You’ve likely seen an array of mushroom-infused products lately, from mushroom coffee and chocolates to adaptogenic powders and skin care serums. Earthy, rich, and powerful mushrooms have entered the health world in a big way, but they are far from new. For centuries, people have used functional mushrooms in various health and wellness rituals. 

Functional mushrooms are not just some passing health trend; rather, they are being celebrated for their unique, bioactive compounds. Modern science is now confirming what ancient traditions understood: mushrooms have health properties that support immune function, maintain skin health, and support energy levels. 

Why Choose Functional Mushrooms?

Chaga, reishi, turkey tail, lion’s mane, cordyceps, and other mushrooms are considered to be functional mushrooms. Unlike your standard white button mushroom, functional mushroom varieties contain unique compounds like triterpenes, antioxidants, and polysaccharides. Many of these compounds, especially beta-glucans, have been studied for their effects on stress response, physical performance, skin health, and immune function. 

Traditionally, people consumed these functional mushrooms in the form of teas, powders, or tinctures. Nowadays, you can obtain these mushrooms in more easily accessible formats, such as gummies, supplements, and coffee powders. Just make sure that you do your research before you purchase products, because you want to avoid added sugars and unnecessary preservatives, fillers, or binders. 

3 Functional Mushrooms To Try

You can easily incorporate many mushrooms into your daily diet, but it can be difficult to know where to start. Not all functional mushrooms are created equal, nor do they offer universal benefits. Consider your goals before you just start taking mushrooms at random. Make sure the ones you choose fit your health and wellness needs. Below, you will find three, well-researched mushrooms that support common wellness needs. Incorporate them into your routine to help improve skin texture, beat fatigue, and support overall resilience. 

Tremella For Healthy Aging And Skin Hydration

This edible, gelatinous fungus has been used for centuries in Chinese herbal medicine and cuisine. Due to the high levels of polysaccharides that function similarly to hyaluronic acid, tremella mushrooms have a unique ability to retain moisture. For this reason, you can commonly find tremella mushrooms in anti-aging and moisturizing products. A small study from 2021 found that a hand sanitizer gel with tremella mushroom extract was more effective than a placebo in moisturizing the skin. Other research indicates that the polysaccharides may decrease skin damage caused by UV rays. 

Cordyceps For Energy And Endurance

Traditional Chinese Medicine has used cordyceps, a genus of fungus, to help treat kidney diseases, renal dysfunction, fatigue, and cardiac dysfunction. More recently, researchers have focused on the benefits of cordyceps for athletic performance and energy. In fact, some studies show that cordyceps help increase oxygen utilization and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. That is essential for optimal muscular function during exercise, making cordyceps beneficial for overall vitality and physical performance. A small study from 2024 monitored young adults who were either given a placebo or one gram of cordyceps prior to high intensity interval training. Researchers noted after taking cordyceps, people experienced less muscle damage and after cell repair. Not all research is consistent with these findings, though, so more studies are necessary.

Chaga Mushrooms For Immune Support

Some people refer to chaga as the “king of mushrooms” because it is rich in antioxidants and beta-glucans, to which researchers attribute the immune-modulating effects. Research indicates that chaga mushroom acts as a potent immune modulator, encouraging stronger immune function by increasing white blood cell production. Additionally, researchers note that chaga aids the formation of beneficial cytokines, while reducing inflammation in the process. Beneficial cytokines are specialized proteins that regulate the immune system. That could help the body fight infections, from minor colds to more serious illnesses.

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Most people think of inflammation as a temporary thing. It is the immune system’s natural response to a foreign threat to the body. You get sick or your gut flares up, you adjust some habits, and things eventually settle down. That isn’t exactly how biology works, though. Past inflammation may not come and go as you suspect. It’s possible that past inflammation can leave an imprint that can shape your health, specifically gut health, in years to come. 

