We’ve talked about how including both cardio and strength training is key to a well-balanced fitness routine. But which activity should come first when you step into the gym? Well, how you prioritize these depends on what your personal goals are. You should start your routine according to what you’re looking to improve—whether that be your endurance, strength and power, or if just overall health. So while there isn't a single answer, it's easy to come to the right one for you. Here's how.

Decades of diet culture has taught us that weight loss is all a numbers game. But does counting things like calories or carbs actually get you to your goal weight? Recent research says no, and suggests that the best way to lose weight may be to focus on the food source of your calories rather than their macronutrient composition. In fact, counting macros really may oversimplify the complexities of weight loss. Here's why.

You may have heard that sea-level-dwelling endurance athletes head to the mountains during training season to gain a competitive edge. This is because a body primed to race at grueling altitudes is one that can perform more easily at more forgiving, sea-level ones. Been wondering how to safely train at altitude? Doing so requires much more preparation and planning than a simple trip to the mountains and logging miles. Here are some considerations and calculations you should make before taking ...

Shellfish, especially shrimp and squid, is naturally higher in cholesterol than other foods but does this mean it increase one’s cholesterol? We reviewed the research, and the simple answer is no. Dietary cholesterol does not have a direct impact on plasma (blood) cholesterol. Here’s why.

  Afraid that your naps or sleeping in on the weekend may not be good for you? Well, not only can they help you make up for lost sleep, but research suggests that they may also be beneficial for cognitive function, memory, and (perhaps counterintuitively) help you fall asleep at night. The next time someone comments on your napping habit or forces you up early on a Saturday morning, you’ll be able to back up your extra shut eye with science!

 

If you’ve ever taken a yoga class, you probably noticed the calming atmosphere the moment you stepped into the studio. The scent of incense in the air, the serene background music playing as you set up your mat, and the heated room make you feel warm and relaxed and help start the 'unwinding' process before you even start moving.  Yoga is a mind-body practice that improves flexibility and builds strength through the combination of physical poses, controlled breathing, and meditation or ...

You may have noticed a great divide in the fitness world between strength and endurance athletes and their approach to training routines. Avid runners and triathletes focus on their aerobic fitness for upcoming races—often to the point of neglecting the weight room. The same holds true for any strength athletes who spend little time away from their lifting routine to to focus on aerobic fitness. But the truth is, if you’re looking for a new PR on the race course or PB in the weight room, or if ...