Feb 22

11 Bodyweight Exercises That Strengthen Your Core Better Than Sit-Ups

by admin in Workouts 0 comments
Sit-ups are one of the most basic forms of core exercise. However, they’re not the gold standard for safely and effectively strengthening your abdominal muscles. There are many other functional exercises that target and strengthen your full core.   1. Dead Bugs This exercise is excellent for engaging the deep core muscles, according to Mallory Fox, DHSc, MS, NASM-CPT, CWC, a NASM master trainer and certified wellness coach. “It helps improve core stability and coordination by requiring you to maintain a neutral spine while moving your limbs. It’s great for beginners and those looking to enhance their core control.” Here’s how to do it: Lie on the mat with your arms extended straight up. Bend your hips and knees 90 degrees, lifting your feet from the ground. Reach your left arm backward, over your head, and toward the floor as you simultaneously extend your right knee and hip, reaching your right heel toward the floor. Return to the starting position and do the same motion with the other arm and leg. Repeat for 10 reps on each side.   2. Hollow Body Hold This move is a staple in gymnastics and is fantastic for building core strength and endurance, says […]
Feb 21

7 Proven Ways to Build Lasting Healthy Habits

by admin in Mind & Body 0 comments
Let’s be real—we’ve all been there. January rolls around, and suddenly you’re convinced this is the year you’ll drink eight glasses of water daily, hit the gym five times a week, and meditate every morning. Fast forward to February, and those grand plans have quietly faded into the background. Sound familiar? The truth is, most of us approach habit formation all wrong. We go big, burn out fast, and then wonder why sustainable change feels impossible. But here’s the thing—building healthy habits that actually stick isn’t about willpower or motivation. It’s about understanding the science behind behavior change and working with your brain, not against it. Ready to discover the seven proven strategies that’ll help you create a healthy lifestyle that feels natural rather than forced?   Why Most People Fail at Building Healthy Habits (And How to Succeed) Here’s what nobody tells you about habit formation: that famous “21 days to form a habit” rule? Complete myth. Research shows it actually takes an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic, and some habits can take up to 254 days to stick. No wonder so many of us give up after a few weeks! The biggest […]
Feb 20

7 Benefits of Lemon Water, Explained by the Experts

by admin in Healthy Living 0 comments
Drinking water with a slice of lemon first thing in the morning is one of the most vouched-for wellness tips—and not just for its purifying properties. The benefits of lemon water go beyond detoxing. “It amplifies the benefits of water, adding both mental and physical virtues,” says Kylie Bensley, MS, RD, a registered dietitian and the founder of Sulinu. “While drinking water can help us hit our hydration goals, infusing water with lemon is a very simple, quick task that boosts the function of water itself.” The health benefits of lemon water are many and worth diving into. Below, Bensley and nutritionist Laura Parada, director of Slow Life House, break down everything we need to know about lemon water and how to drink it the right way (because yes, there is a wrong way to do it). Read on to see what they had to say.   The Benefits Water supports our overall health and helps keep us hydrated. Adding this citrus fruit is a nice bonus for even more health benefits. A glass of lemon water has six main ones, according to Bensley and Parada. These benefits include the following:   Supports the Gut Microbiome “It helps kick-start the […]
Feb 19

Best exercises: Here’s how cardio or aerobic training benefits your body and brain

by admin in Workouts 0 comments
Exercise and fitness: Whether you’re striving to maintain a healthy weight, manage stress, or simply elevate your mood, aerobic exercise can be a transformative and sustainable solution.   Finding an effective way to boost health and fitness, and mental well-being, has been a priority for many. One powerful solution that has stood the test of time when it comes to the best exercises is aerobic training, often referred to as “cardio”. During any aerobic activity, you repeatedly move large muscles in your arms, legs, and hips. Your breathing regulates how much oxygen gets to your muscles during such exercises, helping you move and burn more calories. From improved cardiovascular health to enhanced mood and mental clarity, aerobic exercise offers a wealth of benefits that can transform your life. Here are the remarkable advantages of incorporating aerobic training into your routine:   1. Enhanced cardiovascular health: Aerobic training gets your heart pumping and your blood flowing. This form of exercise strengthens the heart muscle, improves blood circulation, and lowers blood pressure. Over time, it reduces the risk of heart disease by decreasing levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and increasing levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol. A stronger heart is better equipped to […]
Feb 18

4 Bed Exercises That Restore Thigh Strength Faster Than Squats After 65

by admin in Workouts 0 comments
Lower-body strength can fade quietly after 65, especially when daily movement drops and your joints start dictating what feels possible. Luckily, rebuilding thigh strength doesn’t require deep squats, heavy loads, or standing workouts that feel intimidating first thing in the day. Bed-based exercises create a safer starting point where your muscles can work without worrying about balance or joint strain. Training from the bed allows you to focus on muscle activation, control, and endurance. Those three qualities matter more than load when restoring strength later in life. When your thighs relearn how to produce force and stay engaged, everyday tasks like standing up, climbing stairs, and walking for longer periods feel noticeably easier. These exercises come straight from years of coaching older adults who wanted strength without setbacks. Each move prioritizes joint comfort while still demanding effort from your thighs and hips. Done consistently, they help rebuild confidence in your legs and create a smoother transition back to standing strength. Up next are four bed exercises that do exactly that.   1. Glute Bridge Glute bridges rebuild strength in your thighs and hips while keeping your spine supported. This position allows your muscles to work without pressure on your knees. […]
Feb 17

