Better rush to shrink that gut. The more years of young adulthood you spend obese, the greater your risk of coronary artery calcification—early, “silent” heart disease with no symptoms—in middle age, says a new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Read the full article in Men’s Health News.
fitness
Move More, Weigh More?
First, the good news: In hundreds of counties across the country, more people than ever exercise, according to a new study in the journal Population Health Metrics. The bad news? All that sweating has barely made a dent in nationwide obesity rates. Read the full article in Prevention News.
Can Too Much Exercise Hurt You?
Each March, more than 15,000 cross-country skiers race 56 miles across the Swedish countryside. The winner claims a prize worth about $10,000—and a higher risk of irregular heartbeat, according to a new study in the European Heart Journal. Read the full article in Men’s Health News.
Are You Immune to Exercise?
Have high blood sugar? Some people can sweat their way to lower levels—but others can’t, even if they lose weight, says new research published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Read the full article in Men’s Health News.
Heat It Or Ice It?
Like tea or yoga, pain relief comes in more than one temperature. You reach for a bag of frozen peas from the freezer if you twist your ankle. You might even take a clue from your chiropractor and use a heating pad to relax that knot in your right shoulder. But what about when your shins start aching from too many miles on the pavement, or when you pull a muscle picking up the cat litter the wrong way? Read the full article on Prevention.com.
Fit Disposition
Fitness Scoop! for July 2013: Are extroverts better athletes? Also–find out how many carbs you need to fuel your workout, and learn how to loosen up. Read the full page in Women’s Health (pdf).
Run Faster on Any Terrain
Ramp up your running routine. Speedy intervals improve your performance whether you do them uphill or on level ground, finds a new study in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. Read the full article in Men’s Health News.
Stay Cool During Hot Workouts
Exercising in a heat wave? Ditch this pre-run pill: Aspirin might raise your body’s temperature in hot weather, finds a new study from Penn State. Read the full article in Men’s Health News.
Ride the Wave
Fitness Scoop! for June 2013: Steal surfer’s fit bodies with these landlocked moves. Also, find out why it’s so hard to count during your workout, and find the best sports bra for full figures. Read the full page in Women’s Health (pdf).
Get a Running Start
Running usually elicits a love-it-or-hate-it response. Some women couldn’t imagine doing it unless they were chased, while others eagerly sign up for race after race. But since it’s one of the most efficient, accessible workouts, hitting the road (or treadmill or trail) could be your key to scoring a healthy heart and a lean body. Follow this easy guide–full of expert secrets and tips–to ensure you get the very most out of it. Read the full article in Women’s Health (pdf).