Tag: underscored-health-fitness

We asked sleep experts what products help them sleep: Here’s what they said | CNN Underscored

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This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Sleep, a week-long focus on everything you need to sleep better. We’ll be featuring new products and exclusive deals all week, so check in every morning to see what’s new.

We live in stressful times, and one thing that’s been so challenging for many of us is putting worry aside and relaxing into a good night’s sleep. Things like work, stress and your sleep hygiene can impact your quality of sleep, so we talked to experts in sleep and comfort to find helpful tips and tricks so you can rest easier every night.

“The most important thing for a good night’s sleep is to make sure that you set yourself up for success,” says Dr. Michael Grandner, Casper sleep adviser and director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona. “That means removing barriers to sleep like caffeine, reducing distractions close to bedtime, giving yourself enough time to wind down and keeping your bedroom cool, quiet, dark and comfortable.”

“Something that I was taught through my years of physical therapy is called a spring test,” explains physical therapist Karen Joubert. “If you take your pillow and you fold it in half and it doesn’t bounce back, it means that the pillow’s lost its integrity. And it’s probably time for a new pillow.”

However, what kind of pillow is right is up to you, says Grandner. “A good pillow is one that is firm enough but soft enough,” he says. “That may differ from one person to another, but the ideal pillow is one that balances comfort with the ability to maintain its level of support throughout the night.”

See our picks for the best pillows for every sleeping position here.

Joubert strongly recommends this tiny pillow, saying, “It’s a tiny little pillow, and it goes in between your legs. When you sleep on your side and your knees are together, your knee is kind of pulling on your hip. You really want to lift that leg so that the knee is in line and level with a hip.”

For side sleepers, this firm foam pillow is ideal for keeping the spine straight, says Grandner.

Writes one reviewer: “For over a month, I’d been waking up with a sore neck and tight shoulders, which I knew had to be caused by my pillow. Since finding a good pillow is even more difficult than finding a good bra or pair of jeans, I asked my chiropractor for a suggestion. She told me about the Casper foam pillow, I went right home and ordered it, Amazon delivered it the next day and I’ve had one full week of great, pain-free, comfortable and uninterrupted sleep.”

Hot sleeper? This bestselling Casper pillow is an Underscored editor favorite, with microfiber fill and cotton that we can vouch helps wick away moisture and keeps you cool all night. We’ve bought four at a time. You can take your pick between a low loft for a flatter pillow (great for back sleepers) or a high loft for a fuller one that’s ideal for side sleepers.

Eye masks are some of the most effective, inexpensive pieces of sleep technology out there, according to our experts. They are very effective at blocking out environmental light, helping to protect the “nighttime” signal in your body. This one is beloved on Amazon for its molded eye cups that relieve pressure on your eyelids.

Our pick for the best sleep mask of the year, this cotton eye mask features a nose wire that blocks out all — and we mean all — of the light. It received top marks in our testing because it’s soft on the eyes and never budged at all throughout the night, no matter our sleep position.

“Many people, especially light sleepers, appreciate the noise-masking effects of noise machines, drowning out and absorbing other sounds from the environment,” says Grandner, who likes this machine.

“So many of us have gone to bed watching the news, or on our phone, and we can’t shut our brain down,” says Joubert, who recommends this machine. “When you use something like white noise, it retrains the brain. You can focus on something else. It also helps to quiet and slow the brain and the mind down. I think they’re highly effective.”

Joyce Azzaline, a psychiatric nurse practitioner at Minded, also recommends white noise machines, like this one from Hatch, to encourage better sleep. “The noise allows consistent humming, so that you are not disturbed by any random noises in the environment like a siren or a horn,” she says. “It keeps your brain occupied with a dull sound that is soothing. Something like the Hatch Restore is good because it’s a sound machine that also has a mediation app and an alarm clock built in, so you can leave your phone on the other side of the room.”

Our favorite white noise machine? After months of testing, we chose the Sound+Sleep Mini due to its white-noise-and-then-some capabilities, with 48 different sounds, like rain, brooks, fans, ocean sounds, white noise, and many more. The other devices we tested feature some of these soundscapes, but the Mini is one of the only one that has them all. Our other favorite feature? The fact that it was basically built for travel, so you can take it anywhere.

“Another trick I use is to get white noise from my air purifier or humidifier,” says Azzaline, pointing to this air purifier. “Cleaner, less dry air can help you breathe better, which in turn can lead to better sleep.”

Not an Amazon product but fantastic nonetheless, Azzaline recommends this humidifier and diffuser. “Some humidifiers, like this Canopy, also have a diffuser option for essential oils,” explains Azzaline. “You could use it with a lavender essential oil, which has sedative properties and has been found to promote better sleep.”

Through March 18, take 10% off any Canopy device over $70 when you use code CNNSLEEP at checkout.

“Blackout curtains are another great way to protect your sleep from environmental light that can disrupt it,” says Grandner. “They can help keep you asleep at night, even when the sun comes back up. Just make sure you open them in the morning!” This highly rated set also blocks out the cold.

These equally-beloved blackout curtains with grommets at the top for easy sliding come at a bargain price and promise to block out light, cold and noise from the outside world, leading to a better night’s sleep.

Azzaline talks to patients every day who have trouble sleeping. “In addition to practicing good sleep hygiene (think: going to bed at the same time every night and putting your phone down at least 30 minutes before nodding off), I often recommend a weighted blanket to my patients. It provides a sense of security as it enfolds you, so you feel protected, and it helps to calm any restlessness in your legs that may keep you awake. I use one personally and always say it feels like a soft hug over my body and lulls me to sleep. There are a lot of good ones on the market, but the one I use at home has two removable covers, one for winter and one for summer, and they’re washable.”

One of our favorite weighted blankets on the market, the blanket comes in three different colors and its luxurious-looking stitching ensures that the fine-grade beads get evenly distributed throughout the blanket. Gravity even has its own weighted robe.

“There is something comforting about a weighted blanket,” says Joubert. “I think that’s a really smart product out on the market.” This weighted blanket is unique in that it comes with its own super-plush cover that’s machine-washable, and it even comes in weights up to 30 pounds.

Weighted blankets “work by providing a consistent, enveloping layer of pressure, not only giving you the weighted sensation, but also restricting your movement,” says Grandner. And this editor-approved one, among the most beloved on Amazon, is a real bargain for its quality.

“A lot of people wait too long before replacing an old mattress. Sometimes, this can make a big difference in nighttime comfort,” says Grandner.

Weight and sleep style can also make a difference, explains Joubert. “Someone who’s lighter, or you sleep on your side, you’re going to want to maybe go with a more medium-soft or a medium-firm mattress.” Check out our guide to the top mattress-in-a-box brands here.

You may want to look for a firmer mattress like this one if you’re a bigger person, or sleep on your back, says Joubert. “The heavier you are, let’s say you weigh 200 pounds or more, or you’re a back sleeper, you’re going to tend to maybe fall in the guidelines of the medium-firm to firm mattress,” she says. Layers of breathable foam plus springs add a little lift, support and airflow to this highly rated mattress.

This medium-firm mattress is also one of the most popular on Amazon, not only because of its true bargain price tag but also because its combination memory foam and innerspring construction that helps align the spine and minimize pressure points to offer you your comfiest sleep yet. It’s available in heights from 8 inches to 12 inches.

Known as the most durable mattress on Amazon, the foam in this Zinus 12-inch is infused with active charcoal and even green tea to offer pressure relief and form right to your body. Specifically great for side sleepers, though it really seems to please just every reviewer, it even comes with a 10-year warranty.

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March 15, 2023
Editors’ picks: Our favorite sleep products we’ve tested and actually loved | CNN Underscored

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This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Guide to Sleep, a week-long focus on everything you need to sleep better. We’ll be featuring new products and exclusive deals all week, so check in every morning to see what’s new.

Our editors test and research hundreds of products a year, but the stuff that we get the most excited about? The items that claim they can get you “the best sleep of your life,” and actually do just that.

It’s a rare occurrence, sure, but when we find a sleep product we love, we just can’t shut up about it. We’ve already talked about our nightstand necessities that changed the way we sleep, so now let’s get into the sleep products we now literally cannot sleep without.

I’m a terrible sleeper. I wake up half a dozen times throughout the night and toss and turn. I’m always looking for products to help me get a better night’s rest and bought the NodPod weighted sleeping mask on a whim. When I was little, I used to put a homemade heating pad made with cherry pits on my eyes to help me fall asleep, and this has the same effect (just don’t heat it up). I’m honestly incredibly impressed by how comforting this feels on my eyes and found that I sleep deeper when I use it. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

My brain never shuts off and I’m incredibly jealous of people who don’t have an inner monologue. The voice inside my head tends to work overtime when I’m trying to doze off. I downloaded Balance on a whim when I saw you can get your first year free. I know can’t sleep without guided meditations. The app also offers sleep sounds — like rain and white noise — to help you drift to sleep. My favorite is the “Back to Sleep” exercise which is helpful for me since I never sleep through the entire night. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

Coop’s Original Pillow is one of the most highly rated out there — but the brand’s newest offering has become my latest bedtime obsession. The brand has ingeniously created a crescent-shaped pillow made specifically for side sleepers who also rotate to their back (a.k.a. me), and it’s been a comfort game changer. Plus, like other Coop pillows, its fill is completely customizable. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor

Take 15% off sitewide at Coop Home through March 18 using code CNNSLEEP at checkout.

I never have enough time to read, so having a large-screen e-reader next to my bed not only allows me to catch up on my favorite novels before I fall asleep, but if I wake up in the middle of the night (which, unfortunately, is more often than I’d like to admit) I can turn on the built-in nightlight and read myself back to sleep without waking up my husband. I especially like the more expensive Kindle Oasis, because it comes with a roomy 7-inch adjustable Paperwhite display that doesn’t bother my eyes like a phone or tablet. Plus, it’s even waterproof, so when it’s not on my bedside table, I can bring it with my on holiday and safely tote it to the beach or the pool. — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor

I can have a hard time falling asleep. On those nights when I’m tossing and turning and I just can’t turn my brain off, I love turning on the sleepcasts on the Headspace app. They have a short meditation exercise, where you either focus on your breathing or “turning off” your muscles one by one, then they launch into a cute and relaxing story. They’ve definitely helped me calm down at night and get better sleep when I’m stressed. — Kai Burkhardt, associate editor

There is no worse feeling to me than waking up in the middle of the night feeling overheated and sweaty. But, finding the perfect balance between breathability and warmth, especially in colder months, is a fine art. When I got this Sleep Cloud comforter, it was love from the very first sleep. Always cool to the touch, the nylon and spandex fabric is silky and lightweight and helps create a little pocket of warmth between your body and the comforter. I’ve never shelled out more than probably $80 on a comforter before, but now I’m really seeing a difference between this and my previous bedding. As a temperature sensitive sleeper, this comforter just gets me and lulls me into a deep slumber night after night. Plus, it’s easy to throw in the wash and is good looking enough to stand on its own or layer with other blankets and throws. — Jillian Tracy, editorial coordinator

I’ve had this velvet napper for more than two years now, and I absolutely love tucking my feet into it every night. I found that sleeping with a weighted blanket on top of my entire body felt a bit, well, heavy. Then once I figured out that if I just tuck my feet under it at night I fall asleep almost instantly, I’ve never been the same. It’s also just gorgeous splayed out on my bed. — Rachel Lubitz, senior lifestyle editor

I’m a total linen sheets fanatic, and also a firmly anti-white-sheet individual, which means that I go bonkers for brilliantly colored bed linen whenever I can. Cultiver has been on my must-try list for a while, and I finally got the pleasure of trying out its duvet cover and sheets. And all I can say is: wow. Not only available in rich colors like mahogany, rose, baby pink and more, but right out of the box they’re buttery soft. I went with a cedar brown duvet cover and blush pink sheets, which I think go together really nicely. You can’t ask for a cooler-looking set than this. — Rachel Lubitz, senior lifestyle editor

Since I spend most of the day working at my desk — which just so happens to be located 18 inches from my bed — I find that winding down at the end of the day requires a more intentional vibe shift. Mrs. Meyer’s products have long been staples in my kitchen and bathroom, but now I’ve found an essential for my bedroom, too. I like to spritz my sheets and pillows a few times before getting under the covers. Words cannot express how good this room spray smells (I highly recommend the Geranium scent too), and the scent lasts without being overly potent or perfumey. — Caroline Curran, associate deals editor

I never realized how much a good pillow could change how I sleep. But after years of using limp, unsupportive pillows, I finally made the switch to a Casper pillow and I’ll never go back. I sleep better, don’t wake up with neck pain and feel supported all night long. — Kai Burkhardt, associate editor

I bought this peanut-shaped memory foam pillow on a whim a few years ago (it was on sale!), and now I can’t envision my life without it. It’s the ideal shape for propping up your head and neck if you want to watch TV or read in bed (or if you suffer from neck pain or soreness), and it also relieves pressure on your back if you hold it between your knees while resting on your side. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor

These bamboo sheets from Cozy Earth are both a blessing and a curse — they are so soft that I fall asleep faster, but that being said, they also make it absolutely impossible to get out of bed in the morning. I’ve had them for a couple months now, and even after washing, they’ve remained as soft as they did when I first got them. They’re worth every single penny! — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

Get 35% off sitewide at Cozy Earth when you use code CNNSLEEP at checkout through March 18.

The first Instagram ad to ever “get me” was for the Buffy Cloud Comforter. I wanted to make a swap to an eco-friendly (and animal-friendly) comforter that didn’t include down feathers. Buffy is equally comfortable as it is environmentally conscious. It’s crafted entirely from plant-based and recycled materials and is lightweight and fluffy. The brand went the extra mile to also include loops at the ends so you don’t have to wrestle as much with a duvet cover. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

Use code CNNSLEEP through March 18 to save 20% off sitewide at Buffy.

I’ve never slept better than I have with this mattress underneath me. The DreamCloud Premier is both firm and cushiony, and the top layers of memory foam help cut down on motion transfer — which means you won’t feel a thing if you live with a restless sleeper like I do. Each night, I look forward to sinking right into bed and getting a good night’s rest. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

Save 30% on the DreamCloud Premier mattress when you use code CNNSLEEPWEEK at checkout through March 18.

I know, $150 is a LOT to pay for an alarm clock. But Loftie is a thoughtfully designed, gorgeous clock that makes sleep feel like self-care. It features an ambient night light, soundscapes and meditations to help you fall asleep and a two-phase alarm that gradually wakes you up in the morning instead of jolting you awake. — Kai Burkhardt, associate editor

I love a beauty product that works overnight, and these cute pimple patches help banish breakouts by the morning. The star-shaped hydrocolloid stickers absorb the fluid and gunk within the pimples, reducing the inflammation and size of the zits. While I’ve tried several brands of pimple patches, I always come back to these because they’re honestly a joy to put on, they come with a fun case that has a compact mirror inside and there are limited-edition drops of the stickers, so you can mix it up with new colors. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

This sauna blanket from HigherDose has become a key part of my nightly ritual. I tuck myself inside of it for 45 minutes each night, and not only does it result in TONS of sweat and glowy skin, but it also leaves me feeling super relaxed — which ultimately leads to much better, deeper and longer sleep. It’s super easy to use, and the cleanup is quick too. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

Ever since I was a little girl, I always loved walking around my parents’ house in a cozy pair of slippers. Years later, I still love to add that extra element of cozy to my feet as I walk around my apartment. My latest addition to my slipper collection are these Frankie Slippers. The first thing that stood out to me when I first wore these slippers was how snug they felt on my feet. I can walk freely without worrying that the slippers will slide off. They exceed in the comfort department, and aren’t they adorable?! — Sarai Thompson, former social coordinator

I swear by Aesop skin products, and this body balm is no exception. I love this rind concentrate scent — it’s the perfect combination of fresh, citrus smell with nourishing powers for softer hands. One small dollop and I feel immediately relaxed. — Emily McNutt, senior travel editor

I’m big into matching pajamas, and these remain my all-time favorite pair. Expensive, yes, but consider that this silk pajama set is machine-washable, making them actually easy to care for too. My favorite part, however, is actually just how versatile this set is. I wear the cropped top alone with jeans in the summertime, and in the winter I layer it with a turtleneck. I always feel incredibly chic, and the fabric really is buttery soft. — Rachel Lubitz, senior lifestyle editor

Through March 18, you can score 15% off orders of $100 or more at Lunya with code FOR-CNNSLEEP-15.

Day or night, I always have a blanket wrapped around me (I run cold). But ever since I got my hands on Casper’s new Snoozewear line, I’ve tossed my blankets to the side and wear this cloudlike robe all day long. It features large armholes and convenient pockets for my phone — or snacks, perhaps? — and also comes with buttons so it stays secure all day long. It practically doubles as a puffy duvet, so oftentimes, I take it off before bed and place it over me since it’s so warm and comfy! — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

I’ve always wanted to try linen bedding, but most options are way out of my price range. This Casaluna set is budget-friendly and super soft. Since it’s a heavyweight style, it’s perfect for chilly winter days. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

I’ve been using this simple eye mask for years, and it’s still my favorite one. The overall mask is slightly puffy and pillowy, and I find that it sits really nicely on my face. The real game changer here, however, is the extra lining at the bottom of the mask that blocks out all light. This is technically made for travel, but it’s so good that I sleep with this mask every single night. — Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

Nothing winds me down after a hectic day quite like a nice cuppa herbal tea. I tend to switch between peppermint tea and camomile tea, depending on the day. There’s really no better start to a sleep routine than a piping hot tea and a good book. — Emily McNutt, senior travel editor

At this point, I’ve tried linen sheets from Casaluna, Parachute and Magic Linen. But my all-time faves remain this set from Citizenry. It’s the most buttery-soft linen I’ve ever felt, and it seems to get softer with each wash. I also just simply cannot get over the rich brown color (called Sienna), which totally transformed my room. I used to be an all-white-everything sheets girl, and these are what permanently changed me. — Rachel Lubitz, senior lifestyle editor

Take 10% off bedding at The Citizenry with code CNNSLEEP through March 18.

