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Running is great way to boost your health — and it doesn’t even require any special equipment! The exercise is especially beneficial to the heart and lungs, as it promotes healthy oxygen and blood flow.

Studies have linked running to reducing the risk of contracting a cold and even developing cancer. It also provides excellent stress relief and can soothe mild forms of depression as well.

(And it’s good for dogs, too!)

Photo via richard.heeks on Flickr.

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Perhaps you’ve heard of something called the French Paradox — a term describing the apparent disparity between French and American diets. Basically, the French consume greater amounts of cream, cheese, and butter than Americans, but we’re the ones more likely to die of heart disease. What gives?

Some researchers contend that the secret lies in red wine — particularly in resveratrol, an ingredient that is vaguely associated with anti-aging and such… in mice. When such news first hit the States in 1991, the demand for red wine sky-rocked.

Alternatively, other experts argue that the French lifestyle more than compensates for said high fat content. Relevant factors include: more walking, less snacking, and a tendency to savor meals (as opposed to munching mindlessly).

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Representing over 5,000 years old of posing in seemingly impossible positions, yoga isn’t just fun to look at — it’s good for you, too.

Yoga can improve your flexibility, strength, and posture, and the breathing methods can actually increase lung capacity. The activity is also associated with better heart health (it reduces blood pressure and slows your heart rate), in addition to combating a number of different conditions, including asthma, back pain, and multiple sclerosis. Plus, yoga has been shown to boost concentration and instill a sense of calm.

And isn’t that worth standing on your head?

Photo via 75mondays on Flickr.

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Varicose veins are painful, unsightly, and sometimes require surgical intervention. They are most common in women and frequently brought on by pregnancy, however genetics and lifestyle factors are also relevant.

Veins pump blood back to the heart, which means that leg veins are tasked with pumping blood upward, against gravity. Veins have natural leaflet valves to keep the blood moving in the right direction; in varicose veins, however, problems with the leaflets allow some of the blood to flow backwards, resulting in discomfort.

Let’s take a look at some of the lifestyle changes you can make to prevent varicose veins:

Sit and stand with care. To promote better circulation, maintain good posture and avoid crossing your legs when seated. Your circulation suffers when you sit or stand for a long time, so take frequent breaks to stretch your legs.

Invest in compression hose. Compression hose and socks are available both over-the-counter and by a doctor’s prescription. They apply pressure to the lower legs to help your veins pump blood upward toward the heart.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Easier said than done, we know, but keeping your weight down and activity level up have been shown to decrease your risk of developing varicose veins. Doctors recommend low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and walking.

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Hey fitness fans! If you’re looking for luscious rock hard abs, or just to reduce back pain with a stronger core, it doesn’t get any better (or faster) than 8 Minute Abs. You can watch this classic video right on YouTube (or even here on Healthize). So go ahead and get crunchin’!

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If you’re passionate about your health, you probably care about staying (or getting) in shape. But even the most devout fitness enthusiasts can’t always to make it to the gym — there are only so many hours in the day, and most of them are already promised to our friends, families, and careers.

Still, a day off from the gym does not have to be a day off from fitness. Check out these simple exercises you can do right at home to help stay slim and toned on those gym-free days:

Crunches. When it comes to ab workouts, a little goes a long way. Even 50 crunches a day can minimize your waistline, and you can do these anywhere.

Lunges. Often considered “crunches for your butt,” these bad boys actually tone both your butt and thighs. They’re a low-key, easy way to make that gluteus more minimus.

Hand weights. Invest in a 2 or 5 lb. hand weight from Kmart, Wal-mart, or Target and you’ll be well on your way toward trimmer arms. Experiment with different lifting techniques to target different muscles, and aim for about 60 reps a day.

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Now that the New Year is here our thoughts turn to resolutions. Many of us will be vowing to lose weight or give up smoking, stop eating chocolate or start a new venture. Whatever it is that you want to change you need the energy to take it forward.

So, how do we shake the winter doldrums and re-energise ourselves? It is hard to start jogging or going back to the gym when your body feels lethargic after the indulgences of the festive season.

Massage seems too much of an indulgence to be good for you, but the truth is that you will feel more in tune with your body and uplifted to face your new challenges. So many people think that massage is simply to relax you and ease aching muscles, but it is so much more than that. Massage increases blood flow to your muscles, tissue and every cell in your body which brings oxygen and nutrients to these critical areas. It also stimulates lymphatic flow, improving tissue drainage and the immune system.

There are many different types of massage to choose from. Which one you choose depends on your personal requirements. Some people feel uncomfortable to try massage as they don’t want to have to undress. In fact, Reiki is a therapy that can be done over your clothing and does not even require ‘hands on’. The therapist can either rest hands on or just above the body to realign chakras and dissolve toxic substances from your physical and emotional being. People often feel warmth or tingling sensations during Reiki and come away feeling uplifted.

The most commonly used massage is a Swedish Massage where oils are massaged into the skin with flowing strokes and kneading to relieve tension in the muscles.

Acupressure and Shiatsu apply pressure to the acupuncture healing points. This unblocks the flow of energy and encourages blood and lymphatic flow.

Other massage methods include deep tissue massage, sports massage and hot stone therapy which will all alleviate muscle pain. Craniosacral therapy can help treat headaches, ear and eye problems as well as whiplash and back problems.

If you just want the feel good factor, then an aromatherapy massage tailored to suit your personal needs could be just the thing.

To find a suitable therapist, check a Massage Listings directory. You may well be able to find out more information from the massage listings with each therapist explaining their own speciality.

Whatever massage you go for, you are sure to get that sense of well being that will kick start you into 2010!

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