“Go slower and get your form down; make sure your technique is there,” says Dr. Danan. “A headache might be coming from being out of alignment in some way.” It’s also possible that non-gym factors play a role in your exercise headaches. Although headaches can be caused by multiple factors, it’s helpful to focus first […]
Of course, what little I’d known about powerlifting up until that point seemed less than appealing. Powerlifters were those massive dudes who’d slam their weights on the gym floor and grunt, right? Or they’d converge in dark, dank, concrete basement gyms where women aren’t exactly expected or welcome. In other words, powerlifting seemed like a […]
For years I found practicing yoga at home intimidating, like I needed elusive extra flexibility or cosmic wisdom to practice unsupervised. But all I needed was the best yoga mat for me (along with several yoga apps to help me inject both structure and spontaneity into my practice). “A varied home practice can help us […]
The treadmill isn’t everyone’s cup of tea: some find it too bulky for small spaces, and others complain of the monotony of running in place, but it does have its perks. It can help you mix up your running workouts and gives you a solid indoor option when you’re hesitant to layer up and log […]
I am certainly not a purist when it comes to running, which means when I am logging miles—whether in the great outdoors or hitting the treadmill—I am listening to music. It’s basically an alternate fuel source for me. A great pair of headphones is a must. The ones I currently turn to: Beats Powerbeats Pro. […]
If you’ve been ramping up your running routine, you’re probably bracing yourself for a few of the unpleasant-but-common side effects of increasing your mileage—blisters, muscle tightness, and next-day soreness, to name a few. One thing you probably weren’t thinking of? Toenails that turn black, and, in some cases, even fall off. Um, what? Sorry to […]
Whether you want to start lifting heavier weights or are just looking for a change of pace from your typical go-to equipment, it might be time to give barbells a try. And this upper-body barbell workout is a good place to start. All of the exercises in this upper-body workout are basic moves that are […]
Shoulder issues are unfortunately quite common. That’s because the shoulder joint is both very mobile and very unstable, says Corinne Croce, D.P.T., co-founder of Body Evolved in NYC. This means we can do a lot with our shoulders, but if we’re not making sure to strengthen and stabilize them, we can end up accidentally tweaking […]
When you’re looking to test yourself with some harder exercises, it’s always worth referring to a Rocky montage for ideas. Whether it’s one-arm press-ups, stair sprints or corralling chickens, the Italian Stallion was prepared to go the extra mile in his training sessions. That brings us nicely to the dragon flag, a core exercise so […]
While everyone’s training routine is a little different, as are their overall fitness goals, there are some things that appeal to all gym-goers. Effective exercises that make you stronger without having to spend hours in the weights room definitely fall into that category. We’ve assembled seven such exercises below, and when you scan down to […]
There are a lot of reasons to love resistance bands. “They are inexpensive, light, easy to travel with, and can be used to help strengthen virtually every major muscle group,” Nate Bahr, certified personal trainer and corporate personal trainer at Anytime Fitness, tells SELF. Because of their versatility, trainers often recommend resistance-band workouts to pretty […]
Here’s how I incorporate four of HAES’ most important principles into my work as a trainer and an athlete. But these reminders aren’t just for fitness professionals. They’re important reminders for anyone who wants to shift their mindset around movement, body image, and health. 1. Anyone who trains is an athlete, regardless of their body […]
At SELF, we’re firm believers that you can never have too many resistance-band workout options. The versatile training tool is inexpensive, easy to use, and easy to travel with. You can use them to strengthen your arms, abs, and entire body. But using resistance bands for lower-body workouts—specifically, to target the glutes—is my personal favorite […]
It’s no secret that HIIT (high-intensity interval training) routines are great for squeezing in a quick and efficient workout in a limited amount of time. All you have to do is give it your all for 10 to 20 minutes, and you’ve gotten in your heart-pumping workout for the day. But personally, I’ve found that […]
Not only does adding another layer keep those sensitive regions warmer than a simple pair of tights or leggings, but it also gives you the flexibility to adjust for changing conditions, like if your run starts out super cold in the morning but heats up as the sun begins to shine. Plus, it does so […]