Bone density refers to how much bone minerals, including calcium and other minerals, are held within the bone. Healthy bones are dense, and so they contain a high amount of mineral content. As we age, it’s critical that we maintain an increased bone density so that we can avoid life-limiting bone breaks.

If you have mainly been sedentary for most of your life or have not engaged in physical activity of any kind for quite some time, your first stop is your  health care professional.  Take the time to make an appointment with your MD to discuss your fitness goals with them thoroughly and mindfully. Failing to do so may place you at significant risk for a health emergency.

Metabolic syndrome is primarily caused by lifestyle, more specifically, a lifestyle that does not include regular activity and healthy eating. Further, our risk of developing metabolic syndrome increases as we age, or if our family history includes members that have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. In addition, if you have already been diagnosed with liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, sleep apnea, or if you are of Hispanic descent, your risk of developing metabolic disease is also increased.

Food is fuel, and our active bodies need the best possible fuel sources to perform optimally. Much of what we eat is essential for life, including water, carbohydrates, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. Grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins should be included in your daily diet.

Resistance training with weights is a fantastic way to build your muscular strength and endurance, build a lean, fit body, and improve many facets of your health. Resistance training doesn’t have to be complicated, so do not hesitate to try out some exercises! In addition, many find that working with weights is super fun, a great way to burn off the stress of the day, and the release of feel-good endorphins is always a plus!

Many confuse osteopenia and osteoporosis, and while both are bone diseases and linked, they have some differences. Think of osteopenia as on the continuum between having strong, healthy bones and having weakened and easily fractured osteoporotic bones. A bone density test will show whether your bones are solid and robust, or are now weakened by osteopenia, or if your bone loss is so advanced, you now have osteoporosis. Bone density testing is painless and much like an x-ray. This test measures the calcium and other minerals in bones; the examination will reveal if you have osteopenia.

Completing exercises that are designed to strengthen and increase the endurance of our body’s muscles are known by several names. Resistance training, lifting, weight training, and strength training all refer to the healthy habit of using some form of resistance that causes our muscles to contract. By repeatedly causing a muscle to contract under resistance, it is possible to improve its strength, endurance, and size. 

To master the technique of race walking, you will need to practice. Race walking is not simply walking fast or running slow. If you want to mimic the pros, the two basic rules are always to keep one foot touching the ground at all times, and the other is to keep the swing leg straight. The straight leg must stay straight as it touching the ground and as your hips move over the top of this leg and foot.

There can be an absolute dread of going back to a gym that you have been absent from for any period of time. We all fear the looks of judgment from the other gym regulars, along with the lapsed membership, the unknowns of what has changed in our absence, and the knowledge that our fitness has declined during our break.

A hamstring injury can range from being very mild to severe, and they are one of the most common types of sports injuries. Understanding this critical muscle group will help you respond better when things go awry. Quick recognition and treatment will aid in your recovery and hopefully get you back in action sooner!