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You know the classic scene. Someone on the floor, crunching away, hoping that hundreds of reps will finally reveal a six-pack. Here’s a dose of reality for gymgoers: crunches aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Most traditional ab exercises fail to deliver the kind of strength, stability, and definition you need after 40. The older you get, the more critical it becomes to train your core smarter and in various ways. Your core is the entire network of muscles that keep your spine safe, your balance sharp, and your movements strong. I like to define your core as the…

Even with your best efforts (and a lineup of pricey brightening products), dark spots notoriously take their sweet time to go away. More specifically, “it can take around a month,” Mamina Turegano, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology in New Orleans, tells SELF—sometimes, “up to three months.” But in our rush to fade stubborn hyperpigmentation ASAP, dermatologists say we often make mistakes that make those very marks even more noticeable.To understand what makes dark spots so persistent, it helps to know what’s going on under the surface. On a basic level, those brown, red, or purplish marks show up when…

When you’re trying to meet weight loss goals, staying consistent, sticking to a plan and watching what you consume is key. While many focus on food, what you drink also makes a difference. If you’re careful about your meals, but load up on sugary drinks, that impacts how much weight you’ll lose. “If your goal is to shrink your waist and reduce body fat, it’s not about eating or drinking less, it’s about finding smarter drinks,” says Terry Tateossian, an ISSA Nutritionist and ISSA Personal Trainer, IIN Hormone Specialist, IIN Emotional Eating Coach, and the Founder of THOR: The House…

Some of the links in this story are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you choose to purchase—helping us continue to share mindful, inspiring content. Carly Kremer has always believed that wellness should start with nature and a little help from the hive. As the founder of Beekeeper’s Naturals, she’s made it her mission to upgrade the modern medicine cabinet with clean, bee-powered alternatives that actually work. What started as a personal health quest (and a few bottles of propolis spray at farmers markets) has grown into a cult-favorite brand sold everywhere from Whole Foods to…

The barbell bench press is the undisputed champion of international chest day, and for good reason. It builds upper-body strength, enhances your chest, shoulders, and triceps, and gives lifters that classic “how much ya bench?” bragging rights. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all exercise. For some lifters, the barbell bench press can cause persistent shoulder pain or frustration due to stalled progress. Others lack the know-how or the spotter to perform it safely, but that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a no chest and weak press. Here, I will outline what makes the barbell bench press so effective, what to consider…

Grip strength doesn’t get talked about enough, but it can significantly impact your workout results. A fatigued grip occurs when the muscles in your forearms and hands give out before the larger muscle groups you’re training. This is quite common in exercises like deadlifts, kettlebell swings, or heavy rows, where your grip becomes the “limiting factor,” explains Nick Lo Cicero, coach, fitness training and support manager with Orangetheory Fitness. When grip fatigue is holding you back, Nick has a quick fix to help you get on track. “Many people are often surprised when their grip fails, even when their legs…

Are you trying to lose weight by Labor Day? Making a few changes to your diet and increasing your intake of particular foods can help you drop body fat and lean up. We asked Life Time Westchester (NY) Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach Jess Schneider for suggestions on easy, everyday foods that blast body fat. According to an expert, here are seven foods you should eat daily to slim down in 30 days. Red Meat Shutterstock The first food on her list is red meat. “This has been in the controversial spotlight the past few years, but you won’t find…

We love a weekender bag as much as the next jet-setter. But sometimes, you want luggage you can roll through the airport (rather than lug around on your shoulder). The best carry-on suitcases hold all of your vacation essentials and easily fit in the overhead compartment. They’ll save you on last-minute bag check fees and might even make you a more organized packer.Still, not just any suitcase will do for your next flight, cruise, or road trip. Below, SELF staffers and flight attendants weigh in on which carry-ons are worth investing in for your travels.Our top picksBest Overall: Beis The…

HYROX is a unique race. Equal parts running and functional strength, it presents a formidable challenge to any shoe. If your footwear doesn’t match the task, you’ll feel it, whether that’s during a 1,000-meter run or while driving a 275-pound sled. This article explores the real-world performance of both training shoes and running shoes in a HYROX context. I personally tested several pairs of each across strength training, HYROX-style workouts, and dedicated runs. I also included standout models based on expert recommendations, athlete feedback, and research. As a performance coach at Rypt and HYROX athlete Jacob Ruch, CSCS, told me,…

News flash: Some of the strongest people walking around don’t look like they’ve ever done a crunch in their lives. A powerful core shows up in the way you move, hold yourself, and stay injury-free when life throws something your way—like a quick change of direction, a stumble on uneven ground, or a heavy suitcase you’ve got to haul overhead. As you age, core strength plays an increasingly significant role in how you feel day-to-day. It supports your lower back, stabilizes your spine, and provides a solid foundation to lift, carry, push, and pull with greater confidence. If your core…