Videos
Astrological Overview and Forecast: November 9, 2026
As humanity is called to release old patterns of pride, drama, and self-absorption, the...
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- Written by: David Alter
Sitting has been labeled as the new smoking, contributing to various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. While regular exercise is crucial, the duration of sedentary behavior also significantly affects health. Simple strategies, such as counting activity levels and taking breaks, can help mitigate these risks and promote a healthier lifestyle.
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- Written by: Andrew Thomas, Cardiff Metropolitan University
Exercise not only promotes muscle growth and fat loss but also triggers vital molecular and immunological changes that can protect against serious health issues like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. These changes enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, highlighting the importance of even low-intensity activities in maintaining health and longevity.
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- Written by: Evangelos Pappas, University of Sydney and Marc Campo, Mercy College
New research reveals that while yoga can exacerbate wrist, elbow, and shoulder pain, particularly with poses like downward dog, it also shows promise in alleviating low back and neck pain. This complex relationship between yoga and musculoskeletal issues highlights the importance of mindful practice and communication with health professionals.
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- Written by: Alex Jordan, InnerSelf.com
Most people assume that running harder means running better, but the science disagrees in ways that should make every fitness enthusiast pause. Slow jogging is a low-intensity running method that has quietly transformed public health culture in Japan, and its principles challenge nearly everything mainstream fitness culture tells you about effort and results. If you have ever quit a running program because it felt too brutal too fast, this framework was built for exactly that problem.
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- Written by: Cassandra J. Lowe, Western University
Starting a new exercise program can lead to burnout or injury if not approached correctly. Incorporating just 20 minutes of brisk walking can enhance brain function, reduce cravings for junk food, and help maintain a healthy diet. Understanding the relationship between exercise, stress, and food choices is essential for achieving weight loss goals.
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- Written by: Arash Javanbakht
Regular exercise not only enhances physical health but also significantly improves brain function and emotional well-being. By understanding the neurobiological impacts, individuals can better appreciate how activities like dancing, boxing, or walking contribute to mental health, potentially reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression while fostering social connections.
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- Written by: Alexis Blue, University of Arizona
Researchers propose that the connection between exercise and brain function is rooted in human evolutionary history. As hunter-gatherers, our ancestors engaged in complex physical and mental tasks, shaping brain structure and function. This understanding may lead to interventions for cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases by enhancing the benefits of physical activity.
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- Written by: Alex Jordan, InnerSelf.com
A sweeping new meta-analysis covering more than 4.2 million people has uncovered a striking paradox: while leisure-time physical activity reduces dementia risk by roughly 24%, occupational physical activity is associated with about a 20% higher risk. If movement is supposed to protect the brain, why does it seem to matter enormously where and why that movement happens? The answer forces us to rethink nearly everything we assume about physical activity, health, and who actually benefits from the advice to move more.
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- Written by: Andrew Lavender
Many individuals face challenges when trying to start an exercise program, whether due to lack of motivation, time constraints, or resources. Understanding these barriers and how to address them can lead to a successful fitness journey. This article explores effective strategies and tips to make exercise a sustainable part of daily life.
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- Written by: Oliver Mytton and Jenna Panter
Research indicates that replacing car travel with more active methods like walking, cycling, or public transport can significantly lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and premature death. The study analyzed over 350,000 adults, revealing that active commuting is linked to an 11% reduction in heart disease risk and a 30% reduction in mortality from heart disease.
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- Written by: Ashleigh Johnstone, Bangor University
Martial arts offer more than just physical benefits; they can enhance cognitive function and emotional well-being. Research indicates that practices like karate and tai chi improve attention, reduce aggression, manage stress, and boost memory. These findings highlight the diverse advantages of engaging in martial arts, making it a valuable activity for people of all ages.
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- Written by: Alex Jordan, InnerSelf.com
Most people chase movement in their fitness routines, but some of the most powerful gains in strength and longevity come from staying perfectly still. Isometric exercises, where muscles contract without changing length, have quietly accumulated decades of research suggesting they may be among the most efficient tools for extending both health span and life span. Understanding why they work requires looking at how the body actually responds to tension, pressure, and time.
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- Written by: Nachiappan Chockalingam and Aoife Healy
Sitting on the floor has been a natural resting position for humans throughout history, offering potential health benefits like improved posture and flexibility. While scientific evidence is limited, many health professionals advocate for floor sitting as an alternative to conventional chairs, suggesting it may help alleviate lower back pain and maintain spinal curvature.
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- Written by: Laura Healy
Engaging in group exercise can significantly enhance mental well-being, especially among young individuals. Research indicates that those participating in team sports or informal fitness groups experience better mental health compared to those who exercise alone. The motivation behind exercising and the social connections formed during these activities are crucial for mental health improvements.
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- Written by: Alex Jordan, InnerSelf.com
Most fitness advice hands you a universal prescription as if every human body runs on the same clock. The inconvenient fact is that the science of exercise timing is far more nuanced than morning-workout evangelists or late-night gym devotees will admit. Understanding when your body is actually primed to move could be the missing variable in every fitness plateau you have ever hit.
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- Written by: Helen Ingle, and Susan Coan, Leeds Beckett University
With only 21% of boys and 16% of girls in England meeting physical activity recommendations, parents face challenges in getting children away from screens and outdoors. Research highlights barriers such as screen time and busy family lifestyles. Discover strategies to promote active habits, including setting screen limits and being a role model for fitness.
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- Written by: Alex Jordan
Turns out the human body comes with its own insurance policy against eight major diseases. The premium? A few minutes of huffing and puffing each day.
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- Written by: David Dunstan, Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute
New guidelines recommend that office workers spend at least two hours standing or moving during their workday to mitigate health risks associated with prolonged sitting. These recommendations emphasize the importance of breaking up sedentary time and offer strategies for employers to create a healthier workplace culture.
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- Written by: Mark Anthony Lord
Cultivating self-love through body care is essential for personal growth and well-being. By listening to the body's needs, practicing healthy habits, and fostering a positive self-image, individuals can enhance their connection with themselves. Embracing self-care routines, such as journaling and mindful movement, can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life.
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- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com
Ever feel like your fitness tracker is watching you a little too closely? You’re not alone. Those blinking lights and vibration nudges can feel like helpful reminders—or nagging digital guilt trips. But like most things in life, the truth about fitness trackers lives in the gray area. Sometimes they’re your best ally, and sometimes they quietly chip away at your peace of mind. So how do you know when they’re helping and when they’re hurting?
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- Written by: Beth McDaniel, InnerSelf.com
Most of us don’t think twice about sitting. It's how we work, relax, and even socialize. But what if that comfy chair is quietly chipping away at your well-being? And more importantly, what can you do if you're too tired, overwhelmed, or physically limited to move much? Let’s talk honestly about the health hazards of sitting too much—and how even the lazy or infirmed can push back with kindness, not guilt.
