POPSUGAR Fitness

Kylie Kelce Wants Young Girls to See the Women's World Cup Up Close - Here’s Her Plan

Alexis Jones — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 10:05:01 -0700

Kylie Kelce is the ultimate girl's girl. In addition to parenting four daughters and coaching a high school field hockey team, Kelce is constantly giving women their flowers on her podcast. She knows what it means (and looks like) to support women. Now, she's taking that a step further and sending one high school girls' sports team to a FIFA Women's World Cup match in 2027.

Kelce is partnering with Dove's Back Her Game initiative, and to enter to win, coaches across the country will submit a video on Instagram or TikTok, sharing how their team brings confidence to the field, from now until October 4.

For Kelce, she says this is an opportunity to show girls in sport that they belong on the field. Even today, one in two girls drop out of athletics primarily due to body confidence and criticism, as well as societal pressures. But seeing women play on the greatest stage in the world, has to offset some of that, right?

"You're talking about these women who are just going out there and being badass," Kelce says, reflecting on this generation of women athletes. "And not only do I get to now watch them and cheer them on and appreciate them, but this is the world our girls are growing up in . . . how lucky are we?"

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Kelce recalls growing up in the Mia Hamm era. "And what an amazing thing to get to have as a core memory," she tells Popsugar. "But it was slim pickings," she says, when it came to the visibility and attention placed on women's sports. "It was so small, the the opportunity, for women to sort of take that national stage, and now we have like all of these women who are just absolutely demanding people be interested because they have the skill, they have the determination, they have the grit. It's so much fun to watch. And I think that women are unstoppable."

The viewership and excitement around women's sports right now is not only exciting for young girls growing up, it's exciting for us as grown women to get to watch, Kelce says, admitting that she's been star struck a few times by today's powerhouses. "I'm such a fan girl, like I got to talk to A'ja Wilson. My brain melted. Trinity Rodman. My brain melted." As a field hockey coach on the daily and mom of four girls, Kelce can't help but hope her daughters will have that same love and appreciation for sports and women athletes. But she's also prepared if they don't become athletes themselves.

"If nothing athletic sticks, that's OK. The good news is we have four."

"I hope they love sports. I do selfishly, I really do. Now, if they don't, we are totally prepared for that," Kelce says. In fact, her husband and former Philadelphia Eagles star, Jason Kelce, was in competition jazz band in school. "So we're also prepared for the arts," Kelce says. Musical theater, band, the fine arts? She's all for it. "I mean, our second might be a sculptor. Who knows? I will cheer them on no matter what."

Right now, amongst her four children, Wyatt, Elliotte, Bennett, Finnley, they're dabbling in soccer, martial arts, and gymnastics. "So we'll see what sticks. If nothing athletic sticks, that's OK. The good news is we have four," Kelce says. In other words: "We upped our odds."

When Kelce's not mapping out her daughters' sports schedules, she's working on her own team plays, coaching girls field hockey at her high school alma mater. Kelce herself grew up playing a variety of sports, starting with soccer, then lacrosse, softball, basketball, and ultimately field hockey, which is what stuck. "The joy that field hockey brought me, being around my team, playing the sport, feeling accomplished - that was worth it to me to keep going and I wanted to do the best that I possibly could," she says, recalling her decision to transfer from community college to Cabrini College and play Division III. "I truly believe it was like the perfect place for me to be. It was great work-life balance. I got to still experience the competition. I got to still experience the true happiness it brought me to play. I got to be around my teammates and we still got to win."

Today, Kelce doesn't play field hockey anymore, but "I get to talk about it almost every day," she says. And each time she coaches, she finds a new challenge in connecting with the players on her team, supporting them in their own athletic dreams and goals. Kelce is even open to owning her own women's sports team some day . . . in Philly, of course.

"It would have to be Philly based. There's no other other option. I'm not going to pull some nonsense that some of the other professional sports team owners pull when they live in a different city and own sports teams other places," Kelce says. "It would have to be Philly - but it would have to be the perfect scenario, the perfect storm."

Alexis Jones (she/her) is the section lead of the health and fitness verticals at Popsugar, overseeing coverage across the website, social media, and newsletters. In her eight-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.

Your Favorite NFL Players Are Investing in Women's Flag Football

Alexis Jones — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:35:01 -0700

If you still think of flag football as an elementary school P.E. game, you're decades behind. The sport, and girls flag football in particular, is the fastest growing high school sport today, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. In fact, an estimated 102,360 girls played high school flag football in 2025 to 2026, a 551 percent increase in just four years, per the report. And they're not stopping there.

40 NCAA schools are offering flag football as a collegiate sport, Team USA flag football is planning their debut at the LA 2028 Olympics, and now, the NFL and many of its players are investing in the sport - both in and out of the league. The rise of and investment in flag football makes sense, given its lower barrier to entry (not much equipment is needed) and decreased injury risk (e.g. the recently confirmed one in four rate of CTE among professional football players).

"One of the biggest misconceptions is that [flag football] is just a recreational sport. No, people can make genuine careers out of this," Team USA Flag Football captain Ashlea Klam previously told Popsugar in a recent interview.

Lamar Jackson, quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has had his fingers on the pulse of this game for years. The Florida native launched the Lady Dreamers flag football team in 2020 as an offshoot of his Forever Dreamers Foundation benefiting youth mental health awareness.

"Investing in the Lady Dreamers isn't just about teaching girls the game of football – it's about providing opportunities to lead, compete and believe in themselves," Jackson tells PS via email. "Playing team sports is one of the most significant things kids can do, because it builds character, confidence, and a sense of belonging. Every young girl who steps on that field is gaining something that will carry her far beyond football." The young women who play for Jackson's team will tell you this themselves.

"My goal is to reach the Olympics in 2028, and represent my country."

"I was introduced to the game in middle school, and haven't stopped playing since. Flag football has taught me that no matter how hard the game might be, there's always a possibility to come back and win," says Aubrey G., a Florida high schooler and member of the Lady Dreamers.

Kassie H., another Lady Dreamer, found the sport in eighth grade and hasn't looked back. "My goal was to learn the game, and I ended up falling in love with it. I played other sports, but nothing hit home like football," she says. "Having someone like Lamar Jackson, who is so recognizable and accomplished on the biggest stage in the sport, supports the growth of the game is such a blessing. I currently play for my high school, and look forward to playing in college as well. My goal is to reach the Olympics in 2028, and represent my country."

The NFL is hoping to expand opportunities for these players even further, launching a full-time league for men and women with TMRW Sports, so that these athletes can play beyond the Olympics. Investors include NFL legends and active players, including Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, Tom Brady, Bobby Wagner, and Russell Wilson. Women's sports champions Billie Jean King, Ilana Kloss, Alex Morgan, and Serena Williams are also involved in the investment group.

Team USA posing with the LA28 Olympic Summer Games banner after finishing runner-up at the IFAF World Flag Düsseldorf 2026.

"Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and much of that growth is being driven by women and girls," says Brian Flinn, NFL SVP of Global Flag Football. The decision for the NFL to start a pro flag football league was not just an easy decision, but a crucial one, he tell PS. "The launch of a professional league is an important step in strengthening the flag football pathway, giving elite players more opportunities to compete, increasing visibility for the sport, and providing young athletes with something to aspire to," Flinn says.

Izzy Geraci, a team USA athlete and TMRW Sports pro flag football ambassador, never thought she'd see this day. "Being from Cleveland, I grew up watching the Browns and Buckeyes, which are originally what got me into playing tackle football. So football has always been a part of who I was," Geraci says.

After playing collegiate basketball, she rediscovered football through flag, which brought her back to the sport in a completely different way. "To go from discovering it, to representing Team USA, to having the opportunity to play in the Olympics, and now seeing a professional league being built by the NFL and TMRW Sports is surreal. It feels like a full-circle moment, and I'm beyond excited about what this next chapter represents for the sport."

14 Gym Bags Our Editors Swear By - Starting at $19

Kalea Martín — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 09:45:03 -0700

I pride myself on being my most creative when it comes to finding reasons not to go to the gym. Maybe I can't remember where my favorite leggings are or my water bottle is missing in action. But now, not having all my workout essentials ready to go is no longer viable material. What changed? I finally found a gym bag that worked for my regimented yet slightly chaotic schedule.

If you're like I was not too long ago and don't know where to look for a quality gym bag, 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 of the best. Want a style that can take you from the office to a workout class? Let us recommend a leather backpack that can do it all. Are you someone who needs tons of compartments to store your keys, a water bottle, and Popsugar Luggage Locks ($22) to secure your locker? We found the tote bag designed to keep you organized. Now it's up to you to decide which one best fits your needs. Ahead, find the 14 best gym bags for every style and situation.

The Best Gym Bags

If you prefer a backpack: coowoz Large Travel Backpack, Beige at $19, originally $20
For sleek style: Forestfish Duffel Bag Gym Totes, Navy at $20, originally $24
Techies will love this USB bonus: Medium Etronik Gym Bag at $20, originally $22
A lightweight option: Fioretto Women's Gym Duffle Bag with Shoes Compartment, Grey & Pink at $22
If you're looking for durability: Wisepack Gym Bag Womens Mens with Shoes Compartment at $24, originally $27
For the yogi: Sportsnew Yoga Mat Bag at $30
An expandable base goes a long way: Quince Packable Expandable Travel Tote at $45
For maximum compartments: Béis The Sport Tote at $88
A duffel that's highly packable: The North Face Base Camp Voyager Duffel, Sumac at $98, originally $140
A bold, fun print: Pop Ups Brand Everyday Tote at $135
A roomy model that's editor approved: Calpak Fit Gym Bag in Tea Rose at $155
The ultimate catchall: Danimás The Punch Bag at $395
For a fancy backpack: Coach Hitch Backpack at $595
For an investment piece: Alo Unwind Cinch Bag at $1,800

How We Chose the Best Gym Bags

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 and offered the most versatile organization for busy schedules.
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 September 21, 2026 at 12:45 PM ET: Updated prices and checked stock for all products. We added five new bag selections from Alo, Béis, Coach, and more.

User reviews may have been lightly edited for clarity.

The GLP-1 Debate Hits Pro Sports

CeCe Olisa — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:30:03 -0700

On the surface, it's easy to make the hypothesis that a GLP-1 could potentially make someone better at their sport. If an athlete becomes lighter, can't they move around the court faster? Could changes in body composition improve agility or endurance? Could the drugs be seen as a competitive advantage? Well, it's a bit more nuanced than you think. As the ecosystem around these medications begins to change and pro athletes open up about using them, the world of sports has to figure out how to answer those questions.

The debate has already spilled into tennis culture. During the Cincinnati Open in August, a Ro banner depicting Serena Williams injecting a GLP-1 medication flew above the tournament grounds. The 23-time Grand Slam title holder has become a particularly potent symbol in this conversation, publicly disclosing her GLP-1 use in 2025 and has since returned to competitive tennis, prompting some online commenters to question the overlap among her body transformation, commercial partnership, and athletic comeback. But those questions are not evidence that the medication improved her performance, which is precisely the distinction the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and researchers are still trying to understand.

