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It is possible to calculate your VO2 max. Image Credit: GibsonPictures/E+/GettyImages Ever wonder why certain professional athletes are able to exert so much energy with seemingly little effort? Among other characteristics, many of them possess a high VO2 max. You too can measure VO2 max cycling or running with the right guidance and equipment. Advertisement What is VO2 Max? According to the University of Kansas Medical Center, VO2 max is a person’s maximum rate of oxygen consumption during aerobic activity....

Bodybuilding without back pain. A herniated or bulging disc is the protrusion of a disc in the spine between two vertebrae, such that it compresses a nerve and creates pain. Herniated disc is the most commonly diagnosed chronic back problem. Certain bodybuilding exercises that put strain on the lower back can aggravate a herniated disc. For example, heavy barbell squats, deadlifts, bent-over rows, standing shoulder presses and bench presses can put undue stress on the lower back....

The glute bridge or basic bridge exercise challenges your glutes, hamstrings and core. Image Credit: Aleksandr Kondratov/iStock/GettyImages In This Article Instructions Benefits Mistakes Bridges vs. Squats Variations Want to warm up before a run, stretch out the front of your hips after or build glute strength? The humble but oh-so-effective glute bridge is always the perfect exercise. Advertisement "Your glutes are the largest muscle group in your entire body, and they can do so much for you, but only if you activate them properly," says Holly Perkins, CSCS, founder of Women's Strength Nation and creator of The GLUTES Project....

Chamomile tea is a nice way to relax, but it won't directly help you lose weight. Image Credit: Westend61/Westend61/GettyImages Chamomile tea is a nice way to relax, but it won’t directly help you lose weight. There’s no substance in chamomile tea that aids fat burning — only exercise and diet can do that. However, it’s a calorie-free drink that keeps you hydrated, and it may help reduce stress which can impact your weight....

Shake up leg day with one of these 10-minute lower-body workout videos. Image Credit: Nutthaseth Vanchaichana/iStock/GettyImages You don’t have to devote hours of your day to lunges, squats and hip thrusts to get your legs and glutes feeling strong. Advertisement In fact, all you need is 10 minutes for a solid lower-body workout — and these videos are proof. Friendly for all fitness levels and featuring different modalities, there's something here for everyone....

1 of 22 Overview When it's crunch time at work and you're staring at a never-ending to-do list, meal prep is likely the last thing on your mind. But what you might not realize is that the dietary choices you make each day actually play a major role in your productivity — for better ("I'm a focused, energetic all-star!") or for worse ("Can I just take a nap already?"). Read on to learn how to keep your mind laser-focused with healthy and nutritious foods as well as the ones you should steer clear of so your productivity stays on track....

This rockin’ workout music playlist is backed by science. Image Credit: Maskot/Maskot/GettyImages Remember that awesome playlist you used to listen to on repeat for what seemed like a whole year? Sure it was fun, but it also probably helped you push yourself the extra mile — literally, if you’re a runner. The link between your improved performance and your rockin’ workout music playlist can actually be backed up by science — sort of, at least....

Adding a dumbbell to your mobility exercises activates your muscle tissues and tendons, setting you up for stronger lifts. Image Credit: FreshSplash/E+/GettyImages If you’re prepping your body to lift some serious weight, it’s important to squeeze some mobility work into your warm-up. But we’re not just talking about doing some 90/90 hip stretches and cat-cows (which, yes, are great and deserve a spot in your workout routine, too). We’re talking about loading up....

Test your endurance. Image Credit: jacoblund/iStock/GettyImages If you’re interested in finding out how fit you are, you have plenty of options. From simple walking tests to more complex lab tests, you can measure the ability of your lungs and heart to support physical activity. Advertisement When considering which test is right for you, take into account each test's advantages and disadvantages, including accuracy, expense, ease of administration, equipment needed and skills needed to conduct the test....

A patient is talking to a pharmacist. Image Credit: Keith Brofsky/Photodisc/Getty Images Many medications have potential negative side effects. Depending on the type of medication, these can include changes in appetite, energy and activity level, metabolism and weight. Antidepressants are one class of medication that carries a risk of such changes. In particular, one type of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors – or SSRIs – seems to cause increased appetite and subsequent weight gain in many users, says Dr....

