7 surprising benefits of running

Running benefits you weren’t even aware of

We all know running is great for losing weight and boosting your fitness, but what about some of its lesser known benefits? From increased bedroom performance to being better at your job, here are seven of the most surprising benefits of running.

Improve your career

Want to improve your career prospects? Running is the answer. Research carried out at Rhode Island College found that exercise such as running boosts creativity and concentration by increasing brain activity for up to two hours after a workout. This means going out for a run in the morning really is the perfect start to the working day. A similar study into people in training for the New York Marathon found the planning and dedication required for running improve people’s ability to effectively set goals, organise their time, and stay disciplined.

Cure insomnia

If you have trouble getting enough sleep at night, running could be the solution you have been looking for. A study from Northwestern Medicine found that regular running can lessen and eventually cure insomnia. As well as helping people fall asleep faster, running also improves both length and quality of sleep. As you’d expect this is partly due to the tiring effects of running, but it also serves to relax muscles after the post-endorphin boost and helps to create more efficient energy levels amongst regular runners.

Alleviate depression

A review carried out at Harvard University concluded that cardiovascular exercise such as running can improve the mood of those with mild or moderate depression. This is because of the endorphins that are released when running, commonly referred to as the ‘runner’s high’. Even in cases of severe depression, exercise can be used as a training method to gradually alleviate the severity of the depression. This could even replace the need for the use of antidepressant drugs in cases where people respond particularly well to running.

Improve your joints

No doubt you’ll have heard that the high impact nature of running is bad for your joints, so you’ll be happy to hear the opposite is actually true. Although these injuries are common amongst runners, in the long run runners are in fact less likely to develop osteoarthritis in their joints. Weight loss associated with running is of course a big factor in this. However, running also helps to develop joint and muscle strength, and in the long run this helps to prevent the onset of osteoarthritis.

Improve your sex life

That’s right – running that extra lap could get your motor running in the bedroom as well. One reason for this sex life improvement the self-confidence developed by regularly running, in terms of both your body image and energy levels. Studies have backed this up. Research carried out by the Endocrine Society found that running can increase the production of testosterone in men, as well as decrease instances of hypogonadism, a condition linked to erectile dysfunction and a lowered sex drive. Libido also increases in men as a result of the weight loss caused by running, as a loss of abdominal fat means more blood is able to flow to the penis.

Slow ageing

There’s no miracle cure for growing older, but running certainly can slow the process down somewhat. Archives of Internal Medicine published a study which showed elderly people who regularly jogged were around half as likely to die prematurely from diseases such as cancer than those who didn’t run. As well as improvements in heart health, those in the study who were regular runners had healthier joints, were less likely to suffer from neurological diseases and infections. The older members of the study were only running for around 80 minutes a week, but this still left them better off than their sedentary counterparts.

Boost your immune system

Runners are generally less likely to become ill, suffer from viruses and infections, and take days off work due to illness. This is because of the immune system boosting effects of running. Running clears the lungs of airborne bacteria, halts the growth of bacteria through increased body temperature, and improves the circulation of protective cells throughout the body. However, overtraining can actually have the opposite effect on your immune system, so make sure you’re not overdoing it.

http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/7-surprising-benefits-of-running/

Healthy Vegetarian Recipes

Conchiglioni with roasted tomato sauce

Conchiglioni are basically enormous pasta shells — you can find them on the pasta shelf of most supermarkets. The conchiglioni and the tomatoes have a low glycaemic index, making the dish ideal for the night before a big workout. In fact, this is one of my favourite pre-race meals as it is so light on the stomach. The tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and B vitamins (niacin, riboflavin, magnesium, phosphorous and calcium) and are also a good source of fiber and the antioxidant lycopene (good for fighting disease). The cheese adds a little protein to the dish.

Read more…

Courgette pasta millefeuille with a tomato salad

Courgettes are delicious, easy to cook, low in calories with a good amount of vitamins A and C, plus folic acid and potassium. This is my healthy version of a millefeuille — a traditional cream cake available in patisseries in France made with layers of puff pastry and custard cream. We swap the layers of pastry with fresh lasagne sheets, and the custard cream with griddled courgettes, peppers, feta cheese and a basil dressing.

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Spaghetti with fresh herbs

Sometimes the simplest things are the best. In Italy, pasta with fresh herbs is cooked as a staple dish, rather like beans on toast in Britain! Not only is this one of the quickest dishes to make, it is great food for endurance: high in low G.I. carbohydrate, light on the stomach, plenty of vitamins from the herbs and garlic, plus a little protein from the cheese. Anchovies are really high in sodium, so adding these is a really good way of naturally increasing salt intake after a hot and sweaty workout. Good herbs to use are flat-leaf parsley, basil, chives, mint, marjoram, oregano ... whatever you can lay your hands on.

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Lebanese couscous salad with griddled vegetables and a spiced yoghurt sauce

We often make a large amount of this salad and keep it in the fridge to snack on when we train. It keeps for two to three days in the fridge and the flavors seem to improve over this time. It is not only packed with vitamins from the herbs and vegetables, but the couscous is a good low-fat, slow-burning carbohydrate. If you are planning to go to the gym after work, put a tub of this in your lunch box.

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Chickpea and flageolet bean soup

This soup is a meal itself, it is very easy to make and is great for endurance. Beans and pulses are a very healthy alternative low G.I. carbohydrate to rice, pasta and couscous. You can experiment with different types of bean — flageolet and chickpeas work well, but you might want to try butter beans or borlotti beans.

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Root vegetable winter broth

One thing that’s certain is that over the festive season we all eat a little bit out of the ordinary. With so many temptations it's not uncommon to consume double your normal-allocated calorie intake and then some (this is not an open challenge!)

My take on the classic broth uses a lot of seasonal root vegetables. Carbohydrate comes in the form of pearl barley (which can be replaced with brown rice) because this grain holds it’s firm texture really well. And the lean protein in the turkey also doesn't break down when re-heated. Start to finish, this low calorie but hearty and healthy broth takes less than an hour to prepare and cook. So hopefully this will kick start your healthy New Year.

Read more…

 

http://www.realbuzz.com/healthy-vegetarian-recipes/

5 golden tips for getting a medal-mind-set

How to gear yourself up for a gold

No matter what the sport or your ability, one of the most important aspects of competing in a sporting event or during your personal training, is to have the right frame of mind. The mind is a powerful thing and can often be the difference between an average attempt and a worthy win.  With these following tips, you’ll have a medal-mind-set worthy of the biggest sporting stars.

Visualise your goals

Some may find using their imagination a challenge, but having the ability to envisage goals, whether it’s a personal best or a gold medal, could help you achieve your sporting objectives. To help you do this, perhaps take a leaf out of Tennis pro Andy Murray’s book and visit the location of your competition or tournament before the event. Murray admits to sitting alone at Wimbledon’s famous Centre Court to reflect on past matches and think about his next tournament. Take a quiet moment at the race track or swimming pool to think about the end result you hope to attain; you could picture the trophy or medal, the cheering crowds, or simply a loved one’s face when they see you achieve a personal goal. Those running a marathon often think about a luxury they can enjoy post-race, such as a massage or cold beer.

Motivating music

Getting yourself pumped up to some rock, pop or even classical music before your race or competition could just give you the boost you need. Try listening to your favourite song while you train and then again before you compete – but make sure you choose a suitably goose bump-inducing, adrenaline-provoking tune to give you that medal-mind-set. You could even try walking onto the tennis court still wearing your headphones a la Andy Murray, or make like Dame Kelly Holmes who achieved double gold in 2004 to the sound of Alicia Keys. Some runners even use music to synchronise with their stride lengths, which studies have shown increases endurance by 15 per cent, with the power of music even proving to lower the perception of effort.

Focus your breathing

As simple as it may sound, focusing on your breathing could land you in the medal-mind-set you need in order to achieve your goals. Using a calming breathing method such as the yoga technique of pranayama, could centre your mind and help ease nerves, which will hopefully give you an edge when your sporting moment comes. To practice this ancient breathing technique, you must alternate which nostril you breathe in and out of, by blocking one nostril at a time with your thumb. Using this technique has been shown to steady the mind and strengthen willpower and focus, so it could just be the medal-mind-set method you need to adopt.