A newly published study surveyed sports physicians about their experiences with GLP-1 medications in competitive sports. Of the physicians who responded, 12 percent reported being aware of athletes who had used GLP-1 drugs without medical need, while 13 percent said athletes had approached them about using or prescribing the medications. Those numbers do not mean that 12 percent of athletes are using GLP-1s though. The study surveyed physicians, not athletes, and cannot establish the prevalence of GLP-1 use across professional sports. But it does suggest that sports-medicine professionals are already encountering the issue.

Daniel Read, PhD, a researcher at the University of Hertfordshire and an author of the study, says the interest physicians encountered appeared to have several motivations, including performance enhancement, body image, and legitimate medical need. So what's being done to monitor the usage and what type of advantages, if any, can GLP-1s offer in the world of sports?

How Are GLP-1s in Sports Currently Being Monitored?

Right now, semaglutide and tirzepatide are included in the World Anti-Doping Agency's 's Monitoring Program, which tracks substances that aren't prohibited, but that the agency wants to monitor for potential patterns of misuse. WADA spokesperson Andrew Maggio confirmed that athletes are tested for the medications as part of regular doping-control analysis so the agency can gather information about how prevalent their use is in sports.

"Since semaglutide and tirzepatide are not prohibited, if found in a sample, it is not reported as a positive test (adverse analytical finding), so there are no consequences for the athlete if found," Maggio says. "It is reported as part of the Monitoring Program." He added that data from the Monitoring Program are reviewed by WADA's List Expert Advisory Group "before any decision to include or not on the list of prohibited substances and methods is made."

Could a GLP-1 Actually Make Someone Better at Their Sport?

As pro athletes enter the GLP-1 conversation, questions about whether the drugs could function as "performance enhancers" are entering sports, too. But experts say the hypothesis is far more complicated than lighter equals faster. In tennis, for example, players need explosive movement to reach a drop shot, strength to generate power from the baseline, and enough endurance to repeat those movements over matches that can last for hours. Then, they need to recover and do it again. Weight loss alone doesn't guarantee any of those things.

"Weight loss and performance enhancement are not the same thing," says Alexandra Sowa, MD, an obesity medicine physician and author of "The Ozempic Revolution." According to Dr. Sowa: "Right now, we don't have clinical evidence showing that GLP-1 medications enhance elite athletic performance."

For an athlete who has obesity, Dr. Sowa says losing excess weight could improve mobility or metabolic health. But that is different from demonstrating that the medication itself enhances athletic performance. In fact, some of the same mechanisms that make GLP-1 medications effective could potentially create challenges for an elite athlete. "These medications suppress appetite, so if an athlete isn't intentional about fueling, it can become very easy to under-eat relative to an enormous training load," Dr. Sowa says. That could be particularly relevant in tennis.

"You can have an athlete competing for hours in extreme heat," Dr. Sowa says. "If the medication is suppressing appetite, they're not fueling enough, they're drinking less, or they're having nausea or GI symptoms, now you have to think about dehydration and inadequate energy availability on top of that." Her conclusion is simple: "A lower number on the scale does not automatically mean better performance."

On top of that, significant weight loss can include reductions in both fat mass and lean mass. That distinction could matter much more for an elite athlete than the number on the scale. "Whenever we lose a significant amount of weight, we lose some lean mass along with fat," Dr. Sowa says. For an athlete whose livelihood depends on strength and power, the more useful questions would be: What happened to body composition? Did the athlete maintain strength? Were they consuming enough protein and total calories? And how were they recovering? "Those are much more meaningful endpoints," Dr. Sowa says.

Ultimately, researchers don't yet have the athlete-specific evidence necessary to know how those competing effects ultimately translate to elite performance. "At present, there is no evidence from research with elite athletes comparable to the quality of athletes competing at an elite level to state whether weight loss medications provide any competitive advantage or disadvantage," Dr. Read tells Popsugar. There are plausible arguments in both directions.

So what evidence would be needed before researchers could credibly call these medications performance enhancing? Ideally, he says, that evidence would come from randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials comparing athletes who use GLP-1 medications with those who don't, Dr. Read says. Even then, researchers would have to decide what "performance" means. In an endurance sport, for example, researchers might have an objective measurement like time, while in a sport with an aesthetic or judged component - or one where reduced mass may be advantageous - the effects could be more subjective.

But What If the Athlete Has Obesity?

This is where the GLP-1 debate becomes even more complicated. Athletes receive medical treatment all the time. They use corrective lenses, physical therapy, surgery, and prescription medications to treat conditions that could otherwise interfere with their ability to compete. So what happens when the condition being treated is obesity?

"One thing that gets lost in these conversations is that obesity is a chronic metabolic disease," Dr. Sowa says. "In someone who has obesity, we're not just using a medication to make them thinner. We're treating biological pathways that regulate hunger, satiety, food intake, and energy balance."

Being an elite athlete doesn't necessarily remove someone from that patient population. "Elite athletes can have excess body fat and metabolic dysfunction, too," Dr. Sowa says. If an athlete has a clinical indication for a GLP-1, being a professional athlete "doesn't somehow make that diagnosis less legitimate," she says. And that needs to be distinguished from an already-lean athlete taking the medication specifically to drive their weight or body fat lower.

"My biggest concern is that we don't conflate potential misuse with legitimate obesity treatment," Dr. Sowa says. "WADA monitoring semaglutide and tirzepatide is not the same as saying these medications are prohibited or that they've been proven to enhance performance." She sees investigating potential misuse as legitimate, particularly when medications are being used by already-lean athletes without a medical indication.

"But we should be able to have that conversation without implying that an athlete who is appropriately treating obesity is somehow cheating," Dr. Sowa says. "Those are two very different things." Where does treatment end and enhancement begin? That may ultimately become the larger question for professional sports. Correcting someone's vision can improve athletic performance. Treating asthma can allow an athlete to breathe normally. Rehabilitation after an injury can restore an athlete's ability to compete. In other words, medical treatment and improved performance aren't mutually exclusive.

Anti-doping policy therefore has to wrestle with more than whether an intervention changes someone's physical capabilities. For Dr. Read, GLP-1s are bringing renewed attention to a tension that already exists in professional sports. "The line between enhancement and health has always been difficult to define," he says.

For now, WADA is continuing to gather information, rather than drawing a line. "The WADA Executive Committee has decided not to change the status of GLP-1 receptor agonists for the coming year, 2027," Maggio said. "As such, it will remain on the Monitoring Program." What remains unanswered is what that monitoring will ultimately show - and whether future evidence will change how anti-doping authorities view the medications. For now, perhaps the most important thing spectators can do is recognize the difference between a body changing and a rule being broken.

CeCe Olisa is a trailblazing voice in inclusive health and beauty, dedicated to inspiring women to embrace self-care with confidence. As a certified fitness instructor and founder of Cocoa by CeCe, she blends personal experience with expert insight to make health and beauty joyful, accessible, and empowering. Each week in her CeCe Olisa Newsletter, she shares unfiltered stories, tools, and resources to help women build confidence from the inside out. Through everything she creates, she's redefining beauty and fitness with self-love, self-care, and self-confidence at the center.

Solidcore Was Part of My Pre-Wedding Routine - Here's a Complete Beginner's Guide

Sarah Wasilak — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 10:35:03 -0700

There are countless reasons why you may want to work on building your strongest self. For me, that concept really became a priority once I was in my bridal era. I mean, who doesn't want to feel their best on their big day? That's why I leaned into the Solidcore hype to get myself ready for my wedding. The core motto "stronger for it" is exactly the kind of energy I needed to motivate myself to try something new. The fun blue-lit studio and thumping music was just a bonus.

The goal of Solidcore is to help you reach muscle failure via small, controlled movements and repetitive muscle contractions, so your body will likely feel shaky during and after the workout. Don't worry - that's the point. "The purpose of the class is to target your slow-twitch muscle fibers, breaking them down so they build back stronger over a couple of days," Triana Brown, Solidcore's senior director of product strategy, tells Popsugar. Brown used Solidcore to create her own six-week wedding prep routine. "Let's be honest: wedding prep comes with a lot of emotions, and exercise became my anchor. When I was getting ready for my wedding, I wasn't chasing a number on the scale or some unrealistic ideal. I just wanted to feel powerful, grounded, and at home in my body," she says.

Starting as a Solidcore newbie, there was a lot I wanted to get familiar with before my first class. As a new client, you can take advantage of one of two offers: Unlimited classes for two weeks at $119 or a 4-Class Pack at $77. At the 110+ locations across the US, you can sign up for Foundation50 and Starter50 sessions, which allow for breaks between circuits and involve more in-depth demonstrations by your coach. If you're a beginner, I highly recommend attending as many of these as possible; you'll still get in a very good workout as you warm up to the Solidcore-style workout.

Ahead, find answers to frequently-asked questions (according to Brown), about everything from what to wear to when you can expect to see results.

Solidcore Basics 101

Everything you should wear or bring to a Solidcore class.
How fast can you expect to see results?
The reformer breakdown
Different types of Solidcore classes
Is Solidcore a good workout?
Class format explained

Expert Featured in This Article

Triana Brown is a women's fitness specialist with an NASM certification. She is the senior director of product strategy at Solidcore.

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What a Rucking Retreat Taught Me About Doing Hard Things

Chandler Plante — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 11:00:02 -0700

"Never in my LIFE would I imagine you'd do something like that," my brother texts in our family group chat. He's responding to a video of me climbing a 70-foot strangler fig tree . . . then jumping from the very top. My harness quickly catches me as I swing through the canopy of leaves, flipping upside down to see Costa Rica's Matapalo from an entirely new perspective. In the video, I'm laughing with my arms spread wide and upper body dangling towards the ground like a human bat. Any fear I initially felt while clambering up the tree's giant, gnarled trunk has dissipated, and for a few rare moments, I am completely free.

A week prior, I wouldn't have imagined myself doing this either. But with GoRuck's annual Ruck & Flow Retreat, that's kind of the point. GoRuck is all about pushing your limits, going the distance, and taking a leap of faith (sometimes literally) in pursuit of your highest self. The women-only itinerary includes strength training on the beach, a five-mile jungle ruck (weighted walk) deep in the Osa Peninsula, and a nine-mile trek across Corcovado National Park. Challenge accepted.

As a stroke survivor whose illness culminated in the loss of her right eye, I have complicated feelings on what constitutes a "challenge." Some days, I think brushing my teeth would qualify. I once dragged a chair into my bathroom because standing upright for two minutes felt like too big an ask. Rebuilding my strength after the umpteenth flare up is another challenge that never really gets easier, and not only for physical reasons. The line between a challenge and a breaking point is a delicate tightrope, and I do my best to walk it with grace. But after embarking on this rucking excursion myself, I learned a lot more than I bargained for. Here's how it went, including some of my biggest wins, struggles, and overall takeaways.

My Rucking Experience

15 minutes into my first-ever ruck, I fall to the back of the pack, watching people pass me as I catch my breath on our 4.75-mile venture through the Costa Rican rainforest. "Most people don't have such broken bodies," I remind myself, sweating under the weight of my 12-pound rucksack. I feel quietly envious of this as I search for a reliable foothold among the fallen leaves. What would it be like to pursue your highest potential without the fear of sending yourself into a flare? To ruck onward without worrying the physical stress may trigger an avalanche of pain and inflammation later on?

