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Try This Partner Workout With Your Gym Buddy

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Try This Partner Workout With Your Gym Buddy

Energy coaching along with your operating buddy is a good way to maintain each of you accountable. It lets you develop a cross-training behavior and helps you within the effort to run injury-free all season lengthy. However reality be advised, until you’re working towards a accomplice exercise, watching one another full set after set is usually a bit boring and monotonous.

Fortunately, we’ve received you coated. This full-body accomplice exercise, crafted by Noam Tamir C.S.C.S., CEO and proprietor of TS Health in New York Metropolis, will preserve you and your accomplice engaged rep after rep—and constructing energy by way of every set.

The Advantages of This Companion Exercise for Runners

Energy coaching with a accomplice can present loads of advantages. Not solely will you have got somebody to catch your kind errors, however you’ll even have somebody there to push you—actually. Plus, it’s at all times good to spice issues up should you usually work out solo and it could actually present an additional component of enjoyable.

“These strikes assist to arrange runners for unexpected circumstances by together with some accomplice response workouts. This assist to scale back the possibility for damage and optimizes operating efficiency,” Tamir tells Runner’s World. It additionally consists of completely different tools to assist construct energy within the decrease physique with single-leg train and the core by way of anti-rotation strikes. These are key muscle teams for energy and stability on the street and trails.

How you can use this checklist: Carry out every train within the order listed beneath for the variety of reps described. Relaxation for 30 seconds in between workouts. For the strikes during which one accomplice is doing extra work (response lunge, bear plank, and Nordic hamstring curl), make certain every accomplice performs the transfer, after which transfer on to the following train. Full 3 to 4 rounds complete.

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Within the video above, Tamir and a accomplice exhibit every train so you may study correct kind. For this exercise you have to a resistance band, weight like a kettlebell or dumbbell, and a drugs ball or a weighted object which you could toss to your accomplice.


1. Response Lunge

Noam Tamir

Why it really works: This train will strengthen your quads, glutes, and hamstrings, whereas additionally getting ready you to react to sudden exterior forces on the street so you may higher navigate uneven surfaces and slippery situations, says Tamir.

How you can do it: Stand in entrance of your with toes hip-width aside, going through away, fingers down by sides. Permit accomplice to push you ahead and as you are feeling the pressure, step ahead with proper foot right into a lunge. Each knees ought to bend at a 90-degree angle and left knee ought to hover over the bottom. Push by way of proper foot to face again up. Repeat, stepping ahead with left leg on the following rep. Proceed alternating. D0 8 to 10 complete reps, then change with accomplice.


2. Kneeling Indirect Toss

kneeling oblique toss

Noam Tamir
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Why it really works: Your obliques preserve you steady and upright on the run. This energy transfer, which focuses on the obliques, helps throughout the acceleration durations of runs, holding you transferring ahead with stability, Tamir says.

How you can do it: Kneel subsequent to accomplice, each knees down and hip-width aside, with sufficient area in between to toss a ball. Holding the ball with each fingers, rotate torso in the other way of your accomplice, then use core to rotate and toss ball towards accomplice. The opposite accomplice catches the ball, and rotates torso in other way, then engages core to rotate and toss again. Repeat. Do 6 to eight tosses every.


3. Bear Plank Maintain

bear plank hold

Noam Tamir

Why it really works: Training this transfer with a accomplice will certainly take your core energy to the following stage. It’s going to pressure you to withstand rotation (one thing you need to do on the run!) as your accomplice pushes and pulls in your waist, says Tamir.

How you can do it: Begin on all fours with a impartial backbone, knees below hips and wrists below shoulders. Your accomplice can stand to the left or proper of you. Protecting again flat, elevate knees off the bottom a number of inches so that you’re balancing on palms and balls of toes. Have interaction core, ensuring again is flat. Maintain bear plank as your accomplice pushes and pulls on waist, making an attempt to maneuver you. Do 10 to 12 pushes on both sides. Then change along with your accomplice.

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4. Nordic Hamstring Curl

nordic hamstring curl

Noam Tamir

Why it really works: Sturdy hamstrings are essential for optimum operating mechanics, as they assist energy your hip extension. And this is likely one of the greatest workouts to strengthen these muscle tissues of the higher thigh, says Tamir.

