ActivAided Blog

Stronger Together: Try a Group Fitness Class!

It can be tough to stick to your fitness goals on your own. Waking up at the crack of dawn, dragging yourself to the gym, losing interest in your routine…this isn’t exactly what you expected when you first made those New Year’s resolutions. If you are getting bored with exercising alone, group classes could be a great solution. They offer safe and effectively designed workouts for people of all ages and fitness levels, and the social motivation to come back…

Understanding the Human Spine

When people imagine the spine, they often see it as one continuous structure, when in reality, the spine is an incredibly complex grouping of intricate pieces. For people with back pain, it can be difficult to know exactly which piece is causing issues. Back pain doesn’t happen in isolation -- there is always a reason behind it. Whether you’re putting too much stress on a particular part of your back or experiencing muscle pain, it can save you both time…

Guide to the Biggest U.S. Marathons

Running a marathon is about more than just crossing the finish line. Training for a 26.2-mile run can help increase your endurance, strengthen your heart, and build muscle. The training process can also reduce stress by producing endorphins. The experience of training and completing a marathon simply can’t be beat: not only will you get in great shape, but it can also be an opportunity to support a charity, get out of your comfort zone, make friends, and inspire your…

Learn the Basics: Fitness Tips for New Athletes

Every year, millions of Americans resolve to improve their health by committing to new fitness regimens for the New Year. As tempting (and admirable) as it is to jump into a new routine head first, there are some very basic principles that any beginner athlete should stick to in order to avoid injury, stave off burnout, and get the most out of that new outlook. The following are our tips for new athletes: Start Small As we wrote last week,…

How to Set Fitness Goals You Can Actually Achieve

With 2015 finally here, fitness enthusiasts and regular folk alike are setting resolutions and goals for the new year. And yes, starting off the year with clear goals that promote good health is a great way to foster a positive mindset and general wellness for the next 12 months and beyond. However, it can be tempting (and very common!) to "overshoot" and set goals that might not be entirely realistic. Completing three triathlons in a year might sound like a…

Get on Your Feet: Be a Tourist at Home

Pittsburgh is a city filled with history, and with so many people moving here from out of town these days, many residents don’t know much about its past and role in American history. There are many “big tourist attractions” that we love seeing when our friends come to visit and when they don’t! The following are some of our  favorites for good fitness year round. Ice Skating at PPG ‘Tis the season for ice skating around the Christmas tree at…

Tips for Eating and Exercising When Sick

Flu season is here. Should you be sweating or resting when you’re sick? Many people try to keep up their normal daily routine when they are sick. However, you may want to put the brakes on working out and eating your normal diet if you’re not feeling well. When you’re sick, your body needs certain nutrients and lots of rest to boost your immune system in order to help you get healthier faster. But where exactly do you draw the…

How to Stay Active This Winter

Staying active in the cold weather might sound like an oxymoron to some. Exercising outside is often impractical, and working out inside can be a bore. But don’t stop exercising! Consistent exercise can actually help you clear those wintertime blues and boost your energy levels, so there will be fewer days when all you want to do is snuggle up under a blanket next to a fire. Keep Your Eye on the Prize Just because it’s winter and not marathon…

Keep Fitness in Mind with Gadget Gifts

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday may be over, but that doesn’t mean holiday shopping has ended. There is still time to find the perfect gifts for those in your life. What better way to keep fitness in mind this holiday season than by stocking up on fitness gadget gifts this holiday season? The tech and fitness industries have stepped up their game since those “cool” pedometers your mom used to wear on her belt buckle first came…

Season’s Eatings: Staying Fit Through the Holidays

You may have just survived Thanksgiving, but the holiday season is only beginning. This season seems to get longer every year and is full of food, fun, family, and friends. But it can also be detrimental to your waistline and metabolism. Despite the wonderful foods and treats your loved ones put in front of you, it is important now more than ever to remember to stay in shape and keep up your exercise routine. While in reality the average weight…

Tips for Race Day

Training for a race takes a lot of time, but all your efforts can disappear in the days leading up to the event if you don’t maintain your commitment level. You must prepare yourself for races and even a casual 5K both mentally and physically. Invite your friends and family to come cheer you on at the race, as you’ll need a good support team to give you something to look forward to at the end of the race --…