POPSUGAR Fitness

17 Butt-Lifting Leggings Popsugar Editors Swear By - Starting at $19

Kyley Warren — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:45:02 -0700

No matter what's trending in fitness or fashion, we'll never abandon one of our most trusted pieces of workout gear: a great pair of leggings. While the closet staple is sometimes purely functional, the best pairs can withstand a long leg day (squats included) and look good doing it. When it comes to flattering fits, these butt-lifting leggings check all the boxes - particularly when it comes to showing off the backside. Look good, feel good, right?

You might've already seen some of these booty-lifting leggings trending on social media, but we thoroughly vetted the best ones based on editor testing and thousands of reviews. Ahead, shop some of our favorite pairs that'll give your glutes a quick lift and your confidence an instant boost. All of these butt-sculpting leggings will make your booty look great whether you're working up a sweat at the gym or lounging around at home. Our picks include the viral scrunch-butt leggings, and a few compression leggings that'll keep you held in, but they all give that similar sought-after lift. Our editors test new leggings regularly (we're talking at least one new pair a month), so we know the difference between a letdown and a truly supportive fit - especially when it comes to glute-enhancing power. That's why we included a handful of our top-tested, so you can get the best of the best.

The Best Butt-Lifting Leggings:

The TikTok-viral pick: Seasum High Waist Leggings at $19
A butt-lifting staple equipped with pockets: Old Navy Extra-High Waisted PowerSoft Boundless 7/8 Pocket Leggings at $20, originally $40
The best supportive option: Halara Seamless Flow Leggings at $30
Your everyday high-waisted legging go-to: PS by Popsugar Work It High Waisted 7/8 Legging at $30
For flared-leg lovers: Offline by Aerie Real Me Crossover Flare Leggings at $38, originally $55
Second-skin comfort with ribbed detail: FP Movement High-Rise 7/8 Good Karma Leggings at $78
The ultimate hot yoga capri: FP Movement Smooth Moves Cropped Mini Flare Leggings at $78
Designed for low-impact days: Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Legging at $76, originally $109
A sheer, sculpting statement: Fabletics Luxe360 SculptKnit Legging at $85
Your high-performance, versatile training pair: Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight at $98
You can't go wrong with a Khloé Kardashian pick: Fabletics The No-Seam PureLuxe TLC Legging at $105
Polished enough for everyday wear: Carbon38 High Rise Full-Length Legging in Melt at $108
Compressive rib material in a pretty color: Spiritual Gangster Auralight Legging at $108
When comfort comes first: Beyond Yoga Spacedye High Waist Pocket Leggings at $108
No chafing, no resistance, and ultimate movement during strength: Lululemon Unrestricted Power High-Rise Tight 25" at $118
A functional editor favorite: On Studio Tights at $120
Built for high-impact workouts: Alo High-Waist Airlift Leggings at $134

How We Test the Best Butt-Lifting Leggings

As fairly active people, us Popsugar editors have, without really meaning to, become accidental connoisseurs of butt-lifting leggings - and it shows. Over the years, we've tested countless pairs during workouts, commutes, long-haul flights, and Netflix marathons, and the list below features some of our all-time faves (the ones we'll keep reordering until they stop making them, which they better not).

Here's what we paid attention to during testing:

Lift and Sculpt – Did they actually enhance and support our glutes, or just look cute on the hanger?
Comfort – Could we wear them all day without tugging, adjusting, or feeling like we were being gently vacuum-sealed?
Waistband Stay-Power – Did the high waist stay put through squats and lunges? No one likes a roll-down mid-burpee.
Breathability – Were they sweat-wicking and breathable, or did they trap heat and cling like plastic wrap?
Compression – Did they offer that satisfying "held in" feel without cutting off circulation?
Stretch and Recovery – Did the fabric stretch comfortably but snap back into shape after workouts and washes?
Versatility – Could we wear them from gym to brunch without a full outfit change?

The butt-lifting leggings we chose for the list below combine good design with serious performance - and yes, they made our butts look fantastic while doing it.

User reviews may have been lightly edited for clarity.

Update on June 22, 2026 at 2:45 PM ET: I updated prices and checked stock for all products, and added some recent favorites from Free People.

The Sweetest Moment of the World Cup Is This Pregame Tradition

Amanda Prahl — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 08:05:03 -0700

The World Cup 2026 is officially here, which means it's time for my favorite pregame ritual. If you've ever watched the opening ceremonies of a soccer match, you've probably noticed this sweet detail: the players always walk onto the field holding the hands of kids, who are dressed like an adorable little squad themselves. Or maybe you've seen one of the many videos that's gone viral, featuring a cute moment between a young fan and a soccer hero as they stand together on the field. Regardless, it always makes me tear up. There's something incredibly pure and heartwarming about watching the younger generation escort their heroes and role models onto the biggest global stage.

But how did the longstanding tradition responsible for cleaning me out of Kleenex even begin? It's rarely explained during international tournaments such as the World Cup or the Euros, but we did some digging to find out.

The children who walk out with the players are called "player escorts" or "mascot children," and they've been part of soccer games for well over 20 years now. One of the earliest photos of children walking as mascots was published in the Liverpool Echo after a November 1996 match between Liverpool and Everton. Beginning around 2000, the practice as it is today began: one escort for each player, rather than just one or two per team.

Early on, the practice of having children escort the players doubled as a way to raise awareness for charitable causes. Ahead of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, FIFA and UNICEF partnered on a program called Say Yes For Children, which aimed "to promote and protect the right of all children to healthy recreation and quality primary education," according to a 2002 UNICEF press release. The statement continued: "Children are being given a prime role at each match, accompanying each player onto the pitch in a symbolic action reminding football enthusiasts that they have a major role to play in building a world fit for children."

Starting in 2002, McDonald's became a key sponsor of the mascot program at the World Cup and European Championships, offering parents and children a chance to enter a sweepstakes to win one of those coveted spots. In 2014, McDonald's reportedly sent 1,400 kids from 70 different countries to the World Cup in Brazil, according to ABC News.

At the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, sponsor Commonwealth Bank created the CommBank FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Player Escort Programm. Through the program, a total of 1,500 children between the ages of 6 and 10 accompanied players onto the pitch before matches throughout the tournament.

In other cases, however, being a mascot might be as simple as paying the price tag. A 2018 investigation by The Guardian revealed that a large number of Premier League teams often charge between £150 and £600 for kids to be escorts at a match. The "mascot packages" often include more than just a place as a mascot - kids are also given gear, autographs, or other swag - but the practice has drawn criticism for excluding kids from less affluent backgrounds.

This year, FIFA partners Quaker and Common Goal are facilitating the player escort program, using the opportunity to build awareness around daily nutrition for families and communities. After completing more than eight hours of educational programming focused on nutrition and wellbeing, 1,738 young people from underserved communities were chosen to "step onto soccer's biggest stage," per Common Goal.

"For many of these young people, this will be far more than a walk onto the pitch. It is a moment of recognition, belonging, and possibility on the biggest stage in football," said Mary Connor, Common Goal CEO. And for audiences, it's a reminder that there's more to soccer (or any sport) than the outcome of the game.

- Additional reporting by Alexis Jones

Amanda Prahl is a freelance writer, playwright/lyricist, dramaturg, teacher, and copywriter/editor. Amanda has also contributed to Slate, Bustle, Mic, The Mary Sue, and others.

Alexis Jones is the section lead of the health and fitness verticals at Popsugar, overseeing coverage across the website, social media, and newsletters. In her seven-plus years of editorial experience, Alexis has developed passions for and expertise in mental health, women's health and fitness, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining PS, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.

What's Next in Activewear? We Asked the Founder of LSKD

Chandler Plante — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 15:10:03 -0700

Activewear is constantly evolving. From whimsical balletcore lüks, to flattering butt-lifting leggings, it can be hard to predict the next iteration of cool-girl gymwear. But for those who like to stay one step ahead, your best bet would be turning to the people behind some of the trendiest brands in activewear right now, like LSKD's Jason Daniel.

If you haven't heard of LSKD, odds are have seen it around your run club, yoga studio, or heated Pilates class. The colors are bold, the styles are uniquely flattering, and social media can't seem to get enough. With a dedicated fan base and a steady stream of new launches, we decided to ask Daniel what he sees coming down the activewear pipeline. (But for all the new trends he's anticipating, there's also a few fitness fads Daniel is ready for us to leave behind.)

According to Daniel, good activewear should be fun and functional above all else; just because it looks good in a flat-lay or a mirror selfie, doesn't actually mean it's a cute set you'll reach for over and over again - and isn't that the ultimate goal?

Ahead, we dug into the rest of Daniel's trend forecast, informed by his real-life insights as a founder. From the return of Y2K and retro designs to an increase in bold graphics, here's what he's most excited to see in the activewear space - and what he thinks we should move on from.

Popsugar: Are there any returning trends you're excited about?
Jason Daniel: The Y2K and retro revival feels very LSKD to me. We've always been loud with color . . . and now that bold graphics are a "trend," we show up.

PS: What major trends are you anticipating in the fitness space?
JD: Community over content. What I'm seeing now is a real hunger for belonging. People want to show up IRL and do something collectively that makes them feel good.

PS: Do you have any hot takes on 2026 fitness trends?
JD: Recovery has found its place at the top. Our team are athletes in their own way and have found the importance of recovery as part of their daily routines. Rest, mobility, sleep - these are now mandatory to the performance equation . . . from a product perspective, that's why our design team has invested so much in fabrics and construction that actually support how the body moves and recovers - not just how it looks in a flat-lay.

PS: When it comes to fitness trends, is there anything you think we need to leave behind?
JD: Aesthetic-first fitness culture. The idea that you work out to look a certain way, and the gear is only meant for a "fit check." Movement should be about how you feel, what you can do to be better . . . what you put on your body should mean something. I'd love to see the industry move toward gear that's built for real people doing real things, not just pieces engineered for a mirror selfie.

Chandler Plante (she/her) is a social producer and staff writer for the Health & Fitness team at Popsugar. She has over five years of industry experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine, a social media manager for Millie magazine, and a contributor for Bustle Digital Group. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and is based in Los Angeles.

Ali Krieger Says the World Cup Is "Exactly What We Need Right Now"

Alexis Jones — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:00:03 -0700

Ali Krieger is "retired" in the lightest sense of the word. When we hop on a Zoom call just a week before the men's FIFA World Cup, she just put the finishing touches on her new garage gym and is gearing up for a 3v3 tournament during the games.

It's the athlete in her. At 41, the two time women's FIFA world cup champ wouldn't dream of stepping away from the sport entirely. "I still play pickup. I was just playing in Soccer Aid this past weekend," she tell Popsugar, while detailing her latest partnership with Fairlife Core Power. While no longer a member of an NWSL or women's national team, soccer and exercise is still very much top of mind for Krieger.

She's still in the gym two days a week, prioritizing strength training, taking regular Pilates classes, and running weekly - although she's cut back significantly from her pro days on the pitch. "I run like once a week and no more than like 15 minutes. You can't pay me out to run anymore," Krieger jokes. As for the strength training, that's motivated by her two kids, ages 3 and 5, who she's often chasing around. "I still want to be fit enough to do that and to have the energy to do that," Krieger adds.

On the other days of the week, she's focused on recovery (the Core Power vanilla protein shake is a go-to) and Pilates. The latter, Krieger swears could have extended her career if she started it sooner: "I wish I would have started [Pilates] way before I retired, because I think I would have lasted a little bit longer."

Still, she finds life as a spectator (and professional broadcaster) wildly rewarding, especially in these next two years with the women's World Cup set for 2027 and the men's tournament just days away.