Recently, this idea has been gaining traction because colorectal cancer rates continue to climb, especially among younger adults who are not normally “high-risk.” Emerging data now reveals a surprising culprit, and that is the “memory” that your cells carry after inflammation seems to have healed. 

How Did Researchers Discover “Memory” In Gut Cells?

A recent study aimed to help scientists understand why inflammation is linked to cancer, especially in the gut. Scientists used an animal model to trigger inflammation in the colon, which is similar to what happens in conditions like chronic colitis. They then allowed the tissue to heal, at least on the surface. Instead of stopping the study there, scientists observed individual cells. They used advanced tools to track active genes and how accessible different parts of the genome were. Additionally, they looked at how cells passed those changes down as they divided.

This level of detail is of particular interest because the body is not solely driven by DNA. The body is influenced by the epigenome, which is a layer of regulation that determines which genes are active and which are quiet. Scientists found that, even after the inflammation resolved and tissue appeared healthy again, some cells carried lasting changes in this epigenetic layer. That suggests that although the gut healed, certain cells “remembered” the inflammation. 

Why Does Past Inflammation Raise Cancer Risk?

Later in the study, researchers introduced a cancer-related mutation. The cells that carried the epigenetic memory behaved differently. In fact, they activated tumor-promoting genes more quickly and developed bigger tumors that grew faster compared to cells without history. That revealed that there is a two-step process taking place. First off, inflammation leaves behind some sort of molecular imprint. Then, if a second trigger shows up later, the primed cells are more ready to respond in a way that encourages tumor growth.

That helps explain why not everyone with cancer has a clear genetic cause. Additionally, not everyone with inflammation develops cancer. The combination of past exposures and later triggers may tip the scales. Scientists note that this reinforces the idea that your past environment, including stress, diet, infections, and gut health, can shape your future risk in ways that are not yet visible. 

How Can You Support Gut Health Right Now?

There is no reason to panic every time you experience inflammation, especially a mild bout. The body is designed to recover from stress, but you should know that chronic inflammation is something to take seriously, even if symptoms are not always present. Your goal should be to reduce unnecessary stress on the gut. Begin by:

• Limiting your intake of ultra-processed foods can help reduce unnecessary inflammatory responses. Pay attention to how your body reacts to certain foods!
• Engaging in regular physical activity, as research shows that it supports gut diversity and reduces systemic inflammation.
• Eating a diverse, fiber-rich diet with a lot of plant-based foods. Fiber encourages the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and helps regulate inflammation over time. 
• Considering a probiotic supplement, which may help support a healthier balance of gut bacteria, especially during periods of stress or illness. 

One bad meal or stressful few days will not be the end of you. This is more about patterns because the body keeps track of what it goes through. Over time, those patterns can either work for you or against you. Keep that in mind as you move forward in life.

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It’s safe to say that everyone experiences stress at one point or another. After all, stress is the body’s natural response to a real or perceived threat. Anxiety is another symptom of that stress response, and it is also a natural process that most people experience at least once. Problems arise when the stress response is constantly activated, which is when anxiety may become a chronic condition, not merely a temporary symptom. 

Anxiety disorder is the umbrella term for a group of mental health conditions. Although they may manifest differently and result from certain triggers, anxiety is the core symptom. Managing chronic or intense anxiety may require professional help, but you can also develop certain coping techniques. The following tips in this article may help you relieve anxiety symptoms as they arise and before they overwhelm you. Practice them and they may become useful tools for you to manage anxiety. 

Use Aromatherapy

There is some research that suggests that aromatherapy may help relieve anxiety in certain instances. Aromatherapy practitioners and followers tend to report many benefits of using essential oils to improve mental health. Consider using a diffuser, incense, or candle at your workplace or bedroom. Lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood are very calming scents that sooth the senses and help you calm down quickly. 

