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By Michelle Kennedy
Take your workout to new heights, literally! Doing stairs is a great way to get your thigh muscles engaged while giving your heart a whole new challenge. Because the human body is really effective at adapting (which means workouts get easier), give your...
By Michelle Kennedy
Doesn’t matter if you studied ballet all through college or just like to cut a rug (badly) in the living room—dancing is fun, it’s liberating and it’s a darn good way to get your heart pumping. And thanks to shows like “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing...
By Michelle Kennedy
Take a step back in time and revisit the days of step aerobics. Look around your house for a step that suits your fitness level: a foot rest, the first step on the staircase, or even the curb outside. Your legs do a lot of the work, but allowing your arms to...
By Michelle Kennedy
No matter where in the U.S. you live right now, it’s hot! But just because you’re sweating doesn’t mean your heart’s getting the workout it needs. So when the thermostat outside is reaching record heights, crank up the A/C and head to the living room. You can...
By Michelle Kennedy
Usually the first things that come to mind when you think about aerobic exercise (besides Jane Fonda) are running, biking, swimming. But there are a lot of moves you can do that are both physically challenging and good for your heart. The best part is they don...
By Michelle Kennedy
The moves in this week’s workout might take you back to gym class. But there’s a good reason they’re still around: They work!
Jump Rope (2 minutes)
Jumping Jacks (30 seconds)
Inchworm 1 minute (1 minute): Start in a full push up position...
By Willow Jarosh, R.D., and Stephanie Clarke, R.D.
Q: My doctor suggested I try to lose at least 30 pounds with diet/exercise before trying medication for my high blood pressure. That seems like an overwhelming task—where do I begin?
A: Think in terms of mini goals! Sure,...
By Michelle Kennedy
In the swim
There are two great things about exercising in the water: It’s great for your heart and you keep cool at the same time! With the hot and hazy dog days in full swing, that sounds just about perfect right now. When you get in...
Want to get serious about exercise, but don’t want to shell out serious dough on a gym or trainer? Take advantage of technology to get more from your heart-healthy fitness plan, says exercise physiologist and personal trainer Michelle Kennedy (you can read her weekly...
By Michelle Kennedy
I know structured exercise isn’t usually on the agenda when you’re relaxing and soaking up a long summer weekend. But it’s actually a wonderful time to break free from what you consider working out to try something new. Forget the gym or your predetermined...
By Michelle Kennedy
This strength-training routine is sure to get your heart pumping. All you need is
a park bench (preferably with no back), a stop watch, a water bottle and a nice
crack in the sidewalk! Let’s get started:
1. Speed walk for 3 minutes.
2...
By Michelle Kennedy
Last week, we talked about how interval training can build up your endurance, helping your heart to pump more efficiently. When you’re ready to add a little variety—and challenge—to your workout...
By Michelle Kennedy
Welcome to day one of your healthier, fitter life! You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know that regular exercise is your number one tool against heart disease. And that’s...
How much time you spend at the gym isn’t the only way to gauge your fitness level. What you do—or don’t do—at home or at work can be telling. Take this quiz designed by Larysa DiDio, a personal trainer and owner of PFX Gym in Pleasantville, New York, to find out how actively you’re living. Grab...
Sure, you know that living an active life is good for your ticker. But do you really know why exercise is such a powerful heart-disease protector? Be active, and see all that you’ll reap:
