7 Fitness Tips From Olympian Dara Torres

Swimmer Dara Torres is one woman who’s inspired me to stay active and healthy for years to come. At 41, she won three silver medals swimming in Beijing, so she’s living proof that you only get fitter with age. Here are some tips from a Self magazine exclusive interview with Dara Torres, to help you stay healthy as you age. Set a fun fitness goal. Dara says, “Even if you don’t quite believe in yourself yet, if you set a goal that’s not too tough to reach, then meet it, that will motivate you to set another one and continue that cycle.” Triple your warmup time. Instead of the recommended five minutes of warming up, Dara does at least 15. She says it “helps prevent aches” and make her feel “as spry as she did when she was 17.” Warming up gives your muscles a chance to ease into your workout, which will reduce your chance of sustaining an injury. The longer you warm up, the better. There are five more tips, so keep reading

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7 Fitness Tips From Olympian Dara Torres

Lifting Tip: Warm Up With 10 Minutes of Cardio

If you have a regular fitness routine, you may prefer alternating between days of cardio and days of strength training. On your strength training days, don’t just jump right into your squats and lateral raises . Do a little cardio before you lift. Warm up for five minutes of easy cardio such as speed walking or jogging, and ramp up your pace for another five minutes with running, biking, or jumping rope. It’s just enough to get your blood flowing and your heart rate up, and will also warm your muscles and tendons. This increases your muscles’ elasticity, allowing you to endure a longer workout, and prevent injury.

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Lifting Tip: Warm Up With 10 Minutes of Cardio

How to Eat to Fuel Your Brain

Feeling mentally hazy in the lazy days of Summer? You need to feed your brain. Fuel it with the right foods and it will run smoothly and consistently. Although eating one single food will not make you a genius, here is some food for thought. View Slideshow ›

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How to Eat to Fuel Your Brain