I consider quitting several times before eventually reaching the summit. Accomplishment sinks in faster than the muscle soreness, and staring out on the vibrant tropic landscape, I see why people sometimes refer to rucking as "type-two fun." Painful in the moment, but happy to look back on, even minutes later. This may also explain why rucking has become one of this year's hottest fitness trends (although the impressive physical benefits could also have something to do with it).

Enjoying an endorphin-induced high, I follow fitness expert Jen Widerström back down the steep trail, trying hard not to lose myself in her six-pack. Despite my best efforts, I'm still one of the last to complete the ruck in its entirety. As I approach the finish line, I see that 20-something GoRuck participants are already anticipating me, assembling a bridge with their hands and hollering at me to run through. "This is so embarrassing," I whisper to the tour guide tasked with making sure none of us swallow a poison dart frog (or some such). But ducking under the hands of my fellow ruckers feels sweeter than I expected. Putting my ego aside, this celebratory moment becomes the highlight of my day.

The next morning, the group is promised a leisurely hike to the strangler fig tree . . . which, of course, means we're on our hands and knees, scrambling up a waterfall. In the moment, I remember grappling up a ledge and cussing out the powers that be. But looking back, I can only really recall the happy moments: pausing to sip directly from a natural spring; laughing with my new Ruck & Flow besties; and hearing our tour guide describe Costa Rica as his personal paradise. What kind of rucking sorcery is this?

Scaling and leaping from a massive tree isn't exactly low stakes (especially with a small audience watching down below). With my heart pounding, I debate whether I should even try. But, making a conscious effort to approach fear with levity, I shrug off any self-doubt and decide to take the plunge. Who cares if I fail? At least I'll have some fun on the way up.

Later, our Ruck & Flow group discusses how it felt to push ourselves in this way, deciding where to place our feet, which branches to grab, and when to jump off. "Keep doing things scared," one woman says at dinner. "Because one day you're 40, and it gets so much harder."

My Rucking Takeaways

As I stood in the jungle, swatting at beads of sweat like mosquitoes and swearing I'd never ruck another day in my life, my fellow Ruck & Flow participants demonstrated a completely different mindset. Whereas I found myself wallowing in a certain amount of disappointment every time I didn't exceed my own expectations, challenges merely seemed to re-invigorate them. A tough ruck just made them want to try again, get stronger, and prepare better for next time.

Being that this is only GoRuck's second Ruck & Flow retreat, I asked co-founder Emily McCarthy whether this group felt like a total switch up from last year. She surprised me by shaking her head no. Ruck & Flow attracts a certain kind of person, she explained. It's often women looking for something different. Women striving for their best - whatever that may look like to them. "It's about moving at your own pace, rather than finishing someone else's race," McCarthy said.

"It's about moving at your own pace, rather than finishing someone else's race."

After spending so much time in the rainforest with them, I agree that GoRuck attracts exceptional women. Not just in terms of physical prowess, but in spirit, grit, and resilience. Elite coaches and professional athletes, yes, but also healthcare workers seeking adventure; a woman who didn't get to properly celebrate her 50th birthday as the milestone it is; a former free solo climber still trying new things.

I entered the retreat feeling like a bit of an outsider among bonafide rucking superheroes. But I've come to view myself as a pretty exceptional woman too. I'm proud of finding joy (and a little silliness) in the face of fear. I'm proud of knowing my body well enough to assert its boundaries. And more than anything, I'm proud to have done things I never would've imagined - all at my own pace.

Chandler Plante (she/her) is a staff writer and PS Fit Producer. She has over six 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.

My Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis Inspired Me to Get Outside Even on Bad Days

Emma Fisher — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 05:55:01 -0700

In August 2016, when I was 35 years old, I was diagnosed with primary breast cancer. Since it was just the one lump and my lymph nodes looked clear, I had a lumpectomy surgery, as well as six rounds of chemotherapy and 25 sessions of radiotherapy, thinking everything was good and cleared up at that point.

Fast-forward to December 2017, 18 months after my initial diagnosis and eight months after finishing my last radiotherapy treatment. I started having pain in my sternum, so my cancer team had me come in for a bone scan. I didn't follow up about the results right away, though, because I was about to head to Mammoth Lakes, CA, to go snowboarding, which is a lifelong passion of mine.

While snowboarding, I had a bad fall, which sent a wave of shooting pain through my body. Once back home in Sheffield, England, I followed up with my team, and they said they needed to do more scans because they thought they found something. The new scans revealed that my cancer had not only returned, but had now metastasized, or spread, to my bones and several lymph nodes throughout my body. My sternum now resembled a piece of honeycomb with holes throughout - and the fact that the cancer had spread to and eaten away at my sternum is what caused it to break.

One of the things that I started to say very early on in my metastatic diagnosis was that it's treatment for life, but not a life sentence.

Getting this new diagnosis was definitely a shock, and it took a long time for me to wrap my mind around it. I had just turned 37, and I think I was a bit naive in the beginning, thinking that it wouldn't change my life too much. But cancer completely upends your life because not only do you have to carry on being a person, you also suddenly almost need to have a medical degree to understand your diagnosis, which treatments and drugs are available to you, and what you can do to help your treatment.

I am now 44 and have been living with metastatic cancer for over seven years. Only about one-third of people with metastatic cancer make it to five years after diagnosis, according to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. So to be here is a really massive achievement for me.

Besides all of the treatments and medication, staying active has played a crucial role in my longevity. To be honest, I wasn't this active before my diagnosis. Around six months after starting chemotherapy, I remember thinking that I had to get outside and get active.

So I started hiking in the nearby Peak District (an upland in the UK known for its views and national park) alone with my dogs. On the weekends, my boyfriend or friends will often join me. I wasn't into walking and hiking as much before my diagnosis, but I've found it's a fantastic way to clear my head and just put things into perspective, especially if I've had a change in my diagnosis - good or bad. Whatever the news is, you have to take some time to absorb it, and being consistent with hiking has been a huge boost to my mental health.

Image Source: Emma Fisher

I've also snowboarded nearly every year since I was 14, and I didn't want my diagnosis to put an end to that. I find that I'm at peace when I'm in the mountains. And although I'm getting worse as my cancer progresses and my energy levels deplete - plus, there's the fear of falling over and breaking something else only to find out it's cancerous again - snowboarding brings me so much joy. I go slower and admire the scenery, and I stop more, especially as my chemotherapy regimen progresses.

I have a bucket-list goal to go snowboarding in Japan, which I'm finally going to do with my boyfriend this winter at the encouragement of my oncologist because it might not be something I can do next year. Earlier this year, I was snowboarding in France when my cancer caused my kidneys to fail, and I found myself struggling to breathe. One friend had to carry my snowboard, another gave me her poles to get to ski lifts, and eventually I wound up having surgery and needing nephrostomy tubes to drain my kidney. Still, I didn't let that stop me from being active.

Days later, I checked off another bucket-list goal to hike 100 kilometers of Mont Blanc in Chamonix, France. I did this tour through CoppaFeel!, a UK-based charity created by a woman who also has metastatic breast cancer that aims to increase breast cancer awareness and plans an endurance trek like this every year. There were 120 of us on the trek, all with a connection to cancer, whether with our own diagnosis or having lost a friend or family member to cancer. The trek was incredibly eye-opening for me in showing how powerful it can be when there's a bunch of people in the same situation as you and you're all just getting on with it, walking up a mountain together, chatting and singing songs.

I went with my nephrostomy tubes and bags in (the snowboarding incident happened days earlier), and one of the doctors on the trek was in awe since many patients who experience this type of procedure can't leave the house. But honestly, I felt pretty good, and I was determined to make the trip. I was somewhat nervous about my fitness levels, given that I'd also been in and out of the hospital in April and June, dealing with infections and other cancer side effects. But luckily, the training I had done was enough, and I ended up doing five consecutive days of trekking.

One of the things that I started to say very early on in my metastatic diagnosis was that it's treatment for life, but not a life sentence. I refuse to let my diagnosis fully dictate my activity. Even if I only walk three kilometers around the streets locally, I want to know that my body is still capable of doing these things, and I would really encourage anyone facing a similar diagnosis to continue doing the activities they enjoy in whatever capacity they can.

If we don't give our bodies the opportunity to prove what they're capable of, then we never know, or we lose the ability entirely.

- As told to Emilia Benton

Emilia Benton is a freelance health and wellness journalist who is particularly passionate about sharing diverse stories and elevating underrepresented voices. In addition to PS, her work has been published by Runner's World, Women's Health, Self, Outside, and the Houston Chronicle, among others. Emilia is also a 13-time marathoner and a USATF Level 1-certified run coach.

Help, I'm Tired of Being Waitlisted For Workouts

Chandler Plante — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 08:30:03 -0700

Forgot to book that viral Pilates studio weeks in advance? Better luck next month. Looking for a last-minute Vinyasa flow? Get in line. With the ongoing TikTok-ification of fitness, securing a spot in your favorite workout class can be more difficult than the workout itself. On social media, fellow fitness enthusiasts record themselves setting alarms and planning their schedules just to snag a spot in class. But for those of us who can't always predict how we'll feel the next day (let alone the next week), this system can be a legitimate barrier to exercise.

Fitness studios only have so much space, so it makes sense that classes will eventually fill up. But according to Gillian Almedia, vice president of strategy and insights at solidcore, there's another reason why people are fighting for spots more often. "Fitness is no longer viewed as a purely transactional experience where you show up, work out, and leave," Almedia tells Popsugar. "As work has become more flexible and people spend less time in traditional social settings, fitness studios have increasingly become modern-day third spaces."

With workout waitlists going strong, it's clear people will go to great lengths to secure their spot in class. And it's not just the popular studios popping up on your FYP. I once booked a local dance fitness class three weeks in advance myself. Several weeks later, I took a chance on the three-person waitlist (and spoiler: I still made it in).

But the question remains . . . are these waitlists even worth it? "I hate a waitlist," says Popsugar health and fitness section lead Alexis Jones. "Maintaining a fitness routine is hard enough without the anxiety of getting denied for the workout itself." As someone with a chronic illness, this is a sentiment I definitely relate to. It can be difficult for me to tell when my body will send me into a flare. In most cases, I'd rather schedule a day-of workout than book in advance and risk a last-minute cancellation fee. But that only works if I manage to work my way out of waitlist limbo.

"I wake up earlier to book a class than I do to go to a class."

"I wake up earlier to book a class than I do to go to a class," one person writes on TikTok. "How am I supposed to manage my schedule every week if I don't know if I'm getting into a class?" another laments. On the R/SolidCore subreddit, Redditors share tips for getting off the waitlist as quickly as possible, going so far as to schedule text shortcuts for waitlist notifications. But the waitlist isn't a total dead end either. "I have never not gotten off the waitlist," one TikTok comments. "Hack. Get unlimited and sign up for all the classes weeks in advance," another advises, adding that waitlists are harder with limited class packs.

Workout waitlists may be frustrating, but to Almedia, they may actually point to a stronger sense of community in the fitness space. "I think a waitlist is often less about exclusivity and more about signaling that an experience is genuinely valued by a community," she explains. "A waitlist is often a byproduct of members prioritizing an experience they know they'll feel better after, whether that's because of the workout itself, the coach, or the sense of community they've found there."

