Exercise

Analysis and Comment (15)

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Losing just 5% of your body weight is likely to improve your health. Image from shutterstock.com

You don’t have to be the biggest loser to achieve weight loss success

By Clare Collins, University of Newcastle

Weight-loss ads and television shows regularly profile people who have transformed their lives through major losses of 30 kilograms or more. These weight-loss ambassadors try to inspire us to do the same…
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Jane Fonda was wrong – you don’t need to “feel the burn” to reap the benefits of exercise. Image from shutterstock.com

Monday’s medical myth: no pain, no gain

By Peter Milburn, Griffith University

The value of regular physical activity to a person’s well-being is unequivocal. But how much exercise do we need to maintain health, improve fitness or lose weight? And where is the line between healthy…
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You know that one person who just has to beat you on every run? They could be doing you good. Sangudo

Second best is best – train with a stronger partner to stay motivated

By Rebecca Braham, University of Western Australia

A new study out of Michigan State University and published in the Annals of Behavioural Medicine could shed some light on how to manage our motivation to exercise – by training with people that are fitter…
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If you don’t have time for hours of exercise every week, short, intense efforts might work instead. Michael Lokner

Fast and furious: intensity is the key to health and fitness

By Nigel Stepto, Victoria University and Chris Shaw, Victoria University

Less than 40% of Australians achieve the minimum amount of physical activity recommended by government and professional organisations. This contributes to the fact 60% of Australians are overweight or…
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If you don’t change the way you run, ditching your sneakers is a recipe for injury. Steven at

Monday’s medical myth: run barefoot to prevent injuries

By Peter Milburn, Griffith University

The human species is one of the most efficient terrestrial animals. We adapted to run on dry riverbeds and grasslands, but development of modern society has strained the evolutionary process. Footwear…
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Study participants competing with a ghost cyclist used executive functions and showed better results. zilverbat'Flickr

Competing with ghost riders enhances benefits of exercise

By Harry McConnell, Griffith University

Research looking at ways of preventing cognitive decline in the elderly at the same time as improving their physical well being is still very new. But a study of exercise combining physical workout with…
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Your long-term weight loss success is dependant on both exercise and nutrition. Kenny Holston

Food v exercise: What makes the biggest difference in weight loss?

By Tim Crowe, Deakin University

Welcome to part four of The science behind weight loss, a Conversation series in which we separate the myths about dieting from the realities of exercise and nutrition. Here, Deakin University nutrition…
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Fad diets might give you short-term “results” but they’re unlikely to keep the weight off. Flickr/HTB

Diets and weight loss: separating facts from fiction

By Rosemary Stanton

Welcome to The science behind weight loss, a new Conversation series where we separate the myths about dieting from the realities of exercise and nutrition. In our first instalment, renowned nutritionist…
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Almost everyone can ride to work, and the health benefits are enormous. california cowgirl1

Better health is only a short bike ride away

By Robert Lockie, University of Newcastle

CYCLING IN AUSTRALIA: More than half of Australia’s population can be classified as overweight and obese. This statistic is alarming but some of the risk factors associated with obesity – such as poor…
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Excessive sitting increases your risk of chronic disease, even if you get enough exercise.

Sitting nine to five (and beyond): the perils of sedentary lifestyles

By David Dunstan, Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute

Whether it’s at work, in cars, watching TV or using the computer, there’s no denying many of us spend the majority of our days sitting. And while science is yet to prove conclusively that too much sitting…

Research and News (4)

Research Briefs (10)

Cyber exercise buddies

Michigan State University

The presence of a more capable virtual exercise partner can significantly boost women’s motivation by up to 100%. The results…

Participants (71)