For a long time, working out was framed almost entirely around weight loss. Exercise was something you did to burn calories, shrink your body, or “get back on track.” The typical cycle involved cutting calories, eliminating food groups, increasing cardio, and relying on group fitness classes to sweat it out. Since 2001, when women were finally allowed to participate more fully in […]
Walking is one of the most accessible and effective forms of cardio, offering significant cardiovascular, metabolic, and muscular benefits. Making walking a consistent part of your daily routine can help you feel more energized, stronger, and more confident in your everyday life. Thanks to several new trends and tools, fitting walking into modern routines has never been
Consider this scenario: You make the effort to visit the gym after a day that has already exhausted you. You load your usual weights, which seem impossibly heavy, or three minutes into your run, you find yourself gasping as if you have never run before. Here is what is often not communicated: It is not a matter of
In today’s technology-driven fitness landscape, the potential of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) workouts to transform the way we exercise is inspiring. With conventional exercise programs struggling to overcome dropout rates as high as 50% within 3-6 months due to a lack of motivation, limited access, and low engagement (Barbour et al., 2024).
AI technology has exploded onto the fitness scene recently, but it has actually been around for a while. Its uses have expanded, however, giving more individuals access to creating routines, understanding exercise form, and preventing injury. Knowing how to use AI thoughtfully enables a more curated experience, facilitating meaningful progress toward fitness goals. In fitness,
Staying committed to a fitness routine can be challenging, especially for women who juggle young children, school-aged kids, careers, and the chaos of everyday life. When progress slows, life becomes demanding, or workouts feel stale, motivation often dips. Sustaining momentum requires more than just grit; it is essential to understand how motivation works and how
The rise of fitness communities. Fitness communities have become a growing trend, bringing together individuals, online or in person, who share an interest in movement, strength, and health. Instead of following highly individualized routines, people are seeking a shared experience. They want accountability, a connection, and most importantly, to feel like they belong to something
Pregnancy is a time of incredible changes, and staying active can be physically and mentally beneficial. However, fitness during pregnancy should be approached with caution and awareness of your body’s needs. Pregnant women should aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity weekly exercise over four to seven days (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG], n.d.).
May is Mental Health Month, and mental health challenges and cognitive decline are real concerns for many people; the number of people with mental health disorders is rising. According to Pujari (2024), by 2030, the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that mental health disorders will be the leading cause of disability worldwide. While therapy and
As women enter perimenopause and menopause, they face unique physical challenges that can make generic fitness plans ineffective. A one-size-fits-all approach no longer works, and personalized fitness programs are essential for meeting the changing needs of midlife women. However, what makes a fitness plan genuinely personalized, and how can you choose the right one for
Strength training for women has gained more recognition in recent years, which is a positive shift. However, many women still face barriers that keep them from incorporating it into their routines—, at every age and especially during the perimenopause to menopause years, when it’s most crucial. Many women feel strength training isn’t for them, choosing
Core stability is key to injury reduction and better athletic performance. However, a strong core means far more than a flat stomach and that elusive six-pack. The core comprises the abdominal and back muscles (the transversus abdominis and the multifidus muscles), the diaphragm, and the pelvic floor muscle groups. It is like a cylinder, starting