How you can do it: Begin within the excessive kneeling place in entrance of accomplice, going through away, with fingers down by sides and knees hip-width aside. Have accomplice maintain ankles. Lean ahead, catching your self as you fall towards the bottom. Have interaction core and push off the bottom to return to kneeling place. Repeat. Do 6 to eight reps. Then change with accomplice.


5. Plank Pull By means of

plank pull through

Noam Tamir

Why it really works: This plank variation, one other one which focuses on anti-rotation, will enable you construct a robust core and steady backbone for higher posture and fewer fatigue on the run.

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How you can do it: Begin in excessive plank place, shoulders over wrists, and toes hip-width aside, with accomplice doing the identical to left of you. Place a dumbbell or kettlebell horizontally behind proper wrist and to the surface of torso. Attain beneath physique with left hand to seize the dumbbell and drag the burden throughout the ground to the left till it reaches the surface of torso. Then place hand again in plank place. Companion repeats, pulling to the surface of torso. Then, accomplice pulls it again between you and accomplice. Lastly, attain beneath physique with proper hand to seize the dumbbell and drag it again to its unique place. That’s one rep. Repeat for six to eight reps.


6. Pallof Press

pallof press

Noam Tamir

Why it really works: Probably the greatest foundational anti-rotational workouts, this transfer will enable you strengthen and stabilize the muscle tissues surrounding your backbone, Tamir says.

How you can do it: Stand subsequent to accomplice, each holding an finish of a resistance band at chest. (Be sure you’re far sufficient away from one another in order that there’s resistance on the band.) Have interaction core and push the band immediately in entrance of the chest, utilizing core to withstand rotation. Deliver the deal with again into chest. Then have accomplice have interaction the core and push the band immediately in entrance of the chest, utilizing core to withstand rotation. Proceed alternating. Do 10 to 12 reps per individual.


Headshot of Monique Lebrun

Monique LeBrun joined the editorial employees in October 2021 because the affiliate well being and health editor. She has a grasp’s diploma in journalism and has beforehand labored for ABC information and Scholastic. She is an avid runner who loves spending time exterior.

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Fitness

No gym? No problem! Here are creative ways to stay fit at home for all generations

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No gym? No problem! Here are creative ways to stay fit at home for all generations

Physical inactivity is a growing issue across various demographics, driven by sedentary lifestyles, affordability concerns and fitness accessibility challenges. This issue is particularly prominent among adolescents and older adults, who face unique barriers to maintaining an active lifestyle.

The fitness revolution: Making physical activity accessible for every age!(Photo by Shutterstock)

Lazy lifestyles no more! Gamified fitness secrets to get everyone moving:

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Akshay Verma, Co-Founder of FITPASS, shared, “For adolescents, fitness often intersects with recreational activities, social interaction, and quick results. Given their tech savvy and active social media presence, digital engagement plays a crucial role. To connect with this demographic, gamified fitness experiences, community challenges and influencer-led campaigns can drive engagement.”

He suggested, “Integrating fitness apps with social media, offering rewards for achievements and organising virtual group workouts can make fitness more appealing and accessible to younger audiences. The key is to reposition the pursuit of physical activity and fitness.”

Fitness and socialising for both teens and older adults(Photo by Pexels)
Fitness and socialising for both teens and older adults(Photo by Pexels)

Unlock the fountain of youth! The surprising power of strength training for seniors:

The fitness expert added, “Older adults, conversely, focus on managing health concerns and engaging in safe, sustainable exercises. Their fitness routines are centred around convenient fitness activities that focus on enhancing flexibility, balance and strength.”

For this age group, Akshay Verma recommended, “Accessible options that seamlessly fit into daily routines are essential. At-home workouts, hybrid models that blend virtual and in-person sessions, and community-based fitness and wellness events can sustain engagement. Additionally, fostering supportive communities where older adults can connect with peers and share experiences can motivate them to maintain an active lifestyle.”

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He concluded, “Strength training plays a crucial role in promoting health, longevity and overall quality of life, making it an important focus for all age groups. Personalised solutions can help adolescents and older adults overcome physical activity barriers, empowering them to enjoy a stronger, healthier life.”