Use Grounding Techniques

Grounding techniques work to connect you with physical sensations, helping to distract your focus from the stressor. Essentially, you work to interrupt overwhelming anxious thoughts by anchoring yourself in the present moment via sensory input. The 333 rule is one example of a grounding technique. Take a few minutes to identify three things you can see, three sounds you can hear, and three things you can touch. Try to spend at least one minute on each thing you see, hear, or touch before you move on to the next. A more physical way to ground yourself is to hold an ice cube, splash cold water in your face, or stretch to relieve tension. The 4-7-8 breathing method is yet another grounding technique that activates the parasympathetic nervous system to help calm the mind and body.

Question Your Thought Patterns

It is very easy for unhelpful thoughts to take hold of your mind and completely distort your assessment of something or a situation. A common example is negative self-talk or cognitive distortions. If you feel anxious or feel anxiety rising, challenge your thoughts and ask yourself what is fact and what is emotional reaction or assumption. When you meet your negative thoughts head on, you can often come to a calm conclusion and manage anxiety. 

Exercise More Often

There is a natural rise in some hormones, such as cortisol, involved with the stress response. Engaging in physical activity may help balance hormones, thereby regulating stress and anxiety. Exercise presents an opportunity to step out of your thoughts and focus on the body’s physical sensations, even if it is just for a moment. Low impact exercises like Tai Chi, yoga, Pilates, or brisk walking can help you reduce stress and anxiety symptoms. Physical activity can also boost your mood and calm the mind. Feeling anxious or stressed? Try doing some squats, jumping jacks, push-ups, or lunges for one minute. 

Practice Focused, Deep Breathing

There are many reports of deep breathing helping people manage feelings of stress and anxiety. An easy breathing technique is to inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and then breathe out for four seconds. Repeat this pattern for a total of five minutes to slow your heart rate, which in turn brings about a sense of calm. As mentioned earlier in the article, the 4-7-8 technique is another breathing pattern that aids both sleep and anxiety. Breathe in for four seconds, hold for seven seconds, and then exhale for eight seconds. Repeat until you feel at ease. 

These are coping techniques to help you deal with anxiety in the moment. Managing this condition long-term may require lifestyle and behavioral changes for lasting results. 

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If you follow health influencers or find yourself scrolling through wellness trend videos, you have probably heard the term “biohacking.” Think of contrast therapy (cold plunging and saunas), hyperbaric chambers, red light therapy, or any other modality that helps people live longer, perform better, and feel healthier. What does biohacking actually mean, and how medically credible is it?

What Is Biohacking?

Biohacking is a broad, nonspecific lifestyle term for self-improvement. Popularized by tech people and athletes, biohacking is a DIY form of improvement to change aspects of biology. It is by no means a scientific term, nor is it an undertaking. Biohacking includes a range of different non-specific activities that have popular anecdotal evidence. Fitbits, smartwatches, and other related items provide people with a lot of bodily data, such as sleep scores, daily step counts, and so forth. That allows them to alter exercise performance, for example, to improve the data. 

“Hacking” your biology is the ultimate goal to help you feel and perform better. Some changes are straightforward, such as prioritizing sleep, eating a balanced diet, and practicing intermittent fasting. On the other end of the spectrum, biohacking can include things that are not backed by scientific research. 

Examples Of Biohacking And How It Works

Although biohacking is a relatively new term, it does include practices that are already well-established and researched. We will detail some examples below:

Wearable Technology

Technology in biohacking is quite popular because the devices, although costly at times, are accessible. Wearable devices make it easy to monitor heart rate, sleep quality, and physical activity. These devices can serve as motivational tools, offering features like reminders, progress tracking, and goal setting. On the other hand, these devices can cause people to obsess over biometrics, such as calories consumed or burned in a day. That doesn’t always translate to better health habits, and it can cause undue stress in certain instances. 

