Fitness
New ‘exercise pill’ could replace physical benefits of working out: study
Tired of working out? There may soon be a pill for that.
A new “exercise pill” could potentially replace some — not all — of the benefits of working out, according to a new study.
Scientists from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis spent 10 years creating new compounds that seem to be able to mimic the physical benefits of a workout — at least in rodent cells — that could become ingredients for a future supplement.
The team of researchers, who presented their findings at the spring meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), hope to replicate the physical effects of exercise, specifically the ability to enhance metabolism and growth, as well as improved muscle performance.
“We cannot replace exercise; exercise is important on all levels,” Bahaa Elgendy, a professor of anesthesiology and the project’s principal investigator, said in a media release. “If I can exercise, I should go ahead and get the physical activity. But there are so many cases in which a substitute is needed.”
However, the findings could result in a new way to treat muscle atrophy and other medical conditions, including heart failure and neurodegenerative disease.
If the drug could mimic the physical effects of exercise, it could help offset the weakness in a person’s muscles that occur naturally as people age or for those affected by cancer, certain genetic conditions or any other reason a person may be unable to do regular physical activity.
Elgendy added that the “exercise pill” could potentially counter the loss of both muscle and fat caused by other drugs, such as new weight-loss medications.
When the scientists tested on mice, they found that the compound increased a fatigue-resistant muscle fiber, which in turn improved the rodents’ endurance when running on a treadmill.
But more testing needs to be done before the pill can be available for human use. The scientists will be testing the compound in other animals as the next step in the research process.
Fitness
Fitness as a Witness: Priceville woman’s ministry combines exercise and outreach
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Fitness
At 67, Denise Austin Demonstrates ‘Effective’ Core Exercise for ‘Menopausal Belly’
- Denise Austin, 67, shared an exercise to target “menopausal belly.”
- The fitness pro demonstrated a core exercise to address the “stubborn” area.
- She explained that the standing move targets the “entire core.”
Losing weight after menopause can be difficult, especially losing belly fat. Luckily, fitness pro Denise Austin is here to help. Austin has shared her top menopause tips in the past and is now demonstrating one of her favorite menopause exercises for toning abs and targeting “menopausal belly.”
“I know how tough that stubborn menopause belly can be, I’ve been through it and still [am] trying my best to stay fit and healthy!!! Core muscles are so important to keep strong…I just want to encourage you to try and be consistent! That is key to feeling better…just keep moving,” Austin captioned her video. “Here’s a Menopause ab exercise that’s simple but effective!! Plus, it’s easy and it’s a standing exercise that works your entire core—abs, obliques, back, and shoulders! Stand up and try with me today! Engage those abs!!!! It’s also great for circulation too!!!! Love you girls…we are all in this together!!!!! Xoxo”
In the video, Austin explains that the standing move is called a “wood chop.” To begin, she stands with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart before bending her right knee towards the ground, clasping her hands out in front of her, and reaching them towards her front foot, both knees forming 90-degree angles. Then, she stands up, reaching her arms overhead on the opposite side of her body. “Tighten up those abs. Push down and reach up!” she explains. “Drive through your heel to your hip. Do this 30 times on each side.”
While Austin performs this move without equipment, we bet you could easily amplify the exercise by holding a single hand weight to add even more strength training.
Austin’s followers loved the simple, informative video. “So right Denise—as you always say, use it or lose it👏” one fan commented. “Omg yes…menopause belly. I never thought I’d hit that so young. So important to talk about 💕” another added.
But what is a “menopausal belly,” anyway? Many women going through menopause experience a shift in hormones causing belly fat, also known as “hormonal belly.” Many hormones can do this, but for women in menopause, estrogen is often the culprit. The body experiences a decline in estrogen with the onset of menopause which can “create a shift in body composition which favors fat distribution towards the center of the body, around the abdomen,” Krista Gonzales, M.D., endocrinologist and educator at Pritikin Longevity Center previously told Prevention.
No matter the cause of your belly fat, it’s important to note that you can’t pick and choose where you lose weight on your body. A balanced approach including cardio, nutritious eating habits, and weight training can all help you lose weight overall. Adding effective core exercises (like this one from Austin) can help tone a targeted area.
If you’re looking for more of Austin’s top cardio and core moves, check out our favorites below.
Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor’s degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.
Fitness
Kids find move-mentum at 2024 Health and Fitness Expo – My Edmonds News
Hundreds found a way to combat a chilly, overcast morning Saturday by warming up with some exercise at the 2024 Health and Fitness Expo at Edmonds School District Stadium. Most parents cheered from the sidelines but a few joined their kids during the MOVE 60! Fun Run or tried out the challenges at exercise booths. The event, organized by the Edmonds Parks and Recreation Department and the Edmonds School District, was operated by many volunteers.
— Photos by Jasmine Contreras-Lewis
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