Fitness

Many winter sports, such as skiing and hockey, are high-impact or contact sports that may not appeal to many athletes. Here are some low-impact winter sports and exercises to include in your cold weather exercise plans.

Wearable weights have been around for years, but they're enjoying a renaissance on social media. Here's what to know about ankle and wrist weights, as well as weighted vests, before you try them.

Integrative health expert, keynote speaker, radio personality, business owner and NASM Master Trainer Angela T. Moore talks about the pros and cons of New Year's resolutions. Are they bad? The answer might surprise you.

Whether it’s because of colder weather, schedule changes, travel or holiday celebrations, it can be harder to stay active during the winter. Colder weather especially may leave you wanting to stay curled up and indoors rather than exercising. Here are some creative ideas to still get out and get enough physical exercise during the colder winter months.

Proper nutrition is a must especially when running or exercising, not only to keep a healthy diet, but also to get additional nutrients needed when exercising regularly. Here are some tips on foods to eat and foods to avoid leading up to and following a run.

If you’re feeling stressed, you’re not alone. Here is how tweaking your exercise schedule can help you manage those feelings.

Lifetime sports are those you can play for your whole life at any age. Regular exercise is important for people of all ages and has been shown to reduce and prevent many health conditions.

Learn how joining a running club can help you with your physical and mental health.

Don't get sidelined by an injury. Here's how to build strength and prevent injuries in the first place.

I’ve found that college is a great time to create healthy habits through regular practice of physical activity. While every person is different, here are some workouts that work for me as a college student.

If you watched the Paris Olympic or Paralympic Games this summer, you might have gotten swept away seeing your favorite athlete compete. While they seem to perform with such ease, you know there are hours of work put into their physical training. Let the inspiring efforts of these athletes motivate you to achieve your workout goals this year.

It can be easy to ignore your workout goals when on your period, but the physical and mental benefits of exercise can help. Although it feels counterintuitive, avoiding exercise isn’t going to save energy or make you feel better.

POUND is a cardio-based workout that incorporates Pilates, core strengthening and arm and leg movements. But you won't just burn calories; instructor and Grass Lake resident Crystal Scott can attest to POUND's mental benefits.

It’s easy to ask a friend for a recommendation, but their body, stride and injury-risk are different than yours. Learn how to pick out running and walking shoes that will help you stay healthy and meet your goals.

If you listen to music when you work out, you've got to read this post to design the perfect playlist to pump you up.

When you start a workout plan, it’s easy to do too much too soon. That can leave you sore, tired, and feeling dejected, as well as increase your chance for injury. If you’re not in the habit of a regular strength routine, start small.

Badminton has been around for centuries, but we don't often think of it as a recreational sport we can play locally. Ann Arbor's Kim Yeow shares tips and discusses the sport's benefits and communal qualities.

Next time you strike a pose and hold it, know that you’re improving your health in lots of ways.

Qigong is part mindful activity, part exercise. Its low-impact, repetitive nature has made it an increasingly popular workout for older adults.

Tabata was originally created as a training method for the Japanese Olympic Speed Skating team in the early 1990s. But the HIIT-style workout is practiced in gyms all over the United States today. Here's what it's all about.

Osceola County resident Donnie Dwyer gravitated toward rucking for its low-impact, resistance-based nature. More than just a sneaky good workout, rucking's communal element has been a boon to Dwyer's social life.

NASM Master Trainer Angela Moore writes about the importance of knowing key numbers for heart health. She writes: "I encourage you to take it one day at a time, one step at a time, and know that every effort you make to become healthier increases your chance of living a healthier and happier life for many years to come. Here’s to a healthier heart and a healthier YOU!"

Fitness instructor Monica Sanders is one of the pioneers of WERQ, a nationally-known style of cardio-based group exercise that originated in the Midwest.

Nordic walking incorporates hand-held poles that propel you forward. This surprisingly tough workout gets your back, chest, core, shoulders and arms engaged.

