- Source: 6 Fitness Lessons Learned This Year
We've already highlighted the best diet tips of the year, but we've learned just as much about how we exert our bodies. Here are a few of the biggest fitness news items of the year.
- Instant metabolism boost: Want to increase your body's fat-burning potential? It only takes an hour of exercise to change your body's DNA to increase your metabolism, a new study said. In fact, the effects can be seen in as little as 20 minutes - good to remember the next time you're slogging away on the treadmill.
- One-minute intervals: Here's another reason to love those high-intensity intervals: a study found that just one minute of high-intensity intervals followed by one minute of rest, for a total of 20 minutes, can increase your energy, regulate your blood sugar, and increase your body's oxygen production. It doesn't take much to keep your body healthy, so take a minute to sprint, up the resistance on your indoor bike, or just stop and do jumping
- Source: 4 Quick Ways to Boost Your Energy - Without Coffee!
The holiday season can fight against the body's natural desire to relax and hibernate. But instead of putting on another pot of coffee - or worse, a sugary soda or energy drink! - try one of these quick techniques to boost your energy level naturally.
- Break for it: When feeling tired or overwhelmed, sometimes all you really need is a quick break. But you don't need to head outside for a lengthy walk - especially when it's so cold outside. Whether you simply close your eyes to get a break from the screen or take a walk around your office building, taking a time-out will keep you feeling more productive and centered.
- Tap your thymus: For an instant boost of energy, Marian Buck-Murray, a nutrition coach and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) practitioner, recommends tapping your thymus with your fingertips for 20 seconds, slowly breathing in and out. "Your thymus is located at center top of your chest, below the collar
- By Colleen Moody
Jemal Countess/Getty Images
Trying to hit the gym more frequently? We've got just the inspiration. Take a look at which A-listers made our fit list for having the best arms, legs, abs, and more in 2012.
Related: The Best Celebrity Makeovers
Best Revenge Body: Katie Holmes
This Broadway star and overall badass mama keeps her shape in check with frequent Soul Cycle classes -- a FITNESS editor favorite! She was even spotted at a class on her 32nd birthday. Now that's dedication.
Runner-up: Katy Perry
Best Legs: Blake Lively
Good genes, yes. But those long and lean stems are the result of hard work, too! The bombshell perfects squat jumps and lunges to keep her gams looking great. Now if only we could forgive her for taking Ryan Reynolds off the market....
Runner-up: Heidi Klum
Best Arms: Michelle Obama
In what many considered to be a risky move, the First Lady donned a sleeveless dress at the Democratic National Convention this year, sparking quite a buzz. But really, with biceps like those ca...Read More » 
Here are the top secret things slim people do during the holidays.
By Michael Roizen, MD
If your waistband gets tighter with every holiday party, give yourself a traffic ticket -- for speed eating. It's tempting to blame your aunt's famous triple-chocolate rum balls and that box of sugar cookies in the office coffee room for seasonal waist gain, but a compelling Greek study suggests that how fast you eat may be as important as what you put on your plate (or eat right out of the bag, carton or box).
The secrets to eating mindfully
Researchers already know that speed eaters are twice as likely to be overweight as those munching leisurely. Now they know why: Scarfing down food faster than a mini-vac reduces the release of appetite-regulating hormones into your bloodstream. These chemicals normally tell your brain to get your hand out of those sugar cookies, pronto. You need them more than ever during the all-you-can-eat buffet that stretches from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day. Yes, the time of year that makes 90 percent of us gain anywhere f
...Read More »- By Mindy Walker
Brian Klutch/Fitness Magazine
Find out how to tap into your inner workout drive (yes, you do have one!) with our customized get-up-and-go plan.
Related: 10 New Rules of Fitness
1. You've been exercising...
A. Only since your sister-in-law was diagnosed with heart disease -- at 40. That's way too close to your age!
B. Regularly, since you tried your gym's popular boot camp class.
C. Like crazy before swimsuit season, intermittently the rest of the year.
D. Forever. Exercise has always been a part of your life.
2. Which situation most closely describes your ideal workout?
A. A session on the elliptical or treadmill, during which you monitor your heart rate, miles covered, and calories burned.
B. Playing soccer on a Saturday morning or walking with a friend.
C. Alone in your living room, doing a body-sculpting DVD.
D. Kickboxing class, to release stress and tension.
3. Warming up for your routine, you...
A. Sneak a peek at the Pilates class at the gym. You've heard that core-strengthening can help you...Read More »
