Exercise

Exercise

Just reading the word 'exercise' can provoke a whole cascade of self-addressed questions: Am I doing too little? Am I doing too much? Am I healthy? What exercise is best for me? Physical exercise, to be specific, is any activity that requires physical effort, and so enhances or maintains physical fitness and health. From marathons to evening walks, exercise can be performed for various reasons. This can be both physical, e.g. increasing athletic strength or weight-loss, but also mental. This is as exercise triggers a release of chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, endorphins and dopamine. This can dull pain, better your mood and remove stress.

Do women make for better endurance athletes than men?

In long-distance events, men tend to take the lead. But what happens in ultra-endurance competitions?
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What’s the weirdest doping method at the Tour de France?

Cyclists are fishing for a way to win the world's most prestigious bike race.
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Exercise can reverse ageing in the brain, study claims

It looks like brawn could be the key to long lasting brains.
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How to boost your metabolism: 5 simple ways to speed up fat loss

Ready to welcome a leaner, healthier you? It's time for a metabolic makeover. With a few simple, research-backed changes, you can supercharge your body's calorie-burning.
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I love nothing more than donning some Lycra and hitting the roads on my ultra-lightweight, professional-grade steed. Should I be shaving my legs?

You'll never miss a 9am meeting again.
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How does the fitness app on my phone know how many steps I’ve taken, especially if it’s in my bag?

Your phone can measure your movements but overestimates your daily steps.
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Group workouts can make you fitter – if you do it right

Exercise classes are more popular than ever. Here’s what the science says about their effects on motivation and whether they really are more effective.
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Does massage work?

We've been enjoying a relaxing back rub for millennia, but does it actually work?
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Science is closing in on exercise in pill form. That might not be such a good thing...

A new pill could offer the physical benefits of an active lifestyle, but what about the boost that exercise can give your mental health?
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Dr Michael Mosley: Ditch your fitness tracker – there's a better way to get fit

Stop chasing a 10,000-step target – Active 10 is an easier, more effective way to get fit.
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JLab Go Air Sport True headphones review: Cheap running headphones with a surprising punch

Don’t be fooled by the cost: The Go Air Sport headphones punch far above their price tag.
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How can I control my cholesterol?

Keeping cholesterol levels in check helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
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HIIT vs weight training: which will make you fitter, a physiotherapist explains the difference

Two popular gym routines – but which is the best option for you?
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