Fitness

Fitness

Do You Have a Healthy Heart?

NASM Master Trainer Angela Moore writes about the importance of knowing key numbers for heart health. She writes: "I encourage you to take it one day at a time, one step at a time, and know that every effort you make to become healthier increases your chance of living a healthier and happier life for many years to come. Here’s to a healthier heart and a healthier YOU!"

Fitness

Find Your Fit: WERQ Dance Fitness is for Everybody and ‘Every Body’ 

Fitness instructor Monica Sanders is one of the pioneers of WERQ, a nationally-known style of cardio-based group exercise that originated in the Midwest.

Fitness

Nordic Walking Provides a Full-Body Workout

Nordic walking incorporates hand-held poles that propel you forward. This surprisingly tough workout gets your back, chest, core, shoulders and arms engaged.

Photo of a smiling senior woman walking her dog outdoors along a foot path
Fitness

Why Walking Your Dog is Healthy for You, Too  

Did you know dog owners are 34% more likely to fit 150 minutes of walking into a week than non-dog owners? The benefits only begin there.

Fitness

Find Your Fit: What is the 12-3-30 Workout?

Even the biggest cardio detractors might find some fun in the 12-3-30 routine. This 30-minute aerobic challenge took the workout world by storm in 2023.

Man running through the snow.
Fitness

Winter Workout Safety

Adding snow and ice to a workout routine presents additional challenges and health risks. Before you step outside, keep these health and safety tips in mind.

Fitness

Benefits of Owning a Dog

Most dogs are naturally happy and even excited to see their owners. They wag their tails, lean against their owner, stick close for a head scratch or a friendly greeting. It’s a welcome-home reaction that’s pretty hard to beat. It speaks to the bond most people have with their pets, and this relationship has lots of perks for the owners, too. Four-legged friends bring their owners both mental and physical benefits as part of their relationships.

Fitness

10 Places to Walk Indoors During Michigan Winters

Michigan gets pretty cold during winter months, but it doesn’t mean you can stop exercising. Check out these 10 places to get your 10,000 steps in indoors.

Fitness

New "Find Your Fit” Series Will Spotlight Fun, New Workouts Every Month

Discovering a new workout can spark motivation when the gym routine gets stale. In 2024, A Healthier Michigan's "Find Your Fit" workout series will feature fun, unique and trending exercises that you can try at your pace.

Father with three kids running in beautiful winter forest. The little girl is aged 10 and her brothers are aged 7. Cold winter day
Fitness

Get Outside in Nature This Winter: Why It’s Good for Your Mental Health 

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you should stay cooped up inside. A little outside time can lead to big health benefits.

An older couple jogs in the park.
Fitness

Improve Your Walking or Running Form in 3 Steps

Simple tweaks to your running or walking form can help you go farther while preserving the condition of your back, joints and other body parts.

Fitness

Benefits of Walking Backwards

It may sound a bit silly, but walking backwards is a great way to incorporate varied movement into your workout. When done safely, it's an exercise that works muscles you don't normally work.

Fitness

Are New Year’s Resolutions Bad?

Integrative health expert, keynote speaker, radio personality, business owner and NASM Master Trainer Angela T. Moore talks about the pros and cons of New Year's resolutions. Are they bad? The answer might surprise you.

Fitness

Benne Anderson to Lead GRPS Turkey Trot as Honorary Race Director

GRPS alum and running champion Benne Anderson will serve as this year’s honorary race director.

Fitness

Health Benefits of Wallyball

Looking for fun activities this winter? Stop your search at wallyball. Similar to volleyball, this fast-paced indoor sport has plenty of health benefits to offer.

Fitness

Detroit Native Builds ‘Slow AF Run Club’ Community to Bust Stereotypes 

Detroit native Martinus Evans started running at 300 pounds 10 years ago, and has gone on to run eight marathons and founded a 25,000-member online running community called the “Slow AF Run Club.” The community is inclusive, and empowers people to run “in the body they have right now.” 

Fitness

Best Workouts to Manage Stress

If you’re feeling stressed, you’re not alone. Here is how tweaking your exercise schedule can help you manage those feelings.

Fitness

Exercises for Joint Health

Want to keep moving well as you age? Remember to exercise your joints.

Fitness

Falls 5Ks in Michigan

Are you ready to run this fall? The list of 5Ks happening all across Michigan in October and November is long. Here's where they are and how to sign up.

Fitness

Health Benefits of Yoga

Next time you strike a pose and hold it, know that you’re improving your health in lots of ways.

