Walking is arguably one of the easiest, most accessible ways to get moving. But, is walking good exercise? Can you really lose weight by walking? After all, nowadays, it seems the most popular workouts are all about going hard, cranking up the intensity, and more or less being reduced to a shaking puddle of sweat — not really walking’s M.O. That’s OK! No matter your fitness level or experience with exercise, you can gain some serious benefits from adding walking to your regular routine. Is Walking Good Exercise? Short answer: Yes! Research shows that even small increases in your daily ..read more

There are many good reasons to pick up running. It’s beginner-friendly and requires zero equipment, and the benefits of running extend far beyond the asphalt or treadmill. So why don’t you see more people out for a morning or midday run? Boredom may play into it. “Whether you’re new to running or a seasoned veteran, there comes a time for every runner when the novelty wears off, the routine turns into a chore, and motivation takes a hit,” says Jack McNamara, MSc, CSCS, of TRAINFITNESS, who has specialized in coaching running for nearly a decade. This happens to just about every runner at some ..read more

In fitness, we tend to underrate the basics: getting enough water, sleeping enough hours, and yes, walking enough steps. As simple as it is, walking — which requires no training or special equipment — can have a big impact on your mind and body. Brisk walking counts as cardio, but you don’t have to pick up the pace to reap many of the benefits of walking. Why is walking important? “It’s what we’re meant to do!” says Mary Beth Rockwell, CPT, CNC, CES.. “Walking is a very effective, low-impact, no-fuss form of exercise.” Here’s what you need to know about the potential health benefits of walking ..read more

You love the challenge and energy of your indoor cycling workouts, but you’re not sure how much they’re moving you toward your fitness goals. If you’re someone who likes to know how much you’re eating and burning in a day, you’re probably wondering how many calories are burned cycling (in an average indoor cycling session). Here’s what to know about the calorie burn of your cycling workouts. Calories Burned Indoor Cycling How many calories burned cycling, running, or any other exercise can vary from person to person and from workout to workout. But here’s a look at how many approximate ca ..read more

The kettlebell swing is one of the best exercises around which you can program a circuit workout. The exercise targets the posterior chain and quickly raises your heart rate, making it a full-body strength and cardio exercise. But to reap the benefits of the kettlebell swing (and not get injured), you need to learn proper form. Kettlebell Swing: Step-by-Step Instructions Place the kettlebell about a foot in front of you and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keeping your back flat, core engaged, arms straight, and a slight bend in your knees, push your hips back and grip the kettlebe ..read more

Skater jumps — also known as skater hops, side skaters, and skater steps — are like the burpee version of side lunges, making them a staple move in many high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. As a plyometric exercise, skater jumps are a great cardio- and strength-building move; perform just a few reps and you’ll experience a quick boost in heart rate and feel your muscles lighting on fire. Here’s how to do skater jumps the right way. Skater Jumps: Step-by-Step Instructions Standing with your feet about hip-width apart, shift your weight onto your left leg, bending your left k ..read more

Not since the advent of the moonwalk has walking backward had such a moment. TikTok and Instagram are filled with videos of physical therapists and fitness influencers touting the benefits of walking backwards, aka retro walking. You may have also noticed people at the gym (and not just that one attention-seeking weirdo) walking backwards on the treadmill or seen runners and walkers switch direction mid-workout. Despite its seemingly newfound popularity, reverse walking is nothing new. It’s actually a well-studied practice that movement professionals have been using for years. Depending on you ..read more

Squats are popular for a reason. No matter which variation you choose, they not only help build a stronger lower body, but also fire up your core and increase range of motion when performed correctly. Jumping jacks, too, deserve the esteemed reputation they’ve had with fitness since, well, forever. They build stamina, burn calories, and boost cardiorespiratory endurance. What’s more powerful than these moves? Combining them. Welcome to squat jacks. Squat Jack: Step-by-Step Instructions Stand with your feet together and your arms at your sides. Keeping your back strai ..read more

Cardio can be scary for any guy or gal looking to build serious muscle. After all, the idea that cardio kills gains has been circulating around the weight room for years. So, is it bad to do cardio if you’re trying to build muscle? The answer: only if you do it the wrong way. Read on to find out how to keep cardio from messing with your muscle gains. Does Cardio Make You Lose Muscle? There are a couple of ways cardio can interfere with your gains: Same-day workouts If you tackle cardio and strength in the same training session, your body won’t be able to adapt to either activity as ..read more

When you need a do-anywhere full-body move that jacks up your heart rate after just a few reps, look no further than the burpee. “The burpee is one of the most challenging and effective total-body exercises you can do,” says Trevor Thieme, C.S.C.S., BODi’s executive director of fitness and nutrition content. This challenging exercise is a mainstay in HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts for a reason: It packs a triple-benefit punch in one fluid sequence, helping you build strength, endurance, and power. And all you need to do it is your own bodyweight and a little fl ..read more