Nootropics

Nootropics, often referred to as “smart drugs,” are a group of nonprescription supplements, tablets, drinks, and foods. These “cognitive enhancers” aim to enhance memory and boost brain function. Nootropics ostensibly work by protecting neurons in the brain from damage that results from toxins or aging. In theory, nootropics increase blood and oxygen flow to the brain, which supposedly leads to improvements in cognitive performance. Such examples include creatine, caffeine, turmeric, or reishi mushrooms.

Fasting

Fasting is far from new. In fact, people have been fasting for thousands of years. In recent years, fasting has risen to popularity, especially among people who engage in biohacking. They typically do it to improve or completely reset certain metabolic states. Other people engage in intermittent fasting to help encourage weight loss, and research indicates that it does aid weight management and blood sugar control. Although there are evidence-based benefits of fasting, there is no way to confirm that it completely resets metabolic states. 

Cryotherapy Chambers And Exotic Therapies

Perhaps you found out about cold plunging on a podcast or watched a video of Wim Hof swimming in the Arctic Circle with shorts on. It is no secret that cold therapy has received more attention in recent years, especially in regards to enhancing recovery and mental health. Some evidence shows that the cold helps to relieve muscle pain and lower inflammation, but cryo-chambers and expensive cold plunges pools may over-compromise the body. 

Is Biohacking Safe?

In a nutshell, biohacking is a modern term for something that humans have been doing for centuries. People have experimented, and will continue to experiment, with ways to improve health and longevity. Some aspects are scientifically-backed, while others may require more research and testing to confirm positive results. If you are curious about biohacking, start small, such as eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, and practicing stress management. 

Those simple, foundational habits are the most powerful hacks and have years of data and research to back them up. Once you have a solid foundation in place, you can experiment with tools like contrast therapy, mindfulness techniques, and intermittent fasting to fine-tune your health.

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Longevity is a term that can refer to lifespan, or lifespan and health-span. The internet has no shortage of articles supplying you with tips and tricks that tell you how to increase your longevity. Truly, why not? Most people want to live longer, especially if there is a possibility to harness the vitality of younger years at an older age. Longevity also comes with a happiness bonus, as feeling and looking younger tends to make people a lot happier. 

A 2025 McKinsey report found that up to 60% of people regard healthy aging as a top priority. Many supplements claim to promote longevity or reverse aging, but that isn’t always the case. Many health experts are divided on what really works to promote longevity. Some experts believe that some supplements are more context-dependent, or depend on a person’s specific needs. Although the consensus for the perfect longevity supplement is not yet determined, health experts believe the following supplements may offer some help. 

Omega-3s

The research on omega-3s for longevity is limited, but some clinical trials suggest that they may slow biological aging (the age of cells) by up to four months. That is especially true when you take omega-3 supplements in conjunction with vitamin D and regular exercise. Omega-3s offer anti-inflammatory properties and support cardiovascular health. Most people do not get enough omega-3s in their diet, so supplementing may help meet daily requirements. Health experts note that although fish oil benefits healthy aging, it does not slow aging or offer longevity benefits. 

Vitamin D

Research confirms that low vitamin D levels can increase the risk of age-related illnesses, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. Daily supplementation with about 2,000 I.U. of vitamin D may help slow the way cells age. Considering nearly 40% of Americans are vitamin D deficient, a daily supplement may help longevity and overall health. At this time, the data and research is still emerging on whether or not vitamin D is beneficial for its longevity benefits. 

Magnesium

Low magnesium levels are more common in old age and may increase inflammation and free radical damage as a result. Both inflammation and an overabundance of free radicals are associated with age-related illness and the general aging process. Taking a magnesium supplement may help you maintain optimal magnesium levels, which can contribute to healthy aging. Some animal studies indicate that magnesium can improve longevity, but that research does not exist in humans yet. A magnesium supplement may benefit longevity because it is relatively low risk with positive data supporting its usage. 

