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Anatomy/Kinesiology

Spleen Anatomy
Screening the Spleen

Though known for being a nonessential organ, the spleen plays a significant role in immunity and blood health as the blood’s filtration mechanism.

Mitochondria and exercise
Mitochondria: Unpacking Cellular Power

Mitochondria are found in every cell of the human body, except red blood cells. These energy-producing organelles play a key role in exercise performance.

Thyroid anatomy
Thanking the Thyroid

Part of the endocrine system, this butterfly-shaped gland secretes hormones into the bloodstream as directed by the pituitary gland.

Calming the nervous system
On Your Nerves

Talking about the nervous system may bring to mind rapid bodily responses to stress, but there’s more to this intricate bundle of fibers.

Gait analysis
Gait Analysis in Your Shoe

Do you include gait analysis in your assessments to help you craft the perfect program? A new technology may simplify the process.

sartorius muscle
Sizing Up the Sartorius Muscle

You may not be familiar with the sartorius muscle, but you’ve no doubt flexed it during countless lower-body exercises, stretches and yoga poses.

Muscular training benefits
Muscle: Use It or Lose It Until You Use It Again

It turns out we may be able to “bank” muscular training benefits from our younger selves to help maintain muscular strength as we age. One caveat: We must train again to reap those benefits.

Occupational Activity
Some Physical Activity May Not Benefit Heart Health

Resistance training may reduce fat levels around the heart (above), but not all strength-based activities are beneficial for cardiovascular health. New research shows that occupational activities like routinely carrying heavy loads at work may have a negative impact on the heart.

Body Fat and Heart Disease
Strength Training Reduces Heart Fat

Location matters with body fat. The accumulation of excess fat around the heart can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. A new study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark assigned participants to resistance training, high-intensity interval endurance training (HIIT) or no exercise. Results showed that only people who lifted weights decreased the fat lying closest to the heart—specifically, inside the sac that encases the heart (the pericardium).