The Mind and Body Benefits of Yoga

The stretches of this ancient discipline can burn calories, increase flexibility, and relax your mind.

    Looking for a way to relieve stress, burn calories, and get fit, all at the same time? Yoga can help accomplish these goals by conditioning both your mind and body.

Yoga, which originated in India more than 3,000 years ago, centers around physical strength and toning. It also focuses on principles of meditation and relaxation. Yoga typically involves a series of poses and deep-breathing exercises. It can be a fast-paced, cardiovascular workout or a slower, more relaxing toning session. It all depends on which type of yoga you perform.

Is Fitness Boot Camp For You?

If you're looking to jumpstart your exercise routine, fitness boot camps are a great way to get in shape and improve your cardiovascular health.

    If you're having a hard time motivating yourself to exercise but want to start burning serious calories fast, a fitness boot camp may be the right place to start.

A fitness boot camp is a type of group exercise program that focuses on boosting stamina, endurance, fitness, and weight loss over a period of several weeks. It's called a “boot camp” because of the team training environment, and because participants are pushed and challenged beyond what they think they can do. Teams of exercisers train together regularly during the classes, which may be run by a fitness instructor at a health club, a personal trainer, or even a former military instructor.

Planning Your Pregnancy Workout

Stay healthy while you're pregnant with a workout designed for expectant moms.

    Pregnancy can make you feel exhausted, achy, and just plain uncomfortable. Exercise can help you naturally feel better and improve your health, which benefits your baby's health as well. But being pregnant will probably mean adjusting your regular fitness routine, especially as you reach the later months. That’s why a pregnancy workout can be your best bet.

Get Fit With a Stability Ball: The Basics

Working out with exercise balls can be great for your body – and especially your abs.

    Ever tried to tone your abs by doing what seemed like endless crunches? If so, you might want to add a stability ball to your workout plan. A stability ball, also called an exercise ball, allows you to do a number of exercises that efficiently strengthen and tone your abdominal muscles, and it's also a good way to stretch out your torso and improve flexibility.

Which Health Club Is Right for You?

Finding a health club that fits your needs will determine if you actually show up and get your money's worth. Get some tips on how to make the right choice.

Benefits of Health Club Membership 

With close to 30,000 health clubs in America, there is probably one that’s just right for you. Some benefits of gym membership include: