Physical therapy Archive

Harvard fitness expert Michele Stanten takes you through a simple exercise to tighten your abs, strengthen your back, and improve your balance.

People who engage in a variety of different types of physical activity may be more likely to live longer than people with little variety in their exercise habits who spend the same amount of time exercising.

Exercise heart rate zones reflect different percentages of a person's estimated maximum heart rate. While some people find it helpful to monitor their heart rate zone during exercise, consistently engaging in physical activity is the most important priority.

As the years pass, muscle mass in the body generally shrinks, and strength and power decline. The pro­cess begins earlier than you might think.

"Bone-on-bone" is a common description for advanced osteoarthritis, when the cartilage in a joint wears away completely. Symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and limited motion, can be managed with physical therapy, weight loss, pain medications, injections, and possibly joint replacement.

One trend in the world of fitness is the stretching studio, providing assisted stretching sessions marketed as a way to improve flexibility and ease chronic pain. But those looking to boost their overall health are more likely to benefit from regular, moderate physical activity, and do their stretching at home.

Pilates can be a good low-impact workout option, especially as people get older. It focuses on core strength, balance, and flexibility, and can be adapted-on a mat, reformer, or even in a chair-to different abilities and comfort levels.

Hours spent sitting can leave a person's hips feeling stiff and sore, often because the hip flexor muscles have tightened and shortened. Understanding how these muscles work and practicing simple stretches regularly can relieve discomfort and improve flexibility.

Somatic workouts involve paying attention to internal sensations and responses during physical movements. These movements help people become more aware of how their body moves. Somatic workouts can reduce pain and muscle tension and calm anxiety.