Credit: iStock This year marked the 10th anniversary of the I Spy Physiology blog! In a year of great challenge to science funding, talking about the value of science has never been more important, and our contributors understood the assignment. They’ve shared their stories about becoming a science advocate and transitioning from mentee to a … Continue reading The Top 10 Most-read I Spy Physiology Posts of 2025
Exercise
The Brain-boosting Power of Strength Training
Credit: iStock/Zorica Nastasic As the population ages, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and other neurodegenerative diseases are on the rise. These conditions can make independence harder, but exercise can protect your brain. Aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging and bicycling can improve brain health, size and function. Research has shown that strength training may offer … Continue reading The Brain-boosting Power of Strength Training
Embrace the Burn: Dispelling Years of Lactate Misconceptions
Credit: iStock You may be familiar with the feeling known as “the burn”—the tingling soreness emanating from deep within your muscles, telling you to stop what you’re doing and rest. The burn can appear during the last few reps at the gym, the end of a long jog or even during the last few twists … Continue reading Embrace the Burn: Dispelling Years of Lactate Misconceptions
The Irony of Exercise and Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Credit: iStock/PonyWang The irony of exercise is that while it works wonders for heart health, it actually increases short-term risk for experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) while you’re working out. The acute risk of SCA is higher when you’re unfit, when you’re engaging in high-intensity exercise, and you have underlying cardiovascular disease. How does fitness … Continue reading The Irony of Exercise and Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Overtraining: Pushing the Boundaries of Physical Activity
Credit: iStock/lzf In Greek mythology, the renowned athlete Milo carries a baby calf on his shoulder each day. As the calf grows, Milo gets stronger, and eventually he can walk long distances with a full-grown cow on his back. This is a bit of a facetious example of progressive overload, a basic tenet of … Continue reading Overtraining: Pushing the Boundaries of Physical Activity
From Tomatoes to Treadmills: What Scientists Are Discovering About Everyday Health
American Physiology Summit attendees view scientific posters. Credit: Erica Roth From record-breaking running speeds set by a 91-year-old to how your body responds to climate shifts, the American Physiology Summit brought together researchers exploring the science of health and life itself. Here’s how their findings presented at the annual meeting of the American Physiological Society could … Continue reading From Tomatoes to Treadmills: What Scientists Are Discovering About Everyday Health
Keeping Older Adults Hydrated in the Heat
Credit: iStock/Yau Ming Low Most of us know it’s important to drink more when it’s hot outside, especially when we’ve been physically active. Without replacing the fluids we lose through sweating, we can start to show signs of heat-related illness, such as lightheadedness and muscle cramping. Dehydration also strains the heart and kidneys. This advice … Continue reading Keeping Older Adults Hydrated in the Heat
Using Physical Activity Levels as a Health Vital Sign
Credit: iStock/money business images Think back to the last time you had a checkup with your health care provider. They likely weighed you, asked your height and measured your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and breathing. The medical team probably also asked questions about your health history, current medications and if you had any pain. … Continue reading Using Physical Activity Levels as a Health Vital Sign
How to Turn Your Fitness Resolution into a Lasting Habit
Credit: iStock/Fokusiert If getting more exercise is on your New Year’s resolution list, you’re not alone. While becoming more active is one of the most common resolutions, only about 25% of adults meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity. How can you beat the odds and make sure your resolution becomes more than just a … Continue reading How to Turn Your Fitness Resolution into a Lasting Habit
The Top 10 Most-read I Spy Physiology Posts of 2024
Credit: iStock/gustavofrazao It’s been another “ph-un” filled year of physiology on the I Spy Physiology blog! We’ve featured posts ranging from marijuana research and bone cancer in children to how many steps do we really need to take per day and if alkaline water lives up to the hype. To complement our Women’s Health Research … Continue reading The Top 10 Most-read I Spy Physiology Posts of 2024