Author: Charu Parmar

Infrared saunas have gained popularity among athletes and influencers for good reason. They boost the immune system, enhance skin health, and support fitness recovery. Unlike traditional saunas that rely on hot stones or heaters, infrared saunas use infrared light to deeply warm muscles, joints, and tissues. Bjørn Ekeberg, CEO of Recharge Health, explains that this light increases blood flow, oxygen delivery, and cellular repair, reducing inflammation and easing muscle and joint pain. Ideal for athletes and active individuals, infrared saunas offer powerful recovery benefits. Read on for expert insights on their advantages, how to choose one, and what to expect…

You may have caught a now-deleted TikTok where a Pilates instructor claimed, “If you’re 200 pounds, you shouldn’t be in a Pilates class.” Yikes. Comments like that highlight how exclusionary attitudes can discourage people—especially those in larger bodies—Truly Inclusive gym, even if they know fitness is for everyone. Unfortunately, that video isn’t an isolated case. Many have shared their own negative gym experiences online. One woman, who describes herself as “moderately fit,” posted about a group fitness class where the instructor skipped exercise demos and had participants run in the dark. A Reddit user said their “beginner class” was anything…

You’ve set a goal to reach 10,000 steps daily—walking the dog, running errands, and gym workouts make it seem achievable. But your fitness tracker stops counting steps during your half-hour elliptical session while watching “Drag Race.” So, does the elliptical count as steps? Although elliptical movements resemble walking, the benefits differ from simply counting steps. Well+Good consulted personal trainers to explain what elliptical workouts and step counting each offer, and what to consider when substituting one for the other. Read More: 15 Easy Resistance Band Exercises for Beginners You Can Do Anywhere How using the elliptical compares to counting steps…

Whether you’re squeezing in workouts between meetings or creating a routine at home, resistance bands are a highly underrated fitness tool. Lightweight, affordable, and compact, they offer a full-body workout that rivals many gym machines. Resistance bands come in various lengths, colors, and resistance levels—light to extra-heavy—allowing you to perform exercises like bicep curls, shoulder presses, chest presses, and squats. This versatile tool effectively replaces cables and machines without needing a gym. If you’re new to strength training or unsure how to use resistance bands, this guide will help. Discover the benefits and learn 15 beginner-friendly exercises targeting your arms,…

You’ve likely seen those bandage-like Strips Boost the noses of runners, rugby players, or your weekend soccer teammate. Maybe you noticed tennis star Carlos Alcaraz wearing one at the 2025 ATP Rome Open and wondered if they really work. Originally designed for snorers, nasal strips are now popular among fitness enthusiasts for workouts, long runs, competitions, and recovery. The idea is straightforward: improved breathing leads to better performance. Read More: 7 Subtle Green Flags of Truly Inclusive Gyms, According to Fitness Instructors What nasal strips actually do Nasal strips are simple mechanical devices that open the nostrils, explains Dr. Austin…

Feeling intimidated by the gym, nervous about trying a new yoga studio, or discouraged after a group fitness class? You’re not alone. Unwelcoming instructors, influencer filming, and non-inclusive atmospheres have made many people feel out of place in fitness spaces. Take one viral (and now deleted) TikTok, where a Pilates instructor claimed, “If you’re 200 pounds, you shouldn’t be in a Pilates class.” Comments like these highlight the kind of body-shaming that deters people from pursuing fitness—despite knowing health isn’t limited to a specific size. Unfortunately, these aren’t isolated incidents. Social media is full of similar stories: a “moderately fit”…

Sitting for long periods weakens your glutes, leaving them soft and underused, says physical therapist and performance coach Haley Harrison, DPT, CSCS. This muscle loss—often called “mom butt” during pregnancy—is common but fixable. Adding targeted glute exercises to your weekly routine can build strength and shape. Combine classic strength moves with fresh, glute-focused exercises to revive and sculpt your backside. The benefits of doing flat butt exercises Glute Gains Go Beyond Looks Building a sculpted butt is a great bonus, but glute workouts offer real functional perks. Strong glutes improve everyday movements like standing, climbing stairs, and even chasing after…

You’ve likely noticed those bandage-like strips across the noses of runners, rugby players, or even your weekend soccer teammate. Maybe you saw tennis star Carlos Alcaraz sporting one at the 2025 ATP Rome Open and wondered: do nasal strips really work? Once mainly used by snorers, nasal strips are now popular among fitness enthusiasts for workouts, long runs, competitions, and recovery days. The idea is simple: improved breathing boosts performance. But does the science back this up? Should you add nasal strips to your gear? Here’s what experts say about the real impact of these small adhesives on athletic performance.…

Relationship anxiety involves feelings of worry, insecurity, and doubt that arise even in healthy relationships. Despite loving your partner, building trust, setting boundaries, and understanding each other’s communication, you may still question yourself, your partner, and the future of your relationship. Questions like “Will this last?” or “Is this person truly right for me?” can create ongoing stress. You might even fear hidden secrets or doubt your ability to maintain a committed relationship. This persistent worry is known as relationship anxiety. Is it normal? “Relationship anxiety is very common,” says psychotherapist Astrid Robertson, who works with couples facing relationship challenges.…

Diet plays a vital role in health, influencing disease risk and offering medicinal benefits. While food supports wellness, it can’t fully replace conventional medicine, which remains essential for many conditions. Studies show that dietary choices impact the risk of chronic illnesses. Some foods may contribute to disease, while others offer protective and therapeutic effects — sparking the idea that food can act as medicine. However, diet alone can’t treat every condition. While healthy eating and lifestyle changes help prevent and manage many diseases, others require medical intervention. Access to nutritious, whole foods also remains a challenge for many due to…