Fitness

How I Stay Healthy in College

School is back and so is the juggling act that comes with life on campus for college students. BCBSM'S 2023 corporate communications interns recently shared their diet, exercise and self-care regimens.

Fitness

Why Pickleball is a Heart-Healthy Sport

Pickleball is a great sport for your heart health, no matter your age.

Fitness

How to Choose the Right Workout for You

Angela T. Moore explains the different types of workouts available and how you can decide which one is best for you.

Fitness

What’s the Best Diet for Workout Recovery?

Feeling a little tired or run-down after your last workout? Here’s what you should be eating afterward to speed your recovery.

Senior women enjoying the health benefits of golf.
Fitness

The Health Benefits of Golf

Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus explores the health benefits of golf for both the body and the mind.

Jenna Natwick
Fitness

Mental Health and Fitness: My Experience Becoming a Gym Regular

Summer intern Jenna Natwick shares how becoming a gym regular has helped her with her anxiety.

Woman with a heavy weight doing a dead lift
Fitness

Reduce Your Load if The Weight is Too Heavy

Licensed therapist, NASM master trainer and integrative health expert Angela T. Moore shares signs you're carrying too much weight — mentally and physically.

Low angle view of happy senior couple walking outdoors on pier by sea at dusk, holding hands.
Fitness

Benefits of Walking After a Meal

Make an after-dinner walk part of your routine and you’ll reap the health benefits.

The Michigan Spirits senior women's basketball team practices at the Lasky Recreation Center in Detroit.
Fitness

Life and Basketball: Senior Detroit Women Play to Stay Young

For two hours every Monday afternoon at the Lasky Recreation Center in northeast Detroit, time doesn’t matter – only basketball.

Woman doing squats
Fitness

How to Find the Right Squat Exercise for You 

Find the best squat exercises to build muscle and burn calories.

Gorgeous young female tennis player drinking energy drink
Fitness

When Do You Need an Electrolyte Drink? 

Sipping an electrolyte drink can be a trendy thing to do, but when does your body actually need one?

A group of men and women play pickleball outside.
Fitness

Five Reasons to Start Playing Pickleball

Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus dives into the pickleball craze — and finds it can be good for your health.

Hiking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore In Michigan
Fitness

Michigan Hikes to Get Your 10,000 Steps In 

There are big health benefits to getting 10,000 daily steps. Here are some great places to do that with a view.

Unrecognizable person on a bike ride through a lush wildflower field on a summer day healthy lifestyle
Fitness

Health Benefits of Biking 

Get on your bike and ride, and reap the health benefits that come pedaling road bikes, mountain bikes and more.

Shot of a happy senior couple dancing in their kitchen at home
Fitness

Best Exercises to Lower Blood Pressure 

Nearly half of all U.S. adults have hypertension. Regular exercise can help lower blood pressure.

Monica Drake poses for a photo in her gym.
Fitness

I Always Hated Exercise – Until I Saw How Much it Helped My Anxiety

Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake shares how starting an exercise routine has helped her manage her anxiety.

Father and son are traveling together
Fitness

Michigan Wildflower Hikes to Take This Spring 

Colorful wildflowers are a welcome sign of spring. Here are some hiking spots where you are sure to see them.

Two businesswomen walk, talk and drink coffee in the middle of a workday.
Fitness

Top 5 Reasons You Should Walk at Lunch

National Walk at Lunch Day is the perfect excuse to get outside after lunch and rack up some steps. Do it everyday and the health benefits will rack up, too.

Soo Locks in dusk
Fitness

How to Get Your Steps in Near Michigan’s Soo Locks 

If you’re a freighter fan headed to the Soo Locks, check out these nearby trails to get your steps in.

A woman at the gym has a discussion with a personal trainer.
Fitness

Signs You Might Need a Personal Trainer 

Personal training may be worth looking into if you recently recovered from an injury, need help with form or have certain fitness goals in mind.

Women play pickleball at the Michigan Senior Olympics event during March 2023 in Rochester at Lifetime Fitness.
Fitness

Winning Pickleball Tournaments in their 70s: How the Sport Keeps Seniors Young

Staying active and making new friends: these seniors are reaping the benefits from pickleball, a sport that surged in popularity during the pandemic.

Rainbow Over Detroit Riverwalk
Fitness

Urban Nature Trails in Michigan to Move Your Workout Outside 

Grab a pair of sunglasses and your best workout shoes. It’s time to move your next exercise session outdoors.

