Resource guide - ClickFit

The Resources Guide is home to engaging articles, factual discussions and the latest science surrounding weight loss, health, fitness and strength. It's regularly updated with the knowledge you need to achieve your goals.

Reduce cravings, conquer temptation, drop kilos

Are cravings the bane of your existence? Do you find that, no sooner do you embark on a healthy eating program, than you are assailed by intrusive thoughts of the very foods you are keen to avoid? Discover how they develop and how they can be controlled.

Body weight exercises that burn fat

When you start weighing yourself regularly, you soon discover your progress is rarely straightforward. Those ups and downs on the scales can be puzzling and frustrating. What’s going on?! Here are 6 things to keep in mind when you weigh in.

6 factors that affect weight loss

When you start weighing yourself regularly, you soon discover your progress is rarely straightforward. Those ups and downs on the scales can be puzzling and frustrating. What’s going on?! Here are 6 things to keep in mind when you weigh in.

The runner's winter battle plan

As the cooler weather sets in, do you think sofa, sleep-ins, cheeses and warming reds? Think again! This is the time to turn your training up a notch, build speed and maintain your distance ... and we have the ultimate guide to winter running.

Sink your weight-loss saboteurs

Do you have friends, family members or colleagues who tempt you with chocolate or warn you about getting too thin and deliberately disrupt your efforts to lose weight? Here are the most common types of saboteurs with tips on how to deal with them.

Motive to move

Why do some gym-goers hit the floor every day without so much as a blip in motivation, while others struggle with sluggish drive each day? Our clinical psychologist, Dr Cindy Nour, gets to grips with all things motivation.

How to burn off an Easter bunny

Easter is tough if you’re a choc-addict with a weight-loss goal. Glittery, foil covered temptation is everywhere. So how can you cope without feeling deprived? Here’s how to manage the choc fest and burn off any little gold bunnies.

How much protein do you really need?

Protein rocks in the fitness world these days. According to the hype, a post-workout protein shake is vital if you want your ultimate body. We spoke with Dr Liz Broad, APD and experienced sports dietitian, about the protein requirements of the general gym-goer.

4 easy steps to build strong willpower

There are certain people in this world who can refuse a piece of cake at get-togethers. But most of us would say we have zero willpower to say no. Fortunately, willpower is like a muscle. Strengthen it by following these 4 practical steps.

Relax tight muscles with a foam roller

Not only are tight muscles painful, they also restrict our movement and make it more difficult to exercise with correct form. Discover how using a foam roller can bring relief from aches, prevent future injury and improve your relationship with your body.

Foods that fight fat

Who doesn’t want to lose weight without eating less? It may seem like an impossible dream, but it’s a scientific fact that you can improve your efforts to lose weight. Here are powerful fat-burning foods that work in your favour.

Weights vs cardio: what's best for fat loss?

It’s a question that many a hapless dieter asks: should I be doing weights or cardio if I’m exercising to slim down and shed fat? Well, we spoke with 2 leading fitness experts on what they have found to be the best way to exercise for fat loss only.

Simple everyday swaps that save calories

Do you often choose foods out of habit or boredom, rather than because of taste or need? Nutritionist Kathryn Elliot explains the idea of low hanging fruit and suggests simple swaps that can save you extra calories every day.

How music makes your workout more effective

The right gym tunes can boost your motivation, help you go stronger for longer and even make exercise feel easier. We investigate the physical and psychological benefits of music and discover which tracks should make your playlist.

6 diet dilemmas that could derail you

Now that you’ve committed to a life-changing journey, staying focused is a must. But, danger zones are inevitable. We have identified the 6 most common diet dilemmas and reveal surefire strategies on how to overcome them.

Guilt-free summer desserts

Dessert is the hardest thing to make healthy in our kitchens. However, at this time of year it's easy to make something healthy, low in calories — and delicious. Here's a selection of fresh and fruity desserts that are bursting with flavour.

Swim yourself to a killer physique

Swimming is the unifying Aussie activity – a sport practised by men and women of all ages all over the country. But how does it rank as a form of physical activity? And is it a good exercise for building muscle, improving strength and weight loss?

