We want a “Granny Guns” flex

At my workout studio, ripping a resistance band earns you a prize. It’s a far cry from my cardio-only 20s, when "fitness" was basically code for calories burned — not strength gained.

And, our sincere apologies to the elliptical routine you've had since college, but strength matters. Muscle mass can help you protect your bones, regulate blood sugar, improve posture, cushion yourself from injury, and (no biggie) possibly live longer. (It's even more important if you’re on a GLP-1). And finally, society seems to be getting it. Just look at the number of people following Granny Guns.

Here are a few ways to feel the burn: 

• Don’t leave it up to your weighted vest. Unless you’re wearing it en route to the strength room.

• Find a mentor (IRL or virtual) Strength intimidation is real. I credit this “swole woman” and her newsletter for helping me get serious about strength.

• Mix it up. The viral 3-2-1 workout routine gives you structure. And for (dreaded) cardio days, try REHIT — HIIT’s cooler cousin who shows up late, leaves early, and still gets results.

• Forget fifth grade gym class. You can do a pull-up. And if your old gym teacher doubts it, forward him this article on four ways women are physically stronger than men.

• Eat for strength. A balanced diet with enough protein, carbs, and healthy fats fuels recovery and growth. And creatine isn’t all hype — just be sure you’re taking it right. 

• Teach them young. With the right guardrails, kids can safely strength train… and rack up confidence too. 

— Anna “Spot My Lift” Davies, writer

Just when we thought we were about to relax on our OOO, we learned about the (unexpected) germiest spots in hotels.

Nutritionists love this all-natural pre-workout snack. No protein powder required.

Is your pelvic floor weak? Here are five signs it might be time to talk to your doctor.

Twelve hydration mistakes we’re all making — and Stanley hive, you’re probably guilty of #12.

Easy hacks to make your home wellness friendly … without investing thousands in a barrel sauna or cold plunge tub.

If “because perimenopause” has become your go-to answer about everything, read this before you take an at-home hormone level test.

The MIND diet has long been the teacher’s pet for dementia prevention. But researchers think they’ve found a new gold-star student.

Forget kale chips. “Carnivore babies“ are taking over the playground, and bone broth ice pops are the new snack status symbol.

Unless you’ve been living completely offline (in which case, congrats), therapy-speak has officially invaded everyday life — and so has the casual (over)use of the word trauma. Chances are, you've probably described a flight delay or awkward interview as "traumatic." Maybe you've trauma bonded with a coworker over an annoying boss, or trauma dumped on on your friend about how your ex reminds you of Jeremiah from The Summer I Turned Pretty.

So, what actually counts? It’s not just caused by extreme events like war or natural disasters. Trauma can come from big life moments you might not immediately think of — childbirth, ongoing emotional neglect, or repeated microaggressions. It can be passed down through generations, or experienced collectively. Women, in particular, face higher risks, thanks to greater exposure to “interpersonal and high-impact” trauma such as sexual assault.

The plot twist:  For anyone who still has The Body Keeps the Score on their TBR list, trauma doesn’t stay neatly tucked in your past. It can rewire your brain, keep your stress response stuck on high alert, and later show up as physical issues like chronic pain, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders. 

So… what now? Psychologists are recognizing trauma as far-reaching and complex. Newer diagnoses, like complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), capture the effects of chronic trauma and point toward more tailored treatments.

If this resonates:

• Know your trauma response. Regardless of what you’ve experienced in the past, you likely default to one of these four actions in a stressful situation. Knowing your patterns can help you reclaim control. 

• Get curious. Tools like the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) quiz can connect early experiences to long-term health outcomes — and help you recognize events that may have been traumatic, even if they didn’t feel like it at the time.

• Talk it out. While a trusted friend or partner can lighten the load, look for a mental health expert with experience treating trauma. Therapies like EMDR (Miley Cyrus said it “saved her life”) and certain psychedelic-assisted treatments can also be effective when guided by a trained professional.

There’s nothing motivating about pulling a squishy sandwich out of your bag. But lunch that tastes as good at 1pm as it did at 8am? Totally possible. Here’s how:

• Spread strategically. Any oil-based condiment (think: mayo) repels water. Mixing a bit of mayo with ketchup or mustard will also do the trick. 

• Pat down your greens. Yes, your lettuce deserves spa treatment. Dry it like you mean it, or prepare for wilt city.

• BYO toppings. Tomatoes, pickles, cucumbers, and any other wet add-ons ride in their own container until it’s assembly time.

PS: Here are five protein-packed, filling lunch options.

Let’s bypass the GRWMs and get to the point: Which retinol actually works? Derms agree this ingredient (a derivative of Vitamin A) increases cell turnover, but it can be tough on sensitive skin. 

Here are their top recommended retinol products, so you can skip the guesswork and go straight for the glow…

Here’s the full list of the best retinols for every skin type, according to board-certified dermatologists.

Let’s bypass the GRWMs and get to the point: Which retinol actually works? Derms agree this ingredient (a derivative of Vitamin A) increases cell turnover, but it can be tough on sensitive skin. 

Here are their top recommended retinol products, so you can skip the guesswork and go straight for the glow…

Here’s the full list of the best retinols for every skin type, according to board-certified dermatologists.

Cold and flu season is upon us. Before it hits your household, pick up this cult-favorite throat spray made with propolis, which can help support your immune system.

If you're as obsessed with your Speks stress ball as we are, you'll be delighted with this jumbo version. Double the size = half the stress, right?

This cult-favorite running belt is ultra-lightweight and slim, so it won't get in the way of your stride. But it's somehow big enough to fit your essentials, like your phone, earbuds, ID, and keys.

You know the drill: you’re exhausted all day, then your brain suddenly turns into a rave the second your head hits the pillow. That “tired and wired” cycle? Sleep Fix for Longevity is a 14-day course  designed to break it.

Each day, you’ll get simple, science-backed tools mixed with calming rituals to help reset your sleep clock and finally get the rest your body’s begging for. By the end, you’ll have a routine that feels realistic and a toolkit to actually stay asleep.

What you’ll learn:

• Nighttime nutrition hacks. The foods that naturally boost melatonin, and when to cut off that “harmless” late-night snack.

• Yoga + breathwork for sleep. Five poses and calming breath patterns that tell your nervous system it’s bedtime, not panic-scroll-time. No flexibility required.

• 60-minute guided bedtime meditations. Because, let’s face it, Ross yelling ‘We were on a break!’ during your current rerun routine isn’t exactly sleep-inducing.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s finding a nightly routine that works for you, so you wake up human, not a cautionary meme about needing coffee. The course is yours to keep, go at your own pace, and pay what you wish — learn more.