Clemson Extension Rural Health and Nutrition Blog

Fitness Fact or Fiction: Debunking Common Exercise Myths

One of the biggest barriers to starting a fitness journey is a lack of knowledge about what to do to see meaningful results and get the most out of a physical activity plan. Unfortunately, the abundance of fitness myths only adds to this challenge, making it increasingly difficult to sort through the overwhelming amount of […]

Yoga Props: Modify Your Movements to Meet Your Needs

A water bottle, yoga block, and pair of dumbbells.

Yoga blocks bring the floor closer or create space between parts of the body, helping practitioners modify poses for comfort, balance, and support. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Yoga can be adapted to meet different bodies, abilities, experience levels, and goals. Props do not make a pose less effective. They can provide support, improve […]

Take a Walk in the Pee Dee: Easy Ways to Stay Active Close to Home

A beautiful walking trail located in Williamson Park in Darlington, South Carolina. Photo Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank  Why We Should Walk   Staying active can look different for everyone, and for many people, walking is one simple and accessible option. In the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina, a broad area in the northeastern part of the state that includes multiple counties, […]

Exercise for Persons with Low Mobility

Yoga is an accessible form of balance and flexibility training that can be performed standing, seated in a chair, or on the ground. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Physical activity is an essential part of maintaining health, independence, and quality of life, but for individuals with low mobility, traditional exercise advice can often feel […]

Strength Training

Strength training is not limited to lifting weights. There are many ways to apply resistance against your muscles, including using bodyweight and other types of fitness equipment such as bands, kettlebells, and medicine balls. Working against your own bodyweight is a great strength training option for beginners or those who have not been physically active […]

Nutrition to Support Physical Activity

The way you eat affects how your body feels during physical activity, how well you recover afterwards, and how your body adapts over time. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank Why is Nutrition Important? Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting physical activity by providing the necessary energy and nutrients for muscle repair, growth, and […]

Cardiovascular Training

Walking regularly helps improve heart health and build cardiovascular endurance. Image Credit: RHN Team Picture Bank What is Cardiovascular Training? Regular physical activity is essential for improving overall health and managing or preventing chronic conditions. Cardiovascular training, otherwise known as cardio or aerobic training, involves exercises that raise your heart rate and improve the efficiency […]

Overcoming the “Winter Blues”

The trees have lost their leaves, the sun sets early, and the breeze outside is chilling-we are now in the heart of the winter season. While some love the colder months, others may find this time of year puts a damper on their mood. As the weather turns cold and dark, we tend to stay […]