Seeing too many social media posts from friends about their fitness activity can harm your body image, a new study contends. “When people received more posts about exercise, it made them more concerned about their weight — more self-conscious — and that’s not a good thing,” said study co-author Stephen Rains. He’s a professor of…  read on >

If watching the Winter Olympics made you want to try some new sports, go slow and ease into them, sports medicine experts caution. “The biggest issue we see are people who push too hard when trying something for the first time, and it gets out of control,” said Dr. Jayson Loeffert, a sports medicine doctor…  read on >

Strength training is an essential part of a complete workout program. But whether you use free weights, machines or resistance bands, keep challenging your muscles by stepping up your routine as you progress. Training with eight to 10 exercises that target all muscle groups should be done two or three times a week. But never…  read on >

Guys, a perfect shave may be more about preparation and technique than the actual razor. “The perfect shave is a combination of art and trial and error,” said Dr. Robert Anolik, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine. “That said, there are steps you can take to help…  read on >

The only equipment you really need to go running are running shoes. But choosing a pair can often feel like a shopping marathon. There’s no shortage of big box sporting goods stores, but ask the staff at a local running club for suggestions about where to shop. The salespeople at a specialty shoe store should…  read on >

Skiing and snowboarding are great ways to keep your family active during the cold winter months. But as with any winter activity, you should avoid prolonged exposure to the cold by scheduling breaks to go inside and warm up. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions for skiing or snowboarding with your children: Children…  read on >

Balance exercises can help prevent falls, especially among older adults. But before you begin any exercise program, always consult your doctor. The American Council on Exercise mentions these common balance exercises for active older adults: Side X Balance Reach — Stand on the right leg and lean the body toward the right. Point the right…  read on >

Just because it’s not summer doesn’t mean you’re safe from sun-related skin damage. “The highest level of concern is usually during the summer months, but sun damage can occur year-round, even on cloudy or rainy days,” said dermatologist Dr. Sarah Taylor, an assistant professor at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C. “In fact,…  read on >

Given the news of the devastating effects of head injuries among professional football players, parents may wonder if their mini athletes are at risk, too. Some very well might be, new research suggests. About 7 percent of children 3 to 17 years old have experienced a head injury, according to U.S. health officials. The findings…  read on >