Protein Supplements

Muscle loss is a natural part of the aging process, and that can affect physical function. It may also increase the risk of hospitalization (as a result of falling) and lead to loss of independence. Studies suggest that combining a protein supplement with an active lifestyle can help older adults build and retain muscle mass. Adding protein to your meal, especially plant protein, has been linked to a greater chance of healthy aging. People consume far less protein than they need to maintain or gain muscle mass. Although sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle mass) is slow, silent, and it begins earlier than you think. 

Some longevity supplements are overhyped, especially resveratrol, ashwagandha, berberine, and NAD. Those supplements may help other aspects of your health, but there is little to no evidence that they improve mechanisms involved with aging and longevity.

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It is very common for people to neglect their feet. They are out of sight, out of mind, especially when the weather is a little colder. Only when the socks come off and the sandals come on do people realize that they need to do something about their cracked heels. After all, nobody wants to walk barefoot in the grass and have those thin blades enter those cracks. 

What Are Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels are very common and they occur when the dry, thick skin on the bottoms of your heels crack and split. Most cases are relatively minor and cracks are only a small nuisance or unattractive to look at. If you do not treat the cracks and heel fissures become deeper, you may experience difficulty walking or have a higher risk of infection. 

Cracked heels are not an overnight problem. In the beginning stages, you will see dry, hard skin around the heel, also known as calluses. As you walk and put more pressure on that area, the pads under your heels expand and force those calluses to develop small cracks. Other factors that contribute to cracked heels include:

• Hard or unsupportive footwear (open-back sandals or flip flops)
• Obesity
• Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes
• Being on your feet for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces
• Walking around barefoot because that provides not support or protection for your feet
• Taking long, hot showers

How Do You Treat Cracked Heels?

You treat cracked heels the same way you treat dry skin: you moisturize. If the cracks are minor, moisturize your heels two to three times per day to help relieve symptoms. You can also use a pumice stone before moisturizing to help remove any hard, dead skin that prevents the moisturizer from penetrating the skin effectively. After one week of this general foot care, check to see if symptoms are better or worse. If your heels have not gotten any better, you may need a combination of some of the following treatments:

• Use a dermal foot balm for skin nourishment and optimal moisture. This is similar to a moisturizer, only it uses urea, an ingredient that helps increase the balm’s efficacy. 
• Mechanical debridement of thick calluses or fissures using a scalpel blade to reduce skin buildup. 
• Foot and ankle strapping, which involves placing bandages around the heel to reduce skin movement. 
• Using appropriate footwear that provides sufficient cushion to the heel pads. 

Using A Heel Balm

Natural ingredients can help heal and protect your rough, dry and cracked heels. Specifically, shea butter, a featured ingredient in this DIY cracked heel balm, works effectively because of its emollient properties. It is also rich in anti-inflammatory properties and vitamins A and E. Dry skin can thoroughly absorb shea butter because of the fatty acid content. That helps create a protective moisture barrier on the heels, keeping them hydrated. 

Coconut oil is another ingredient in this cracked heel balm that helps moisturize and protect the skin. Just like shea butter, coconut oil offers anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and redness. Beeswax works to enhance the skin barrier, protecting your heels from the environment. This barrier helps lock in moisture and protect the skin from future damage. 

DIY Cracked Heel Balm

Ingredients:

• 1.7 ounces unrefined shea butter
• 0.2 ounces coconut oil
• 0.2 ounces beeswax pellets
• 2-3 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2-3 drops tea tree oil
• 2 drops vitamin E oil

Instructions:

• Add the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax pellets to the top of a double boiler over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until liquid.
• Once melted, remove from the heat and allow to cool for a few minutes before adding the essential oils and vitamin E oil. 
• Stir to combine and then transfer to a glass container. Allow the balm to solidify at room temperature. 
• Ideally, use this balm nightly on your feet, massaging it into your heels before applying socks to protect your skin overnight, and to prevent the balm from staining your sheets.