How to find a personal trainer

There's no denying that working out with a personal trainer is the pre-eminent route to reaching your weight loss and fitness goals. If you’re looking to start a serious exercise program 1-on-1, here's how to pick the right PT for you.

Resolution solutions

At the turn of every year do you bow your head in shame for not achieving last year’s resolutions? You’re not alone – about 88% of all New Year resolutions end in failure. Follow our ultimate guide to ensure you stick to your promises this time around.

Beat festive season stress

’Tis the season … to go rogue on your diet, trade exercise for feverish ingestion of rum balls and feel stressed with last minute shopping. It doesn’t have to be this way. Find out how to stay healthy, happy and sane throughout the silly season.

How to have lovely feet

After spending winter hidden in heavy boots, it’s time to get them out, people. Your feet, that is. We show you how to give these workhorses a bit of TLC so you can take summer in your stride and be strappy-sandal-confident in no time.

How to stay slim while having a drink

The party season is fast approaching with its many traps for the avid dieter. But you don’t have to let the free-flowing drinks ruin your weight loss regimen, even during the festive season. Here's how to stay slim while enjoying a drink.

Fitness gift ideas

Not sure what to give your partner for Christmas? No worries, we have you covered with these awesome calorie-scorching Christmas presents.

Will CrossFit make you thin?

CrossFit is the hottest fitness system on the scene. It's motto is Forging elite fitness and it has a reputation for being hardcore and tough, even extreme. We spoke with 2 CrossFitters and asked: It might make you strong, but will CrossFit make you thin?

Get your body beach beautiful in 4 weeks

Summer will be officially upon us in a few short weeks. Time to dust off the swimsuit and head to the pool or the beach. If you are less than confident that you’re ready for summer, here are 8 do-now tips for a perfect beach body.

How to be happy in 5 days

Happy people see the bright side of life, view the glass as half-full and tend to be magnets for other happy people. Happiness builds resilience, optimism and a better quality of life. Give yourself a happiness injection and feel happy instantly with this 5-day guide.

Is sitting killing you?

Dying to know what results in a shorter life, a bigger bum and a high chance of developing a debilitating illness? Sitting down. Here is how you can interrupt all those hours of inactivity before you wreck your body.

5 best exercises for a super-flat belly

Hard abs are not just a boost to your confidence. A strong mid-section protects your spine from injury, improves your balance and allows you to move easily and gracefully. Get rock hard abs and a strong core with the world’s best ab exercises.

Is your bum giving you bingo wings?

If your thoughts about your rear have never extended beyond “does my bum look big in this?”, you might be surprised to learn that it’s the key to whole-body firmness. If you want firm arms, then work on your glutes first.

Quick and easy weeknight meals

Forget slaving over a hot stove! You only need 15 minutes from kitchen to table to create healthy, tasty meals. We consulted MasterChef finalist and ClickFit chef Courtney Roulston on meal ideas with maximum health and taste, and minimum fuss.

I took part in this year's Tough Mudder

Mud, electric shocks and icy water are all par for the course in this hardcore challenge. Tough Mudder not only tests your total strength, power and endurance but also your mental grit and camaraderie. We spoke with 2 recent participants about how they fared.

7 health habits that are wasting your time

When it comes to our health and wellbeing, some of the conventional wisdom is highly questionable. They might sound reasonable, but have you ever thought about why you do these things?

7 spring superfoods you must try

With the onset of spring comes an abundance of fresh food that is brimming with flavour and nutrients. And the best news is that natural, nutrient-dense superfoods aren’t hard to find. So enjoy these 7 in-season superfoods and matching recipes.

Warm up to get a better workout

If you’ve ever been tempted to skip the warm up and get straight into training to save time, you might be doing yourself out of some serious benefits. Follow our guide to warming up for the best possible workout.

Weight loss tips all men should know

Physiologically, weight loss is easier for men, but more men are in the overweight or obese category than women. In fact, 63% of blokes have a few excess kilos to shed, so we’ve 6 weight loss strategies especially for the boys.

