Cardio

Feature

• The Cardio Myth

  If you really want to lose weight, say our fitness experts, you'll skip the cardio and follow this program instead.

• The Stubborn Belly-fat Solution

  Working out like crazy ... but still carrying around a spare tire? We tell you why -- and how to get rid of it.

• Get a Jump on Your Fitness with Plyometrics

  Want to be quicker, more explosive, stronger, and more balanced? Here's a plyometrics program that will get you there.

• Plan to Ski or Snowboard? Strengthen up Now!

  Get physically prepared to hit the slopes by doing this winter-sports workout now, and be ready to rip it up when those first flakes fall.

• The Best Fall Sport for Cardio

  Which fall sport gives you the best cardio workout -- and thus, the greatest heart fitness? We declare a winner.

• Get Strong With Olympic Lifts

  Looking to achieve tremendous gains in strength, speed and agility … like an Olympian? Try Olympic lifts, weight training techniques sure to chisel you into a gym warrior.

• 25 Ways to Have the Best 2010

  Here’s the only article you need to read to be fit and healthy in the new year -- and beyond.

• The Ready-for-anything Workout

  Want to be fit enough to conquer Tibet’s highest mountains? Or maybe “just” pass a fireman’s fitness test? All you have to do is master this exercise regimen.

• Alert: You’re Pushing Yourself Too Hard

  Taxing your body to its limits: Cool. Suffering cardiac arrest and heatstroke: Not so much. Here, the top four warning signs.

ExpertQA

• I want to strengthen my core, but I'm just not a yoga or Pilates kind of guy ... and there's no way I can afford a personal trainer. What can I do at home or at the gym that will give me the same benefits?

• Do I need to worry about my so-called maximum heart rate if I'm reasonably fit?

• When should I let people "work in" while I'm on a machine? And in a work-in situation, should everyone keep changing the weight and seat settings back for the other person?

• I trot up lots of stairs every day. What techniques can I use to maximize muscle-building benefits?

• I have a lean bone structure. Does this mean my muscles will also be on the small side? Will I never be able to build bulk that competes with big-boned men?

• I’m trying to stay in shape by participating in cardio activities (running and cycling). The problem is, afterward, not only do I want to eat more, I want to eat stuff that’s bad for me (usually food filled with fat or sugar). This seems counterproductive. How can I avoid this syndrome?

• I want to run faster to improve my sports performance, but some of my friends say you're born with a maximum running speed. Is that true, and if not, what can I do to get quicker?