Health - Fitness

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#Health - Fitness

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>Denise O’Donoghue multitasks by catching up on work emails while exercising on her walking pad. Picture: Chani Anderson</p>

health and wellbeing

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

<p>The big leggings debate isn’t that big. At its core, it’s about evolution, not revolution — committing to silhouettes that reflect who you are now and how you move through the world. Picture: iStock </p>

health and wellbeing

Have leggings been cancelled?

<p>New research suggests that small increases in daily moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity may reduce the risk of death. Picture: iStock</p>

health and wellbeing

Short and simple exercises to boost longevity - no equipment needed

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

health and wellbeing

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

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

health and wellbeing

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

Woman running on treadmill in gym. Ealthy lifestyle.

comment-analysis

Gen Z is hitting the gym to take back control

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

DAVID GILLICK & EMMET DUNLEAVY

Watch: Expert tips for learning how to run at any age — and sticking with it

It may be tempting to turn up the heat and stay snug at home during January, but this pared-back month is ideal for exercising outdoors. Athletics coach Emmett Dunleavy and Olympian David Gillick share their top tips for learning how to run at any age — and stick with it

Mon, 13 Jan, 2025

Healthy Morning Jogger runner Exercising on White

10-minute exercise routines: Quick ways to bust out of the January blues

If you are already losing motivation for your health and fitness resolutions, there is hope in the form of 10-minute wellbeing hacks that promise to keep you on track

Fri, 10 Jan, 2025

Sharlene Mawdsley: Fuelling up for a new PB in 2025

Sharlene Mawdsley: Fuelling up for a new PB in 2025

"I don’t really have ‘healthy’ eating habits. I just make sure I fuel myself efficiently as I ask a lot from my body."

Fri, 10 Jan, 2025

I worked out every morning before work for three weeks - here's what happened

I worked out every morning before work for three weeks - here's what happened

Early joggers and gym goers have become a bit of a trend but is waking up and exercising at the crack of dawn really all it’s cracked up to be?

Mon, 06 Jan, 2025

How walking 10,000 steps a day can impact blood pressure, sleep patterns and mood

How walking 10,000 steps a day can impact blood pressure, sleep patterns and mood

Walking upwards of 10,000 steps a day is the key point for improving health

Mon, 06 Jan, 2025

Happy man running in the park listening to music on headphones on a summer sunny day

Eight ways to boost your motivation for work, exercise and everything in between

New goals and resistance go hand in hand, so try these science-backed strategies to help you stay on track, writes Peta Bee

Fri, 03 Jan, 2025

Happy couple dancing together on pink background

Expert advice on how to dance yourself fit and happy as Dancing with the Stars returns

Take your lead from the top TV show Dancing with the Stars and hit the dance floor - It’s one of the best ways to get physically and mentally stronger

Fri, 03 Jan, 2025

Athletics and resilience: Sport is rewarding, but brutally unforgiving, in equal measure

Athletics and resilience: Sport is rewarding, but brutally unforgiving, in equal measure

Athlete Frank McGrath overcame the odds after undergoing surgery to remove a tumour to win a place on the team representing Ireland at the upcoming under-20 men’s European Cross Country Championships in Turkey. His mum, Peta Bee, describes what it’s like to watch her son push on

Fri, 29 Nov, 2024

For those about to sweat: How Paul Mescal got fighting fit for Gladiator II

For those about to sweat: How Paul Mescal got fighting fit for Gladiator II

Paul Mescal has helped to popularise a functionally and aesthetically impressive body type. We can achieve healthier muscles and a stronger physique too

Fri, 15 Nov, 2024

Zac Ward 29/10/2024

Zac Ward: I tend to overthink things, especially with rugby

Irish rugby union player says his biggest fear is letting his family down, or spiders

Mon, 11 Nov, 2024

Businesswoman Stretching At Desk

Banish your back pain with these six handy hacks

From getting up from your seat every hour and moving for five minutes to doing regular strengthening exercises and setting up a strict bedtime routine, there's plenty you can do to ease your aches

Fri, 08 Nov, 2024

Woman Exercising

Exercise and mental health: Get moving to get your brain going

Exercising can help improve our cognitive abilities and our mental health

Fri, 01 Nov, 2024

Sports, football loss and child sad over fitness game defeat, training competition fail or athlete contest. Kid depression, ment

Mental health and sports: emotional fitness is a game of two halves

The Movember Ahead of the Game programme aims to raise awareness of mental health and provide young people with tools to manage pressure in their lives, both on and off the field

Fri, 01 Nov, 2024

Smiling woman lifting dumbbells

Make no bones about it — not minding them bones is a health risk

By the time we reach middle age, the body’s bone-building capacity declines, with old cells breaking down faster than new ones are formed. Here's what you can do to keep them strong

Fri, 11 Oct, 2024

Aileen Ferris: Cork yoga teacher's class is 'about what feels good' for neurodivergent bodies

Aileen Ferris: Cork yoga teacher's class is 'about what feels good' for neurodivergent bodies

A life-changing diagnosis helped yoga instructor and acrobat Aileen Ferris realise who she is - and create a yoga class to help other neurodivergent adults with the sometimes-tricky task of checking in with their bodies. Mike McGrath-Bryan finds out more.

Tue, 08 Oct, 2024

Emma Barry Murphy: Week four of my 10-minute workout series has 'glorious stretches'

Emma Barry Murphy: Week four of my 10-minute workout series has 'glorious stretches'

The final week of Emma Barry Murphy’s exercise challenge is all about increasing your flexibility. These ‘glorious’ stretches are designed to lengthen and strengthen your muscles

Fri, 27 Sep, 2024

Emma Barry Murphy: Week three of my 10-minute workout builds on the basics

Emma Barry Murphy: Week three of my 10-minute workout builds on the basics

Week three of our September challenge builds on what we've already learned while minimising the risk of injuries

Sun, 22 Sep, 2024

Raising the barre: Join Emma Barry Murphy's 10-minute fitness class

Raising the barre: Join Emma Barry Murphy's 10-minute fitness class

Starting this week, follow our four-week challenge with barre instructor Emma Barry-Murphy

Wed, 11 Sep, 2024