Develop your own ritual

It’s not unheard of for winning athletes to have their own unique routine which they rehearse each time they compete. Serena Williams ties her shoelaces a certain way before every tennis match and bounces the ball five times before her first serve and twice before her second; while footballer David James doesn’t speak to anyone before a match – if it can work for these successful sports personalities then it could work for you. Rituals can provide comfort and reassurance in times of stress, which is why heptathlon gold medallist Denise Lewis would lay every piece of her kit out the night before a competition. Find your own personal routine – just anything that feels ‘you’. Whether that’s, wearing a particular kit, reciting an inspirational quote, or eating chicken nuggets and watching TV like Usain Bolt, having a medal-mind-set is about what works for you as an individual. 

Keep your focus

Whether you’re competing in a swimming race, a sports day or a tennis tournament, it can be all too easy to let the pressures of those around you and the overall nerve-wracking atmosphere get the better of you. While it’s encouraging to hear your name being chanted in support, you may find that it’s a distraction when it comes to crunch time. Therefore, learning to focus your thoughts and concentration on a fixed thing might improve your mind-set. Sailing gold medallist Ben Ainslie describes how he busies himself before a race to prevent him from worrying and becoming distracted; this ‘tunnel vision’ approach he describes also involves avoiding talking to his rivals, as he doesn’t want emotion to get in the way. Cycling gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy uses a similar technique of focusing, by keeping his conscience in the here and now and honing in on the task in hand, rather than thinking too far ahead about future races

http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/5-golden-tips-for-getting-a-medal-mind-set/

10 sporting steps to becoming a winner

How to win at sporting events

Hands up if you want to be a loser... no? We didn’t think so. While it’s unlikely that you will win at sports 100 per cent of the time, there are some good ways to boost your chances of success.  If you’re looking to swap the wooden spoon for a gold medal, look no further. Here are ten sporting steps to becoming a winner:

How to be a winner 1: Physical preparation

What wouldn’t a sports man or woman give to be faster and more energised when it comes to sport? That extra tenth of a second really can be the difference between being crowned the champion or going home with the wooden spoon. Although it’s often underrated, training your body up to improve your overall physical fitness ahead of the big day is the golden rule to being a winner. No energy gel can make your body faster or more effective in sport than a good dose of physical preparation.

How to be a winner 2: Perfect your stretching techniques

It’s often thought that giving your hamstrings a good stretch is an extra step if you have a bit of extra time before or after your session; it’s all about the exercise, right? Wrong. Stretching is an important part of your routine, even if you’re not a high-performance athlete, because it reduces your risk of injury and improves your flexibility which, in turn improves your performance. When anxiety is high, the muscles tend to get tighter so it’s important to loosen them by stretching off to keep you calm and reduce your chances of injury.

How to be a winner 3: Think out of your comfort zone

Ever wondered how some sports competitors always seem to win whilst others seem to be there merely to make up the numbers? It’s because they don’t hope to win, they expect to win. Indeed, alongside technique it’s important to have a winning mindset too. The power of your subconscious mindset is so strong that truly believing you will win, no matter what the circumstances, will boost your chances of success.

How to be a winner 4: Nutrition for your body

Aiming to get the best performance out of your body when you don’t have a nutritious diet is like trying to run a vehicle with an empty tank of fuel; it will start off fine and eventually just cut out. The best way to maximise your chances of success in sport is by making sure you are well hydrated and nourished. Keep your energy and hydration at optimum levels by drinking eight pints of water a day and ensuring you have a nutritious diet.

How to be a winner 5: Make resting a ritual

It’s important to get tonnes of rest, especially when the big competition is approaching. Resting between training sessions allows your muscles to recover and your body to refuel, so it’s an integral part of your routine. Don’t be fooled into thinking that spending day and night training will give you a head-start because it will have the opposite effect. Find a healthy balance between training and rest, and you’re in good stead.

How to be a winner 6: Know the rules, inside and out

If you have a coach for the sport you play, make sure you listen to their advice. Take time to go over each rule he/she has given you, even if you feel like it’s a piece of advice that you won’t use. You never know what unexpected situations can crop up in the real game, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for all eventualities so you can pull something out of the bag last minute if your opposing team catch you off-guard.

How to be a winner 7: Seek expert advice

It’s always helpful to learn about professional sporting stars and their experiences. Whether you’re a world-class athlete or a novice, sharing tips and tricks with other athletes can be enlightening. You may learn a new trick that you never would have thought of. Of course, what works for one person may have the opposite effect for another, but it’s always worth trialling new techniques just in case you find one that works for you. Pick your favourite sports man or woman and research their techniques. What gets them motivated? How do they prepare for a match?

