Fitness

Exercise linked to higher pain tolerance – new study

Many benefits come from regularly exercising, including stronger muscles, lower risk of disease and improved mental health. But a recent study suggests that exercise may have another unexpected benefit: it might make us more tolerant to pain.

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Is exercise really good for the brain? Here’s what the science says

The health benefits of physical activity are undeniable.

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Why sitting with crossed legs could be bad for you

Are you sitting comfortably? Just pause for a moment and without adjusting, notice your posture.

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Let’s get physical: Retro workouts are back

It’s time to pull out a leotard and some sweatbands and get ready to sign up for an ’80s-inspired gym session.

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Who is and isn’t suited to barefoot running? And if I want to try, how do I start?

You might have noticed a buzz on social media about barefoot running, with many proponents breathlessly describing it as the most natural way to run.

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Why prolonged sitting may be worse than smoking

Sitting is often touted as ‘the new smoking’, but it is unclear if it is the sitting itself or the lack of physical activity that causes the harm. And how long do we really need to be out of our chairs?

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5 ways to avoid pain and injury when starting a new exercise regime

Getting in the habit of exercising isn’t easy. Not only is finding the time to exercise a major deterrent for people, the fear of aches, pain and injuries is also a reason that people put off starting a new exercise regime. But exercise doesn’t necessarily have to lead to pain or injuries. Here are some simple things you can do to avoid these when starting out.

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Exercises to support digestion and ease bloating this festive season

Robin Kendall, pilates instructor at East of Eden, has offered her top exercises for supporting the digestive system and helping to debloat in just 10 minutes.

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Muscle is important for good health – how to maintain muscle after middle age

Given how important muscle is for our health, the best way to maintain it after 30 is to keep moving.

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Getting fit after COVID? Why you should be strength training – and how to do it

After recovering from COVID, you might be eager to get out and do some exercise, particularly if you’d previously enjoyed keeping fit. While a bit of light cardiovascular training can be a good option, strength training has some particular advantages when it comes to getting over COVID.

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Weekend warrior workouts: here’s how to make the most of them

Most of us know we need to exercise more. Yet finding the time to work out is often easier said […]

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Pilates: research shows how this low-impact workout can benefit your health

Pilates has seen a jump in popularity recently thanks to a spate of celebrity endorsements, including the Kardashians, model Hailey Bieber and actress Kate Hudson. Even elite athletes such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Andy Murray incorporate some form of pilates into their training to improve performance.

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How your favourite celebs stay healthy and fit

There’s no denying that most celebrities have an army of professionals behind them to keep them looking good, but the real key to their success isn’t the latest treatment or product.

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Regaining fitness after COVID infection can be hard. Here are 5 things to keep in mind before you start exercising again

Are you finding it difficult to get moving after having COVID? You are not alone. Even if you have mild symptoms, you may still experience difficulty in regaining your fitness.

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How do I improve my motivation to exercise when I really hate it? 10 science-backed tips

We’ve all heard those people who say “running gives you a high” or “exercise is addictive,” but for many of us, it’s hard to love exercise. Some might even say they hate it, dread it, or the thought of going to the gym gives them anxiety.

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How to be a better morning ‘workout’ person

How to stop hitting the snooze button and welcome morning workouts.

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Get back into fitness: 3 new workouts to try in 2022

Switch up your exercise routine with this year’s trendiest workouts.

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Want to build a strong core? Try these 5 beginner exercises

We use them without thinking every day to lift, bend, twist and even stand, but weak core muscles can lead to back pain, aches and injuries.

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Running is back! New research shows running participation up 117%

It’s free, requires no equipment, can be done anytime, anywhere and has multiple mental and physical health benefits so it’s no wonder running is one of the world’s most popular sports.

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How to improve your flexibility in winter: 5 tips from a personal trainer

Ben Lucas, Director of Flow Athletic and Flow Athletic TV shares his tips for improving flexibility during the colder months. 

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A step-by-step guide to sun salutation in yoga

Forget coffee, here is why you should start your day with Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation, every morning.

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6 signs that you’re an obsessive-compulsive exerciser

There is such a thing as too much exercise, and some obsessive-compulsive fitness people may be doing themselves more harm than good by overdoing it.

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Sculpt your arms with these simple yoga poses

Say hello to strong, lean and beautifully sculpted upper arms with these simple yoga poses. Instructor Charlotte Dodson shows us how.

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6 ways to improve posture while working from home

The achy back, the hunched shoulders – bad posture affects many of us. In fact, an estimated 10% of people […]

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Studies show that fitness or exercise can curb anxiety in patients dealing with a chronic illness such as heart and circulatory problems, fibromyalgia, arthritis, mental health problems, cancer, and breathing disorders.

The study demonstrates that aerobic exercise has profound effects on brain chemistry and physiology. The behavioural effects of a single exercise “intervention” include improved executive function, enhanced mood and decreased stress levels. The results are a big step toward understanding how the positive impact of exercise may accrue over time to cause long-lasting changes in the brain.

“Exercise interventions are currently being used to help address everything from cognitive impairments in normal ageing, minimal cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease to motor deficits in Parkinson’s disease and mood states in depression,” Suzuki says.

So if you’re serious about keeping your mind healthy and active, it’s worth moving your body too.

Research conducted by Roy Morgan showed that almost three in four New Zealanders doesn’t eat the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables. Only around one in three Kiwi women and one in five men eat three or more serves of vegetables and two or more serves of fruit each day, the amount recommended by the New Zealand Ministry of Health.