If you're the kind of person who preps for a walk by throwing your shoes on and heading out the door, it may be time to rethink your routine. "Many people often skip stretching before walking because they consider walking to be a light or minimal intensity workout," physical therapist Chanha Hwang, PT, DPT, CHC, founder and owner of Fatherly Health and Wellness LLC, told POPSUGAR. "The reality is that stretching before walking allows muscles to warm up, which increases range of mo...

If you think marathon runners are incredible — but the idea of lacing up sneakers yourself makes you dread a workout like it's the Presidential Fitness Test in fourth grade — it's time to reframe that narrative. After all, with most gyms closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and Zoom fatigue being completely real, getting out for some fresh air might be the perfect antidote for your housebound muscles (and mood). And since all you need for a great run are your sneakers and yourself...

Starting a new fitness routine is nothing short of exhilarating. Within the first week, you’ll likely find yourself with more energy, better sleep, a boosted mood, and the feeling of accomplishment that comes along with knowing that you’re doing something good for your body. But while any sort of movement deserves to be celebrated, there are a few beginner workout mistakes a trainer wants you to stop making in order to reap the full benefits of your new regimen. Below,&...

Do you find yourself getting hungry and wanting to munch on something at night? There's nothing wrong with having a midnight snack if you're hungry, as long as you do it right and pick healthy options rather than junk foods. In fact, a 2015 study found that eating small, nutritious meals at night can be good for blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and insulin resistance. You should try to eat an hour before you go to sleep, to give your body some time to digest the food. ...

If you think bacteria are synonymous with “germs,” think again. Probiotics, or the live “good” bacteria that hang out in your gut, are the buzziest new word on the block. In fact, about 4 million people used some form of probiotic products in 2012, according to survey data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). But what exactly are probiotics, anyway? While it’s true that certain types of microorganisms can wreak havoc on your immune system, probiotics can actually help ...

Whether it’s a never-ending to do list, the constant stream of somber news, or trying to focus on that Zoom meeting while the dogs bark and the doorbell rings, the sources of stress in our lives right now are at an all-time high. The good news? There are simple steps you can take to regain some calm in your life. Here are six ways to reduce stress and anxiety in five minutes or less: 1. Focus on your breathing. According to Dr. Marlynn Wei, a psychiatrist based in New Yo...

Drinking too much coffee can be detrimental because of its high caffeine content. "Too much caffeine may pose a danger to your health," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. There are several other drinks that can help you stay awake in the morning aside from coffee. Americans are drinking "more coffee than ever," according to a March 2020 report by the National Coffee Association. The average American coffee drinker has just over three cups per day, according to the rep...

What if one of the best ways to feel healthy and confident in our bodies is to shift eating habits in a way that betters the world around us? In 2019, a global group of experts formed the EAT-Lancet Commission and released the planetary health diet as a science-based, accessible solution to the growing population in a struggling environment. For three years, an international team of 37 scientists studied and researched practices around the world and developed a well-rounded ...

Casseroles have long been a dinnertime go-to for many reasons: One, they get a well-rounded meal on the table that doesn't require a ton of active cooking time and only dirty one main dish in the process. Plus, a single casserole yields enough servings to feed a crowded table or produce plenty of leftovers for easy lunches, another perk—especially during busy weeks But who says this time-saving dish needs to be relegated to suppers alone? The healthy breakfast casseroles here can offer the ...

Whenever someone talks about how stress can negatively impact general well-being, I'm pretty sure I can feel my cortisol levels reactively spike. It's stressful enough to survive through the current state of the world, so hearing that, according to research, the experience of stress can curb your longevity basically just adds insult to injury. What you can do, though, is take some pointers from the Blue Zones—geographic regions including Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; and I...