The best foods for weight loss

Vegetables are the ultimate weight-loss food. High in water, full of fibre, low-GI, satiating, packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, they are a dieter’s best friend. Here's our expert guide to powering your weight loss with delicious vegies.

10 tips for motivation

It’s a scenario we’re all familiar with. There are times when motivation is at an all-time high, but then, it starts to wane. So how do you keep it up when the going gets tough? Here are 10 ways to keep your motivation up and healthy lifestyle in place.

5 Asian superfoods you should be eating

The Asian kitchen is full of super nutritious foods and surprisingly many of them are probably already in your fridge. Boost your health and delight your tastebuds with our list of top Asian superfoods and mouthwatering matching recipes.

7 ways to lose belly fat, fast

Jelly belly, muffin top, spare tyre, pot belly – whatever you call it, a rounded tum isn’t just bad for the look of your jeans. It can also cause health problems. And it takes more than just some ab crunches to shift the weight. Here are 7 ways to lose belly fat, fast.

Work out like an Olympian for world-class results

It’s an impressive sight watching an Olympic athlete perform. It’s hard not to feel jealous of all that strength, power and skill. But don’t just envy the bodies of Olympic athletes, train like them with these 4 killer workouts for iconic sporting events.

Is wheat the cause of obesity and diabetes?

In his best-selling book Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, cardiologist Dr William Davis promises that cutting wheat from your diet will result in dramatic weight loss and reduce your risk of diabetes. But do the facts stack up?

Stay fresh and alert with instant energisers

It often happens at about 3pm. Your eyelids start to droop, your energy begins to wane, and you wonder how you’ll make it through the rest of the day without a siesta. Here are 5 instant energisers to help you recharge and keep going throughout the day.

5 steps to prevent Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is on the rise all over the world. It is estimated that 1 million Australians have the disease, but unfortunately half of them are unaware of this fact. Dodge the dangers of diabetes with these 5 simple lifestyle changes.

Why you should be verging on vegetarian

So, you’re not a vegetarian, but don’t eat meat every day? You’re not alone. Did you know that 44% of Australians go meat-free at least once a week? We look at how part-time vegetarians, or ‘flexitarians’, are getting the best of both worlds.

7 steps to supercharge your immune system

Over catching every cold in the office? If you fall at the first sign of the flu, your immune system could do with a boost. Follow our never-get-sick plan: 7 steps to the best defences and sail through the rest of winter.

What's your snacking personality?

Are you the type to nibble through a movie? Or do you want a snack that's super satisfying? Perhaps you're a comfort eater in need of a sugar lift? Discover your snacking personality, along with the healthy bites that could become your secret weapons.

The skinny on weight loss pills

Have you ever been tempted by the promise of popping a pill to stave off hunger or speed up your metabolism? The claims seem too good to be true, and yet we’re buying them in record numbers. So is there a magic pill to help people lose weight fast?

The best foods to eat for your mind and mood

We all know you are what you eat, but poor diet choices don’t just thicken your waistline, they also affect your mood, concentration and brain power. Here are some suggestions for food that makes you feel energised, happy and switched-on.

Save calories every day

Gym membership: check. Calorie-controlled diet: check. You’ve got food and exercise sorted, but do you have the secret weapons for weight loss? Here are 7 sneaky things you can do to budge the kilos faster than ever.

Is sugar toxic and other sticky questions answered

Is it possible that a cupcake with buttercream icing is not just naughty, but potentially harmful? Sugar may be the most maligned, argued about, avoided and craved foodstuff of all time. So who’s saying what, and why? Here we tackle 4 big sugar shockers.

Do you have the fat gene?

One in 6 of us may carry an ‘obesity gene’ that experts say makes us 70% more likely to be overweight. In fact, people with this genetic make-up weigh an average of 3kg more than those with no copies of the gene. But can we really blame our parents?

6 excellent reasons to exercise every day

When it comes to weight loss, we often think exercise is secondary to diet, but research is discovering that you need to get moving if you want a healthy, happy and long life. Need convincing?

