Too hot outside for a workout? A hot bath can actually help.

Acclimating to hot weather is a good idea for anyone who wants to reduce risk of heat illness during their outdoor workout. A hot bath can help.

By Gretchen ReynoldsApril 19, 2023

Why an outdoor workout is better for you than indoors

Moving your workout outside can be a simple way to magnify its benefits, not only for thinking, but health, happiness, fitness, and motivation

By Gretchen ReynoldsApril 12, 2023

Boston is a bucket-list marathon. Now nonbinary runners can compete, too.

The Boston Marathon is the latest major running event to create a nonbinary division.

By Kelyn SoongApril 10, 2023

How exercise leads to sharper thinking and a healthier brain

New findings from 350,000 people make the strongest case yet that exercise improves cognition. A small study shows it raises BDNF, a brain chemical.

By Gretchen ReynoldsApril 5, 2023

Exercise with a buddy. Your brain will thank you for it.

Regular social exercise may counter physical inactivity and low social participation, both of which contribute to worldwide dementias, research findings suggest.

By Meeri KimMarch 29, 2023

Olympic runner Kara Goucher’s lessons on resilience

In her new book, Goucher writes in detail about her past trauma and how she learned to love running again.

By Kelyn SoongMarch 24, 2023

Feel like a slug? You may have the wrong exercise mind-set.

A new study shows that a negative mind-set — such as feeling like you’re failing at exercise — is bad for your health.

By Gretchen ReynoldsMarch 22, 2023

Four 80-year-old men finished a 100-mile race. Here’s how they did it.

Ultramarathons favor those with steady pacing and consistent training, which helps explain why so many later-in-life runners pick up the sport.

By Kelyn SoongMarch 20, 2023

The best treatment for depression? It could be exercise.

For people struggling with depression, the findings show you don’t have to run marathons or otherwise train strenuously to benefit.

By Gretchen ReynoldsMarch 15, 2023

Yoga may reduce frailty, improve endurance in older adults, researchers say

A review of studies by Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that yoga improves health indicators linked to reduced frailty, including walking speed and endurance.

By Kelsey AblesMarch 14, 2023

How to prevent burnout in your workout routine and recover from it

From professional athletes to weekend warriors, athlete burnout can take the joy out of physical activity and sport.

By Kelyn SoongMarch 10, 2023

Don’t feel like exercising? It could be your microbiome.

The microbiomes of physically active people can be quite different from those of people who rarely exercise.

By Gretchen ReynoldsMarch 8, 2023

Need motivation to get moving? TikTok’s ‘run until’ game can help.

The game is called the “run until” challenge. The trick is: You can’t stop until you find whatever the challenge requires.

By Teddy Amenabar and Kelyn SoongMarch 3, 2023

Got 11 minutes? A daily brisk walk could lower risk for early death.

A new study of 30 million people found that even small amounts of exercise could lower risk for heart disease, certain cancers and early death.

By Gretchen ReynoldsFebruary 28, 2023

Researchers are exploring how the brain helps prevent knee injuries

During a competitive game, the brain might not be able to correct a faulty knee or ankle position in the milliseconds it takes to tear a ligament.

By Ian McMahanFebruary 27, 2023

For a longer life, afternoon exercise may be best, a large study shows

A new study collected from more than 90,000 people found afternoon exercisers lived longer, but other research suggests morning exercise might burn more body fat.

By Gretchen ReynoldsFebruary 22, 2023

Americans over 50 are doing extreme sports their grandparents never imagined

For past generations, a midlife pick-me-up might have meant a zippy new sports car. Some older Americans today are choosing intense fitness instead.

By Tara BahrampourFebruary 22, 2023

Does sex count as exercise?

Sexual intercourse burns calories, raises the heart rate and rarely causes cardiac arrest.

By Gretchen ReynoldsFebruary 15, 2023

A child’s death prompts questions about brake safety on e-bikes

The death of 12-year-old Molly Steinsapir prompted an outpouring of grief on social media. Now the focus is on electric bike brakes and young people's safety.

By Gretchen Reynolds and Teddy AmenabarFebruary 13, 2023

Are ‘super shoes’ worth the money? It depends on your running skill.

A new study compared the Nike Vaporfly “super shoe” to a more conventional shoe to find out if they really help runners of all abilities move faster.

By Kelyn SoongFebruary 8, 2023