As for the more spontaneous class members (like myself), Almedia has some thoughts there too. Namely: don't let the waitlist discourage you. You never know when a spot might open up. "People's schedules change constantly, and it's common for spots to open up closer to class time," she says. "If there's a class you really want to take, join the waitlist rather than assuming you won't get in." If the same-day booking truly isn't an option, be patient, show up, and get your money's worth . . . good things come to those who wait.

An Editor's Guide to Compression Gear, From De-Bloat Panties to Butt-Lifting Leggings

Sarah Wasilak — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 10:40:03 -0700

If you thought compression wearables were limited to butt-lifting leggings and recovery boots that are more function than fashion, think again. These days, the compression industry extends to socks useful for travel, a full-body lymphatic drainage catsuit (yes, really), and even de-bloat underwear that no one has to know you've got under your clothes.

This, in part, is thanks to Lauren Dovey's brands Heat Healer and CEAN (pronounced "seen") that were founded to fill a major gap in the market. "Compression-wear is finally evolving because wellness has evolved. It's no longer just about what you eat or take. It's about how you live, how you move, and, yes, what you wear and put on your skin every day," Dovey tells Popsugar. "But the category was stuck. Everything was either clinical but ugly, or cute but totally ineffective." Working side-by-side with manufacturers in the US, Dovey developed medical-grade, graduated compression that could be woven into garments crafted from over 70 percent plant-based yarn. It sounds like a tall order, but the designs she's brought to the market actually benefit the body's lymphatic, circulatory, and digestive systems - and I've tried many of them, so I can attest to their positive results.

Of course, Dovey's products are not the only compression gear our editors have tried and loved, so whether you're just interested in filling up your workout apparel drawer (aka you've got a thirst for leggings!) or you're curious to dip your toe into new territory that could help you see major health benefits, I've outlined some of the best products on the market. As an athlete and shopping director, I promise I wouldn't steer you in the wrong direction.

The Best Compression Gear

Best compression leggings on a budget: CRZ Yoga Hugged Feeling Compression Leggings at $30
Underwear that camoflauges bloat: CEAN De-Bloat Underwear at $48
Comfortable compression socks: Bombas Everyday Compression Sock 3-Pack at $90
For those who love a fashionable flare: Splits59 Raquel High Waist Supplex Flare Leg pants at $118
Best splurge-worthy compression leggings: Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging at $134
A onesie that delivers a lymphatic massage: CEAN Activated Lymphatic Onesie at $148, originally $198
The sports bra that activates your lymphatic system: Elastique L'Original Lymphatic Compression Bra at $150
For someone whose work involves screens: CEAN Lymphatic Romper at $168

Experts Featured in This Article

Lauren Dovey is an entrepreneur and the founder of Heat Healer and CEAN.

Jessica Pegula Talks Collagen, Being a Bills Fan, and the Return of Serena Williams

Alexis Jones — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 07:30:03 -0700

Every athlete has their rituals and good luck charms. For tennis sensation Jessica Pegula, New York City is its own sort of talisman. Having been raised in Buffalo, Pegula considers the Arthur Ashe courts home. "New York is crazy about their sports teams, crazy about anything," Pegula tells Popsugar in a recent interview discussing her partnership with Vital Proteins.

It's a whole other experience to be embraced by the city, however. "Being from New York state, being an American, and now being you know one of the top Americans over the last couple years, we have so much fan support," Pegula says. "Not everyone gets to experience that. I think that has just always driven me to do really well there."

Not to mention, her parents own the Buffalo Bills, and when it comes to sports fans, they're arguably football's fiercest. "Buffalo is not known for being a tennis town. But you get so many sports fans there that come, and they're like, 'Well, you're from Buffalo and we're Bills fans, so we had to come to the US Open and watch you.'" In other words, there's almost always someone in the stands rooting for her.

When asked how she's been preparing for the tournament beginning on Aug. 23, Pegula says recovery has been crucial in this stage of her career. For that, she relies heavily on collagen, specifically Vital Proteins. The 18-time WTA title holder swears by it when it comes to joint mobility. When you're "running and pounding on a surface" for up to 11 months out of the year, being able to bounce back with minimal pain is crucial, Pegula says.

"With our tennis schedule, it's such a long year . . . we play so many weeks and you want to make sure that you feel your best every single week," she says. Pegula is heading to the US Open at the end of the month, hoping to clench the championship after coming extremely close in 2024 before Aryna Sabalenka took the title.

Though this year, Pegula may find herself up against an unexpected competitor, as the buzz around Serena Williams's return to tennis is inescapable. "It's just crazy that she's back," Pegula says. "I think it'll be interesting to see her back on the hard courts . . . I know she got a little injured during Wimbledon, so we'll kind of see physically [how she's recovered]. I think for her, it's all physically if she can manage things."

Regardless, Williams will have an impact on the tournament. Pegula says, "She just brings a different aura and a different set of eyes on her when she's around at these events and playing again - and I think it's great for tennis as well."

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.

I Tried Taylor Swift's Posture-Correcting Sports Bra

Kyley Warren — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:45:01 -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 ($168, 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.
Its available with two different armhole-opening choices: regular or wide.

Where Is This Sports Bra Available to Shop?

This sports bra is available to shop exclusively at Forme. Looking for more affordable options? The Popsugar High Neck Racerback Sports Bra ($20, originally $25), Quince Ultra-Form Scoop Neck Longline Bra ($30, originally $64), Yvette Zip Front Sports Bra ($32, originally $40), 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, Balim Tezel, and Adelaide Giesey

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.

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

Adelaide Giesey (she/her) is a shopping writer at Popsugar. With over seven years of industry experience, she is an expert in all things beauty and enjoys writing across fashion and lifestyle categories. Prior to PS, she helped shape the beauty verticals at Byrdie, Coveteur, and InStyle.

Pro Footballer Ashlea Klam Says Flag Football Is Not "Just a Recreational Sport"

Alexis Jones — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 08:30:03 -0700

Ashlea Klam is locked in - and she has the phone background to prove it. On a Zoom call with the pro footballer in early August, she shows me her lock screen: a photo of herself passionately screaming during a play. It serves as her reminder to always bring her whole self to the game.

Klam is the one of the top collegiate flag football players of her division, named the 2026 NAIA Women's Flag Football Player of the Year and captain for Team USA. And she didn't arrive here by happenstance. Inspired by her older brother, Klam has played flag football since she was 7 years old on a team created by her own parents.

"In Texas, whenever a 7-year-old girl at the time with little pigtails says, 'I want to play football, majority of the parents would say, 'Well, what about this? What about this? Why don't we try this?'" Klam says, "But both of my parents were like, "Oh heck yeah! If we can't find you a team, we'll make you a team.'"

In high school, Klam was already plotting out her future in the sport. "I had a gut feeling that it would be able to take me somewhere," she tells Popsugar in a conversation about her latest partnership with T-Mobile.

"One of the biggest misconceptions is that it is just a recreational sport."

Klam began her official flag football career at Kaiser University and now she's transferring over to Cal Poly University, a D1 school, to play the game. This is also her fourth year on the women's US national team, which she's hoping will make headlines at the next Olympics when flag football makes its debut. "One of the biggest misconceptions is that it is just a recreational sport," Klam says. "No, people can make genuine careers out of this."

It's a reality Klam hopes to convey through her latest partnership with T-Mobile. The brand recently launched its Friday Night 5G Lights program offering small-town high schools the chance to receive funding of up to $1 million to upgrade their football fields and athletic facilities, thereby helping create a better experience for athletes and the entire community. (Klam joins NFL icons Rob Gronkowski and Patrick Mahomes in supporting the effort.)

"When growing up, my parents created a community for me and so that's why this is such an authentic partnership for me because they're creating communities for small towns," Klam says. In supporting these resources, she hopes other young girls will be encouraged to play the game. She wants to create as many "pathways" as possible for them to reach the top.

Fortunately, the industry is already recognizing the potential, Klam says, acknowledging the meteoric rise in the investment of women's sports: a recent Nielsen study showed a 120 percent increase in advertising spent on the category since 2022. It also noted that 122 million Americans (more than half the population) are interested in women's sports.

"People are starting to realize that supporting women's sports is no longer just good to do," Klam says. "People are starting to realize that it truly is good business."

Inside the Competitive World of the US Open Ball Crew

Alexis Jones — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:15:02 -0700

In a long list of jobs I'm highly unqualified for, ball person is top five. If you've ever been to a professional tennis match, you'll see them dashing across the court in what feels like milliseconds to chase down a neon green ball before the next serve. The movement is quick, effortless, and causes very little disruption to the game. From an outsider's perspective, the job seems nerve-racking and nearly impossible to finesse. But what you witness in an hours-long match, Jaime Rivera has been perfecting for almost half his life.

Rivera was first recommended to join the US Open's ball crew by a tennis coach from his after-school program. "I was just a little scrawny kid from high school and just trying to throw the ball all the way down the court," he tells Popsugar.

Now, he's an incoming eleventh-year veteran, leading his sister Amanda Rivera down the same path. So what does it take to become part of the elite crew responsible for keeping the biggest matches in tennis going? We asked two of the pros to weigh in.

Popsugar: What are some of the most important skills you need to be a ball person?
Jaime Rivera: Anyone with a team mentality, I think they should go for it.
Amanda Rivera: Whoever shows hustle too, shows heart. It's not even about being the fastest and most agile.
JR: It's about the intent, the effort, and the desire to be there.

PS: What does a typical tournament day look like for you?
AR: We get an email the night prior of when our shift time will start and we arrive by then. Usually we have around 30 minutes of downtime to clock in to change before we head out to court. We're on court for an hour and a half on and an hour and a half off.
JR: But you also don't find out your crew until like five minutes before what court you're going to, so there's a bit of surprise to it as well.

Jaime Rivera and Amanda Rivera

PS: What's the hardest part of the job?
JR: Keeping up the intensity for almost three weeks in the blistering heat.
AR: That's so true. It's easy for the first few days where you really go all out and everything, but to continue going all out every single day and at least showing up as best as you can, that gets a little tricky.

"We wait for the moment that somebody brings up tennis just so we can tell them that we ball crew."

PS: How do you guys keep up the endurance?
JR: We both do long distance running. I ran the marathon last year. We run countless halfs . . . just running all the time.
AR: Hydration. It gets to a point where the sun is really hot and you feel the heat coming from the court. [It's] not fun when you're not properly equipped for the heat.

PS: What does your compensation look like?
JR: We get a daily food allowance. We get paid I think minimum wage. It's like 18 or 19 [dollars an hour]. The best perk: we get free matches. We get to watch on whatever stadium as long as there's seating in the upper levels.
AR: Honestly, it's not really about the pay. It's all about the experience.

PS: What has been your most memorable experience on the job?
AR: I did a few [Carlos] Alcaraz matches last tournament or last year - and honestly, he's just a great player to watch overall.
JR: Absolute cinema.
AR: I also did work a Venus doubles match last year which I thought was really cool because I thought the Williams sisters were done.
JR: Maybe we get Serena again this year!