These naturally dyed sheets from one of my favorite bedding brands, Buffy, are hands down the softest I’ve ever felt. They’re made from 100% eucalyptus fiber (that contains no essential oils and is safe for pets and kids), and they’re incredibly breathable, so they’re ideal for hot sleepers too. Best of all, they only get softer the more you wash them. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor

I like to be moisturized from head to toe before I get into bed, and this Everywhere Balm from Hello Bello is a great part of my nighttime routine. It is incredibly moisturizing and silky, and it’s completely fragrance-free, so I don’t have to worry about an overpowering scent while I’m trying to fall asleep. I use this on my hands, elbows, heels and anywhere that needs a little extra moisture before bed, and my skin feels super soft when I wake up. — Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

I had no idea just how different a foam mattress was compared to a traditional spring mattress until I swapped mine for the Tuft & Needle Original Mattress. It is incredibly comfortable, and as a hot sleeper, it helps keep me cool. Plus, since it comes in a box, all 5 feet of me was able to bring it up a flight of stairs and set it up with no problem. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

I’ve never spent more than $12 on a pillow, but I was having a terrible time sleeping on my cheap ones. From neck aches and lumps, these pillows were not doing it for me. Instead of buying a new pillow every few months, I splurged on the Coop The Original Pillow and haven’t looked back. You’re in control of how soft or firm you want it, and it’s so comfortable. It’s also easy to wash and maintain. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

I love tea any time of the day, and the Twinings Nightly Calm Tea blend is comfort in a cup. Some herbal teas can taste bland, but Twinings gets it right with a blend of chamomile, spearmint and a subtle hint of lemongrass. It may not be the secret elixir that knocks you out for a full eight hours, but it helps me relax before bed. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

This lavender-scented eye pillow feels like heaven after a long day. I try to avoid looking at my phone or electronics right before I go to sleep, and this pre-bedtime eye mask helps me unwind. You can put it in the microwave if you want a heated mask, and pop it in the fridge for some cooling/de-puffing action. — Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

I have big, curly hair, and I simply can’t sleep if it’s in my face. Thus, I only trust these luxe silk scrunchies by Slip to hold back my mane at night. Not only do they gently keep my hair held back without pulling, allowing me to remain headache-free, but they also ensure my hairstyle survives the night. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor

As someone who feared the dark until she was in her mid-teens, it’s ironic that I now can’t sleep without blackout shades. I had first used them to help with drafty windows but soon realized the darkness really improved my sleep. I’ve had the same ones for eight years and they still look brand new and are a great deal. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

This CBD-infused body cream is one of those products that I will never let myself run out of, it’s that good. You can actually feel the relaxing effects of the CBD (it packs in 500 milligrams) after massaging it into sore muscles or just a generally tired body, making it easier to drift to sleep. I usually apply it just before I go to bed, and within minutes my body is chilled out. It also has a light lavender and cedarwood fragrance that adds an extra dose of calm. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

These slippers are new, but I’m already a huge fan. I was going to include them in my monthly editor picks’ roundup, but they’re so good that I had to include them here. They’re one of my instant favorites because they’re simple and classic, but more importantly, they’re the most comfortable, supportive slipper I’ve ever worn. I generally find most slippers to be pretty comfortable, so I was expecting some level of coziness when I first slipped these on, but they quickly surpassed my expectations after about two days of wear. I now wear these before bed every single night, and sometimes all day long as well. — Hayley Saltzman, former head of social

I switched to this silk pillowcase a few months ago and it has helped to clear up my skin and make my hair so much healthier. It’s also very cooling and so comfortable to sleep on! — Hannah Lauson, TikTok strategist

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March 14, 2023
The Lululemon Reversible and Alo Warrior yoga mats are both insanely popular — which one is right for you? | CNN Underscored

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This article is part of our series Battle of the Brands, in which we compare category-leading products to their counterparts to determine which are actually worth your money.

As a personal trainer, if there’s one piece of equipment I recommend my clients have on hand during class, it’s a great yoga mat. The best yoga mats can make your workout or yoga practice more comfortable and safer for your joints, boosting your enjoyment of movement, which carries too many physical and emotional benefits to list and thus increasing the likelihood you’ll commit to the habit consistently.

Naturally, you might want to lean on one of the most popular yoga mats with devout followings to help you reach your goals. Both the Lululemon Reversible and the Alo Warrior mat provide ample cushioning, anti-odor and moisture-wicking properties, and plenty of room to explore your body — but they also offer starkly different workout experiences. Let’s break down which yoga mat is best for you.

The Alo is a bit grippier and might stay in place better if you’re focused on high-intensity routines, so it’s a reasonable choice for keeping at your home studio.

The Lululemon mat is less expensive, provides better value for money, more colorway options, better moisture management, and lighter weight — meaning an all-around more enjoyable yoga experience that’ll actually make you look forward to hitting the mat.

Size and weight

When it comes to yoga mats, size matters. You want to ideally give yourself around 7 to 10 inches of leeway so your head and limbs stay off the ground during your practice.

Measuring a bit over six feet, the standard Alo Warrior Mat has plenty of space for those with longer limbs. The standard Lululemon Reversible Mat measures shorter at 5 feet 11 inches long, so it doesn’t have quite as much room to maneuver. Both the Lululemon and Alo mats are available in 7 foot long versions for taller people, however, so if you’re particularly loyal to one brand, you’re bound to find your perfect fit within it. And Both mats measure 26.4 inches or 2 feet, 2.4 inches wide, just the right amount of room to allow you to move horizontally in the frontal plane when stepping out at hip width.

Both the Alo and Lululemon mats measure 5 millimeters thick, easy enough to roll up when not in use while still providing enough comfortable padding between your body and the ground. But the Alo’s foam is a lot denser — it’s 35% heavier than the Lululemon mat yet only 4.6% longer, weighing in at 8 pounds in the standard size, while the Lululemon mat measures just 5.24 pounds. This means the Lululemon is a lot easier to carry around town to and from the yoga studio, while the Alo can certainly tire you out even before you make it to your class.

The denser, heavier foam is also grippier, which means the Alo stays put instead of sliding around, a benefit if you plan to use your mat for plyometric cardio-centric movements, like mountain climbers or lateral skater hops. On the downside, the Alo’s dense rubber also prevented it from lying flat, regardless of whether we laid it down on its polyurethane or rubber side. Even if we rolled it out flat for hours beforehand, or if we pinned it down with a water bottle, we couldn’t get it to lie flat at the edges, meaning we effectively lost several precious inches on what’s supposed to be the longer, roomier mat.

Grip, sweat resistance and moisture wicking

Both the Lululemon and Alo mats are reversible, meaning you get to choose between a slicker polyurethane top layer or a cushioned rubber layer ideal for sweatier sessions.

The Alo’s polyurethane layer appears to be matte, but it’s still tangibly slick and smooth. While it offers plenty of support during static poses like downward dog when your body has four points of contact with the ground, it feels a little too slippery to serve as support during balance poses like dancer or bird of paradise. Advanced yogis might appreciate the smooth, firm surface, since it can help you root your feet and toes more firmly into the ground, whereas a grippier, softer layer might throw off your balance.

Both mats claim to be moisture-wicking, but I found that both leave something to be desired — if I use either with the smooth polyurethane side facing up, they feel nearly identical in that after a few beads of sweat, I’ll go sliding right off the mat. In neither case would I recommend the smooth side for high-intensity workouts. (If you do use it this way, keep a microfiber towel on hand to absorb extra moisture while providing a bit of extra traction.)

But using their more cushioned sides, there’s a clear difference. I’ve been using the Lululemon Reversible mat for the last seven years, and while my cats have adopted it as a (very expensive) scratching post, it’s more or less retained its cushion and grip all these years. Though my workouts yield a ton of sweat, the rubber side of the Lululemon mat has never stayed damp throughout the duration of a high-intensity workout in the several years I’ve used it. Post-workout sweat stains were barely discernible, and it also felt dryer to the touch throughout the entirety of the workout.

The heavier, denser Alo mat retained more moisture and took longer to dry. While we’d have to use the mat over years to really know one way or the other, it makes us wonder about long term damage and an overall shorter lifespan.

You’ll want to abide by certain guidelines when taking care of your yoga mat: avoid harsh cleaning solutions, keep weights and workout equipment off the mat, remove any jewelry before your practice so as not to scuff the mat, and store it face up to protect the rubbery underside from any jagged edges.

If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it option, you can’t go wrong with the Lululemon mat. The brand suggests wiping it down after use with a natural cleanser and damp cloth.

Related: How to clean gym equipment with these 15 essentials

The Alo mat requires applying a 1:20 solution of oil-free soap or vinegar and warm water to a microfiber cloth — they caution against applying the solution directly to the mat — and then wiping down the mat. While this is hardly an overly involved cleaning process à la a 12-step nighttime skincare routine, it does suggest that the mat is more delicate than the Lululemon. And indeed, when I first received it, I noticed scuff marks on the smooth side even before use. I can’t imagine how beat up it’ll look after years of practice.

I adhered to these cleaning suggestions on both mats and found the grippy polyurethane sides wiped down smoothly immediately. The rubber sides were trickier, since they both attracted dirt like chalk on a school blackboard. Given that Alo’s black rubber underside is so grippy, it attracts extra dust and dirt, so I needed to manually pick off the debris to get it really clean. I didn’t have to poke and prod at the Lululemon rubber side as much, likely because the bright pink color disguised lots of it.

Yoga culture is all about bright and bold hues and patterns — Lululemon clearly takes the cake on this one, with 17 colorways to pick from versus seven for Alo (including three tie-dye patterns, which are more interesting to look at than their monochromatic counterparts). While the sheer volume of colorways and patterns available for the Lululemon mat might inspire a sense of decision fatigue for some, it really offers a chance for practitioners to showcase their personal style (and maybe even match it to their outfit). The colorways are at once unique enough to feel like the mat was designed for you, yet distinctive enough to scream Lululemon in the best way possible.

I selected a pink-ish tone for both mats so I could make an apples-to-apples comparison. While dark finishes hide sweat better (it would have made my life that much easier to select the black option in both, and if you’re really concerned about such things, a dark color is a good choice), I wanted to see clearly how they’d fare against dripping sweat.

My hands were slightly damp during my practice, and that immediately created an embarrassingly dark imprint on the “Smoky Quartz” (a light dusty pink) Alo mat. The brighter pink on the Lululemon mat better hid the moisture, as I only detected faint lines of sweat throughout my practice. Luckily, the rubber underside of the Alo mat is black, so you can always alternate between showing off your personality (and color preference), and then promptly retreating to a sort of hibernation mode once you flip it over to the rubbery black side.

While these are both quality yoga mats, the Lululemon is less expensive, provides better value for money, more colorway options, better moisture management, and lighter weight — meaning an all-around more enjoyable yoga experience that’ll actually make you look forward to hitting the mat. It’s just a better mat at a lower price, regardless of application.

The Alo is a bit grippier and might stay in place better if you’re focused on high-intensity routines, so it’s a reasonable choice for keeping at your home studio. But we’d still give the nod to the Lululemon here, since the Alo’s denser foam construction makes it both more challenging to keep it flat and a bit more stubborn to roll up in a compact, stowable silhouette if you need to stow it away.

By the way, if you like the Alo look, I’d opt for the Alo Air Mat, a 3.5-pound version of the Warrior mat that’s just 2 millimeters thick and equally non-slip. Likewise, if you’re looking for ultimate portability, If the 5 pounds Lululemon Reversible mat still feels like too much, I’d opt for its 2.3-pound cousin in The (Un)Mat.

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March 13, 2023
The space-saving ProForm Carbon T7 is the perfect treadmill for small spaces | CNN Underscored

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Whether you’re looking for a full-time indoor exercise machine or a seasonal addition to your home gym, the compact, easy-to-store Proform Carbon T7 can help cure the winter running blues — and keep you moving any time of the year.

Best of all, in addition to its smaller footprint, you’ll get many of the same upscale features you’d receive with more expensive treadmills like the ProForm 9000 ($2,300) or NordicTrack Commercial 2450 ($3,000) — for a fraction of the price.

At just $1,403, the Carbon T7 may seem like a steal, however it’s still an investment for cost-conscious consumers. Which is why I tested this treadmill for a week to see how it stacks up to its more expensive brethren, and whether it’s worth a spot in your home. Here’s everything you need to know before you, ahem, run out to buy your own.

If you’ve always wanted a treadmill, but didn’t have the space or the cash for a larger machine — the ProForm Carbon T7 is a perfect compromise. No, it doesn’t have the horsepower of larger, pricier treadmills, but you do get a wealth of advanced AI features as well as access to different types of classes with the iFit subscription (which is free for three years). And a smaller footprint paired with a budget price is nothing to sneeze at when you’re thinking about adding to your home gym.

Compact size and simple storage

Unlike most treadmills, the Carbon T7 is the perfect size for apartment dwellers and first-time homeowners because of its compact design. And indeed, you don’t need a sprawling McMansion to make room for it in your home. Proform’s unique SpaceSaver design easily allows you to fold the deck up and stow it away vertically whenever you want. And, when you’re ready to use it again, simply kick a bar concealed on the bottom of the treadmill to release the deck back down. The whole process takes less than five minutes and is super convenient. In fact, I used the Carbon T7 in my living room and consistently folded it up to make more space whenever my family was around.

The Carbon T7 also gives you access to the iFit library of streaming fitness classes, which adorns pricier models like the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 or NordicTrack Commercial X32i. Right now, ProForm is generously offering a free three-year iFit subscription with the purchase of every Carbon T7 treadmill. So you’ll initially pay nothing to access over 9,500 streaming workouts including yoga, HIIT, bootcamp, strength training and, of course, thousands of scenic hikes, runs and walks through Mexico, Turks & Caicos, Mount Everest, and more. After that, a comparable family plan will cost you $39 monthly or $396 a year, while individual plans run $15 monthly or $180 a year — which all in all is quite a bit of savings.

You can even save your favorite classes in a calendar for future sweat sessions or sign up for weight loss programs and challenges on iFit to help stay motivated, as well as train for 10K, 5K and marathon races. I also loved having the option to create my own Google Maps workout, which allowed me to plug in my own destination anywhere in the world and map my own real-life running route with accurate topographical changes and live views. This feature enabled me to run through my old neighborhood in Santa Monica, CA, visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris and run through the Venice Canals in Italy — all in one day.

The Carbon T7 has two spacious cup holders, a 7” high-definition touchscreen and a built-in fan with four different power levels. It also boasts 2 built-in speakers with Bluetooth audio and a dock to place your device if you prefer to read a book or watch movies on your iPad instead of streaming workouts through the iFit library.

You can also adjust the incline or speed using quick-touch buttons located below the screen, rather than manually adjusting them to go up and down as you run. I found this especially useful while running at faster speeds, considering I tend to get distracted adjusting the incline and speed up and down when I’m pushing myself harder during HIIT or hill runs.

iFit also includes several smart features, like the SmartAdjust and Automatic Training. SmartAdjust follows and scales each adjustment that you make during your workouts, then stores the information internally. Going forward, it will then adjust the speed and incline to suit your personal fitness ability. The more often you run, the more closely the computer customizes your iFit classes in the prerecorded instructor-led hikes and runs.

For example, I was struggling to keep up with one particular instructor during a run through Costa Rica. But by adding SmartAdjust, I could more easily take this class again and still feel challenged. It’s a cool feature that allows the software to get even smarter the more you use it.

The Automatic Trainer feature is a bit of AI magic which enables you to follow along with the instructor whenever they call out a change in speed or incline during your pre-recorded class — without touching a button. So, if your instructor is running a 7-mile run at a 2-incline, you will too (automatically). The treadmill’s computer virtually does the work, freeing up your hands for more important things like guzzling water or waving frantically at your family to leave you alone until you’re done.

Full disclosure: I am not a big person. At 5’2”, I’m always in the front row for pictures, I always need a step stool to reach the high shelf, and I’m frequently asked if my parents are home when I answer my door without makeup. So the fact that I felt cramped the first time I started sprinting on the Carbon T7 speaks volumes.

At 20” X 55,” it was just about OK for someone my size but, as I said, I’m petite. So I can’t imagine it would be extremely comfortable for a taller or larger person to run on this treadmill for an extended period of time. It may be fine for walking or jogging, but if you plan to do intense runs or interval workouts and you’re six feet tall, you might want to see if you can try one before you buy.

It wasn’t a total deal breaker but I didn’t love that the HD touchscreen didn’t swivel or move the slightest bit forward or backward. This was extremely frustrating during hybrid classes like the Bahamas bootcamp series, which required me to get on and off the treadmill to complete the class. This also became a problem when I tried to see the instructor’s strength-training moves during the floor portion of the class.

Considering the touchscreen’s larger size, it would have been nice to be able to move it around so I could take advantage of my extra floor space as well as iFit’s pre-recorded strength training classes.

This is a mid-level treadmill with lots of extra features for a modest price point, but you do get what you pay for. The motor on the Carbon T7 doesn’t have enough power to handle all-out sprints for extended periods of time, which doesn’t make it a great choice for serious runners. AT only 2.6 CHP, the motor has significantly less horsepower than more expensive models like the NordicTrack 2450 and Proform 9000.

