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When I started training for my first half marathon nearly 18 years ago, I didn’t even own a simple Timex watch ($35). I followed handwritten, photocopied maps to navigate group training runs through hilly Atlanta neighborhoods and had zero insight into data like my heart rate, stride length, or pace.Fast forward nearly 20 years and more than 200 races later, and I now have 24/7 access to a dizzying array of metrics—heart rate variability, stress level, sleep stages, and more—thanks to not one but two personal fitness trackers: a Garmin Fenix 6S ($700) and a Whoop band ($239). These are just two of dozens of devices designed to help consumers optimize and track wellness data—but is this gamification of our health healthy? Yes and no, says Alissa Paladino, CPT, an Atlanta-based certified personal trainer.“Fitness trackers provide accountability and motivation and can give awareness…

More often than not, you probably have some form of music playing while you work out. Whether it’s your Spotify Wrapped on repeat, a playlist made by your instructor, or your own personalized mix of exercise hits, music is a game changer when it comes to exercise. But what if we told you it also helps improve your workouts? “From a scientific perspective, music can elicit several emotions, from motivation to calmness,” explains therapist Jessica Thomas, LMHC, founder and clinical director of MyMindset NYC Counseling Services. “Depending on the type of music you’re listening to, you can train your brain to work harder at the gym, calm your heart rate down, energize you, and much more.” More recently, there has been a surge in research surrounding the connection between mindset and music, particularly how the music you listen to before your exercise session…

Valentine’s Day is often dubbed a “Hallmark holiday,” and while celebrating love is always a vibe, the cheesiness that tends to come with it? Not so much. Sure, giant teddy bears and heart-shaped everything have their fans, but if you—or the guy in your life—prefer to keep things low-key, there are tons of non-cheesy Valentine’s Day gifts for him that still let you say “I love you” without being overly saccharine. Think thoughtful, not corny. Whether it’s a personalized keepsake, a practical upgrade (because his slippers are begging for retirement), or a fun gift you can enjoy together, there are plenty of options that strike the perfect balance. And yes, I’ve included some of the classics like chocolate and jewelry—but with a modern twist that makes them feel fresh, not cliché. Ahead are 20 Valentine’s Day gift ideas that are thoughtful but not…

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the quest for love takes many forms, and this year, ClassPass is taking a refreshing approach to matchmaking. Instead of the usual dinner dates or heart-shaped gifts, why not break a sweat and meet someone special while engaging in a fitness activity? This innovative idea is part of their nationwide ‘Sweat Your Heart Out’ series, designed to combine fitness with the excitement of singles events. Scheduled for February 12 and 13, 2024, the ‘Sweat Your Heart Out’ classes will take place in cities across the U.S., held in various venues such as gyms, workout studios, and even indoor golf clubs. This unique fitness-focused dating concept welcomes all participants, whether single and ready to mingle or simply looking to foster new friendships. The aim is to turn fitness, sports, and exercise into a social experience where connections can flourish. As…

Chickpeas have become synonymous with plant-based and vegetarian diets, largely driven by initiatives like “veganuary,” a month-long plant-based eating challenge originating in the UK and gaining traction worldwide. However, it's time to recognize that leaving chickpeas solely for vegan diets or only acknowledging them during efforts to reduce meat consumption is a disservice to this remarkable legume. Chickpeas are not only a delicious addition to any dish but are also a fiber and protein powerhouse beneficial for anyone looking to enhance their meal rotation. Dallas-based dietitian Stephanie Wells, MS, RD, LD, ACSM-CPT, emphasizes their nutrient density, saying, "As a legume, chickpeas are incredibly nutrient-dense." Their versatility means you can enjoy them as crispy snacks, in savory sauces, or blended into creamy dips. If you're not sure where to begin, let’s dive into a comprehensive overview of chickpeas, including their nutritional benefits, how they…

Let’s talk about your hip abductors—those sneaky muscles on the sides of your hips that you probably ignore until they’re tight, sore, or messing with your mobility. Whether you’re a gym rat, a runner, or just someone who spends way too much time glued to a chair (hey, no judgment), your hip abductors deserve some TLC. They’re the muscles that help you move your legs out to the side and stabilize your pelvis, which is kind of a big deal for everything from walking to crushing leg day. When these muscles get tight, you might feel it as stiffness in your hips, pain in your lower back, or even strain in your knees. Basically, tight hip abductors don’t just make you uncomfortable—they can mess up your movement. That’s where stretching comes in. The right stretches can loosen up those muscles, improve your hip…

Resistance training—whether it be with dumbbells, barbells, or just your body weight—seems clearcut. You lift things up. You put them down. Repeat. But take a closer look at your body under a microscope, and you’ll see that your working muscles are actually contracting in completely different ways depending on the phase of the exercise you’re in—and if you’re even moving at all. The key players: concentric, eccentric, and isometric muscle contractions. Most exercises and everyday actions (think: walking, picking up and holding your groceries) involve a mixture of contraction types. However, some movements favor one type of contraction over the others. You can even tweak an exercise to emphasize one flavor—and that comes with a unique slew of fitness benefits. So what’s the difference between these three types of muscle contractions, and is it really worth factoring into your training plan? Read on…

Los Angeles, California has been reeling from the devastating impact of multiple wildfires since the morning of January 7th, with many areas still burning more than a week later. As of Tuesday, January 21, the two deadliest fires, Palisades (currently at 23,713 acres) and Eaton (currently at 14,021 acres), are 63% and 89% contained, respectively. According to NBC News, the fires have claimed the lives of 27 people and destroyed over 12,000 structures. While containment efforts are underway, the sheer scale of devastation has left many without shelter and deeply affected the mental health of many LA-area residents.Santa Monica resident, Vanessa Powell, recalls the terrifying moment she received her evacuation notice. “Everything felt so apocalyptic. Winds were beyond anything I’d ever seen, neighbors were spraying water on their homes with hoses, there was no power, cars were driving in the opposite direction, and…

There’s something undeniably luxurious about having a spin bike parked in your living room—or, for some, squeezed into the corner of your bedroom. No commute to the gym, no fighting for a spot in a sweaty spin class, no excuse not to move your body. It’s convenience at its finest, and when it comes to health perks, the benefits are almost too good to list: low-impact cardio that’s easy on your joints, improved heart health, boosted endurance, and a solid way to shake off the stress of a long day. As someone who wants all those things, I jumped at the chance to test Aviron’s new stationary bike: the Aviron Fit Bike ($2,399). After testing (and loving) the brand’s Strong Series rowing machine a few years ago, I was eager to give the bike a spin… pun intended. From set-up to first ride,…

There are so many benefits of building endurance, and increasing your cardio can help you get there. When you hear “cardio” or aerobic exercise, what’s the first workout that comes to your mind? For many, it’s running. But there are so many other exercises that challenge your cardiovascular system—many of which are considered low-impact movements. Whether you’re a long-distance runner looking to swap mileage for cross-training or a recreational hiker searching for different ways to train indoors, your options for improving endurance are vast. Why is cardio essential for building endurance? According to George Eldayrie, MD, a sports medicine physician at Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute, improving your cardiovascular fitness is essential for building endurance. That’s because doing cardio regularly promotes positive physical adaptations in your muscles as well as your cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, which can boost your athletic performance, he says.…