How to be a winner 8: Don’t use practice as a cop-out

Treat every single practice session as if it’s the real thing. If you’re lazy in the practice sessions, you won’t be physically or mentally prepared for the big day. Appoint a team mate or two to keep an eye on you during practice; if they think you aren’t stepping up to the mark then you have to keep going until you do. If you push yourself to your limits during practice, you can keep building on this and improve your performance to reach your goals.

How to be a winner 9: Determination

The key to winning is not giving up. No famous sporting star has got to where they are today without having to overcome a few hurdles along the way. If you keep losing, keep trying twice as hard. Keep determined and motivated and you will succeed.

How to be a winner 10: Enjoy the moment

Perhaps the most important part of winning when it comes to sport is enjoying it; why would you want to win a match when you don’t even enjoy the sport? Learning to truly embrace the moment will spur you on to achieve more. If you stress yourself out about winning, you will be full of negative energy and this will come through in the game and be picked up on by your team mates. There’s no point in excelling in something if you don’t enjoy it so go out there, give it your best shot, and enjoy the moment while it lasts. 

How to eat yourself beautiful

10 healthy foods to solve your beauty problems

Fed up of pricey skin creams, disappointing hair products and time-consuming beauty treatments? Then it’s time to eat yourself beautiful! Check out these 10 nutritious snacks that can solve your beauty problems.

Beauty problem: Weak or thinning hair

What to eat: Whole grains

Whole grains such as brown rice and oats are rich in essential B vitamins including biotin (B7), which can help alleviate hair loss and brittle hair. They are also a good source of silica, which can help reduce hair breakage, and zinc; an important hair nutrient which, in its deficiency, can lead to hair loss. Try to eat a variety of whole grains (opting for those that are as close to their natural state as possible) for healthy, strong and shiny hair.

Beauty problem: Dark under-eye circles

What to eat: Spinach

There are many causes of dark circles under the eyes, including heredity, tiredness and anaemia; however, one of the reasons for dark circles can be poor circulation. To address this cause and alleviate under-eye shadows, try to up your intake of vitamins K and C, which help to boost circulation and strengthen capillary walls. Dark, leafy greens such as spinach are good sources of these nutrients.

Beauty problem: Dry skin

What to eat: Nuts and seeds

Nuts and seeds are a great source of vitamin E, which can help the skin to retain its natural moisture levels and stay soft and hydrated. Opt for flaxseeds or walnuts for maximum skin benefits, as these are also rich in skin-saving omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to keep dry skin at bay.

Beauty problem: Stained teeth

What to eat: Crunchy fruit and vegetables

The most important steps for getting perfect white teeth are maintaining good oral health standards (brushing, flossing and regularly visiting the dentist) and cutting down on cigarettes and teeth-staining foods and drinks. However, following meals with crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, celery and carrots can also help to whiten teeth. The abrasiveness of these crunchy foods can help to give your teeth a post-meal clean, removing bacteria and lifting stains from your teeth.

Beauty problem: Chapped lips

What to eat: Yogurt and oatmeal smoothie

Cracked, flaky lips can affect us all from time to time, but if you find yourself suffering regularly from chapped lips it could be a sign of a B vitamin deficiency. The B vitamin complex help to nourish the skin and keep it healthy, so try increasing your intake of foods rich in B vitamins – such as yogurt and oats – to help keep chapped lips hydrated. Oats and yogurt are also good sources of zinc, which can help sore, cracked lips to heal more quickly.

Beauty problem: Under-eye bags

What to eat: Avocado

If you’re suffering from a puffy face or under-eye bags, it could be that you’re experiencing fluid retention. Luckily, this can be overcome through your diet by redressing your balance of sodium and potassium. Try cutting back on salt and increasing your intake of potassium-rich foods such as avocado. Avocado is also rich in healthy fatty acids which will help to keep the skin soft and supple and reduce inflammation.

Beauty problem: Wrinkles

What to eat: Oily fish

To help keep skin supple and wrinkle-free, make sure you are getting a sufficient amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help to keep skin nourished from within, preventing dehydration and dryness, and boost the skin’s collagen production, helping to prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. If you are not a fan of oily fish, other good sources of omega-3 include flaxseeds and walnuts.

Beauty problem: Acne

What to eat: Garlic

Garlic is not only a great heart-healthy superfood, it is also good for helping to keep skin clear and acne-free. With its natural antibiotic, blood cleansing, immune boosting and antibacterial properties, garlic can help to fight against the bacteria responsible for acne, while its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the swelling and inflammation.

