Without gyms, fitness studios or exercise classes, it can feel even more difficult to make fitness a priority. But here’s the good news: It can — and should — be, and it’s more than possible with the many free at-home fitness videos offered on YouTube. Ease anxiety, stay healthy, even lose weight by consistently blocking out a time in your day to hop on YouTube and do an in-home workout.

When you’re over the age of 50 and female, targeted exercises are even more important. Truly, there’s something to be said about having solid, toned arms — and we’re not just talking how you look.

Interval training, AKA: HIIT, AKA: the most efficient way to use your 20 minutes of exercise. Interval training is one of many great ways to help you burn extra calories on with your limited time. Well, now there’s yet another reason to consider it: Interval training also boosts your endurance, makes you stronger and can prevent heart disease. We’ll leave the in-depth science talk to the experts, but here’s a quick snapshot of exactly why interval training can help you with those things.

One way to make exercise a bit easier, heck, even enjoyable?  Music!  Studies show that listening to music while you exercise can boost endorphins, make the workout more enjoyable and help you perform better.  And the better the song, the more it’s likely to pump you up.

The days are turning a bit cooler, and that might mean you want to move your exercise routines indoors. Some of us (especially those of us who prefer to be outdoors) might find it difficult to transition to stationary equipment. Luckily, there are ways to overcome that yuck-factor and find your inner motivation.

Let’s face it, the gym is not for everyone. But there’s good news. Nature and the great wide world offer plenty of opportunities for those of us who can’t stomach the gym. Even better, it offers a host of ways to mindlessly get some fitness in and not think about it.

For many of us, the only time we run is when someone is chasing us. The idea of actually doing it for exercise is cringe-worthy. But running is actually the quickest, most effective way to torch calories, shed pounds and keep our hearts healthy.That’s why we put together 10 seamless steps to becoming a real runner (and liking it)...and maybe even watching those pounds come off even faster.

I am just so OVER IT. For anyone who’s started a fitness routine, that’s a familiar feeling. It often comes early on, in the first one, two or three sessions. It’s also a critical moment for you.

Before you throw in the towel, consider this: That feeling is not permanent. In fact, with a little persistence, you can push through and actually start to enjoy exercise. That’s why we rounded up 8 mental tricks to fight through that feeling and keep going so that you can own the moment…and maybe even like it.

The most critical part of losing weight is eating a healthy diet, but exercise is important too. But what if you don’t have time to hit the gym for an hour? Luckily, the Internet is chock-full of powerful workout routines lasting just 20 minutes or less!

We gave our fingertips a little exercise and rounded up the 10 best quick workouts from around the Web in one neat little list. These routines are sure to get your heart-rate up while still keeping within your busy schedule.

The idea of working out can be off-putting, especially to those of us who have never done it, don’t want to do it or simply can’t do it. Honestly, who wants to spend an hour in the gym pouring sweat and checking the clock every 10 seconds until it’s finally over? On the same token, long, vigorous bicycle rides, runs or swims may also not be an option. And guess what? That’s OK. Because luckily, most of us can take a walk — and there are so many reasons why we should.

The people who are most successful sticking to and achieving their fitness goals are those who create an exercise plan that jives best with their individual personality.

It’s called a “Fitness Personality,” and by figuring out which one you are, you can create an exercise plan that will keep you motivated and consistent.

Summer may be halfway over, but some of the hottest days are still ahead of us.

And that means safety is a concern, especially for those of us who pack in a bit of exercise (which, by the way, is a great way to up your calorie budget and make room for a few snacks throughout the day).

What’s a person to do if their calorie budget has no wiggle room? Get moving!

Weight-loss and weight-gain are both calorie-in, calorie-out equations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally puts the average adult’s calorie budget at 2,000 calories. While that's the official guideline, your actual calorie needs vary, depending on a variety of factors. A calorie calculator will take into consideration your gender, height, weight, age, goals and activity level and give you a specific number for how many calories you should consume each day.
 

We’ve all heard it a thousand times. Exercise helps us lose weight. Exercise keeps our heart strong. Exercise helps us live longer.

When that first alarm goes off early Monday morning, the last thing you want to do is get out of bed and head to the gym. Believe me, I know.

Luckily, there are a few things people like us can do to get through that annoying pre-dawn beeping (or after-work, or whenever), and still do what’s necessary to lose weight and get healthy.

The last days of summer are often the hottest. While we’ve all heard of or even tried “hot yoga”, yoga can also be a great way to beat the heat. Some experts recommend practicing at 70% instead of going “all out”, and simply letting the yoga work for you.

So you’re heading to the gym for the first time...or at least thinking about it! Is the idea of walking into that building making you nervous? Feel like you have no idea what you are doing? Here are some serious and not so serious tips to having a great first experience at the gym!

Regular exercise not only helps you to lose weight by burning excess calories but also boosts metabolism and gives you energy. Intentionally adding the activities on this list will step up your caloric burn—and the best part is—THEY’RE FUN!

After exercising indoors all winter, the allure of spring has us itching to get outside. But if you've gotten used to your indoor workout, you might be unsure of where to start with your transition out of doors. Fear not! We've got you covered. These five fun activities will show you that you don’t need the treadmill or your weight bench for a great workout.

Did you know that you don't have to exercise full throttle for hours in order to lose weight? In fact, you may actually be wasting precious time and energy because your body responds similarly (if not better) to SHORTER bursts of high intensity. HIIT – or high intensity interval training – can help you burn many more calories in the same amount of time.