Real Health Podcast: Kathryn Thomas and getting yourself on the right road to health and fitness

Independent.ie

Celebrating ten years presenting Operation Transformation, Kathryn Thomas joins me on this week's Real Health podcast to look ahead to the new series in January.

https://www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-real-health-podcast/real-health-podcast-kathryn-thomas-and-getting-yourself-on-the-right-road-to-health-and-fitness-38753407.html

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Celebrating ten years presenting Operation Transformation, Kathryn Thomas joins me on this week's Real Health podcast to look ahead to the new series in January.

She also tells me what it was like stepping into Gerry Ryan's shoes, why acting was her first love and how she got her break into TV.

We discuss the importance of balance and positivity in her life and why finding the thing that you love to do is so important.

Plus, Kathryn gives some tips for getting yourself on the right road to health and fitness.

Keep sending your questions in to me via email realhealth@independent.ie or contact Karl on Twitter and Instagram @karlhenryPT.

For more episodes and information from the Real Health podcast you can also go to: https://www.independent.ie/podcasts/the-real-health-podcast/

The Real Health podcast with Karl Henry in association with Laya Healthcare.

Listen to the show on the SoundCloud player or subscribe and rate via the following links:

iPhone users can subscribe and listen on Apple Podcasts.

Android users can subscribe and listen on Google Podcasts.

Or listen on SoundCloud

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Real Health Podcast: Kathryn Thomas and getting yourself on the right road to health and fitness - Independent.ie

In-home streaming workout programs are the latest trend to sweep the fitness industry and competition is emerging from every corner, from Mirror to Aaptiv to Echelon, as well as the most recent addition to the on-demand fitness market, MYX Fitness.

The Greenwich, Connecticutbased company offers hundreds of digital classes ranging from cycling, cardio dance and barre to yoga and meditation. MYX Fitness's biggest competitor in the market is Peloton, one of the first, and most popular, streaming services for exercising at home.

The influx of on-demand fitness services poses a question: How can competitors stay afloat in such a saturated market?

"Peloton is like Netflixthey were the first movers in the industry. Now, everyone is claiming a lane in the market," MYX Fitness President Heberto Calves told Newsweek at a launch event for the company in New York City. "But there is a gap in the market. We need to do something for a broader set of consumers."

MYX Fitness aims to set itself apart from its competitors by reaching a larger piece of the market. Experts in the fitness space have found that two factors cause at-home fitness programs to reach only a narrow audience: motivation and money.

"While the at-home products are incredibly sophisticated, they remain expensivewhen equipment is requiredwith only a small percentage of the market being able to afford it," said Walter Thompson, former president of the American College of Sports Medicine and author of the ACSM's "Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2019."

MYX Fitness offers two packages priced at $1,199 and $1,499, which include all the equipment. It costs $29 per month for the library of classes.

"The second reason the at-home market has not yet caught on is a compliance problem," Thompson added. "Only those who are intrinsically self-motivated do well with at-home fitness programs. The at-home market will be successful if there are motivating instructors. They make it personal"Great going, Mary. Push it harder"and the clients experience success."

Bonnie Reed, a certified personal trainer for over 20 years, has seen the success of Peloton, specifically for people who are wealthy and self-motivateda major demographic for at-home fitness companies. "The way of the future is a Peloton-like thingfor the cream of the crop, people that can afford the money to put down, plus the monthly fee. It is definitely for people who are motivated and have that extra money," she said.

Self-motivation is crucial to getting the most out of an in-home fitness program. Consumers who aren't already motivated may find it difficult, and not worth the money, to invest in such a program. MYX Fitness hopes to bridge this demographic gap through its expert digital coaching. Although the coaches can guide and motivate, the person still has to do the exercising in the proper way and continue to use the service on a frequent basis.

"The most successful companies will employ energetic instructors with both knowledge and experience working with less than motivated consumers," Thompson said.

MYX Fitness also aims to stand apart from the competition with its all-in-one platform, which combines all aspects of health and fitness into a single service. As Calves explained, what every company in the market does is relative to the consumer and his or her fitness goals.

A customer who purchases Peloton, which focuses on cardio, may also belong to a gym or yoga studio in order to work on other areas of wellness. In contrast, MYX Fitness combines cardio, strength, stretching, mindfulness and recovery, along with emotional support and motivation, to give consumers a full mind and body workout platform without the need to purchase another membership or service.