"It's the biggest and best tournament in the world, coming to our backyard," she says. Her biggest hope for the games? A chance for unity. Krieger believes we could use something big to bring us together with "everything that we're going through politically in the world right now, and then more specifically within our own country."

"Having a team to cheer for and root for, but also feel like we're really a part of a family" - that's what Krieger's looking forward to the most. "I love that football can do that for people. I love that this beautiful game that I really enjoy and I'm so passionate about can bring people from all over the world together in one place to just have a moment of excitement and joy, because that's exactly what we need right now."

"Out of all the championships . . . fighting for equal pay, I would say, is the most rewarding and proud moment."

For Krieger, soccer has always been more than just a game; it's been a vehicle for change. She was one of the original 22 US Women's National Team players allocated to the NWSL for its inaugural season in 2013 and played professionally until retiring in 2023. She's witnessed the gender resource discrepancy first hand - from the stadiums they'd practice in to the checks they'd receive. Krieger was also a member of the USWNT during its landmark equal pay complaint filed against the US Soccer Federation, which ultimately led to a $24 million dollar settlement and the collective bargaining agreement in place today guaranteeing equal pay for the women's and men's US soccer teams through December 2028. "Out of all the championships and all the games we would win and the tournaments that we would play in - fighting for equal pay, I would say, that that is the most rewarding and proud moment," she says.

"I don't think [the younger players] would ever understand what we went and believe those stories that we have," Krieger adds, "but all of that has been so rewarding and worth it now and that's the way it's supposed to be."

Today, people are investing in women's sports like never before. "Globally, around $4 billion in equity assets under management (AUM) is now allocated to women‑focused investment mandates, 2.4 times the level in 2019," according to 2026 BofA Global Research. And the investment is paying off: women's sports revenues in the US were estimated to grow 250 percent (to $2.5 billion) between 2024 and 2030 (and that's on the conservative end), per McKinsey analysis mentioned in the BofA report.

As we head into World Cup season, Krieger is highly optimistic about the potential growth that could take place within the world of women's soccer. "If you're not invested now, you're going to be missing out on the future."

What's Next in Activewear? We Asked the Co-Founder of Fabletics

Chandler Plante — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:55:03 -0700

Ginger Ressler's fitness forecast? Elevated activewear with a chance of denim. As the co-founder of Fabletics, she's seen plenty of trends come and go: scrunch leggings, tenniscore, and corset seams, just to name a few.

To figure out what's coming next, just look to the people around you. The modern-day consumer is on the go, looking for clothes that can serve them well throughout the day, and willing to invest in high-quality pieces if it means they won't fall apart in the dryer. Can your leggings take you through a workout class, then post-Pilates brunch? Are they functional enough for the gym, but cute enough for an impromptu grocery run? If the answer is no, maybe there's a way to fill in that gap - to create new designs, new styles that can carry you wherever life takes you. Think: longline sports bras that work well with jeans and leggings alike, workout dresses for playing on the court or grabbing a quick coffee, and more elevated basics that can easily transition from yoga to happy hour. For Ressler, this is where the real future of activewear lies.

Ahead, we asked Ressler to "check the forecast" and give us the rest of her 2026 trend predictions (plus what she thinks we should leave behind). From fitness regimens with an emphasis on recovery, to more polished activewear, here's what she anticipates coming down the fitness pipeline.

Popsugar: What are some newer trends you're seeing in activewear?
Ginger Ressler: What's exciting right now is how blurred the lines have become between fitness and lifestyle. Our customers aren't buying separate wardrobes anymore - they want pieces that truly move with them throughout the day. We're also seeing a growing demand for quality over quantity. People are investing in fewer, better pieces that combine performance, comfort, and style.

PS: Are there any returning trends you're excited about?
GR: Everything feels more fluid now . . . styles are constantly resurfacing and being reinterpreted in new ways. It's less about what's "in" or "out," and more about how you make it your own. That's why strong, well-designed classics are so important - they never truly go out of style, they just evolve with you. Personally, I love seeing brands re-envision a denim-on-denim moment. It's such a fun look that you can really dress up or down.

What major trends are you anticipating in the fitness space?
GR: What I'm seeing right now is a much more personalized and sustainable approach to fitness. Instead of one-size-fits-all programs, everything is becoming more tailored - whether that's through wearable tech like HRV devices, community-led workouts like run clubs, or more intuitive training methods. I also really support the shift towards prioritizing recovery, longevity, and mental wellness just as much as the workout itself. It's becoming less about intensity and more about consistency and long-term results.

Do you have any hot takes on 2026 fitness trends?
GR: I'm really here for this healthier, more balanced relationship with fitness. We're finally moving away from intensity just for the sake of being intense - that old mindset pushed a lot of people away from fitness altogether. The shift now is toward training smarter, not just harder. Focusing on recovery, mobility, and really tuning into your body is becoming just as important as the workout itself. That's a big departure from the "no days off" mentality, and honestly, it's a much more sustainable way to approach fitness.

When it comes to fitness trends, is there anything you think we need to leave behind?
GR: One thing we need to leave behind is the comparison mindset in fitness. I've had people look at my workouts and say, "I could never do that," or that what I'm doing feels unattainable . . . but it was never meant to be a benchmark for anyone else.

It's not about how much I can do, it's about how much you can do. Fitness should be personal, scalable, and empowering. The industry is at its best when it meets people where they are, not when it makes them feel like they're falling short.

Meet the Women Racers Rewriting the F1 Academy Dress Code

Sarah Wasilak — Wed, 27 May 2026 12:11:02 -0700

The 2026 Canadian Grand Prix marked a special moment for the women drivers of F1 Academy. Disney launched its Minnie Collective platform at the start of race weekend - introduced by F1 Academy Managing Director Susie Wolff - who highlighted the collaboration's core purpose: to celebrate a new generation of women who are natural leaders and unapologetically ambitious and confident. Of course, the partnership includes key Disney x Formula 1 Academy products - from the Minnie Mouse Pullover Hoodie ($150) to the Minnie Mouse Icon Pin ($30) - that the drivers sported proudly all weekend long to showcase the fact that women in motorsport are just getting started.

Since 2022, F1 Academy has grown tremendously, broadcast in 160 territories with a Netflix documentary to show for the fan hype. Formula 1's 2025 Global Fan Survey showed that female fans now account for three in four new fans, with 42 percent of females from the 100,000 people surveyed confirming they already follow F1 Academy.

F1 Academy is collaborating with big-name brands in addition to Disney (many of which target women), including last year's Hello Kitty collection and the announcement of the official LEGO Racing team on the grid in 2026. 75 percent of girls surveyed think racing sounds exciting, while 52 percent could see themselves as an F1 Academy or race car driver one day, according to research performed by LEGO. While a walk through the paddock will show you that men are still very much at the forefront of F1's commercialization (they are the "celebrities" so many fans want to see), the women's presence in Canada could be felt more than ever, and it made me proud to be a female F1 fan.

Here, five of the women racers - including Mercedes's Doriane Pin, Ferrari's Alba Larsen, Alpine's Nina Gademan, Racing Bulls's Rafaela Ferreira, and Williams's Jade Jacquet - tell Popsugar what they see for the future of women in motorsport, why they're proud to be role models for young girls, and how they define their signature style on and off the track. Watch me play Secret Teller with Susie Wolff and some more of the drivers below, then learn more about the women of Formula 1.

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A Case For Line Dancing as a Cardio Workout

Chandler Plante — Tue, 12 May 2026 14:40:02 -0700

Grab your cowboy hat and pull on your best boots, because the girlies are line dancing. "My friends literally skip the gym to learn new dances," my Gen Z sister tells me back in Arizona. Line dancing isn't necessarily a groundbreaking activity for many folks throughout the country, but the notion that people are trading the treadmill for a two-step immediately piques my interest. What are the chances the latest cardio trend is actually down at the local honky tonk?

Line dancing's cool-girl rebrand isn't just anecdotal: Per a recent Eventbrite Trend Report, this affinity may actually be part of a larger Western revival. Data shows line dancing events are up 165 percent, partially motivated by aesthetic appeal, yes, but also by a movement towards phone-free living. People are craving authentic connection, analog activities, and joyful movement.

Curious to see what all the hype was about (and if line dancing truly could double as my daily dose of cardio), I decided to give it a whirl. Here's what I learned, what I loved, and what my actual Oura ring stats ended up conveying.

My Line Dancing Experience

In all honesty, I was dreading my first line dancing class. I had booked a beginner class with Stud Country, a queer line dancing studio in Los Angeles. Still, after spending nearly a decade in Arizona, it was difficult for me to separate the fun of line dancing from the Old West's less-inclusive underbelly.

Thankfully, the Stud Country studio immediately assuaged my concerns. We danced to "Señorita" by Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes, and "Champagne Promise" by David Nail. And while the learning curve was steep, the energy was lighthearted and upbeat.

Our instructor walked us through the (fairly simple) choreography for about 20 minutes each time, which we learned facing the front of the room. The twist? Most of the dances are designed to change direction (front, side, back, side) which I found confusing at best, and completely disorienting at worst.

In the beginning, this switch up caused all choreography to see its way out of my brain, leaving me stressed, sweating, and panicked at the two step. But the second go-round, I finally found my footing, adding some modest flair to my movement until I genuinely enjoyed the repetition . . . even if I didn't nail every single step. By the end, I had made a few friends, broken a sweat, and learned two dances to keep in my back pocket should I ever muster up enough courage to attend a real line-dancing party.

My Line Dancing Takeaways

I can officially confirm that line dancing is a legitimate form of cardio. It might not replace an arduous session on the StairMaster, but by the end of class, I was definitely sweating (and only partially because of the lack of air conditioning in the studio).

All told, my Oura ring tracked 327 active calories, 3,500 steps, and an average heart rate of 102 BPM - but truthfully, I barely noticed the effort in the moment. Instead of worrying about getting a workout in, I was more focused on remembering the steps, staying out of people's way, and living in the moment.

There's also a very sweet social side to line dancing. Before class even started, I struck up a conversation with a kind couple who didn't mind me bumping into them every so often. At the end of the 90-minute class, at least three different people asked me if I'd be coming back next week. Even my existing friends slid into my DMs and asked to come with me next time (and they were only a little annoyed that I hadn't invited them in the first place).

My final verdict? If you're bored of the same ol' 12-3-30, line dancing might be the thing to break you out of your rut. Who knows? If your experience is anything like mine, you might just surprise yourself.

Is Padel the Newest "It" Sport? I Tried It to Find Out

Chandler Plante — Wed, 06 May 2026 14:30:02 -0700

Think of padel as pickleball's cool older sister. The rackets are thick and dense, making a satisfying "thwack" every time the yellow tennis ball hits against the perforated surface. Players move across a much larger court in pairs, without having to worry about the no-volley zones you see in pickleball. But perhaps most notably, padel courts are completely encased by tall, glass walls - and players are encouraged to use them to their advantage.

Pickleball has certainly had its moment in the spotlight: As people started to seek out socially-distanced activities in 2020, pickleball became the fastest-growing sport in the US, with more than 36.5 million people playing between August 2021 and August 2022. But over the past year, search interest in pickleball decreased nearly 10 percent, while padel reached an all-time high in 2025. Searches for Padel "courts near me" also, saw a 30 percent increase, per Google Trends' 2026 Trends Predictions.

Curious as to what might be driving this shift in interest, I decided to try padel for myself. Here's how it went, what I liked about it, and how I felt afterwards as a true beginner. Read on for the full padel report, plus some professional insight as to why padel may be coming for the racket sports throne.