Beauty problem: Pale complexion

What to eat: Shellfish

If you are suffering from pale, sallow skin, it could be that you are suffering from anaemia, which is caused by deficiencies in iron or vitamin B12. To alleviate this, try upping your intake of these nutrients by eating more seafood – in particular oysters – which contain high levels of both.

Beauty problem: Weak, brittle nails

What to eat: Egg yolk

Research has suggested that upping your intake of biotin (vitamin B7) can help to improve the firmness and strength of nails and reduce brittleness, while studies have also suggested that deficiencies in iron and zinc can lead to nail abnormalities. To strengthen your nails, try consuming more egg yolk-rich foods such as omelettes and pancakes, which are rich in these essential nutrients. Eggs are also a great source of protein, which is essential for healthy nail growth.

http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/how-to-eat-yourself-beautiful/#pagination-top
 

Why not try an extreme sport?

Extreme sports are not just for adrenaline junkies...

Extreme sports are about exhilaration, skill and an element of danger — so they are almost a total antidote to our safety-first world! However, all too often the risk of doing an extreme sport is overplayed — even though almost anyone can compete in them in relative safety.

We have selected a few of the most accessible extreme sports out there that may be well worth giving a go — no matter who you are! — and found out who they are suitable for and what risk factors there are. So, why not check out our extreme sport suggestions and take up an extreme challenge?

1. Kite surfing as an extreme sport
2. Mountaineering as an extreme sport
3. Caving as an extreme sport
4. Skydiving as an extreme sport
5. Surfing as an extreme sport
6. White water rafting as an extreme sport
7. Scuba diving as an extreme sport
8. Wakeboarding as an extreme sport
9. Mountainboarding as an extreme sport

Whatever adrenaline sports event take your fancy, take a look at our charity adrenaline sport listings to find an event to give you your thrills.
http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/why-not-try-an-extreme-sport/

The health and fitness benefits of sport

How sport can enrich your life, whatever your age or ability

Playing sports generally is good for your health. We've compiled a quickfire list of the many healthy and fitness benefits from being involved in playing sports.

For most people, taking part in sport improves your general health and wellbeing. There are plenty of reasons why you should become involved in sport with reduced body fat, bone strengthening, improved stamina and flexibility being some of the reasons why you should take up a sport.

The following are just some of the many health and fitness benefits of starting out in a new sport ...

• Playing sports helps reduce body fat or controls your bodyweight.
• Through sports you will meet people with a similar interest to yourself and are likely to gain many new friends.
• Sports allow you will gain the satisfaction of developing your fitness and skills.
• Sports can help you fight depression and anxiety.
• Sports allows you tochallenge yourself and set goals.
• Playing sports helpes strengthen bones.
• Sports help aid coordination, balance and flexibility.
• Many sports can help improves stamina and concentration.
• If you are sporty then you are more likely to have a healthy lifestyle.
• Sports allow you to experience the highs and lows of both winning and losing!

If you are tempted to take up a new sport why not check out our sports section and find a sport to suit you.

http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/the-health-and-fitness-benefits-of-sport/

Sport for all

Get active and involved in sport

Sport is accessible to all regardless of ability. If you look closely enough there will be sports clubs to cater for you, even if you are a complete novice. The health benefits of participation in sport are obvious, so it's time to get active and get into sport!

Finding time for exercise can be difficult. Too many of us get set in our ways, with a routine that involves coming in from work or school and then slouching in front of the TV — breaking that cycle of inactivity is not easy!
Most of us are aware of the health benefits that actively being involved in sport brings, but there are also the social benefits, with membership of a club bringing us new friends and improving our self worth.
The idea of throwing yourself in at the deep end is a scary one, but don’t forget, you are not the first beginner that a club will have seen. Everyone has to start somewhere! Even the world's best in any sport were once novices.

Play sport regardless of age

Most sports are open to all, regardless of age. Okay, we’re not going to kid ourselves that if we are of a more 'mature' age that we are always going to be able to compete successfully against a fitter and younger person, but in some sports a little bit of maturity goes a long way.
If you are young, then now really is the time to get involved. How many people have taken to a sport in later life, only to wish they had started it when they were younger? The advice is: try out as many sports as you can until you find the one or few that you think really are for you.
For those who are older the advice is: just give it a go! What is there to lose? You may try something and find that it's not for you, but what have you lost? The flipside is that you may find a sport that you love and wonder why you never tried it in the first place.