"Right now is just really a transitional phase. Things are definitely shiftingpeople are looking and experimenting with these new resources. In the past, it was either a gym or a personal trainerwe didn't have Peloton and all these apps," Reed said. "But when it comes down to consumers making a decision, it is about a person's resources and what fits with their lives."

The fitness industry is always evolving, and new trends are constantly developing. MYX Fitness wants its personalized holistic program to assert itself in the market among the more established competitors.

Read more:
MYX Fitness Aims to Break Away from Competitors in Saturated Digital In-Home Fitness Market - Newsweek

Genesis Health System is warning patients about a scam about DNA testing.

A Genesis patient reported receiving a phone call about a doctor requesting a DNA test, said Craig Cooper, Genesis Health System spokesman.

"If you receive a phone call from someone offering you a 'free' DNA test or screening, it may be a scam to obtain Medicare information for identity theft or fraudulent billing purposes," Cooper said in an email. "It has been brought to our attention that Genesis patients have received such fraudulent phone calls, stating that their doctor requested DNA testing.

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"Please note: Genesis providers/staff will not call and request a DNA test."

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General also has an alert on genetic testing scams.

"Scammers are offering Medicare beneficiaries 'free' screenings or cheek swabs for genetic testing to obtain their Medicare information for identity theft or fraudulent billing purposes," the alert reads. "Fraudsters are targeting beneficiaries through telemarketing calls, booths at public events, health fairs, and door-to-door visits."

To avoid this scam, be suspicious of anyone who's offering free genetic testing and requests your Medicare number. If you're sent a testing kit in the mail, don't accept it unless it was sent by your physician. Medicare beneficiaries should be cautious of those who ask for Medicare numbers unsolicited. Don't provide that number to anyone outside of your physician's office.

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Genesis Health System warns of genetic testing scam - Quad City Times

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Treatment protocols usually consist of a series of three to eight injections given over weeks or months, depending on the specific case. The injections can be moderately painful, and patients often use Tylenol or stronger medications to manage localized aches and tenderness. Patients are advised to limit activity for several days after each injection, and they may be asked to supplement the therapy with specific exercises that focus on range of motion.

Since creating inflammation is the point of prolotherapy, the use of NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, to address the resulting pain and discomfort is not recommended. Possible side effects of the procedure include bleeding, bruising or swelling at the injection site. These can last for a week or more. Allergic reactions to the injected solution, infection and nerve damage are possible, but rare.

Does prolotherapy work? In some case studies, patients report improvement in pain and strength in the affected areas. But studies of the treatment have yielded mixed results. Some have argued that the studies showing benefit have been too small and not scientifically rigorous. The one area of agreement appears to be the need for large and scientifically rigorous studies.

Although prolotherapy is gaining in popularity, the National Institutes of Health identify it as a complementary and alternative medical treatment. And since it's considered an experimental therapy, many insurance companies won't cover it. Costs can range from $400 to $1,000 per treatment, depending on the provider.

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Arthritis pain may be relieved by prolotherapy - Sioux City Journal

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The global fitness app market is expected to post a CAGR of almost 12% during the period 2020-2024, according to the latest market research report by Technavio. Request a free sample report

The market is witnessing an increase in the demand for wearable devices such as smartwatches, smart bands, and smart rings that have various features such as calling, messaging, and fitness tracking. These devices can be integrated with fitness apps to provide information on heartrate, exercise cognition, and issue movement reminders. To capitalize on the growing popularity of wearable devices, vendors are expanding their product portfolios by launching products equipped with advanced features such as LTE, music storage, built-in GPS, etc. Some vendors are also offering low-cost wearable products that are specifically designed for children. These factors are increasing the adoption of wearable devices, which is turn will positively influence the fitness app market.

To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR40200

As per Technavio, the proliferation of fitness apps will have a positive impact on the market and contribute to its growth significantly over the forecast period. This research report also analyzes other important trends and market drivers that will affect market growth over 2020-2024.