6 moments when one should stay silent, as per psychology

by admin in Mind & Body 0 comments
When silence speaks volumes Have you ever been in a situation where speaking up has only lead to regret later? Turns out, silence is golden at times and psychology backs it too. In our noisy world, choosing to stay silent at times isn’t weakness – instead, it is a wise and strategic move. Sometimes, being silent can help lower your stress hormones, boost self-awareness, and even strengthen your relationships by genuinely listening to others. So, here we list some moments when one should choose to be silent and why:   When you are angry Heated arguments rarely end well. In psychology, this is called the amygdala hijack, where one’s emotions overrides reasoning. Staying silent when you are angry gives your prefrontal cortex time to cool down, preventing any impulsive words that can damage your bonds in turn. In “Emotional Intelligence”, author Daniel Goleman highlights how taking a simple 10-second pause can reduce regrettable outbursts by 70%. This in turn can save your precious relationships with others.   When you want to hear the truth Most people often get uncomfortable when they face silence, and to break it, they end up over-explaining and revealing things they would otherwise not. And so, […]
Feb 16

89 and thriving: 6 simple tips for healthy eating and longevity from nutrition expert Marion Nestle

by admin in Healthy Living 0 comments
In a world fairly saturated with diet trends, superfood fads, and contradictory nutritional recommendations, the idea of healthy eating can feel confusing and exhausting. One week, carbs are the enemy; the next week, fat is back in fashion. Against this backdrop of confusion and trend-chasing, the wisdom of life can be easily overlooked. And that is why the voice of Marion Nestle matters now more than ever. At 89, Marion Nestle is thriving and how! She is one of the world’s most respected nutrition experts. She continues to write, teach, speak, and advocate for healthier food systems. A former professor of nutrition, food studies, and public health at New York University, Nestle is best known for her realistic approach to food: eat real food, enjoy it, and understand the systems behind what ends up on your plate. She has never promoted miracle diets or extreme rules. Instead, her philosophy is simple and realistic; it is based on balance and common sense. The key to Nestle’s long life isn’t about trying to stay young or denying herself the joy of eating by following strict self-discipline. It’s about establishing healthy practices to facilitate healthy living throughout a long life. Nestle’s attitude toward […]
Feb 15

Five full-body workout routines to achieve your fitness goals, approved by experts

by admin in Workouts 0 comments
Training everything all at once is the oldest – and best – fitness hack in the book. Here’s five expert-approved ones to keep things fresh Focusing on your health and wellbeing by eating well, working out, and meditating is key to keeping fit but requires you to set aside ample time to do these things properly. It’s why whatever iteration of a full body workout you choose to do – they can be anything from basic to super showy – it’s humble, reliable, and tried and tested – the good thing is you know it’ll get the job done.   Why full body workouts are so great Full body workouts are not just time-efficient but, it turns out, they’re also a cornerstone of longevity. “They’re highly effective for overall health, muscle maintenance, and metabolic function, all of which are crucial for aging well and maintaining quality of life as we grow older,” enthuses Vero Vegas, a trainer with TRX. Vegas says that in their experience, full body workouts allow for a more balanced and functional physique. “It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about building a resilient, functional body that ages well, maintains independence, and resists injury,” she explains. They’re good […]
Feb 14

6 Simple Hobbies That Can Improve Your Happiness and Health

by admin in Mind & Body 0 comments
These hobbies offer social and emotional benefits.   If you’re looking to get into a new hobby, why not pick one that’s scientifically proven to improve your quality of life? We’ve tapped the experts to help identify the best hobbies for happiness and health, according to scientific research. Whether you’re looking for a hobby for your “granny era” or want to move your body more, there’s sure to be a happiness- and health-boosting hobby here for you. Experts Nicholette Leanza, M.Ed, LPCC-S, a psychotherapist at LifeStance Health in Beachwood, Ohio, Latechia Hester, LCPC, a licensed clinical professional counselor at BetterHelp, and Lesley Broff, LCSW, a licensed therapist in Pittsburgh gave us plenty of ideas for the best hobbies for happiness and health and how to incorporate them into your schedule.   1. Cooking Similar to other creative outlets, cooking can help you relax, gain a sense of purpose, put you in a good mood and help you eat better, Hester says. Studies show that cooking has social and emotional benefits and can enhance food literacy skills, which may be linked to better nutrition — and better mood.   2. Creating art Creative activities, such as painting, drawing or crafting, have […]
Feb 13

Bananas vs. Apples: Which Fruit Is Better for Your Blood Sugar?

by admin in Healthy Living 0 comments
Everyone loves apples and bananas, so we put them head-to-head to determine which fruit is best for blood sugar control.   You’re rushing out the door, and you grab an apple or banana off the counter to eat on the go. Sound familiar? Both fruits are delicious, portable and easy to find, so it’s no wonder apples and bananas are among the most popular fresh fruits consumed in the U.S. However, if you’re trying to keep your blood sugar in check, you may be wondering if you have to give up your fruits due to their carbohydrate and natural sugar content. The good news is, there’s no need to stop eating either of these beloved fruits. In fact, passing up on these fruits means you’d be missing out on the many essential nutrients that they provide. So how can you still enjoy apples and bananas while keeping your blood sugar levels in range? To help you navigate the fruit aisle, we asked dietitians to weigh in on how both apples and bananas might affect blood sugar. Read on to find out how your favorite fruit measures up.   How Bananas Affect Blood Sugar Bananas get a bad rap for being […]
Recent Posts
Categories