The Carbon T7 isn’t the only mid-level treadmill on the market focusing on a space-saving design. Competitors like the Sole F65 offer a slightly wider and longer deck with a similar configuration. With a deck measuring at 22” X 60,” the Sole F65 gives you a slightly roomier running space than the Carbon T7. However, there’s no iFit subscription or tech features like SmartAdjust and Automatic Trainer, and it’s a tad bit pricier at $1,400. You will, however, get a slightly bigger 3.25 CHP motor, which makes it better for more advanced runs.

Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill is also a space saving machine and this treadmill folds into place with next to no effort — plus it’s even cheaper at $1,000. However, unlike the Carbon T7, there’s no touchscreen so you’ll have to provide your own device if you want to stream workouts. There’s also no built-in fan or AI features and very little data is recorded during your workouts, so the initial savings may not be worth it if you like to track your metrics while you run.

And then there’s the Treadly, a no-frills foldable treadmill that retails for just $749. This extra-slim, portable treadmill is smaller and lighter than the Carbon T7, making it easier to store and hide away if you’re even tighter on space. However, there’s no touchscreen, no fan belt and no streaming class subscription, just audio/video games and a live community you can access online. You also can’t run any faster than 5 miles per hour so don’t expect to train for a marathon anytime soon.

If you’re looking for all of the bells and whistles of a top-of-the-line treadmill or you’re training for your next Ironman race, the Carbon T7 may not be for you. But, if you’re a recreational runner or a parent like myself trying to squeeze in a workout in your spare time, this treadmill offers fantastic value with lots of extra features for a modest price tag.

There’s plenty of variety, whether you’re looking for scenic runs, hikes, walks, yoga, HIIT, strength training, bootcamps, Tabata, cooking classes and live races. And your whole family can take advantage of the free iFit subscription for up to three years, giving you plenty of options to keep things fun and fresh so you’ll never get bored with your workout routine.

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March 4, 2023
The best workout equipment under $25, according to experts | CNN Underscored

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With so many pieces of high-tech fitness equipment taking over headlines and social media, it’s easy to forget that at-home exercise gear doesn’t have to cost more than a month’s rent or mortgage. In fact, just a few strategic, budget-friendly purchases can help you organize and optimize your at-home workout sessions, whether you’re a beginner or experienced exerciser, and whether you’ve got 10 minutes or a solid hour.

Weekly exercise recommendations, courtesy of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, add up to 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week (or some combination of the two), plus muscle-strengthening activities at least twice per week. Despite what companies would have you believe, you don’t need a $2,500 exercise bike or bulky racks of pricey free weights to get your heart rate up or make your muscles quiver (and no, we’re not suggesting you do bicep curls with soup cans).

Ready to turn any space into your own gym? We polled a variety of fitness experts and asked for their picks on the best compact, affordable at-home exercise gear.

Best for affordable DIY massage

“Foam rolling is a form of self-myofascial release, which is a technique used to release muscle tension and increase mobility and flexibility,” says Michael Hamlin, a certified strength and conditioning specialist and founder of EverFlex Fitness. You can use a 12-inch foam roller like this to target everywhere from your back to your calves, and even though this one rings up at under $10, “the high-density foam is able to withstand the weight and pressure of the body so it won’t break down with regular use, and provides greater pressure to the muscles, which can help to break up knots more effectively,” says Hamlin.

Best budget-friendly strength-training tool

Resistance bands are an incredibly versatile and portable strength training tool, and this set includes five for less than $15. “One of the best ways to get smaller, underactive muscles fired up is to use a lighter tension resistance band,” says Hamlin. Placing one around your ankles and stepping to the side will activate your glute medius, while looping it around your feet and marching in place strengthens the hip flexors. As you get stronger, you can easily adjust the intensity by swapping out bands. Plus, “a high-quality natural latex band is a better option for comfort because they prevent chafing,” says Hamlin.

Best foundation for at-home workouts

A good yoga mat isn’t just for asanas. It can be a stable foundation for bodyweight exercises and strength training — unlike your slippery wood floor or uneven rug. “This one is 1/2-inch thick, providing ample cushioning for your joints, but not so thick it challenges your balance,” says Hamlin. And “the non-slip surface helps prevent injuries during dynamic movements,” he adds. A supportive spot in which you can safely exercise means working out will be more comfortable — and the more comfortable you are, the more likely you are to stick with it.

Best for easy installation and upper body work

Don’t worry, this pull-up bar won’t damage your door frame — it attaches via a lever system, so there’s no drilling required. And once it’s in place, “you can use it not just for pull-ups and chin-ups, which target multiple muscle groups, including your latissimus dorsi, biceps, forearms, and shoulders, but hanging leg and knee raises, which engage your abs, hip flexors, and lower back,” says Erik Brown, a UESCA-certified running coach and ACE-certified personal trainer.

Best for upgrading crunches

Forget crunches — an ab roller will fire up more than your core. “As you roll the wheel away from your body, it requires balance and stability, engaging your abs, back, shoulders, and arms with progressive resistance,” says Brown, meaning the further you roll it out, the harder you’ll have to work to bring it back towards your body. “This affordable option is lightweight with a compact design, making it easy to store and transport, and it’s designed with non-slip handles that provide a secure grip,” he says.

Best for working on balance

“The most important benefit of using an exercise ball is challenging your balance,” says Olesia Stefanko, a fitness program developer for HitFit. Imagine doing a crunch on the ball versus the floor, she says; the ball naturally moves, and you have to engage more muscles to try to keep in place while performing the exercise. (On the flip side, “using a ball can take pressure off your back in exercises like squats or wall sits,” she says). “I like this specific fitness ball because it’s made from soft yet very pressure-resistant material, providing a great balance of flexibility and stability,” says Stefanko. “The matte surface also makes it safer to use when sweaty.”

Best for targeting specific muscles

“A Pilates ring is called a ‘magic circle’ for a reason: It’s a versatile tool for intensely targeting your muscles, especially your inner thighs, core, and arms,” says Stefanko. And it’s not just for Pilates; it’s simply designed to add resistance to certain exercises—which could be as simple as placing it between your knees while sitting and squeezing in and out with control, she explains. “This specific Pilates ring is great in diameter, the pads are of an optimal size and the ratio of material softness and resistance is perfect,” says Stefanko. “It serves well in the long run, not snapping or losing its spring.”

Best for improving simple moves

“Gliders are an easy way to take bodyweight exercises — like planks, knee tucks, mountain climbers and pikes — to the next level,” says Jilliann Schembri, an ISSA-certified trainer; because they slide over the floor, they add an element of instability that better engages your core. They’re virtually weightless, which makes them easy to travel with, and “the material these gliders are made of doesn’t get ‘stuck’ as you glide, is perfect on tile and won’t scratch your wood floor.”

Best for a cardio boost

Jumping rope is a surprisingly effective form of cardio. “By working multiple large muscle groups at the same time, it forces blood and oxygen to move around our bodies, keeping our heart rate elevated nearly the entire time,” says Schembri. “I love this weighted rope specifically as opposed to a non-weighted one because the slight increase in weight will create more resistance as you jump, which is crucial for muscle toning and strength building benefits.”

Best low-cost smart weights

There’s no need for a ton of heavy weights littering your space. “I believe in using lighter weights and higher repetition,” says Whitney Berger, certified personal trainer, yoga instructor and owner of WhitFit NYC. Constant tension can be equally challenging as hoisting multiple times the weight for just a few reps. “With constant tension training, keeping track of your reps is important, and these smart dumbbells sync with an app via Bluetooth to help you monitor your workout.” Beyond reps, they can also record how many minutes you’ve worked out and have a built-in countdown timer.

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March 3, 2023
The Hydrow Rower makes it feel like you’re rowing on the water | CNN Underscored

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By now, most people are familiar with the benefits of a rowing machine, which offers a challenging, low-impact yet effective total-body workout. But as high-tech, connected rowers flood the market and make their way into people’s home gyms, it can be easy to forget that these machines were initially invented to help rowers train for rowing boats on the water. The Hydrow Rower ($2,495) takes the rowing workout back to its roots, featuring classes taught by instructors who, instead of broadcasting from a gym or a studio, are paddling a boat in places like the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts, or the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.

Like most current connected fitness devices and machines, the Hydrow Rower requires an All-Access Membership ($44 per month). And in addition to the rowing classes, this membership also includes an app with other workout formats like strength, Pilates and circuit training, which you can then take anywhere you go.

I had a blast rowing with these instructors and following along in real-world locales, but is this pricey rower right for your home gym? Here’s what we thought after spending a few weeks working out with the Hydrow Rower.

The Hydrow Rower is a sleek, premium rowing machine that pairs with a $44-per-month All-Access membership. Yes, it offers a kicking cardio and full-body workout, but we loved how it takes rowing back to its roots with live classes filmed at real-world locales. If may be pricey, but if you want to feel like you’re rowing on the water, this home gym rowing machine is for you.

Hydrow calls its outdoor, on-the-water rowing workouts Live Outdoor Reality, and that’s exactly what they feel like. When the class begins, you see the instructor (or two, in some cases) in their boat, oars at the ready. There are cameras on the front and back of their boat as well as on the chase boat for wider-angle shots. The instructor has a timer and a device tracking their stroke rate and that’s it; once class starts, they have to lead the workout and offer tips on technique all while navigating bridges, other boaters, chunks of ice, swans and anything else in their path. And as if this weren’t enough, the changes in intensity during the workouts were often synched to the excellent playlists, which make the classes really fly (or float) by.

I was super impressed by all the instructors I rowed with, who are referred to as Hydrow Athletes (and include former Olympians, World Champions and collegiate rowers). They were charismatic, engaging and on the ball. But in some cases, the instructor took a back seat to the setting. The nearly 4,000 rowing workouts currently available on the Hydrow feature cities from Boston, Tampa and Chattanooga to more exotic locales like Seward, Alaska; Prague, Czech Republic; and Bergen, Norway. And in my opinion, a sweat with a breathtaking view is much more enjoyable than one spent staring at my basement wall.

The workouts, which are broken up into three categories based on intensity (Breathe, Sweat and Drive) were challenging as well. Since the instructor is rowing on the water, there is no adjusting resistance and no cues regarding speed (aka split, or how long it would take you to row 500 meters), though that number is featured on the screen. Instead, classes are built around changes in stroke rate, or rhythm, as the Hydrow Athletes call it. This rhythm number is measured in strokes per minute and you control it by moving faster or slower up and down the slide. Again, this emphasis on rhythm as opposed to split or resistance aligns with the experience of rowing on the water, when rhythm is the only thing you can control.

Typically, rowing at a higher stroke rate is also going to mean you’re rowing faster, lowering your split (since it will take you a shorter amount of time to row 500 meters). But it is possible to row at a speedy rhythm with less than maximum power. The Ergatta calibrates your fitness level and then gives you split ranges to hit in every workout to help ensure you’re trying your hardest. After a few workouts, I was able to quickly establish a baseline to more easily determine what my split should be — and this helped me challenge myself going forward. So, like most app-based home workouts, whether it’s Peloton or the Lululemon Mirror, you’ll have to be more accountable to hold yourself to a higher standard.

Delivery, setup and design

After ordering a Hydrow Rower, your machine is delivered, unboxed and assembled by a team of professionals, which is incredibly convenient. All you have to do is plug it in and connect it to Wi-Fi and you’re ready to row.

In terms of design, the Hydrow’s silver body and streamlined front end give it a striking appearance. While it doesn’t feel as close to rowing on the water as the Ergatta Rower, the electromagnetic drag is smooth and responsive. The cushioned seat and handle are comfortable and I liked the thick, webbed strap that connects the handle to the rower. As mentioned, since the instructors are rowing outdoors, there’s no adjusting resistance, so as your rowing gets more powerful and consistent, it feels easier. Hydrow refers to the rower as “virtually silent,” though if you don’t use headphones you’ll likely notice a faint whirring with each stroke.

The screen rotates 25 degrees to either side so you can see it better when you hop off the rower to work out, but it doesn’t rotate as far to the side as the screen on the Echelon Row-S ($1,599). At a little over 7 feet long by 2 feet wide, the physical footprint of the Hydrow is almost identical to the Echelon Row-S and it can also be stored upright, though Hydrow requires the purchase of an Upright Storage Kit that is mounted on the wall for safe standing storage.

Clean and intuitive interface

I liked everything about the Hydrow’s interface. All the design decisions the brand made felt both thoughtful and user-driven. For beginners, the first thing you see on the home screen is a 15-minute welcome class, followed by two others that make up the Learn to Row section. These helpful introductory classes, coupled with the fact that the Hydrow Athletes are world-class, competitive rowers who have spent years perfecting the stroke and how to teach it, make this an excellent machine for a beginner.

The search functions are easy to use and you can either mark your favorite classes or go into your workout history and replay classes directly from that list. There’s a countdown after you press play before the actual class begins, giving you time to get comfortable and strapped in. Most of the rowing workouts (with the exception of the All in One Rows, which have a warmup, workout and cool down) don’t include a cool down, but I like that that when you’re done rowing, the app automatically feeds you a five-minute Cool Down Row so you don’t need to seek one out. In addition to that cool down row, the Hydrow will also begin recommending classes based on your previous choices and fitness level.

Perhaps my favorite of these many thoughtful features was that the Circuit classes, which include rowing and floor exercises, show you the entire class plan before you hit play, including each exercise and the lengths of different segments. This helped me avoid a class with a lot of push-ups on a day when I simply wasn’t in the mood. At 20 minutes long, the Circuit classes are also great to stack with a 10-minute row or Core Pilates workout.

In addition to rowing workouts and the aforementioned Circuit classes, which were just added to the Hydrow in January, the membership includes strength, Pilates, yoga and mobility classes. As a fan of Pilates, I appreciated that they differentiate between Classical Pilates and classes they call Whole Body Pilates, which feature more Pilates-inspired bodyweight moves — all of which are a great addition to my rowing workouts.

The strength classes are interesting as well as challenging and the stretch/mobility classes, which focus on the muscles and body parts that require the most love after rowing, feel great. And, of course, all these different formats makes the $44 monthly membership easier to swallow.

Unlike the leaderboards on many connected fitness machines that place you based on Output, the Hydrow leaderboard is based on meters rowed. Given that the workouts are meant to simulate rowing on the water, in which your progress would be determined based on distance, this makes sense. If you were in a boat racing alongside others, your opponent might pull ahead by a few meters, only to get tired and allow you to catch up and maybe pull ahead. But translate this to a leaderboard on a rowing machine and it can get frustrating.

Likewise, if you take a few strokes off to rest on the instructor’s recommendation and the rowers around you on the board do not, be prepared to fall. During one 30-minute row, I followed the instructor and took a full minute of rest in the middle of the class — thus losing 25 spots on the leaderboard (most of which I had proudly gained during the previous set of intervals).

If you’re the type of person who hides the leaderboard or doesn’t pay much attention to it, this won’t bother you at all. But for people who do take motivation from the competition, these features may be irritating.

At over $40 per month, the membership fee for the Hydrow is not cheap. Adding insult to injury, there are only around 10 new live rowing classes per week, and many of them first air in the middle of the workday (for comparison, the Echelon Row-S has around 30 live rowing classes per week and the monthly subscription fee is $35, or less if you pay annually). Considering that they are being broadcast live from the water, this does make sense logistically. And, it must be said, none of the other class formats are broadcast live either.

There are thousands of classes in the on-demand library to choose from, so you’ll never run out of workouts, but with the Hydrow you likely won’t be able to rely on the live class experience for motivation every time you get on the rower.

In addition to the original Hydrow Rower ($2,495), Hydrow also sells the more compact Hydrow Wave Rower ($1,895). While you get access to all the same classes, the screen is smaller (16 inches versus 22 inches) and doesn’t rotate, the rower itself is 30% smaller and lighter, and the slide and track are made of less premium materials.

In price, design and class offerings, the Hydrow most closely compares to the Peloton Row ($3,195, then $44 per month). Both machines are an attractive combination of silver and black, both have a screen that swivels and both offer access to classes in other exercise formats as part of the monthly membership (which costs the same). The biggest difference lies in the rowing classes themselves; on the Peloton Row, the instructors teach from a studio and the Hydrow Athletes teach from the water. In fact, the only other rowing machine that does water-based classes is the NordicTrack RW900 Rower ($1,999). The Peloton Row does give you more personalized workout guidance in the form of personal pace targets and form assistance, which could make up for the discrepancy in price.

As an avid rower, I felt that the rowing classes lived up to the hype and were worth the higher cost. The Hydrow Athletes are engaging, motivating and fun to be with, and the workouts themselves are challenging. I enjoyed the other class formats as well, particularly the Pilates classes, and the interface was intuitive and easy to navigate. Physically, the machine is attractive and feels good to row — plus, you don’t need to assemble it yourself.

All that said, the price is high (only the Peloton Row, at $3,195, is more expensive), as is the monthly membership fee. If you have a limited budget, you can get a well-built rower like the Echelon Row-S that offers engaging and challenging workouts for less. But if you want workout videos that put you in a rowing boat on the water, plus let you travel around the world while you’re doing it, you can’t do better than the Hydrow Rower.

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March 2, 2023
The best women’s running shoes in 2023 | CNN Underscored

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Surprise: Women’s feet are not simply smaller versions of men’s feet. And yet running shoes have been, for the most part, designed around not just the geometry of a male foot but the biomechanics (or movement patterns) of male runners.

Anatomically, women generally have a wider forefoot and narrower heel than men (think triangular versus rectangular), and tend to have more of a height difference between their heel and forefoot. A woman’s weight is naturally distributed more toward the front of her body, and her feet are just slightly more likely to collapse inward.

These differences may not be noticeable to the average eye, but they’re there. And, over time, squashing a female foot into a male shoe can lead to decreased performance, discomfort and even injury. (FWIW, female runners were more likely to experience injuries than men, according to a 2021 scientific review published in the journal Physical Activity and Health.)