My Padel Experience

"Athletic" isn't exactly the first word I'd use to describe myself. I'm a health and fitness editor of the yoga and sound bath variety. The good news is, you don't need to be an Olympian to try padel (and that's coming from someone with a prosthetic eye and limited depth perception). My first padel lesson was on the private court of Brad Korzen, co-founder of Proper Hospitality. As a fan of padel himself, Korzen is bringing padel to Proper Hotels, and the excitement is real.

"Padel really meets the moment in how people want to move and connect right now," a Proper Hotels rep tells Popsugar. "It has a low barrier to entry, so anyone can get involved, but it still delivers the energy, competition, and social interaction that keeps them coming back."

I certainly found this to be true with my own padel experience. Starting off with a few basic drills, I quickly got the hang of the heavier racket, even if I swung and missed a handful of times. I liked how much power I was able to deliver, and the thrill of the ball connecting to the racket made me want to spend more time out on the court. Another plus for beginners? You can use the glass walls to bounce the ball and catch rebounds, resulting in less restricted play.

"What's also accelerating the growth is how visual the sport is - the rallies, the glass court, the pace of play all translate incredibly well on social media," the Proper rep says. "Whether for hotel guests or Proper Club members, demand has been tremendous, and it's quickly become one of those amenities people build real rituals around."

With some experience under my belt, I scheduled my next session at the Padel Up courts on top of the Century City mall. Feeling more confident in my abilities, I noticed some improvement, missing less and hitting more consistently. I met up with friends and noted that - despite the walls surrounding the perimeter of the court - padel still felt incredibly social to me. I had plenty of downtime to chat with other players, lament over bad swings, and cheer people on. Frankly, I wasn't good enough to be all that competitive, but I could definitely see how this sport would spark some friendly rivalry.

Padel Takeaways

There's a lot to love about padel. It lets you move around more freely and operate from a place of strength and power, rather than precision and control. "Pickleball opened the door for social racket sports in the US, but padel feels like a natural evolution," Proper says. "It offers a more dynamic workout, a stronger built-in social format, and a level of strategy and competitiveness that really resonates with today's consumer."

Like many new sports, padel can be a little intimidating at first. But with a good group of friends, it's really not that difficult to get started. The gameplay is fun and straightforward, but it's not so intense that you can't take a break or yap with your friends (one of my all-time favorite pastimes). My advice to you? Text the group chat, book a court, and pick up the racket. Odds are, you won't look back.

How Group Cold Plunging Became My Unhinged, Unexpectedly Joyful Hobby

Lena Felton — Tue, 05 May 2026 15:40:01 -0700

On a recent early Saturday morning, I stood at the edge of the Pacific Ocean, my bare feet digging into cold, wet sand. The day was windy and chilly - about 55 degrees - and yet, for some reason, I was standing in shorts and a sports bra, ready to jump into the frothy oncoming waves. My best friend, Erin, stood beside me, and we looked at each other with fear in our eyes before running into the crashing waves, our hearts pounding and uncontrollable laughs and shouts spilling out of us.

The ritual has become a regular activity for me on weekend mornings, ever since I joined a plunge hosted by a local group, Ocean Beach Plunge Club, and Athleta for International Women's Day in March. That event gathered 300 women together at San Francisco's Ocean Beach for a 45-minute walk that culminated in a plunge in the freezing water.

I brought along Erin for that event, too, and the pure shock and joy that we experienced plunging for the first time together, in such a large group, was mind-altering. It was miserable to actually get in the freezing water, yes, but the minute we came up for air, we were smiling, a rush of dopamine surging through us. Stepping into a warm towel afterward, all I felt was pride and bliss.

I should caveat that I have never loved being in the water. I'm usually the friend waiting on the beach while everyone else goes swimming, watching our stuff. Yet, in the last few months, I've been cold plunging in the ocean several times, sometimes with a larger group of friends and sometimes just with my partner. The throughline from that very first plunge is that doing something difficult alongside people I love makes for a very gratifying experience.

Cold plunging - submerging yourself in cold water for anywhere from 30 seconds to 15 minutes and activating your sympathetic nervous system - has become more popular among celebrities and regular folks alike in recent years. As Popsugar previously reported, there are apparent benefits, from reduced inflammation to better sleep. (There are potential dangers too, so it's important to consult a healthcare professional before trying it out and to monitor your body throughout.)

While I definitely feel more alert on the days that I cold plunge, the group aspect is what really brightens up my mornings. I recently caught up with Krista Vendetti, who founded Ocean Beach Plunge Club with two of her friends, to learn more about why they started the club and what she gets out of group plunging herself.

"I was seeing my friends more, and we were doing this really scary thing together, being brave."

For Vendetti, the founding of Ocean Beach Plunge Club was entirely organic. About two years ago, she had a goal of getting into the ocean more because she lived nearby. She started asking her friends if they'd join her, and got a lot of "no's." But, over margaritas, she convinced one other mom friend to try it with her, and it became a tradition - a walk early in the morning and then a plunge in the ocean. "All of a sudden, we were doing this a couple times a week," Vendetti says. "I was seeing my friends more, and we were doing this really scary thing together, being brave."

Word spread, and more of Vendetti's friends started walking and plunging with them. They eventually opened up their walk-and-plunges to the public twice a month; today, they expect about 50 people to show up every other Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m. to join.

"Now that it's a larger community of women, it's so powerful," Vendetti says. "We're all cheering each other on, supporting each other. Doing it together makes it more special and easier, and really just more fun to be part of something bigger."

Indeed, while I certainly enjoy reaping the physical benefits of cold plunging, I can't say that getting up early on a Saturday morning to jump into freezing water is something I actively want to do. Instead, getting pumped up with friends and running into that cold water together holds an inexplicable power. We're showing up and pushing ourselves for each other.

It reminds me of that electric feeling you sometimes get in a group fitness class or a concert, when you're in community with other people, somehow vibrating with the same frequency. I might have found it in the ocean, but you can find it anywhere - as long as you're willing to do something brave with people you love.

Lena Felton (she/her) is a senior director of special projects at PS, where she oversees sponsored packages, tentpole projects, and editorial partnerships. Previously, she was an editor at The Washington Post, where she led a team covering issues of gender and identity. She has been working in journalism since 2017, during which time her focus has been feature writing and editing and elevating historically underrepresented voices. Lena has worked for The Atlantic, InStyle, So It Goes, and more.

Self-Help Won't Cure My Chronic Illness

Chandler Plante — Mon, 04 May 2026 07:40:03 -0700

There's no shortage of unsolicited medical advice on the internet - trust me. Just start with the word "inflammation." The internet will tell you your body's innate response to injury or illness is well within your control - something you can bend to your will with a strategic sleep schedule, a bit of meditation, and whatever diet is most readily available at Erewhon. In my case, inflammation is less of an innocuous process and more of a tangible pseudotumor, actively pushing my eye out of my head and rendering me completely blind in one eye. To help, over the past three years I've become a frequent flier at Mayo Clinic and endured infusions, surgeries, spinal taps, radiation therapy, and corticosteroids. But that doesn't stop people from suggesting the real problem is me.

In a way, they're right. My body is undoubtedly attacking a problem that is not there, and the truth is, no one really knows how to stop it. But while anti-inflammatory diets, consistent sleep, and low stress can help mitigate flare-ups, I promise my persistent blindness has nothing to do with my mindset.

My Uber driver notices my eye and tells me the problem might be psychosomatic. "Have you tried hypnotherapy?" The rest of the ride home is silent. On social media, TikTok commenters urge me to apply castor oil every night (because clearly whatever I'm doing isn't working). At a local restaurant, a woman overhears my story and tells me about all the foods she's cutting out to reduce inflammation. I listen politely, my eyelid still scarred from the latest biopsy. She returns to her seat and we both bite into our respective burgers.

Self-help mentors like Jay Shetty also come to mind. Occasionally recommended to me for his life coaching, Shetty is a former monk whose journey to enlightenment has previously been called into question. One of his podcast episodes discusses the global celery juice movement, and how it may help people with chronic illness. Another teaches people how to completely heal their body and mind using the right food and positive thinking. New Age spiritual influencers, including one with one million followers, claim to have even healed their own kidney infections through the power of the mind.

To be fair, most of the advice I've heard is well-intentioned. It's just that when I've already seen the very best doctors and been to five different hospitals without a definitive diagnosis, this self-help narrative places the burden of an incredibly complex chronic illness solely on my shoulders. Without a diagnosis, it already feels like there's always something more I could (should?) be doing. And then if I do have a flare-up, the inevitable guilt is hard to ignore. Maybe I should've done something differently. Maybe it is all my fault.

Most people say healing will be easier if I just stay positive. Other internet trolls see my videos and tell me I shouldn't be this happy. "[I'd] almost rather die than remove my eye," one commenter writes in a video mentioning the potential removal of my eye. In these moments I realize the call for self-improvement is mostly just a projection of a fear I no longer feel.

Some conditions are just un-self-helpable - as in the symptoms are as debilitating, the pain as excruciating, the treatment as elusive as people in the chronic illness community have been saying - and the rest of the world may have to reckon with the fact that the same exact thing could happen to them. According to the CDC, roughly one in four (or 27 percent) of adults in the US have some type of disability, and six in 10 Americans live with at least one chronic illness. Instead of encouraging people to seek the answers within themselves, we need affordable medication, more research for underfunded and neglected conditions, and better systemic support.

At this point, I'm not sure if anything will make me less blind, but at least I know that my flare-ups aren't due to a lack of self-help. And if we're being totally honest here, I've never really liked the taste of celery juice anyway.

Chandler Plante (she/her) is a social producer and staff writer for the health and fitness team at Popsugar. She has over five years of industry experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine, a social media manager for Millie magazine, and a contributor for Bustle Digital Group. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and is based in Los Angeles.

"Exercise Snacking" Is Trending, but Is It Effective? I Tried It For 2 Weeks

Jennifer Heimlich — Fri, 01 May 2026 12:30:03 -0700

Lately, my elder millennial body's been feeling extra . . . elderly. My back's achy, my knees make these weird creaky sounds. I could blame my age, but it's not just that: I had a second baby last fall, then signed up for a half marathon this spring, so the only exercise I've made time for recently is running. As helpful as that might be for my cardio fitness, it hasn't done my strength or mobility any favors. Plus, it's left me feeling like the Tin Man.

So when Popsugar reached out to see if I'd be interested in experimenting with "exercise snacks" for a couple of weeks, I signed right up. The buzzy approach - sometimes referred to as a way of "microdosing" fitness - involves doing shorter mini-workouts more often. That might look like a minute of squat jumps or a 10-minute Pilates session.

The strategy is trending among fitfluencers since it can break up long periods of sitting and make exercise feel way less intimidating - anyone can work out for a minute, right? A whole host of research shows that even short bursts of movement can be an effective way to boost cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, and muscle strength.

I drew up a plan: I'd work in two to three strength or mobility–focused exercise snacks per day, anywhere from one to 10 minutes long. It could be when my 6-month-old was babbling to himself on the floor, as I was waiting for my coffee to brew, or just craving a break from my computer.

Experts Featured in This Article

Rachelle Reed, PhD, is an exercise physiologist and the head of scientific research and ccience communication at Therabody.

Thanks to a stroke of lucky timing, I found myself on a phone call with exercise physiologist Rachelle Reed, PhD, on my first day of the experiment. I asked for her advice on how to make sure these short bursts would actually do something useful, and she told me the way to be super efficient is to go hard. Think: vigorous stair climbing rather than a leisurely stroll, or heavy weights versus a pair I could lift 30 reps with. In particular, she recommended compound exercises to get a whole bunch of muscles firing quickly. "If you're doing a squat to an overhead press for a minute, I mean, woof, talk about being gassed," she said.

