Exercise

​If you suffer from depression, you've likely been advised to get plenty of exercise. Scientists have now gained a fresh understanding of how being active helps alleviate the condition, and they believe that their findings could lead to better treatments.

Scientists from Taiwan are suggesting not all exercise is equal when it comes to those with a genetic propensity for obesity trying to lose weight. The study concluded jogging was better for weight loss than either swimming or cycling in those subjects with a genetic predisposition for obesity.

Two new studies affirm the potential for a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of age-related dementia and cognitive decline. The research particularly suggests lifestyle factors can counteract genetic predispositions for Alzheimer’s disease.

​When women are experiencing primary dysmenorrhea (better known as period pain), usually the last thing that they feel like doing is getting up and exercising. According to a new first-of-its-kind study, however, doing so may be exactly what's needed to reduce the discomfort.

We know exercise is beneficial for brain health but exactly how it confers cognitive enhancements is not entirely clear. Compelling new research has discovered a single session of exercise can enhance the expression of a gene that promotes synaptic growth in the hippocampus.

A study has found increased volumes of a certain species of gut bacteria in marathon runners following the completion of an event. This species was found to metabolize exercise-induced lactate into propionate, a compound that may increase exercise capacity.

Wearable health-monitors are everywhere, from Fitbits for the health conscious to continuous glucose monitors for diabetics, but most are limited in what they can tell us, and there are issues around accuracy, calibration and reliability. Researchers in Sweden are working to change that.

By learning new ways to control the body's natural protein-disposal mechanisms, scientists hope to uncover new treatments for a host of degenerative diseases, and they’ve just discovered some new levers in the form of fluctuating hormone levels triggered by exercise and fasting.​

One of the most frustrating things about exercise is how easily progress can be undone, but maybe not all is lost after all. Researchers have now found that muscles keep their nuclei from past growth, which makes it easier to rebuild later after a period of inactivity.

A rigorous new study has confidently suggested a strong causal connection between higher levels of physical activity and reduced risk of depression. The novel and comprehensive genetic study is the first to empirically suggest that exercise can actively prevent, or reduce, symptoms of depression.

​You may not give your grip strength much thought, but it's important for many daily tasks, and for lessening the chances of developing repetitive strain injury. A new "smart" squeezable stress ball is intended to help you build that strength – and the device is known as Squegg.

A new study has revealed a compelling link between a hormone released during exercise and the prevention of neurodegeneration seen in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. The research suggests the exercise-induced hormone irisin may improve brain plasticity and memory.