In a recent study, 36 college students completed an eight-week exercise program that involved cycling, jogging, step aerobics classes, and circuit training. Samples of the participants’ gut microbiome taken during the program revealed greater microbial diversity, which can benefit the body in a number of ways. The findings suggest that exercise could be used as…

New research suggests that taking warm showers, performing perineal exercises with a gymball, or both while in labor can reduce stress, pain, and anxiety. International Journal of Nursing Practice, March 2018

Vanderbilt University-based researchers report that men who engage in moderate-intensity exercise for 150 minutes per week or high-intensity exercise for 75 minutes per week have about a 40% lower risk for developing pancreatic cancer over the following decade. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, February 2018

A review of data from 19 published studies found that older adults either at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease who engaged in an aerobic exercise program experienced an improvement in their cognitive function. Interestingly, the researchers observed that participants who performed only aerobic exercise fared better in regards to mental function than those…

Because the drive to get in shape can wane over time, the American College of Sports Medicine offers the following recommendations to help you stay motivated: set specific goals; develop a realistic action plan; use environmental cues, such as placing a gym bag by the door or setting reminders on your phone; have fun; make…

Arm training exercises appear to improve walking ability months and even years after having a stroke. In this study, investigators found that stroke participants who performed 30 minutes of moderate-intensity arm cycling training sessions three times per week for five weeks experienced significant improvements in their walking ability. The researchers explain that the nerves in…

In a new study, researchers followed 400 healthy adults for six months and found that when people used activity monitors without a specific goal in mind, their activity declined and their heart health failed to improve. Researcher Dr. Luke Burchill notes, “When paired with activity goals—such as 7,000 to 10,000 steps a day or 150…

Living a mostly sedentary lifestyle can result in stiffening of the heart muscles and a less efficient cardiovascular system. In this study, researchers found that exercising four to five times per week for about 30-minutes, plus warm-up and cool-down, can lead to an 18% improvement in maximum oxygen intake during exercise and a more than…

With today’s busy schedules, it can be difficult for family members to meet physically activity recommendations. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute suggests the following to get more active: schedule family exercise after dinner, on weekends, or during other blocks of free time; stay motivated by joining an exercise group or by having your…

Seniors with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have an elevated risk for developing dementia. However, a review of data from eleven published studies indicates that adults with MCI can improve their cognitive function by engaging in an aerobic exercise routine. International Journal of Nursing Studies, January 2018