Exercising is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. We were made to move — it’s that simple. However, knowing what’s the best kind, the frequency, the duration, the time of day, etc., isn’t simple at all. This year, the most popular stories you read shed some light on what might work best for you.
Here, our 10 most-read fitness stories of the year, plus a bonus editor’s pick — taking it to 11. Cheers to a fit and happy 2020!
1. Why Your Weight Isn’t Budging Even Though You’re Exercising
It’s a common — and frustrating — phenomenon when you think you’re doing everything you can to lose weight but nothing’s happening. Here, we pinpoint seven culprits. (Some will surprise you!)
2. How Many Workouts Can You Miss Without Losing Progress
The quick answer is: It depends. The depressing answer: as early as 1 week. The reality is: Many factors are involved, including what your ultimate goal is.
3. The 4-Week Treadmill Training Plan
Using a rating of perceived exertion scale and this plan could make tremendous use of the machine most of us love to hate (but really love).
4. 5 Reasons to Use the Elliptical
While the elliptical might not be the most exciting piece of gym equipment, it is reliable and a good alternative to walking if you want to mix things up. Now, find out five more reasons to use the elliptical.
5. How to Know if You’re Losing Fat or Muscle
We all know muscle weighs more than fat, is more metabolically active and, well, being stronger is a nice side effect. So, when we’re striving to lose weight, we want to make sure we’re losing fat, not muscle.
6. Do You Need to Do Cardio to Lose Fat?
Speaking of losing fat, it turns out cardio isn’t the only way … (But it’s not the worst way, either.)
7. The Dos and Don’ts of Intermittent Fasting and Workouts
Intermittent fasting is really coming into the limelight. However, this method of restricting the timing of food consumption isn’t as easy as just watching the clock.
8. How Much Cardio Is Too Much?
While fewer than a quarter of Americans get the necessary amount of physical activity, there are people on the other extreme who work out too much. Here’s how to pinpoint the signs and try to work in a few recovery days to keep your body from breaking down.
9. Your 9-Minute Total-Body Bodyweight Workout
Try to say that 10 times fast, and consider it your warmup. If you have 10 minutes, you can do this workout, as well as others in the 9-minute workout series: Your 9-Minute Total-Body Resistance Band Workout, Your 9-Minute Bodyweight Core Workout, Your 9-Minute Total-Body Kettlebell Workout, Your 9-Minute Resistance Band Leg Workout
10. The Best Time of Day to Work Out Might Surprise You
Then again, it might not. Just don’t blame your circadian rhythm for everything.
11. Afterburn Explained (Yes You Burn Extra Calories After Certain Workouts)
Like money growing interest in the bank, burning more calories at rest after especially intense workouts is gratifying. Who doesn’t love a little extra credit?
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