613.71 – Page 5

Why Fitness Experts Say the Squat Is the One Exercise Everyone Should Master

10Apr

By AmaNo Comments

Why Fitness Experts Say the Squat Is the One Exercise Everyone Should Master

Step into a gym for the first time—or even after a long break—and the experience can feel overwhelming. Rows of machines, endless workout programs, and a sea of people who seem to know exactly what they’re doing can make fitness feel intimidating. For many beginners, the question becomes simple: Where do I even start? Fitness experts say the answer might be far less complicated than most people think. One of the most effective and accessible exercises requires no machines, no special equipment, and very little space. It’s the squat—one of the most fundamental human movements and arguably one of the most powerful exercises for building overall fitness. A Movement We Already Do Every Day At its core, the squat is not a complex gym exercise but a natural movement the body performs da...

The Annoying Pain That Can Ruin a Run And What Experts Say You Can Do About It

10Apr

By AmaNo Comments

Weight Loss & Fat Burning

The Annoying Pain That Can Ruin a Run And What Experts Say You Can Do About It

It often arrives without warning. One minute you’re cruising through a workout—breathing steadily, feeling strong—and the next, a sharp, stabbing pain strikes just below your ribs. Suddenly, finishing the run becomes less about endurance and more about simply getting home. This uncomfortable sensation, commonly known as a side stitch, is one of the most frustrating interruptions during exercise. Clinically referred to as exercise-related transient abdominal pain (ETAP), it is far more common than many people realize. A Widespread Workout Problem Sports medicine experts say side stitches affect athletes across a wide range of activities, particularly those involving repetitive torso movement. Running and swimming are among the most frequently reported triggers. Research publishe...

Chair Workouts: The Simple Way to Strengthen Your Abs Without Leaving Your Seat

10Apr

By AmaNo Comments

Weight Loss & Fat Burning

Chair Workouts: The Simple Way to Strengthen Your Abs Without Leaving Your Seat

For many people, the chair has become the unofficial symbol of modern life. We sit at desks for hours, scroll through our phones, join back-to-back video meetings, and unwind in front of the television—often barely moving. But the same chair that supports hours of sedentary work can also double as a surprisingly effective fitness tool, particularly for strengthening the core. Fitness experts say chair-based exercises can provide a practical and accessible way to activate the abdominal muscles, especially for people who spend long hours sitting during the workday. With minimal space and no special equipment required, a sturdy chair can turn a quiet corner of the home or office into a quick core-training station. Turning Sitting Time Into Strength Time Core strength plays a crit...

Can You Really Build Muscle Without Weights? Experts Say Bodyweight Training Still Works

10Apr

By AmaNo Comments

Muscle Building & Strength Training

Can You Really Build Muscle Without Weights? Experts Say Bodyweight Training Still Works

For many people interested in getting stronger, the image of strength training often involves crowded gyms, clanging barbells, and racks of intimidating equipment. But a growing number of fitness enthusiasts are asking a simpler question: can you build real muscle using nothing but your own body weight? Exercises such as push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks—collectively known as bodyweight exercises—have long been staples in athletic training programs. Today, they are also gaining popularity among people looking for convenient workouts they can perform at home, while traveling, or during short breaks from desk-based work. Fitness professionals say bodyweight training can absolutely improve strength and build muscle. But whether it is enough on its own depends on how the exercises are...

Fast or Slow Running? Coaches Say the Real Answer Might Surprise You

10Apr

By AmaNo Comments

Weight Loss & Fat Burning

Fast or Slow Running? Coaches Say the Real Answer Might Surprise You

Many runners head out the door with a simple goal: move faster, push harder, and finish stronger. But when it comes to getting the most out of your runs, speed may not always be the smartest strategy. According to running coaches and exercise experts, the real secret to better performance—and long-term health—lies in striking the right balance between fast and slow running. Running remains one of the most accessible forms of exercise worldwide. From early-morning joggers in Accra’s parks to treadmill users squeezing in workouts after office hours, millions rely on running to improve cardiovascular health, boost mood, and lower the risk of chronic diseases. But within the sport, one question continues to spark debate: Is it better to run fast or slow? Experts say the answer depends la...