Play for the love of the sport

Not all sports are about competition. Many people participate for the love of the sport or just to be involved with other people, regardless of whether they win, lose or draw.
It may just be a case of wanting to improve their own standards for their own enjoyment, or just to be in the thick of the ac
tion. If you used to be involved in a sport that you really enjoyed, but dropped it due to other commitments, now might just be the right time to give it a go again.

Degree of fitness

The idea that everyone involved in sport is a sculpted Adonis is one that puts many people off getting involved. Dismiss that notion immediately! Any decent club will cater for participants of all abilities and fitness levels, and tailor a plan to improve both over time, while many of the more experienced participants are only too keen to pass on the benefit of their experience. There is no better ego boost to them than helping you on your way! But are you fit to train?
Don’t worry if you are not particularly fit or are carrying some excess weight. If your goal is to get fit, then you will get there provided you show the right dedication, and if the sport is one that you enjoy, then motivation will be no problem. How many people do you see running in the local park who are there week-in week-out regardless of the weather? Many of those are far from perfect specimens!

Where to start if I’m not particularly fit?

What if you have been largely inactive for several years and consider yourself out of shape and are worried about suddenly starting a sport? A good place to start would be walking. Walking costs nothing, and can be fitted into our daily lives, simply by walking to work, walking to the shops or just getting off the bus a stop or two earlier. Every minute you walk is believed to add between one-and-a-half to two minutes to your life.
Over time, you can gradually increase the speed or distance of your walks. Once you’ve improved your general fitness, you may find yourself ready to tackle a more challenging sport.
Other sports don’t require a particularly high degree of physical fitness, but require mental fitness which we all have and are able to improve.

Accessibility of sports

Many sports are accessible to all. You need only look at the success of the Paralympic Games to see that a disability is not a bar to getting involved.
More and more clubs are getting tuned into the need to open up their sports to everyone, including those with disabilities. Certain sports such as judo, because of the close contact involved, can see blind or partially sighted people able to compete equally with sighted people. Another example is fencing which allows disabled people to compete against fully able-bodied fencers.

Cost of starting out in a sport

The cost of a sport is rarely a bar to getting involved. Obviously some sports such as sailing, golf, or horse riding may require a significant initial outlay if you want to buy all the kit, but there are still taster sessions for these sports to be found to try before you buy!
There are many initiatives, particularly for the young, whereby subsidized sessions make it possible to have a go without having to shell out for any equipment initially. Most clubs will have equipment for hire or even free of charge, and then will be able to advise on what to buy if you find you get a taste for a particular sport.

The final word on getting started in sport

There is a sport out there for all of us, the only thing stopping you having a go is you. Try to think what your goals are — whether it is to improve fitness, aiming for competitions, gaining competence in sport, or just enjoying yourself — and think what you realistically could do.
If you are not particularly confident or a bit wary about going along alone to give a sport a try, then participate in sport or exercise with a friend. At the very least you will both probably have a laugh at each other’s initial efforts! Then, if you both get a bug for the sport, it will be easy to keep it up with both of you encouraging one another.
Being involved will not only improve your health, but will also make you feel better about yourself, and bring you into contact with people you probably would never

http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/sport-for-all/#pagination-top

The health and fitness benefits of sport

How sport can enrich your life, whatever your age or ability

Playing sports generally is good for your health. We've compiled a quickfire list of the many healthy and fitness benefits from being involved in playing sports.

For most people, taking part in sport improves your general health and wellbeing. There are plenty of reasons why you should become involved in sport with reduced body fat, bone strengthening, improved stamina and flexibility being some of the reasons why you should take up a sport.

The following are just some of the many health and fitness benefits of starting out in a new sport ...

• Playing sports helps reduce body fat or controls your bodyweight.
• Through sports you will meet people with a similar interest to yourself and are likely to gain many new friends.
• Sports allow you will gain the satisfaction of developing your fitness and skills.
• Sports can help you fight depression and anxiety.
• Sports allows you tochallenge yourself and set goals.
• Playing sports helpes strengthen bones.
• Sports help aid coordination, balance and flexibility.
• Many sports can help improves stamina and concentration.
• If you are sporty then you are more likely to have a healthy lifestyle.
• Sports allow you to experience the highs and lows of both winning and losing!

