Mobility & Fitness Archives

Tai Chi: The Gentle, but Challenging Practice That Boosts Memory and Mood

Jan 24, 2025 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

While many people may associate Tai Chi with physical fitness, particularly for older adults who benefit from its deliberate, low-impact movements, the ancient martial art also offers profound benefits for mental health, particularly in enhancing memory and managing stress. Tai Chi is a widely practiced Chinese martial art tracing back … Read More

Nordic Walking: A Path to Healthier Aging

Jan 24, 2025 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

Staying physically active is essential for maintaining health and independence. Walking, particularly Nordic walking, offers a multitude of benefits, making it an excellent choice for optimizing overall well-being. “Of the many benefits of Nordic walking, the ability to improve cardiovascular health tops the list,” says Julie Rowland, UCLA Health Integrative … Read More

Regular Endurance Activity May Improve Health, Even Without Weight Loss

Jan 24, 2025 · Judith C. Thalhaimer, RD, LDN · Mobility & Fitness

Physical activity may not always lead to weight loss, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t improving your health. Physical activity may cause changes to the way subcutaneous abdominal fat (belly fat) cells function. Belly fat cells that are not functioning optimally result in insulin resistance and other metabolic health problems, … Read More

Exercise Has Benefits for Urinary Incontinence

Jan 24, 2025 · Kate Brophy · Mobility & Fitness

Maybe you leak urine when youlaugh, cough, or sneeze—or perhaps you never seem to make it to the bathroom on time to avoid an accident. If you are experiencing these symptoms, don’t ignore them, says Mount Sinai geriatrician Patricia Bloom, MD. “Putting up with the problem may cause you to … Read More

Ask Dr. Etingin: Step-Counting Apps and Urinary Incontinence

Dec 18, 2024 · Orli R. Etingin, M.D. · Mobility & Fitness

Are smartphone step-counting apps accurate? Smartphone step-counting apps are quite accurate for general activity tracking, but they’re not flawless. These apps rely on your phone’s built-in sensors—mainly the accelerometer and gyroscope—to estimate movement and steps. If your phone is in your hand or pocket, it typically measures steps more reliably … Read More

Exercise Lowers Stress-Related Brain Activity, Reducing Heart Disease Risk

Dec 18, 2024 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

New research from Massachusetts General Hospital shows that physical activity reduces cardiovascular disease risk by lowering stress-related brain activity. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that people with stress-related conditions, such as depression, benefit the most from regular exercise. Researchers analyzed data from … Read More

Aging Gracefully with Yoga

Dec 18, 2024 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

Prioritizing physical health becomes increasingly important for maintaining independence, reducing the risk of injury, and promoting overall well-being as we age. Yoga offers an excellent way to improve strength, power, and flexibility, all while being gentle on the body. “Yoga reminds us to bend, so that we don’t break,” says … Read More

“Weekend Warrior” Activity Associated with the Same Health Benefits as Regular Activity

Dec 18, 2024 · Judith C. Thalhaimer, RD, LDN · Mobility & Fitness

It is recommended we all aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity (or 75 minutes of vigorous activity). Spreading that 150 minutes out in increments of, say, 30 minutes a day, five days a week is a common recommendation, but that is not practical or possible for … Read More

Resistance Bands Offer an Effective and Versatile Exercise Option

Dec 18, 2024 · Kate Brophy · Mobility & Fitness

Resistance bands are one of the most versatile exercise tools you can purchase, offering many options for strengthening your muscles and improving your flexibility. Made from natural or synthetic rubber, resistance bands are available as simple strips, loops (which resemble large rubber bands), or molded rubber tubes with handles. Like … Read More

A Daily Exercise Routine Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease

Nov 25, 2024 · Rochelle Nataloni · Mobility & Fitness

Did you know that taking a brisk walk every day can strengthen your heart, improve your circulation, and reduce your risk of heart disease? Women who exercise regularly have a significantly lower risk of an early death or fatal cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, according to … Read More

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