Fitness
The Connection Between Liver Health and Physical Fitness
Health-related physical fitness (HPF) may play a crucial role in liver function screening, particularly for women, according to a recent study published in BMC Public Health.
Physical fitness has long been a main ingredient when it comes to health and wellbeing. According to the World Health Organization, or the WHO, HPF is described as the body’s ability to carry out daily tasks without excessive fatigue, leaving energy for leisure activities and emergencies. It’s made of body composition, cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, balance, and flexibility.
Maintaining normal HPF levels has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension. However, liver health has been difficult to detect early on due to its silent development without obvious symptoms.
Researchers of the study in BMC investigated the association between HPF and liver function indicators in hopes of finding potential preventative measures and personalized exercise prescriptions for those living with liver complications.
The study was conducted with 330 university faculty members in Shaanxi, China, who examined the correlation between various components of HPF and liver function indicators. The researchers aimed to identify HPF indicators that were strongly associated with liver function and could be monitored conveniently at home, which can help prevent more serious liver diseases in the future.
The study included 198 females and 132 males and found notable differences between the genders in terms of HPF indicators associated with liver function. In males, body fat (BF), vital capacity, and the vital capacity index were correlated with specific liver function indicators. However, these correlations were influenced by complex factors like age, smoking, diabetes, and hypertension.
On the other hand, females displayed a different set of significant correlations. BF percentage, VO2max, and vertical jump were linked to liver function. These correlations remained as is even when controlling for various factors. Data suggests that, for women, these HPF indicators are strong predictors of abnormal liver function and may serve as valuable screening tools.
One particular finding was the negative correlation between BF percentage and direct bilirubin levels in females. Additionally, VO2max showed a positive correlation with indirect bilirubin. These results shed light at the potential role of physical fitness, especially aerobic exercise, in liver health.
Other research has suggested that aerobic exercise, even at moderate intensity, could increase bilirubin levels, which might have protective effects on the liver.
However, it is essential to note the study’s limitations. This includes the lack of advanced imaging and gold standard diagnostic techniques, which may have impacted the reliability of the markers used. In addition, the study focused solely on university staff, which may not capture a broader population.
Though the research highlights an important step in understanding the relationship between physical fitness and liver function. HPF indicators, which are easily measurable, could potentially be used for self-screening and evaluating liver function, especially among in-active individuals.
Fitness
These Recumbent Exercise Bikes Are Easy on Your Joints
Versatile and effective, stationary exercise bikes make a fantastic addition to any home gym. That’s because they provide a solid low-impact workout while boosting cardiovascular fitness. Recumbent bikes are a type of stationary bike that puts you in a more comfortable reclined position to support your back as you exercise. This position distributes the rider’s weight more evenly, in turn providing better support for your back and reducing strain on your neck and wrists.
Seniors, those just getting started on their fitness journey and individuals who have knee and joint pain may especially appreciate recumbent bikes as a way to stay active. Our fitness and engineering experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute have evaluated exercise bikes for over a decade, looking at all different options at a variety of price points to help you find the best solution for your fitness needs. When researching recumbent exercise bikes, we looked for highly rated options with adjustable features, a wide range of resistance, a clear display and durable materials. Our top picks offer something for every rider, whether you’re new to fitness or a seasoned pro.
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Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.
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Fitness
Turn your walk into a HIIT workout with his 31-day plan
Welcome to Start TODAY. Sign up for our Start TODAY newsletter to receive daily inspiration sent to your inbox — and join us on Instagram!
It is officially autumn! Our schedules are jam-packed, the holiday season is fast approaching and fall foliage makes outdoor walks even more appealing. So, what better time to commit to a walking plan that will allow you to get those steps in while also cutting your workout time in half? Enter our HIIT walking challenge!This month we’re turning our daily walks into high-intensity interval training — or HIIT — walks. HIIT workouts alternate between short, but intense, bursts of exercise (where you go all out for a period of time) and less intense active recovery. This style of training speeds up the metabolism, builds muscle, improves heart health, burns fat and increases endurance. Plus, you not only burn more calories while you’re exercising, but after the workout as well, since HIIT creates an “after-burn effect” allowing you to burn more calories at rest.
Fitness
Survey Reveals Exercise is Key Outlet for Americans’ Growing Election Anxiety
EoS Fitness Study Shows 83% of Americans Are Feeling Election-Related Stress, While 95% Recognize Importance of Physical Activity for Stress Relief
DALLAS, September 27, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As the November presidential election approaches, 83% of American adults are experiencing some form of stress, and three out of five are reporting moderate to extreme anxiety about it, according to a new survey conducted by EoS Fitness. The study also highlighted that 45% of respondents have seen their anxiety levels increase over the past 60 days, with 53% expecting their stress to escalate as Election Day gets closer.
In the face of rising election stress, the majority of respondents—95%—agree that physical activity is a crucial tool in managing anxiety. Among those experiencing the highest stress levels, 72% said regular exercise significantly helps them cope.
Americans Exercise to Manage Election Anxiety
“As Americans experience the growing importance of this time of year, our survey finds that exercise is a healthy and effective way to manage anxiety,” said EoS Fitness Chief Marketing Officer Shilpi Sullivan. “Providing a welcoming space where people can relieve stress, connect with others and improve their well-being is part of our foundation. At EoS, we believe in the value of fitness not just for physical health but as a vital resource for mental clarity and overall wellness. Members find the sense of community and comradery in our gyms to be an integral piece of their gym-going experience.”
Perception vs. Reality of Election Stress
Interestingly, while the majority of Americans admit to feeling election-related anxiety, they believe others are feeling it more. Over 80% of respondents report personal stress, while 93% think others are struggling with higher levels of anxiety. Additionally, 82% believe other people’s election-related stress is moderate to extreme, a full 20% higher than their assessment of their own stress.
Exercise: A Community Solution for Relief
Joella Hopkins, executive vice president of group fitness at EoS Fitness, noted the additional benefits of working out with others. “Exercising in a group or with a partner creates a sense of community and accountability, making it easier to stay consistent,” said Hopkins. “Sharing the experience with others helps build connections, which is incredibly powerful for mental well-being and stress management.”
More Exercise, More Control Over Stress
The survey also found that those who exercise more than three times per week are 34% more likely to feel in control of their stress during this election period. Whether it’s vigorous weightlifting, calming yoga or simply taking a walk, physical activity is a proven remedy for anxiety, and EoS Fitness encourages its members and the communities it serves to prioritize movement for mental clarity and reducing stress.
According to the survey, the top 10 activities respondents use to reduce their anxiety include:
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Walking
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Gardening
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Swimming
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Weightlifting
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Running
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Strength training
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Cycling
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Yoga
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Dancing
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Active meditation
For more tips on incorporating exercise into your routine to combat stress or anxiety, visit eosfitness.com/blog.
About the Survey
This survey was completed using Pollfish, an online surveying platform with a global network of respondents. The random sample of 1,000 participants were adult U.S. residents polled on September 18, 2024.
About EoS Fitness
EoS Fitness, a leader in the fitness industry with its High Value. Low Price. (HVLP)® gyms, is an inclusive and welcoming organization committed to empowering exercise practitioners of all experience levels. With more than 150 gym locations open and on the way in Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Southern California, Texas and Utah, EoS Fitness is rapidly expanding. Providing serious fitness options, EoS Fitness offers the best equipment, high-energy workout classes, top-notch amenities, and extensive personal training options starting at just $9.99 per month. www.EoSfitness.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240927255123/en/
Contacts
Media Contact:
Melissa Rue
mkr@nstpr.com
208-850-5939
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