PS: What do you do outside of this?
AR: We wait for the moment that somebody brings up tennis just so we can tell them that we ball crew.

PS: Wait, really though, do you have full-time jobs?
JR: I work in construction.
AR: I just finished my undergrad, but I'm going back to school in the fall to pursue nursing.

Elite Tennis Is Officially For the Aunties

Ralinda Watts — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:55:03 -0700

Image Source: Getty / Mike Frey; Ralinda Watts

Over time, the word "auntie" has evolved from term used to describe a biological relative to a powerful representation of cultural identity: a Black woman with a presence, who's full of wisdom, and knows how to have fun. While initially a term of endearment referencing age and maturity, Black culture in the age of Gen Z has redefined the word "auntie" as a badge of honor. The term isn't about age, but rather about influence, realness, and taking up space authentically.

From the women in our families to political aunties like Maxine Waters, in the world of social media, "auntie behavior" or "aunties" can be witnessed at social and sporting events - on full display in all of their "aura," as the kids say.

At last year's BNP Paribas Open, affectionately known as Tennis Paradise, the aunties were present, taking in the tennis action, building community together, and enjoying the softness of a sport that has often excluded our identity and experience.

Whether it be hopping from stadium to stadium, watching the players practice, or enjoying a match together on the big screen while sitting on the pristine grassy lawn, the BNP is where the aunties are living their best life, enjoying every serve while they serve looks, energy, and joy.

There, in Indian Wells, CA, I witnessed this firsthand and caught up with certified aunties on how they're bringing a sense of community to Black women in sport.

Audrey Owens, an avid tennis fan who resides in Inglewood, CA, shared what it means to have the aunties so visible at BNP Paribas Open. She said, "It's important to be represented in the athletic realm to inspire and encourage Black girls to participate in this historically white space."

PS Photography / Ralinda Watts

In recent years, tennis has seen an explosion in Black female players, leading aunties, like myself, wanting to come out and support. At this particular BNP, there were several Black women in the draw: US Open Champion Coco Gauff; four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka; two-time Grand Slam doubles champion Taylor Townsend; as well as rising stars like Alycia Parks, Hailey Baptiste, Robin Montgomery, Clervie Ngounoue, and Whitney Osuigwe.

"Black women have always had a presence in tennis, but now we're seeing more of us actively taking up space and connecting through the sport," said Erika Bond, the founder of All-Love Racquet Club. "Serena and Venus didn't just inspire a generation of players - they inspired a generation of fans who see tennis as a place where we belong."

Bond also touched on how social media has helped make tennis fandom more accessible, "making it easier to find like-minded people who love the game and want to experience it in a way that reflects our culture." Bond added, "At the same time, the tennis world still has barriers when it comes to real inclusivity. While the fan base is evolving, the industry - sponsorships, media coverage, leadership - still skews heavily white. That's why so many of us rally around Black players; we know firsthand how hard it is to thrive in a space that wasn't built with us in mind."

Bond's club seeks to not only diversify tennis culture, but bring an authentic experience to the courts through community, music, food vendors, and an overall welcoming atmosphere. For example, the club previously hosted a cookout event for Black History Month, sponsored by the United States Tennis Association Southern California, and held on the legendary Los Angeles courts where the Williams sisters played as kids.

"All-Love was built for everyone who has ever felt like there wasn't a place for them in tennis," Bond said. She hopes that by giving Black women a space like All-Love to find respite and representation, that bigger forums won't feel so isolating.

Owens also notes that the importance of "showing up" for the athletes that look like us. "Our attendance in great numbers demonstrates that these athletes can draw large crowds and are worthy of being showcased," she said.

Bond shares a similar sentiment, adding that there's a positive trickle-down effect: "When you see more Black women excelling in tennis, it naturally brings more of us into the sport, whether as fans, players, or industry professionals."

"The future of the sport should reflect all of the people who love it."

That said, representation alone isn't enough. There are still real challenges when it comes to access, sponsorship, and overall visibility beyond the handful of players we see on TV. "The tennis establishment still favors a particular image when it comes to marketing and branding, and that doesn't always reflect the diversity of the people who actually love this sport," Bond said. "That's why so many Black fans gravitate toward the Black players coming up now - we know they're not just competing on the court, they're pushing against a system that still has limitations."

Over the last year, I've noticed a marked difference in more Black women in attendance at BNP, and it's been so refreshing to see - especially in light of the historic discrimination within the tournament (take, for example, the racist mistreatment Serena Williams faced by the fans at the Australian Open in 2001, which led to her 14-year boycott of the tournament).

But gradually, spaces like BNP are becoming more welcoming for Black women spectators. Even intentional choices on food vendors send a message of belonging that I hope remains for years to come. "I love seeing so many of us here to enjoy the high-end athletic experience, from the DJ spinning more popular and soulful music to the inclusion of the Black-owned, Los Angeles-based Post & Beam restaurant featured," Owens said.

PS Photography / Ralinda Watts

Aside from the tennis action and entertainment, what's even more fun is just seeing all the other aunties come together. Some may not even know each other, but we leave as best friends; some get together and make it a yearly event.

Regardless of how or why, the aunties are enjoying their time together, expanding the notion of what a tennis fan should look like - and, more so, how a tennis fan should take up space. At a time when there are so many attacks on Black women, from the policing of our hair in schools or the workplace to combatting the "angry Black woman" stereotype, it's refreshing to see the softness of Black women come alive at BNP. "We're proving that tennis doesn't have to fit into a narrow box, and that the future of the sport should reflect all of the people who love it," Bond said.

From a nod as we pass each other on the grounds to the high fives when Gauff delivers a precise shot on the court, the shared understanding and collective celebration for each other makes it all worth it. "BNP is my favorite because for a relatively short 2-hour drive to the desert, I can see all of my favorite tennis stars in-person and up close," Owens said, "as well be with all of my sistahs, us aunties are here."

Not only are the aunties here, but we're here to stay. And every time we show up and show out in the tennis space, we prove that it's more than a sport. "It can be a cultural moment, a celebration, a place to build real connections - and for us there's a deep sense of connection," Bond said. "It's a reminder that even in spaces where we're not the majority, we bring community with us."

Ralinda Watts is an author, diversity expert, consultant, practitioner, speaker, and proven thought leader who works at the intersection of race, identity, culture, and justice. She has contributed to numerous publications such as PS, CBS Media, Medium, YahooLifestyle, and the Los Angeles Times.

How These Fitfluencers Share Their Love of Movement With Their Kids

Jennifer Heimlich — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:15:02 -0700

In Lindsey Bomgren's household, weekends are for treks to the park. She and her husband will run or cycle the half mile there while their 9-year-old son, 6-year-old daughter, and 4-year-old son hop on their bikes or scooters. "My sprint intervals are, 'Can you beat me on your scooter?'" says the personal trainer behind the fitness platform Nourish Move Love.

Once they all arrive, the kids run around and play "lava monster, or whatever they play at the park," while Bomgren and her husband take advantage of any equipment that's available. They'll do push-ups and tricep dips on a bench, pull-ups on the monkey bars, squats and lunges wherever there's space. "The kids often join us in the monkey bar pull-ups - we all have pull-up goals at this point," Bomgren says. (Her two older kids can both do five, and constantly compete with each other to see who can do more, she adds.)

Bomgren began doing these park workouts when she was a new mom with virtually no time in the day to exercise on her own. But even as her kids have gotten old enough to play independently and she can find more pockets of time for herself, she's kept up the routine. Not only does everyone in the family enjoy it, but it also gives her children a chance to watch their parents work out, and join the activity in their own ways.

"We've explained to them that heart disease runs in our family, so this is how we keep our hearts healthy and stay healthy enough to keep up with you," Bomgren says. She and her husband also talk about how practice and repetition help them reach their goals. For instance, the family pull-up competitions initially grew out of their daughter's desire to do a pullover on the gymnastics bar, and Bomgren taught her to practice pull-ups as a way to build the necessary strength.

This idea of "walking the talk" is a common sentiment among parents who value fitness enough to work in the industry. Betina Gozo Shimonek is a Nike Global Trainer and mom of three kids ranging from 20 months to 5 years (with another on the way). As much as she enjoys her solo workouts, she tells Popsugar she's intentional about getting active with her kids. "For us, it's not about telling them they should work out, but instead showing them," she says. "We want to always lead by example."

Sometimes her little ones will be part of their strength workout, getting pushed on the sled in the family's home gym, or becoming a weight to lift (or a tagger to outrun). Other times, the kids will play on their own nearby while the grown-ups complete their sets and reps. "It's the sweetest thing when our kids actually ask, 'Can I work out with you?'" she says.

Of course, a workout with children around is far more chaotic than a dialed-in, solo training session. "I have to be flexible with interruptions, snacks, potty breaks," Bomgren says. "But that's when I usually try to get them involved, like, 'Let's have a challenge and see who can hold a plank longer.'"

Other parents find they simply can't avoid activity during family time, even when they crave a rest day. "Toddlers are the workout," says Peloton instructor Jess King, whose son and daughter are both very energetic 3 year olds. "They have to take up space. They have to climb." Keeping up with them means hitting 10,000 steps is the default.

In fact, King says watching her kids play has given her a new perspective on working out. "I'm noticing that the way that they're exploring movement - from crawling to walking to running to now every plane of motion - they are exhibiting the same movement patterns that we transfer into a workout and break down and essentially retrain in the adult," she says. For kids, bear crawls and planks and sprints aren't exercises; they're just part of playing.

In many ways, King's found that the best workout for her and her wife simply comes from following their toddlers' lead. "If they're on the ground, we get on the ground with them and develop that strength," she says. Other days, they might be running after their kids on the beach, or getting in the pool together when they want to go swimming.

Each of these trainers has also set up their home strategically to encourage playful movement. In their basement, Bomgren and her husband installed a bounce house for the kids alongside workout equipment for the adults. Gozo Shimonek has rings hanging in her living room that the children can swing on. King has put together a jungle gym space next to her home Peloton, with a trampoline and a climbing wall. She also has sensory swings made of looped silk fabric anchored to the ceiling in front of the TV for her toddlers to play in. "They spin around. They intertwine with each other. They're never sitting still, even when they're watching TV," she says.

But fancy equipment isn't a requirement to get active. Gozo Shimonek shares that some days, it's as simple as her husband, a former NFL quarterback, starting a game of catch that everyone joins. Bomgren, meanwhile, likes to end each workday by getting outside. "That could mean playing soccer or Wiffle ball in the cul-de-sac, or just setting up the sprinklers in the front yard," she says.

The brutal winters where she lives in Minnesota don't stop her family, either. They'll explore the woods together in the snow, walk on the frozen river behind their house, or go sledding. "Carrying your kids on a sled up a hill on slippery snow when you're fully dressed in snow gear is probably the best workout of winter there is," Bomgren jokes.

Sure, exercise might look very different when the whole family is involved. But that's not necessarily a downside. King shares that her kids have helped her remember that being active can mean so much more than "doing a workout." She says, "They've reminded me how playful movement can be - and how fun it can be."

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.