With that in mind, I came up with a list of eight strength exercises, mostly compound moves that focused on the running muscles I wanted to target (hamstrings, quads, glutes, calves, and core) but would still build well-rounded strength throughout my body. I also wrote down a handful of plyometric jumps I wanted to do regularly since I knew they could help increase my running power. With these go-tos, I could quickly dive right into a mini workout without having to waste time deciding what to do.

For mobility, I kept things looser. Instead of a set list of exercises, I just aimed for a few minutes of feel-good, stretchy, gentle yoga-like movement each morning - whatever my body was craving - to take stock of how I was feeling and work out any tightness.

The result?

Let me start with what I loved: This strategy made it so that a lack of time was simply no excuse not to work out. Even on my busiest days, I could always find 60 seconds to pop down into a plank or do some squat jumps (albeit while holding my boobs in lieu of changing into a sports bra).

And I got some real results. I was honestly shocked by just how sore I could end up from only a few minutes of movement at a time. As long as I was challenging myself just as much as I would during a normal workout, splitting up exercises throughout the week still meant I was strengthening my muscles. (Not to brag or anything, but in just two weeks, I built up enough upper body strength that I can now do more push-ups in a row than ever before!) Even better, my joints weren't feeling quite so worn out and achy after running. While I can't say I fixed my back pain, it stopped bothering me quite so much.

That said, exercise snacking wasn't the magic remedy for my lopsided fitness that I'd hoped it would be.

For starters, I quickly realized that when I didn't plan out a chunk of time to work out like I normally would, it was all too easy to forget to do it - even as someone who generally likes to exercise. On the second day of the experiment, I did my five minutes of stretchy mobility work since I'd made it a natural part of my morning routine while drinking my first cup of coffee and playing with my baby on the floor. But at the end of the day I realized I'd totally forgotten to do any strength exercises. The next day, it was 7:13 p.m. before I remembered to do one.

I'd assumed I'd naturally work tidbits of exercise into my day when I could, but I learned that if I didn't schedule the activity - yes, even just a minute - or pair it with another habit, it wouldn't happen.

Also, I found I was more likely to half-ass things during my snacks than I would during a longer workout. I'd sometimes get through part of a set, then get distracted by something else I needed to do. Without an outfit change, a proper warm-up, or a dedicated chunk of time, it was harder for me to lock in mentally.

Then again, when I was in the right mood, snacking on movement was just like snacking on Pringles: Once I popped, I couldn't stop. I'd get into a groove, and keep doing more and more exercises just because I enjoyed the way it made my body feel. I'd tell myself I was just going to try a couple sets of Bulgarian split squats, but then I'd add in pogo hops and push-ups. Later, I'd find myself doing calf raises while washing dishes or getting into a side plank while my husband was telling a never-ending story.

Will I keep snacking? I definitely plan to continue starting my day with some gentle wake-up stretches and mobility work. A few minutes of cat-cows and downward dogs is a really nice, low-key way to help my body feel better and get in a little "win" for the day first thing in the morning.

But when it comes to strength microdoses, for me, they feel more like a backup plan during hectic weeks than a long-term strategy. I ended up working out about the same amount of time through "snacking" as I would if I'd done two 20–30 minute strength sessions per week. Yet I feel like I get more - mentally and physically - out of setting aside a chunk of time to commit to working out without feeling like I'm just multitasking my day away. When I only exercise for a minute or two, I don't get that same sense of accomplishment and physical release. And I never feel "done." Even if I've already completed a couple exercise snacks in a day, who's to say I can't fit in another?

Still, during periods of life, like now, when I can't get in a full meal-sized workout regularly, having a few snacks is a great way to tide me over.

Jennifer Heimlich is a writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience in fitness and wellness journalism. She previously worked as the senior fitness editor for Well+Good and the editor in chief of Dance Magazine. A UESCA-certified running coach, she's written about running and fitness for publications like Shape, GQ, Runner's World, and The Atlantic.

Being Outside Is Good For Your Body and Mind - Here's Why

Erin Bunch — Fri, 01 May 2026 12:30:03 -0700

Modern life has made it much easier to become "an indoor cat" than an outdoor one. Days spent migrating from one screen to the next are far more common than those spent immersed in nature. This feels less than healthy for a reason: spending time outdoors is beneficial to your health, so by staying in, you're missing out.

Anyone who ventures outside, especially after hours spent indoors, is likely to intuit that doing so will benefit their well-being. Nature is a vibe, and that vibe is good! But you don't have to rely on instinct as proof; science shows there are tangible physical and mental health benefits to spending time outdoors. Here, experts explain the research backing the well-being-boosting benefits of nature and describe strategies for incorporating more time outside into screen-heavy routines.

Experts Featured in This Article

A. Heather Eliassen, ScD, is a professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.

Dana Hunnes, PhD, RD, is a senior dietitian at UCLA Medical Center and author of "Recipe For Survival."

Aimee Daramus, PsyD, is a Chicago-based psychologist who specializes in anxiety, depression, and trauma.

The Benefits of Nature to Physical Health

Nature is no slouch when it comes to being a serious Rx for good health. According to nutrition and epidemiology professor A. Heather Eliassen, ScD, exposure to green space has been linked to improvements in sleep, blood pressure, and physical ability, as well as reduced risks of chronic disease, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. "Evidence is also accumulating that exposure to green space is associated with lower total mortality," she says.

One reason for this link between nature and good health, says Dr. Eliassen, is that studies have shown higher levels of physical activity in those with more exposure to green space. Physical activity, in turn, has numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of many chronic diseases. "Green spaces can be destinations for walking or bicycling, as well as space for play, and among children, green-space exposure is linked to more playtime and less screen time," she says.

Physical activity aside, research supports the idea that just being in nature - i.e. sitting at the beach, having a picnic in the park - is good for you. More research is needed to figure out exactly why this is, but experts have a few theories as to why this could be.

For one, time spent outdoors helps to regulate our circadian rhythms, says Dana Hunnes, PhD, RD, senior dietitian at UCLA Medical Center. "This can have effects on how well we sleep, our hormone fluctuations, satiety, and alertness," she says. And of course, good sleep is mission critical for overall well-being, while hormone health helps keep your body's vital processes functioning properly.

And according to Dr. Eliassen, spending time in nature also helps to mediate our exposure to certain environmental harms, because green space helps regulate heat, mitigate noise exposure, and filter air pollution. Such harm reduction offers protective benefits to our overall health. The only caveat to this, says Dr. Eliassen, is that if pollution is bad to the point of air-quality warnings, it's best to stay indoors.

The Benefits of Nature to Mental Health

The benefits of time spent out in the natural world aren't limited to physical health, either. "Better mental health and lower risk of psychiatric disorders with more green space exposure has been observed for both children and adults," says Dr. Eliassen.

One reason for this may be that time spent outdoors has been shown to decrease stress. "It provides a combination of stimulation of different senses and a break from typical overstimulation from urban environments," says Dr. Eliassen. "Exposure to green space results in mental restoration and increased positive emotions and decreased anxiety and rumination. Improved mindfulness can result from exposure to green space as well."

Dr. Hunnes says spending time in nature to boost mental well-being is sometimes described as nature-immersion therapy. "Spending time outdoors is rejuvenating, calming, centering, and can really improve outlook," she says. Again, the reasons behind this aren't yet known.

Just how much one benefits psychologically from exposure to nature will vary from person to person, says psychologist Aimee Daramus, PsyD. "People often feel more at peace and connected in nature, possibly because for thousands of years, early humans lived in natural spaces like caves or plains, and the human brain adapted and changed for those environments." she says. "When we go to natural spaces, it may be stress-relieving because those are the places that the brain evolved in."

Green spaces also offer opportunities for social interactions and community engagement, which have been linked beneficially to multiple health outcomes, says Dr. Eliassen. This includes not only mental health benefits such as lower rates of depression, but also physical health benefits such as lowered rates of chronic disease. While these interactions can be as simple as running into a friend while walking your dog or meeting someone new in the park, they can also be facilitated by organizations such as community gardens, running clubs, and recreational sports leagues.

How to Incorporate Green-Space Exposure Into Your Daily Routine

If you're wondering how you can increase your time spent outdoors when much of your life requires you to be indoors, rest assured that you don't have to quit your computer job to become a free-solo rock climber in order to stay healthy. According to Dr. Daramus, spending just 15 minutes outside each day can help.

This time outdoors doesn't have to involve trips to the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls, either. "Studies show that you can get really good results from urban green space, like parks and gardens," says Dr. Daramus. "You don't have to wait until you can take a vacation in the woods to reap the benefits."

Dr. Eliassen agrees and suggests exploring opportunities to interact with nature in your immediate neighborhood. "If there are some green spaces a short or medium distance from home, try walking or biking to the green space to get the benefits of exercise while getting [there]," she says. "Or, find green space you could incorporate into your commute to or from school or work."

Crucially, however, Dr. Daramus says it's important to spend your time in nature mindfully if you want to reap the full benefits of exposure. "If you're not paying attention to the environment you're in, even three hours a day may not do much good," she says.

By this she means you have to fully involve your senses, aka put down your phone. Even a podcast or phone call can diminish returns on your green-space investment. "Involve all of your senses: look at something around you that you find beautiful, touch things to get the texture, listen to sounds, pay attention to a breeze on your face, smell a flower or a campfire," she says. "If you want to be in nature, you really have to be in nature."

Erin Bunch has over 15 years of experience as a journalist and professional writer. Her words have appeared in GQ, The Hollywood Reporter, Well+Good, Women's Health, The Zoe Report, BRIDES, Harper's Bazaar, Los Angeles Magazine, and other outlets.

"Marathon Moonlighters" Run For Themselves, Not Social Media

Chandler Plante — Fri, 01 May 2026 12:30:02 -0700

Marathon moonlighters are among us (and you probably don't even know it). After completing 26.2 miles, the majority of people might feel inclined to post a selfie from the finish line. Maybe they text the groupchat, show off their medal, or take to social media to detail their marathon experience. But there's people on the other side of the spectrum who would rather you didn't know they ran at all - also known as marathon moonlighters.

Marathons can definitely have a "pics or it didn't happen" vibe, but not everyone wants to make running such a public declaration. Just look at Harry Styles, who finished the Berlin marathon with an impressive sub-three-hour time . . . and a fake name. Styles is a prime example of what we're calling "marathon moonlighters." These are the types of runners who prefer to keep their accomplishments lowkey. In fact, the people in their lives might be surprised to find out they're runners at all.

To learn more about this marathon moonlighting mindset, we spoke with five people who prefer to run in private. Read on to learn why they do it, and whether they'd recommend marathon moonlighting to others.

Why Would Anyone Become a Marathon Moonlighter?

It can be hard to understand marathon moonlighting if you haven't done it yourself. For Rachel* - someone who runs half marathons, but never posts her time or talks about how the race went - it's all about internal validation. "I choose to keep it more personal because I'm very much a self-motivated individual," she tells Popsugar. "My only competition is myself and my pace."

This is a sentiment Diana* can relate to, having often run half marathons without telling anyone. "There's this unexplainable connection and feeling you get from yourself," she says. "It's not the accomplishment of the race, it's the sense of power you have." For her, that's worth more than photos and accolades.

"My only competition is myself and my pace."

For others, marathon moonlighting is also a good way to stay focused. "Honestly, keeping it more private lets me stay focused on the 'why' behind it in the first place," says runner Rebecca. "Once it becomes about other people's reactions, it loses a bit of the magic." Runner *Arleen feels similarly, saying she much prefers to engage with the running community offline. "A lot of the running content I used to engage with felt more like a clique," she says. "Since I am not a fast runner, I often feel underrepresented. And honestly, I would just rather engage with the running community in 'real life.'"