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Any “beauty drink” worth its salt contains collagen, or at least ingredients that support collagen production. No single beverage is going to magically minimize the appearance of crow’s feet, fine lines, and wrinkles, but there are ingredients that can help. As you enter your 30s, 40s, and beyond, collagen levels start to decline, which makes skin damage more noticeable. Eating foods that aid collagen production can help improve skin elasticity, which ultimately helps reduce early signs of aging.

In order to make a beauty smoothie, you need ingredients that promote healthier skin. The good news is that this smoothie contains beets, oranges, strawberries, and mint, all of which contain beneficial antioxidant compounds, nitrates, and carotenoids. These ingredients are also considered beneficial for fighting signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Beets are also great for improving circulation and vascular health. The natural nitrates convert to nitric oxide in the body, relaxing and widening blood vessels, a process known as vasodilation. That ultimately improves blood flow, reduces blood pressure, and enhances oxygen delivery to muscles.

Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin A and vitamin C, which work to improve skin properties. These antioxidants facilitate sebum production, enhance hydration, improve elasticity, and reduce skin discoloration. Lastly, mint is well-known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. That makes it potentially beneficial for acne and acne scarring. It is possible for skin to unclog pores, which are contributing factors to acne.

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Working out is many things: exhilarating, fun, challenging, and it provides a long list of health benefits. What is not so enjoyable is the post-workout soreness that you experience after an intense workout session. Perhaps you joined a Pilates studio or you recently started hiking more seriously. If so, then you are familiar with the pain that can permeate your limbs the next day, but as unpleasant as the pain may be, sore muscles are quite normal after working out. 

The official term for this post-workout muscle pain is “delayed onset muscle soreness.” You can typically start to experience this pain a few hours after you finish your workout. That is especially true if you don’t exercise regularly, or if you haven’t done so in a long time. Trying a new workout routine, circuit, or even a new move can cause post-exercise muscle soreness. 

How To Alleviate This Pain

One of the easiest ways to help ease the pain is by using a foam roller, which is a cylindrical device made of foam. Depending on the type of foam roller, it can be softer or harder. Some of them vibrate to add a percussive massage element, while others are extra firm and textured, which enhances the intensity. These rollers help loosen tight muscles, getting rid of knots and reducing muscle soreness in the process. 

You can roll any area of the body that experiences pain or discomfort. The different lengths, shapes, and densities make the recovery fully customizable to your needs. Good foam rollers can be expensive because cheaper materials will dent or lose firmness over time. Invest in a quality foam roller to experience the following benefits. 

Localized Pain Relief

By using foam rollers or massage guns, you can target specific portions of a tight muscle. Doing so can provide near instantaneous relief, even if the area is extremely sore or tender. If you have experienced localized pain relief in an area due to stretching, you can expect a bigger benefit from foam rolling instead. The foam roller not only works to stretch the muscle, but also targets the sore area of the muscle belly. As long as you apply the proper amount of pressure and avoid a direct pressure point on bony structures, you can experience relief. 

Improved Passive Range Of Motion

Foam rolling is a form of self-myofascial release that can help improve flexibility and muscle recovery. Since foam rolling loosens the muscle fibers, you can expect a direct improvement in flexibility following your session. By foam rolling, you can improve localized range of motion by 10-15% temporarily. That is more important for people who regularly engage in activities that require a large range of motion. That said, it is equally beneficial for people who need help maintaining day-to-day activities. 

Improved Mobility 

There is a difference between flexibility and mobility. Although the two are related, they are not the same. Improving passive range of motion through flexibility training has a direct affect on your ability to move through larger ranges of motion (mobility). Foam rolling directly improves mobility as a result of improving passive range of motion. 

Increased Blood Flow

One study reported a 75% increase in total blood flow to an area directly after foam rolling. Not only does improved blood flow enhance recovery of the affected tissues, but it also helps prepare the body for movement or activity. This can help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness when applied post workout or after a strenuous activity. 

