Whether you’re climbing up them, jumping over them, or throwing them around, training with ropes helps tighten and tone nearly every muscle in your body. Read the full article in Women’s Health.
fitness
Go to Sleep, Already!
Catching more quality Zs can make you a better, stronger runner. Here’s how. Read the full feature in Runner’s World: Three Tips for Running Downhill
When most runners tackle hills, they focus on the difficulty of the climb. But downhill running poses its own set of challenges – and rewards. Read the full article in Runner’s World.
3 Ways to Outsmart Father Time—Starting Now!
Old brains do learn new tricks. Trying different things, working out, and making social connections can alter neural structures even when you’re older, improving your memory and health as a result, according to research presented at the American Association for the Advancement of Science conference in Chicago this past weekend. But don’t wait until you reach your golden years. Read the full article in Men’s Health.5 Surprising Ways Stress Affects Your Workout
Fighting with your guy or having your brilliant (or so you thought) ideas vetoed in a meeting can compel you to head straight to the weight room or the running path—and for good reason. A serious sweat session zaps stress, releasing tension and anger, and boosting levels of feel-good brain chemicals including endorphins. Read the full article on Shape.com.
Are Olympic Athletes Legally Doping?
In most of sports’ recent doping scandals, there’s one thing no one questions: the substances used. But next month—on sports’ biggest stage—one known performance-enhancing drug will be allowed. In fact, you may have used it to boost your own performance as recently as this morning. Read the full article in Men’s Health. Can Cold Weather Really Make You Sick?
We survived one polar vortex already. So before the next round of glacial temperatures approaches, take steps to protect yourself against these three lesser-known dangers. Read the full article in Men’s Health.How to Set a Long Term Running Goal
As you set your goals for the New Year, consider planning beyond your next race or even your next season and choosing an ambitious long-term target. Read the full article in Runner’s World.
Be Your Own Coach
Learn mental cues to help you jump higher, run faster, and hold a wall squat longer. Plus, choose tunes that make workouts feel less strenuous and learn how fitness gives you a leg up while job-hunting, in this month’s Fitness Scoop. Read the full page in Women’s Health (pdf).
Decoding Blood Test Results
If there’s one time to brag about being a runner, it’s at the doctor’s office—especially when your appointment includes blood or urine analyses. “Let your physician know if you are exercising heavily, and also how often and how recently you did tough workouts; it can influence how we interpret tests,” says William Roberts, M.D., a family physician and medical director for the Twin Cities Marathon. Read the full article in Runner’s World.