*Hannah agrees she gets enough validation from the race itself. But there might be a deeper reason behind her marathon moonlighting too. "Running for me is very personal - almost like a relationship; you don't want to tell anyone about it until you know it's real," she says. "Maybe some of it is also fear of being judged. Say I tell people I'm preparing to run this ungodly distance, but for whatever reason don't end up actually doing it. The shame around that so-called failure can be disheartening."

What Happens When People Find Out?

When asked if anyone has ever been surprised to learn about their running, our marathon moonlighters responded with a resounding yes. "All I know is when I see [a half marathon], I run it. My family, even, does not have any idea that I am running," Diana says. It seems a bit of secrecy is key for most marathon moonlighters - but that doesn't mean they don't enjoy surprising some people with a reveal. "The response is usually a mix of shock and confusion," Rachel says. "It can be a fun easter egg if others happen to find out organically and you get a true 'wait . . . WHAT?!'"

This rings true for both family and friends. "The first time I told my friends back home that I ran a half marathon they were quite surprised," Hannah says. "My father was very impressed - he was like, 'There's no way you ran 13 miles . . . Do you know how much endurance and stamina that takes?' I was like '. . . Uhh yes, I did it.'"

Is Marathon Moonlighting Right For You?

The bottom line is that you deserve to celebrate your wins - whatever that may look like for you. But if marathon moonlighting helps you feel more connected to your goals, don't feel pressured to share that experience with the world. "I think it depends on the person. A lot of people like to tell others because they are more extroverted," Arleen says. "I don't know that I would recommend it, but I know that it works for me."

For Rebecca, it's empowering to do a race just for yourself. Instead of getting distracted by outside influences, you can tap into the drive, the challenge, and the personal growth it takes to finish strong. "You get to enjoy the process without all the external noise or pressure, and that makes crossing the finish line feel even more meaningful," Rebecca says. Depending on your goals, Rachel agrees. "If you're a self-motivator, there's not much more you need than that feeling after you finish a great race, knowing it's something you put the effort in for and controlled all of the variables you could," she says.

But at the end of the day, marathon moonlighting is still a very personal choice, and it's OK if you enjoy sharing your journey with others. Evidently, both methods work well for different people. "I think to each their own," Hannah says. "If someone wants to run and tell the world about it, that's great, and if someone just wants to moonlight, that's fine too."

*Names have been changed or edited to protect the identity of sources.

Cynthia Erivo's Me-Time Is Marathon Training

Chandler Plante — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:05:01 -0700

Cynthia Erivo knows how to keep the pace. At the London Marathon on April 26, she beat her own personal record by almost 14 minutes, finishing strong with a wicked fast time of 3:21:40. (That's an average split of 7:41, for those crunching the numbers.) Then, the next day, instead of resting at home or icing her muscles, she immediately returned to the stage for her one-woman rendition of "Dracula," playing all 23 different characters herself - a marathon in its own right.

Erivo doesn't like to disrupt her daily momentum with long breaks between interviews or big gaps in her schedule. She starts moving early in the day, training on the treadmill, sometimes not even listening to music. To others, this may seem grueling, but for Erivo, this training is actually a mental reprieve - a rare opportunity to get grounded and clear her head.

"I have to sometimes explain that, yes, the training is work for the body, but for me, it's a real time for myself just to be left alone. It's a meditation," she tells Popsugar. "When I get to run, I take the time for myself. It's like me-time. I don't really speak to anyone, and if I'm on the phone, then I pick the person I'm speaking to."

"It's a real time for myself just to be left alone."

Erivo actually credits marathon training for allowing her to take on more ambitious projects, including her impressive "Dracula" adaptation. While it's easy to assume that this amount of running would lead to burnout, Erivo's experience has actually been the exact opposite. "Currently, I'm on the stage doing a one-woman show, and it is a lot. And honestly, what's managed to get me through it is this running," Erivo says. "It's kept me conditioned, kept me focused, and helped me literally learn." And she means that in the most literal sense: "Sometimes I'll run the lines as I'm running just so it's still in my body."

Prior to running the London Marathon, Erivo worked with Brooks pro athlete and running coach Erika Kemp to help achieve her goals. She explains how they worked on building the strength and stamina required to run at a speedier pace without "having to push and fight for it." But that's not to say it's been a totally flawless journey to the finish line, either. In an April appearance on the "Nobody Asked Us" podcast, Erivo spoke to the highs and the lows of her training process, including one particularly tough 20-mile long run that didn't go as planned.

"Everything went wrong," Erivo laughed. "I texted Erika halfway through this run - I think it was at mile eight or nine - I was like, 'I really don't think I'm going to get this done.'" The beauty of that moment? Erivo managed to push through and finish strong anyway. And as Kemp said on the podcast, "It's OK to have a dark moment and be honest about it." This is a lesson Erivo held close throughout the marathon cycle. "Not every run has been amazing, but I've still managed to get to the finish line, and that always feels really good," she says. "It always feels like an accomplishment. It [proves] that no matter how hard it is, you can always get to the finish line."

Image Source: Dave Hashim / Brooks Running

You can't always control how your run is going to go. But there are some things that help Erivo feel her best on race day. At the top of her list are the Hyperion Max 3 running shoes ($200) from Brooks Running. "They're so light - has to be a light shoe, because if the shoes are too heavy, it literally hinders the way I run," she explains. She wore hers with custom charms of her two dogs, Gigi and Caleb. Her other marathon must-haves include bone-conduction headphones ("my head is too small for the inner headphones"), SiS gels (the fruit salad flavor), a hat for better focus, and a watch or ring ("to keep my numbers").

For inspired spectators looking to get into running themselves, Erivo's advice is simple. "Start by putting the shoes on. Then tomorrow, put the shoes on and get to the door. And then the next day, put the shoes on, get to the door, go to the end of the street. Then the next day put the shoes on, go to the door, go to the end of the street, and maybe one street over," she says. "You don't have to start at 5K or 10K or even a mile . . . you just have to start."

Kendall Jenner's Viral Therabody Face Mask Is $50 Off For Mother's Day

Anvita Reddy — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:30:02 -0700

Rest days and recovery are as important as a tough workout for achieving your fitness goals, and our editors rely on Therabody's innovative lineup of devices. The benefits of recovery extend beyond performance, regardless of whether you lift weights, run marathons, or prefer a low-impact Pilates class. Besides reducing muscle tension, enhancing circulation, and promoting faster recovery after intense workouts, these products help you relax mentally as well.

It all started with the brand's bestselling massage gun that uses percussive therapy and various attachments to target sore muscles and increase blood flow to the area. The rapid, concentrated pulses provide a deep-tissue massage that instantly relieves your muscle pains. The brand has since expanded its lineup to include compression boots, a vibrating foam roller, a device to help with sleep, and more - and we tested many of them.

These recovery gadgets have smart features, such as Bluetooth connectivity and customizable settings, for a personalized therapy experience. Right now, Therabody is hosting a Mother's Day sale with up to 35 percent off select devices.

Therabody's devices are not just for fitness enthusiasts; anyone can benefit from owning one (or a few) of these gadgets, whether they deal with back or body pain, need help improving flexibility or circulation, or want to decrease overall stress. Ahead, check out our favorite Therabody recovery devices on sale backed by our editors and see which ones are ideal for your needs.

Shop the Best Therabody Recovery Tools on Sale

Lightweight on-the-go relief for whenever you travel: Therabody Theragun Mini at $170, originally $220
A sleep-support smart mask for a deeper sleep: Therabody Smart Goggles at $190, originally $110
A mindful massage gun our editor swears by: Therabody Theragun Sense at $200, originally $300
The LED light therapy mask Kendall Jenner uses: Therabody TheraFace Mask at $600, originally $650

"DWTS"'s Lindsay Arnold Gets Candid About Fitness as a Mom

Chandler Plante — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:30:02 -0700

Lindsay Arnold is one strong mama. The world first fell in love with her after a sparkling run on "Dancing With the Stars," where she became the second-youngest pro in the show's history and ended up winning the 2017 mirrorball alongside Jordan Fisher. For a while, dance served as the ultimate fitness routine. But since stepping away from the show in 2021, her life looks a little different - workouts included.

For starters, she's currently 31 weeks pregnant with her third child. "Let's just say I don't have the days [of] waking up whenever I want, going to the gym for however long I want," Arnold tells Popsugar. "That life is amazing, and I had that at one point in my life, but I don't anymore." Don't let that fool you into thinking she's given up on health and fitness, though. Quite the opposite actually.

After leaving the show, Arnold turned her talents to fitness, creating an at-home workout platform called The Movement Club, and matching equipment like her new Everything Band. "Being able to get workouts that are efficient, that are actually effective, but that are quick, not wasting my time - that's everything we do here," she says. These home workouts also play a big role in Arnold's personal routine, giving her time to clear her head, break a sweat, and set the tone for the day.

"What works for me is waking up before my kids," she says. "Every single day looks like a warm-up with some form of cardio, whether that's hopping on a bike ride, walking on the treadmill - just easing my body into 'wake up, we're moving.' Then it's always finished off with at least a 30-minute Movement Club workout."

"I always try to do something for myself after my workout."

She takes recovery seriously, too . . . and we're not just talking rest days. "Before pregnancy, I was doing saunas and cold plunges every single morning after my workouts," Arnold says. "I've shifted during pregnancy for safety reasons, but I always try to do something for myself after my workout . . . to collect my body and my mind before getting into the craziness of motherhood."

It's true what they say: consistency is key. But if you ask Arnold, we may have lost the plot about what that actually means. It doesn't have to be such a tremendous barrier, she explains. In fact, consistency can actually be a major source of motivation. Sleep through your alarm? That's OK. Feeling low energy? No worries. Even a little movement is better than nothing at all.

"People think that being consistent means you have to be perfect, and that every workout needs to look a certain way . . . if you can throw that out the window, you're going to find that consistency can be a lot more attainable," Arnold says. "Consistency could be a five-minute walk. It could be a five-minute stretch video. It could be a five-minute arm class."

"Consistency could be a five-minute walk."

Since having kids, what once was a purely functional tool for Arnold's work on "Dancing With the Stars" is now one of her biggest outlets. Working out is how she manages stress, gets her endorphins flowing, and carves out time for herself as a mom and a businesswoman.

"[Focus on] the 'why' and what it's giving to you - what moving your body makes you feel, rather than looking at it as a punishment or something that you have to do," Arnold says. "My 'why' is truly because I - without a doubt - show up better as a mother, wife, friend, sister, business owner when I'm consistent with my movement."

This realization didn't happen overnight. At the start of Arnold's wellness journey, her "why" was completely different, and looking back, far less effective. "I will admit when I was younger, my 'why' was because I wanted to look a certain way, or I needed to fit into a costume . . . and that is just not attainable. It's not long term, especially as women, when we go through so many changes in our body," she says.

"Shifting my 'why' to how movement makes me feel and how I can truly be a better version of myself . . . has helped me be more consistent than any other 'why' that I've had in my life so far."

11 Gym Bags With Shoe Compartments Our Editors Swear By

Kalea Martín — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:00:02 -0700

Maybe you stash an empty grocery bag in your duffel so you can store sweaty cross-training shoes after a workout. Or perhaps you tie the laces to the outside of your backpack so your shoes don't have to go in your bag at all. Whatever your solution, chances are you don't like having your dirty sneakers kicking around your gym bag alongside your clean clothes. The good news is, there's a simple alternative (and it doesn't involve any DIY contraptions).

If you want to keep your workout gear clean and organized, all you really need is a proper gym bag. Whether you're carrying cycling shoes to your local spin studio, or storing a pair of sneakers to change into after work, a gym bag with a shoe compartment is a total game changer.