When Is It Okay to Rewear Your Workout Clothes? A Dermatologist Explains

10Apr

By AmaNo Comments

Personal Stories & Opinion

When Is It Okay to Rewear Your Workout Clothes? A Dermatologist Explains

For many people trying to stay active while balancing work, errands, and daily life, laundry can feel like a never-ending chore. So the temptation to rewear workout clothes—especially after a light session—can be strong. If the exercise didn’t produce buckets of sweat, is it really necessary to wash those leggings or that T-shirt right away? According to dermatologists, the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes-or-no. While sweat itself is mostly harmless, the real concern begins when moisture mixes with the bacteria that naturally live on the skin. Once sweat becomes trapped in fabrics, particularly synthetic workout gear, it can create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Over time, that combination can lead to unpleasant odours and, more importantly, skin irritation....

A 20-Minute Kettlebell Workout That Strengthens Your Entire Body

10Apr

By AmaNo Comments

Muscle Building & Strength Training

A 20-Minute Kettlebell Workout That Strengthens Your Entire Body

For many people balancing busy work schedules, screen-heavy lifestyles, and limited time for exercise, squeezing in an effective workout can feel like a challenge. But fitness experts say you don’t always need a full gym—or even an hour—to train your entire body. With a single kettlebell and about 20 minutes, it’s possible to build strength, raise your heart rate, and improve long-term health. The secret lies in the kettlebell itself. Unlike traditional dumbbells, the kettlebell features a handle attached to a rounded weight, allowing it to move in dynamic, swinging patterns. This design encourages functional movements that engage multiple muscle groups at once while challenging balance and stability. “Kettlebells are versatile, portable, and taxing on the entire body during most mov...

Why Cycling May Be the Most Efficient Cardio Workout

10Apr

By AmaNo Comments

Weight Loss & Fat Burning

Why Cycling May Be the Most Efficient Cardio Workout

For many people trying to stay active in a busy world, walking and running remain the most familiar forms of exercise. They require little equipment and can be done almost anywhere—from neighborhood streets to city parks. But when it comes to energy efficiency, experts say another workout may quietly outperform them: cycling. While running is often praised for its calorie-burning power and cardiovascular benefits, sports scientists note that it requires significantly more energy than cycling to achieve similar results. The reason lies in the mechanics of how the body moves. Running involves repeated impact with the ground. Each step creates a cycle of braking and acceleration as the foot strikes the surface and the body propels forward again. The arms swing to maintain balance and mo...

This Low-Impact Habit is More Effective for Weight Loss Than You Think

9Apr

By AmaNo Comments

Weight Loss & Fat Burning

This Low-Impact Habit is More Effective for Weight Loss Than You Think

If you have ever felt that "getting fit" requires an expensive gym membership or a grueling marathon training schedule, science has some refreshing news: the most effective tool for transforming your health might already be sitting by your front door in the form of your favorite pair of walking shoes. In an era of high-intensity interval training and complex fitness apps, the humble walk is emerging as a heavyweight champion of wellness. For the modern professional—whether navigating the hilly terrain of Aburi or the paved streets of a global metropolis—walking offers a rare combination of accessibility and profound biological impact. It isn’t just a way to get from point A to point B; it is a metabolic reset that targets some of our most stubborn health challenges, including visc...

The Science of Walking: How Many Daily Steps Do You Actually Need for Longevity?

9Apr

By AmaNo Comments

Weight Loss & Fat Burning

The Science of Walking: How Many Daily Steps Do You Actually Need for Longevity?

The long-held golden rule of fitness, the 10,000-step daily goal, wasn't born in a lab, but in a 1965 Japanese marketing campaign to sell pedometers. Decades later, as modern science catches up with marketing, we are discovering that while 10,000 is a great target, the "sweet spot" for longevity and health might actually be closer than you think. For many office workers in Accra or digital nomads in New York, the pressure to hit five figures on a fitness tracker can feel like a secondary job. However, recent data suggests that the benefits of walking often plateau before that 10,000-mark, offering a sigh of relief for those struggling to find time between meetings and commutes. The Science of the Plateau Recent research, including a pivotal 2025 review, has shifted the conve...