Global Fitness App Market: Proliferation of a variety of Fitness Apps

Vendors in the market are introducing various fitness apps for different purposes, workout routines, and exercises. For instance, some vendors are introducing fitness apps specifically for pregnant women, different age groups and gender. These apps enable customers to monitor their health and fitness by analyzing their calorie intake and provide guidance about proper nutrition to help them stay healthy and fit. The launch of such new and advanced fitness apps is enabling vendors to increase their market share and profitability. Therefore, the proliferation of different types of fitness apps is expected to boost the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Increasing number of M&As and rising investments in fitness startups will further boost market growth during the forecast period, says a senior analyst at Technavio.

Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports.

Technavios SUBSCRIPTION platform

Global Fitness App Market: Segmentation Analysis

This market report segments the global fitness app market by geography (APAC, Europe, MEA, North America, and South America), gender (female and male), and application (lifestyle monitoring, health monitoring, and others).

The APAC region led the market in 2019, followed by North America, Europe, MEA, and South America respectively. During the forecast period, the APAC region is expected to maintain its dominance over the market. This is due to several factors such as improving standard of living, growing number of fitness enthusiasts, and increasing youth population in the region.

Technavios sample reports are free of charge and contain multiple sections of the report, such as the market size and forecast, drivers, challenges, trends, and more.

Request a free sample report

Some of the key topics covered in the report include:

Market Landscape

Market Sizing

Five Forces Analysis

Market Segmentation

Customer Landscape

Geographical Segmentation

Market Drivers

Market Challenges

Market Trends

Vendor Landscape

Vendor Analysis

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focus on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavios report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavios comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

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Global Fitness App Market 2020-2024 | Proliferation of Fitness Apps to Boost Growth | Technavio - Business Wire

Longstanding research has found that exercise that increases our cardiovascular activity brings a number of health benefits, including lowered blood pressure; improved cardiovascular health; strengthening of the immune system; regulation of weight; and moderation of blood sugar. Interestingly, it appears that vigorous aerobic activity (maintaining more than 60% of aerobic capacity) brings greater cardiovascular health benefit than moderate activity. Exercise therapy has been found to improve a measure called heart rate variability, which is associated with greater levels of psychological well-being and resilience in the face of stress. One strand of research finds that aerobic exercise conducted in a mindful state (i.e., with enhanced self-awareness, such as yoga and Feldenkrais) brings greater mood benefits than routine vigorous or moderate cardio workouts. Many of the activities we associate with self-development, from counseling and psychotherapy to meditation, are pursued in a state of reduced physical activity and enhanced self-awareness. Might it be the case that vigorous aerobic activity is an equally promising path toward emotional well-being and a positive psychology?

According to the National Institutes of Healths National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, yoga, a discipline of meditative movement is associated with such benefits as stress relief, pain reduction, and emotional well-being. There is also evidence that yoga also improves the aforementioned heart rate variability and lessens symptoms of depression. In an excellent review article, Julia Belluz notes the limitations of much of the research on the benefits of yoga, but cites fascinating evidence that yoga may be uniquely helpful in reducing inflammation in the body. Similar amounts of time spent in yoga and general physical activity yield greater inflammation benefit for the yoga participants, presumably because of the added components of mindfulness.

In a review of brief approaches to psychotherapy that I conducted with two colleagues at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, an important conclusion was that these methods are effective to the degree that they generate novel, constructive experiences for clients. Such corrective emotional experiences deal with maladaptive patterns of emotion and behavior by activating more constructive ones. Thus, for instance, when a client retreats from a therapist out of fear of rejection, the therapist may encourage engagement and provide an active experience of acceptance and understanding. Such emotional experiences are readily internalized, helping people build new modes of construing and doing. This is the basis for many behavioral and cognitive therapies, where we learn to face and challenge our patterns of anxiety, negative thinking, and depression in emotionally impactful ways.

The unexpected benefits of aerobic exercise, yoga, and similar disciplines may arise from their ability to provide similar corrective emotional experiences, albeit outside of a therapeutic relationship. Through vigorous exercise, we directly challenge our limits and experience ourselves as efficacious and achieving. Through mindful movement, we experience enhanced levels of self-control and mastery. A great example of this occurs among the money managers and traders I work with, who make active use of meditation to deal with the stresses of markets and their inherent risks and uncertainty. In the midst of threat, direct experiences of calm and focus promote a unique experience of the self as being in control, facilitating sound decision-making. Exercise, like coaching, counseling, and psychotherapy, is a vehicle for generating fresh experiences of the self, reinforcing and expanding our strengths.