That said, shopping for the perfect gym bag is challenging enough, and finding one that also has a shoe compartment can be even harder. If you're not sure where to start, you've come to the right place. After scouring the web, reading customer reviews, testing some of them ourselves, and seeking out recommendations from experts, we've narrowed down the best gym bags with shoe compartments. Now, it's up to you to decide which one fits your needs the best. And, should you need a lock to keep your belongings even more secure, we highly recommend our very own Popsugar Luggage Lock ($22), which comes in a colorful set of two to match the bag you choose.

The Best Gym Bags With Shoe Compartments

If you tend to keep wet items: Beulptn Small Gym Bag at $20, originally $27
A lightweight option: Fioretto Women's Gym Duffle Bag with Shoes Compartment, Grey & Pink at $20, originally $22
For sleek style: forestfish Duffel Bag Gym Totes, Navy at $20, originally $22
If you prefer a backpack: coowoz Large Travel Backpack, Beige at $22, originally $28
For the yogi: Sportsnew Yoga Mat Bag at $22, originally $23
If you're looking for durability: Wisepack Gym Bag Womens Mens with Shoes Compartment at $29
Techies will love this USB bonus: Medium Etronik Gym Bag at $30, originally $38
An expandable base goes a long way: Quince Packable Expandable Travel Tote at $45
For serious athletes and team sports: adidas Defender 5.0 Duffel at $70
A duffel that's highly packable: The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel, Sumac at $140
A roomy model that's editor-approved: Calpak Fit Gym Bag in Tea Rose at $155

How We Chose the Best Gym Bags with Shoe Compartments

Our editors regularly test fitness gear and accessories, and we've tried enough gym bags to know which ones actually make your life easier, and which ones fall apart by week two. To curate this list, we looked closely at functionality, materials, user feedback, and overall value. Here's what we considered:

Design & Functionality – Does it actually work for gym life? We prioritized bags with dedicated, ventilated shoe compartments that keep your sweaty sneakers separate from the rest of your gear.
Durability – Will it last? We focused on bags made with sturdy zippers, reinforced stitching, and water resistant materials that can handle daily use.
Comfort & Portability – Is it easy to carry? Whether you're commuting or heading to a workout class, we chose bags that are lightweight with comfortable straps.
Value – Is it worth the price? We looked for options that combine high quality with a reasonable price point.
Style – Does it look good? We picked designs that balance aesthetics and practicality.
User Reviews – We dug into hundreds of customer reviews to find out how these bags held up over time.

Shop our favorites ahead, and see which bag you'll be adding to your cart.

Update on April 16, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.

User reviews may have been lightly edited for clarity.

Everything to Know About Orangetheory, From the Cost to the Class

Melissa Willets — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:15:02 -0700

Not all boutique fitness studios are created equally. Orangetheory Fitness, however, consistently lives up to the hype. The workout has a seriously dedicated fanbase - and for good reason. These popular group fitness classes combine the personalized attention of one‑on‑one training with the camaraderie of a team workout. Add in target heart‑rate zones, and you've got a session that's challenging, effective, and fun (if not a little competitive). That said . . . how much does it cost?

For context, a signature Orangetheory class is about 60 minutes long with three distinct parts: the rower, the treadmill (or a similar cardio option), and floor work featuring strength training with TRX straps and free weights. Throughout these interval‑based workouts, Orangetheory utilizes heart‑rate monitors to track your level of exertion so you can see when you're hitting your "orange zone" - typically defined as 84–91 percent of your maximum heart rate.

How Much Is Orangetheory?

Orangetheory boasts over 1,300 locations across the US. Consequently, location plays a key role in determining the exact cost. There's several different membership packages to choose from, including Class Packs, Basic, Elite, and Premier, but prices vary depending on where you live. Thankfully, Orangetheory offers "digital joins," meaning you can become a member (or inquire about pricing) without having to visit the studio in person. Participating studios will give you the option to "Join Now" on their website. From there, you can see the membership options, prices, and any additional perks.

To give you a better sense of Orangetheory pricing, we asked an Orangetheory representative to share some averages. Keep in mind that these are just estimates - for more specific numbers, it's best to contact a studio rep or check the price of your local Orangetheory online. No matter the location, you can always book your first class for free to see how you like the class structure. OTF also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to ensure you love your new membership.

Class Packs ($225-$499): If you're new to OTF, you can try a package of 10 classes for $225 and up, 20 classes for $375 and up, or 30 classes for $499 and up. Prices vary by location.
Basic Membership ($79 a Month): This membership tier gives you four classes per month, plus discounted add-on classes.
Elite Membership ($119 a Month): This membership comes with eight classes per month, plus discounted add-on classes.
Premier Membership ($139-$179 a Month): The top membership at OTF, this gives you unlimited classes every month.

Note that Orangetheory prices are higher at premium locations such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Chicago, Los Angeles, Austin, and Dallas. For example, in the West Village, Manhattan studio, an Elite membership costs $199 a month and Premier costs a cool $279. At the moment, some OTF locations are also offering discounted Premier rates to new members, with either a six-month or 12-month long contract. Returning members may also be able to secure a discounted first month of Premier. While you can technically use your OTF membership at any location in the country, there may be an additional surcharge depending on where you're visiting. That said, no matter which membership you go for, there's no annual contract, and you can choose to take additional classes at a discounted rate once you purchase a membership. Once you get a sense of your favorite moves, you can also adjust your membership to a lower tier and maintain your fitness at home with something like the Bowflex Results Series 552 SelectTech Dumbbells ($399, originally $479), which prove their value over time.

Additional Orangetheory Costs

In addition to membership fees, there are a few other costs to consider:

Cancellation/No‑Show Fees: Many studios require cancellations at least eight hours before class or else charge a fee or deduct a class credit.
Heart‑Rate Monitor: A monitor is required to see your data and earn "splat points." You can rent one per class or purchase your own (often between about $80–$130, depending on model and studio). Of course, you can also continue to track your heart rate and other vitals throughout class using a fitness tracker like the WHOOP ($200 per year), for example.
Optional Gear and Merchandise: OTF also sells its own merch and recommended workout accessories. You can stock up on fitness equipment or rep your Orangetheory pride with collaborations from brands like Lululemon and Nike. To make floor workouts more challenging, consider adding a weighted vest or ankle weights, like the Popsugar 10‑lb Weighted Vest ($35) or Popsugar Flex Wrist/Ankle Weight ($20), which pair perfectly with TRX exercises, squats, or lunges. We also love the OTF Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag ($45) for stashing essentials and the OTF Tonal Splat Cap ($15) to show off your OTF pride while keeping the sweat out of your eyes.
Recovery: It's extremely important to let your muscles recover after high-intensity training, and some of our favorite products to get the job done include the Therabody Theragun Prime Plus ($430) and Therabody TheraCup ($200), depending on your comfort level.

Is Orangetheory Worth the Price?

Orangetheory prices might seem steep at first, but remember you're getting access to a plethora of fitness machines you likely don't have at home. That's not to mention the real-time biofeedback, encouragement from top-notch coaches, and boutique gym atmosphere (which can be a nice break from a big box gym). OTF also has tons of community workout events for members, including the Orangetheory DriTri. "For me, the coaches are a large reason why I love Orangetheory as much as I do," Popsugar editor Taylor Andrews says in her full review (having taken more than 250 OTF classes herself). "The energy they bring to a class is indescribable until you experience it for yourself."

What to Wear to Orangetheory

Once you start taking classes, you'll find yourself in a natural rhythm when it comes to getting dressed for your workouts. Our recommendations for a routine that involves the treadmill, rower, and floor? A tight-fitting workout set with a cinched leg (flares can get stuck during rotations, especially on the rower). Try the Quince Ultra-Form Scoop Neck Longline Bra ($30, originally $64) and Quince Ultra-Form High-Rise Legging ($40, originally $98) or the NikeSKIMS Matte Double Strap Scoop Bra ($54) and NikeSKIMS Matte High Waist Leggings ($118) for something a little more trendy. If you're a one-piece person, we love the Spiritual Gangster Nirvana Selena Jumpsuit ($69, originally $118). And, if you need a new running sneaker that feels flat enough to train in, we highly suggest the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 ($240).

- Additional reporting by Lauren Mazzo, Mirel Zaman, Jade Esmeralda, Angela Elias, Chandler Plante, and Balim Tezel

Melissa Willets is a PS contributor.

Lauren Mazzo was the senior fitness editor at PS. She is a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist through the American Council on Exercise. Prior to joining PS, she worked for six years as a writer and editor for Shape Magazine covering health, fitness, nutrition, mental health, sex and relationships, beauty, and astrology.

Mirel Zaman (she/her) is the former health and fitness director at PS. She has over 15 years of experience working in the health and wellness space, covering fitness, general health, mental health, relationships and sex, food and nutrition, spirituality, family and parenting, culture, and news.

Jade Esmeralda (she/her), MS, CSCS, was a health and fitness staff writer and a strength and conditioning specialist. A lifelong martial artist and dancer, Jade has a strong passion for strength and conditioning, sports science, and human performance. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in exercise science and strength and conditioning from George Washington University.

Angela Elias (she/her) was a contributing editor for PS Shopping, where she reviewed everything from beauty products to kitchen gadgets, curated can't-miss sales, and created "best of" shopping roundups. In her former roles at PS, she led the relaunch of its Latine identity and family-focused verticals, directed its Home vertical, and hosted shopping segments. She has nearly 15 years of experience working in the lifestyle space as a writer, editor, content strategist, director, on-camera talent, and publicist.

Balim Tezel (she/her) is a former shopping updates editor at PS and the founder of Maison des Nus, a New York-based affordable luxury brand. She graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.

Try TikTok's 3-2-1 Fitness Method to Reset Your Workout Routine

Kalea Martín — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:00:02 -0700

Social media loves a workout trend. Just look at the 12-3-30 workout, the 75 soft challenge, or even the 30-30-30 rule. We can't quite put our finger on it, but include a number in the name, and watch the workout go viral. Maybe the numerals make the routine sound more official (although we know to be careful when taking advice from fitfluencers). Or maybe the numbers offer some much-needed structure. Either way, there's another numeric fitness trend gaining traction, and we think it's time to talk about it. Enter: the 3-2-1 method.

The 3-2-1 method is a weekly workout routine that calls for three days of strength training, two days of Pilates, and one day of cardio or conditioning. This combination is supposed to deliver consistent, impressive results (and with six days of exercise . . . it better). The regimen first began trending on TikTok in early 2023, but it's maintained a stronghold in the fitness zeitgeist ever since, with influencers touting it as a universally effective workout plan. 3-2-1 has even inspired a few workout challenges, including the Alo Moves Reset. At first glance, this trend certainly seems legit - but is it really? And if the 3-2-1 method really is that good, how should you go about trying it? We asked fitness experts to find out more.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Brookelyn Suddell is a fitness instructor and director of group fitness strategy and development at Crunch Fitness.

Carmen Van Rensburg is an accredited exercise physiologist at Thermo Recovery Wear.

What Is the 3-2-1 Method?

The 3-2-1 method is a simple workout regimen meant to organize your weekly workouts for the best results (more on what those results entail below). The method consists of three strength workouts, two Pilates workouts, and one cardio or conditioning workout per week. That said, there are a few different versions of the 3-2-1 method circulating around social media. Some variations recommend two cardio days and one Pilates day, while others swap Pilates for any low-impact mobility work.