Yoga for seniors, older adults to prevent joint tension, osteoarthritis and other discomfort (Photo by Vlada Karpovich on Pexels)
Yoga for seniors, older adults to prevent joint tension, osteoarthritis and other discomfort (Photo by Vlada Karpovich on Pexels)

Addressing the needs and challenges requires tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of each individual. Individuals of all ages should prioritise fitness and wellness, gradually increase their workout frequency and foster a sustainable routine.

Explore different workout options from personalised to AI-driven workout plans or virtual workout sessions and nutrition guidance. These solutions are designed to support every individual’s unique fitness journey, whether they are just starting out or looking to maintain a consistent routine.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

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Exercising This Much Could Add 5 Years To Your Life, Scientists Find

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Exercising This Much Could Add 5 Years To Your Life, Scientists Find

With the new year coming up, you’re probably thinking about how to live your longest, healthiest life. Of course, eating well and working out regularly help—but new research has shown exactly how much.

A recent study just broke down exactly how much longer you can expect to live if you’re active—and how much exercise you need to do.

So how can you live longer? Here’s the deal, according to the research.

Meet the experts: Ryan Glatt, CPT, senior brain health coach and director of the FitBrain Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, California. Scott Kaiser, MD, a geriatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. Alfred Tallia, MD, professor and chair in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

What did the study find?

The study, which was published recently in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, crunched data from National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES). The researchers specifically looked at Americans aged 40 and older who wore activity monitors for at least four days during the study period.

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The researchers then compared the most active participants with the least active ones, along with their life expectancy. No shocker here: People who worked out the most had the longest life expectancies.

Specifically, scientists found that people over the age of 40 could live an extra 5.3 years if they were as active as the top 25 percent of the population.

In terms of exercise, the most active group logged about 160 minutes a day of walking. The least active group, meanwhile, spent about 49 minutes a day walking—meaning they’d have to add 111 minutes to their schedules if they wanted to see the benefits.

How much activity should I do to increase my life expectancy?

It’s hard to say for sure. This particular study only looked at four days of data collected from people who wore activity monitors. Still, it found that aiming for 160 minutes of activity a day was considered the best.

What type of exercise should I do to increase my life expectancy?

In general, just staying active is important for longevity, says Ryan Glatt, CPT, senior brain health coach and director of the FitBrain Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, California. And, if you’re not currently very active, you’ll likely see the biggest gains from ramping up your daily movement.

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“The benefits are most significant for individuals who are inactive, as even small increases in physical activity substantially reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases and premature death,” he says.

The type of exercise doesn’t matter—as long as you’re moving. “Exercise is the closest thing we have to a miracle drug,” says Scott Kaiser, MD, a geriatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “Even a 10-minute burst can yield great results.”

For a bonus, Kaiser recommends making your workout a “dance routine, as studies indicate that exercises that combine physical and cognitive challenges can especially improve memory and brain health.”

How else can I increase my life expectancy?

Along with being active, Kaiser suggests doing these things to increase your longevity:

  • Eat a varied diet that includes plenty of green leafy vegetables, berries, and other foods rich in phytonutrients, which are helpful for brain health.
  • Practice mindfulness to try to lower your daily levels of stress.
  • Try to stay socially connected to others.
  • Volunteer, if you can. “It turns out that volunteering, giving back, and having a strong sense of purpose in life are secret ingredients of healthy aging and are some of the most powerful ways we can improve our brain,” Kaiser says.
  • Try to find creative outlets, like playing an instrument or painting.
  • Focus on getting plenty of quality sleep to help your brain recharge and reset at night.

Additionally, “we know from other studies that premature mortality is related to several health behaviors—smoking, excess alcohol intake, dietary excess (obesity), and others, and physical inactivity is among these behaviors,” says Alfred Tallia, MD, professor and chair in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. In general, people who don’t have those health behaviors tend to live longer, but longevity is personal, he says.

Still, exercising regularly can’t hurt. As a result, Tallia says the study “re-enforces the idea that more physical activity is better for folks.”

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Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.