In recent articles, Ive explored the psychological benefits of living a purposeful life and the importance of emotionally connecting with a positive vision of our future selves. All of these can be paths toward emotional resilience, increased mindfulness, and an enhanced capacity to pursue life goals. In a recent interview, Steven Goldstein and Mark Randall explore the mindfulness associated with special forces operations, highlighting the idea of mindfitness. A well-constructed program of exercise, expanding our abilities to extend our limits and sustain self-control and efficacy, provides a uniquely effective form of self-developmenta promising therapy for the mentally well and program for mindfitness.

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The Unexpected Psychological Benefits Of Aerobic Fitness - Forbes

Since runner Mary Cains story about body-shaming became public, other athletes have come forward with similar stories, using the hashtag #FixGirlsSports. JOHANNES EISELE / AFP via Getty Images

When 23-year-old Mary Cain talked to the New York Times about her experiences as part of the Nikes Oregon Project, an elite professional U.S. running club, she said her weight was continually a topic of discussion.

A rising star in the running word, Cain was 17 years old in 2013, when she was recruited to join the Oregon Project, which was coached up until a few months ago by Alberto Salazar. But she never lived up to her potential. Her performance deteriorated despite training with some of the best distance runners in the nation, which Cain claims is due to continued pressure by Salazar to lose weight. Not only was her weight a constant theme during one-on-one discussions, he publicly body-shamed her in front of her teammates. Her weight dropped to 114 pounds, she went three years without having her period and suffered five broken bones due to poor bone health.

Since Cains story became public earlier this month, several other athletes have come forward with similar stories, and not just from endurance running communities. The hashtag #FixGirlsSports has been championed with girls sports advocates welcoming the chance to discuss a culture that too often equates body weight to athletic performance despite a shortage of science supporting the idea that certain sports or positions require a specific body type.

One of those advocates is Catherine Sabiston, a professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the University of Toronto and a Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity and Mental Health. Shes conducted research surrounding the prevalence of body talk in sport and listened to Cains story with interest.

The research we do in our lab came to life in that video, said Sabiston.

Cain attributes her struggles with body image to comments made by her coach, but Sabiston says remarks about body shape and weight can also come from parents, teammates and spectators.

For girls in particular, the sport environment is prone to high levels of teasing as well as negative weight and body shape commentary, she said.

Theres no doubt that female athletes receive mixed messages when it comes to their bodies. Not only are they expected to be strong and fit enough to excel athletically, they also feel pressure to conform to societys notion of what a female form is supposed to look like. This dichotomy alone can cause female athletes to be self-conscious about their bodies. But when the coach, who arguably has the greatest influence on an athletes confidence and performance, initiates that body talk, those negative emotions surrounding body image continue to escalate.

Sabiston says theres surprisingly little education designed for coaches when it comes to discussing weight and body image with their athletes. Nor is there much understanding regarding how coaches perceive issues related to weight, body shape and its effect on performance. To find out more about the culture of body talk within sport, Sabiston and her research team collected three years of survey data from athletes and conducted nearly 100 interviews with female athletes, coaches, parents, spectators and referees.

Our data are showing that the sport environment may foster negative body image emotions such as shame, guilt, envy and embarrassment, and these emotions relate to a poor quality sport experience and girls drop out, said Sabiston.

The prevalence of weight commentary and body talk is a large reason why teenage girls are up to six-times more likely to drop out of sport than boys. Coaches who, according to the interviews conducted by Sabiston, demonstrated explicit and implicit biases that higher weight bodies are less suitable for sport, initiate much of that talk.

Keep in mind that the athletes and coaches interviewed by Sabiston and her team were adolescent females participating in community-based sport, which means its not just elite athletes like Cain who are subjected to negative body talk. And given that the bodies of adolescent girls are changing, which in itself increases self-consciousness, any additional comments regarding body shape or size can add to an already precarious sense of self.

Cains body image issues worsened to such a degree that she resorted to self-harm and had suicidal thoughts. And while not every female athlete with anxiety related to their body shape or size has that level of distress, they often feel discriminated due to their physical appearance.

