1. Clean Up, Burn Calories Hate going to the gym? You can burn calories when you do chores around the house or in the yard. Non-exercise activity thermogenesis, or NEAT, includes energy you burn doing anything except sleeping, eating, or exercise. House or yard work can boost your metabolism and help manage your weight. […]

  1. Better Mood Cranky? Get moving. Exercise makes you feel happier. When you work out, your body makes endorphins — “feel-good” chemicals in the brain. You can actually start to feel better within a few minutes of moving. But the effects of regular exercise can last for a long time.   2. More Energy […]

  1. Video Games You can fence, box, dance, and play virtual tennis, basketball, and other sports. In one study, people who walked, ran, and climbed on a special mat during a fantasy role-playing game did more exercise than if they’d spent the same amount of time on a treadmill. As a bonus, if you […]

  1. Granola or Protein Bars These might seem like a good idea before you hit the gym, but there’s no clear definition of what they really are. Check the labels — both kinds can have lots of sugar. If they do, your body will burn through that fast, and you may not get much […]

  1. Power Up The right foods before and after exercise can boost your results. Like a car uses gas, your body burns carbohydrates for fuel. They give you the energy to power through that jog or fitness class. When you’re done, refueling with a combination of protein and carbs can help you rebuild muscle. […]

  1. Tai Chi Studies show tai chi, a gentle exercise often called “meditation in motion,” can help you cut down on falls if you’re older and having balance issues. A skilled teacher can show you the slow, precise movements that help you not only find more stability, but boost your overall health and mood, […]

  1. Just Do It … Right Exercise can help your physical, mental, and emotional health, give you more energy, and even be a boost for your social and sex lives. Experts recommend 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. But watch out for a few pitfalls that can make you do more harm […]

  1. Eat Slowly This gives your brain the chance to get the signal that you’re full, so you’re less likely to overeat. And if you take it slow, you’re more likely to think about what you’re eating and make sensible, healthy choices.   2. Socialize It’s not about how many people you know or […]

  1. The Off-Balance Workout Looking for a toned stomach or a better tennis game? These are two good reasons to turn your workout into a balancing act. A controlled wobble activates deep core muscles to help tighten the midsection and prepare athletes for that quick turn or lunge. Fabio Comana, MA, MS, of the […]

  1. Get Fit at Home You don’t need machines at the gym to get fit. Your own body weight and gravity can do the job, and you’ll work them with these 15 moves. Not active now? Check in with your doctor first, and if something hurts, stop. You’re on your way to getting into […]