On the plus side, many women can comfortably wear running shoes designed around a male or unisex last. And for those who can’t, brands are (finally!) starting to research and develop sneakers specifically tailored to female runners. Whichever camp you fall into, one of these women’s running shoes — vetted by doctors, coaches and other experts — should help you run your best.

Best lightweight shoe

For its first foray into footwear, Lululemon analyzed foot scans from more than a million women. The result: a neutral trainer with a wider forefoot to accommodate female geometry and more cushioning around and under the heel for comfort. “The Blissfeel is a good choice for women who want a cushioned, lightweight shoe for their daily runs,” says Maria Restrepo, an NASM-certified personal trainer and runner.

Best for extra support

The Ultraboost has been a maximally cushioned staple for male and female runners going the distance since its debut in 2015. In reimagining the latest iteration, the designers went all in on gendered specificity, using data from over a million foot scans to create male and female lasts around which the new shoe is built. “The Ultraboost 22 has a narrow, S-curved heel and a low instep,” says Rami Hashish, Ph.D., a doctor of physical therapy and body performance and injury expert. Plus, he adds, there’s extra support on the inside of the outsole to help keep feet from rolling inward, which is more common among women.

Best for added comfort

Puma considered insights from athletes like Olympian Molly Seidel as well as general consumers when crafting its female-specific running shoe. “The XX Nitro is made for ladies who prefer a steady and well-cushioned ride,” says Restrepo. “It’s excellent for people who overpronate and those searching for added comfort because of its responsive foam sole and supportive upper.”

Best for off track

The Nike Invincible is packed with 37 millimeters of the brand’s lightest, softest and most responsive foam (the same one you’ll find in the brand’s highly hyped racing shoes). “The Invincible can be great for any runner who wants to simulate running on a softer surface on their easy days — and the responsive bounce can make you feel like you’re running faster,” says running coach Amie Dworecki. “These shoes provide a high level of support to help those who overpronate, plus they have a decent tread, so you can get a good grip if parts of your run take you on a dirt path.”

Best for arch support

Under Armour also turned to 3D scans, customized lab testing and fit and wear tests in developing its new female-specific shoe, and zeroed in on women’s heels, arches and mid-foot heights. “The Under Armour Synchronicity is great for runners who need extra arch support,” says orthopedic surgeon Kellie K. Middleton. “This shoe is designed with a unique arch-stabilizing technology that helps to ensure a secure fit and improved shock absorption.” It’s also super lightweight and less cushioned, which makes it great for faster workouts.

Best for wider feet

Brooks is the largest women’s performance running shoe brand, and the Ghost is its bestselling women’s running shoe. Though this shoe isn’t designed specifically around female anatomy, it is more accommodating for wider forefeet. And, it combines the brand’s softest cushioning in the midsole with a crash pad at the heel to help better absorb impact.

“With a 12-millimeter heel-to-toe gradient, this is a nice neutral, cushioned shoe for someone with a high arch,” says podiatrist Nelya Lobkova.

Best for flat feet

The Gel-Nimbus has been around forever, but it was one of Asics’ heavier, almost clunky styles. Not anymore. Just this year, the brand introduced a complete redesign of this classic shoe: “The Nimbus 25 is great for runners who prefer the comfort and cushioning of a neutral or mildly structured shoe for long or easy runs,” says Lalitha McSorley, a physical therapist at Brentwood Physiotherapy Calgary. “Runners who need a little extra stability and protection, such as those with flat feet or high arches, will benefit from the cushioning and support provided by this neutral shoe.”

Best for cushioned support

Hoka’s Bondi line has the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, and “is known for its soft, cushioned ride and unique shape,” says podiatrist Jamila A. Butcher. “It’s a great option for runners who need a lot of cushioning and support.” The newest update uses softer, lighter foams and a brand-new extended heel geometry, which — combined with the wider base — helps guide feet seamlessly through the gait cycle without wasting any energy. It’s not a fast shoe, but it’s one that can really go the distance.

Best for beginners

One of New Balance’s top women’s shoes, the Fresh Foam X 1080v12 isn’t gender-specific but delivers where female runners need it to. “These shoes are super light and comfortable, and an especially perfect fit for beginners,” says Olesia Stefanko, a Miami-based trainer and fitness program developer for HitFit. “A thick, stable platform protects the joints from negative running impact — without the feeling that you are on a pillow/mattress.”

Best for speed

In updating the Ride 15, what Bell calls a Goldilocks shoe because “they’re not too soft but not too firm; not too cushioned but not too flat,” Saucony used new midsole foam that lends itself to a smoother running experience. It’s a little firmer than previous iterations, which allows runners to pick up the pace but still go the distance. The broader base makes for a very stable ride, while a slightly wider forefoot gives toes room to splay and a semi-rigid, padded heel counter keeps the foot in place. There’s also a lot more foam underfoot for soft, responsive cushioning.

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February 17, 2023
10 Best men’s running shoes according to experts | CNN Underscored

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Running shoes are built around something called a “last,” which is simply a mechanical form shaped like a human foot. And most brands use molds based off a man’s foot, no matter what gender the shoe is meant for. Translation: Male runners have their pick of the litter when it comes to choosing running shoes.

That said, most runners (male or female) want to avoid trendy shoes marketed for racing — unless, of course, you’re buying them for a race — and stick to daily trainers. These shoes are meant to be versatile, and can handle short and long runs done at an easy to moderate pace. Generally, daily trainers have lots of cushioning and are designed using slightly heavier materials for durability. That’s because these are the shoes you’re going to run most of your miles in.

We asked experts about their favorite choices, and though some of their picks may not be the lightest shoes on the market or have the latest technology, these more versatile running shoes for men will let you pick up the pace when needed — and while offering supportive features that will, ideally keep your training injury-free.

Best for power

A classic fan favorite, the New Balance 880 is now on its twelfth version. “The heel is softer (and arguably, more comfortable) than previous models, while the forefoot is composed of more dense foam, resulting in greater propulsive energy during toe-off. Furthermore, the upper provides ample ventilation, while the rubber outsole has excellent traction and durability,” says Rami Hashish, Ph.D., DPT, Body Performance & Injury Expert.

Best for support

HOKA is known for maximal cushioning, which makes them a workhorse of a shoe that can handle tons of miles without beating up your legs (they have the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance). “The combination of the lightweight structure of the shoe along with the firm insole that Hoka is so well known for makes the Hoka Clifton 8 a great choice,” says Matt Tanneberg, a chiropractor and certified strength and conditioning specialist in Scottsdale, AZ who works with USA Track & Field athletes. “For a neutral shoe, it still provides ample support, which is why I recommended it to the majority of my runners.”

Best for sprinting

The third generation of ASICS’ Novablast, a lightweight, cushioned trainer, only improves on the original; it’s 30 grams lighter than the previous version, and the heel has a more supportive design. “The Novablasts are light enough to feel like sprinting shoes, even though the cushion will hold up to any competitor,” says Tanneberg.

Best for comfort

The Ghost is a perennial favorite among runners, and for good reason: “This shoe is a great option for runners who need a bit more support,” says podiatrist Jamila A. Butcher. “It has a comfortable fit, a responsive midsole, and a durable outsole.” In the latest version, the company updated the midsole with lightweight cushioning, which uses a mix of rubber, air, and a less dense foam to create a softer ride.

Best for absorbing shock

Nike’s Invincible was designed for maximum shock absorption, and the brand raised the bar — er, stack height — in the latest iteration, with 40 millimeters of their lightest and most responsive foam under the heel. “The big advantage with the Invincible 3 is the soft springiness of the shoe,” says running coach Jonathan Poston. “The foot sinks into the shoe as if into a cloud, yet the shoe has enough bounce and spring to it that it doesn’t feel like running in mud.” The wider forefoot counteracts the towering height, adding more stability.

Best for long distance

On Running’s shoes have had a reputation for being more minimal, but the Cloudmonster is their take on a maximal daily trainer. “I would recommend the Cloudmonster for runners who typically run between 5K and a half marathon,” says Lalitha McSorley, a physical therapist at Brentwood Physiotherapy Calgary. It has great support and promotes a natural gait, making it an ideal choice for the forces we see during those distances.”

Best for neutral feet

After 26 iterations, the Wave Rider is still Mizuno’s most classic daily trainer. There are no bells and whistles, but it’s “good for runners that do not overpronate and like a cushioned but still firm shoe,” says Ashley Lee, a Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgeon at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists. “The high heel drop—12 millimeters—allows for more of a heel strike and better protects the arch, achilles and calves.”

Best for beginners

In reimagining the Adidas Ultraboost for 2022, the company turned to gender-specific designs. The men’s version is similar to previous best-selling versions, featuring an updated heel counter with more padding on the inside. Overall, “the Ultraboost is very soft, fairly lightweight, and has good grip on the soles, making them ideal shoes for daily running,” says Lev Kalika, owner of New York Dynamic Neuromuscular Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy.

Best for high energy runners

Puma has been playing catch up to some of the bigger names in the biz, but the Deviate Nitro is a major win for them. A carbon plate—a feature generally reserved for lightweight racing shoes—is embedded in the midsole for a high return of energy, says Kalika, but “they’re also cushioned enough to still be comfortable, so they can be used for everything from easier runs to races.”

Best for speed

One of Saucony’s best-sellers, the Kinvara 13 is a minimalist training shoe built for speed. “The low heel drop promotes midfoot and forefoot strike, and lower heel drop shoes such the Kinvara 13 can help with IT band, knee pain, and gluteal overuse,” says Lee. While it’s a more lightweight shoe, it still has a nice cushioned heel, she adds, and a roomy toe box that runners who tend to get blisters will appreciate.

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February 11, 2023
The best women’s running shoes in 2023 | CNN Underscored

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Surprise: Women’s feet are not simply smaller versions of men’s feet. And yet…running shoes have been, for the most part, designed around not just the geometry of a male foot, but the biomechanics (or movement patterns) of male runners.

Anatomically, women generally have a wider forefoot and narrower heel than men (think triangular versus rectangular), and tend to have more of a height difference between their heel and forefoot. A woman’s weight is naturally distributed more toward the front of her body, and her feet are just slightly more likely to collapse inwards.

These differences may not be noticeable to the average eye, but they’re there. And, over time, squashing a female foot into a male shoe can lead to decreased performance, discomfort, injury, and even injury. (FWIW, female runners were more likely to experience injuries than men, according to a 2021 scientific review published in the journal Physical Activity and Health.)

On the plus side, many women can comfortably wear running shoes designed around a male or unisex last. And for those who can’t, brands are (finally!) starting to research and develop sneakers specifically tailored to female runners. Whichever camp you fall into, one of these women’s running shoes — vetted by doctors, coaches, and other experts — should help you run your best.

Best lightweight shoe

For its first foray into footwear, Lululemon analyzed foot scans from more than a million women. The result: A neutral trainer with a wider forefoot to accommodate female geometry and more cushioning around and under the heel for comfort. “The Blissfeel is a good choice for women who want a cushioned, lightweight shoe for their daily runs,” says Maria Restrepo, a NASM-certified personal trainer and runner.

Best for extra support

The Ultraboost has been a maximally cushioned staple for male and female runners going the distance since its debut in 2015. In reimagining the latest iteration, the designers went all in on gendered specificity, using data from over a million foot scans to create male and female lasts around which the new shoe is built. “The Ultraboost 22 has a narrow, S-curved heel and a low instep,” says Rami Hashish, Ph.D., a doctor of physical therapy and body performance and injury expert. Plus, he adds, there’s extra support on the inside of the outsole to help keep feet from rolling inwards, which is more common among women.

Best for added comfort

Puma considered insights from athletes like Olympian Molly Seidel as well as general consumers when crafting their female-specific running shoe. “The XX Nitro is made for ladies who prefer a steady and well-cushioned ride,” says Restrepo. “It’s excellent for people who overpronate and those searching for added comfort because of its responsive foam sole and supportive upper.”

Best for off track

The Nike Invincible is packed with 37 millimeters of the brand’s lightest, softest, and most responsive foam (the same on you’ll find in the brand’s highly hyped racing shoes). “The Invincible can be great for any runner who wants to simulate running on a softer surface on their easy days—and the responsive bounce can make you feel like you’re running faster,” says running coach Amie Dworecki. “These shoes provide a high level of support to help those who overpronate, plus, they have a decent tread, so you can get a good grip if parts of your run take you on a dirt path.”

Best for arch support

Under Armour also turned to 3D scans, customized lab testing and fit and wear tests in developing their new female-specific shoe, and zeroed in on women’s heels, arches, and midfoot heights. “The Under Armour Synchronicity is great for runners who need extra arch support,” says orthopaedic surgeon Kellie K. Middleton. “This shoe is designed with a unique arch-stabilizing technology that helps to ensure a secure fit and improved shock absorption.” It’s also super lightweight and less cushioned, which makes it great for faster workouts.

Best for wider feet

Brooks is the largest women’s performance running shoe brand, and the Ghost is their best-selling women’s running shoe. Though this shoe isn’t designed specifically around female anatomy, it is more accommodating for wider forefeet. And, it combines the brand’s softest cushioning in the midsole with a crash pad at the heel to help better absorb impact.

“With a 12-millimeter heel-to-toe gradient, this is a nice neutral, cushioned shoe for someone with a high arch,” says podiatrist Nelya Lobkova.

Best for flat feet

The GEL-Nimbus has been around forever, but it was one of ASICS’ heavier, almost clunky styles. Not anymore: Just this year, the brand introduced a complete redesign of this classic shoe: “The Nimbus 25 is great for runners who prefer the comfort and cushioning of a neutral or mildly structured shoe for long or easy runs,” says Lalitha McSorley, a physical therapist at Brentwood Physiotherapy Calgary. “Runners who need a little extra stability and protection, such as those with flat feet or high arches, will benefit from the cushioning and support provided by this neutral shoe.”

Best for cushioned support

Hoka’s Bondi line has the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, and “is known for its soft, cushioned ride and unique shape,” says podiatrist Jamila A. Butcher. “It’s a great option for runners who need a lot of cushioning and support.” The newest update uses softer, lighter foams and a brand-new extended heel geometry, which—combined with the wider base—helps guide feet seamlessly through the gait cycle without wasting any energy. It’s not a fast shoe, but it’s one that can really go the distance.

Best for beginners

One of New Balance’s top women’s shoes, the Fresh Foam X 1080v12 isn’t gender-specific, but delivers where female runners need it to. “These shoes are super light and comfortable, and an especially perfect fit for beginners,” says Olesia Stefanko, a Miami-based trainer and fitness program developer for HitFit. “A thick stable platform protects the joints from negative running impact – without the feeling that you are on a pillow/mattress.”

Best for speed

In updating the Ride 15, what Bell calls a Goldilocks shoe because “they’re not too soft, but not too firm; not too cushioned, but not too flat,” Saucony used new midsole foam that lends itself to a smoother running experience. It’s a little firmer than previous iterations, which allows runners to pick up the pace but still go the distance. The broader base makes for a very stable ride, while a slightly wider forefoot gives toes room to splay and a semi-rigid, padded heel counter keeps the foot in place. There’s also a lot more foam underfoot for soft, responsive cushioning.

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February 10, 2023
Brighten your day with our favorite SAD light therapy lamp, on sale now | CNN Underscored

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If you find yourself feeling down and depleted during the winter months, you’re not alone. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can wreak havoc on our moods, but fortunately there is a solution: Research has shown that a lamp with light intensity of 10K lux set 16 to 24 inches away at a 45-degree angle from the eyes for 30 minutes can help in treating SAD and other mood disorders.

Even better news? Our favorite SAD light therapy lamp, the Verilux HappyLight Luxe, is on sale right now. Regularly hovering around $80, this lamp rarely drops this low in price. It’s sleek, slim, packable and stable, and its well-thought-out controls make customizing the experience a pleasure.

Our favorite SAD light therapy lamp is sleek, slim, packable and stable, and its well-thought-out controls make customizing the experience a pleasure.

Read our review

This durable Verilux HappyLight Luxe also offers versatility that few other options we tested could match: You can set a timer, adjust the brightness and tint and even mount it on the wall. When you clip the on-page coupon, you’ll get the lamp for $63, just shy of the all-time low price we saw last April.

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January 24, 2023
The best gear to get started playing pickleball, as recommended by experts | CNN Underscored

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Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America, with a pandemic boom leading to 40% more players getting onto five times as many courts nationwide since 2020. Like tennis for the rest of us, pickleball’s popularity is not only based on how fast and easy it is to learn but that it is played on a smaller court, making it more accessible for players of any skill level and age.

“Pickleball is a great low-impact cardio, balance and strength workout,” says Ajay Pant, vice president of racquet sports at Life Time, one of the largest operators of pickleball courts in the US. “Typically, a new player can be rallying within a half hour.”

And though beginners can try out the loaner equipment found at most pickleball facilities to get comfortable, you’ll eventually need your own paddle and balls. “Because the court is smaller, the paddle is shorter and lighter than a tennis racquet, and the ball is made out of plastic, so it’s very easy to learn and control for most people starting out,” says Ernie Medina, Jr., vice chair, USA Pickleball Board.

Thankfully, this gear won’t break the bank. A sturdy, lightweight paddle starts at about $60, and pickleballs run about $2 to $3 each (though they do last longer than tennis balls).

To help you start swinging properly, we spoke to an array of experts and asked for their picks on the best pickleball paddles and balls.

A few factors play a role in choosing a pickleball paddle, according to David Dutrieuille, Life Time’s national pickleball director. In addition to budget, you’ll want to consider your athletic background in terms of racket sports as well as feel and quality of the racket itself. Though a good, sturdy, lightweight starter paddle can cost you around $60 to $80, you may want to splurge on something that will more easily take you into your pickleball future.