A key message in Cains dialogue is that constantly thinking about weight and appearance in itself is detrimental to performance, says Sabiston. It takes away an ability to focus on the sport.

Sabiston says theres a lack of support for athletes struggling to overcome a negative body image. Most of the available resources focus on eating disorders, not on the larger issue of learning to accept and love your bodys shape, size and athleticism. Its also her recommendation that coaches receive training onbody commentary and weight concerns, and ultimately how to talk about body image with all athletes.

Equipping coaches with information delivered through sport organizations and policies that discourage body talk in girls sport more generally may reduce the prevalence of body image concerns in athletes, said Sabiston. This education would also enhance the coachs capacity to be a positive role model, which has been identified as a key strategy to keep more girls in sport and liking it.

More here:
Jill Barker on fitness: Runner's story launches demand to #FixGirlsSports - Montreal Gazette

Best Fitbit Black Friday Deals Get fit for less Fitbit Versa 2

Fitbit's best smartwatch yet.

For people that want a powerful smartwatch with one of the best fitness tracking platforms on the market, the Fitbit Versa 2 is a phenomenal choice. It does all of the great Fitbit stuff we expect, in addition to extras local music storage, Alexa, NFC payments and more. And it's $50 off for Black Friday.

There's a lot to love about the new Galaxy Watch Active 2 from Samsung. While activity tracking remained mostly the same, the most notable upgrade is optional LTE capability. You'll also enjoy onboard GPS, Samsung Pay, and a digital touch bezel.

$229 at Amazon

As the newest member of the tried and true fitness tech family, the Fitbit Versa 2 had pretty big shoes to fill. Fortunately, it succeeded with some decent upgrades. Fitbit Pay is now standard, users have Amazon-Alexa built-in, and battery life is on point.

$150 at Amazon

When you begin shopping around for a fitness smartwatch, Samsung and Fitbit are likely to be some of the first brands you come across. They've both got robust lineups with plenty to offer a variety of audiences. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 and Versa 2 are no exception. Whether you're hoping for a smartwatch that's both brains and beauty or one that's all about that fitness, you'll be able to get what you came for.

Being that we're dealing with two fitness-focused smartwatches, there's bound to be some similarities. They both come with many of the same core features, like heart-rate tracking, sleep monitoring, 5 ATM water resistance, smartphone notifications, and music storage.

There are some important differences to take note of, though. You get less than half the battery life with Galaxy Watch Active 2, for starters. This may not be a big deal for some users, while others don't want to be bothered with charging their devices so often. The Fitbit Versa 2 delivers on battery life, but it lacks built-in GPS. In other words, you'll need to have your phone with you to track your route when you exercise.

As far as displays go, you'll find some common ground between these two. Both are sporting sizable AMOLED displays with touchscreen capabilities. The AMOLED is a new and long-awaited feature for the Versa family. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is easier to navigate thanks to its digital touch bezel. Samsung has added an innovative touch strip around the watch, so you get the function of a rotating bezel without the extra hardware.

The Versa 2 comes in an aluminum case and five different color choices. The Galaxy Watch Active 2 is available in aluminum or stainless steel with three color options for both. You'll also be able to choose your own straps for both of these watches as they support interchangeable bands.

Another difference is that the Galaxy Watch Active 2 has an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor. It's not available to use just yet but it will detect a user's irregular heartbeat, which can be a sign of atrial fibrillation. This condition, also known as AFib, can lead to serious heart-related complications, including blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. While not everyone is going to buy a watch for this feature alone, it's a thoughtful addition on Samsung's part.

You can expect some overlap when it comes to health and fitness tracking on the Galaxy watch Active 2 and Versa 2. For example, both will keep track of your heart rate, steps, distance, and calories burned throughout the day. Additionally, both watches are equipped with automatic activity detection, so they'll know to start tracking when you begin certain workouts.

On the Versa 2, you can rely on the on-screen workouts to guide you through each move. These sure do like nice on the new AMOLED display. Samsung tried a different approach with Running Coach. This feature provides you with real-time pace metrics, so you'll receive a breakdown of what to expect from your workout before you start. You can even rely on the audio cues, which can be heard through the watch speaker or Bluetooth headphones.

