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If you’ve ever run up a steep hill, attempted to run a longer distance than you’ve trained for, or done a handful of 200-meter repeats, you know that running can feel like a leg workout just as much as it is a cardiovascular exercise. But does going for a run “count” as leg day? Before you’re tempted to skip your squats and lunges in favor of a few miles, it’s worth knowing how running actually stacks up against strength training. Here’s what fitness experts have to say about whether running can make your legs stronger. Which muscles does running work? Running is truly a full-body exercise, with even the core and arms getting in on the action to help stabilize us and propel us forward. But “the greatest contributors to running are the muscles of the lower leg and ankle—the calves, soleus, hamstrings,…

You’ve likely heard by now about a new report that detected higher-than-acceptable levels of heavy metals lead and cadmium in many popular protein powders. (If not, consider this your heads up.) The analysis and report, which was conducted by the nonprofit organization Clean Label Project, discovered that chocolate-flavored powders contained some of the largest amounts of these toxic metals in the study. For the study, researchers took 160 products from 70 of the most popular protein powder brands. They then shipped samples of each protein powder to an independent laboratory, where they were analyzed for several heavy metals, along with other potential contaminants. The researchers found that 47 percent of the samples had levels of lead and cadmium that exceeded guidelines set by California’s Proposition 65, a law that requires companies to warn consumers about significant exposures to chemicals that could cause birth…

If you’re hitting the trails, there are a couple of things you have to have, like a solid pair of hiking boots and a trail-mapping app that keeps you from accidentally starring in your own survival story. Enter AllTrails, the go-to navigation app for outdoorsy folks, whether you’re an urban hiker, a weekend warrior, or practically live outdoors. Think of it as your trusty sidekick for exploring new paths and staying on track (literally). Lucky us—an annual membership of AllTrails+, the souped-up premium version of the beloved app, is now 50 percent off, discounted to just $18/year. If you do the math, that’s about $1.50 per month—a steal compared to the normal price of $35/year. If you have a big adventure planned for 2025 (or a few!), this upgrade is totally worth it. Just use the promo code NEWYEAR2025 to save. AllTrails+ —…

As the days shorten and the temperatures plunge, it can become quite challenging to find the motivation to step outside. If winter is getting you down, the Athleta Winter Sale is here to revitalize your mood—and your closet. With discounts reaching up to 70% on select styles and an additional 30% off sale items, Athleta has curated an impressive collection that promises serious retail therapy. Now through January 21, you can treat yourself to elevated loungewear for your cozy days at home, alongside chic winter coats and essentials that keep both comfort and style front and center. With over 700 items on sale, it’s easy to find pieces you’ll love. But don’t wait too long; the most sought-after selections are flying off the shelves. Dive in and discover the best deals we’ve handpicked for you! The best Athleta deals, at a glance: –…

After years of taking HIIT classes and deadlifting your body weight, you finally resolved to pick up a more joint-friendly workout. So you started sprinkling Pilates into your fitness routine. Except at the end of every class, you notice your wrists feel achy and strained. If you resonate with any part of this story, you might be wondering why your wrists feel like they’re about to fall off after every Pilates class. After all, this popular workout is constantly being touted as a “low-impact” way to stay fit yet leaves your wrists feeling anything but. Here, we spoke to a physical therapist and Pilates instructor on why Pilates can cause wrist pain, and tips and modifications to help prevent it. Why Pilates can cause wrist pain There are several different reasons Pilates can strike up wrist pain. For starters, wrist pain usually ails…

Gone are the days when apple cider vinegar—lovingly referred to as ACV—was simply used as a pantry staple for adding tangy brightness to recipes. These days, the health-conscious community has fully adopted this acidic ingredient as a bonafide superfood used to support multiple aspects of health, from fighting off harmful bacteria to boosting metabolism. In turn, this popular vinegar has landed in infused waters, hair products, cleaning supplies, and a range of supplements from powders and gummies to capsules and health shots. But what does this apple cider vinegar really have to offer in the way of evidence-based health benefits? What is apple cider vinegar? If you’re not familiar with ACV, this kitchen staple is a variety of vinegar, similar to that of white distilled, balsamic, rice, or red wine vinegar. But what sets it apart from these other options is how it’s…

Give it up for activewear. The once-relegated-to-the-gym attire is in the midst of a career renaissance, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon—and who isn’t here for it? The only issue: Athleisure often comes at a cost that’s more splurgy than sensible. Thankfully, looking and feeling great while you sweat (or run errands, or WFH, or lounge on the couch) doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Walmart’s affordable, quality activewear dupes channel the sleek, flattering vibes of brands like Alo—without the luxury-level pricing. Whether you’ve set a new fitness intention in 2025 or are simply committed to finding more comfort in the daily grind, swapping your old leggings and stretched-out sports bras for a few budget-friendly and seriously chic activewear upgrades might be just the motivation you need to start the new year off on the right leggings-and-sneaker-clad foot. We’ve rounded…

You’re out on a walk. The sun is out, the birds are chirping, and a pleasant, hazy view is on the horizon. Until, wait a second—is that a piece of trash? It’s a speck of ick amidst a vista of pleasantness; all you’d have to do to ignore it is shift your gaze up a bit. But you likely actually can’t help but focus on that piece of trash for a biological reason called the “negativity bias.” It’s the same reason we’ll tend to gripe about a frustrating encounter with a colleague when asked how our day was (when the day was otherwise fine) and why we tend to remember combative posts on social media. Negativity bias exists for evolutionary reasons and is hard-wired into our brain chemistry. But understanding why these thought patterns exist doesn’t mean we have to let them rule…

When it comes to squats, the sumo squat and goblet squat might seem like close cousins, but they’re built to target different muscles and fitness goals. Whether you’re chasing stronger hips, a more stable core, or flawless squat form, knowing the differences can help you level up your lower-body game. Ready to break it down and find your perfect squat? Ahead, we dive into the benefits and drawbacks of the sumo squat versus the goblet squat and how to choose the best fit for your workout. What is a sumo squat? The sumo squat is a wide-stance squat that primarily targets your glutes, especially your gluteus maximus (the largest glutes muscle), while also working smaller glute muscles, hamstrings, calves, adductors (inner thighs), core, and pelvic floor, says Michelle Wilbourn, PT, DPT, CSCS, physical therapist at Bespoke Physical Therapy in New York City. How…

Walking is the most popular form of exercise in the United States, with workout trends like color walks and backward walking proving just how versatile its benefits can be. Whether you’re looking to fuse mindfulness and cardio, improve balance and coordination, or want to increase your heart rate without sacrificing your joints, walking checks all of those boxes. Instead of lacing up a pair of running shoes, switching to a pair designed to equip feet for long walks can make all the difference. If you’re in the market for a pair of walking shoes, QVC is selling the Revitalign Gaia Orthotic Sneaker for just $80 through January 23—that’s more than 60 percent off its usual price! Between the shoe’s orthotic footbed with arch support and cushioned platform sole, this shoe is gaining buzz as a Hoka dupe among sneaker fans. Like Hoka’s cult-favorite…