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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…

The start of the new year is the perfect time to reset your healthy living goals, and Apple Fitness+ is here to help. The subscription fitness and wellness service just cranked out a massive selection of new programs and workouts, assisting users in trying new things and maintaining engagement as they dive into 2025. The new programs will roll out on January 6 on iPhones, iPads, Apple TV, and Apple Watches, providing you a little time to prepare. However, given the wide array of new offerings, it can be overwhelming to navigate, whether you’re new to the service or a seasoned user. With that in mind, here are the standout new programs to keep on your radar. ‘Three Perfect Weeks of Strength’ Strength training is having a moment right now, and this new program is designed to get you up to speed. It’s…

As he prepares to conclude his tenure as the U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, MD, has issued a significant advisory regarding alcohol consumption and its relationship to cancer risk. In a statement released today, Dr. Murthy indicated that the dangers associated with alcohol consumption should be highlighted with a warning label, akin to those found on cigarette packages. This recommendation comes in light of established links between alcohol and several types of cancer, emphasizing that the issue merits urgent public attention. During an interview on NPR Morning Edition, Dr. Murthy revealed that even moderate alcohol consumption correlates with an increased risk for at least seven types of cancer, including mouth, throat, larynx, esophageal, breast, liver, colon, and rectal cancer. Alarmingly, he noted that approximately 100,000 cancer cases and 20,000 cancer-related deaths annually can be attributed to alcohol use, with alcohol consumption linked to…

Are you struggling to drift off or stay asleep? It might be time to rethink your bedtime routine. While advice like "just take deep breaths" is a great start, it often misses a big piece of the puzzle: pelvic floor tension. As Alyssa Burkitt, DPT, a pelvic floor physical therapist at Bespoke Physical Therapy in San Diego, notes, "Your pelvic floor, breathing, and sleep quality are all connected in ways that might surprise you." True relaxation goes beyond surface-level breathing; it’s about syncing your breath with your body, especially your pelvic floor. This is where a simple 10-minute pelvic floor routine can help you let go of stress and set the stage for truly restful sleep—all from the comfort of your bed. How Can Pelvic Floor Exercises Help You Sleep? Have you ever noticed how your shoulders creep up when you’re stressed? Your…

Simone Biles is officially that girl—as if we didn’t already know. The gymnastics legend has been named Sportsperson of the Year by Sports Illustrated, and honestly, no one should be surprised. Nobody else is flipping, twisting, and making history like Biles is. The year 2024 was all about her comeback, proving she’s not just the G.O.A.T. of gymnastics but also the definition of resilience and inspiration. In 2023, Biles snagged her eighth U.S. all-around title at the National Gymnastics Championships—the first person to ever earn the accomplishment. And in 2024 she became the most decorated gymnast in history with 37 World Championship and Olympic medals combined. But Biles’s legacy isn’t just about gold medals and jaw-dropping routines. She’s also the queen of putting mental health front and center. During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics she stepped back to focus on her mental well-being and…

As a registered dietitian, I am acutely aware of the challenges many face in achieving adequate levels of vitamin D, particularly during the winter months. It’s estimated that over 40% of all Americans are somewhat deficient in vitamin D (also known as the sunshine vitamin), leaving many vulnerable to a range of health issues. Vitamin D deficiency goes beyond the simple issue of not getting enough sun; modern lifestyles often confine individuals indoors, significantly limiting their exposure to sunlight. This concern is especially pronounced in winter when shorter days and weaker sunlight make it harder for the body to synthesize sufficient amounts of vitamin D naturally. Additionally, the limited variety of foods rich in vitamin D compounds the problem, making it difficult for many to meet their nutritional needs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has identified vitamin D as a dietary component…

As a kid, Jennifer Aniston used to fall asleep with the TV on. Unfortunately, getting lulled to sleep with a comforting sitcom—like, say, Friends—can impact sleep quality. However, the iconic actress and ambassador for Pvolve (a workout method with both studios and a digital platform) is determined to work on her sleep hygiene lately. Specifically, she’s trying to cut down on screen time before bed. Her recipe for success? Not biting off more than she can chew. Jennifer Aniston’s goal-setting mindset is, frankly, goals. How ‘night owl’ Aniston is working on her ZZZs Aniston doesn’t actually believe in New Year’s resolutions. She sets general goals but thinks resolutions set people (herself included) up for failure. So, to improve her sleep hygiene, she’s approaching the goal with a series of small steps and an attitude of experimentation. Aniston is a self-described night owl. “I…

Real talk: your hairbrush is probably overdue for a cleaning. Between dead skin cells, oils, and leftover product, it’s a breeding ground for grime that can mess with your scalp. But how often should you be cleaning it? Spoiler alert: more often than you think. Here’s everything you need to know to keep your brush—and your hair—fresh and clean, including when it’s time to trade your trusty brush in for a newer model. How often to clean your hairbrush As a general rule, you should clean your hairbrush every one to two weeks, but it really depends on a few things, says Lindsey Marie Zubritsky, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pittsburg, PA. Clean your hairbrush more often if: You use heavy styling products You have long hair You deal with dandruff or an oily scalp How to clean your hairbrush The…