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The importance of being physically active is stressed upon us by everyone from our doctors to the media. Despite this, joining a gym or a fitness class can be very intimidating to some. While walking, jogging, and cycling can be done in any environment and in most types of weather, many struggle with becoming motivated enough to settle into a routine, or find alternating weather climates difficult to exercise in. For those interested in a class format, or a pre-choreographed workout plan which requires little thought to engage in, at home fitness programs may be the solution.

Barefoot running, or “natural running,” first hit the mainstream when a few Olympic athletes participated in their event completely barefoot. Some research suggests barefoot running results in impact reduction on certain joints or bones will reduce injury and prolong the activity level of the athlete. While this may be true, other studies haven’t shown a clear-cut answer of whether it is more beneficial or riskier than traditional running.

Yoga has been practiced for centuries to improve health and flexibility while promoting mental tranquility, inner peace, and reducing stress. The longer the exercise is around, the more we learn about the benefits and different ways to adapt the practice and make it more effective. One of these adaptations growing in popularity is Bikram Yoga, also known as Hot Yoga.

Much of the media focuses on women’s health and wellness, but men face many of the same health threats in addition to gender unique ones. From couch potatoes to well-trained athletes, all men should be conscious of the following threats to their health, and be aware of how to prevent them.

Nutrition is an essential part of staying healthy and losing weight, though the age old question of “What should I eat?” still has no easy answer. Popular diets have led many to believe that all carbohydrates are “bad”; the sole source of unwanted flab and excess body weight. While some carbohydrates will contribute to weight gain, complex carbohydrates are essential in promoting good health and providing energy to remain active.

Fitness aficionados are extremely pleased by the resurgence in cycling classes, commonly known in the industry as spinning class. And with good reason; spinning offers a low-impact, high cardio workout that is both fun for participants and burns a ton of calories.

Los Angeles, CA – 09/16/2013— Numerous studies, essays, magazine articles, and doctor recommendations constantly drive home how important it is to be active. Physical activity increases cardiovascular health, reduces weight, provides mental wellness and can stave off various illnesses associated. While many know the benefits, they find it hard to turn a sedentary life into one that incorporates a fitness routine. Hours at the gym are not necessary, here are several tips to get started moving more in as little as seven days.

Setting goals is an important part of a fitness program; it gives individuals a target to aim for in their programs. Athletes and regular exercisers can help hit some of these goals by adding a High Intensity Interval Training regimen to their fitness routine.

Increasing studies have shown how important mental and cognitive health is to overall fitness. While being active is essential in improving cardiovascular and physical health, recent research has showed improvement in cognition, as well as mental well-being, in addition to the physical benefits.

Setting goals can be an integral tool in encouraging oneself to become healthier, and for those looking to add a 5k run to their list of accomplishments, many couch to 5K training schedules are out there to help beginning runners on the path to the finish line.