A Complete Pilates Fashion Guide, From Compression Leggings to Grippy Socks

Emily Weaver — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 11:11:03 -0700

Whether you're trying reformer Pilates for the first time or you consider yourself a pro, the last thing you want to worry about is your outfit. Your mind is busy enough trying to master the moves - you shouldn't have to think about your sports bra not being supportive enough or the waistband of your leggings starting to slip. So before you take your next Pilates class, you're going to want to check out these must-have workout pieces loved by editors and the pros.

While I try to take a Pilates class at least once a week, I'm not ashamed to say I'm far from being a professional. To make this outfit guide as comprehensible as possible, I called in for backup. Starting with the basics, Kate Snyder, a Club Pilates instructor, recommends wearing fitted clothing like leggings so both you and your instructor can keep a better eye on your form. She also recommends avoiding zippers at all costs. "You spend a majority of the class using the reformer, oftentimes lying on your back," Snyder tells Popsugar. "There's nothing more uncomfortable than a zipper digging into your lower back for 50 minutes!" Ahead, find the ultimate Pilates style guide, from Club Pilates instructor-loved leggings to my go-to ballet wrap.

Best Pieces to Wear to a Pilates Class

For an added challenge: Popsugar Flex Wrist/Ankle Weight at $20
Don't forget your grippy socks: FP Movement No Show Pilates Grip Socks at $24
A one-piece is the easiest outfit: Popsugar One Piece Black Jumpsuit at $30
An instructor-loved sports bra: Nike Pro Swoosh Medium-Support Sports Bra at $42
The perfect light layer: ELV Active Ballet Wrap at $68
A buttery-soft cropped tank:Beyond Yoga Spacedye On the Up Cropped Tank at $74
The perfect Pilates legging: Lululemon Wunder Train No Line High-Rise Tight at $108
Because pockets make everything better: Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise 7/8 Legging at $109
The more compression the better: Alo High-Waist Airlift Legging at $134
For supportive footwear: On Cloud 6 Sneakers at $160

Experts Featured in This Article

Kate Snyder is an instructor at Club Pilates Johnston/EG.
Amanda Duckstein is the founder and owner of Reyva Pilates.
Kelsey Gephart is a certified Pilates instructor and master trainer.

First She Lost Her Vision, Then She Earned a Bronze Medal in Blind Baseball

Alexis Jones — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 10:35:04 -0700

Kiana Glanton won't step to the plate without a fresh swipe of red lipstick and a pair of hoop earrings. Only then does she feel ready to enter the batter's box. To most, these accessories may seem optional, but when Glanton decided to join to the US Blind Baseball Association (USBBA), she promised to do it her way. "Blind is my circumstance, but Kiana is who I am primarily," she tells Popsugar in an exclusive interview. It's taken years for her to arrive at that perspective.

At age 4, Glanton was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition called sarcoidosis, where inflammatory cells in the body attack it from within. For Glanton, the condition resulted in intense skin and joint discomfort, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammation of the eye. Over time that inflammation became increasingly more prevalent and she had to go through chemotherapy for 10 years, starting at age 19 through the day she found out she was pregnant. During pregnancy, Glanton says her system regulated and her vision stabilized.

"I became a competitor and I was dead set on being a champion."

But in 2018, as her daughter turned 3, her vision rapidly declined. "I had to accept that it was going to go," Glanton says. "The last images of my child that I could recognize became really really important to me to lock in."

Today, Glanton has no vision in her left eye and 20/800 in her right, which she describes as looking through the static of a snowy television. "Some days I can see some colors and some some images, and some days I can't," she says. It's a reality that she's learned to manage, but struggled to accept. In 2018, one of her teachers at Lighthouse Guild
, a nonprofit for the blind and visually impaired, recognized this and recommended she join a blind baseball team. He knew that what she needed most was to "find my space within the blind community," Glanton says.
Kiana Glanton with her daughter on the practice field.

She declined the first invite without any real consideration. "At the time, I had a lot of internalized self-hate for my blindness and I just had a hard time accepting it. So the last thing I wanted to do was be seen with a bunch of blind people for fear of what that would look like." But the invites kept coming, and when Glanton finally agreed to attend one of the practices, she was met with an overwhelming amount of motivation, rather than judgement.

"The first person that I saw there was a young lady who had on an Aaron Judge Yankees jersey and some cute shorts and the cutest hot pink sneakers. She was so fly and so confident, and I was like the nerve of this girl to come here and her blind self and be this beautiful and this fly," Glanton says. Then, she watched her run a drill. Glanton, a bodybuilder and self-proclaimed "gym rat," found herself in shock.

"She ran so fast and as soon as I saw her running, I said, 'I will never let another girl beat me. I will never let anybody beat me on this field.'" Glanton says, "In that moment, I became a baseball player. I became an athlete. I became a competitor and I was dead set on being a champion."

Three years later, Glanton would travel to Europe to compete for the USBBA and bring home a bronze medal. And when she returned, all she could think about was expanding access to the sport. Today, she's captain of the New York-based team sponsored by Lighthouse Guild with 30 members and counting. And Glanton is encouraging others to follow her path.

"My advice to someone that is new to the blind, low-vision community is to seek help and seek community. Find your local organization that will give you the necessary skills to feel independent and empowered. And after that, you find the nearest blind sports program to invest in your body, your mind, and your spirit," Glanton says.

When she first walked into Lighthouse Guild, Glanton was filled with nothing but fears - from her ability to care for her daughter to the loss of her independence and lack of identity outside of her condition. Through their programming and blind baseball, she not only found confidence and community, but a version of herself born of - yet uninhibited by - her blindness. "I became an athlete at 39, so anything's possible," Glanton says. "You have time to change the trajectory of your life."

Matt Damon's Stuntwoman Just Dropped Her Workout Routine

Chandler Plante — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:00:03 -0700

At this point, Devyn Dalton's biceps deserve their own Oscar. The 4′ 6″ stuntwoman first made headlines after Matt Damon shouted out her impressive work in "The Odyssey." On an episode of Josh Horowitz's "Happy Sad Confused" podcast, Damon said that Dalton has the "greatest arms I've ever seen." High praise coming from Odysseus himself. For Dalton, the viral moment felt surreal, but it's also about time stunt performers received their flowers, she tells Popsugar.

With only about 22 percent of stunt workers identifying as female, Dalton doubling for a leading Hollywood man is no small feat. And although she started performing professionally at just nine years old, Damon is actually the first male A-lister she's ever body doubled for. "It took a lot of years of quietly showing up," Dalton says. "Being trusted in that space is something I don't take lightly. It represents years of preparation, consistency, and a genuine love for what I do."

From her beginnings in dance and theater, to her current work in motion capture and creature performance (a physical portrayal of non-human characters like animals, monsters, and aliens), Dalton truly does it all. To find out more about her journey, we asked Dalton to share her most unusual stunt prep, her experience with being underestimated in Hollywood, and yes, the workout routine behind those famous biceps. Read on to learn all about the resilience (and hardcore training) that brought Dalton to the big-screen.

Popsugar: As the woman with "the greatest arms" ever, can you tell us about your upper body routine?
Devyn Dalton: (Laughs.) I still can't believe that's become a thing. Honestly, there isn't a secret workout. I am so proud - I have never felt more beautiful and feminine than with my muscles. My training is built around what I enjoy doing, and has been a part of my daily life since I was young. I do a mix of strength training, Muay Thai, dance, mobility work, and functional exercises that help me perform safely and move well. I focus on consistency rather than chasing quick results. I also love being outdoors, so I get outside for runs, hikes, swimming and bike rides whenever I can.

The biggest thing I've learned is that health is wealth. You can't out-train poor recovery. Good nutrition, quality sleep, hydration, and looking after your body are just as important as lifting weights.

PS: What drew you to stunt work in the first place?
DD: I've always loved storytelling through movement. Acting naturally led me into motion capture and creature performance, and stunts became another extension of that. I've never wanted to be put into one box. Sometimes you're telling a story with dialogue, sometimes with physicality, and sometimes without saying a single word . . . that's what I love about this industry: it isn't just about doing something physical or dangerous; it's about helping tell the story in the most truthful and believable way possible.

PS: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a woman in the industry?
DD: To be honest, I've probably been underestimated more because of my size than because I'm a woman. People often make assumptions about what I can or can't do before they've even met me. Then, they watch me work. The industry has changed enormously over the years and it's exciting to see more opportunities for women doing work that traditionally may have gone to men. At the end of the day, productions want the best performer for the job, and I think that's exactly how it should be. I hope seeing women in these roles encourages the next generation to realize there isn't just one path anymore.

PS: Does your health and fitness regimen change at all when gearing up for a new project?
DD: Absolutely. Every project asks something different of you. Sometimes it's building strength, sometimes it's improving endurance or mobility, and other times it's simply maintaining what I've already built . . . because my career is so physical, training isn't something I switch on for a project - it's simply part of my lifestyle.

PS: What's the most unusual thing you've done to prepare for a stunt?
DD: Learning how to create completely different creatures through movement is unlike anything else. You're studying how animals move, changing your posture, your rhythm, and even your breathing to create a believable character. I've also trained in everything from wire work and fight choreography to martial arts and movement techniques. The funny part is that you never know which random skill will suddenly become useful years later.

PS: Looking back, is there any particular stunt or body double work you're most proud of?
DD: I'm incredibly proud of my motion capture work. Performing characters that audiences connect with - often without them ever knowing there's a performer behind them - is a unique privilege. Whether I'm acting on camera, performing in a motion capture suit, or working in physical performance, the goal is always the same: to help bring unforgettable characters and stories to life.

I Tried 4 Different Workout Classes at a Sold-Out "Fitness Festival"

Chandler Plante — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 05:45:03 -0700

I'm elbow-deep in a plate of chicken limone at an Italian restaurant in Chicago's West Loop. A man who I presume to be the owner inquires first about the food, then my trip. "I'm here for a fitness festival," I tell him. "What the hell is that?" he laughs back.

To his credit, it's not every day you hear the words "fitness" and "festival" in the same sentence. I explain that I spent the better part of the morning trying four different workout classes with fellow fitness enthusiasts. "Sounds horrible," he responds. I try not to choke on my linguini.

It's a tough sell for some. Not everyone is willing to trade a precious summer weekend for a series of consecutive sweat sessions. But when you consider that a singular fitness class can cost anywhere from $35 (Peloton) to $46 (solidcore), having the ability to sample four different modalities in one place isn't just a great workout – it's a bargain.

Even so, I felt nervous walking into Chicago's sold-out Faces of Fitness Festival. I had sworn to tighten up my fitness routine in the weeks prior, but inexplicably, my three-pound hand weights remained untouched. I was going in totally unprepared, just me and my matching workout sets against the world. But in the end, it wasn't the nightmare Mr. Chicken Limone likely had in mind.

Whether you're considering attending a fitness festival yourself, or just want to know how I survived mine, here's my honest take on what it's really like.

My Fitness Festival Experience

I hear the festival before I see it. Pop EDM music is being pumped into an expansive outdoor campus, where attendees are lined up. I walk in and feel a familiar wave of overstimulation I sometimes get at concerts. The entire perimeter of the space is dotted with different wellness brands, most of them having to do with protein, supplements, or hydration. It's 8:30 in the morning so I head straight for the Celsius activation to stock up on some (much-needed) festival caffeine and settle down for my first workout.

