Even if you snored your way through physics class, once you realize that all those textbook equations can be used to sculpt a phenomenal physique, science suddenly becomes sooo much more interesting!

Your body is a highly technical machine, governed by the same laws of science and principles of physics that make an apple drop from a tree or a seesaw teeter up and down. With simple tweaks to your fitness routine--like how you position your hands and feet during an exercise--you can get better results in less time. (Here's how: Use any of the Body-Shaping Routines in our Big Book of 15-Minute Workouts) The best part? You don't have to be Sir Isaac Newton to ace this lesson. Here, five simple concepts to put into motion.


1. Shake It Up Ever wonder why a single-leg squat is so much harder than a regular one? It's the biomechanics of stability. The less an object's surface area (in this case, your feet) touches a solid base (the floor), the less stable the object is, says Stephen Stanley,

...Read More »

Getting ready in the morning doesn't need to be stressful when you can count on a quick and simple routine - and stick with it day after day. A little planning can help you get every day off on the right start; you'll have plenty of time to de-stress and even eat breakfast in the morning. Getting into a new routine shouldn't take longer than a couple of weeks, and you can adopt some healthy lifestyle habits that will benefit you in more ways than one.

Use this guide to take care of your morning routine in 30 minutes or less:

Wake up and stretch - 2 minutes

Get your day off on the right start with a quick stretching session right after you wake up. This is a great way to increase blood circulation and treat your mind and body to a good dose of fresh oxygen. You'll feel more grounded and ready to take on that stressful morning after this quick pick-me-up.

Take a shower and get dressed - 10 minutes

Jump in the shower and revitalize your skin with a moisture-enriched show

...Read More »

By Ethan Boldt

If you've stopped getting results from your strength-training routine, it's time to shake things up. Pick any of these five simple strategies to wake up your muscles.

Related: 5 Exercises for Stronger Arms Fast

1. Move Quickly from Upper to Lower Body
Alternate upper- and lower-body exercises without rest in between to up your caloric burn exponentially, says celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson, whose clients include Jennifer Lopez. Moving quickly from biceps curls to squats, for example, can raise your heart rate by forcing blood to shunt from your arms to your legs. Work this technique into your routine once a week.

2. Drop the Weight
Squeeze every ounce of effort out of your muscles with drop sets, says Mark Jenkins, owner of International Fitness in New York City. This technique recruits more muscle fibers for faster results. Start with a weight heavy enough to fatigue muscles in 10 reps. Use a slightly lighter weight for a second set. Then go even lighter for a th

...Read More »

Full and half marathons have been gaining in popularity, and not just because of the health benefits of running. Where else do thousands of people-elite athletes and beginners-come together to challenge themselves both physically and mentally? From The Chi Marathon: The Breakthrough Natural Running Program for a Pain-Free Half Marathon and Marathon by Danny Dreyer and Katherine Dreyer.

Like an art museum or a symphony, a marathon is a great place to go when you want to feel good about the potential of the human race. Whether you cheer a friend on from the sidelines, volunteer at an aid station, or run the event yourself, you get to witness and experience a side of humankind that is both elemental and exalted. I love being at marathon events because of the singular connection of spirit that bonds everyone. It's manifested as the innate drive to evolve, to better oneself-to be that bridge between heaven and earth, between the invisible and visible worlds, between mind and body.

...Read More »

If you have ever slept through your morning alarm (then had to rush your child to school, or arrived incredibly late for work), you know how morning routines set the tone for the rest of the day. If your morning is rushed and chaotic, the rest of your day will often follow suit. But if you practice good morning rituals, like the ones below, you're sure to welcome every new day with organization, timeliness and a great attitude. Here are 10 ways to start your day off right, from morning alarms to heading out the door:

1. Wake up, and make up the bed - After you've turned off your alarm, start your morning off right by making your bed. This isn't just for vanity's sake; making your bed and straightening the sheets makes it easier to fight the urge to crawl back under the covers.

2. Stretch - Taking ten minutes in the morning to stretch all your muscles or do yoga will ensure your body is ready to tackle each new day.

3. Take an energizing shower - Whether you like hot or cold sh

...Read More »