Did you know dog owners are 34% more likely to fit 150 minutes of walking into a week than non-dog owners? The benefits only begin there.

Even the biggest cardio detractors might find some fun in the 12-3-30 routine. This 30-minute aerobic challenge took the workout world by storm in 2023.

Adding snow and ice to a workout routine presents additional challenges and health risks. Before you step outside, keep these health and safety tips in mind.

Most dogs are naturally happy and even excited to see their owners. They wag their tails, lean against their owner, stick close for a head scratch or a friendly greeting. It’s a welcome-home reaction that’s pretty hard to beat. It speaks to the bond most people have with their pets, and this relationship has lots of perks for the owners, too. Four-legged friends bring their owners both mental and physical benefits as part of their relationships.

Michigan gets pretty cold during winter months, but it doesn’t mean you can stop exercising. Check out these 10 places to get your 10,000 steps in indoors.

Discovering a new workout can spark motivation when the gym routine gets stale. In 2024, A Healthier Michigan's "Find Your Fit" workout series will feature fun, unique and trending exercises that you can try at your pace.

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you should stay cooped up inside. A little outside time can lead to big health benefits.

Simple tweaks to your running or walking form can help you go farther while preserving the condition of your back, joints and other body parts.

It may sound a bit silly, but walking backwards is a great way to incorporate varied movement into your workout. When done safely, it's an exercise that works muscles you don't normally work.

GRPS alum and running champion Benne Anderson will serve as this year’s honorary race director.

Looking for fun activities this winter? Stop your search at wallyball. Similar to volleyball, this fast-paced indoor sport has plenty of health benefits to offer.

Detroit native Martinus Evans started running at 300 pounds 10 years ago, and has gone on to run eight marathons and founded a 25,000-member online running community called the “Slow AF Run Club.” The community is inclusive, and empowers people to run “in the body they have right now.” 

Want to keep moving well as you age? Remember to exercise your joints.

Are you ready to run this fall? The list of 5Ks happening all across Michigan in October and November is long. Here's where they are and how to sign up.

School is back and so is the juggling act that comes with life on campus for college students. BCBSM'S 2023 corporate communications interns recently shared their diet, exercise and self-care regimens.

Pickleball is a great sport for your heart health, no matter your age.

Angela T. Moore explains the different types of workouts available and how you can decide which one is best for you.

Feeling a little tired or run-down after your last workout? Here’s what you should be eating afterward to speed your recovery.

Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus explores the health benefits of golf for both the body and the mind.

Summer intern Jenna Natwick shares how becoming a gym regular has helped her with her anxiety.

Licensed therapist, NASM master trainer and integrative health expert Angela T. Moore shares signs you're carrying too much weight — mentally and physically.

Make an after-dinner walk part of your routine and you’ll reap the health benefits.

For two hours every Monday afternoon at the Lasky Recreation Center in northeast Detroit, time doesn’t matter – only basketball.

Find the best squat exercises to build muscle and burn calories.

Sipping an electrolyte drink can be a trendy thing to do, but when does your body actually need one?

Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus dives into the pickleball craze — and finds it can be good for your health.

There are big health benefits to getting 10,000 daily steps. Here are some great places to do that with a view.

Get on your bike and ride, and reap the health benefits that come pedaling road bikes, mountain bikes and more.

Nearly half of all U.S. adults have hypertension. Regular exercise can help lower blood pressure.

Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake shares how starting an exercise routine has helped her manage her anxiety.

Colorful wildflowers are a welcome sign of spring. Here are some hiking spots where you are sure to see them.

If you’re a freighter fan headed to the Soo Locks, check out these nearby trails to get your steps in.

Personal training may be worth looking into if you recently recovered from an injury, need help with form or have certain fitness goals in mind.

Staying active and making new friends: these seniors are reaping the benefits from pickleball, a sport that surged in popularity during the pandemic.

Grab a pair of sunglasses and your best workout shoes. It’s time to move your next exercise session outdoors.

This 5K training regimen is for beginners, experienced runners and everyone in between. Training starts two months before race day.

