Kids who keep fit and active are not only faster when it comes to muscle power and agility but also have faster nerve activity in their brains too, according to a recent study. The University of Illinois and Beckman Institute research found aerobic fitness created more fibrous and compact white-matter in youngsters in the tracts in the brain that are connected to attention and memory.

Over 50s who believe a gentle stroll a few times a week is all they need to maintain good health might be surprised to hear a recent study is urging them to crank up the intensity and the volume. While adopting healthy habits needs to be part of the plan, it could be that a solid exercise program is also needed, rather than simply a generally active lifestyle.

Motivation might be all in the mind, springing from your attitudes, approach and focus but it might also be in the brain too! Recent research suggests an area of the brain which controls your motivation to work out might have been discovered. The Seattle Children's Research Institute study is interesting as a person who is motivated to work out can enhance their mood and this in turn could help researchers develop more targeted treatments in the fight against depression.

First Defense Krav Maga and Athleta-Reston will be hosting two self-defense classes at Reston Town Center this Fall.
Runners Safety & Self-Defense
Sunday September 28th, 10am-11am

Reston Town Center Pavillion

Athleta- Reston Store: 11900 Market St, Reston, VA 20190

In the past year, there have been more and more reports of local women being attacked while out running or jogging.

The power of positive thought doesn't just lie in feeling enthusiastic and adopting a can-do attitude, although of course that helps; for positivity to be really effective it has to run far deeper and not just be a face-value sentiment that pays lip service to the idea of feeling motivated about exercise.

Good, solid training is the key to getting fit, but the way you think, your approach and ultimately your mindset can also make a huge difference. Your thoughts are powerful and can influence your actions and your feelings; a strong tool that can be used to leverage a more dynamic lifestyle and to initiate fitness workouts that could change not just your body but your whole being.

Sisters are doing it for themselves...and the rest! When it comes to athletics there is way more interest in the sporting prowess of women than there perhaps used to be. You don't need to look far to find inspirational women who have focused on practicing their athletic skills and really achieved their goals.

It's one thing to keep fit and to lead a healthy lifestyle, but it's quite another to train to with the aim of improving fitness in a specific way or to ensure a particular result. Take strength training for example, you may want to increase muscle power building any bulk; you might want to concentrate of bodybuilding as opposed to strengthening up your core muscles; or you may even want to build muscles so that you can burn fat more effectively and slim down.

Do you enjoy marveling at the exciting exploits of superheroines on the big screen as these female forces champion all that is good in the world? Most women probably don't make any real comparisons between Wonder Woman and themselves but you can be the star of your own life and a real inspiration to others by leading a fit and healthy life.