Lower your risk of depression, improve cognitive function, reduce fatigue, spark creativity, drive blood flow, among other things
It might surprise you to hear that something as simple as walking can improve your brainpower. It doesn’t even have to be full-on power walking. Even a 20- or 30-minute walk during your lunch break can have a positive impact on your brain. Walking also reduces your stress and improves your overall sense of well-being.…
Athletes can find opportunities amid the challenge of cancelled sporting events, say U of A master's student and sport psychology researcher
From the Olympics to rec leagues, in 2020 sporting events all over the world were cancelled due to COVID-19. But as athletes move on from the cancellations, many are seeking out the opportunities in the unprecedented. Lack of competition changed the way ultramarathoner Sara Szabo approached her sport this year. She transitioned from competing against…
Popular but unqualified ‘fitness professionals’ could be promoting misinformation and unhealthy behaviour, says U of A researcher
The vast majority of exercise bloggers aren’t qualified to give the advice they’re giving, according to a University of Alberta study. The study suggests this lack of certification could contribute to misinformation and unhealthy behaviour, especially since the pandemic has pushed many online for guidance with their fitness goals. “We looked at some of the…
Regardless of your age, abilities or lifestyle, you can benefit from a low-cardio seated elliptical workout
It’s always smart to inject a little more physical activity into our lives, regardless of where we are on our fitness journey. But sometimes we lack the time or energy for that much-needed workout. The good news is the solution, Cubii Jr., can sit right under your feet. Cubii Jr. is a compact elliptical trainer…
University of Alberta-led team develops synthetic molecule that stops production of toxic muscle-killing protein
Researchers have designed a potential new treatment for one of the most common forms of muscular dystrophy, according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Toshifumi Yokota, professor of medical genetics at the University of Alberta, led a team from Canada and the U.S. to create and test…
ParticipACTION report shows children aren’t moving enough; families need help supporting healthy behaviour
Canadian children and youth were given a failing grade for overall 24-hour movement and the slimmest of passes for overall physical activity by the most comprehensive assessment of child and youth physical activity. The 2020 ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth was informed by research and expertise from movement researchers across Canada,…
Researchers find that staying active has physical and mental health benefits for mothers and children
New moms and moms-to-be have an increased likelihood of maternal depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to preliminary research from one of two University of Alberta studies. The studies looked at the toll isolation measures are having on physical activity levels at the earliest stages of life. Margie Davenport, a pregnancy and exercise…
U of A medical researchers recommend rheumatic drugs, exercise to boost immune-regulating ‘natural killer’ cells
Rheumatologists at the University of Alberta are flagging similarities between the deaths of some COVID-19 patients and those with rheumatic illnesses. They are testing proven rheumatic treatments to see whether they help against the pandemic virus. A substantial proportion of COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care die of pneumonia due to a cytokine storm, where…
We’re living proof that people are naturally active and creative, when given the time. COVID-19 has given many of us that time
The COVID-19 crisis has been a challenge for many of us. We’re used to interacting freely and going where we want to go. Now many of us are forced to work from home and others are not able to work at all. Our movement is limited, we have to practise social distancing and we’re constantly…
Walking has helped me become more fit, productive and happy, and I’ve met some great people along the way
For a dedicated athlete, or even an active 20-something, taking a minimum of 10,000 steps a day for more than two and a half years might seem like a a walk in the park. For someone like me, three decades older, with ancient injuries and a lot more wear and tear on the body, walking…