Essential tips to avoid break-up weight gain

Breaking up is hard to do. It can leave you feeling confused and rejected. At times of emotional upset, it’s more important than ever to safeguard your health, wellbeing and outlook. Here’s how to navigate the end of a relationship without piling on the weight.

The best time to work out

Not sure whether you should workout in the morning, afternoon or night to maximise your fitness and weight loss? We look at the pros and cons of exercising at different times of the day, so you can decide what’s best for you.

How to avoid post exercise hunger pangs

It may seem like a cruel irony but it's perfectly natural to feel hungry after exercise. The trick is not to fall into the compensation trap and undo your efforts on the treadmill. We look at the best pre- and post-exercise snacks to manage your appetite.

7 autumn superfoods you must try

Summer may have gone but we can now look forward to seeing the supermarkets overflow with delicious and super-nutritious autumn delights. So enjoy these 7 autumn superfoods and matching recipes – one for every day of the coming week.

Could hypnotherapy help you lose weight?

Imagine being able to wave a magic wand and have the body of your dreams. Hypnosis claims to promote weight loss, but does it really work and is there any research to prove it? We investigate...

Your essential protein questions answered

Everyone knows that protein is a fundamental component of a healthy eating plan. But how much is beneficial for exercisers and dieters? We explain the best foods and supplements to harness protein’s power in weight loss and muscle growth.

Why can't I lose weight?

You watch what you eat, sacrifice chocolate and sweat it out at the gym – you’re doing everything right, so why aren’t you losing weight? Here are 12 checks you can make to ensure you’re backing yourself with the best weight loss odds.

5 science-proven tips to reclaim your waist

You might want a slimmer waistline to look good, but it’s also important for your health. So, to improve your health and take in your belt a couple of notches, you need a strategy. Follow these top tips to reclaim your waist.

Tips for healthy hydration

Sports drinks and vitamin waters are recording huge sales, but can we really improve on nature's own formula – water? We have a look at the science behind the sports drinks and talk to some nutritional experts to sort out health from hype.

Lose weight without losing your partner

You’re losing weight and exercising regularly, but is your partner coming along for the ride? Here’s how to spot the warning signs that your partner resents your weight loss, and how to restore romance and harmony to your relationship.

How to get the most from your cardio sessions

You might visit the gym to manage your weight or hone your 6-pack. But don’t forget, exercise is the closest thing we have to a silver bullet for preventing serious disease. Find out how cardio sessions can keep your heart healthy.

How to fix problem body areas

Wouldn’t it be great if you could selectively lose weight from your tummy? Or upper arms, inner thighs or back? We all have our special area that we would love to fix. But how much of our bodies can we actually change through diet and exercise?

Surprising new ways to rev up your motivation

On 1 January did you promise yourself that "this year will be different", only to find your motivation to exercise already flagging? Psychotherapist Russ Harris reveals some very interesting thoughts on what it means to stay motivated.

Are your weighing scales telling the truth?

Have you stepped on the scales after a week of eating well and wondered where you went wrong? Have you weighed yourself after a night out and despaired about how it took only a few hours to gain 2kg? Here are reasons behind unfair weight fluctuations.

The secret to curbing Christmas weight gain

While everyone benefits from some down time, the annual gorging on fatty, high-calorie festive fare can make this time of year a dietary disaster. We reveal the best tips from 2 leading trainers for curbing Christmas weight gain.

Eat like a nutritionist

You might think that if you asked a nutritionist what they ate, they’d say something incredibly obscure or expensive. But when we asked 3 leading nutritionists for their best suggestions, they came back to us with some real life, useful food tips for dieters.

10 gift ideas for an active Christmas

If you’ve postponed Christmas shopping to the last minute, don’t sweat it. Give your family and friends the gift of health and fitness this year with these top 10 active-inspired ideas.

Guide for new mothers

There is no more difficult time to try and lose weight than after you’ve had a baby. But our no-nonsense, practical advice from women who’ve been there can help you find yourself again. Get your body back quickly and reduce stress with these helpful tips.

