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Ankle weights have gone in and out of fitness fashion, but at the moment, they’re solidly on-trend. More than a cute workout accessory, though, they’re a tool you can use strategically to engage and challenge your muscles in a way that other free weights just can't do. “Ankle weights can be used to enhance walking and is also as a great way to provide resistance for traditional leg and performance exercises,” states Lindy Royer, PT, NCPT, a physical therapist and Pilates instructor. “Whether you're looking to deepen the engagement of specific muscle groups or challenge your overall strength and stability, ankle weights can take your routine to the next level,” adds Bianca Melas, an Alo Moves Pilates instructor. That said, ankle weights aren’t as harmless as they look. Using them incorrectly can even pose some risks, Royer cautions. We explored when and where…

Looking for more variety and play in your sex life? Whether you’re with a partner or going solo, sex toys can add that extra oomph. But a lot of sex toys are expensive, and you might feel like DIY-ing it, especially if you’re experimenting. The good news is that you can always grab something around the house that’s free and readily available—you just need to keep safety in mind while getting creative. So, if you’ve ever eyed a nice-looking cucumber and wondered, hey, maybe— know that it’s not such an “out there” idea. But, there are some ground rules. So, what should you consider before using everyday items in the bedroom? We spoke with certified sex therapist Holly Wood, MS, LMFT of BedBible about homemade sex toys. She has some genius ideas you likely never considered and stresses safety and hygiene as top…

I was on the acupuncture table, face up, while my doctor pushed with both hands on the side of my stomach. “Oh wow,” he said. “You’re holding a lot of grief.” That’s strange, I thought. I wasn’t sad, and I hadn’t cried in recent memory. In fact, I was in a new relationship with someone I was very excited about, had just started a job I loved, and was finally looking for an apartment. Sure, I had packed up my Los Angeles one-bedroom and moved home to New York during a global pandemic, mainly to be with my 98-year-old grandfather who was sick. And yes, moving back after eight years did trigger some culture shock (being 3,000 miles away from family and then being with family nearly every hour of every day can be jarring). And okay, dating again after ending a near-decade…

Walking is one of the most popular activities in the U.S., and it’s easy to see why. It’s an accessible, low-impact cardio workout that offers mental and physical health benefits. Still, walking can get boring and repetitive after a while. So, if you’re ready to switch up your walking routine, consider going backward. “Backward walking is relatively low risk and it’s something novel to add to your workout program to make it more challenging,” says Chris Gagliardi, CPT, CSCS, an ACE-certified personal trainer and NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist. And, while backward walking (also known as retro-walking) gained attention through TikTok—and is slated to be one of 2025's top fitness trends, per recent Protein Works report—Gagliardi notes that the practice has been around for a long time. Ahead, experts explain what benefits walking backward offers, and how to do it safely. 8 Benefits…

In the fast-paced world of pickleball, every little movement can make a significant difference to your performance. Catherine Parenteau, a prominent name in the sport and currently ranked second in the world for women's doubles, has a game-changing recommendation for players looking to enhance their skills. But who is Catherine Parenteau, and what is this transformative move that can elevate your game? Parenteau, who hails from Montreal, Canada, transitioned to pickleball in 2015, after a successful background in tennis that began when she picked up her first racket at the age of four. She made waves just six months later by winning the US Open Pickleball Championships in the 5.0 mixed bracket, a remarkable achievement that set her on the path to becoming a professional. Her passion for pickleball lies in its accessibility; she believes it can be enjoyed by everyone from friends…

Heartbreak is never easy, but it’s something we eventually learn to navigate—whether it’s through binging the worst rom-coms or dying our hair in an attempt to reinvent ourselves. However, many people have found that physical activity, particularly running, has helped them heal in unexpected ways.Run clubs, marathons, and 5Ks are nothing new, but they’ve certainly skyrocketed back to popularity. In fact, running was the most popular sport to be recorded in 2023, and is still growing rapidly, according to exercise tracking app Strava. On TikTok, there’s a #runtok trend that’s amassed millions of views, with people of all ages documenting their fitness journeys. Everyone seems to be running from their issues—literally. But why have we decided to run, and does it actually work?Why running?“People are naturally drawn to movement because it’s a powerful way to process emotions, especially after a tough event like…

Want to quiet the intrusive thoughts crowding your mind when you start a new fitness routine? Redfoo, one half of the aughts EDM duo LMFAO, has your back. In a new promo campaign with dance exercise company Zumba, the rapper shows up to a Zumba class to encourage people to embrace self-confidence as they move in a way that feels good. The campaign is a reminder that playfulness can transform your relationship with movement.In the TV and social media spot, we hear the inner thoughts of women waiting for a class to begin. They bemoan outfit choices, body odor, their age, and their appearance. Suddenly, Redfoo appears and, as if he can hear the self-criticism, yells, “Stop!” It’s a record-scratch moment as everyone turns to look at him. Redfoo then cajoles one woman to “say it.” The woman then looks in the mirror…

If you’re looking to upgrade your core workout, it’s time to grab a yoga ball ($17). Working your abs with a yoga ball not only switches up your routine, but it can also enhance your results by engaging more muscles than traditional abs exercises alone.“The ball’s unstable surface makes your body work harder to stay balanced, which means you’re engaging not just your abs, but also deep core muscles like the ones that support your spine and improve posture,” says Valerie Lucas, E-RYT 500, a registered yoga teacher and senior master trainer for YogaSix.Ready to roll? Below, discover Lucas’s top yoga ball abs exercises to challenge your core strength and stability.The 8 best yoga ball abs exercisesStart incorporating this versatile tool into your strength workouts with the following yoga ball core exercises.To make the most of these moves, Lucas recommends constantly checking in…

New year, new workout? Sometimes, a fresh way to train is exactly what you need to restore motivation to hit the gym and fend off winter blues. If you’ve scrolled through social media accounts recently for fitness inspiration, it’s likely that you’ve come across the trending 12-3-30 workout. This accessible treadmill routine has garnered attention due to its effectiveness in elevating heart rates without imposing extreme physical demands on the body. Ahead, two fitness professionals share insights on the potential benefits and drawbacks of incorporating this trending aerobic workout into your routine. What is the 12-3-30 Workout? “The viral 12-3-30 workout is a treadmill regimen involving walking at a speed of 3 miles per hour on a 12 percent incline for 30 minutes,” explains personal trainer Tara De Leon, RSCC, CSCS. While 3 miles per hour is considered an average walking pace, the…

So you’re wondering how to be more confident, eh? It’s a worthwhile endeavor. Studies on the benefits of confidence show that people with high self-esteem tend to do better in multiple aspects of life, including relationships, work, school, and more. But the good news continues, my friend! Embarking on this confidence journey is itself something you can do to build self-esteem. “The simple desire to enhance your confidence is a significant first step towards self-assurance,” says behavior change specialist Asia Schmidt. That’s because “self-love” is a key component of confidence. And if you’re trying to be more confident, you are “exercising” self-love, Schmidt says. You want to be proud of the person you are, and carry that pride with you in interactions with others. High-fives all around!To build deep confidence, you’ll need a four-pronged approach: know yourself, trust yourself, develop self-love, and radiate…