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The CrossFit cure: Fitness regimen reduces need for prescription drugs, surgery

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The CrossFit cure: Fitness regimen reduces need for prescription drugs, surgery
Box Step-Up Exercise

Group doing box step-up exercise in CrossFit-style workout class. (Photo by BearFotos on Shutterstock)

Though CrossFit is often seen as a sport for the super fit, that shouldn’t put you off from trying it. CrossFit is designed to be accessible to everyone, with scalable workouts suited for all ages and abilities, embodying its principle that the needs of elite athletes and beginners differ only by intensity, not kind. By combining strength and aerobic exercise, CrossFit can be an effective way of improving functional fitness, muscle strength and cardiovascular health.

But if that’s not enough to convince you, our latest study suggests CrossFit’s benefits for physical health may even potentially reduce the need to use prescription drugs in people living with long-term conditions. This may offer an alternative to traditional medication-based treatment for a range of health conditions, as well as potentially easing the demand on healthcare services.

To conduct our study, we recruited 1,211 people from the UK who did CrossFit. Participants ranged in age from 19-67 – though the majority of participants were in either the 30-39 (38%) or 40-49 (26%) groups. Participants were asked about their health, what prescription drugs they took and any changes in their prescriptions since starting CrossFit.

Of the 1,211 participants, 280 said they took at least one prescription drug to manage a health condition prior to starting CrossFit. Some of the most common health conditions in question included anxiety and depression, asthma, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and chronic pain.

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We found that 54% of participants who’d been taking a prescription drug before starting CrossFit said they decreased their dosage after starting. Among this group of 151 people, 69 reported stopping their medication entirely, while the remaining 82 said they had cut their prescription dosage by more than half. These improvements happened primarily within the first six months of training.

Younger participants, specifically those aged 20 to 29, were more likely to reduce their medication. In this group, 43% reported cutting their prescription dosage by more than half, and 27% stopped needing to use a prescription drug altogether (compared to 29% and 25% respectively across all age groups).

We also found that 40% of all participants said they required fewer visits to the doctor after starting CrossFit.

For people with long-term health issues such as chronic pain, CrossFit helped many manage their symptoms. Our study found that of those participants who reported taking painkillers prior to starting CrossFit, particularly to manage arthritis or back pain, over half reduced their medication.

Some even postponed or canceled surgeries for joint or muscular issues due to the strength and fitness they had gained after starting CrossFit. Of the 71 people who reported canceling or postponing surgeries, 55% said it was because their symptoms improved, while 31% actually reported they no longer needed surgery at all.

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Benefits of CrossFit

While our study can’t directly prove that CrossFit caused these changes, the effects that CrossFit has on so many aspects of health may help explain why regular exercisers saw a decrease in their prescription drug use.

First, CrossFit is of course beneficial for physical fitness. Improvements in areas such as cardiovascular fitness and metabolic health may help in managing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

Second, because CrossFit is often done as a group in a gym setting, it fosters a sense of community, team spirit and support. This sense of community may enhance mental health and wellbeing. Exercise also releases endorphins – chemicals in the brain that boost happiness and decrease pain. These two factors may help explain why a number of the study’s participants reported using fewer antidepressants after starting CrossFit.

Third, the fact that CrossFit’s combination of strength, aerobic and functional exercises helps enhance muscle strength and endurance can alleviate pressure on joints and reducing pain. The high-intensity nature of CrossFit also promotes the release of endorphins which can alleviate discomfort and enhance physical resilience, leaving participants feeling more empowered and uplifted.

As well, CrossFit emphasises movement patterns and mobility, which can help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. All of these factors might help explain why some of the participants who’d suffered with chronic pain prior to starting CrossFit relied less on painkillers after six months of training

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Nonetheless, this study has some limitations to note. The data relies on self-reported information, which can lead to biased results as participants may not accurately remember their prescription use or be influenced by their feelings about CrossFit.

Additionally, the study didn’t track other lifestyle changes participants might have made, such as diet modifications or other forms of exercise. So more research is needed to understand the full picture. Nonetheless, our findings provide promising evidence about the benefits of CrossFit that could contribute to reducing the strain on healthcare services.

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