Wave goodbye to saggy arms

Bingo wings, tuck shop arms, nana flaps ... whatever you call them, one body issue that most women dread as they get older is saggy upper arms. The tricep – the muscle underneath your upper arm – tends to lose tone and definition easily in some women. What’s going on?

The basic maths of weight loss

Weight loss is a numbers game. Fortunately you don’t need a PhD to improve your odds of shedding a large number of kilos. Brush up on your basic weight loss maths and get ahead of the game with our handy reference guide.

5 bad foods you should eat

Does your favourite food have a reputation for being fattening and have you banished it from your pantry? Well, get ready to make a dash to the supermarket as we reveal the surprising goodness in 5 popular foods you may be avoiding unnecessarily.

The benefits of organic food

What does organic mean, what are the nutritional benefits of organic food and are they worth the extra expense? ClickFit digs deep to bring you the best value produce from the fresh and green world of organics.

How to look good in workout gear

If the thought of wearing body-hugging lycra makes you break out in a nervous sweat – relax. Finding the right workout gear doesn't have to be daunting. Follow our guide to selecting gym gear to boost your confidence while you get physical.

5 steps to defying depression

Bad times happen to us all, but we can stay on top of our hassles with the right strategies. Healthy habits and the right outlook make all the difference to how well you cope. We explain how to defy depression and get your life back in balance.

Vitamin D: vital for vibrant health

Have you had your dose of vitamin D today? Even in sunny countries growing numbers of people are low in vitamin D. Too much sun increases the risk of skin cancer, but too little can damage our health as well. Your challenge: getting the right balance.

Are you waiting for the perfect time?

Many dieters press the ‘pause’ button on their life and wait until they are the perfect weight to do the things they’ve always wanted. Rather than believing life will begin once you lose weight, the new message is get a life now and watch the weight drop.

Barefoot running shoes: fad or fantastic

A small revolution is taking place in the world of running shoes. Increasing numbers of runners are slipping their feet into more flexible or glove-like shoes before hitting their stride. Should you ditch your conventional running shoes and join them?

7 weight loss habits that are hard to break

The key to successful and sustained weight loss involves changing habits. But as we all know, bad habits are hard to break. If you’ve found yourself hitting the same bad habit snags, ClickFit is here to help.

What's your bio age?

How old does your body think you are? Being overweight, a poor diet and a toxic lifestyle can make you older than your years. Find out how old you are really with these vital health assessments.

Eat more, cut calories

What if you could eat more and still lose weight? Look down and see a heaped plate at every meal? Stay satisfied for longer between snacks? We’ve got 10 of the top foods for curbing hunger. Add more of these to your diet, while still cutting calories ...

How to make vegies tasty

Have you ever wondered how to stick to a healthy eating plan if you don’t like vegies? Well, if the sight of broccoli makes you gag or the smell of pumpkin makes you wince, ClickFit has good news. Follow our simple guide to making vegies tasty.

How your body clock affects your weight

Are you a night owl or an early riser? If every morning is a battle with the snooze button, you’re probably jealous of those early gym goers. Well, new research suggests they could be onto something. We look at ways to shift your body clock.

Beat winter weight gain

Dietitians are warning the side-effects of a winter “vege out” could last well beyond the season. But we’ve got 10 easy ways to beat winter weight gain.

Single best exercise

Are you wasting time on burpees? Frittering hours on free weights? Going in circles with circuits? Read this before you next hit the gym ... Our three experts nominate their single best exercise for weight loss.

Shake up your salt addiction

A dribble of olive oil, a clove of garlic, a generous sprinkle of salt – stop right there ... When it comes to enhancing the flavour of food, the white stuff could be causing us more harm than we think. Here’s the lowdown on giving salt the shake.

Carrying your mate's weight?

Obesity can spread between friends much like a virus, according to scientists at the Harvard Medical School. In fact, you are 57% more likely to become obese if your friend becomes obese. Follow this advice to avoid the kilos creeping up on you.