Accelerated Recovery From Strenuous Activity

By improving blood flow to the area and reducing inflammation, foam rolling can help muscles recover more quickly after engaging in strenuous activity. Foam rolling is also relaxing, and the enjoyability of a recovery tool is extremely crucial, as it makes you want to do it more often. Various studies confirm that foam rolling after strenuous activity increases anti-inflammatory proteins and reduces pro-inflammatory proteins. That results in less inflammation and aids recovery.

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Dumbbell side bends, cardio, sit-ups, and other exercises don’t seem to chip away at those love handles. Does this sound familiar? That doesn’t mean you have to give up; rather, you need to pivot and change up your workout routine, or begin anew. Banish that belly fat and get yourself a lean torso with the six moves in this article. 

What Are Love Handles? 

Caused by fat retention and accumulation around the hips and abdominal area, love handles refer to excess fat that sits at the sides of your waist. They can hang over the top of your pants and are very noticeable when you wear tight clothes. Love handles are especially stubborn when it comes to getting rid of them. This is because they don’t respond as quickly to diet and exercise changes as other parts of the body. If you maintain a consistent regimen, you will reap the results!

The exercises in this article are effective because they are fast-paced and target the rectus and transverse abdominals. In order to burn belly fat, you have to do more than cardio and sit-ups. Exercise physiologists agree that the body has to enter a thermogenic state that leads to an accelerated rate of fat loss. Ideally, you complete the following exercises as a circuit once a week, in addition to other exercises that strengthen and condition the body. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts can also help you lose those love handles. 

Russian Twists

Sit on the floor with legs bent and feet on the ground. Grab a medicine ball or weight (doesn’t have to be heavy) and hold it just above your abs. Lean your upper body back until you reach a 45-degree angle to the floor. If you have stronger abs, you can hover your feet above the floor as well. Rotate your torso to the right, reaching your arms across and behind you with the weight and then immediately switch sides. Continue twisting from side to side, making sure that your legs are stationary throughout. Complete four sets of 15 reps.

Battle Rope Waves

Stand up straight with your feet hip-distance apart at the ends of the battle rope. Bend your knees slightly and engage your core. Grip the ends of the rope in both hands and allow your arms to hang straight down at the center of your torso. Sit back into a half squat and then explode your body upward, driving through your heels to extend your knees and hips as you swing your arms up over your head. Immediately return to the half squat and continue the movement for 30 seconds. Complete a total of four sets.

Sledgehammer Overhead Strikes

If you don’t have a sledgehammer, a weighted club or mace will work just fine. Grab the piece of equipment with your left hand on the bottom and right hand near the hammer, or end. Raise the hammer up and over your right shoulder, bringing it down in a swift motion toward the center of a large tire. This motion is very similar to chopping wood. Alternate sides and continue alternating every swing for a total of 20 reps. Complete a total of three sets.

Forearm Plank

Did you think we’d let you off the hook without a plank? Begin lying face down on the floor with your legs extended behind you, placing your forearms on the floor. Make sure that your elbows are directly under your shoulders and by your sides. Lift your hips off the ground and support your body weight using your forearms and toes. Maintain a neutral spine and tight core for 30 seconds. Complete a total of four sets.

Box Jump

Before you begin, make sure that the box you choose is a comfortable height. You don’t want to injure yourself by missing the box or falling back because the box is too tall. Stand up straight with your feet shoulder-width apart about two feet away from the box. When you’re ready to jump, drop into a lower squat and swing your arms back. Push through your heels, engaging your quads and glutes, and propel yourself onto the box. Carefully step down and continue to jump for 10-12 reps, completing a total of four sets. 

Kettlebell Swings

Stand up straight with your feet slightly wider than hip-distance apart. Grab hold of a kettlebell that is comfortable for you to hold and swing. Stand up so that you’re holding the kettlebell between your legs. Bend your knees slightly and drive your hips back to lower the body (not too low) a little. In a fluid motion, thrust your hips forward while swinging the kettlebell up until your arms are parallel to the ground. Keep your glutes and core engaged throughout the exercise. Complete four sets of 15 reps.

