If you’ve ever wondered how you should properly warm up before a workout or have been unsure what the difference between static and dynamic stretching is, make sure to read all the way to the end to learn our top tips for a safe and effective warm-up routine! 

Before we jump right into a workout, our muscles need to be ready for the impact, which is why warming up is so important. While all forms of stretching are beneficial for your body, the stretches you perform before and after a workout can vary significantly.

Have you ever wondered about the buzz surrounding creatine in the world of fitness or noticed friends incorporating it into their routines? What exactly is creatine, and is it a magical elixir, a secret ingredient, or just some kind of water flavoring? Join us on this journey to uncover the truth about creatine, get all your burning questions answered, and discover whether it truly lives up to the hype!

What is creatine?

It’s November in Arizona, and the weather outside is finally bearable. As classes start ramping up and finals are on the horizon, it’s important to take a break, reflect, and stay active. Hiking is the perfect diversion from your busy schedule and demanding classes.

Use our guide to pick the trail that’s right for you!

Hole-In-The-Rock Trail

You might recognize Abigail Beck as our new cycle instructor at the Downtown Sun Devil Fitness Complex. She’s taken the initiative to create two new programs this semester, Cycle Beat by Beat and Cycle Rise and Reset. In both classes, Abigail is working hard to create an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome at the gym and can take a mental break from the stresses of college. 

We always hear about the importance of drinking water, especially in the desert. After all, our bodies are about 60% water and it is often recommended that we drink at least 8 cups of water during the day for optimum health. We always hear that keeping hydrated is important, but what are the top reasons to drink plenty of water? Read on to find out what advantages you can get from staying hydrated!

During the school year, many students’ have time dedicated to school, homework, maybe a job on top of household responsibilities. Now that we’re at the start of the new semester, we can take the opportunity to direct our attention to our health and make time to be active. The CDC recommends that we get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day for optimum health.

Working out is a huge part of having a healthy lifestyle⁠—it strengthens our heart and lungs, builds strong muscles and bones, and keeps our bodies performing at their best. While you undergo strengthening, part of the process can cause you to experience sore muscles and an achy body. This is especially true when starting a new regimen or when we increase the intensity of a workout, since new muscles are being used or we are putting extra strain on them.

The new year is here, and many of us seek to improve ourselves with hopes and goals for the coming year. Whether it is to build your strength and endurance, keep organized, ace all your spring classes, or any other goal you want to crush this new year, here are some tips to help you create a better you in 2022.

Have you ever wondered how food affects workout performance, or if it’s better to eat before or after a workout to maximize your results? If you’ve had questions like these, you are not alone. The answer might be surprising, but research shows that eating before and after your workout is key to getting the best results possible from your workout routine. Whether you are running, lifting weights, playing a sport, or taking a group fitness class, fueling your body properly gives you an edge on performance and improves the outcome for your body.

Sometimes the idea of lifting weights can be intimidating. The problem only compounds when we hear myths and misconceptions about lifting weights and what it will do to our body. Read on to clear up some of these myths and get your lifting on! 

Myth: Lifting makes women bulky.

Subscribe to Exercise