3-2-1 Method Benefits

The 3-2-1 method is still going strong. Here are a few reasons why it has withstood the test of time:

It provides structure: The 3-2-1 method's most obvious draw is the structure it gives your workout routine. It gives you a sense of direction, which might be particularly useful for beginners or people getting back into working out.
It encourages variety: Another reason the 3-2-1 method works for so many people is because it motivates you to alternate between different types of workouts, says fitness instructor Brookelyn Suddell. "We have a natural tendency to duplicate workouts or favor certain exercises much more than others," Suddell says. "That's why the 3-2-1 method is a great way to make sure you're evenly spreading out your training focus in a structured way."
It makes you more versatile: Each of the workout modalities included in the 3-2-1 method have their own benefits. Strength training, for instance, is great for building muscle mass. Pilates, on the other hand, improves mobility, core strength, and flexibility. Cardio and conditioning are best for endurance and cardiovascular health. Touching on all three types of exercises in your weekly routine means you're reaping all of these benefits.
It prevents overtraining: The 3-2-1 method helps prevent overtraining by incorporating low-impact workouts and making sure you're not putting too much stress on your joints for multiple days in a row. This can speed up the recovery process, help you avoid injury, and allow you to keep reaping benefits from your workouts. "Training before your body has recovered and rebuilt is like stretching an elastic band that has already been stretched," says exercise physiologist Carmen Van Rensburg. "Because it has not been allowed to recover to its original state, further stretching will break it. Altering between strength training and cardio allows some muscle groups to rest while others are worked out."
It's good for beginners: Not all fitness trends are beginner-friendly, but the 3-2-1 method actually is, because - while it does provide a general guideline for working out - your personal routine can be altered based on your specific goals and circumstances.

How to Try the 3-2-1 Method

If you're interested in the 3-2-1 method, Van Rensburg recommends starting simple, with a fixed set of exercises and reps that you find doable. Once you get the hang of switching between strength, Pilates, and conditioning, you can begin adding more variety and even upping the intensity. Suddell's advice, whether you're a beginner or a longtime gym-goer, is to treat your weekly 3-2-1 like a meal plan. Write it out in your phone or planner so you can visualize what you'll be doing on each day.

"Your days should be different enough from each other and primarily stick within their categories," she says. "That does not mean you can't include some cardio on strength days, but the primary focus, or the majority of the workout, should be clear." She also recommends planning your week so the same type of workouts don't stack up against one another. For example: strength, Pilates, strength, Pilates, strength, cardio, rest.

Strength Workouts

If you're doing three days of strength, Van Rensburg's suggestion is to divide it up into two days of upper-body workouts and one day of lower-body workouts. For the two days of upper-body workouts, per her guidance, you'll want to dedicate the first day to push exercises and the second to pull exercises. "Examples include chest and triceps work (push exercises) on day one, back and biceps work (pull exercises) on day two, and leg work on day three," Van Rensburg says. TikTokers also recommend one day of upper-body work, one day of lower-body work, and one day of total-body strength work (although we recommend seeking out information from accredited fitness professionals).

Pilates

The Pilates sessions can include reformer Pilates, mat Pilates, wall Pilates, or - if you're just not a Pilates girlie - you can swap it for yoga, barre, or any other mobility workout. You can attend an IRL class or cue up an at-home Pilates workout from an app like Alo Moves or Obé Fitness. (You can even stream one for free on YouTube from PS Fitness.)

Cardio and Conditioning

The American Heart Association does recommend at least two and a half hours of cardio a week, but neither of our experts care if your one cardio or conditioning day isn't a full two and a half hours long. That said, we're firm believers that cardio doesn't have to be the worst (and neither does conditioning). If running isn't your thing, try cycling, dancing, or swimming instead. Suddell also recommends switching it up by taking a group fitness class or taking your cardio sesh outdoors.

The Bottom Line

In terms of results, as long as you stick to the general 3-2-1 breakdown, you'll likely see improvements in your strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. That said, not everyone will react to the workout regimen the same way. Some people might be in different stages of their fitness journey, prefer higher or lower-intensity workouts, or have specific fitness goals that require alternative programming. At the very least though, the 3-2-1 method is great for anyone looking to diversify their workouts, or actually commit to a workout plan. It's always important to listen to your body - especially when starting a new workout routine - but ultimately, it's safe to say this one is expert-approved.

- Additional reporting by Chandler Plante

Kalea Martín is a lifestyle writer and PS contributor who mostly writes about food and cooking, but also covers fitness as a former figure skater and hockey player herself. You can find more of her writing in Tasting Table, Better Homes & Gardens, and Martha Stewart Living.

Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.

I Tried Taylor Swift’s Posture-Correcting Sports Bra from “The End of an Era”

Kyley Warren — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:27:03 -0700

Image Source: YouTube user Disney Plus and PS Photography | Kyley Warren

I like to think that Taylor Swift and I have a lot in common, but perhaps our biggest similarity is our height - and, relatedly, our posture. Swift stands at 5'10" or 5'11", depending on who you ask, and as a tall girlie myself, I know all too well the temptation to slump. I suspect my own habit of sagging my shoulders started back in middle school, when I towered over all of my peers and desperately wanted to minimize my height around the (often shorter) boys I had crushes on. If only I'd known about all the ways that "short-king summer" would manifest in my life later on!

Swift, too, has often been photographed with her neck and shoulders rounded forward. Is this a technique she uses to hide from paparazzi? Perhaps. A natural progression for someone who spends her life hunched over a piano? Maybe. Or, as some Swifties claim, is it the result of carrying the entire music industry on her back? Almost definitely.

But Swift may have been on a mission to correct her posture, or at least get a little extra support during her physically grueling Eras Tour. The pop star was spotted wearing the Forme Power Bra ($158, originally $178) in rehearsals for the tour, as showcased in her Time Person of the Year interview and her Disney Plus "The End of an Era" docuseries. The so-called "posture-correcting bra" is "engineered to immediately improve your upper body alignment and body foundation," according to the Forme website.

While I'm typically doubtful about the effectiveness of these sorts of posture-correcting products, Swift's looking stronger and standing taller than ever in recent years. Although, perhaps that's just the confidence that comes with evolving into a bonafide cultural juggernaut? Whatever it may be, I decided to test out the T. Swift-approved sports bra for myself and detailed my experience using the posture-corrector below.

How Does This Posture-Correcting Sports Bra Work?

There's a method to the design of Forme's Power Bra - so much so that it's even been FDA registered. (To be clear, that doesn't mean it's FDA approved - just that the product can be considered a medical device.) Per the brand, the product was designed by an orthopedic surgeon with the intent of helping his mother deal with the pain caused by compressed lungs and poor posture from cancer. It uses tension fabrics and double-fabric panels to apply pressure to key areas on your body, encouraging you to keep your shoulders pulled back and down.

While the style boasts a unique design, I found that it feels similar to a traditional sports bra. The compressive material hugs my body without being too constricting or interfering with my mobility. It also feels surprisingly breathable while on - I can comfortably wear the bra underneath a workout top or tank to the gym and similarly feel just as confident wearing the piece on its own. The mesh, Spandex-like material of the sports bra also prevents any sweat from pooling; while wearing it, I felt cool through even my most intense workouts with my Popsugar Weighted Vest ($35).

What I Like About This Posture-Correcting Sports Bra

Despite only wearing this bra for about a month, I feel like I've seen a real improvement in my day-to-day posture, even when I'm not wearing the sports bra - and I suspect that my alignment will likely only get better with more wear. The bra is easy to put on and fits like a glove while still allowing plenty of mobility for my arms.

I also appreciate that in addition to providing a little nudge to stand up straighter, the style also works just as well as a normal sports bra. Its wireless design is supremely comfortable and has a compressive nature that helps to keep everything pulled in and together - with no fear of slippage during an intense workout or yoga session.

It's hard to quantify, but I suspect the bra helped improve the quality of my workouts, especially my yoga sessions or back exercises. Because the style is designed to support good posture, I feel comfortable exerting more energy in my stretches and reps; I'm not so worried about slipping into bad form.

Image Source: PS Photography | Kyley Warren

What's Worth Noting

This posture-correcting sports bra is just that - a sports bra. While it claims to help improve alignment, it's by no means a cure-all for poor posture. If you're looking for an actual fix for back pain, or even want some professional help for an ingrained slumping habit, you'd likely be better off seeing a doctor to discuss your individual case and ask about useful exercises and treatments like physical therapy. You can also ask whether a product like this might be a fit for you.

Who Is This Posture-Correcting Sports Bra Best For?

If you want a little extra back support for your workouts, this bra is a worthwhile investment. While it boasts a steeper price tag than normal sports bras, to me, the price is worth it. I've personally noticed an improvement in my posture, and I love the extra confidence it gives me during my usual workouts. Even if you aren't interested in the style's supposed posture-correcting benefits, it works great as a standalone sports bra. It's designed with high-quality materials, and I feel confident that it'll hold up well over time.

Image Source: PS Photography | Kyley Warren

Additional Details:

Forme's Power Bra is available to shop in seven colorways, including: Rosé, Jade, Obsidian (my shade of choice), Stone, Cloud+, Espresso, and Ecru.
Its available in US women's sizes XS-3XL.

Where Is This Sports Bra Available to Shop?

This sports bra is available to shop exclusively at Forme. Looking for more affordable options? The PS by Popsugar Evolve Crop Tank Top ($22), Quince Ultra-Form Scoop Neck Longline Bra ($30, originally $64), Yvette Zip Front Sports Bra ($31, originally $35), Tavi Power Bra ($68-$72), and Halfdays Kara Bra ($75) are all great alternatives that offer support at a lesser cost.

Rating:

- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes and Balim Tezel

Kyley Warren (she/her) is an award-winning writer and editor with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She previously worked as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. Before joining PS, Kyley worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.

Haley Lyndes is a former shopping writer and editor with more than seven years of experience in the publishing space. Specializing in home and lifestyle, she covered everything from furniture and mattresses to beauty products and fitness gear. Her writing has appeared in BuzzFeed, Travel + Leisure, and Real Simple.

Last Call to Shop Amazon Spring Sale Fitness Deals, Including Apple and Bowflex

Haley Lyndes — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:00:03 -0700

The first big Amazon sale of the year is almost over: Amazon's Big Spring Sale, which kicked off March 25 and runs through end of day. As an authority in the fitness space (hello, PS Fit), we're rounding up the best fitness deals you can shop right now. From Jennifer Aniston's favorite collagen peptides powder - which she stirs into her morning coffee - to editor-loved leggings for as little as $10, these are the best fitness deals to take advantage of while items last.

In This Post:

Amazon Spring Sale Under-$25 Deals
Amazon Spring Sale Celebrity Deals
Amazon Spring Sale Workout Gear Deals
Amazon Spring Sale Wellness Deals
Amazon Spring Sale Equipment Deals
Amazon Spring Sale Tech Deals

Our Favorite Amazon Big Spring Sale Fitness Deals to Shop

An editor-loved pair of super-stretchy leggings: Satina High Waisted Leggings With Pockets at $10, originally $16
Jennifer Aniston's favorite peptides powder: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder at $43, originally $51
Ciara Miller's fan that helps her cool down in the Hamptons: Jisulife Handheld Fan Pro at $60, originally $70
AirTags to keep track of your gym bag with ease: Apple AirTag 4 Pack at $60, originally $99
45 percent off a walking pad that fits under your desk: SupeRun Walking Pad at $99, originally $160
A deep discount on AirPods for your hot-girl walk: Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds at $199, originally $249

Looking for even more sales? Shop more of Popsugar's editor-curated Amazon Big Spring Sale picks and subscribe to our newsletter for more shopping recommendations. Plus, make sure you sign up for Amazon Prime so that you don't miss a moment of the sale.

Update on March 31, 2026 at 10:50 AM ET: I made sure all of our Big Spring Sale deals are still in stock and on sale, including 39 percent off Apple AirTags.