Vitamins will not affect menstruation. Image Credit: Ls9907/iStock/GettyImages An unpredictable menstrual cycle is not only inconvenient but also reason for worry. Many things can cause abnormal menstrual bleeding, but taking vitamins to regulate a menstrual cycle is not one of them. However, being deficient in vitamin D could cause irregular menstruation. Advertisement Tip Taking vitamins will not affect menstruation; however, a vitamin D deficiency may cause abnormal bleeding. Causes of Irregular Menstrual Bleeding Irregular menstrual bleeding is a broad term that encompasses any alteration in the normal menstrual cycle in relation to frequency, regularity, duration and volume of flow....

Abdominal pain can have a wide variety of causes. Image Credit: g-stockstudio/iStock/GettyImages “Where does it hurt?” is likely the first question your doctor will ask if you come in with pain on the right side under your ribs (abdominal pain). This simple question serves an important purpose because the location of your pain provides clues about possible causes. Pain in your upper right abdomen beneath your lower ribs often signals a problem with one of the organs in this area such as your gallbladder, liver, or right lung or kidney....

Eating wheat products like whole-grain bread can trigger symptoms for people with celiac disease or wheat allergy. Image Credit: ligora/iStock/GettyImages In This Article Malnutrition Dry Eye Swollen, Itchy, Watery Eyes Gluten is a protein found in certain grains. It can trigger symptoms for people with underlying conditions like celiac disease or a wheat allergy, including vision-related problems often referred to as "celiac eyes" or "gluten eyes." Advertisement Per the Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF), gluten is naturally found in grains like: Video of the Day Wheat Rye Semolina Spelt Farina Farro Barley Triticale Malt Brewer’s yeast Wheat starch...

You're more likely to wake up confused if you didn't get enough sleep. Image Credit: Rafael Ben-Ari/Photodisc/GettyImages In This Article Causes What to Do When You Wake Up Confused When to Talk to a Doctor You open your eyes and are in a total daze. Where are you? What's going on? And why don't you feel like yourself? Plenty of us have had an off morning where we wake up feeling confused or disoriented....

Veins are close to the surface of the skin and carry deoxygenated blood from tissues back to the heart. Although most women try to prevent bulging veins, especially varicose veins caused by damage and inflammation, men usually welcome them, for aesthetic reasons. Many bodybuilders and other athletes strive for bigger, stronger muscles and bulging veins. Increased vascularity is a visible sign that often implies hard work in the gym, strength and masculinity....

A competitive crew team is rowing. Image Credit: Comstock/Stockbyte/Getty Images In addition to regular training, consuming the proper caloric intake every day helps to boost your athletic performance. Often this caloric intake depends upon a number of factors, including gender, body type and size, activities performed and performance goals. At the most basic level, athletes need to eat at least 1,800 calories per day, according to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition Additional calories increase based on the activity performed....

Image Credit: Yulia_Davidovich/iStock/Getty Images Dr. Peter D'Adamo, a naturopathic physician, developed a diet based on blood types, which he describes in his book "Eat Right for Your Type." D'Adamo postulates that each blood type possesses inherent, genetically encoded characteristics that influence the type of diet best suited for the dieter. Based on this theory, each type -- A, B, AB or O blood types -- operates best on a different diet....

Don't forget to eat some of that fruit. Image Credit: NonChanon/iStock/Getty Images Fruits provide a variety of nutrients including vitamins A, C, K and the B-complex vitamins. These vitamins play several essential roles in the body and are vital for proper function. Health conditions may arise primarily due to deficiencies in one or more nutrients. The risk of vitamin C deficiencies may be higher in individuals who do not consume the recommended three to five servings of fruit each day....

Yams are higher in carbohydrates than root vegetable counterparts like sweet potatoes. Image Credit: Gilnature/iStock/GettyImages The holidays often include either a yam or sweet potato side dish, but either is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal any time of year. Yams are a type of dry, starchy root vegetable, or “tuber,” similar to the potato. Advertisement Tip Like many root vegetables, yams have a high carbohydrate count — between 22 and 42 grams per serving, depending on the type of yam....

Young woman drinking glass of water. Image Credit: Adam Gault/Photodisc/Getty Images The human body uses water for the functions that sustain life. This makes water one of the most essential nutrients your body needs. People can survival a considerable amount of time without food, but remarkably few days without drinking water. On average, you can expel up to 10 cups of water each day, according to nutrition specialist P. Kendall at Colorado State University Extension....