Runners racing a local 5K around a lake on a dirt path on a early summer evening.
Fitness

You Can Do It! The Easiest Way to Prepare for a 5K

This 5K training regimen is for beginners, experienced runners and everyone in between. Training starts two months before race day.

A man eats a banana while sitting on a weight bench at the gym.
Fitness

What to Taste Before You Train

Scarfing down sugary snacks and greasy fast food before you exercise can lead to a sluggish workout. Give these options a try instead.

walking
Fitness

Why 7,000 Brisk Steps is the New Daily Fitness Goal 

So long, 10,000 steps. A new study talks about why 7,000 steps each day should be your goal.

silhouette runner on a beach
Fitness

How to Transition from the Treadmill to Running Outside

Running outdoors is more physically demanding than running on a treadmill, so don’t jump back into it without taking some key precautions.

Morning is the best time for jogging. Young happy african couple or friends wearing headphones running together on the bridge, they talking and smiling during the run
Fitness

Mental Tricks to Make Every Run Feel Easier

A lot of times, the resistance we face while running is all mental. The next time you’re huffing and puffing, remember these four tips.

Home workout routine. Black man doing suspension straps exercises
Fitness

Can You Out-Exercise a Bad Diet? 

Think you can down a bag of potato chips, eat fries, snack on candy and just exercise away all the bad stuff? Think again. 

Donna Mc Minn
Fitness

Diving into Competitive Swimming During Retirement

Ask Donna Mc Minn why she took up competitive swimming during her retirement and she’ll grin and say: “In the pool, no one can see you sweat."

A couple exercising at home watches a training video on an electronic device.
Fitness

The 7 Most Popular Fitness Questions

Burning calories. Proper weight lifting. Squeezing workouts into busy schedules. These are among the most commonly asked fitness questions.

Young woman sitting in a lotus position at home and using singing bowl.Relaxation and meditation.Sound therapy,alternative medicine.Buddhist healing practices.Clearing the space of negative energy.
Fitness

Sound Baths: How to Create One at Home 

Surrounding yourself with vibrating and overlapping sounds can be relaxing. Here’s how to create a sound bath at home.

Couple Snowshoeing
Fitness

Michigan Bucket List: Snowshoeing Trails to Try 

Ready to head out on a snowshoeing adventure? Here are some bucket-list worthy trails to try across Michigan.

Family watching american football match on television at home
Fitness

4 Ways to Burn Calories During the Big Game 

The Big Game is an American tradition, whether you’re a football fan or not. But during this big buffet fest, how can you burn some extra calories?

Woman practicing self defense
Fitness

Packing a Punch: Learning Tactical Self-Defense 

Contributor Mia Gallucci writes about her experience trying a tactical self-defense class — and what she learned along the way.

Man and Woman Snowshoeing on a Sunny Winter Day.
Fitness

A Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing 

Ready to try an easy, new winter sport?Snowshoeing could be your next fun adventure. 

A water calisthenics class is taught at an indoor poor.
Fitness

Cardio Doesn’t Have to Hurt: The Best Low-Impact Workouts

Exercise is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself at any age, but as you get older, regular exercise becomes more important than ever.

Overweight woman has done New Year resolution for weight loss in new year. Obese hiker walking on forest trail in winter cold weather. Nordic walking in Czech National Park Sumava.
Fitness

Best Exercises to Fight Off Anxiety and Depression

Are anxiety and depression putting a damper on your mood? Think about retooling your exercise routine to give yourself a feel-good boost.

Cold Weather Clothing Tips: Gear to Wear and How to Layer  
Fitness

Cold Weather Clothing Tips: Gear to Wear and How to Layer  

It might be time to shop for winter hats, scarves, jackets and boots if you haven’t already. Here are the best fabrics out there to keep you warm this winter.

Adult Strength Training
Fitness

How Strength Training Can Help You Age Gracefully

Adding weights and resistance training to your workout can make a big difference in how well you age.

Bob Van Camp plays table tennis at the Older Persons Commission
Fitness

Table Tennis Helps Michigan Man Lose Weight, Stay Active in Retirement

Don’t call it ping pong. This is table tennis. On a recent weekday afternoon several men, aged 50-plus, are breaking a sweat.

Woman doing yoga with her dog
Fitness

How to Start an Exercise Routine that Works for You

Focusing on your target heart rate and switching up your workouts can help unlock an exercise routine that works for you. Here are more keys:

Winter mountain adventure. Young couple on a trail. Night blizzard
Fitness

Winter Night Hikes Across Michigan 

Walking in the winter can be a hushed, beautiful experience. But what about winter night hikes? Those can be magical.

