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In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Anthony Verdino — a licensed clinical social worker and author of CBT Simplified. Drawing from both his professional expertise and personal story of resilience, Anthony shares how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be applied beyond the therapy room — into the way we think, act, and feel in our everyday lives. We explore how small shifts in thought and behavior can create profound changes in productivity and well-being, especially in a world that often mistakes busyness for progress. Anthony offers practical ways to align mindset with action and shows how reframing,…

While lifting weights to build muscle is a proven method for maintaining longevity, joint limitations as we age threaten to derail our progress. In fact, almost a third of people over 45 show signs of knee osteoarthritis on x-rays, with half of this group displaying acute symptoms. Fortunately, a new study has revealed that aerobic exercise, and three specific activities could be key to improving your knees. The study, published by The BMJ, recognized that while exercise is a long-lauded method for improving knee mobility, the advice around exactly which exercises to engage with can be quite limited. “Therapeutic exercise…

You don’t need machines or heavy weights to stay strong after 60. In fact, the smartest training comes from using your own body. Bodyweight exercises activate multiple muscle groups at once, challenging strength, balance, and mobility in ways that machines rarely match. They keep your joints healthy, your coordination sharp, and your strength practical, ready for real life. The key lies in control. When you move with intention, your muscles fire together, stabilizers engage, and you build the kind of total-body strength that supports everything from climbing stairs to carrying groceries. Bodyweight training builds not just muscle mass, but also…

Part of my role as SELF’s fitness and nutrition writer is to try recipes and food products that spark buzz online and IRL. Fluffy yogurt? Check. Protein Diet Coke? Check. But a pickle sandwich? Well, that was new territory even for me.Later this month, the sandwich chain Jimmy John’s will be serving exactly that for a limited time. And by “pickle sandwich,” I’m not talking about a sandwich that contains pickles, to be clear. Rather, I’m referring to the Picklewich, a bread-free spinoff that substitutes Jimmy John’s standard French roll for hollowed-out dill pickles. When the Picklewich first debuted in…

Heal LA is one of those places you hear about from someone who is really into wellness, but the moment you walk in, you understand why. The space is quiet and minimal, with soft light and a calm that feels natural. No crystals, no gimmicks, just a sense that everything here was created to help you slow down and breathe a little easier. Founded by Dr. Jessica Sharratt and Dr. Brenda Perry, Heal LA blends modern science with traditional healing. Treatments range from acupuncture and integrative therapy to hyperbaric oxygen and cryo dry floats. But the one everyone talks about…

Episode 256 of The Menace Podcast featured host Dennis James along with Milos Sarcev, Jose Raymond, and the legendary Kenneth “Flex” Wheeler. During the show, James asked Flex about a recent Instagram post that criticized the state of bodybuilding in the 2020s, and the retired Olympian gave his honest view. Derek Lunsford won his second Mr Olympia title on October 11, and as is always the case, fans soon debated whether the winner was worthy of the championship. One post that got a lot of attention on Instagram was that of bodybuilding enthusiast @briananthony_5, who wrote, “Why doesn’t my era…

Staying fit after 40 can feel like an uphill battle, especially when the strategies that worked in your twenties and thirties suddenly seem less effective. Many women find themselves frustrated when their dedicated workout routines don’t deliver the results they’re hoping for. The truth is, certain common exercise approaches can actually work against you, sabotaging your progress and leaving you feeling discouraged. Read on to discover the five biggest fitness mistakes that could be holding you back—and learn how to turn things around for better results. You’re Only Focusing on Cardio Shutterstock When people think of building endurance, their immediate…

From box jumps to lateral bounds to burpees, plyometric exercises can be…intimidating. It makes sense then if you think they’re only for a certain type of exerciser–for example, the ex-college athlete, or the 20-something CrossFitter.The truth though? Plyometrics (or plyos for short) are great for almost anyone. They can be scaled to tons of different ability levels, from beginner gym-goer to pro athlete. And they provide a host of real world benefits that help you move about life more efficiently, effectively, and safely. That makes plyos a smart addition to your–yes, your!–routine.Also called “jump training” or “explosive training,” plyometrics are…

When you picture every minute on the minute workouts (EMOM), you think of lifting weights fast while your lungs scream at you to stop, and sweat is pooling at your feet. But what happens when you flip the script and go heavy? You get stronger—fast. This 15-minute deadlift EMOM is more than just a workout. It’s a test of strength, focus, and discipline. You’ll load the bar with 90% of your 1-rep max, and at the top of every minute, you’ll pull one crisp, clean rep. Then you breathe, reset, and do it again. Fifteen reps. Fifteen minutes. Zero wasted…

As an antioxidant, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) has long been shown to neutralize those pesky free radicals that damage our cells. It also reduces oxidative stress and potentially lowers the risk of chronic disease. This vitamin is also important for keeping skin supple and moisturized and helps provide natural UV protection. Thanks to its benefits, vitamin E is often found in beauty product formulations such as moisturizers, serums, sunscreen, lip balm, body oil, and hair care products. It’s also found naturally in nuts (especially almonds), seeds, vegetable oils (including sunflower and wheat germ), egg yolks, and some green veggies like broccoli and…