6 d. ago From strength training in your 20s to yoga in your 80s: how to reach peak fitness at any age

Can you hold a 60-second plank? How about tying your shoelace in mid-air? Here’s how to test your fitness in every decade of lifeWhen Baz Luhrmann called the body “the greatest instrument you’ll ever own” in his 1997 song, Everybody’s Free (to Wear Sunscreen), he was on to something. Alongside a nutritious diet and good sleep, how fit we are is perhaps our greatest tool to live a long and healthy life. But what constitutes optimum physical fitness? According to David Vaux, osteopath and author of Stronger: 10 Exercises for a Longer, Healthier Life, it’s measured across different pillars of health, including cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, strength, mobility, stability and balance.Research shows that those who do regular exercise are less likely to succumb to premature death, as well as reducing the risk of developing a number of diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders. But fitness is about much more than just wardin...

Politics

7 d. ago Washington’s Esme Morgan on mixing it with diplomats, England and adopting a kitten

In an exclusive interview the England defender talks about her move to the NWSL, what she has learned from Jonatan Giráldez and the upcoming EurosLife in Washington DC is treating Esme Morgan very well indeed. Not only has she discovered some of the best form of her career, but she has sneaked into the White House correspondents’ dinner as a guest and adopted a kitten called Biscuit.Morgan will now be hoping to enjoy the sweet taste of success with England and the Washington Spirit defender believes the American NWSL’s summer calendar can help her arrive at July’s European Championship in Switzerland in peak fitness because of the schedule, compared to going to a major tournament during what is – for Europe-based participants – the off-season. Continue reading...

Politics

8 d. ago The one strength training exercise Canelo, Dubois and Usyk’s training regimes all have in common

Whether you’re looking at Canelo Álvarez, Daniel Dubois, Oleksandr Usyk or Conor Benn - this exercise has earned a place in their intense training regimes

Politics

9 d. ago The power secret: simple, everyday moves you need for a healthier and happier life

From preventing serious falls to being able to walk up stairs, it’s power – or how you use your strength – that will bring quality of life as you ageIt’s fairly well established that strength training is helpful at every age: as well as building muscle, it strengthens tendons and ligaments, increases bone density and seems to have protective effects against everything from osteoporosis to dementia. But a new study based on data collected over two decades in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, suggests that another physical attribute might be just as important – and it’s one that declines even faster than strength as the years go by. The good news? It might also be less uncomfortable, and even slightly safer, to improve. Also, it will probably make you better at table tennis.Power, in case your physics is a bit rusty, is force multiplied by velocity – or to put it another way, how quickly you can apply the strength you have. Sprinters, high jumpers and hurdlers need huge amounts of power; marath...

Society

2 w. ago The secret training tool behind Usyk and Dubois’ bulletproof shoulders – and why boxers are taking note

Gymnastic rings can offer benefits that extend beyond standard free weights such as dumbbells and barbells – here’s why these heavyweight fighters might choose to use them

Politics

3 w. ago The experts' guide to acing a marathon: from when to start carb loading to knowing your gait

From nutrition to strength training and getting the right trainers, there’s a lot to think about. We asked the pros to break it down so you can smash your next 26.2 miles

Politics

3 w. ago The secret training tool behind Usyk and Dubois’ knockout power – and why boxers are taking note

Gymnastic rings can offer benefits that extend beyond standard free weights such as dumbbells and barbells – here’s why these heavyweight fighters might choose to use them

Politics