Fitness
Hydration and Exercise
Hydration and Exercise By Alison Hall Maintaining proper levels of hydration is always important when exercising. It becomes even more important in hot, humid conditions like we experience most of the summer in Northern Virginia. Hydration levels must be monitored before dehydration is an issue. Dehydration occurs when an individual loses 2 percent or more […]
All About Abs
By: Alison Hall It is commonly believed that six-pack abs are the product of the most popular workout fad. In fact, a library search for “six-pack abs,” came up with 537 hits, yet only 14 were scholarly, peer-reviewed sources. The rest were magazine articles with the next great workout supposedly designed to “shred your […]
Resistance Training and Mental Health
By: Anya Sailey Strength training has been studied extensively in terms of its various physical health benefits; however the effects on mental health have not had the same exposure. This article addresses seven studies focusing on the benefits of strength training in terms of mental health. The key areas of mental health which are addressed […]
Overcoming Fitness Fears
By: Alison Hall People have many reasons for avoiding certain fitness activities, and one of the most common ones is fear. Read on to learn some tips to overcome common fitness fears. Climbing/Heights Have you ever wanted to try climbing but you were afraid of being so far off the ground? The Alpine Tower at […]
Does Exercise Really Boost your Metabolism?
By: Anya Sailey There are many claims of “boosted metabolism” as a result of exercise in the fitness industry today. Both journal articles discussed herein address the human metabolism and energy expenditure in relation to post-exercise thermogenesis. Additionally, both articles seek to disprove the common theory that “the human metabolic rate remains elevated for up […]
Exercise, Healthful Diet, and Weight Loss: Myths and Truths
By: Alison Hall There’s no debating the fact that exercise and a healthful diet are great for weight loss. But there are many myths out there that need to be dispelled. Today we will debunk some of these myths Myth: If I eat well I don’t have to exercise/If I exercise I can eat whatever […]
2014’s Top Fitness Trend: High-Intensity Interval Training
By: Alison Hall For the past 8 years, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has conducted a survey of fitness trends. Results came in from around the world, and the number one fitness trend for 2014 is High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).1 HIIT training consists of short high-intensity bouts of exercise followed by a short […]