Mobility & Fitness Archives

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

Staying Active in Foul Weather

Nov 25, 2024 · Judith C. Thalhaimer, RD, LDN · Mobility & Fitness

If you typically stay active by walking, hiking, gardening, or engaging in other outdoor activities, don’t let bad weather slow you down! Limited daylight hours, extreme temperatures (hot or cold), wind, and precipitation can make outdoor activity unappealing, uncomfortable, and unsafe. Take advantage of the many options for indoor activities … Read More

Be a ‘Weekend Warrior’ to Fight Against Diseases Affecting Memory, Mood, and More

Nov 25, 2024 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

If you’re wondering whether the Saturday bike rides with the cycling club, weekly pickleball contests with your best friends, weekend yard work, or the aerobics classes at the local fitness center are doing enough for your health, a recent Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) study produced some encouraging findings. Compared with … Read More

Take Steps to Avoid Injury and Keep the Fun in Pickleball

Oct 29, 2024 · Rochelle Nataloni · Mobility & Fitness

Pickleball, a once relatively unknown racket sport, has rapidly gained traction, and its appeal is not surprising given its many benefits. The sport enhances cardiovascular fitness, helping to keep the heart strong and healthy, and also plays a role in improving bone density and muscle strength—key factors in preventing osteoporosis … Read More

The Power of Strength

Oct 29, 2024 · UHN Staff · Mobility & Fitness

If you’ve noticed it’s a bit harder to lift groceries, do chores around the house, or work in the garden, it may be time to focus on rebuilding your strength. “A natural part of aging is loss of muscle mass,” says Cindy Graham, PT, UCLA Rehabilitation Services. “It is estimated … Read More

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