“A beginner might not be able to tell the difference between a $50 paddle and a $300 paddle, but a more experienced player definitely can,” says Medina.

Here are some expert picks, no matter what price range you decide on.

Our lowest-cost paddle for those just starting to play

For the lower price, Dutrieuille appreciates that the Joola Essentials paddle has a solid feel. It also comes with a padded grip for better shock protection and a well-respected name that he says is supported by the pros.

An affordable, durable smaller paddle for faster play

This lightweight Gamme pickleball paddle has a smaller paddle face for faster hand speed, and Pant likes it because it’s extra durable as well as affordable. The Dart is also approved by the USAPA for sanctioned tournament play.

A budget racket with a longer handle, best for backhand swings

Pant suggests this budget racket because of the grips that prevent your hands from slipping while you play. Plus, the Echo Team’s longer handle lets you more easily work on that backhand, while a bumper guard lets you swing safely away.

A forgiving core makes this beginner racket extra responsive

Not only does this good-looking pickleball paddle come in five bright colors, but according to Dutrieuille, the owner of PikNinja uses a community-based approach to accrue an enthusiastic following. The forgiving core makes it extra responsive for beginners — even when you don’t hit the ball right in the middle of the racket.

A reasonably priced paddle for players ready to step up a level

The Halo is a new paddle from Selkirk, and Dan Santorum, president and CEO of the Professional Pickleball Registry, thinks it’s a great paddle for players just getting started. “It has a raw carbon face, is really forgiving and is reasonably priced,” he says.

A larger paddle face allows for maximum reach during play

Dutrieuille likes this Invikta Amped paddle because its shape allows for maximum reach while not compromising on balance. As an added bonus, each Selkirk paddle is also backed by a lifetime warranty.

A splurge paddle with more speed and comfort for those ready to invest in the sport

Dutrieuille likens swinging the Black Ace Pro to driving a Lamborghini — giving all levels of players more power, speed and finesse. “With some of the industry’s highest-quality carbon fiber combined with vibration-dampening technology, this paddle left me in awe,” he says.

When choosing the best pickleball ball, it’s important to consider where you’ll be playing. Indoor balls are crafted from softer plastic for longer life and have larger holes for a higher bounce. Outdoor balls, on the other hand, are made out of harder plastic with smaller holes, which make them better for quicker play but also easier to break.

“Both are constructed differently; even though you could use either ball anywhere, they are best suited for the location they are created for,” says Medina.

A longer-lasting, less costly ball

These balls are a favorite at indoor recreational pickleball courts, according to Medina, mainly because they last an extremely long time and cost less. You can nab a three-pack for under $10 or splurge for the 12-pack for $24

A heavier ball for steadier play outdoors

These Dura Fast 40 pickleballs are heavier, at nearly 1 full ounce, which means they stay steady even in windy weather and tend to play faster — both of which are important aspects for outdoor play. However, Medina also points out that they are made of more brittle plastic and tend to break faster.

How to choose the best pickleball shoes, nets and more

When it comes to other pickleball gear, Medina and Pant agree that though it may not be first on your mind, shoes are an important consideration. “The biggest concern is cross-training/running shoes. Do not wear these for pickleball,” says Pant.

“Running shoes are not designed for side-to-side movement, and many people end up rolling an ankle,” adds Medina, who believes a good pair of shoes, like these K Swiss Express Light pickleball shoes, is akin to cheap health insurance.

And for anyone thinking about setting up a pickleball court in a basement, driveway or wherever you may roam, it may be worth picking up a portable net like this Rally Deluxe Portable Net System (on sale for $165) — though Pant suggests using caution tape strung between two chairs before investing.

Now get out there and play pickleball

Can anyone learn to play? Sure can.

Unsure about how to get started? Ernie Medina suggests checking USA Pickleball’s Ambassador directory to find a free introductory lesson. “USA Pickleball, the national governing body of pickleball in the USA, has almost 2,000 Ambassadors all over the USA. Their mission is to help grow the sport of pickleball in their area, and one of those duties includes helping teach newcomers how to play,” he says.

And though it’s easy enough to find videos online or pick up a copy of Pickleball for Dummies, Medina thinks learning in person is best. If you don’t have time to connect with an Ambassador or get a lesson from a knowledgeable friend, working with a certified coach is a quick way to learn correctly.

“Professional Pickleball Registry has a directory of certified coaches that allows someone to search for a certified coach nearest them. Other certification organizations such as IPTPA or PCI have similar directories or contact info to their coaches,” he says. “Most facilities that have pickleball courts (clubs, wellness centers, gyms, etc.) will also have certified instructors that can get you started the right way.”

And when you’re ready to find a court near you, Santorum suggests checking out the Official USA Pickleball Places 2 Play website, which lets you search by city, state, zip code or location name.

It’s also important to warm up before you play to avoid basic injuries. It may be a smaller court, but you’ll still want to get your heart rate going before you start swinging.

“Warm up and prepare your body through dynamic stretching before you play (arm circles, squats, lunges, monster kicks, lateral shuffle, balance exercises),” says Pant. “You need to warm up all the major muscles you will use while playing.” He also suggests cooling down with static stretches after playing.

Vive le pickleball!

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January 14, 2023
How to actually snack healthily, according to nutritionists | CNN Underscored

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This article is part of CNN Underscored’s “The Reset,” an editorial package featuring all of our articles aimed at giving you the information and product recommendations to help achieve any and all new year resolutions.

Improving eating habits is a great goal to have because even small changes to your diet can have big results in the form of more energy, better skin, improved sleep and more.

Of course, it can feel overwhelming to implement a wholesale change in your diet all at once or even know where to start. A smart way to approach a goal of eating healthy is to break it down into smaller parts and focus on improving them one at a time — and there’s almost no better place to start than with your snack foods.

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But snacks are tricky! Many, many snack foods that appear or are marketed as healthy really aren’t healthy at all, making deciphering which kind of snacks to choose a challenge. We tapped nutritionists and healthy eating experts to share some healthy snacking wisdom, including the products they personally turn to and recommend when hunger hits.

Melissa Vasikauskas, a registered dietitian and nutritionist who coaches clients on healthy eating strategies, says, “A healthy snack encompasses all of the nutrients that your body needs to function, while simultaneously satisfying what it is that you are craving.” She says that listening to your cravings is actually a good thing to do — as long as you make smart choices when feeding that craving. “If you are craving something high in sugar,” she says, “it’s because your body is looking for fast acting carbohydrates. You can incorporate foods that you love and that you are craving while also balancing them out with other foods to create a wholesome, satisfying and healthy snack.”

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Kristin Kirkpatrick, a registered dietitian and founder of KAK Nutrition Consulting, says, “I tell my patients that a healthy snack is one that gives you bang for your nutritional buck. The snack should be low in sugar (unless fresh fruit), and have adequate fiber and protein. Snacks should fuel us, not drain our energy.”

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The experts we spoke to all agreed that aiming for a balanced snack is the goal, and that a balanced snack can have room for an indulgent treat. Mallory Gonzales, a registered dietitian and head of nutrition at Kencko, says, “If you need a bite of chocolate, have a bite of chocolate!” Gonzales explains how to incorporate indulgences into your snack, “I would start by considering the macronutrients in the snack — carbs, protein and fat — and aim to have at least two of them in combination. Better still, try for all three!”

We asked these experts what snacks they make for themselves, and what gadgets and appliances they reach for when whipping up their favorite small bites.

Vasikauskas uses an air fryer to make air fryer chickpeas; she says to toss chickpeas, oil and your favorite spices into an air fryer at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes. This one was deemed the best affordable air fryer by our testing team.

For something sweeter, Vasikauskas uses her blender to make smoothies. Her basic recipe blends 6 ounces of greek yogurt, fresh or frozen fruit, 2 tablespoons of nut butter, half a cup of juice or water, and ice. This particular blender was our pick for the best blender.

“A toaster oven is also great to heat up some bread and spread peanut butter on,” Vasikauskas says. In addition to peanut butter toast, she also loves these simple go-to snacks: raw vegetables and crackers with hummus; Greek yogurt with berries and nuts; fruit with cheese.

“Melon ballers make it easy to prepare fruit,” Kirkpatrick says. “They also work if you are putting together protein balls.” Vasikauskas offers a helpful tip for picking fruit-based snacks: “If there’s more than an hour before your next meal, pick out a snack that incorporates protein, carbohydrates and fat. But if you have less than an hour before your next meal, I suggest choosing a piece of fruit, because fruit gets digested quickly and will hold you over to your next meal — without spoiling your appetite.”

“I also love mini waffle makers,” Kirkpatrick says, “because it’s easy to use them to make low carb, low sugar waffles topped with almond butter or 70% dark melted chocolate.” If you’re a meal prepper, you can prepare a batch of mini waffles and freeze them; just pop one in the toaster to reheat.

If you have an Instant Pot, Kirkpatrick recommends investing in a silicone egg bite mold insert. “Egg bite molds can be great for making your own healthy snacks,” she says, and not just egg-based ones. The insert can be used to make egg bites, muffins, mini meatloaves and more.

Gonzales likes popcorn made on the stovetop or with a popcorn maker as a snack. “Popcorn is a whole grain and it contains protein,” she says. “By making popcorn on the stove or in a popcorn maker, you can pop with olive oil for a nutritious and fun snack.”

Browsing snack options online can be as overwhelming as it is exciting, but with assistance from nutritionists, we’ve put together a list of healthy snacks on Amazon that are just as delicious as they are nutritious. You can also check out the tastiest snack subscription boxes we’ve tested.

If you often find yourself still hungry after reaching for a small mid-afternoon treat, you probably need to tweak the way you snack. “Oftentimes I see people choosing snacks that have only one or two macronutrients,” Vasikauskas says. “Balancing out carbohydrates with protein and fat (like nuts, peanut butter, hummus or cheese) will satisfy hunger and better prepare you to make healthier choices throughout the day.”

“Fruit can absolutely be part of a healthy snack, but if you eat it by itself, it’s not going to satisfy you,” Vasikauskas says, which can in turn lead to bad food choices. “This is typically why people end up overeating high-carbohydrate foods even though they are trying to eat healthy.” If you’re craving the sweetness of fruit, try pairing it with some nuts and cheese, or pick up a fruit and nut bar.

Sometimes fruit can satisfy your sweet tooth, but there are times when what you really want is a candy bar. And that’s okay! If you’re looking to replace the occasional candy bar with something healthier that still feels like an indulgent treat, Vasikauskas recommends Kind bars.

Vasikauskas picked out three Sabra snack options that she recommends for people looking for something savory. The brand’s snack pack that pairs classic hummus with pretzel thins provides a bit of protein, a bit of fat and a bit of carbs to keep you full and energized between meals.

For those looking for a gluten-free snack, Vasikauskas likes Sabra’s hummus — which you can also find as pre-portioned singles — that can be enjoyed with carrots, celery and other raw veggies, eaten with gluten-free crackers or just spooned right out of the container.

One last Sabra option Vasikauskas recommends is the guacamole and rolled tortilla chips snack pack. It’s a great pre-packaged plant-based, vegan snack option that you can grab and eat on the go.

For people following a gluten-free and/or vegan diet, Vasikauskas recommends Grab The Gold’s snack bars. They come in two flavors, peanut butter and jelly or peanut butter and chocolate, and are individually wrapped, making them easy to grab and eat on the go.

“I love Quest snacks for my patients because they offer delicious, indulgent options that are satisfying and high in protein,” Kirkpatrick says, “without compromising your nutritional goals.” The Frosted Cookies are among her favorite snacks the brand offers.

Quest Protein Bars are another one of Kirkpatrick’s picks; she says she is particularly fond of the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavor, but varieties such as double chocolate chunk, white chocolate raspberry and oatmeal chocolate chip are also available.

Identifying one healthy snack brand and sticking with it is an easy way to simplify snack time decision-making. For Kirkpatrick, the Quest snacks fit the bill because they offer both sweet and savory options, like these protein chips.

These Atkins caramel clusters that Kirkpatrick recommends are basically a candy bar, making them a great snack option for people with a serious sweet tooth.

Kirkpatrick also likes popcorn as a healthy snack option, and for people looking for a grab-and-go option, she recommends SkinnyPop brand. Their individual serving snack bags come in original and white cheddar flavors.

“Some great go-to packaged snack options are seeds, nuts, trail mixes and granola bars,” Gonzales says.

Granola bars are a snack food that can look healthy when it isn’t, and so it’s especially important to read the nutrition information in order to make smart choices. The Nature Valley granola bars are a good choice for a balanced snack.

Gonzales also likes whole grain pretzels, and crackers made from seeds or whole grains, when the craving for something crunchy and salty strikes. “Remember my advice about including at least two macronutrients? Consider pairing your packaged pretzels or crackers with a protein-rich dip to make a more nutritious and satisfying snack.”

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January 13, 2023
Cheap home workout equipment that’ll actually make you break a sweat | CNN Underscored

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This article is part of CNN Underscored’s “The Reset,” an editorial package featuring all of our articles aimed at giving you the information and product recommendations to help achieve any and all new year resolutions.

Are you one of the millions of people who’ve made a resolution to take care of their body by exercising more in 2023? Whatever your reasons for wanting to up your exercise game, the benefits go beyond just getting into shape.

According to the Mayo Clinic, regular physical activity combats weight gain, helps you fight disease and health conditions, boosts energy and mood and, perhaps most importantly, is a major de-stressor. So where to start buying home workout equipment without shelling out thousands for an exercise bike or elliptical?

If guidance is your thing, there are countless video apps and services to join, many with free trials. Aaptiv, Fitbod, Sworkit and FitOn range from free to premium, or offer free trials to get you started on your running, cardio or strength training journey, and there are endless free workouts on YouTube.

However, you’re still going to need some gear to help you get moving, so we turned to Jessica Rae, founder of Rae Studios in San Francisco and FitReserve Anywhere trainer, for some tips about low-cost equipment to enhance your DIY workouts.

Just add water — a little or a lot — to adjust the weight of this at-home kettlebell that can help improve your balance and endurance.

These popular weighted bangles, which you’ve probably seen on Instagram, let you integrate fitness into your everyday life. We put them on our wrists or ankles for a morning walk, and our workout is instantly heightened — you’ll definitely feel their impact!

This cooling performance fabric towel is perfect to wipe down sweat after a hot workout.

We named this Gaiam mat the best thick yoga mat out there, as the PVC (aka a synthetic rubber called polyvinyl chloride) mat boasts 6 millimeters of cushion and features a deep texture that ensures a non-slip surface. As one of the cheapest mats we tested, it also earned bonus points for being the best affordable yoga mat.

“I have a large background in MMA, specifically kickboxing, and jumping rope is a large part of our cardio warm-up,” says Rae. “It’s usually a few rounds of jacks, jump rope and shadowboxing into mitt work.” This electronic rope is surprisingly high-tech for the price. It features electronic counting of calories, miles and kilometers, a one-click button to view exercise results and anti-slip handles.

This beloved jump rope has handles that weigh .5 pounds each, adding to your workout intensity.

This heavy-duty rope will challenge your body and target your muscles, helping you burn fat at home.

“If you like to invest in workout accessories that are well made, this is your rope,” writes one 5-star reviewer of this smooth-spinning, premium jump rope.

For all the bouncing, jumping and running around you’re going to be doing, you’re going to need performance-inspired trainers. This pair from New Balance is the lightest trainer we’ve ever worn, and they slip on easily, without a lot of fuss.

“I see the benefits of a trampoline dedicating a practice to balance, coordination, mobility, core and overall cardiovascular fitness,” says Rae. This 36-inch trampoline, which can hold up to 250 pounds, folds up for easy storage and weighs only 14 pounds itself. Reviewers love the thing too, with more than 4,000 5-star reviews.

Easy to store in a closet or behind a door, a mini trampoline takes up very little space and offers a great calorie-blasting workout. Get your bounce on with this nearly silent rebounder — supportive of up to 450 pounds — that you can “feel in your legs after five minutes,” according to reviewers.

Rae also suggests an exercise barre, sliders and resistance bands to complement your home workouts.

This set of bands comes with access to a training program that will get you started with rows, pulls, raises and fly workout sets to exercise your arms, back, hips, legs, chest and abdominal region.

This set includes five resistance bands of various strengths with inspirational sayings like “Don’t stop now” and “Keep moving” written across them — plus a bag to neatly store them away.

Smooth on the bottom, sliders let you glide along a slick surface like a wood or tile floor. They work by making your body try to balance, which strengthens your core muscles.

This set of sliders and resistance bands includes everything you need to get a core and strength routine going.

If you’re off the road for the winter but missing the feeling of getting on your bike, this highly rated stand easily converts a road bike to an indoor cycle. Take a spin class on an app, or just crank some tunes and pedal away!

Ready to make the jump into indoor cycling but don’t want to spend a lot or don’t have a lot of space? Try this folding upright bike that Amazon shoppers love.

This under-desk pedal exerciser probably won’t have you working up a sweat, but if you’re concerned about being too sedentary, this highly rated little machine is, according to one reviewer, “super quiet and also comes with resistance bands if you want to add upper-body exercises,” if you need a gentle workout.

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January 12, 2023
Best weight loss apps in 2023, tested by our editors | CNN Underscored

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A recent global study by Ipsos carried out across 30 countries found that 45% of people globally say they are currently trying to lose weight. According to the CDC, people who lose weight gradually and steadily (about 1 to 2 pounds per week) are more successful at keeping weight off. Using a weight loss app on your smartphone or laptop can help, giving you a convenient and reliable way to track your slow but steady progress.

