Fitness Fervor

08/29/2025

👌🏽 The 38 best things to do in the D.C. area over Labor Day weekend

Say farewell to summer at the DC JazzFest, explore Chinese and Scottish culture at a pair of festivals, or enjoy a movie under the stars.

Say farewell to summer at the DC JazzFest, explore Chinese and Scottish culture at a pair of festivals, or enjoy a movie under the stars.

08/29/2025

🥵 Heat Waves Can Accelerate Aging as Much as Smoking or Drinking, Study Shows

As our planet steadily gets warmer, our bodies will need to cope with the stresses of higher temperatures.

A new study shows that continued exposure to heat waves can age the body as much as regular drinking or smoking.

Led by a team from the University of Hong Kong in China, the investigation looked at data from 24,922 Taiwanese people who had undergone medical examinations between 2008 and 2022.

The researchers compared their records with the number of heat waves each person had probably experienced based on their registered addresses.

Those who had been exposed to more heat waves had higher scores for biological markers associated with biological aging, the results showed.

As opposed to chronological aging, biological aging is a measure of the functionality of tissues, organs, and cells.

As our planet steadily gets warmer, our bodies will need to cope with the stresses of higher temperatures.

08/29/2025

Food scientists identify worst additives for longevity 👩🏾‍🔬 Flavors, sweeteners, and colorings top list

In a recent article in the journal eClinicalMedicine, researchers in Germany investigated whether specific markers of ultra-processing (MUPs) are associated with mortality, beyond the established links between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and poor health.

Their findings indicate that certain types of sugar, sweeteners, coloring agents, flavor enhancers, and flavors were associated with a higher risk of mortality, as was overall UPF intake.

Researchers analyzing data from 186,744 UK Biobank participants found that ultra-processed food consumption and specific additives, such as sugars, sweeteners, flavorings, and colorings, were linked to higher mortality. Some processing aids showed risks, while gelling agents appeared protective.

08/29/2025

Less is more 🎯 To build muscle and gain strength, researchers say train smarter—not longer

New research from Florida Atlantic University shows that when it comes to building muscle and gaining strength, less might actually be more.

So, how much training is actually enough? Two key factors come into play...

Now that summer's here, the pressure is on to sculpt that beach-ready body—but that doesn't mean you need to live at the gym. New research from Florida Atlantic University shows that when it comes to building muscle and gaining strength, less might actually be more.

08/29/2025

🧠 CBD ‘Improves Cognitive Decline Associated with Aging,’ Study Shows

CBD has shown “promising” results to reduce inflammation and cognitive decline associated with aging, according to a recent government-funded study.

Researchers at University of Lethbridge and McGill University investigated the effects of non-intoxicating cannabidiol on aging mice, testing to see how long-term administration of CBD would impact memory, motor control functions and coordination that are linked to key parts of the brain.

The study, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, found that “CBD treatment has a positive impact on object memory processes mediated by the [perirhinal cortex] and spatial memory functions centered on the [hippocampus].”

“Brain pathology results showed that the aged mice treated with CBD showed reduced inflammation” in certain regions of the brain, including the hippocampus, which plays a key role in memory and learning, the authors wrote. Past studies have found that inflammation of those regions is linked to age-related dementia and other cognitive conditions.

CBD has shown “promising” results to reduce inflammation and cognitive decline associated with aging, according to a recent government-funded study. Researchers at University of Lethbridge and McGill University investigated the effects of non-intoxicating cannabidiol on aging mice, testing to se...

08/29/2025

Happy Friday 🤸🏽🤸🏽🤸🏽.

08/27/2025

Why Rest Is Productive 🎯 The Science of Doing Nothing

Rest fuels creativity, focus, and sustainable success in work and life.

A lot of people feel like they have to be busy all the time and can't take any breaks.

Incorporating rest into routines isn't indulgent; it's essential for optimal functioning.

True productivity starts with rest—and slowing down can spark creativity, focus, and lasting success.

08/27/2025

🌬 6 Signs Your Home Has Bad Airflow—And Easy Fixes That Work

Poor ventilation not only makes your home feel stuffy but can also harm your health and raise energy costs. From triggering allergies and respiratory issues to causing higher heating and cooling bills, inadequate airflow can create a variety of problems.

The good news is that there are clear signs that your home may have ventilation issues and practical ways to fix them. Here are six signs to watch for that indicate your home has poor ventilation and how to correct them, according to home air experts.

Poor ventilation can make your home feel stuffy, raise energy bills, and even harm your health. Learn the key signs of bad airflow—like humidity, odors, and hot spots—and expert tips to improve indoor air quality and circulation.

08/27/2025

🥗 14 Salads for Your Labor Day Get-Together

With Labor Day just around the corner, these fresh salad recipes are a delicious way to savor the best of the season’s produce and flavors. These dishes are perfect for sharing, so you can easily bring them to any Labor Day party or gathering.

Veggie salads like our Smashed Cucumber & Tomato Salad or our pasta salads like this Lemony Orzo & Tuna Salad with Broccoli are fresh and flavorful bites that the whole crowd will love.

These salad recipes, from pasta salads, to fresh veggie salads, are perfect for Labor Day gatherings.

08/27/2025

Are weighted vests good for bones and muscle? 🤔 Fact-checking a fitness trend

It seems like you can't go anywhere without seeing someone wearing a weighted vest.

They're at the gym, on hiking trails, in public parks and on social media feeds, where influencers claim wearing one can do incredible things for your health.

So, is there any truth to these claims? We looked at the research, and here's what we found.

It's a growing fitness trend. People say wearing a weighted vest when you exercise builds bones, strengthens muscles and improves cardiovascular health. But does research back up these claims?

08/27/2025

08/24/2025

🧠 Top Neurologist Reveals a Simple Trick to Boost Brain Health

Keeping the brain in top shape is crucial to leading a healthy life. Just like your body needs exercise, your brain also requires a workout to perform better.

But does that mean forcing yourselves to solve puzzles all day long? Well, solving puzzles is a good brain exercise, but let’s be real, it takes both time and energy. Amidst this busy schedule, most of us don’t have either of those.

What if a simple habit can help you improve your brain function? You can do it anywhere and anytime. And, no, you don’t have to dedicate extra time to it.

Dr Sudhir Kumar, a top neurologist from CMC Vellore, explains a simple trick that can boost brain health.

Discover a simple habit recommended by Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a leading neurologist, to enhance brain function and cognitive flexibility. Learn how using your non-dominant hand can strengthen your brain's neural connections and improve memory and focus.