While consuming less fattening foods and following an alkaline diet of fruits and vegetables may help decrease artery blockage, a study has found that exercise may help patients with peripheral artery disease.

There are more than 5 million patients who suffer from the disease, which deals with the plaque build-up in arteries that can limit blood circulation to the limbs, which can ultimately cause an amputation. Read the rest of this entry »

Treadmill training can help Parkinson’s patients to walk more normally, according to a new review of the medical literature.

However, it’s unclear how long the benefits of treadmill training will last, or the best way to deliver this type of training to patients with the movement disorder, Dr. Jan Mehrholz of the Wissenschaftliches Institut in Kreischa, Germany and colleagues note.

In Parkinson’s disease, neurons producing dopamine, an important chemical messenger in the brain, die off, leading to movement problems, tremor and rigidity. Many Parkinson’s patients have a characteristic shuffling gait, which can boost their risk of falls and fractures. Read the rest of this entry »

Holidays are the times that try the fitness routine. With family feasts, office parties and champagne soirees, the temptation to overindulge is everywhere, just as your yoga studio moves to holiday hours, your gym cancels classes and your personal trainer leaves town.

But experts say if you’ve worked all year at staying fit, it might be time to give yourself a break, sort of. Read the rest of this entry »

Outdoor exercise can be challenging when the temperature soars. Stay safe during hot-weather exercise by drinking enough fluids, wearing proper clothing and timing your workout to avoid extreme heat.

In the excitement of a pickup basketball game or the relaxation of a friendly round of golf, you might not notice the temperature rising — but your body will. If you exercise outdoors in the heat, use caution and common sense to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Read the rest of this entry »

1. Train first thing in the morning, before breakfast if possible. Why?

When you train first thing in the morning, you reach your fat burning zone much quicker. Because you fasted all night, you have less sugar to burn. Exercising in the morning energizes you for the day mentally and physically.You will find that you are more likely to workout every day.

2. Commit to yourself in writing - If you write down in your day planner that you are going to train the next day, you will. Get in the habit of doing this so that you will not cheat yourself. Read the rest of this entry »

Finding the time to exercise with such a busy schedule can be difficult, but did you know it’s possible to integrate exercise into your work day, even if you sit at a desk most of the day?

There are many things you can do to get yourself up and moving during your work day. Here are some creative ways to jump-start your exercise regime: Read the rest of this entry »

Are you spending endless hours in the gym in an attempt to lose weight? Are you feeling discouraged because you’re not seeing the results you had hoped for?…. Well it might be that your workout routine needs revamping.

Consider making any number of these changes to your exercise regime:

1. Work out in the morning on an empty stomach. Your bodies stores of glycogen, glucose and insulin are lower in the morning allowing you to burn more fat. Read the rest of this entry »