This time around, the Versa 2 has Amazon-Alexa built-in. What does this mean for users? You can talk to your watch to get the things you need. For instance, all you have to do is press a button and ask your watch to check the weather, set reminders, and you can even get on-screen answers to your questions. You can also quickly and easily start a workout with the help of this feature. "Alexa, start a walk with Fitbit," and you'll be on your way.

If you've been waiting for a fitness smartwatch with LTE connectivity to come along, you'll be content with the Galaxy Watch Active 2. When users choose an LTE-enabled model, they'll be able to make calls and send text messages right from their watch without needing to have their phone. Keep in mind that the price goes up when you go with this model.

Like with any purchase, the best way to decide between products is to determine what type of experience you're looking for. Both of these smartwatches live up to their respective hypes, but choosing one over the other will depend on what you value most in a wearable.

When you want to enjoy a top-notch activity tracking suite in a fashionable package, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 is the way to go. That's not to say that the Fitbit Versa 2 won't look good on your wrist, but Samsung's latest smartwatch is undeniably more stylish. If you've been longing for a fitness watch that comes with LTE connectivity, that also makes the Galaxy Watch Active 2 a superior choice.

Those who aren't investing in a smartwatch for LTE or fashion might prefer the Versa 2. It's a known fact that Fitbit is one of the go-to brands when it comes to solid activity tracking. With 15+ goal-based exercise modes, on-screen workouts, 24/7 heart-rate tracking, and sleep monitoring, this is a stellar fitness tracking experience through and through.

For stylish folk

Want to track your workouts and look good doing it? You'll love the Galaxy Watch Active 2. It's got great tracking features with a stylish look to go with it. Plus, optional LTE lets you take your smartwatch experience to the next level.

For fitness fiends

If you're a true fitness fiend looking for a smartwatch that can keep up, the Versa 2 is ready for the challenge. With superb battery life, on-screen workouts, and a host of activity and health tracking features, you'll be glad you chose it.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

If you've got your eyes on the new Galaxy Watch Active 2, don't forget to pick up a screen protector for it as well. We've rounded up some great picks.

Excited about your new Galaxy Watch Active 2 but still searching for the perfect band? We've got options.

The Fitbit Versa, Versa Lite, and Versa 2 are among Fitbit's best-looking wearables to-date. Give them some extra pizazz with these watch bands!

Originally posted here:
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 vs. Fitbit Versa 2: Which should you buy? - Android Central

Ready to stock up on all the best fitness gear to support your fitness goals for 2020? Well, it's your lucky day, because Womens Health collaborated with over 50 industry expertstrainers, athletes, and editorsto curate this year's list of the must-have workout clothing and accessories. Whether youre in search of sneakers, flattering leggings, or a brand-new gym bag to tote all your essentials, this list spotlights the best of the best.

A good sports bra is hard to find (understatement of the century, tbh). These gym-tested options provide the quality and comfort you deserve.

Trainer Fave

Thermal Lily Bra

$35.00

This bra is ideal for new moms who have sensitivity from breastfeeding since its nice and soft," says Katrina Scott, personal trainer and Tone It Up Co-Founder. Plus, the performance fabric means it's reliable enough for any workout.

Energy Bra

$52.00

Some sports bras are cute...others are supportive. This standout magically checks both boxes (and was the most-recommended pick among trainers and WH editors).

Movement Sports Bra

Our fitness team was blown away by this bras second-skin fitfeaturing anti-microbial fabricwith plenty of coverage on the top, bottom, and sides of chest.

Stamina Sports Bra

$50.00

Seamless and fast-drying material means no chafing. We also love the breathable waffle detailing right where you need it most (goodbye, boob sweat).

Full Coverage High Impact Sports Bra

Enell amazon.com

This bra comes highly recommended by trainers with larger chests. No more doubling up on sports brasit helps you feel secure and stable, even during high-impact activities. Plus, it comes in a number of fun colors.

Kelsey Kaleidoscope Bra

$55.00

Like pure magic, this sports bra offers ample support during high and low-impact activities, yet it somehow has a barely there feel. Another top-rated pick from new-mom trainers, this soft bra is winner through and through.

Rock out to your pump-up playlist with high-quality headphones that are sweat-tested and editor approved.

Trainer Fave

Buttons

Ive tried dozens of headphones, and these have the highest-quality sound, says Lacey Stone, celebrity trainer. Plus, they look like cute jewelry in my ears.

Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

These wireless, noise-canceling headphones with cushioned ear cups stay put during strength training andare a go-tofor fitness pros. Love the fact that they are wireless, comfortable, plus really drown out any other sound I have around me, says Angela Gargano, certified personal trainer.

On-Ear Headphones

$192.00

While most of its competitors use leather, Adidas' over-ear pair features sweatproof mesh, so it doesnt stay all damp or get stanky post-workout.

Vista

$179.99

Lightweight, 100-percent sweatproof, and equipped with three sizes of interchangeable silicone ear gels for an impeccable no-slip fit. Whats not to love?

AirPods

You see them everywhere for a reason. They stay in my ears no matter how crazy the workout, and no wires makes it easy to move. Ive never had a problem with the sound, says Bec Donlan, certified personal trainer, founder of Sweat With Bec. Also, their smart-tech automatically pauses tunes when you take them out of your ears, so youll never miss a beat.

Hey, once youve stocked up on killer new gear, you need something equally awesome to schlep it in. Theres no going wrong with these versatile gym bags.

Editor FAVE

GR1 Backpack

$345.00

Ive worn my pack through snow and rain, and its still good as new, says Liz Plosser, WH editor-in-chief. It stays flat against my backzero swing or friction.

Vignelli Backpack

$165.00

The gorgeous vegan leatherwith a lining made from recycled plastic bottlesis not only sustainably produced but also waterproof. (Score!)

Studio Medium Duffel Backpack

$315.00

This do-everything tote converts from backpack to duffel to crossbody. It also has two completely separate compartments to keep your laptop away from your gear.

Transparent Gym Duffle Bag

Transparent material makes it a breeze to locate all your essentials. Bonus: The clear PVC is easy to wipe down and keep clean at all times (no stink).

Landon Carryall Duffel Bag

$155.00

WH editors swear by this sleek, neoprene duffel. It comes in five sizes, but the medium will store your laptop and workout gear.

Pack your bag with products designed to make your pre- and post-workout routine a total breeze.

Trainer Fave

Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

I always try to remember my S'well bottle for workouts, says Bree Koegel, certified personal trainer. Its an easy way to cut down on waste, and it keeps your water super cold!

Body Wipes

$24.99

No matter the season, I am a walking pile of sweat, which often flares up my eczema, says Roz The Diva Mays, certified personal trainer. I randomly found Defense Soap, which was marketed as a (potential) antidote to skin rashes wrestlers and martial artists often get. Holy Beyonc, their products WORK! Using the Body Wipes and soap have completely transformed my skin.

Pro Detangle Hair Brush

$8.99

I sweet like crazy so I need a brush that doesnt tear my hair out after class, says Stone. Wet Brush Pro is designed for people who workout and dont have time to slowly combo their hair because they are onto the next!

Deodorant Wipes

$25.00

Need to head back to work or errands immediately post-workout? Recess deodorant body wipes are designed to keep you feeling (and smelling) fresh when you dont have time for a full shower. Bonus: Theyre made from natural ingredients and are aluminum-free.

Coffee Wonder Collection

$24.71

Never worry about coffee spillage again. Pour your coffee, tea, or drink of choice in this insulated cup and toss it in your gym bag. Your bev will still be hot (or cold!) long after your workout is over.

Performance Running Ankle Sock

Blisters, be gone! These top-notch socks were designed specifically with active women in mind. They feature strategic cushioning and air flowwhere you need it most. The brand's signature Hex Tec construction ensures all the moisture-wicking, and none of the friction.

If you didnt record your run, did it really happen? Okay, yesbut these wearables are here to prove your every move.

TRAINER FAVE

Whoop Tracker

Buy It

This is one of the most analytically accurate trackers! says Roxie Jones, certified personal trainer. I love that it gives you a recovery score to determine how hard you should train the next day.

Vvoactive 4S

$349.99

Were crushing hard on Vvoactives new features: on-screen workout demos, stress monitoring, and the ability to download music to your watch.

Apple Watch Series 5

The latest generation is the smartest yet, featuring always on technology so you can check your stats mid-plank without the screen going dark.

Versa 2

$148.99

This smartwatch comes loaded with Amazon Alexa, Spotify, and Fitbit Pay (a first for the brand). Have no fear, it still offers lots of sweat-friendly apps too.