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We are going to let you in on a little secret: you do not need a gym membership to be physically active. There are multi-joint movements, such as squats and deadlifts, that work multiple muscle groups simultaneously. In fitness, these are known as compound exercises, which help burn fat and build muscle more efficiently. You can do these exercises with weight, or you can use your bodyweight. 

Bodyweight moves are quite versatile and you can do them almost anywhere. Do them in your hotel room on vacation, in a small apartment, or in your living room. Bodyweight compound exercises are also accessible and efficient, working as many muscles as possible in each move. 

Before we detail the following compound exercises, we want to let you know that this is not a workout routine or plan. You probably should not do all of these exercises in one routine. It would be better to choose two or three moves that target your upper body and another two to three that target your lower body. If you really want to get after it, you can do more than that, but start slow and build intensity from there. 

Reverse Lunge With Knee Drive

Get ready to activate your glutes, quads, and core with this compound exercise! Begin by standing up from your feet hip-distance apart. Take a controlled lunge, or large step, back with your left foot. As you lunge back with your left foot, drive your left arm in front of you (almost as if taking a running stride) to help maintain balance. Bend your right knee until your right thigh is parallel to the floor and your left knee is nearly touching the floor. From this position, Engage your right glute and quads to drive up and continue past the starting position to bring your left knee up as high as it will go. That is one rep. Complete a total of reps per side. You can rest for a minute or two between sets if you want to do multiple sets.

Air Squat

An air squat, or bodyweight squat, is a great way to engage your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and calves. Basically, it is a great lower-body exercise. Stand up straight with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders. Keep your feet parallel and turn your toes outward just a little. Bend your knees, sinking your hips back as if to sit down in a chair. Keep your weight back in your heels until you enter a low squat. Drive through your heels, engaging your glutes to return to the starting position. Complete three sets of 10 squats. 

Band-Assisted Pull-Up

For this exercise, you will need a pull-up bar and a resistance band. Secure a large resistance band around a pull-up bar. A band with more resistance will provide more assistance/momentum to pull yourself up. Stand on a stable object and step safely into the resistance band after grabbing the pull-up bar. With a neutral spine, engage your core and back to pull yourself up. The band will provide you with momentum to lift up. Lower down carefully to complete one rep. Complete a total of three sets of eight to 10 reps. 

Burpee

Doesn’t everyone love a good burpee? It’s a full-body exercise that helps to enhance both muscle and cardiovascular strength. Stand up straight and lower down into a crouching squat. Place your hands on the floor and jump your feet back to enter a high plank position. Complete one basic push-up (if you have the strength) before jumping your feet outside your hands to enter a low squat. Drive through your heels, engaging your glutes to explode into a jump, raising your arms overhead in the process. Land with bent knees for a softer landing. Since burpees are challenging, begin with three sets of four to six reps, and you can increase the number of reps per set as you see fit.

Basic Push-Up

Begin in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders and back flat. Square your hips and engage your core to maintain stability. Take a deep breath in and bend your elbows as you exhale, lowering your chest to the ground. Once your shoulders are in line with your elbows, engage your chest and shoulders to push back up to the starting position. If that is too difficult, do this exercise with your knees on the floor. Complete three sets of eight to 10 reps. 

Single-Leg Bridge

Lie flat on your back, bend your knees, and place your feet flat on the ground about six inches or so from your buttocks. Place your arms flat on the ground for stability as you raise your right leg toward the ceiling. Press your left heel into the floor and engage your glutes to lift your pelvis off the ground, maintaining a stiff bridge position with your body. Slowly lower yourself back down to the ground to complete one rep. Complete a total of three sets of 10 reps per side. If the single-leg bridge is too difficult, keep both feet on the floor to do a regular bridge.

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