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Not everyone has an appetite for a hearty breakfast right when they wake up. But a steaming hot cup of coffee? Hand it over ASAP, please. We all have that delicious food or beverage vice that gets us through the day, and for most coffee lovers, that starts as soon as they open their eyes and head to the kitchen or their fave local coffee shop. But…is it bad to drink coffee on an empty stomach? Sure, that jolt of caffeine wakes you up fairly quickly, but the problem is that coffee is also pretty acidic. Out of a pH scale of zero to 14—with anything below a seven being considered highly acidic—coffee lands somewhere around the 4.8 to 5 spot. This means if you already deal with gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux, drinking a cup of joe on an empty stomach might…

Pilates was created in the 1920s in New York City by Joseph Pilates and many of its exercises were originally used to help World War I patients rehabilitate injuries. Today, Pilates is used more for fitness than for physical rehabilitation, although its focus on building a strong core may help prevent or speed along healing from other injuries. If you’re considering giving this mind-and-body-focused workout a try, it’s key to have a grasp of Pilates’ foundational moves so that you can safely make the most of this muscle-building, endorphin-inducing workout. The benefits of Pilates Pilates is a unique fitness practice in that it focuses on more than just burning calories and achieving toned muscles—although you’ll do both of those things with a regular cadence of classes. Pilates is focused on three principles, according to the Pilates Foundation: breath, whole-body health, and whole-body commitment,…

Overall, running is a pretty low-tech sport—all you really need is a good pair of shoes. But there’s one piece of gear that many runners completely geek out over: the watch. Today’s top GPS running watches can give athletes all kinds of data about their training, from heart rate and stride length to VO2 max estimates and race predictions. “It can be one way to track your fitness improvement if you’re someone who likes data,” says Chicago-based running coach Amanda Wagner. One of the most popular brands today is Coros. It’s only been around for 10 years, which makes it fairly new compared to long-standing brands like Garmin and Suunto. But it’s quickly gained traction among runners. “It’s known to be a powerhouse running watch brand at a really great price point,” Wagner says. “It’s known to be accurate and connect fast to…

There's an undeniable thrill in crossing something off your to-do list. Picture this: you take a pen (or even better, a freshly unwrapped neon highlighter) and methodically check off tasks until every line has been completed. It's a satisfying experience that many people cherish. Now, imagine channeling that feeling of accomplishment into your health this year. According to Kelly Bristow, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Bayer, compiling a concise health and wellness checklist for 2025 can help visualize your aspirations and keep you accountable. A recent survey by One A Day®, a brand under Bayer, revealed that 70% of women are prioritizing self-care in their New Year’s resolutions. While nearly 90% show commitment to achieving these goals, almost 50% cited a lack of motivation as a significant barrier in the past. To counteract these challenges, Bristow recommends the straightforward approach of…

Do you dream of racing home in your spaceship, à la the Jetsons, to have your robot assistant whip you up dinner? Or maybe you’re still chasing the high of your childhood Easy-Bake Oven, where you could “bake” cookies in five minutes on your bedroom floor. If what you’re craving is innovation in the kitchen, this list is for you. From nifty problem solvers (like a compost machine that literally turns your food scraps into dirt) to products that will have you wondering just how you lived without ‘em (like this rice cooker that you can also bake a cake in), these gadgets will help you create your highest-tech—and most useful—kitchen in 2025. Below, find the most futuristic and time-saving gadgets that do everything from cleaning your kitchen air to making the perfect cheese toastie. And if that isn’t the epitome of happiness,…

Welcome to 2025, where fitness goals are less about pushing limits and more about moving with comfort, gentleness, and joy. This year, the vibes are all about tuning into your body, embracing exercises that feel good, and creating a routine that supports your physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s yoga, stretching, or leisurely walks, the key is to move in ways that bring you peace and pleasure. Soft workouts are exactly how they sound—low-impact and soft on your joints. The goal is “to keep the body moving without putting larger amounts of stress on it—the way that running or intense cardio can do,” Taylor Bogenschuetz, CPT, personal trainer and director of training and development at Solidcore, previously told Well+Good. And, of course, the right gear plays a huge role—think soft, breathable fabrics, supportive shoes, and recovery accessories that make every movement feel effortless.…

If you’re like many, the worry of not being able to fall asleep at night can overshadow the importance of a relaxing bedtime routine. On paper, it may sound perfect: brushing teeth, applying skincare, changing into cozy pajamas, and sipping tea while watching a relaxing show. Even after incorporating tips from sleep experts like taking melatonin, wearing a sleep mask, or listening to white noise, these "relaxing" steps can sometimes become an exhausting to-do list, ultimately increasing stress and keeping us awake. Experts confirm that many of us experience the stress-sleep cycle, where good intentions don’t always lead to better sleep outcomes. According to Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell, a board-certified physician and certified sleep specialist, “A low-stress bedtime routine is a set of calming, intentional activities to gently unwind from the day. This routine should create a sense of relaxation, signaling to the brain…

Your daily horoscope is all about getting back to the grind with gusto. With the moon in solid, serious Capricorn in a helpful sextile to Saturn, we can accomplish much that fell off our to-do list during more tumultuous times last week. Plus, Mercury’s entry into analytical Aquarius brings out our inner science nerd, helping us to appreciate the most unconventional quirks in ourselves and others. Get your freak on and share that funny or weird meme without shame. Looking for even more astrology insights? Read your January 2025 horoscope and your full 2025 romance horoscope. Aries March 21–April 19 Get ‘er done, Aries. With the moon in your professional zone and Mercury moving into your social sector, you can make major moves in your career, navigating your network with ease. This is one of those days when a friend in your group…

Your weekly horoscope for January 26 to February 1, 2025, helps you find new solutions to old problems. You benefit from your intuitive mind when Mercury in Capricorn links up with Neptune in Pisces on January 26. Spending time alone or engaging in spiritual practices can lead you to new insights and ideas. Conversations are tender, healing, and vulnerable, too. People are compassionate, open-minded, and more understanding. On the same day, January 26, Venus in Pisces mingles with Uranus retrograde in Taurus, bringing new people into your life. This energy creates a social buzz and is great for spending time with friends and collaborating with others. You could take a creative or romantic risk! People also crave novelty and new experiences.Mercury, the planet of the mind, moves into Aquarius on January 27. You’re focused on the future and building community. Aquarius is concerned…

The Hoka Bondi has always been unapologetically maximalist. It’s big, bold, and has sky-high cushioning that kicked off a revolution in running shoes. But despite its standout comfort used by everyone from nurses to marathoners, past versions felt more like walking shoes than true running shoes because of their bulk. Now—with the release of the redesigned Hoka Bondi 9 ($170)—this shoe is finally living up to its full potential. With softer foam, a more responsive feel, and a stable base, this version is ready to run. Hoka Bondi 9 — $170.00 Colors: 6 | Sizes: US 4 – 12 | Weight: 9.3 oz | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm Pros: Cushioned but stable for a variety of paces Upgraded supercritical EVA foam for a softer, more responsive feel Durable for daily training Cons: Ankle cuff is relatively stiff Not the fun color selection I’ve…