Fitness
Creative Ways to Get Exercise in the Colder Months
Whether it’s because of colder weather, schedule changes, travel or holiday celebrations, it can be harder to stay active during the winter. Colder weather especially may leave you wanting to stay curled up and indoors rather than exercising. Here are some creative ideas to still get out and get enough physical exercise during the colder winter months.
What to Eat Before a Run
Proper nutrition is a must especially when running or exercising, not only to keep a healthy diet, but also to get additional nutrients needed when exercising regularly. Here are some tips on foods to eat and foods to avoid leading up to and following a run.
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.
What are Lifetime Sports?
Lifetime sports are those you can play for your whole life at any age. Regular exercise is important for people of all ages and has been shown to reduce and prevent many health conditions.
The Benefits of Joining a Running Group
Learn how joining a running club can help you with your physical and mental health.
Common Athletic Injuries and How to Avoid Them
Don't get sidelined by an injury. Here's how to build strength and prevent injuries in the first place.
Workouts That Work for Me as a College Student
I’ve found that college is a great time to create healthy habits through regular practice of physical activity. While every person is different, here are some workouts that work for me as a college student.
How to Train Like an Olympic Athlete
If you watched the Paris Olympic or Paralympic Games this summer, you might have gotten swept away seeing your favorite athlete compete. While they seem to perform with such ease, you know there are hours of work put into their physical training. Let the inspiring efforts of these athletes motivate you to achieve your workout goals this year.
Women’s Health: Workouts to do on your period
It can be easy to ignore your workout goals when on your period, but the physical and mental benefits of exercise can help. Although it feels counterintuitive, avoiding exercise isn’t going to save energy or make you feel better.
Shed Calories and Build Friendships: POUND Fitness Combines Cardio, Pilates and Drumming
POUND is a cardio-based workout that incorporates Pilates, core strengthening and arm and leg movements. But you won't just burn calories; instructor and Grass Lake resident Crystal Scott can attest to POUND's mental benefits.
How to Pick Out Running and Walking Shoes
It’s easy to ask a friend for a recommendation, but their body, stride and injury-risk are different than yours. Learn how to pick out running and walking shoes that will help you stay healthy and meet your goals.
The Science Behind the Perfect Workout Playlist
If you listen to music when you work out, you've got to read this post to design the perfect playlist to pump you up.
Easy Ways to Incorporate Strength Training in the Summer
When you start a workout plan, it’s easy to do too much too soon. That can leave you sore, tired, and feeling dejected, as well as increase your chance for injury. If you’re not in the habit of a regular strength routine, start small.
Find Your Fit: Badminton is a Full-Body Workout with Mental and Cognitive Benefits
Badminton has been around for centuries, but we don't often think of it as a recreational sport we can play locally. Ann Arbor's Kim Yeow shares tips and discusses the sport's benefits and communal qualities.
Health Benefits of Yoga
Next time you strike a pose and hold it, know that you’re improving your health in lots of ways.
Find Your Fit: Qigong’s Low-Impact, Full-Body Movements and Mindfulness Techniques Can Benefit Older Adults
Qigong is part mindful activity, part exercise. Its low-impact, repetitive nature has made it an increasingly popular workout for older adults.
Find Your Fit: What is Tabata?
Tabata was originally created as a training method for the Japanese Olympic Speed Skating team in the early 1990s. But the HIIT-style workout is practiced in gyms all over the United States today. Here's what it's all about.
Find Your Fit: What You Need to Know About Rucking, from a Michigan Resident Who Fell in Love with it
Osceola County resident Donnie Dwyer gravitated toward rucking for its low-impact, resistance-based nature. More than just a sneaky good workout, rucking's communal element has been a boon to Dwyer's social life.
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!"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Exercises for Joint Health
Want to keep moving well as you age? Remember to exercise your joints.
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.
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.
Why Pickleball is a Heart-Healthy Sport
Pickleball is a great sport for your heart health, no matter your age.
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.
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.
The Health Benefits of Golf
Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus explores the health benefits of golf for both the body and the mind.
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.
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.
Benefits of Walking After a Meal
Make an after-dinner walk part of your routine and you’ll reap the health benefits.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Health Benefits of Biking
Get on your bike and ride, and reap the health benefits that come pedaling road bikes, mountain bikes and more.
Best Exercises to Lower Blood Pressure
Nearly half of all U.S. adults have hypertension. Regular exercise can help lower blood pressure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 running, remember these four tips.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
A Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing
Ready to try an easy, new winter sport?Snowshoeing could be your next fun adventure.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 Night Hikes Across Michigan
Walking in the winter can be a hushed, beautiful experience. But what about winter night hikes? Those can be magical.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Benefits of a Morning Ritual
Having a morning ritual can get your whole day off to a positive start.
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
Want to burn calories and pile up steps without going to the gym? Give these couch workouts and walking tips a try.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.