Peloton Instructor Robin Arzón’s Must Haves - Including a $3 Protein Shake

Sarah Wasilak — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 12:50:11 -0700

No two days look the same for Head Peloton Instructor Robin Arzón. Between teaching classes, writing cookbooks, and launching partnerships, she's constantly evolving - and right now, she's excited about her "Eat to Hustle" project, a cookbook and lifestyle approach that's designed to help people fuel their bodies for peak performance and steady energy. "For me, performance isn't just what happens on the bike, on the road, or under a barbell, it starts in the kitchen," she tells Popsugar.

Arzón recently teamed up with Purple Carrot, exploring plant-forward meals that keep up with her busy, active lifestyle. "Consistency is what people struggle with the most," she says. "When fueling your body becomes easier, you're much more likely to stick with it." While the limited-edition Eat to Hustle x Purple Carrot Box is no longer available, similar plant-forward options exist, and it was a perfect example of her philosophy: removing friction so healthy habits feel effortless.

Even on her off-duty days, Arzón prioritizes movement, family, good food, and a little quiet. "I usually start around 6 a.m. with a solid sweat, then have brunch with my family," she says. "More than anything, I prioritize being present - that's the real luxury, just being where my feet are and not thinking about the to-do list." So what does an everyday must-have list look like for someone this grounded? Arzón shares hers with PS, along with how she uses each product to show up as her strongest self.

The $13 Essential That Gets Madisen Skinner Hyped Before a Volleyball Match

Haley Lyndes — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:30:02 -0700

The Expert Edit features interviews with specialists about the products they swear by in their chosen field. For this installment, we spoke with Madisen Skinner, professional volleyball player, NCAA champion, and Red Bull athlete. She shares the gear, recovery tools, and everyday essentials that keep her performing on and off the court.

Madisen Skinner, 23, didn't start out planning to be a professional volleyball player. She actually got into the sport because of her sister. "She kind of encouraged me to just dive right in, even though I hadn't played before," Skinner tells Popsugar. That push set her on a path that's taken her from college tryouts to becoming an NCAA champion, a standout for LOVB, and a proud Red Bull athlete. She's brought the same energy, focus, and dedication to the court at every stage of her journey.

Volleyball - like life - can be humbling, and Skinner knows it. "It reminds you that relationships and connections are what last and everything else fades," she says. Off the court, she prioritizes small daily rituals that help her reset and stay consistent, which she says are essential to performing at her best.

"I think something that I had to learn was the path that is often most taken might not be the right path for you."

Early in her professional career, Skinner made a decision that wasn't the typical path for volleyball players: she chose to stay in the US, rather than head overseas. "I think something that I had to learn was the path that is often most taken might not be the right path for you," she says. "I prayed about it and I really sat with it for a long time, and that's what I felt led to do. I knew I would thrive best as a person here in the states and in return I would play my best volleyball here."

Whether it's during practice, on game day, or while recovering afterwards, Skinner has a few go-to products that keep her performing and feeling her best. From shoes that move with her to hydration and recovery tools she swears by, here's a look at the volleyball gear and everyday essentials she can't live without.

The Secret Behind Kim Kardashian’s Energy Routine Isn’t Coffee

Haley Lyndes — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:03 -0700

Kim Kardashian spoke exclusively with Popsugar about her new energy drink brand UPDATE.
She joined the company as a co-founder alongside CEO Daniel Solomons.
The drink features paraxanthine, a caffeine derivative designed for steady energy.
UPDATE is zero sugar and contains zero calories.
The brand has officially relaunched and is now available at Walmart nationwide.

As a shopping editor who's spent the past seven years tracking trends, I've seen the beverage space evolve. First came celebrity-backed alcohol brands, then hard seltzers, then functional drinks - and now? Energy drinks are having a major moment. With so many options promising focus, productivity, and coffee-level buzz, the real question is: can Kim Kardashian actually stand out with UPDATE?

Honestly, if anyone can, it's Kardashian, but this isn't just another celeb-backed drink. UPDATE skips traditional caffeine and uses paraxanthine instead, a compound your body naturally produces from caffeine, meaning you get a smoother, more sustained energy boost (read: no crash). "What I like about UPDATE is that it supports my energy in a way that feels consistent and reliable," Kardashian tells Popsugar. "I can stay focused through a full day, whether I'm working, training, or traveling, and still feel like myself."

"When you're building a brand, authenticity matters. It has to fit into your real life, because that's what ends up guiding every decision."

And as someone who watches "The Kardashians," I've seen the Skims founder fall asleep pretty much anywhere - cars, glam chairs, you name it. She's busy. "It quickly became part of my routine because it delivered a more controlled, steady kind of energy without the jittery feeling I had experienced with traditional energy drinks." After trying it myself, I get it - the energy builds and fades just as gently, instead of hitting you all at once and disappearing just as fast.

"When I have long days on set or I'm working late, it's what I reach for because I know I'll get the energy I need without worrying about not being able to sleep later." And considering everything she's juggling - Skims, "The Kardashians," raising four kids while flexing her acting muscles, and, well, being Kim Kardashian, it tracks. "When you're building a brand, authenticity matters. It has to fit into your real life, because that's what ends up guiding every decision."

From the rebranded packaging to flavors like UPDATE Berry Zero Sugar Energy Drink ($3), UPDATE Peach Zero Sugar Energy Drink ($3), UPDATE Mandarin Zero Sugar Energy Drink ($3), UPDATE Grape Zero Sugar Energy Drink ($36 for a 12-pack), and my personal favorite, UPDATE Pineapple Zero Sugar Energy Drink ($3), it's clear Kardashian has had a hand in shaping UPDATE's next chapter - and if you can't pick just one, the UPDATE Zero Sugar Energy Drink Variety Pack ($22) makes it easy to try them all. Now that it's available at Walmart nationwide, consider this your sign to, quite literally, update your beverage routine.

Haley Lyndes is a shopping writer and editor with more than seven years of experience in the publishing space. Specializing in home and lifestyle, she covers everything from furniture and mattresses to beauty products and fitness gear. Her writing has appeared in BuzzFeed, Travel + Leisure, and Real Simple.

Club Pilates Doesn't Post Pricing - Here's What It Really Costs

Lauren Mazzo — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:30:11 -0700

It's never too late to hop on the Pilates train. There's a reason why everyone is obsessed with the fitness modality. Pilates is a low-impact (but powerful) workout that builds strength and improves mobility without putting too much additional stress on your joints. While it's definitely possible to get a solid Pilates workout at home, professional instruction can offer you additional guidance, correction, and motivation. If you're looking for a place to learn the ropes, Club Pilates is a great place to start. But how much does it cost?

Pilates has a reputation for being on the pricier side. So while dedicated students rave about the benefits, there are a few things you should know before committing to a membership. For starters, Club Pilates is one of the largest Pilates franchises in the country with 1,200 locations and more beginner-friendly programming than some of the other reformer studios out there. (Check out our Club Pilates review for more information on what the classes are really like.) Moreover, Club Pilates costs are dependent on location, which is one reason why their pricing is so ambiguous.

To get a better sense of what you can expect, we asked a Club Pilates rep to share a general break down of the membership pricing. Although the exact numbers may vary depending on your location, this will give you an overview of Club Pilates costs, including the price of a Club Pilates four-pack, and Club Pilates Unlimited.

How Much Does Club Pilates Cost?

Club Pilates is a franchise (meaning each location is individually owned), so prices vary based on location. To get the most accurate estimate of Club Pilates prices, your best bet is to head to the Find a Studio Near You page on the brand's website. From there, you can search for the closest location and find its contact info. Since most locations don't list Club Pilates prices directly on the website, you'll need to call or email the studio to find out.

That said, a Club Pilates brand representative gave PS a general idea of how much Club Pilates costs, including the Unlimited membership and class packs. Here's what we found, with additional insight from real members on Reddit:

Club Pilates Single Classes ($25-$49). The exact cost will depend on where you live, according to the brand rep.
Four classes a month ($89-$129, depending on location): This is a great membership option for anyone looking to add Pilates to their schedule once a week.
Eight classes a month ($169-$229, depending on location): If you're ready to build your Pilates knowledge, eight classes a month is a great way to learn more and see some serious progress.
Unlimited membership ($199-$359, depending on location): Once you fall in love with Pilates, the unlimited plan is the best way to make it a part of your everyday fitness routine. This lets you take an unlimited number of Pilates classes at your local studio every month.
Passport membership ($279-$379, depending on location): For people who intend to work out across different locations, the passport membership gives you access to more Club Pilates locations all across the country.

Memberships will give you the lowest per-class price, but there's usually a three-month minimum commitment (and a fee of about $100 if you cancel early). Members should also note the cancellation policy, which charges unlimited members a $10 fee for canceling less than 12 hours before class, and $15 for a no-show (according to Reddit).

Additional Pricing Details

If you're loving your Club Pilates practice, you can also commit to an annual membership, which allows you to pay once and skip the monthly payments (although it does require a year-long commitment). Some Club Pilates locations also offer private training sessions, which is a great idea if you're looking for modifications relating to a previous injury or want to learn how to use the reformer with more individualized support.

If you're wondering how much Club Pilates membership prices vary, one Redditor (who claimed to manage a Club Pilates) told the r/Pilates subreddit that their local studio charges $109 for four classes per month, $199 for eight classes per month, $229 for unlimited, and $279 for the Passport membership. Meanwhile, another Redditor shared that their Los Angeles studio charges $120 for four classes per month, $230 for eight classes per month, and $270 for unlimited.

Can You Try a Club Pilates Class For Free?

Yes - no matter which location you visit, you can get a 30-minute introductory class for free. That said, introduction classes can be quite popular, and spots may fill up quickly. Be sure to contact your local Club Pilates studio to schedule in advance.

Can You Take Club Pilates Classes Online?

Club Pilates is part of Xponential Fitness, a global franchise group of boutique fitness brands including Rumble Boxing, CycleBar, Pure Barre, StretchLab, YogaSix, and Body Fit Training. You can stream classes from Club Pilates (and all the other Xponential brands) online through the Xponential+ App ($30 per month or $120 per year, after a seven-day free trial). The annual membership comes out to $10 per month. You can sign up online or talk to your local studio to get set up.

Any Other Club Pilates Costs?

You'll need to wear a pair of sticky or grippy socks like the High Heel Jungle Scrunch Premium Grip Socks ($32) for class, as they help you maintain a good grip on the reformer. If you don't have grippy socks, you can buy some from your Club Pilates studio. A pair will typically cost $15-$20, but you can also find cheaper multipacks on Amazon like the Coolmate Pilates Socks ($8, originally $10). You can shop more Pilates essentials here, like the Popsugar Breathe Tank Top ($20) and Spiritual Gangster Auralight Leggings ($81, originally $108), for starters. You can also make your workouts even more challenging by wearing an add-on like the Popsugar Flex Wrist/Ankle Weight ($20). There are also Club Pilates Gift Cards ($10-$1,000) available for gifting season.

- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes and Jade Esmeralda

Jade Esmeralda (she/her), MS, CSCS, is a former health and fitness staff writer and a strength and conditioning specialist. A lifelong martial artist and dancer, Jade has a strong passion for strength and conditioning, sports science, and human performance. She graduated with a Master of Science degree in exercise science and strength and conditioning from George Washington University.

Chandler Plante (she/her) is a former assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.

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In This Article:

Club Pilates Doesn't Post Pricing - Here's What It Really Costs

How Much Does Club Pilates Cost?

Additional Pricing Details

Can You Try a Club Pilates Class For Free?

Can You Take Club Pilates Classes Online?

Any Other Club Pilates Costs?