If you are tempted to take up a new sport why not check out our sports section and find a sport to suit you.

http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/the-health-and-fitness-benefits-of-sport/

Sexual Health

From how to use condoms to sex tips and bedroom mistakes, find out about men's sexual health.

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Sooner or later, most men have some sort of concern related to their sex life. But are you worrying about things you don’t need to be? Take this quiz to throw back the covers and expose the truth.

Is My Penis Too Small?

Micropenis, Inconspicuous Penis Less Common Than Small Penis Syndrome

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Surprising Turn-Ons for Women

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http://www.webmd.com/men/guide/mens-health-fitness

Mens Health: Looking Your Best

There’s nothing unmanly about wanting to look good. Get the latest on grooming, skin care, and treatments for thinning hair.

Skin and Hair

Plastic Surgery for Men

Generally speaking, you are a good candidate for cosmetic surgery if you are close to your ideal body weight, a nonsmoker, and are emotionally and socially in good shape.

Guy Buys: Grooming Essentials for Men

Some guys might not be willing to admit it, but men need to pamper their skin and hair. WebMD asked Paul M. Friedman, MD, director of the Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston, for his top product picks.

Men's Hair Loss: Treatments and Solutions

About 85% of men will have significant hair thinning by the time they're 50, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Some men begin to lose their hair before they even turn 21.

Slideshow: Embarrassing Male Body Problems

Belly fat, back hair, drenching sweat, a bright red nose -- these top WebMD's list of body problems that plague men. Pictures help explain the causes and solutions.

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Acne in Men

Most men who have acne as teenagers will outgrow the condition. But some men will still have severe acne decades later.

http://www.webmd.com/men/guide/mens-health-look-your-best

Health Concerns-Men’s Health Conditions - From head to toe, learn about men's top health threats.

Men’s Health Conditions

Rectal & Colon Cancer in Men

Overall, only about 6% of men in the U.S. develop colorectal cancer, but several factors increase your risk.

Urinary Incontinence Products for Men

Lots of men hate the idea of using incontinence products -- the so-called adult diapers, urine collection bags, and catheters. But if you're having a problem with male incontinence, these products can really help.

Urinary Incontinence and Men: Tips for Coping Day to Day

If you're a male who's dealing with urinary incontinence, you definitely need to get medical help. But while you and your doctor are figuring out how to solve the problem, there are things you can do on your own that might improve your symptoms.

What Every Man Needs to Know About Strokes

Strokes are the fourth leading cause of death in men, yet most guys can't name one stroke symptom. Here's how to recognize and prevent them.

Diabetes in Men

After years of warning about an epidemic of diabetes, researchers are beginning to see clear signs that it's underway.

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High Blood Pressure in Men

Typically, blood pressure increases with age. Risk of high blood pressure begins to climb when men hit 45, although it can occur in younger men.

Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest in Men

You might assume that a heart attack or cardiac arrest is something you only need to worry about when you're older. But sad to say, heart problems are all too common in younger men.

Lung Cancer in Men

Still the leader in cancer deaths, lung cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers. Here's what men need to know to prevent lung cancer.

High Cholesterol in Men

High cholesterol, also called hypercholesteremia, puts men at increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.

Slideshow: Essential Screening Tests Every Man Needs

Getting the right screening test at the right time is one of the most important things a man can do for his health.

Male Menopause

Women may not be the only ones who suffer the effects of changing hormones. Some doctors are noticing that their male patients are reporting some of the same symptoms that women experience in perimenopause and menopause.

Healthy Living Tips

Health Tips for Men in Their 40s & 50s

WebMD offers simple health pointers for men in their 40s and 50s that can help them stay strong and healthy for a lifetime.

Health Tips for Men in Their 60s and Up

WebMD offers simple health tips for men 60 and over for staying healthy and strong for a lifetime.

Manly Myths Quiz: The Truth About Men’s Health

Think you know the difference between myth and reality when it comes to men’s health issues? Take this WebMD quiz and find out.

Men and Anger Management

Anger can be an underlying cause of mental health issues. Learn about the dangers of suppressed anger and steps toward managing anger.

For Men Only: 15 Ways to Stay On Top of Your Game

Get tips for acting, looking, and feeling your best.

