Health - Fitness

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#Health - Fitness

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p> Runners on their way during the Midleton Greenway parkrun in Midleton, Co Cork. Pictures: David Keane.</p>

health and wellbeing

Run to connect: Parkruns bring a wealth of health benefits, both physical and mental

More and more people are joining parkruns— and it’s easy to see why. You get to exercise, connect with your community, and boost your mental and physical wellbeing

<p>Our bodies need a triangle of types of movement, especially as the years go on: cardio, strength and flexibility. File photo: Alamy/PA</p>

comment-analysis

Fit with just five minutes’ exercise a day? I don’t believe it

<p>Patience is needed when starting to run, as there are no shortcuts to improving your performance. Picture:iStock</p>

health and wellbeing

How do I start running as a total beginner?

How exercising on Ireland's Greenways and Blueways can improve your health

health and wellbeing

How exercising on Ireland's Greenways and Blueways can improve your health

Teenage girl tying shoelace of tap shoe indoors, closeup

health and wellbeing

Riverdance yourself fit: Why Irish dancing is gaining popularity for its health benefits

The health tracker backlash is here, so ditch the data and set yourself free

comment-analysis

The health tracker backlash is here, so ditch the data and set yourself free

I used a fitness tracker to make myself ‘younger’ — here are the small habit changes that worked

I used a fitness tracker to make myself ‘younger’ — here are the small habit changes that worked

Denise O’Donoghue was shocked when Whoop announced she was 2.7 years older than her age, but the app’s plan reversed it

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Senior woman lifting weights, maintaining fitness and health

How to start weight training after 60 and why it can slash your risk of early death

Two hours per week of resistance exercise can significantly cut the risk of an early death

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Balance Pilates set to open new studio in Limerick

Balance Pilates set to open new studio in Limerick

Founder claims studio, due to open on May 25, will seize on 'real gap' in the market

Tue, 19 May, 2026

Sports senior woman

What 'super-agers' have to teach us about how our brains age

While none of us can become super-agers if we are not already, there are plenty of lifestyle factors that have an impact on the aging process

Fri, 15 May, 2026

Man riding gravel bike on mountain trail exploring outdoors

Pedal power: Why men should cycle as they enter middle-age

From improving cardiovascular health and muscle strength to boosting testosterone and lowering stress, cycling is one of the best ways for men to stay healthy as they age

Fri, 08 May, 2026

Young woman with dog

How your dog keeps your health on the right track

Lurcher owner Peta Bee explores the many ways in which pet ownership can improve our mental and physical well-being

Fri, 01 May, 2026

listen music with fitness running sports equipment, sneakers

Bernard O’Shea: The Dad Bod Diaries — Five things I’ve learned about procrastination

Here's the ultimate handbook for expertly postponing everything you swear you’ll begin next Monday..., says Bernard O'Shea

Wed, 29 Apr, 2026

Vhi Women's Mini Marathon Launch

Aimee Connolly: 'Running will always be part of my routine'

Sculpted By Aimee cosmetics firm founder Aimee Connolly says she’s a type-A personality who is always on the go. The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon ambassador tells Gemma Fullam that exercise helps her sustain her busy schedule

Fri, 10 Apr, 2026

Father leads a little child school boy go hand in hand. Parent and son with backpack behind the back.

Bernard O'Shea — The Dad Bod Diaries: Whisper it, but am I afraid to succeed?

When his youngest stopped holding his hand crossing the road, Bernard O'Shea took it as a chance to explore his inner feelings about his exercise regime, and came to a starkly honest conclusion

Thu, 26 Mar, 2026

Deep learning infographic of artificial neural network neurons and robot

Bernard O’Shea: The Dad Bod Diaries Week 9 — dopamine, daydreams and deadlifts

My social media feed promises transformation in 47 'easy' steps, says Bernard O'Shea, as he continues his fitness regime

Thu, 26 Feb, 2026

Strength workout concept. Active mature man doing squats at home, exercising in living room, panorama, free space

Bernard O'Shea: The Dad Bod Diaries, Week 8 — discovering the humbling power of squats

'I hate them. Unfortunately, they may be the key to longevity,' explains Bernard O'Shea as he continues his exercise regime

Thu, 19 Feb, 2026

Mature man in cafe using laptop

Dad Bod Diaries Week 6: Five things I’ve learned about coffee, fitness, and moderation

There was a period of my life when coffee wasn't a drink — it was a strategy

Thu, 05 Feb, 2026

I used a walking pad to walk 10,000 steps a day for a month — here’s what happened

I used a walking pad to walk 10,000 steps a day for a month — here’s what happened

It's been a long, rainy January and many people are turning to walking pads to keep their step count up. These can have many health benefits, as Denise O’Donoghue found out when she invested in a walking pad for her home office

Fri, 30 Jan, 2026

Young sporty attractive woman practicing yoga, doing Donkey Kick exercise

Have leggings been cancelled?

