Category Archives: Exercise

Guess How Much Exercise it Takes to Counteract the Effects of Soda

Posted on September 11, 2014 by Greg Asseff

The effects of soda have been widely reported. From the famous “what happens to your body when you drink a Coke” story to the proposed New York City ban on soft drinks larger than 16 ounces, it’s safe to say that most people are at least slightly aware that soda isn’t good for your health. And yet we drink it anyway. In fact, according to some sources, the average American drinks around 44 gallons of soda each year.

Posted in Diet, Exercise, Food, Health, Nutrition, Studies | 4,153 Comments

Exercise Risks and Rewards: Is CrossFit Safe?

Posted on September 9, 2014 by Greg Asseff

By now, you’ve probably seen (or at least heard of) some of the horrible videos of people supposedly being injured while doing CrossFit. You may have even heard of Kevin Ogar, a top CrossFit competitor who became paralyzed after making a mistake during a snatch lift in a January CrossFit competition. Ogar’s case, along with the many negative videos and stories, has many people asking, “is CrossFit safe?” The problem with stories like these, however, is that they’re precisely that: stories. People who claim CrossFit is unsafe are often pointing to anecdotal evidence as opposed to real, scientifically confirmed data. Unfortunately, the only studies available on the subject are small or inconclusive. Proponents of CrossFit seem to tout it as the most effective exercise program, while opponents are adamant that other programs work just as well with less risk. Who’s right?

Posted in Body Building, Exercise, Health, Studies, Weight Loss, Weight Training | 1,649 Comments

Study Finds Link Between Exercise and Brainpower in Kids

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Greg Asseff

The importance of exercise for children cannot be overstated. Physical activity helps kids raise HDL (“good” cholesterol), reduce blood pressure, reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, and lower the risk of diabetes. Exercise can also improve a child’s psychological well-being by potentially helping them gain self-confidence and self-esteem. Perhaps most importantly, though, exercise can help control body weight and help protect a child against obesity – an epidemic that affected 18 percent of children aged 6 to 11 in 2012 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The health problems for which obesity increases risk are numerous and well known: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, bone and joint problems, sleep apnea and poor self esteem, just to name a few. Also, it seems as though things could be getting even more dire for the most obese children.

Posted in Exercise, Health, News, Parenting, Studies, Weight Loss | 4,179 Comments

Diabetes Sufferers Could Benefit From Interval Training

Posted on August 7, 2014 by Greg Asseff

Physical activity is a very common part of diabetes treatment. Type 2 sufferers are often advised to maintain a regular exercise program in order to lose weight and control blood sugar. In addition, exercise can strengthen muscles, lower blood pressure, improve circulation, reduce stress, lower LDL levels and boost energy, all of which are important for diabetes sufferers. Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, as well as for heart disease and stroke. So, getting exercise for the treatment of diabetes may also help prevent these other deadly conditions.

The best types of exercises for diabetics are still being determined, however. The American Diabetes Association recommends focusing on strength training in addition to aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, bicycling, dancing, swimming, hiking, tennis and so on.

Posted in Exercise, Health, Medical, News, Studies | 835 Comments

Study Says Tylenol Ineffective for Lower Back Pain

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Greg Asseff

Lower back pain is one of the most common ailments that people experience. In fact, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, back pain is second only to headaches when it comes to the most common neurological ailments in the U.S. It is the number one cause of job-related disabilities, and it’s estimated that people in the U.S. spend a total of around $50 billion on lower back pain treatment every year. The most common treatment recommended by doctors involves acetaminophen, usually in the form of Tylenol or paracetamol. Now, however, an Australian study suggests that acetaminophen may be no more effective in treating lower back pain than a placebo. Doctors typically recommend Tylenol or paracetamol because of their lack of side effects. The study is the first to address these medications’ effectiveness for treating back pain.