University of Arkansas Summary: Skeletal muscles in mice appear to ‘remember’ prior training, aiding muscle growth and adaptability when retrained through exercise. According to a report by the American Psychological Association published in February 2021, 42% of American adults reported unintended weight gain since the COVID-19 pandemic began, averaging about 29 pounds.

For those who are still struggling to get back on track with their exercise routine, there is encouraging news: new research from the University of Arkansas indicates that prior training of muscles can accelerate muscle growth and response even after extended idleness. Getting back what was lost is likely easier than most people realize. READ MORE

European Society of Cardiology. A study in more than 30,000 heart patients shows that becoming active later in life can be nearly as beneficial to survival as continued activity. These encouraging findings highlight how patients with coronary heart disease may benefit by preserving or adopting a physically active lifestyle,” said study author Dr. Nathalia Gonzalez of the University of Bern, Switzerland.

Regular physical activity is advised for patients with heart disease, but recommendations are largely based on studies that used either a single assessment or an average of activity levels assessed over time. However, patients may modify the amount of exercise they do, and it remains unclear whether these changes are related to survival. READ MORE