“Weight loss apps can be a great way to help adults be aware of their nutrition and lifestyle habits,” says Jaime Coffey Martinez, a registered dietitian and owner and founder of Nutrition CPR LLC, a health and wellness center. Martinez has over 20 years of experience in the fields of medical nutrition therapy, weight loss, functional medicine, sports nutrition, corporate wellness and fitness, private nutrition coaching and pharmaceuticals. “In addition to tracking your food intake,” continues Martinez, “many offer support forums, recipes and an ability to sync with other apps such as fitness trackers and smart scales. These are all beneficial tools in an individual’s weight loss journey.”

To find the best weight loss app, we tested five candidates over the course of five weeks. On our list were the premium (paid) versions of LoseIt! Premium, MyFitnessPal Premium, MyNetDiary Premium, Noom and WW / WeightWatchers. We tested each of them for ease of setup, design, features and cost.

We learned two important things during testing. One, all of the apps can help you track your food intake and activity levels, and two, some apps are easier to use and update. After our testing was complete, we named LoseIt! Premium the winner because of its simplicity, intuitiveness and affordability.

Best weight loss app overall

We found LoseIt! Premium to be simple and intuitive, and the most affordable of the weight loss apps we tested. It offers robust support for its user community, with active nutrition- and weight loss-related user forum discussions.

LoseIt! Premium’s beauty is in its simplicity. During testing, we noted that this app’s primary focus is on losing weight. It offers personalized weight loss plans, meal and exercise planning, and food logging. Its home screen was a diary of the food we ate that day. Entering our food consumption was a simple matter of just touching the “Add” button for the meal, and then entering the details of each food item at the top of the screen.

The LoseIt! Premium app included branded food and drink items, so we were able to enter the brand name of a food — such as Wegmans Pulled Pork Barbecue — and get the number of calories in it. Likewise, we could look for something — such as Bacardi Black Dark Rum — and compare its calories with other types of dark rum. This prevented us from being in a quandary over which item to buy while we shopped.

An important, but often overlooked, capability of a great weight loss app is its ability to let a user make changes quickly and easily; the LoseIt! Premium app gave us this ability. With some other apps we tested, if we mistakenly entered the wrong food name, removing the entry was often complicated, sometimes seemingly impossible. But edits we made in the LoseIt! Premium app were simple and intuitive.

To make changes, we just clicked on an entry. To remove an entry, we just clicked the X on the right-hand side in the web app or we slid the entry to the left in the mobile app and touched “Delete.”

We were able to add activity, including exercise, manually during testing. You could also add activity through the use of a wearable device such as an Apple Watch. The app incorporated our activity in its calorie calculations, meaning we could offset what we ate through activity.

LoseIt! Premium also includes robust goal-setting features and support for a community of users. We noted its many lively discussion forums, which were nutrition- and weight loss-related rather than the random discussions we often found in the other apps.

You can use LoseIt! Premium as both a web app and a mobile app for Android or iOS mobile devices. LoseIt! Premium also offers integration with running apps Runkeeper and Strava.

You can sign up for a seven-day free trial. You can stay with the free version of LoseIt!, but know that it offers fewer features than the Premium (paid) app. The Premium app costs $40 per year (billed annually), which is the least expensive of the weight loss apps we tested. There is no option to be billed monthly, but you can sign up for a lifetime Premium membership for only $100.

In a recent report from the CDC, it was found that few Americans eat close to their daily recommendations of fruits and vegetables. One of the ways you can be sure you’re eating enough fruits and vegetables is by tracking your intake in a weight loss app. While there are differences in their approach, all of the weight loss apps we tested depend on you accurately tracking your food intake and recording it in the app. This alone can be crucial to your overall weight loss journey, if only because it can be so easy to forget what and how much you ate if you don’t consistently track it.

“The main features of most apps are tracking and goal setting,” says Dr. Evan M. Forman, psychology professor and director of the Center for Weight, Eating and Lifestyle Science (the WELL Center) at Drexel University. Dr. Forman is also the author of a clinician guide and workbook called “Effective Weight Loss: An Acceptance-Based Behavioral Approach” for Oxford University Press’s “Treatments that Work” series. “Those are important features, but they are not going to be enough for most people,” continues Dr. Forman.

“For example, it takes a lot of effort to track everything you eat, and even more effort to do it accurately (which requires a good deal of weighing and measuring). So, most people will need help with motivation, whether in the form of cognitive-behavioral skills or someone to whom they are accountable. They also may need an expert coach who can review their food records for accuracy and to make suggestions.”

Martinez agrees, adding that people need to keep in mind that weight loss apps are not an exact science into your nutrition, but instead, “more of a window into your intake and habits.”

Martinez points out that some apps allow individuals to enter a food into the database and the nutrition information may not be entered correctly, causing totals and tracking to be incorrect. In our testing, the better weight loss apps did link to cloud-based databases that contained the calorie content of thousands of foods and other consumables. They showed us the value of standard servings and they even showed us the effect of differing preparation methods, such as whether a food is fried, broiled or eaten raw.

Unfortunately, some of the apps we tested did indeed have databases with errors or poorly chosen serving sizes. This is the reason why you should remain realistic about what weight loss apps can do for you.

“I recommend clients use them as a tool but not the holy grail when reviewing their nutrition,” says Martinez. “My biggest piece of advice for clients when using weight loss apps is to not get wrapped around the axle with numbers. Clients can become ‘numbers-obsessed’ and can develop an unhealthy relationship with food. Instead, use them as a guide and to help with accountability. Remember, it is about the journey, not one food or one entry.”

When it comes to choosing the right weight loss app for you, both Martinez and Dr. Forman have some advice. Martinez says to make sure it includes “the ability to sync with other apps and devices” to track physical activity.

According to Martinez, weight loss apps are particularly helpful tools because they can provide accountability, motivation and structure to help individuals achieve their overall fitness and healthy lifestyle goals.

“Apps allow tracking of not only calories but, more importantly, macronutrient balances (carbs, proteins and fats) and habits such as the timing of your meals and snacking,” explains Martinez. “In addition, many apps also track fiber, sugar, water and specific nutrients,” she continues, “which can be instrumental in a targeted approach to proper nutrition based on goals and medical history. The ability to also track lifestyle habits, and sync with other health apps and devices, addresses a multifaceted approach to weight loss.”

Dr. Forman points out that tracking everything you eat is hard work, so you want an app that makes this as easy as possible. “For instance, you should choose an app that has foods that you eat (whether branded or not) in its tracking database,” he says. “Also, you want an app that makes it easy to create and save custom foods, recipes and meals because that’s a real timesaver.”

He also advises to make sure the app you choose includes easy ways to sync your weight and physical activity, if you track those using wireless devices like a wireless scale or an activity band or watch. “In addition, many people will benefit from an app that will help you develop important cognitive-behavioral skills and strategies,” he says.

According to Dr. Forman, people should choose apps that have coaches because they “will help you be successful both in terms of guidance and in terms of accountability,” he explains. “Having regular meetings with a coach is one of the best ways to keep yourself accountable.”

When all is said and done, people need to remain realistic about what weight loss apps can do for them. These apps don’t always help bring about massive weight loss for everyone who uses them.

“Weight loss apps are the most convenient, least expensive and therefore most popular method of losing weight,” says Dr. Forman. “[But] if an app doesn’t work for you, don’t give up,” he advises. “Weight loss and weight loss maintenance are supremely difficult and you may well need professional help.”

During our pre-testing research, we found there are many different weight loss apps available for download. We selected our five candidates by making sure they were all subscription-based, either paid monthly or annually.

We made sure all five apps we selected could run on both Android or iOS devices and can be used through their respective websites from a desktop or laptop computer. The apps all needed an active connection to the internet to retrieve information such as calorie counts and to their respective cloud services to store their data.

We installed each of the five apps to our iPhone 13 Pro smartphone running iOS 15.5. The web apps were reached using a variety of browsers running on computers running Microsoft Windows 10 or 11.

We tested each of them with the following criteria in mind: ease of installation and setup, ease of use, design, features offered and cost.

To start testing, we first created an account with each app and initiated the sign-up process. Each of the apps required a sign-up process that included questions about current height, weight, gender, goals and, in some cases, more details about lifestyle and activity. Despite being provided identical information, each of the apps produced different weight loss strategies and different durations, and all suggested different goals.

We tested all five apps by recording meals over the course of five weeks, entering food items into each one at the conclusion of each meal. We depended on the nutrition information contained in each app’s database or we entered nutrition information for foods not contained in the database.

Lastly, we then checked out the user forums the apps provided, if any, and noted how helpful the topics discussed were.

MyFitnessPal is a complete calorie counter that also helps keep track of your activity. Food tracking uses a detailed and expansive database with hundreds of millions of entries. Exercise tracking, likewise, includes detailed choices such as a choice of 16 entries under the “Walking” section.

MyFitnessPal Premium offers food analysis tools, exercise tracking tools, individualized coaching, a recipe log, a food database, workout routines and smartphone meal scanning.

You can use MyFitnessPal Premium as both a web app and a mobile app for Android or iOS mobile devices. MyFitnessPal Premium offers integration with running apps Runkeeper and Strava, among other apps.

You can sign up for a one-month free trial. The paid account option starts off at $20 per month (billed monthly), which adds up to $240 per year. You can also sign up for a 12-month membership — paid upfront — for $80.

Though we tested the paid version, we noticed that the free version of MyFitnessPal may be all you need. Unlike some apps where the premium version adds some significant features, the free version of MyFitnessPal can be sufficient for most users.

The premium version of MyFitnessPal eliminates pop-up ads and gives you access to a wider selection of foods. But at $20 per month, you might just decide you can deal with the free version’s ads.

MyNetDiary Premium offers personalized weight loss plans, meal and exercise planning, food logging, community support and more. Included in MyNetDiary Premium is support for several types of diets, including calorie-counting, keto, low-carb, Mediterranean, vegan, vegetarian and more.

You can use MyNetDiary Premium as both a web app and a mobile app for Android or iOS mobile devices. MyNetDiary Premium also offers integration with Fitbit fitness trackers, Garmin Connect-enabled devices and with Withings Wi-Fi smart scales, blood pressure monitors and activity trackers.

It was clear to us that MyNetDiary considers itself in direct competition with MyFitnessPal, if only because of the extensive section on its website explaining the differences between the two. And there are important differences, including MyNetDiary Premium’s support for your smartwatch and extensive support for its free version.

We thought using the free version of MyNetDiary was easier than with MyFitnessPal’s free version. For one thing, we weren’t bombarded with pop-up ads and upgrade offers.

In addition, MyNetDiary claims that its database is more reliable than MyFitnessPal’s, with all of the food items in the former being verified. This means that we weren’t as likely to search for a food in MyNetDiary’s database and then get several choices back that were different each time.

MyNetDiary Premium’s account options start off at $9 per month (billed monthly) which adds up to $108 per year. You can also sign up for a 12-month membership of MyNetDiary Premium — paid upfront — for $60.

Noom offers one-on-one coaching, support groups facilitated by a group coach and daily lessons. Noom’s daily lessons were intended to help us with our weight loss journey. The lessons were aimed at the psychology of weight loss which, the company says, would help build our confidence.

Noom also offers tools for food logging and calorie and exercise tracking. Its calorie-tracking feature proved to be similar to the other weight loss apps we tested, but some of Noom’s results mystified us during testing.

For example, when we tried to track more than one cup of coffee during a meal, we got dropped into a part of the app where coffee is measured by the bowl, not the cup — and the size of the bowl is not given. It took us an extra step to track our two cups of coffee.

To us, Noom, the company, appears to have positioned itself as the alternative to WW / WeightWatchers in its ads and positioning. Noom makes a point of stressing that its app is based on psychology rather than on simply counting calories. This may be why the company has recently introduced a stress management program in addition to weight loss.

You can use Noom as both a web app on your desktop or laptop computer, and as a mobile app on Android devices or iOS mobile devices such as the Apple Watch. On iOS, Noom syncs with a wide range of health and fitness apps, but the company says the app “only syncs your steps and weight information. If you want to sync blood pressure or blood glucose data, you’ll need to use a compatible monitoring device. If the app you’re syncing with Noom only tracks step data (not weight), then the step data will show up in Noom.” The list of compatible apps it can integrate with includes Fitbit, Garmin, iHealth, Misfit, Omron, Polar, Qardio, Runkeeper, Withings and Yoo.

You can sign up for a seven-day free trial of Noom. The paid account option starts off at $60 per month (billed monthly), which adds up to $720 per year. But it’s also available in multiple-month timeframes, paid upfront. For example, you can pay for a 12-month membership — paid upfront — for $200.

WW / WeightWatchers is probably the best-known weight loss program around. The program is known for its in-person weekly meetings in which members are motivated by peer contact and advice from professional leaders. WW / WeightWatchers is now also available through a weight loss app that will lead you through the program.

The WW / WeightWatchers app offers customized food plans, meal planners, a smartphone barcode scanner for easy shopping and a restaurant and recipe database with over 11,000 recipes. It also provides on-demand workouts with the ability to sync with fitness trackers, 24/7 live chat with a coach and weekly progress reports. It also lets you track your activity, food and water intake and weight.

A significant difference is that the WW / WeightWatchers app — like the in-person program — does not count calories. Rather, the app assigns you a “PersonalPoints Budget,” with an individualized ZeroPoint foods list. The points for each food item are based on a number of criteria for each type of food. ZeroPoint foods are food items that contain zero points. Each user is assigned a daily point target within their PersonalPoints Budget, with the idea that, by staying within the recommended points budget, the user will lose weight.

However, we found the points system in the app to be confusing. This was because points assigned to a food item differed depending on factors other than the characteristics of the food itself. And those differences depended on which of the many customized plans WW / WeightWatchers uses. So, you might find that some fresh fruit contains zero points assigned in your plan but does contain points in another user’s plan. These differences in the app made choosing food while shopping or in meal preparation difficult for us.

In addition, the company seems to change its plans annually, which means you may have to relearn the program and app each year. Fortunately, though, we thought WW / WeightWatchers seems to be based on sound nutritional principles, so we thought we were healthy while using the app.

You can use WW / WeightWatchers as both a web app and a mobile app for Android or iOS mobile devices. The app syncs with the WW / WeightWatchers Body Analysis Bluetooth Scale (made by Conair) and auto-tracks your weight for you. The app syncs with Fitbit, Google Fit and Withings activity trackers.

WW / WeightWatchers’s paid account option starts off at $23 per month or $276 per year (both billed monthly). The app is also included with all WW / WeightWatchers memberships.

Read more from CNN Underscored’s hands-on testing and fitness coverage:

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January 9, 2023
35 fitness essentials you’ll need to achieve your workout goals in 2023, according to experts | CNN Underscored

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At one point or another, most of us have resolved around Jan. 1 to exercise more, eat better or focus on our health somehow. Though it’s a tricky resolution to start — and an even more challenging one to keep up — some preparation and the right tools can help set you up for a year of healthy exercise.

To help determine the best products to invest in heading into 2023, we chatted with health and fitness experts to uncover their secrets. After all, if the professionals swear by them, you know they’re good.

If you don’t have a ton of space but want to work up a major sweat, personal trainer Miriam Fried recommends this TRX suspension training kit. As she explains, you can easily work out your entire body without building out an entire gym. Win-win!

Building out a home gym or investing in substantial at-home fitness equipment doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg either. If you’re looking for a super-solid bike option that won’t take up too much space, this editor-favorite option has over 22,000 reviews on Amazon.

Regardless of whether or not you’re a yogi, this wheel will increase your flexibility and range of motion and release minor aches and pains, according to Dani Schenone, a holistic wellness expert for Mindbody. “What I love most about it is the support it offers in spinal extensions, giving my heart center all the expansion it needs,” she explains. However, it’s not just for the spine. The yoga wheel is excellent for developing better balance, improving inversions or amplifying any pose too. “I pull out my yoga wheel weekly, and it has transformed my yoga practice,” she says.

Sometimes you just feel the need to punch something. If you have a boxing bag at home, you need gloves that allow you to cross, hook, jab and uppercut your stress away. Travel and fitness guru Cacinda Maloney recommends these lightweight training gloves. They wick moisture, so your hands won’t feel sticky and you can keep moving.

You’ll be impressed by how adding a little more resistance to your daily workouts or chores can shape your stamina and overall fitness level. Danielle Cote, the director of training operations at Pure Barre, recommends these functional and fashionable bangles that fit snug on your wrists or ankles. “Whether you are wearing them during your favorite sweat session, while you’re out for a walk or cleaning around the house, these 1-pound or 2-pound weights pack in a sneaky punch to your day,” she says.

For yogi and founder of Sequential Body Emilie Perz, there’s no better yoga mat than this pick from Gaiam. “My favorite features include the cushioned rubber backing for joint support and stability, the dry-wicking surface that absorbs moisture and prevents yogis from falling during a mega sweat sesh and the thick backing that adheres to the floor so that the mat doesn’t crinkle, curl or move across the room while flowing,” she explains. Plus, it’s made with natural rubber, so it won’t peel like a synthetic mat.

Foam rollers are a real game changer when it comes to post-workout recovery. They work to loosen up muscles and act as a massage after a trying session, plus you’ll be able to work on your quads, calves, lats, back and much more with this top-rated option.

These dumbbells are available in two sets of six weights, so you can mix and match to get just what you need for a solid workout. All the dumbbells are coated with neoprene, which prevents slipping, and each set of six comes with a convenient storage stand.

Jump rope: It may be one of the simplest workouts, but it’s an effective one. Fitness and wellness coach Gideon Akande says this is an ideal product for anyone who wants to turn up their cardio speed. Thanks to the weight of the rope, the ergonomics and comfort of the handle and the swivel-bearing technology, he says you’ll have a perfect turn each time you hop. “This high-quality rope takes a beating and lasts! This is a must-have in any home gym or fitness traveler’s luggage,” he says.