Young woman plays on her smartphone on a yoga mat indoors
Fitness

Why is the First Five Minutes of a Workout So Hard? 

There’s a science behind what the first five minutes of exercise does to your body. Don’t let it deter you from a great workout.

Angela Moore
Fitness

Are You Physically and Mentally Fit?

Licensed therapist, NASM master trainer and integrative health expert Angela T. Moore discusses the importance of talking about mental fitness.

A woman and young boy snowshoe up a snow-covered hill.
Fitness

5 Winter Sports to Try This Year 

You’re probably familiar with ice skating and skiing, but if those don’t move the needle for you, these other Michigan winter sport ideas should.

Bicycling in Fall. Urban concept.
Fitness

New 60-Mile Bike Trail to Stretch from Michigan to Chicago 

The new Marquette Greenway will hug the bottom curve of Lake Michigan as it stretches between three states.

FO40MeditationScreen
Fitness

Meditation for Mindfulness and Mental Clarity 

Meditation, mindfulness and mental clarity may be just what the doctor ordered as we head into this busy holiday season.

A young Black woman runs outdoors during the winter.
Fitness

Safety Tips for Running in Cold Weather

If you love running outdoors you don't necessarily have to stop when the weather gets cold. But you should adhere to these safety tips.

Man disinfecting workout equipment at the gym.
Fitness

Are You Doing These Things to Prevent Skin Infections at the Gym?

Read this list of five skin infections commonly caught at the gym and what you can do to prevent catching them.

A large crowd participates in the 2021 Grand Rapids Turkey Trot.
Fitness

Winter 5ks and Turkey Trots Happening Across Michigan in 2022 

Bundle up in your coziest winter fitness gear and take part in some of the Michigan winter 5K’s and Turkey Trots happening this year.

Angela Moore poses in front of a boxing ring
Fitness

Trauma is Like a Sucker Punch to the Kidneys

Contributor Angela Moore shares a story of how she was sucker punched while kickboxing — and how it reminds her of how trauma impacts the body and mind.

A woman has her lungs checked by a doctor.
Fitness

10 Everyday Ways to Maintain Strong Lungs 

Avoiding cigarettes and keeping indoor pollutants out of our homes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to maintaining strong lungs.

Man practices static stretching
Fitness

The Difference Between Static and Dynamic Stretching 

Certain stretches should be done before workouts and certain stretches should be done after workouts. This guide should provide clarity.

Man doing yoga
Fitness

Meditative Yoga Flow to Center Your Body and Mind

This centering yoga routine is a great alternative or supplement to the traditional Sun Salutation sequence.

Why You Should Consider Low Impact Workouts
Fitness

Why You Should Consider Low Impact Workouts

Can low impact workouts be just as effective as high impact workouts? We explore if it's possible to get similar results while being easier on our joints.

If you’re a smart watch owner with the fruit-shaped logo, these apps can be a big help in tracking your physical activity, sleep, calories and more.
Fitness

Best Health Apps for My Smart Watch  

If you’re a smart watch owner with the fruit-shaped logo, these apps can help you track your physical activity, sleep, calories and more.

Woman on Mountain bike with blooming flowers
Fitness

Are e-Bikes a Good Form of Exercise? 

You’ve probably seen them zipping around at high speeds, but are e-bikes really a good form of exercise? It depends on how you use them.

Young Woman drinking her winter tea and welcoming new day
Fitness

Benefits of a Morning Ritual 

Having a morning ritual can get your whole day off to a positive start.

Woman making healthy breakfast in kitchen
Fitness

High-Protein Breakfast Ideas Without Eggs 

If you want to fix some high-protein breakfasts but don’t want eggs, there are lots of choices to keep you full and feeling satisfied all morning long.

Creative Ways to Get Your Workout In
Fitness

Creative Ways to Get Your Workout In  

Want to burn calories and pile up steps without going to the gym? Give these couch workouts and walking tips a try.

Detroit RiverWalk
Fitness

4 Things to do on Detroit International RiverWalk, Named Country’s Best 

The Detroit International Riverwalk was recently named the country’s best river walk and is considered one of Detroit’s top attractions.

Whether you want to find a healthy meal or get active, the Detroit community has something for you.
Fitness

Free Healthy Activities Around Detroit 

Looking for some free, fun, family-friendly activities to engage in this summer? These six Detroit destinations could satisfy your itch.

How to Improve Flexibility
Fitness

Are You Doing These Stretches to Stay Flexible?