Scarfing down sugary snacks and greasy fast food before you exercise can lead to a sluggish workout. Give these options a try instead.

So long, 10,000 steps. A new study talks about why 7,000 steps each day should be your goal.

Running outdoors is more physically demanding than running on a treadmill, so don’t jump back into it without taking some key precautions.

A lot of times, the resistance we face while running is all mental. The next time you’re running, remember these four tips.

Think you can down a bag of potato chips, eat fries, snack on candy and just exercise away all the bad stuff? Think again. 

Ask Donna Mc Minn why she took up competitive swimming during her retirement and she’ll grin and say: “In the pool, no one can see you sweat."

Burning calories. Proper weight lifting. Squeezing workouts into busy schedules. These are among the most commonly asked fitness questions.

Surrounding yourself with vibrating and overlapping sounds can be relaxing. Here’s how to create a sound bath at home.

Ready to head out on a snowshoeing adventure? Here are some bucket-list worthy trails to try across Michigan.

The Big Game is an American tradition, whether you’re a football fan or not. But during this big buffet fest, how can you burn some extra calories?

Contributor Mia Gallucci writes about her experience trying a tactical self-defense class — and what she learned along the way.

Ready to try an easy, new winter sport?Snowshoeing could be your next fun adventure. 

Exercise is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself at any age, but as you get older, regular exercise becomes more important than ever.

Are anxiety and depression putting a damper on your mood? Think about retooling your exercise routine to give yourself a feel-good boost.

It might be time to shop for winter hats, scarves, jackets and boots if you haven’t already. Here are the best fabrics out there to keep you warm this winter.

Adding weights and resistance training to your workout can make a big difference in how well you age.

Don’t call it ping pong. This is table tennis. On a recent weekday afternoon several men, aged 50-plus, are breaking a sweat.

Focusing on your target heart rate and switching up your workouts can help unlock an exercise routine that works for you. Here are more keys:

Walking in the winter can be a hushed, beautiful experience. But what about winter night hikes? Those can be magical.

There’s a science behind what the first five minutes of exercise does to your body. Don’t let it deter you from a great workout.

Licensed therapist, NASM master trainer and integrative health expert Angela T. Moore discusses the importance of talking about mental fitness.

You’re probably familiar with ice skating and skiing, but if those don’t move the needle for you, these other Michigan winter sport ideas should.

The new Marquette Greenway will hug the bottom curve of Lake Michigan as it stretches between three states.

Meditation, mindfulness and mental clarity may be just what the doctor ordered as we head into this busy holiday season.

If you love running outdoors you don't necessarily have to stop when the weather gets cold. But you should adhere to these safety tips.

Read this list of five skin infections commonly caught at the gym and what you can do to prevent catching them.

Bundle up in your coziest winter fitness gear and take part in some of the Michigan winter 5K’s and Turkey Trots happening this year.

Contributor Angela Moore shares a story of how she was sucker punched while kickboxing — and how it reminds her of how trauma impacts the body and mind.

Avoiding cigarettes and keeping indoor pollutants out of our homes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to maintaining strong lungs.

Certain stretches should be done before workouts and certain stretches should be done after workouts. This guide should provide clarity.

This centering yoga routine is a great alternative or supplement to the traditional Sun Salutation sequence.

If you’re a smart watch owner with the fruit-shaped logo, these apps can help you track your physical activity, sleep, calories and more.

You’ve probably seen them zipping around at high speeds, but are e-bikes really a good form of exercise? It depends on how you use them.

Having a morning ritual can get your whole day off to a positive start.

If you want to fix some high-protein breakfasts but don’t want eggs, there are lots of choices to keep you full and feeling satisfied all morning long.

Want to burn calories and pile up steps without going to the gym? Give these couch workouts and walking tips a try.

The Detroit International Riverwalk was recently named the country’s best river walk and is considered one of Detroit’s top attractions.

Looking for some free, fun, family-friendly activities to engage in this summer? These six Detroit destinations could satisfy your itch.