I plan my day strategically; four workouts, 30 minutes each, all under the bright sun. There are 16 different workouts total to choose from (four for each 30-minute slot). In my mind, it makes sense to ease into the day with something low impact, so I opt for a mind-body interval class from Life Time. Interestingly enough, this yoga and mat Pilates hybrid is one of my favorite workouts from the whole day. I catch a glimpse at the next stage over, and the participants are jumping straight into burpees. Bullet dodged.

Now fully warmed up, I have five minutes before Bünda's "glute camp" workout. The Celsius kicks in, the sun escapes from behind the clouds, and someone hands me a pink resistance band for good measure . . . the perfect storm. We dive straight into various squats, lunges, and kicks, staying low to the ground for optimal glute burn. My boyfriend beside me has somehow evaded the evil resistance band, looking at me inquisitively as beads of sweat start to roll down my forehead.

I finish the workout by the skin of my teeth and spend two of my five transition minutes curled up in a ball on my mat. When I finally manage to peel myself up, I remember that my next workout is lululemon's boxing and HIIT class.

To be clear, this is not a workout I would normally choose myself. As a self-described yoga girlie, the words "high impact" typically send me running in the opposite direction. But just as you might attend a music festival with friends, debating over which headliners to see on what day, I also compromise with my incredibly active boyfriend. Boxing it is.

One of my favorite things about Faces of Fitness is that you get to sample new workouts you might not try otherwise. I don't know enough about boxing to sign up for a dedicated class, but I find myself enjoying the movement anyway. By the end of the workout, I'm in high spirits, and more open to trying something new. I finish day one with a jump rope class from Chicago Jump Club, and find myself less worried about nailing every move, and more focused on enjoying the movement in community.

Day two, I'm pleasantly surprised that the muscle soreness hasn't fully settled in yet. It's my birthday, and I'm feeling particularly strong and present in my body . . . if not a little wiped from yesterday's antics. I spend the majority of the day listening to (and meeting!) the incredible Simone Biles. She leads us through a box-breathing exercise, talks about mental health, and guides us through the perfect cartwheel. Best birthday ever.

The rest of the day I spend exploring the different wellness activations, ducking in and out of line for electrolyte drinks, protein bars, and collagen shakes before heading out for the afternoon. But that's the beautiful thing about a fitness festival - you get to tailor your experience to fit your needs, not the other way around.

What to Keep in Mind

You may be working out, but Faces of Fitness still feels like a festival. If your experience is anything like mine, you might catch your neighbor setting up their tripod just to get an aesthetic workout video. You might sneak out of a class early to track down the (air-conditioned!) porta-potties. You might even endure a 20-minute line in the hopes of snagging a free protein bar.

In true festival fashion, I saw people rocking glittery makeup, dancing to the music, and making new friends. Bring water, a yoga mat, comfortable workout clothes, and don't be afraid to modify when you need it. The festival is all about having fun and embracing your own best self.

My Takeaways

There's a reason fitness festivals are selling out. Getting to experience so many trending workout classes firsthand (we're talking Barry's, Orangetheory, Peloton, Pvolve, and more) gives you a unique opportunity to sample everything on your fitness radar . . . and maybe even a few things you hadn't thought to try before. Tack on wellness freebies, a positive community of fitness enthusiasts, and gold-medal "headliners" like Biles, and I really did walk away feeling grounded and stronger in more ways than one.

Serena Williams Wants to Give OG Fans a VIP Tennis Experience

Alexis Jones — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 06:00:05 -0700

Like many of us today, Serena Williams is embracing a little nostalgia. In anticipation of the US Open, she's taking a trip down memory lane and asking fans to drum up her old match tickets. The payoff? A seat in the exclusive Heineken Suite at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. "Some of my most defining moments in my career happened in New York, and none of those would have meant as much without the fans," she tells Popsugar in an exclusive interview.

To win the "Second Serve Tickets," starting August 3 fans will submit a photo of their old ticket stub alongside a personal memory. The most passionate fans will be invited to return to the stadium - this time, in the suites. "I felt like if that experience was memorable enough for them to keep [a ticket], then we should have a way to let them enjoy it again. Maybe not [with] me, but something at the tournament," Williams says with a laugh.

Fans at the 2026 US Open can also purchase limited-edition Heineken 0.0 cans inspired by the ticket designs from Serena Williams's six US Open championship wins. The non-alcoholic beverage has become an easy integration into Williams's active routine. "I love that option of the 0.0 in particular when I'm training or when I'm working out or when I'm just being a mom," she says.

"I'm an innovator, and I've been on that train for over 20 years."

Right now, she's balancing all three pretty equally as she trains for a potential run at the US Open. While it hasn't officially been confirmed that Williams will compete, her coach, Rennae Stubbs, says that it is her intention, per AP News. Williams has been focused on recovery since Wimbledon, where she suffered a knee injury and had to withdraw from playing doubles with her sister, Venus Williams.

"I'm feeling solid," she says. "Recovery's going well. Finally, started doing better - so it's good." In terms of her cross-training, Williams is on the StairMaster regularly and also doing Pilates. "I'm an innovator, and I've been on that train for over 20 years," Williams says of her Pilates practice. "That's a staple for me. I actually have a reformer at my house . . . no body like a Pilates body."

When it comes to fueling her body, tacos are a constant in Williams's life: "We always have tacos on Tuesday, and I've gotten pretty consistent whipping that up very fast. I also love making beans and rice for the girls" - who, yes, will both be coming with her to New York. "I don't go with anywhere without them," Williams tells Popsugar.

As far as her other expectations for New York and what it will feel like to be back in the stadium, Williams says she's taking things day by day: "I haven't thought that much into it to be perfectly honest. I have a lot of good memories. I also have a lot of rough memories there, so I'm just living in the moment and today."

19 Butt-Lifting Leggings PS Editors Swear By - From Cropped to Seamless Styles

Kyley Warren — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 14:15:03 -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 $20, originally $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
For seamless support: Oner Active EnhanceLift Seamless Leggings at $65
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
A sheer, sculpting statement: Fabletics Luxe360 SculptKnit Legging at $85
Your high-performance, versatile training pair: Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight at $98
For mixing fashion and functionality: Spiritual Gangster EuphoriaLift Crop Flare Legging 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
Designed for low-impact days: Athleta Salutation Stash High Rise Legging $109
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 July 29, 2026 at 5:15 PM ET: I updated prices and checked stock for all products, and added some recent favorites from Oner Active and Spiritual Gangster.

Jake Shane Is Ready to Be Your New Favorite Fitfluencer

Chandler Plante — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:05:03 -0700

It's a big day for Puss nation. Over the past nine months, Therapuss Jake Shane has been in the gym, quietly putting in the work with trainer Louis Chandler in the name of health and fitness. Although Shane shared glimpses of the journey along the way (cold-plunging candids, fervid cardio sessions, and viral battle rope memes), it was a shirtless snapshot that officially made his progress public. "Jake wtf," Alix Earle wrote on the April 10 Instagram post. "Like holy shit," Madelyn Cline added.

As someone known for his hilariously candid approach to life, Shane admits his work had a way of putting wellness on the back burner. "I wasn't prioritizing my diet at all, and I was kind of eating like crap," he tells Popsugar. This was the first major lifestyle change Shane started working on with his trainer, followed by a more consistent workout plan. "Every day was a different part of the body, as opposed to before, [when] I was kind of half-assing it, showing up in and out," Shane explains. Fast forward to today, and he is going to the gym five days a week - an achievement Shane credits to learning how to genuinely enjoy the movement. "Once I started to hate the way I felt without it, I was like, 'Oh, I guess that's the thing that's been making me feel better,'" he says. Movement is medicine, after all.

"Being on that boat was like, top 10 experiences in my entire life."

Another thing making Shane feel better these days? The mysterious 240-foot vessel that is the Alo voyage yacht. If you were anywhere on social media these past few weeks, odds are you encountered a slew of major influencers sun-bathing on the boat's massive deck, jumping into the ocean, and partying it up on the ultra-luxe charter. But what were all those creators really doing together?

Turns out, Shane may have the answers. According to him, a good chunk of the voyage was spent filming his new "Shake & Train" workout series for Alo Wellness Club. "Being on that boat was like, top 10 experiences in my entire life, top five, probably," he says. "It was really the best weekend of my life. It just had everything you could have ever wanted." And he's not exaggerating when he says everything.

The boat is reportedly equipped with a sauna, massage suite, fully-stocked gym, cold-plunge pool, hair salon, sports court, and even a swimming platform with direct access to the sea, per Boat International. "We had one big shoot day . . . and we celebrated after by jumping off the boat," Shane tells Popsugar. "It was so fun to film. I mean, obviously, how could it not be?"

Broken up into four 10-minute sessions, Shane wanted his Shake & Train workouts to feel fun and accessible. Whether you're squeezing in some movement on a busy travel day, or completing all the workouts in a single 40-minute session, the point is to get stronger and enjoy yourself along the way. "I wanted to make it feel like a podcast episode met a workout. I didn't want it to be boring," Shane says. "I'm excited to watch it back because I remember being really happy and in the moment."

The decision to opt for a Pilates-strength hybrid was also very intentional. Amid all the heated discourse about Pilates versus strength-training, Shane's take is: why not both? "If you devote your entire time to just one or the other, you're going to get injured, or you're not going to see the change that you want," he says. "It's really all about balance."

It's wild for Shane to look back on how far he's come in such a short amount of time. But in many ways, kicking off his own Alo Wellness series is Shane's ultimate full circle moment. "I feel very proud of myself, to be honest," he says. "I could have easily not gone to the gym this entire past year, and done nothing and felt like shit, and I'm so happy that I made the change, because I feel so much better in my head and my body."

Masai Russell Is Among the Fastest Hurdlers in America - Now, She's Coming For the World Record

Alexis Jones — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 10:40:03 -0700

Masai Russell is a powerhouse on the track. At just 26 years old, she's an Olympic gold medalist, holds the NCAA 100-meter hurdle record, already broke the US record, and is set to break the world record soon enough. At the end of May, Russell ran the 100-meter hurdle at 12.14 seconds, the second fastest of all time. "I knew that I still had a lot more in the tank, still had a lot more to give, and I know that the world record will be coming sometime in the near future," Russell tells Popsugar while reflecting on the moment.

She carries herself with the kind of confidence most of us dream of. She knows who she is and what she's meant to do. But it's a kind of self-assurance that's built over time, through resilience, hard work, and dedication. It's what led Russell from her devastating fall at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest to clinching an Olympic gold medal the following year.

"I want it to be known that I am a force to be reckoned with. I am someone that is not going to play when I get to the line."

The key for Russell: a laser-focus and unwavering makeup routine. Seriously. That's why she operates on a "no new friends" mindset. "I want it to be known that I am a force to be reckoned with. I am someone that is not going to play when I get to the line. I'm not your friend, specifically if we have only competed against each other." If she was already friends with a runner off the track, then that rule doesn't apply.

Take her close relationship with fellow pro-athlete Tara Davis-Woodhall. The two have trained together over the years and continue to build each other up over the wins and losses. "If I've known you before competition . . . it doesn't matter what the result is. At the end of the day, Tara will always be my one of my best friends, my sister, and I'm gonna be supporting her," Russell says.

