried that losing weight would make me smaller, but I have gone up TWO cup sizes to 34DD! Is this co... Read more
Not me, but my former's roommate's success story.
We have a facebook group where we all try to walk 70 miles in 1 month. My former roommate, who describes herself as "well into the obese category" started walking more and bought a pedometer, a... Read more
I'm 60 and have begun to wonder when, if ever, does one stop increasing the amount of weights one uses? I do strength training exercises and cardio.... Read more
Every time I don't see a drop on the scale, I remind myself that the steps I'm taking by eating healthier and exercising more are making me healthier for later in life! I'm lowering my resting heart rate, increasing lung capacity, firming up & havin... Read more
Cardio activity should be about building lung capacity NOT endurance. In order to "go the distance", one needs to store fat to complete the exercise. -- In the past I trained for a marathon. Now I need a steady, day-to-day activity that allows me fit... Read more
Inspiration for women focused on increasing lean muscle mass and lowering body fat through strength training and having FUN doing it. Some come on aboard and join up with us. You will not regret it!... Read more
A study at the University of Geneva has shown how something as small as taking the stairs instead of the elevator can have a big impact on your health. The study started with 69 participants who had a sedentary lifestyle, meaning they did less than... Read more
This past August the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) met in Daegu, South Korea dealing one of the biggest blows to women endurance runners across the world when they announced that only times achieved in women's-only roa... Read more