Trends change, but this athleisure staple has staying power

Fri, 23 Jan, 2026

Strength workout concept. Active mature man doing squats at home, exercising in living room, panorama, free space

Short and simple exercises to boost longevity - no equipment needed

You can weave these quick fitness routines into any part of your day

Fri, 23 Jan, 2026

Breda Graham: I tried Derval O'Rourke's 10-minute fitness challenge — here's how I got on

Breda Graham: I tried Derval O'Rourke's 10-minute fitness challenge — here's how I got on

Whether you’re brushing off the cobwebs after a break from exercising, kickstarting your fitness journey, or you’re a seasoned gym-goer, you'll likely find this programme helpful

Wed, 21 Jan, 2026

Watch: Derval O'Rourke’s 10-minute fitness challenge is perfect for a new year reset

Watch: Derval O'Rourke’s 10-minute fitness challenge is perfect for a new year reset

Whether you’re brushing off the cobwebs after a break from exercising, kickstarting your fitness journey, or you’re a seasoned gym-goer, you'll likely find this programme helpful

Tue, 06 Jan, 2026

Woman running on treadmill in gym. Ealthy lifestyle.

Gen Z is hitting the gym to take back control

Gen Z are trading pints for protein shakes, but what does this obsession with fitness really say about growing up in uncertain times, asks Emilie Murray

Sun, 26 Oct, 2025

Week 4 - Derval O'Rourke: End your September reset on a high with a full-body workout

Week 4 - Derval O'Rourke: End your September reset on a high with a full-body workout

The final instalment of Derval O’Rourke’s four-week exercise programme is here

Mon, 06 Oct, 2025

Week 3 - Workout with Derval O'Rourke: Focus on what's possible right now

Week 3 - Workout with Derval O'Rourke: Focus on what's possible right now

In week three of our Olympian Derval O’Rourke’s workout programme, the focus is on legs and abs. All it takes ten minutes

Mon, 29 Sep, 2025

Michael Costello training in Battersea Park, London to take part in the Ironman to be held in Ireland Cork 2024.
Ironman is a t

Just get out there: The kit you need to get into swim, cycle and run

Don’t stress about having the best or latest gear — it shouldn’t cost a fortune, writes Micheál Costello

Fri, 26 Sep, 2025

Week 2 - Workout with Derval O'Rourke: Hacks to stay motivated

Week 2 - Workout with Derval O'Rourke: Hacks to stay motivated

Week two: Finding it difficult to get off the couch? Thinking about the results can help motivate you, says Derval O’Rourke

Mon, 22 Sep, 2025

Laura Dowling: 'It’s time to end the shame and stigma surrounding women's wonderful bodies'

Laura Dowling: 'It’s time to end the shame and stigma surrounding women's wonderful bodies'

From freeing your bush to going au naturel, women need to celebrate their bodies, says Laura Dowling, aka the Fabulous Pharmacist. In an exclusive extract from her new book, ‘Love Your Vulva’, she makes the case for embracing pubic hair for its many protective

Fri, 19 Sep, 2025

Week 1 - Workout with Derval O'Rourke: My fitness challenge only takes 10 minutes

Week 1 - Workout with Derval O'Rourke: My fitness challenge only takes 10 minutes

As part of our September Reset drive, Feelgood kicks off its four-week workout programme created by Olympian Derval O’Rourke. All it takes is 10 minutes

Mon, 15 Sep, 2025

Derval O'Rourke: Why 10 minutes a day is all you need for my September fitness challenge

Derval O'Rourke: Why 10 minutes a day is all you need for my September fitness challenge

Derval O’Rourke downed tools over the summer to spend time with her family. Now she’s back with a bang — rested, recharged, and ready for a busy September. She talks to Deirdre McArdle about her upcoming four-week Feelgood fitness challenge for all levels, and why 10 minutes a day is all you need

Fri, 05 Sep, 2025

Jogging injury. Warp up before any exercise.,coopy space for text.

How to keep your knees in good shape for lasting joint relief

Aching joints don’t have to hold you back, and now experts suggest that activity can reduce rather than increase pain

Wed, 27 Aug, 2025

Out running on a beautiful day

Can exercise help us sleep better? Here are four types of exercises to try

Moving your body during the day will help prepare your body and mind for sleep at night.

Fri, 18 Jul, 2025

Young girl with open arms freely at mountain top against sunset.