Suunto 5

$329.00

Its noticeably less bulky than most other GPS watches, and the maps feature leaves a breadcrumb trail of your route so you can return safely from a hike or run.

Cooler temps? Yeah, they dont stand a chance against these highly technical pieces. Throw em on before your next bike ride, long run, or winter hike.

Editor Fave

Womens Flight Futurelight Jacket

$280.00

Nannospinning techtiny holes that let air in and water outmakes this jacket light, waterproof, and actually enjoyable to wear, says Kristine Thomason, fitness and wellness editor.

IgniteLite Stretch Reversible Jacket

$119.40

Perfect for winter workouts (down to -5 degrees), this durable jacket battles the elements and excess body heat while keeping you warm.

VB Balaclava

$150.00

When the elements are teaming up against you, reach for this knit balaclava that covers your neck and head like no other. It features a soft blend of wool and cashmere to help keep you feeling warm and ready for anything.

Wolverine Cirque Insulated Jacket

$160.97

Stay warm without overheating, thanks to strategic insulation around the coreand breathable back and underarm panels.

Wind Defence Comp Tights

Yes, you can still rock supportive, compression tights when cold weather strikes. A specialized membrane on these tights keep wind chill at bay, paired with thermal panels for some extra warmth.

Go here to see the original:
Fitness Awards 2019 - Best Fitness Products - Women's Health

November is Diabetes Awareness month and I encourage each of us to Be Aware. Diabetes is daunting, complex and at times quite a scary illness. The majority of us know someone who is affected by diabetes and the resulting complications. As a result, we tend to be like an ostrich and just bury our heads in the sand.

For some of you, you may need to Be Aware of your risk of diabetes, either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugars are abnormal but not quite yet to the degree of diabetes. This generally can be defined as an A1c of 5.8 to 6.4% or a fasting blood sugar between 100 and 124 mg/dl. It is estimated that 1 out of 3 Americans has prediabetes and the majority of them dont know it. You can take a formal risk test online at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. You should also Be Aware that there are non-medication treatments to help prevent diabetes which includes working up to 30 min of physical activity 5 days a week, watching your portion sizes, and your resulting weight. Fortunately in Montana, Be Aware that we have multiple CDC certified Diabetes Prevention Programs throughout the state. This includes the collaborative program between St Vincent Healthcare and the YMCA if you want formal coaching in this area. The next program session starts in January, so dont delay.

You should also Be Aware that there has been a new body of research that is helping us identify early stages of type 1 diabetes. This comes from decades of research through coordinated research centers and scientists studying the autoimmunity of type 1 diabetes and ultimately trying to find a way to prevent the onset of type 1 diabetes in those at risk. In a landmark paper published this summer teplizumab, a CD3 monoclonal antibody, was the first medication ever to show a delay in the onset of type 1 diabetes in a high risk population. You can read more about this important research at trialnet.org. Be Aware, that despite these advances, the NIH funding for this research as been dramatically reduced this year and subsequent years.

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Be Aware if you already have diabetes, whether its type 1 or type 2, that you have the ability and resources to take control. Be Aware of others in your life that can help you if you are willing to ask for help. You have a team of diabetes professionals available to you including your diabetes educator, dietician, or pharmacist to help provide tools to improve your glucose control and reduce your risk of long term complications. Maybe for you its engaging with a counselor or life coach to help you overcome your habit of comfort or stress eating. Have you considered asking a friend or your spouse to help you stay committed to the activity goals that you have set for yourself?

Finally, Be Aware that the field of diabetes is advancing with new technologies at speeds never seen before. Some of these include advancements in continuous glucose monitors, automated insulin delivery through insulin pumps, bluetooth connected insulin pens and meters, as well as new medications. Figuring out the best options for you requires you to engage with your treatment team

As we move from November into the holiday season, lets all Be Aware about diabetes and its impact on us, our friends and family, and our healthcare system at large. Be Aware that you have what it takes to make the difficult choices to impact this disease, from prevention to treatment.

We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as as they happen!

Justen Rudolph, MD, is the Director of the St. Vincent Diabetes & Endocrine Center

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This month, join the fight against diabetes | Health and Fitness - Billings Gazette