Health - Fitness

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#Health - Fitness

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>Karl Dunne, CEO of Ireland Active, the national association for the leisure, health and fitness sector. Picture: Moya Nolan</p>

economy

Ireland is hooked on fitness, but can the gym boom survive rising costs?

From Cork gym closures to the explosive growth of Hyrox, Ireland’s €600m fitness industry faces rising costs and calls for tax relief

Bernard O'Shea: DIY, rippling abs... just a few ambitions I’ve abandoned

<p>Hard exercise and plenty of rest may seem like positive habits, but overdoing it can be almost as bad as not doing enough. Going the extra mile when it comes to a healthy diet and dental hygiene, however, can pay dividends. <span class="contextmenu emphasis CaptionCredit">Pictures: iStock</span>
</p>

health and wellbeing

Just a number? Here are the real causes of early ageing

'Walking has been life-changing. Where I am now compared to three years ago is chalk and cheese'

health and wellbeing

'Walking has been life-changing. Where I am now compared to three years ago is chalk and cheese'

Ray D'Arcy: Exercise helped to keep me sane

health and wellbeing

Ray D'Arcy: Exercise helped to keep me sane

CLAIRE BYRNE

health and wellbeing

Claire Byrne: I have to exercise most days, or I can’t function

'I was stunned by my diagnosis': What you need to know about protecting your bone health

'I was stunned by my diagnosis': What you need to know about protecting your bone health

Women are more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. Although bone loss typically begins years before menopause, it's possible to strengthen your bones at any age

Fri, 14 Aug, 2026

Back view, sportswoman sitting on mat and touching sore spine, suffering backache after physical training

Hands-on back pain treatment: 'Try to keep active if you have just hurt yout back'

A new large-scale study has found that people with chronic pain can benefit as much from massage and acupuncture as from recommended active therapies

Fri, 14 Aug, 2026

Happy multi generational women having fun together at city park - Multigenerational female friends taking selfie after sport wor

Call for women to be good sports during outdoor activity week

The annual HER Outdoors Week aims to get more women involved in all types of sporting activities and adventure

Fri, 07 Aug, 2026

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

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

Discover the restorative power of our blueways and greenways as you reset, re-energise, and expand your horizons through accessible outdoor adventures this summer

Fri, 31 Jul, 2026

Beach yoga: 'Reclaiming our connection with water is essential to our wellbeing'

Beach yoga: 'Reclaiming our connection with water is essential to our wellbeing'

Tap into the feel-good vibes this season by exercising outdoors. Esther McCarthy joins a beach yoga class at a local beach to get the lowdown on the Downward Dog

Fri, 24 Jul, 2026

What World Cup stars Haalland and Messi can teach us about slowing down for better fitness

What World Cup stars Haalland and Messi can teach us about slowing down for better fitness

Pacing yourself is the new black in fitness — just ask World Cup top scorers Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi

Fri, 17 Jul, 2026

How parkruns bring a wealth of health benefits — both physical and mental

How 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

Fri, 03 Jul, 2026

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

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

Everyone these days wants to optimise their workouts, but when a study seems too good to be true, it usually is, writes Devi Sridhar

Wed, 24 Jun, 2026

Low Section Of Woman Walking On Road In Mountains

How do I start running as a total beginner?

Taking the first step in your running journey is the toughest part, but there is a lot of support out there to help you get going

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Teenage girl tying shoelace of tap shoe indoors, closeup

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

Irish dancing has become a global phenomenon thanks to a hit 1990s stage show. Back home, it’s enjoying a renaissance among adults looking to get fit while building a wellbeing community

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

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

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

A rebellion is rising against the dull, highly optimised lives big tech wants for us. It’s not a second too soon

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

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