Now that gyms are closed, it’s important to stay active! Outdoor training is a great option, as long as we keep enough distance from others and don’t have any health complaints. Physical activity can even help boost the immune system—a valuable benefit in times like these. Exercising outdoors is also great for your mood. Being…
The benefits of strength training are numerous—both mentally and physically! Provided the training is gradually built up and the exercises are performed with proper form. What exactly is strength training?Strength training is aimed at increasing strength and muscle mass. When muscles are regularly challenged, the body gets the signal that more strength is needed. This…
Drinking up to four cups of coffee a day fits within a healthy diet. But what about caffeine for athletes? Can it enhance athletic performance? Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and improves movement capacity and the body’s responsiveness. According to several studies, a high dose of caffeine (about 200 mg, equivalent to 2–3 cups…
In recent years, yoga studios and yoga teachers have experienced strong growth in membership. The Dutch Association of Yoga Teachers (Vereniging Yogadocenten Nederland) now has 1,100 members, compared to just 400 in 2008. But what exactly is yoga? Yoga is all about creating a connection between body and mind. The word comes from the Sanskrit…
“Sitting is the new smoking” is a phrase we hear more and more often. It has long been known that physical activity is important for our health, but it’s becoming increasingly clear just how important it really is. Those who don’t move enough are more likely to get sick. Many tips for increasing physical activity…
Not all Dutch people spend their vacations lounging on the beach. It’s estimated that 15% of trips abroad and 25% of domestic trips are active holidays — such as cycling tours or hiking trips. But which is healthier: an active holiday or a lazy one? Holidays are healthy for four main reasons: First, they offer…
Among people with a low household income, nearly half (44.1%) never exercise. For people with a higher household income, the picture is quite different: only 7 percent never exercise. Sports that are more commonly practiced by people with a low income include darts and mini golf. Golf, winter sports, mountain biking, and outdoor fitness (like…
Walking on the beach feels much more intense than walking on grass. What effects do soft surfaces have on your workout? Asphalt is a stiff and unyielding surface. Concrete is even stiffer and harder. Grass, soft trails, or sand, on the other hand, are very yielding. As a result, the amount of time your foot…
You started running well, but after a while, there’s no more progress, and the weight isn’t coming off anymore. Now what? For beginning runners, it’s very likely that more calories are being burned than consumed. By burning more than you eat, you lose weight. After running for some time, you become lighter and require fewer…
In the world of nutrition and exercise, many myths circulate that are often accepted without scientific backing. In this article, we debunk some common myths and highlight the facts. Claim 1: Carbohydrates make you fatMyth. Carbs are often seen as the enemy, but they are an essential energy source for your body. The problem lies…
In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with information and stimuli, it’s more important than ever to keep our brain sharp and healthy. These 6 tricks strengthen your cognitive functions. Aim for a vital body and a vital mind! Mindfulness MeditationRegular mindfulness practice improves focus and concentration, reduces stress, and supports emotional well-being. Learn Something…
Physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining good health. You’ve probably heard the idea that walking 10,000 steps a day is the key to staying fit. But is that really true? Do you really need to hit that number daily, or could the bar be a little lower? We looked into it and here’s…