Sexual Problems and Treatments

Sexual Problems in Men

A sexual problem, or sexual dysfunction, refers to a problem during any phase of the sexual response cycle that prevents the man or couple from experiencing satisfaction from the activity.

Chordee

In chordee, the penis usually curves downward. The urinary opening may be on the underside of the penis (hypospadias). Surgery can usually correct chordee.

Prostate Problems

For such a little gland, the prostate seems to cause a lot of concern. Like a troubled, war-torn country, it's in the news all the time and something always seems to be going wrong there, but you don't really know where it is or why it's important.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is often described as an infection of the prostate. It can also be an inflammation with no sign of infection.

Enlarged Prostate Treatments

Symptoms and the need for treatment vary with each man's enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Testicular Examination and Testicular Self-Examination (TSE)

Testicular examination and testicular self-examination (TSE) are two different methods to detect lumps or abnormalities of the testicles.

Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy Right for You?

Many aging men with low testosterone report improved energy levels, sex drive, and mood after testosterone treatment. If testosterone is low, why not replace it?

Blood in Semen (Hematospermia)

Seeing blood in the semen can make a man anxious. Fortunately, it doesn't always signal a major medical problem.

Testicular Disease

They may be rare, but testicular diseases can be a pain and in some cases even life threatening if you don't recognize them and do something about them early.

Enlarged Prostate and Prostate Surgery

While medications help many men with an enlarged prostate -- also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) -- they may not always be effective in relieving symptoms.

 

http://www.webmd.com/men/guide/mens-health-sex-intimacy

How to Lose Weight at Home - Practical Steps

Fix attainable goals
Having decided to shed those extra pounds, you need to fix some goals that are achievable. Setting a few goals helps taking remedial measures, should you go wrong any time.
Have smaller meals
Instead of eating 3 large meals a day, opt to eat regularly throughout the day. Having 5 or 6 smaller meals can actually help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism naturally.
Have fruits
Fruits have a low-calorie content and they provide energy in abundance. They contain antioxidants and vitamins, which keep your body healthy. They make a natural food for losing weight.
Drink plenty of water
It is important to keep your body hydrated when trying to lose weight. The recommended amount is eight glasses of water daily. This natural drink boosts the metabolism, speeds up weight loss, while keeping you energized. The consumption of water flushes out toxins from your body and that helps losing weight.
Move around
An easy and natural way to losing weight at home is to remain more active. Other than that, regular exercise is important to lose weight. Simply going out for walks can significantly assist the process of weight loss. Exercising enables you to burn fat, and enhances your general level of fitness and the circulation of blood.
Have some simple workout tools at home
The best way to motivate you to follow a scheduled routine of daily exercising is to keep simple tools like yoga mat and dumbbells at home. Keep these tools at a place where you can see them often and thus get reminded to exercise. A very helpful trick to lose weight is to go up the stairs and avoid taking an elevator. Likewise, you may park your car a few blocks away from your home and walk that distance. Going up and down the stairs for fifteen minutes can help burning 105 calories.
Exercising without the aid of any equipment
You need not necessarily have some tools for exercising at home. Here are a few simple exercises that do not require any special tools:
Jumping Jacks: It's always fun to indulge in this physical activity, as it reminds you of your childhood. They have proven to be excellent cardio exercises. You'll also find them good for getting warmed up.
Push-ups: Most people won't prefer them, as they find them quite hard, but you can devise easier ways of doing them. You may perform such exercises in a manner that makes you feel comfortable. For instance, you may use your knees rather than keeping straight legs. Or, you may stand against a wall. That way you strengthen the arms and work out the muscles in and around the chest.
Leg lifts: When you want your legs to have strong muscles, leg lifts are superb. In case you find it tough to exercise with straight legs, you may bend them slightly.
Crunches: This is an excellent way to build and strengthen your abdominal muscles. During the initial phase, don't bother to get your head up totally. Gradually, over a period of time, you'll be able to do it without much difficulty.
Jogging at home: Jogging has been discovered to be among the best exercises for the heart. You may jog in place at home while listening to music, or even while watching TV. Just take care to put on a good pair of shoes to avoid any stress on your legs.
Squats: Squats are great for exercising your buttocks and legs. Initially, if you find them to be very difficult, you may stand up and sit down on a normal chair. Once you make a beginning, you'll realize that you can more repetitions without any external assistance.

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