Five simple things you can do to stay fit and healthy this summer

From breathing more effectively to getting morning sunlight, keep it simple this summer

Fri, 27 Jun, 2025

Mature woman lifting dumbbell with man in background at home

How to start lifting weights and build muscle in mid-life

Confusing advice abounds on how to stay strong as we age, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Our experts’ tips for building muscle make it simple

Fri, 13 Jun, 2025

Young attractive yogi woman practicing yoga, Utkatasana pose

Fast-track your fitness with five minutes of exercise each day

Exercises such as sit-ups, pull-ups, and standing in place, in short spells, can improve strength

Fri, 06 Jun, 2025

Everything you need to know about cholesterol and how to keep it under control

Everything you need to know about cholesterol and how to keep it under control

A high cholesterol level is dangerous, but with the right diet, an active lifestyle, and support from your doctor, you can get it under control

Fri, 06 Jun, 2025

Sporty Young Woman Drinking Water On Bridge

Tips to keep in mind before lacing up your trainers for a run

Before you lace up your trainers and head out to exercise under the hot sun, keep these tips in mind

Fri, 30 May, 2025

Close up of hand touching smartwatch with health app on the screen, gadget for fitness active lifestyle.

What your step count says about your fitness levels

While 10,000 steps per day has become a standard target, even as few as 4,000 daily steps can offer significant health benefits for those with a sedentary lifestyle

Sun, 18 May, 2025

Scaling Ireland's highest peaks in aid of charity supporting adult survivors of child sexual abuse

Scaling Ireland's highest peaks in aid of charity supporting adult survivors of child sexual abuse

Jack Fitzgerald is climbing our seven highest peaks in seven days to support a charity that helped him come to terms with the sexual abuse he experienced as a child

Fri, 16 May, 2025

'Rediscovering cycling thanks to my e-bike has transformed my commute and fitness'

'Rediscovering cycling thanks to my e-bike has transformed my commute and fitness'

It has all of the exercise benefits of a standard bicycle, but the assist boost is like the gentle push of a hand on your back

Fri, 16 May, 2025

Irish workout queen Lesley Giltinan: 'There is no better medicine than exercise'

Irish workout queen Lesley Giltinan: 'There is no better medicine than exercise'

Exercise ‘queen’ Lesley Giltinan is a fitness role model for women, particularly those in midlife. Her dynamic workout classes not only help to keep them fit, but also improve their mood

Fri, 09 May, 2025

Female runner on the road in the evening

Do extreme morning routines like Ashton Hall’s viral daily regimen really work?

Want to copy Ashton Hall’s viral daily regimen? First, think about how it might affect your social life

Fri, 09 May, 2025

Rear View Of Woman Walking On Road

How to strengthen your heart with a brisk walking routine

Walking at a fast pace strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps keep your blood vessels healthy, according to new research

Sat, 19 Apr, 2025

What are the key components of exercise that help to keep us fit and healthy in older age?

What are the key components of exercise that help to keep us fit and healthy in older age?

Exercise is essential for health and vitality at all life stages. Instead of easing up when we retire, as many do, it pays to invest in our fitness and enjoy the social benefits too. We talk to people who are reaping the rewards

Fri, 11 Apr, 2025

St Patrick was a great hiker — here's how to follow in his footsteps and walk more

St Patrick was a great hiker — here's how to follow in his footsteps and walk more

Renowned for bringing Christianity to Ireland, St Patrick also blazed a trail as one of our greatest hikers. Modern research confirms he was on the right path

Fri, 14 Mar, 2025

Working Life: I avoided sport because it made me breathless, but I didn’t know I had asthma

Working Life: I avoided sport because it made me breathless, but I didn’t know I had asthma

Dr Maitiú Ó Faoláin, GP and member of the Asthma Society’s Medical Advisory Group

Fri, 21 Feb, 2025

It's time to work up a sweat

How old are you inside? Tiny tweaks to rewind your body clock

We can’t turn back the years, but by making the right lifestyle choices, it’s possible to reverse our biological age

Wed, 19 Feb, 2025

Young fitness female runner legs ready for run on forest trail

How increasing your steps and walking more can help you to live longer

Intense fitness routines can be daunting, but simply going for a walk can significantly improve your health. Upping your daily steps will quickly make a difference and put you on the path to a longer life

Fri, 24 Jan, 2025

Colm Hayes: I'm trying to up my game with the 40-Day Health Challenge

Colm Hayes: I'm trying to up my game with the 40-Day Health Challenge

Supported by health experts from Operation Transformation, the challenge is designed to motivate participants to focus on improving their physical health, mental wellbeing, and nutrition over 40 days.

Fri, 17 Jan, 2025