Smoking versus slimming

Want to quit smoking but worried you’ll gain weight? Perhaps you’re thinking “one step at a time”, “when I’ve got used to my diet, I’ll work on the smoking”. But, new research suggests you could be better off kicking two habits at once.

Neutralise the enemy sugar

Worldwide sugar consumption is rising at more than double the rate of population growth. We’ve got an insatiable appetite for the white stuff, but it’s full of empty calories that could be making us fat. How can you resist the pull of that sugary taste?

Full steam ahead

Looking for a 100% fat-free way to cook that locks in more nutrients and packs a flavour punch? Our very own MasterChef, Courtney Roulston, shares her secrets and cooks up a storm in the ClickFit kitchen.

Reclaim your waist

Looking for a shortcut to your perfect shape? Get instant gratification with this non-food, non-exercise way to whittle your waist.

Far flung fitness

From kettlebells to Kathmandu, medicine balls to medicine men and laps to Lapland, adventure’s out there for those who seek it. And you don’t have to put your fitness on ice while you take a holiday either.

Different for girls

Men might be from Mars and women from Venus but what are the differences between us when it comes to losing those unwanted kilos? Are men or women more likely to be successful slimmers? Or are we essentially the same under the skin?

Metabolic mettle

How can you tell if your metabolism is going from strength to strength or lagging behind your efforts? What does METs mean? And how can you jump-start your engine? We get under the hood of the complex issue of metabolism.

Running on empty

Does the idea of a 6am sprint make you roll over and hug the pillow? What if a pre-brekkie cardio session could burn more fat than your normal workout? Cardio fasting is gathering pace as a way to burn fat faster. But is there any truth in the idea?

Eat like a pro

Manly Sea Eagles rugby league player Matt Ballin, has to eat a strict diet in order to stay at the top of his game. As the season fast approaches, Matt exclusively reveals his gruelling training session and how he fuels his body for ultimate performance.

Weight loss wonder

Having been told what to eat and how to exercise as an elite swimmer during her teenage years, Rebecca was overjoyed to discover life beyond the pool. But when her frame swelled to 137kg, the former swimmer realised something had to be done ...

This workout has balls

Bosu, medicine balls and fit balls, that is ... You’ve seen them at the gym, spied them at the physio and they may even be masquerading as desk chairs in your office. But do you know what to do with these bouncing beauties? And will they whittle your waist?

I heart Valentine's Day

Breakfast in bed, scrumptious chocolates, foil-wrapped hearts and gourmet dining. Generosity and spontaneity are tried and tested ways to impress on Valentine’s Day ... calorie counting and portion control won’t have the same effect, will they?

The great detox debate

Gwyneth Paltrow claims to rely on the Clean Program and Beyonce Knowles is said to follow the Master Cleanse, but are detoxes necessary, or do they do more harm than good when it comes to health? Join our detox debate...

Are you a sugar addict?

Is your sweet tooth taking over your diet? We look at whether it's possible to have a sugar addiction and provide some handy hints on how to enjoy the sugar highs, without the lows.

Change one thing

What is the single-most important change you could make in 2011 to secure the body of your dreams? If you’ve tried to set fitness goals before and feel like you always have the same New Year’s resolution, how can you make this year count?

Burn off Christmas

Sage and butter basted turkey, rich Christmas pudding and platter upon platter of delectable nibbles. While all this partying seemed a good idea at the time, the scales might show a different result. Here are expert tips to burn off the Christmas kilos.

No time, too lazy, no excuse

Listen up Australia, we need to get smart about getting fit. New research proves it: many of us are kidding ourselves into thinking we lead a healthy lifestyle. Don't let denial hold you back and follow our guide to changing 'no I can't' into 'yes I can'.

Christmas survival

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but that doesn’t have to mean striving for a total abandonment of all things good and healthy. Believe it or not you can still enjoy yourself and follow your health and fitness regime.

Trading places

When Fitness First personal trainer Josh Rowbottom took the step of putting all of his clients onto the Fitness First Online program as part of their health and wellbeing regime, he didn’t expect that he too would suddenly find himself 7kg trimmer...

Do you GI?