Flexibility shouldn’t be something we start to pay attention to the moment we notice limitations in our daily lives. Here's how to improve and maintain it.

One of the major appeals of wing foiling is it can be fun to do even if the waves aren’t high and the wind isn’t overbearing, because of its versatility. The board and wing do some of the work for you.
Fitness

Wing Foiling is Taking off on Lake Michigan

Wing foiling is really catching on in Michigan. The wind-surfing sport involves riding a hydrofoil board while holding an inflatable wing.

Woman stretches her legs in front of her laptop
Fitness

Angela T. Moore: Do Not Get Stressed About Working Out 

Health expert and counselor Angela T. Moore shares tips to change our mindset around exercise to view it as a privilege, not a burden.

staying hydrated after a workout
Fitness

Don’t Let the Summer Heat Keep You from Exercising

It’s important to practice safety when exercising outdoors during the hot summer months to avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

How to Keep Your Brain Healthy
Fitness

Do This to Keep Your Brain Healthy

We’ve all had moments where we've misplaced something and can't remember where it is. but is forgetfulness we should be concerned about as age?

Body Positive Asian Indian man running on treadmill monitored by fitness instructor timing
Fitness

Angela T. Moore: I May Be a Woman, But I Care About Men’s Health! 

How can you encourage the men in your life to take their health more seriously, as well as support their health journey?

Senior woman with overweight jumping on trampoline
Fitness

Health Benefits of Jumping on a Trampoline 

Whether you love a big trampoline or an efficient mini-tramp, who knew there were so many benefits to bouncing?

Welcome back employee to office during Covid-19 pandemic
Fitness

Staying Healthy at Work While Transitioning Back to the Office 

Many people are preparing to make the back-to-the-office transition. Here are some ways to stay healthy while making that change.

Eating out is one of the many joys of vacationing, so depriving yourself doesn’t have to be the answer. There are ways to cut back on calories in the name of balance. That way, you’re not losing too much of the ground you gained before your trip.  
Fitness

8 Ways to Maintain Your Diet on Vacation  

Eating out is one of the many joys of vacationing. Instead of depriving yourself, practice these calorie-cutting tips the next time you’re on a trip.

why men and women lose weight differently, weight loss across genders
Fitness

Men vs. Women: Why Do They Lose Weight Differently?

Are women truly at a disadvantage to men when it comes to losing weight? Here’s the surprising answer.

Side View Of A Happy Young Businesswoman Doing Push Up At Workplace
Fitness

Busy? Yes! Believe It Or Not, You Can Be Healthy Too!

Angela T. Moore, certified therapist and fitness coach, offers tips for finding ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle even when you are busy.

What is Assisted Stretching and How Does it Help?  
Fitness

What is Assisted Stretching and How Does it Help?  

Assisted stretching helps with mobility and flexibility. That way, everything from running 5ks to hoisting grandkids can be done without pain.

Senior Olympics
Fitness

How to Get Involved in Michigan’s Senior Olympics 

From road races to freestyle swim events, Michigan’s Senior Olympics has a spot for all sports enthusiasts 50 and older.

Look at our herb garden
Fitness

What to Plant in an Herb Garden 

If you want a big gardening payoff with minimal investment, plant an herb garden and up your kitchen’s flavor game.

Mature man squatting at home
Fitness

How to Return to a Workout Routine After Illness 

Those who exercise regularly may find that they have lost strength and stamina after such an illness.

Back view portrait of a fitness woman showing biceps
Fitness

Tone Up Your Arms

Want a better flex? Try these tips for rock star arms.

Women in private session with female instructor
Fitness

Spring into Health this Spring!

Spring is the perfect season to spring into health. You can do it with these three simple steps.

A beautiful senior Mexican couple kayaking
Fitness

Fun Ideas for Packing More Activity into Everyday Life

A sedentary lifestyle has been linked to an increased risk for chronic illness. Reduce this risk by breaking up spells of sitting with stretching or activity.

A Healthier Michigan is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
No Personal Healthcare Advice or Other Advice
This Web site provides general educational information on health-related issues and provides access to health-related resources for the convenience of our users. This site and its health-related information and resources are not a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that patients receive from their physicians or other health care providers.
This site and its health-related information resources are not meant to be the practice of medicine, the practice of nursing, or to carry out any professional health care advice or service in the state where you live. Nothing in this Web site is to be used for medical or nursing diagnosis or professional treatment.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed health care provider. Always consult your health care provider before beginning any new treatment, or if you have any questions regarding a health condition. You should not disregard medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice, because of something you read in this site.