If you’re looking for a medicine ball, Akande says to look no further. “It’s perfect for core work and sport-specific training,” he explains. “These medicine balls are impact-absorbing, built to handle high velocity. Plus, they’re just fun to toss around.”

This cheaper medicine ball option is a classic, featuring a textured finish that’s easy to grip and a rubber build so you can bounce the ball off hard surfaces.

As a podiatrist who frequently works with athletes, Dr. Velimir Petkov knows what aids a workout routine and what can cause injury. If you’re a fan of indoor cycling but don’t have the space for a Peloton, he says to try out this at-home bike. “It is relatively light and portable but also sturdy enough to stay in one place while being used,” he continues. “It does have a digital monitor and various levels of resistance in order to make even the most passionate exercise aficionados happy.”

The ultimate tool for building up ab strength, this roller is well-loved on Amazon for its high quality and low price point. It boasts a wider wheel and softer material, which make for a quieter and more stable wheel.

Whether you’re going through a vinyasa yoga flow or doing a 10-minute core series, you need a sturdy mat to keep you in place and focused on movement, not on slipping. That’s why Jeremiah Maestre, a certified personal trainer for Performix House, recommends this thick mat. Not only can you use it indoors, but it’s suitable for outdoor workouts too.

Tommy Duquette, the co-founder of FightCamp and a former USA National Boxing Team member, reminds us that nutrition is one of the essential components of a healthy lifestyle. In fact, you could work out all day, every day, but if you don’t focus on a balanced meal plan, you won’t see the results you’re hoping to achieve. For those times when you don’t have the time or energy to dedicate to meal prep and cooking, Duquette recommends this blender.

“If I know that I have a full day of meetings after filming my workouts, I will blend up organic fruits and vegetables, coconut water and protein powder for an easy-to-drink smoothie,” he explains. “This NutriBullet is big, so I put it in the office fridge and keep refilling my glass until I can get a full meal.”

Healthier eating resolutions often call for few to no carbs. The Spiralizer vegetable slicer enables you to turn vegetables into noodles for your next spaghetti dinner and stay true to that keto or paleo diet. The Spiralizer’s revamped blades are even stronger than before and can cut through hard root vegetables like sweet potatoes and turnips for unlimited vegetable noodle possibilities.

For the egg lovers out there, there’s no easier way to scramble, hard boil, soft boil or poach eggs than with this Dash egg cooker. It has an auto shutoff function, so your eggs will never overcook, and you won’t have to babysit them if you’re short on time. Whether it’s for a quick breakfast or a protein-packed snack, cooking eggs has never been this over easy.

There are plenty of rave reviews for air fryers, and many loyal fans of the devices, like Cote. In fact, she says she uses this for everything: frozen food, fresh produce, creative recipes or go-to basics. It provides a necessary crunch to healthy food while using little oil, ultimately resulting in 85% less fat than deep-fried food. “Until I bought this, I had never considered all of the things that you could use it for,” she says. We named this one the best air fryer of the year.

Say goodbye to wet and wilted salads, and say hello to your new lunchtime best friend. This stackable salad container has everything you need to pack and prepare delicious and balanced salads, including an airtight lid, separate containers for all your different toppings and a handy fork that snaps into the container.

Schenone says this one read changed not only her understanding of health and wellness but her life. If you’re someone who has struggled with body image, yo-yo dieting and weight loss, this can provide the fundamental shift you need. “It provides a historical look at the diet industry and uses scientific research to combat common beliefs about the body and health,” she explains. “It also offers usable strategies to reclaim your life and find true personal health and wellness.”

Hands down, Schenone says, a Vitamix is the best kitchen investment she’s given herself. “I love being able to make myself a nutritious smoothie in the morning, some nut butter on sourdough toast for lunch and a hot, hearty vegetable soup for dinner — all with the same appliance,” she says. Besides coming with a plethora of recipes and active Facebook groups you can follow for advice and secrets, it’ll also allow you to easily cook good-for-you meals. And it self-cleans, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time focusing on your health.

Though we all know how vital it is to drink plenty of water, sometimes good old-fashioned H2O gets boring. To spice it up and still remain hydrated, Perz recommends this sparkling water maker. You can add natural flavors or fresh fruit to create yummy and healthy beverages. “Also, you can feel good buying this because by creating sparkling water with this product you’ll be limiting plastic waste,” she adds.

When this book first came out, board-certified nutritionist Jonny Bowden purchased 12 copies and gave them out as holiday gifts. He says Frank Lipman is one of the great integrative and functional medicine doctors of our time, and this is one of the easiest-to-understand books on health he’s ever seen. “Each ‘rule’ is less than a page, easy to understand and absolutely up to date as far as the latest thinking goes. You can’t go wrong with this book,” he adds.

Since chronic dehydration is a common problem, one of the first pieces of advice registered dietitian Laura Burak gives her clients is to purchase a high-quality water bottle that’s at least 32 ounces and comes with a straw. “This way, you can easily track your water and aim to fill up the bottle at least twice a day instead of trying to estimate and losing track with little cups or bottles. The less thinking, the better,” she explains.

Why the straw? She says it works to increase your intake since it makes it easier.

If you ask Petkov, this is the most amazing iced drink holder that exists. Because it’s insulated, it’ll stay cold as long as you’d like. “You’ll be wondering why you finished your drink quicker only to find out that the ice is still there and begging you to pour more drink into that tumbler,” he says. And if you’re more of a warm beverage fan, it’ll keep your coffee or tea toasty too.

For the tech lover who wants to track fitness progress and stay focused

For those already in the Apple ecosystem, an Apple Watch is the perfect fitness tracker. The latest Series 7 boasts an always-on retina display that’s larger than earlier models, in addition to a crack-resistant, dust-resistant and swim-proof front screen. And like earlier models, it can track heart rate, measure blood oxygen levels, measure all types of different activities and take an ECG at any time. We even named it the best smartwatch on the market.

Recently, Duquette has started to wear a heart rate monitor while doing roadwork training outdoors. “Monitoring your heart rate is a concrete way to see if you are improving your overall performance,” he explains. “In addition to your heart rate, this device gives you information on running power so you can determine your output and make adjustments to fine-tune the efficiency of your workout.”

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2nd Generation are a great way to tune out distractions when it’s time to zone in on your workout. These compact true wireless buds come with active noise-canceling technology, plus they’re sweat- and water-resistant, so there’s no need to worry when you’re killing it in the gym. For a complete breakdown of why we think these are such a great all-around option, be sure to read our full review.

In addition to tracking your heart rate, sleep and other activity levels, this fitness tracker can play music too. As a bonus, it’s waterproof, so if swimming is your sport of choice, it’ll help you improve your technique. Don’t forget about the built-in GPS, so you can go for long runs without worrying about getting lost on the trail or city streets.

For the person who wants to invest in overall health and wellness

Theraguns aim to help you unwind, take care of your body and recover from everything from injuries to workouts. We love the mini version because it’s ultra-portable and cost-effective. You can check out our review of the device and other Theraguns.

Cote tried a handful of dry shampoos but could never understand what the hype was all about. But then she tried Living Proof, and she became a believer. “This dry shampoo leaves your hair feeling, smelling and looking great. It quickly absorbs sweat and oil and is free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates and silicone,” she explains.

This gym bag is sure to garner compliments. The neoprene material is extremely lightweight and a breeze to keep clean. Simply throw it in the wash whenever it’s starting to smell less than optimal. There are lots of useful pockets and zippers to make organization easy, and the range of colors makes it a great option for everyone.

Perz is a fan of not only the style but the functionality of these cool shades, which come in a variety of colors. She uses them during outdoor workouts and hikes, and any time she needs to protect her eyes.

Maloney says for comfort and style during workouts, these socks are the best. Plus, they remain smooth and cozy no matter how many times you put them through the workout, wash and dry routine.

When she needs a great workout, Maloney swears by these shorts that check all of the boxes. “I work out hard and need a short that will cover my tush yet gives me the material I need to keep cool,” she says. “They are the right length and fit with a classic style!”

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January 4, 2023
27 useful products for anyone obsessed with meal prepping | CNN Underscored

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Whether you want to save money by taking your lunch to the office or you just never have enough time during the week to cook dinner, meal prepping can save time, help you shop smarter, make your money go further and help you eat healthier.

Ask any dedicated meal prepper and they’ll tell you the most important part of meal prep is the planning. Allyson Spungin, a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach and nationally qualified NPC competitor, says, “Have a plan! Map out your meals and snack ideas before grocery shopping or ordering online.” Jessica Woo, who calls herself the Bento Box Queen, agrees. “Routine is everything,” she says.

Part of having that plan and creating a routine that works for you is investing in a set of meal prep containers for food storage that works for your needs. We spoke to meal prep experts about their favorite meal prep containers, along with other tips and tricks to turn you into a meal prep pro.

Glass containers like these are helpful if you prefer to quickly see what’s inside. However, these aren’t partitioned, so they’re best suited for things like pasta or casseroles that are served individually. When storing prepared foods, Woo says you should “keep your warm items and cold items in separate containers so it’s easier to reheat your warm items.”

Experts agree on the importance of planning, but there are different approaches to meal prep, and they stress that it isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition. “I encourage people to think of meal prep as an act of self-care versus a means of sticking to rigid food rules,” Cara Harbstreet, a registered dietitian who focuses on intuitive eating, says. “One helpful trick I learned was to think of my meals as an assembly line rather than individual, fully prepared meals,” Harbstreet says. The assembly line approach provides more options and flexibility.

“Glass Mason jars are my favorite fridge food storage containers,” says Kristen Hong, who documents her beautifully organized and meal-prepped fridges on Instagram. “The clear glass helps you easily see what you have available in the fridge, and the jars are stackable so you maximize vertical space.” She uses the 16-ounce size for storing homemade dips and sauces, fresh herbs and chopped produce for use in what she calls her “in-fridge salad bar.”

Another thing about Mason jars Hong loves is that they come in a variety of sizes, so you can amass a collection that works for a lot of different food storage needs. She uses 32-ounce Mason jars for storing homemade soups and prepared salads, as well as for pantry storage. “This size Mason jar also works very well for dry pantry storage for dried beans and grains,” Hong says.

Collapsible meal prep containers are helpful for when you finish your food but don’t want the bowl to take up too much space on the way home or in your cabinets. These leakproof containers are freezer-safe and a good choice for people with limited space.

Produce that’s gone off in the refrigerator is a frustrating part of meal prep; these produce storage containers help to keep expensive fruits and veggies fresher for longer.

Salads can be a pain to meal prep, since you typically don’t want to combine all the ingredients until you’re ready to eat. Try out this leak-proof round container for your next meal prep, which even features a plate and dressing cup for a takeout-worthy salad.

One problem with salads is that if you dress them too long before eating, they’ll turn into a sad, soggy mess. These leakproof, BPA-free plastic condiment containers are perfect for storing salad dressings and sauces separate from your meal until you’re ready to eat.

Spungin offers one last piece of advice for those who are new to meal prepping: “Don’t. Get. Hungry!” She stresses the importance of keeping nutritious snacks on hand, which can help to prevent poor food choices made out of hunger. Buying snacks in bulk and storing individual portions in these eco-friendly Stasher silicone storage bags will save money and cut down on packaging waste.

These three-compartment plastic containers are great for someone who is getting into meal prepping because you can portion out your meals, microwave them, then throw the container in the dishwasher once you’re done.

A stainless steel bento box like this one is good for your wallet and the environment. The eco-friendly food storage container comes with three removable compartments that you can swap around to plan your meal exactly how you want it.

We have our eyes on this BPA-free plastic set from Bentgo, not only because the containers are adorable, but they also include an optional divider to create a fourth compartment. Customization is key for meal prep containers that will last you from week to week.

Having a variety of different-sized containers is always convenient. Opt for this set of 42 from Rubbermaid, made with lids that snap onto the base so that you won’t lose them.

Keeping meal-size portions in the freezer can also help to keep boredom at bay. Kevin Curry, the founder of Fit Men Cook, says, “The No. 1 tip I have for people who are new to meal prepping is that it does NOT have to be boring. Boring recipes make it much more challenging to stick to a meal prepping routine.”

These storage containers feature built-in lid vents to avoid excessive splatter in the microwave while warming up your food.

Cooking in bulk and using these BPA-free, leak-proof meal prep containers to store food will allow you to assemble meals throughout the week with ease. “I pick a couple of protein sources like chicken and shrimp, carb sources like rice and sweet potatoes [and] have fats on hand like olive oil and avocados to combine for meals,” Spungin says.

These versatile freezer containers have got it all: They’re microwave-, dishwasher- and freezer-safe, and the leak-proof, BPA-free snap-on lids have built-in vents that allow you to microwave food with the lid on to prevent messy splatters.

These leak-proof and freezer-safe round glass containers are perfect for storing homemade soups and stews in the freezer. This line of BPA-free food storage containers comes in sizes from 1 cup to 8 cups, and the lids are interchangeable, so you can build a set that works for your exact needs.

This planning pad makes meal prep simple. Featuring a tear-off shopping list and space for weekly meal planning, this pad sticks right onto your fridge to keep you on track.

Spungin designates one day for cooking and, to make it less stressful, suggests scheduling meal prep for a day when you don’t have several other things to do. “Not a leftovers person? Pick two prep days,” she says. “For instance, Sunday for the first part of the week and Wednesday for the second half.”

Woo builds her meal prep into her existing schedule. “I like to meal prep when I am already cooking dinner or lunch,” she says. “Cook as if you are cooking for seven people and you can freeze individual meals,” which can be defrosted for a quick lunch or dinner.

Don’t let anyone tell you that meal prep can’t be delicious. Grab this book by author Chungah Rhee for some inspiration for your upcoming meals from breakfast to comfort foods.

The idea of cooking all your meals at once can be pretty intimidating. Author Cassy Joy Garcia wants to help out with that in this book that offers guidance on how to make batch cooking simple.

All of the experts stressed the importance of keeping your kitchen stocked with the essentials of successful cooking. Spungin suggests investing in basic cookware, storage containers, measuring tools, spices and cooking oils. “That way all you need is the food,” Curry adds. “And don’t forget a quality cutting board and chef’s knife!”

Check out our picks for the best kitchen knife sets and best cutting board if you’re in the market for new supplies.

Woo encourages new meal preppers to start small. When you’re just starting, she says it’s a good idea to plan one a week at a time “so you don’t overwhelm yourself.” Likewise, she says that new cooks should stick with easy recipes. “Get comfortable doing the basics,” she says. “Start with easy recipes you’re comfortable cooking, and it will get easier with time.”

Timing can be a struggle for those who are newer to cooking or who aren’t used to prepping many items at once, but a kitchen timer can solve both problems.

The experts we spoke with all love small appliances to make meal prep easier on them. One way Woo makes things easy for herself is using a food chopper to cut up a lot of vegetables at once, which can be cooked or stored raw.

Curry also relies on small appliances. “I couldn’t live without my Instant Pot Duo Plus and my Breville Smart Oven.” Spungin, too, swears by the Instant Pot as well as her air fryer, both of which she says are major time-savers. “The Instant Pot is great for cooking foods in bulk like soup, chili, stew, etc. and you can slow cook while tackling other parts of your prep.”

An air fryer might also be a good option if you’re looking to make your favorite foods without the excess oils or calories, as opposed to other cooking methods like deep-frying.

Curry stresses the importance of learning to multitask in the kitchen. “When I’m meal prepping, I’ve got three, four or sometimes five things on the go. I’m sweating. I’m hopping around the kitchen like I’m Remy from ‘Ratatouille.’” Prepping in this way, he says, not only saves him a lot of time, but it also makes meal prep a more engaging and enjoyable activity. Turning on music or a favorite podcast while you prep can help to make the time go faster and turn it into fun. Read our review of the Echo Dot 5th Gen here.

Curry has another suggestion for combating meal prep boredom and saving some time: “Don’t be afraid of leftovers. Get creative with them! One of my favorite things is experimenting with a batch of leftover rice to see what kind of quick, cheap and tasty dish I can put together.” To prevent food waste, Harbstreet says to label your prepped meals clearly so you know how long you have to enjoy them.

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January 3, 2023
New year, new planner. These are 23 of our favorite planners to start the new year right | CNN Underscored

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The goal of this planner is to help you feel motivated and commit to practicing self-care, and we’re sold. One of the most aesthetically pleasing planners we’ve seen, this one gives space each day to write your top three priorities, craft a to-do list and practice acts of self-care and gratitude. There are also dedicated pages for you to reflect on your week and the month ahead. Take note, though: It covers a six-month time span, so it might be worth grabbing two.

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January 2, 2023
Just 32 items that will make you happy in 2023 | CNN Underscored

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The past couple of years have been rough to say the least, but we’re leaving that chaotic energy behind and welcoming good vibes in the year ahead. If you’re like us, you’re looking to surround yourself with positivity — whether that be fun things that make you happy, picking up meditation or even reconnecting with the people you surround yourself with.

For the bits of joy money can buy, we’ve rounded up some items we truly think will brighten your day. Keep reading to check them out — and wishing you all the best in 2023.

You might still be wary of congregating in theaters to watch the newest movie release. Recreate that experience at home with a portable projector like this one for a fun date or night in.

Heated potato slippers are what you didn’t know you needed in 2023. Just plug these bad boys into any USB port to keep your feet warm while you relax.

Does some shower karaoke seem to do the trick when you’re down? Put this waterproof Bluetooth speaker in your bathroom to sing your troubles away.

You’ve probably seen this pan all over your Instagram feeds, and for good reason; we tried it and loved it ourselves. The Always Pan can take the place of a whopping eight cooking devices (from a spoon rest to a steamer), and arguably most importantly, it will look ultra chic in any kitchen. Just check out those colors!

