Genetically modified food labels don't sit well in U.S.

Activists rejoiced last week when a hard-fought battle over international standards for labeling genetically modified food came to an end &#...

Salt plus potassium is an equation to ponder

The salt content of your diet is important -- we've heard that from health experts over and over again. But a new study suggests that it's...

An injured ACL isn't a death knell for athletes anymore

Most athletic types would rather spend a month watching "Teletubbies" while reading Snooki's blog than suffer an injury. And when it comes...

Good Form: A knee-saving exercise for the hamstrings

Here's a terrific way to train your hamstrings (the muscles in the back of your thighs) and buttocks without overworking the fronts of...

Hiking on the tech trail

Getting out in nature for a hike or a trail run can offer an escape from the modern world. But that doesn't mean techie innovations should...

Good Form: Weights help strengthen shoulders

Get strong and balanced rear shoulder muscles by including this exercise in your weight routine. Sitting on a bench or chair makes it easier...

Want a superhero physique? Here's how

Perhaps you've been to the multiplex to see Ryan Reynolds' Green Lantern save the universe from the evil Parallax or to witness Chris...

Working out obesity issues on 'Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition'

"Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition"

Good Form: Get out in front of thigh tightness

The fronts of your thighs can get very tight, especially if you play sports, train with weights or engage in any other physical activities....

Home workout devices are now affordable and portable

For those times when you can't get to the gym — or don't feel like breaking out your credit card to pay the membership fee —...

Good Form: A little squeeze, a little twist make this a great core exercise

This exercise challenges your core strength and provides a nice twist to your spine. Squeezing a soft ball with your inner thighs helps to...

My Turn: Husband hangs up his mountain biking pedals

In the last four years, my 42-year-old husband has had three mountain biking-related surgeries. He's had more busted fingers, dislocated...

Well, about that 10K goal …

I picked a bad race for a personal best attempt.

Good Form: A plank pose that goes further

Build muscular endurance with yoga moves like this one, called "plank pose into chaturanga dandasana." Practiced correctly on a...

Muscle drink with HMB targets the middle-aged

A new muscle drink on the market isn't for bodybuilders or workout fanatics: It's aimed at middle-aged and older adults who are losing...

Is lowering the drinking age a good idea?

It's no secret that people drink alcohol before they turn 21. Stories about binge drinking on college campuses and alcohol-fueled high...

The weary road to a 10K milestone

This is all Jack LaLanne's fault.

My Turn: A hard ride beyond despair on the AIDS/LifeCycle trek

"I can't do it," I wailed into my cellphone in Santa Cruz to my husband in San Luis Obispo. "And I've lost my wallet. Will you come and...

Good Form: Twist exercise works obliques

Your internal and external obliques are located on the sides of the torso. They are responsible for bending and rotating your torso and...

Fibromyalgia and exercise: More tips from an expert

Fibromyalgia expert Ginevra Liptan was our guest Monday for a Los Angeles Times Web chat. We didn't get to answer all of the questions...

USDA changes guidelines for cooking pork

Finally, the government agrees that pig should be pink. On the inside, at least.

A two-for-one workout

Most people wouldn't think of combining seemingly polar opposite pursuits such as Pilates and boxing. But the odd pairing makes perfect...

Bicycles are getting artsy smartsy

Creative bicycles, long a favorite subject of student industrial design contests, are busting out of art college and onto the streets....

Good Form: Seated pose helps back, hips

Develop strength and balance in your back muscles as well as flexibility in your hips with this seated pose. Remember to keep your back...

Live Web chat Monday: A doctor with fibromyalgia helps others with the condition

Dr. Ginevra Liptan was nearing the end of her first year in medical school when she felt a muscle tear in her neck while exercising at the...

McDonald's Happy Meals and other happy lunches -- let's take a look

Ronald McDonald has been getting heat this week from an advocacy group irate at the company's continued marketing to children. The group...

Coffee seems to lower the risk of lethal prostate cancer

Drinking coffee is a fine way to start the day, many men would agree. For those worried about prostate cancer, it appears to be a great...

The myth of ripped muscles and calorie burns

Whenever I hear about some amazing way to boost resting metabolism, my male-bovine-droppings detector goes berserk. Take the perennially...

Good Form: Pilates ring adds intensity to workout

Props like this Pilates ring can help spice up your workout by challenging muscles in new ways. To add intensity to your obliques (side...

Toe a new line: barefoot shoes

If you live in Los Angeles or other fashion-forward places where people are eager to try new things, you have seen them: people running...