As for the makeup routine, it allows Russell to channel a sort of alter ego. When you see her running on the track, the first thing you notice - other than her speed - is her face. Her makeup appears untouched - never creased, even after she's crossed the finish line. "If you see me on the track, the blush is banging. That's the main part of my routine," Russell says. The other must-haves: eyebrows and blush. For those of you who want the full breakdown, we asked and she answered.

Masai Russell's Meet-Day Hair and Makeup Must-Haves:

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
Armani Beauty Cheek Tint
Mac bronzer
Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb All-Over Diamond Veil
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
One/Size On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray
Edge Booster Edge Control
Pattern Beauty Styling Creams
Eco Style Olive Oil Styling Gel

But if you follow the Gen Z athlete on social media, you'll see she's multi-faceted, working overtime as a beauty, lifestyle, and fashion influencer. The latter shines through in her role as a Nike athlete. This past weekend at the Prefontaine Classic, Russell debuted the brand's Radical AirFlow jacket, a one-of-one creation inspired by her personality, style, and competitive mindset. When it comes to her reach, Russell says the possibilities are endless and she wants other young girls in sport to feel the same.

"The biggest thing that I want to display through my content is, you can do it too. It doesn't matter how you look, it doesn't matter how big, how tall, how small. It doesn't matter. If you believe that you can do anything, you can do whatever you put your mind to."

17 Editor-Approved Running Essentials - From Therabody to New Balance

Sarah Wasilak — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:40:04 -0700

I've been a runner for over 14 years now, having run two marathons and several half marathons. The biggest thing I've learned is that while runners have plenty of shared convictions - we all know the importance of a pre-run bathroom trip and stand by the "nothing new on race day" mentality, for example - our product lineup can differ. We're devoted to different running shoe brands, fitness trackers, and recovery methods. We ingest a varied assortment of gels, goos, and salt tablets on our long runs for fuel. And recovery also looks different, depending on our bodies, residual injuries, and past experiences.

The truth is, while all you need to kick off a running habit is a good pair of sneakers, if you're interested in optimizing your performance the majority of these items are pretty crucial. Ahead, I've rounded up 17 must haves that either I've relied on during my running career or am excited to add to my routine. From hydration packets blended with electrolytes, magnesium, and potassium to compression socks, sleeves, and massagers, you'll be well equipped to head out for your run after scooping up these essentials.

The Best Running Essentials

Best hydration hack: Protekt Electrolytes Liquid Hydration Packets at $13
To keep your shoulders covered: Popsugar Short Sleeve Athletic Top at $15
Best exercise band: PS Collection Fabric Hip Bands at $16
For storing your essentials: Popsugar Adjustable Waist Pack at $17
To optimize recovery: Sharper Image Hot + Cold Back Wrap at $21
Your go-to workout set: Popsugar Tank Top Shelf Sports Bra and Matching Biker Short Set at $25
Best airy running shorts: Halara SoftlyZero QuickDry High Waisted Running Shorts at $40
Best energy gels: GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel at $49
For onesie lovers: FP Movement Righteous Bike Short Runsie at $108
Best compression socks: Bombas Performance Compression Sock 3-Pack at $120
For a quick skin reset: Kat Burki Vitabiome Active Skin Optimizer at $125
For warm-ups and cooldowns: Therabody Wave Roller at $180
For monitoring posture: Forme Revive Bra at $188
Best running sneakers: New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 at $265
Best red light device: DNA Vibe Jazz Band Live at $289
To maximize workouts: Therabody CryoTherm Palm at $400
Best running tech: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra at $1,420

World Cup Watch Parties are Blending Culture, Community, and Connection

Yasmine Jameelah — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 04:45:03 -0700

If you live in a World Cup host city or state like I do, it's nearly impossible to go three blocks without hearing someone talk about the tournament.

The World Cup has become impossible to avoid in the best way. It's on TikTok, it's in group chats, it's on restaurant TVs, and somehow even people who haven't watched soccer in years suddenly have strong opinions. But while everyone else seems focused on what's happening on the field, I've become fascinated by what's happening around it. Because the more World Cup content I consumed, the more I realized some of the most interesting moments weren't happening during the matches at all. They were happening at the watch parties that my favorite host creators were putting together online.

"The World Cup has become more than just a sporting event. It's a cultural moment."

They're building menus around competing countries, planning outfits around team colors, hosting friends in their homes, taking over bars, and documenting the entire experience online. Some are gathering to support their home countries. Some are showing up because their friend invited them. Some are there for the food. And some are showing up because they're tired of talking to the same three men on Hinge and hoping to run into a guy they haven't seen before at their local bar (and I don't blame them).

Honestly, the excitement makes sense. The World Cup is the largest sporting event in the world, attracting billions of viewers and bringing together countries, cultures, and communities from across the globe. In a moment when so many people are craving opportunities to connect in real life, the tournament has become the perfect excuse to gather.

For Tanya Marie, a Congolese-American content creator, celebrating DR Congo's return to the World Cup after 52 years wasn't something she was going to watch quietly from her couch. "After 52 years, DR Congo was finally back in the World Cup, and I wanted to celebrate that moment by opening my home and giving friends and family a true Congolese experience," she tells Popsugar. "From the food and music to the energy and traditions, it was an opportunity to showcase how rich, beautiful, and vibrant our culture is."

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The watch party was only the beginning. Marie later attended World Cup events in person alongside her mother and cousin, an experience she describes as emotional, surreal, and deeply personal. "As a first-generation Congolese American, I've spent my whole life carrying my culture with pride, but to see DR Congo finally back on the world's biggest stage after 52 years felt bigger than soccer," she says. "It felt like history, resilience, and identity all coming together in one moment."

What stood out to me most about Tanya's experience was how much of it extended beyond the game itself. Yes, there was soccer. But there was also family, storytelling, fashion, and cultural pride. Her custom looks incorporated elements of the Congolese flag, while her content invited followers behind the scenes of a moment that felt larger than sports. "I think it's a combination of a lot of things, but fashion is definitely a huge part of it," Marie says. "The World Cup has become more than just a sporting event. It's a cultural moment."

And she's right.

The World Cup may be about soccer, but if you've spent any time online lately, you'd think it was also a fashion week, food festival, family reunion, networking event, and group trip all rolled into one. Between themed menus, country-inspired cocktails, travel content, outfit inspiration, and celebrity appearances, the tournament's influence stretches far beyond the pitch.

Senegalese-American actress and entrepreneur Issa Rae was recently spotted celebrating Senegal at MetLife Stadium, highlighting the way many fans are using the tournament as an opportunity to celebrate heritage, identity, and community. Reinforcing that for a lot of people, soccer is only part of the reason they're showing up.

At Saint James Libations, a Black-, queer-, and woman-owned bar in Brooklyn, community has been at the center of its Club Worldwide watch party series from the beginning. "Too often, people from marginalized communities enter sports spaces feeling like they're guests," says Lola Memberr and Akila Stewart, owners of Saint James Libations. "We wanted to create a space where we're the hosts." It's a simple idea, but an important one.

Sports bars haven't always felt welcoming to everyone. Saint James wanted to create something different: a space where women, queer people, and people of color could show up fully as themselves while still experiencing all the excitement that comes with cheering on a team.

"What we've learned through our watch parties is that people aren't just looking for a screen to watch a game," the team says. "They're looking for connection. They're looking for a place where they can cheer loudly, celebrate openly, and be fully themselves."

The team says they've watched strangers become friends, regulars bring new guests, and community form in real time. While soccer may bring people through the door, they believe it's the feeling of belonging that keeps them coming back. If there was one word that kept coming up in every conversation I had for this story, it was connection. That desire to gather is showing up everywhere from neighborhood bars to larger hospitality concepts designed around the fan experience.

Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton, founder of Chillhouse and a partner in her husband Adam Fulton's hospitality group, says sports fandom has become increasingly social, particularly among women. Between the success of concepts like Rocco's Sports & Rec. in New York and Boston and the recent opening of Sports & Rec. in West Palm Beach, she's watched sports bring together a remarkably diverse crowd.

"I don't think it's ever seen such fandom coming from women than this past year," Ramirez-Fulton says. "Maybe it's the Knicks effect? Maybe it's the NY Liberty? Either way, I am so about it."

For Ramirez-Fulton, sports watch parties offer something many people are craving right now: an reason to gather. "It's always a great excuse to see friends and come together over an exciting sport that brings joy in everyone in the room," she says. She also believes part of the appeal comes from the shared emotional experience that sports create.

"For real fans, it's the constant chase for the high of the win," she says. "I remember every minute of the Argentina and France World Cup Game in 2022. I was in North Beach in Miami, which is practically Little Argentina. I'm chasing that high again because wow, what a game."

"A good watch party needs soccer fans, people who came for the vibe, and at least a few people who will start a conversation with a total stranger."

Entrepreneur, lifestyle creator and hosting expert Akilah Releford Gould has built a following around entertaining, gathering, and creating intentional experiences. When I asked what makes a great watch party, her answer had surprisingly little to do with soccer. "I want people who are genuinely excited to be there, whether they follow the sport or not," she says. "A good watch party needs soccer fans, people who came for the vibe, and at least a few people who will start a conversation with a total stranger." Honestly, that last part may be the secret ingredient.

In a moment when so many people are craving ways to connect in real life, the World Cup has become one of the few events capable of bringing complete strangers into the same room and giving them something to talk about. Worst-case scenario, you watch soccer. Best-case scenario, you leave with a new friend, a new group chat, or even a phone number.

"We spend so much time halfway somewhere else - scrolling, half-watching, half-talking," Gould says. "A watch party gives people a reason to actually show up, put their phones down, and feel something together."

Her observation gets at what makes this moment feel different. While the details matter, the themed cocktails, carefully curated menus, custom jerseys, and perfectly planned outfits they're often serving a much bigger purpose. They're creating environments where people feel comfortable gathering, celebrating, and connecting.

As Marie points out, women are often the people carrying culture forward in the first place. "So many of us are the keepers of tradition within our families," she says. "We're often the ones cooking the traditional meals, organizing gatherings, teaching the next generation about their heritage, and creating spaces where culture can be celebrated."

That's why these watch parties feel so meaningful. Yes, people are showing up for soccer. Some are showing up because their friends invited them. Others are hoping to reconnect with their culture, support their home country, or simply spend a few hours around other people. But beneath all of those reasons is something much simpler: a desire to connect.

And after talking to hosts, creators, and community builders for this story, it's hard not to agree. The World Cup may be what brings everyone into the room, but the friendships, conversations, cultural pride, and memories being created once people get there feel like the real story. As Marie puts it, "The game may be the reason everyone shows up, but the culture, community, and shared identity are what keep people coming back."

Or, as Gould says even more simply: "The soccer is the excuse, but the connection is the point."

Yasmine Jameelah is a seasoned wellness journalist, editor, and community builder, and the founder of Transparent Black Girl, a groundbreaking wellness platform that has reached over five million Black women worldwide. Her insightful work and leadership have been featured in The New York Times, Essence, Popsugar, Coveteur, and Oprah Daily.