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In-Depth

Fitness

Fitness basics

• Tool: Target heart rate calculator Target heart rate calculator — Calculate your target heart rate zone to exercise safely.
• Exercise: When to check with your doctor first Regular exercise is important. But know when to check with your doctor first.
• Fitness programs: 5 steps to getting started Starting a fitness program is easier than you might think. Follow these five steps.
• Boot camp workout: Is it right for you? Looking for a fitness challenge? If so, a boot camp workout might be for you.
• Fitting in fitness: Finding time for physical activity Finding time for fitness can be tough. Start by making it convenient.
• Exercise and cold weather: Tips to stay safe outdoors Exercise in the cold — Bundle up and use common sense to stay safe.
• Overuse injury: How to prevent training injuries To avoid an overuse injury, pace yourself and follow proper training techniques. Try these tips to stay injury-free.
• Fitness: Tips for staying motivated Fitness is for life. Motivate yourself with these practical tips.
• Fitness: Create a program that's right for you Ready to commit to fitness? For the best results, choose a program based on your capabilities, goals and preferences.
• Fitness training: Elements of a well-rounded routine Fitness training — Is your program complete? Here's help covering the bases.
• Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity Improve your heart health, mood, stamina and more with regular physical activity.
• Heat and exercise: Keeping cool in hot weather Heat and exercise — Use these tips to avoid problems when exercising in hot weather.
• Exercise and chronic disease: Get the facts Exercise and chronic disease — Find out what you need to know before starting an exercise routine.
• Golf injuries: Play it safe with these tips Golf injuries are avoidable. Follow these tips to stay in the game and stay safe on the course.
• Fitness for less: Low-cost ways to shape up Want to improve your fitness but can't afford to join a gym? Consider these low-cost alternatives.
• Barriers to fitness: Overcoming common challenges Sticking to a regular exercise schedule isn't easy. Get tips for overcoming common barriers.
• How fit are you? See how you measure up Determine your fitness level with this four-part fitness assessment.
• BMI calculator BMI calculator — Use this tool to calculate adult or child BMI.
• Exercise helps ease arthritis pain and stiffness Arthritis — Exercise helps reduce pain in people with arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Yips Yips — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes of these involuntary wrist spasms.
• Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress Discover the connection between exercise and stress relief — and why exercise should be part of your stress management plan.
• Core exercises: Why you should strengthen your core muscles Core exercises strengthen your abs and other core muscles for better balance and stability.
• Workplace exercises: How to burn calories at work Work at a desk all day? Make workplace exercises part of your routine.

Stretching and flexibility

• Stretching: Focus on flexibility Stretching — Balance the risks and rewards.
• How fit are you? See how you measure up Determine your fitness level with this four-part fitness assessment.
• Hamstring injury Hamstring injury — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, treatments, self-care, prevention of this leg muscle injury.

Aerobic exercise

• Rev up your workout with interval training Interval training is a simple technique novice and experienced exercisers can use to get the most out of their workouts.
• Walking: How to start a walking group Walking — Follow these tips to start a walking group and boost your fitness program.
• Exercise intensity: Why it matters, how it's measured Exercise intensity — Are your workouts light, moderate or vigorous?
• Aerobic exercise: How to warm up and cool down Exercise — Warm up and cool down the safe way.
• Walking for fitness? Make it count with a pedometer Explore pedometer features and get tips to set fitness goals using pedometers.
• Aerobic exercise: Top 10 reasons to get physical Need inspiration to work out? Consider the top 10 benefits of aerobic exercise.
• Walking shoes: Features and fit that keep you moving Walking shoes have features other shoes don't. Learn how to get the best fit.
• Walking: Trim your waistline, improve your health Walking can be a perfect low-impact, aerobic exercise with numerous health benefits.
• Bicycle helmet do's and don'ts A bicycle helmet is essential fitness gear. Make sure you're wearing your helmet correctly.
• 5K run: 7-week training schedule for beginners 5K run — This training schedule can help you make it to race day.
• Get walking with this 12-week walking schedule This easy 12-week walking schedule gets you on the road to aerobic fitness.
• Taming rheumatoid arthritis pain Rheumatoid arthritis pain — Reduce its impact on everyday life with these tips on joint protection, exercise, relaxation and knowing your limits.
• Exercise for weight loss: Calories burned in 1 hour Weight-loss exercise — See how many calories you burn in one hour of exercise.

Strength training

• Weight training: Do's and don'ts of proper technique Weight training may look easy — but for best results, proper technique is essential.
• Weight training: Improve your muscular fitness Weight training can improve your appearance and strength — in less time than you might think.
• Strength training: How-to video collection Strength training can tone muscles, boost stamina and much more. See how it's done.
• Core exercises: Why you should strengthen your core muscles Core exercises strengthen your abs and other core muscles for better balance and stability.
• Functional fitness training: Is it right for you? Functional fitness exercises mimic everyday tasks. Should they be part of your workout?
• Pilates for beginners: Explore the core of Pilates Pilates for beginners — Not just for fitness fiends, Pilates can help you build core strength.
• Fitness ball exercises: How-to video collection You can do many core exercises on a fitness ball. See how they're done.
• Strength training: Get stronger, leaner, healthier Strength training can help you look good — and feel even better.
• Strength training: OK for kids? Strength training for kids? You bet — as long as technique and safety come first.

Sports nutrition

• Eating and exercise: 5 tips to maximize your workouts Eating and exercise — Don't let poor meal and snack planning derail your exercise goals.
• Performance-enhancing drugs: Know the risks Considering performance-enhancing drugs to boost your athletic performance? Consider the health risks, too.
• Water: How much should you drink every day? Water — Know how much water to drink to remain healthy and prevent dehydration.

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