The biceps, the very visible muscles in the front of the upper arms, are a target in every comprehensive strength-training regimen, but what exercise is the most effective? To answer that question, the American Council on Exercise asked scientists from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to evaluate eight popular biceps exercises. Popular Biceps Strength-Training Exercises…  read on >

Stress fractures are overuse injuries and usually occur in the lower leg. Typically, they are triggered by increasing the amount or intensity of an activity too quickly, says the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. To prevent stress fractures, the AAOS suggests: Set incremental goals for sports and activities. Cross-train, rather than repeat the same exercise…  read on >

Cautions about TV viewing are as old as television itself, but how bad is it really? A number of studies cite health risks due to the link between a sedentary lifestyle and the number of hours spent watching the tube. Young adults who watch three or more hours of TV a day and get little…  read on >

Research points to a very long list of benefits from exercise, from improving your overall health to easing stress and enhancing mental well-being. But a landmark study in the journal Circulation highlights a negative, yet specific, concern. While health factors like obesity and diabetes are known heart attack triggers, data from 12,500 people in 52…  read on >

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an exercise technique done by alternating short bursts of all-out effort in an aerobic activity with periods done at a very slow pace. HIIT has many benefits, not the least of which is being able to get the results of a regular 30-minute workout with less heavy exertion and making…  read on >

Everyone experiences anxious moments now and then. But for those with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), the worry is frequent and overwhelming, often interfering with everyday activities. Now, a small study suggests that these burdensome feelings can be quelled with a little heart-pumping activity. The study found that just a half hour of vigorous exercise might…  read on >

Exercise is important for all kids, because it boosts their overall health and wards off excess weight. But it holds added benefit for teens: According to a study in The Journal of Pediatrics, it improves their attention, which can help them do better in school. The greatest payoff came from about an hour a day…  read on >

When you think of effective cardio exercise, the activities most likely to come to mind are aerobics classes, running, swimming and cycling. But racquet sports like tennis may hold even greater benefits, according to research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. And, as a bonus, they could also be more fun, making it…  read on >

Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear that is caused by water remaining in the ear canal after swimming or showering. To help prevent swimmer’s ear, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia suggests: Teach children to use a towel to dry their ears after water activities. Encourage children to wear ear plugs while swimming.…  read on >