Carbohydrates have had a bad rap of it. They’ve been outlawed, policed and questioned. Then there’s the GI index, which makes eating complex carbs rather, well, complex. Find out how the GI can help with your weight loss and fitness goals.

Great outdoors

Research has proven that as little as five minutes of outdoor exercise can boost mood and self-esteem, not to mention fitness. So step outside and take your workout al fresco. We reveal five of the best exercises to try in a garden, park or beach.

15 brand new snacks

If snacking has always been your downfall, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Regular snacking is the secret to improved and consistent weight loss – the only catch is you need to snack healthily. We've got 15 mouth-watering snack ideas...

Yoga versus Pilates

Centuries-old yoga and newfangled Pilates may share the notion of a body-mind connection, but there’s a world of difference between the two. We delve into both worlds and explore the benefits on offer. Are you a yogi or Pilates enthusiast?

Eat like a pro surfer

Twenty-year-old junior Aloha surfer Daniel Karren wants to be the best in the world. He has a rigorous practice regime and watches what he eats. But is he being strict enough? We let our nutrition experts loose to review Daniel's daily food diary.

Sleeping sensation

You’ll spend one third of your life asleep and the amount of Zzzs you get not only affects how you feel, but also your mental capacity, stress levels, blood pressure, weight loss and energy levels. Here’s why shut-eye is so important...

The truth about Wii and weight loss

Nintendo’s Wii Fit video game has been endorsed by health departments, taught in schools and is even being used by surgeons to warm up before operations. But can the new generation of ‘active’ computer games really help you lose weight?

Hot philosophy

If you like to mix up your exercise regime by trying out the latest cult fitness crazes then you might be on to something. From the sweaty dance beat of a Zumba® class to chess boxing – we give you the low down on them all...

Gender match

If you think dance is for girls and rugby is for boys, think again. We take a look at how gender stereotypes are changing in sport, plus we discover how you can get involved with your local sports teams.

Sporting successes

We've got the lowdown on specific sports, whether you're brushing up your skills or thinking about trying something totally new...

What is your ideal weight?

How much you should be lifting for your strength-training goals? Before you start your strength training and begin lifting weights, you need to find the amount of kilos that is safe to lift for you and suitable for your personal goals.

Can you eat your way to a better night’s sleep?

Eat right for a restful night

A hectic lifestyle, busy job and mounting chores can leave you little time for restful sleep. But getting fewer than six-and-a-half hours a night could undermine your best weight-loss efforts...

A guide to enhancing your body's healing process

Recovery periods in which you take a total rest from exercise are vital to any exercise program. If you don’t allow your body to rest, you’re more than likely to suffer an injury.

An intense experience

It's widely believed that in order to lose weight you need to exercise for hours on end, however increase the intensity at which you’re training and you can trim your workout time.

Is spot reduction possible?

Who wouldn’t love to lose weight from a particular part of their body? The tummy tops the list of trouble spots for lots of men and women, so we take a look at whether spot reduction is possible.

Suffering from food amnesia

Even the experts get it wrong when it comes to estimating the number of calories they eat. We consider the best ways to keep track of your calorie intake and eat smarter.

Train for strength

Regular strength training boosts your metabolism and can help you build a slimmer, more sculpted shape.

How little things can burn big calories

Research led by Professor James Levine from the Mayo Clinic in the US shows that the tiny movements we make constantly – from fidgeting to toe tapping – can really add up to big calorie burners.

Separating fact from fiction

In the world of food, health and nutrition it’s sometimes hard to separate fact from fiction. We uncover the inconvenient truth about some common diet myths.

Rev-up your metabolism

It's widely believed that overweight or obese people have a slower metabolism, making it hard for them to shed unwanted kilos. In fact the opposite is true...

Lose it... and maintain it: secrets to success revealed

Whether you've reached your goal, or are on your way there, it helps to know the keys to long term success – because you don't just want to lose weight, you want to keep it off.

Fitness fact and fiction

There are a lot of different theories about fitness but how much of what we hear is true? We clear up a few common exercise myths.