Beatrice J. Doty

Somerville Still Not Ready To Start Phase 3 Reopening

Beatrice J. Doty 2 days ago

SOMERVILLE, MA — The city announced late last week that Phase 3 Step 1 of reopening will remain on hold, as leaders cite rising case counts and urging from the medical community to roll back the state’s phased reopening.

Officials will continue to review the situation in two-week intervals, with the next update coming on or before Monday, Aug. 17. Indoor and outdoor gatherings remain in Phase 2, with no more than 10 persons allowed until further notice, unless specifically permitted in city activity-specific guidelines. To provide safer options for gyms and fitness centers to offer some services, the city is encouraging and supporting outdoor alternatives.

Businesses in the State’s Phase 3 Step 1 reopening include large indoor venues and activities generally considered to be at high risk for viral spread such as performance venues, movie theaters, gyms, cultural centers, and indoor gatherings. Phase 3 Health and Human Services

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10 Fitness and Weight Loss Myths Trainers Want You to Stop Believing

Beatrice J. Doty 4 days ago

Getty Images

Thanks to diet culture, the fitness industry is filled with misinformation about what it takes to be truly healthy. And with many gyms still closed (and some exercisers opting not to use gyms in places where they are open), more people than ever are creating their own workouts, trying virtual fitness classes, and using home workout programs for the first time. But because there are so many conflicting messages out there, it can be difficult to figure out what types of exercise will work for you and deliver the results you’re after.

Ahead, expert trainers outline the biggest fitness myths they encounter with their clients and on social media. Then, they explain the real deal.

Myth #1: Crunches are the best way to target your core.

Most people think of six-pack abs when they think about their core. Which is one of the reasons crunches, which target these

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The health benefits of plank exercises and how to do a plank properly

Beatrice J. Doty 6 days ago
Planks have a wide range of health benefits.
Planks have a wide range of health benefits.

Getty/Maskot

Planks are a great way to strengthen your core and work out many different muscle groups, all at once. You can also do them anywhere — all you need is your body weight.

“The versatility and accessibility makes it one of the most incredible, well-rounded core exercises,” says celebrity trainer Jillian Michaels, creator of The Jillian Michaels Fitness App.

Here’s what you should know about the health benefits of planks and how to do them effectively.

Planks are a full-body workout

Planks don’t just target your abs, but require almost all the major muscle groups in your body to work together.

“Planks strengthen your spine, rhomboids, lats, trapezius, core, quads, glutes, hamstrings, shoulders, and triceps when done properly,” Michaels says.

plank muscles infographic
plank muscles infographic

Shayanne Gal/Insider

Other exercises like crunches or sit-ups can target the abs and core as effectively as

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Planet Fitness will require you to wear a mask while you work out starting Aug. 1

Beatrice J. Doty 1 week ago

The gym chain Planet Fitness is the latest company to announce that it will require visitors and members to wear masks amid the pandemic.

The gym franchise with clubs across 46 states announced the plan Monday, saying that everyone working out at its facilities will have to wear face coverings starting  Saturday. Currently, all employees are required to wear masks.

“As we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic, amid an ongoing global health crisis, wellness has never been as essential to our collective community as it is today,” said Chris Rondeau, CEO at Planet Fitness, in a statement.

Since the start of the pandemic, people have questioned and worried about whether fitness facilities are hotbeds for viruses and bacteria. When people exercise, they tend to inhale and exhale at faster rates, letting out more respiratory droplets as they go. Floating respiratory droplets seem to be the primary way for COVID-19

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