Reminiscing about the good ol’ days is sure to put a smile on your face, right? Grab this candle to remind you of Grandma’s warm apple pie whenever you need to feel close to home.

One of the reasons we love subscription services is because it’s always nice to have something to look forward to every month. Gift yourself or someone you love a floral delivery from Urban Stems to add some color and fresh air to the home on a regular basis.

Mood lighting is essential to winding down, especially after a long day. Opt for this ambient light in the shape of an adorable soup dumpling to make you smile each time you turn it on.

A good yoga mat, like this one that we named the best yoga mat of the year, will make you more excited for your yoga practice each day. We love it because it’s dual-sided, with a smooth and sticky polyurethane-coated top side and a textured natural rubber bottom side that provides loads of traction. Beyond that, though, we also loved that the mat is slightly oversized and provides ample cushion given its 5-millimeter thickness.

Planning your days can go a long way to keeping a positive attitude. This one from Ban.do is especially good at making you smile thanks to its bright and gorgeous design. If you’re looking for more planner ideas, check out our full roundup here.

This vintage-inspired record player is sure to help you set the mood with your favorite tunes. Even better, it’s housed in a chic carrier that can also serve as a little bit of retro decor when you’re not using it.

This throw pillow by designer Justina Blakeney was inspired by uplifting other people. Use it to not only remind yourself of your community but also as a creative accent to your decor.

We believe that buying a new candle can fix practically any problem. This one can transport you into a good mood, with scents like Nirvana, Fairy Moss, Lucid Dream and more.

A good floral arrangement is timeless, but unfortunately live flowers aren’t. One solution is BeautifulThingsbybec’s paper floral arrangements, handcrafted to create a vibrant bouquet that mimics the real thing and literally lasts forever.

Are baked goods the key to your heart, or does baking something new bring you immense joy? If the answer is yes to either of those questions, check out this subscription box by Red Velvet NYC that sends you two gourmet baking kits each month, sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Going through old memories is a great way to lift your spirits when you’re feeling blah. Capture each moment in an instant with the Fujifilm Instax camera to cherish the memories for years to come.

A self-care day will brighten your mood without a doubt. Incorporate one of these celebrity-loved face masks in your routine to help you leave all your worries behind, if just temporarily.

The little things can really make the biggest difference in your routine. Lather on this industry-favorite lip sleeping mask before bed to lock in moisture for supple lips each morning.

There’s something about rocking false lashes (or a really great mascara) that makes you feel like a superstar. Grab this pack of natural-looking false lashes by Kiss that even includes a tool for easy application at less than $10.

OK, sure, you don’t necessarily need a color-block fanny pack, but don’t you want it? Just think of how convenient it will be to have it slung around your waist while running errands or on an outdoor adventure.

Is anything more calming than finally going to sleep after a long day? Ensure you’re completely relaxed when you get in bed with this colorful sleep shirt from Modcloth.

If you’re looking for some new jewelry pieces, Mejuri is guaranteed to have something that’ll suit your fancy. We have our eyes on this bold ring for a little spark of joy each day.

Raise your hands if a little retail therapy can cure your sour mood. If that’s you, check out Everlane’s French Terry Crew that will be a cozy addition to your loungewear collection.

A comfy pair of quality leggings like Lululemon’s Align pair are sure to put a smile on your face when you’re picking out work-appropriate tops for your Zoom calls. We named this one the best workout leggings of the year.

Trying to drink more water in 2023? This water bottle could provide just the motivation you need.

How adorable is this AirPods case, inspired by a bag of Skittles? Choose between this and other fun cases, with options like a Fritos bag or Mountain Dew bottle, and never misplace your beloved earbuds again.

What better for an anxiety-inducing day than a stress ball in the shape of a rainbow? Likely nothing! It’s a necessity for your desk.

For some of us, practicing self-love is essential to maintaining a positive attitude. In this book, Alexandra Elle teaches how to overcome obstacles and welcome abundance into your daily life.

We hold our phones so much these days, so we might as well protect it in a case that makes us smile. This one, featuring a giraffe eating a bouquet of flowers, is at the top of our wish list.

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December 29, 2022
Mercury retrograde is here. Here’s everything you need to make it through | CNN Underscored

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On Dec. 29, Mercury will go retrograde for the fourth and final time in 2022. During this stretch, which ends on Jan. 18, 2023, you may hear all sorts of things being blamed on the planet of communication’s retrograde period, from technology mishaps to misunderstandings with friends and loved ones.

But what exactly is Mercury retrograde, why do people make such a big deal about it and is there anything that can be done to avoid its pitfalls and blunders?

Constance Stellas, an astrologist and author of the Guided Astrological Journals, says, “Mercury retrograde describes a time period that comes 3 or 4 times a year when Mercury, the planet of communication, appears to be moving backwards in his orbit. In truth, it’s an optical illusion.” This illusion occurs because Mercury is the closest planet to earth, and its orbit is shorter than the earth’s orbit. “In the retrograde period,” Stellas explains, “Mercury speeds by the earth and like a fast car kicks up dust as it whizzes by. The “dust” or mental confusion can accompany this planetary motion.”

You may have heard people warn of electronics going haywire during the Mercury retrograde period, and that’s because of the planet’s connection to all things involved in communication.

“Let’s look at the meaning of Mercury and then see how we can use his mercurial power,” Stellas says. “Mercury was the messenger god and he ruled all communication and thought-filled connections between people as well as documents. Thinking clearly, thinking slowly, reaching for words, remembering names — all these functions are ruled by Mercury.

Though it may sound like cause to head inside and lock the doors, Stellas says there are some upsides to the turbulent Mercury retrograde period. “The message during retrogrades should be to slow down and take a mental vacation. Re-flect, re-do, re-imagine.”

As Mercury’s retrograde period approaches, here are our favorite gift ideas — for giving and for self-giving! — that can help you to navigate the chaos of technology gone awry and communication gone hinky, and to soothe you when inevitable disruptions occur.

“This retrograde period is in the sign of Capricorn. Pluto, god of the underworld, is also currently in Capricorn and will influence the tone of this retrograde period,” Stellas says. “Pluto urges us to transform, to uncover deep thoughts and insights into personal problems and global concerns.” The timing is spot-on, with this retrograde period falling at the start of a new year, with its “what will happen?” vibe.

To help you survive the turbulent retrograde period, “Get a personal crystal,” Stellas says. “You can find one at a mineral store or a new age shop. Go to the store and see if a quartz crystal “winks,” at you; if it feels comfortable in your left hand, or if it just appeals to you. If so, that is a personal crystal for you.” If you can’t make it to a new age shop, buy a crystal set and see which among them most speaks to you.

Manifestation candles make a nice gift — if you want to make it a gift to self, no one will argue! These 6 oz natural soy wax scented candles are hand-crafted with crystals and herbs, and are available in 5 variations: Love, Abundance, Sweet Dreams, Happiness or Healing.

“Soothing” and “calming” are key words to bear in mind during this time of upheaval. “Mercury retrograde is a great time to slow down,” says Annabel Gat, a senior astrologer at Vice and the author of “The Moon Sign Guide” and “The Astrology of Love & Sex.” “I’m not sure how bath products, pajamas or a beautiful journal to vent out your Mercury retrograde confusion could go wrong!”

A weighted blanket mimics the feeling of being held, which signals the brain that it is safe to release tension — which can be beneficial during times of stress. The Bearaby Napper’s woven design allows for airflow, making it a perfect choice for people who find standard weighted blankets too hot, or for those who are looking for a warm weather alternative; our reviewer calls it “among the best weighed blankets we’ve ever tried.”

Another entry in the “clever and useful” category of gifts is the Lost and Found Labels from Tile. Just stick them onto jackets, lunchboxes, water bottles or anything else easily left behind and loseable. Activate the labels with the Tile app, and then if anything is lost, people who have found the item can (hopefully!) scan the QR code and access the return details.

The popularity of weighted blankets inspired other uses for the anti-anxiety technology, like this weighted bathrobe for adults. The super soft, quilted robe comes in three weights — 12, 15 or 17 pounds — and a choice of soothing gray or calming navy.

To help you prepare for the year ahead, “Pick up a copy of The Llewellyn’s 2023 Daily Planetary Guide,” Stellas says. “It’s perfect for keeping track of what the planets are up to throughout the whole year.”

Space enthusiasts and astrology lovers alike will love this very cool planetarium projector, which beams accurate star patterns on a ceiling or wall for any date and time you specify. The projector can replicate more than 8,000 stars and 60 constellations, with adjustable speeds to simulate the Earth’s rotation.

Anything that makes life a little easier will be welcome during mercury’s retrograde period. This little thing is such a handy tool, anyone will thank you for it! It has a tiny ceramic blade that precisely and easily cuts through boxes and packaging tape but is safe to the touch, and a built-in magnet so you can stick it on the fridge for easy access.

It may not look like much, but our associate manager of business development, Hayley Kinne, says of this back and neck massage tool, “I truly don’t know how I endured my regular shoulder stress spasms before this magical, massaging miracle device entered my life.”

“Another great practice during Mercury retrograde is a screen fast,” Stellas says, “or at least carving out times when you are not glued to the internet, computer and phone.” One way to start making a break from screens is to use a paper planner, like this weekly planner with plenty of room to jot down to-dos, goals and notes in addition to appointments and events.

“Don’t forget the value of journaling,” Stellas says. “If you’re looking for an individual guide, check out my Guided Astrological Journals for every sun sign.”

Mercury retrograde encourages us to slow down, and for many people that means tucking into a good book. For fans of reading in bed, this handy, bendable neck light is a game-changer. Complete with three color modes (yellow, warm white and cool white), three brightness levels and up to 80 hours of light from the included rechargeable battery, it’s also great for camping or hands-free repairs.

To usher in a new perspective, as well as to calm the mind, Stellas suggests buying a kaleidoscope. “Watching the different patterns as you turn the dial calms the mind,” she says.

This particular retrograde period begins at the very end of the year, when cold weather has set in in many places. This is a good time to upgrade or replace your pajamas with a winter-weight set that can take you through to the first chilly days of spring.

Massaging beauty rollers have become wildly popular, and if you’ve had your eye on one but haven’t pulled the trigger, this is a great time to treat yourself. We especially like ice rollers, which reduce puffiness and calm inflamed skin in addition to providing a soothing, gentle facial massage.

For a turn on traditional scrapbooking, this photo album journal is a great way to revisit the past during Mercury retrograde. Choose from white inside pages or black sheets with transparent photo insert bags.

Created for anyone who needs a good excuse to light a candle when things go wrong, Anecdote Candles’ Astrological Storming candle was created to smell like full moons and Mercury in retrograde. Top notes include hints of apple and pear, with bottom notes of exotic violet, sandalwood and incense.

If you’re looking for a Mercury retrograde gift idea, pairing the photo journal with a mini instant camera makes a thoughtful and surprising present for a stressed-out friend or loved one.

As Gat says, this isn’t the time to splurge on big new purchases, but it may be the time to buy items you’ve had your eye on. If you don’t already have a portable phone charger, this is the time to get one; the Anker charger was our pick for best portable charger.

“Mercury retrograde may find us running into friends from the past, or even revisiting a retro style,” Gat says. “A book about a scene or era from the past could be fun to peruse!” This gorgeous coffee table book about the art deco era certainly fits the bill!

“Astrologers famously advise against making big purchases or electronics during Mercury retrograde,” Gat says. “But if there is a purchase you have been itching to make for a long time, now could be a good time to reconsider purchasing it. Mercury retrograde is all about the ‘re’ words, so revisiting those shoes you really wanted to buy but didn’t at the time may work out.” Record player is, of course, an “re-” word and a necessary investment if you plan to purchase a rereleased album.

Slowing down is a major theme of Mercury retrograde, and a period of quietude is also a great time to pick up a new hobby or devote yourself to the study of a new subject. “If someone who has been interested in learning more about astrology but hasn’t had the time for it decides they want to jump in during Mercury retrograde, why not check out my two books, ‘The Moon Sign Guide’ or ‘The Astrology of Love & Sex,’” Gat suggests.

A smart way to cope with the turmoil of Mercury retrograde is to slow way down. Go ahead and cancel plans you’re not that excited about, or take some items off your to-do list. Use the reclaimed time to read or listen to music while relaxing with a cup of calming tea; look for teas made from herbs like lavender, lemon balm or mint that can help to soothe tattered nerves.

If you’re looking for a Mercury in retrograde gift idea, this spa-themed gift set fits the bill. The set features bath salts, a spray and a body oil, all of which are made with essential oils and crystals — everything you’d need to keep calm during Mercury’s turbulent retrograde period.

Mercury retrograde kits come in many forms! For those with a more spiritual bent, ritual kits offer a convenient introduction to cleansing rituals; this kit contains cleansing botanicals and intention candles, plus a candle holder and abalone shell for the botanicals, and instructions for using them to create a ritual of your own during Mercury retrograde.

Of course, one of the main themes of Mercury’s retrograde period is technology mishaps — and no amount of calming teas will help when you have an accident involving an expensive piece of tech. If you’re prone to clumsiness, protect your phone with a drop-tested military-grade phone case. This slim silicone phone case offers a lot of protection without the bulkiness of similar models, and it comes in 26 color options.

Because technology mishaps are so common, another smart investment to make during Mercury retrograde is an external hard drive for backing up your important documents. Our reviewer gave My Passport high marks for storage space and its “stylish yet rugged package.”

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December 29, 2022
15 items you should honestly gift yourself to help ease holiday stress | CNN Underscored

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Blame it on the entirety of this past year or just simply the holidays, but there’s a good chance you may be feeling more stressed out than usual right now.

A lot of us are already too busy, says wellness expert Dr. Ann Kulze. “Then, you add to that the added responsibilities and obligations, more social engagements, entertaining people, family coming in,” she says. “That means oh, I’ve got to clean up the yard and the house. And I have additional cooking. And if it’s Christmas, I’ve got to think about what I’m going to get for people, what presents I’m going to get.”

Fortunately, there are some ways to mitigate this stress, and we spoke with wellness and organization experts about ways to keep it all together even when you’d like to run away from it all.

$16 at Amazon

“I’m a big advocate of planners and use them to schedule both work and personal activities,” says Carolyn Kraut, founder and owner of Hands of Time Concierge. “There are also families that still hang wall calendars in their kitchens to track family activities, keeping them separate from their work calendars/planners.” While it might be too late to start a family planning calendar this year, gear up for 2023 with this pretty floral version (there are three other designs as well) that has a large grid, stickers and a magnetic hanger.

$130 at Zappos

“Exercise is a very effective way to deal with stress. Moving your body helps to release endorphins, which can balance your mood. The exercise doesn’t have to be complicated or strenuous. Something as simple as a walk can go a long way to help clear your mind,” says wellness entrepreneur Shahada Karim, founder of Habibi Body and Habibi Sport. Take a walk around the neighborhood and feel like you’re walking on air in these super-cushioned kicks that will keep your feet comfy and your body stress-free.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

~~$100~~ $70 at Amazon

CNN Underscored Best Tested

$88 at Lululemon

“Yoga is a rock star for stress resiliency, stress reduction, for reasons that are obvious and maybe some that we’re still trying to tease out,” explains Kulze. “It’s got the breathing, it’s got the stretching, it’s got the holding of these actual movements, which has this wonderful kind of tranquilizing effect on the body. And then beyond that, it’s the aerobic activity, particularly moderate to vigorous.” Do gentle stretches, a full workout or just give in to savasana with our favorite yoga mat of 2022.

CNN Underscored Best Tested

From $98 at Lululemon

Lightweight yet opaque, the Align’s buttery-soft feel and stretchiness are like no other legging. Check out our picks for the best leggings here.

From $24 at Amazon

For a more affordable option, these Lululemon lookalikes are as much a pleasure to wear during workouts as they are for lounging around the house.

$46 at Amazon

If all that stress is building up in your upper back, neck and shoulders (as it often does), this heated back massager is easy to use and simply glorious at getting out those tight knots.

From $269 at Bearaby

Sometimes all you really need is a hug, and weighted blankets like our favorite ones at Bearaby provide that calming pressure while you lie on the couch or drift off to sleep.

~~$70~~ $66 at Amazon

“I call them kind of superstar foods for stress protection,” Kulze says of stress-relieving teas. “Sipping on freshly brewed tea from camellia sinensis leaf. That’s green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea.” You’ll need something to brew all the tea you’re going to be drinking, and this highly rated, well-priced kettle has the good looks and power to deliver hot water fast.

$36 at Food52

Love loose-leaf tea? This infuser set lets you steep your tea of choice (or herbs) in hot water or broth.

$25 at Amazon

“I’m a huge fan of licorice tea. It has been shown to reduce anxiety and help with problematic digestion (a common side effect of stress),” says Karim.

From $125 at Amazon

To make sure your tea stays toasty while you sip, we can’t say enough good things about the Ember mug, which keeps your hot drinks hot for hours on end. It comes in a holiday-appropriate bright red color too.

From $30 at Amazon or Fellow

Take your soothing drink to go in this cute travel mug, available in essentially every colorway. Just sip away as traffic and the world fly by.

$58 at Uncommon Goods

“Lavender-scented products have been recommended for relaxation and stress relief for as long as I can remember,” says Kraut. This set will help you with a relaxing routine that helps soothe you into peaceful slumber with the power of aromatherapy.

$39.97 at Amazon

“So often during the holiday times, frankly, people are entertaining more and going to more parties, and their sleep is disturbed,” says Kulze. “And that will exponentially decrease your stress resiliency and increase your propensity to feel stress when you shouldn’t, if you’re sleep-deprived.” Another lavender option to de-stress, this gift set is perfect to bring home for yourself or gift to a stressed friend or family member. Luxury soap, oil and natural hand cream — all made in the US.

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December 22, 2022