Author: Richard C. Trotter
“There’s no way I’m middle-aged—not me.” I firmly told my 15-year-old daughter as she was grouping me with the more mature set. Then, as teenagers often do, she bluntly pointed out that 41 years was indeed more than half the average life expectancy of women in the U.S. Let me tell you, that hit harder than turning 40. Yep, I’m middle-aged. And you know what, I’ve decided to embrace it. My body isn’t the same as it was when I was in my twenties or early thirties. I did extreme workouts, tipped back a few too many mixed drinks, and…
It’s no secret cardio workouts offer tons of benefits: They strengthen your heart, reduce your risk of chronic conditions (like heart disease), boost your mood, increase your stamina—the list goes on. But what do you do when you know you should to do a cardio session, but it also bores you to tears because it’s so monotonous? We asked two trainers the best ways to keep cardio fresh and interesting, and this is what they shared with us. No matter if you’re in a cardio rut or have never liked it to begin with, these tips can jumpstart your relationship…
A week before the world shut down due to COVID-19 in 2020, I went to urgent care for a strained muscle. As a yoga teacher and health coach, I felt confident I knew what was causing the nagging pain in my right calf. So I spent the week prior using every tool and resource I had to relieve the ache: rest, compression, Tiger Balm, massage, stretching from every angle, myofascial release, a TENS machine—you name it. But my discomfort was only worsening, and it was especially bad in the mornings. When even driving became uncomfortable, I knew it was time…
Some cosmic foreshadowing is on the horizon: You can think of your weekly horoscope for February 4 to 10, 2024, as a sneak preview of what’s to come over the next two decades as transformative Pluto makes its way through change-agent Aquarius—for the first time in our lifetimes (one of the major astrology transits of 2024). You’ll kick off the week with plenty of mental stamina as Mercury, the planet of the mind, enters Aquarius on February 4. You’re problem-solving in innovative ways, but you’re also probably more fixed in your own opinions and ideas than usual, too. The following…
Designer jeans, a Dutch oven, and a Dyson vacuum may make the list of things worth dropping a pretty penny on—but IMHO, your first-ever strap-on sex tools should not. And that’s where the Tantus Bend Over Beginner Kit can come especially in handy. As a refresher: Strap-on sex is the broad name for any kind of solo, partnered, or multi-partnered play that involves a harness and dildo. Though, most commonly, people talking about strap-on play are referring to pegging (a vulva-owner donning a dildo to anally penetrate their partner) or dildo-in-vagina intercourse between two vulva-owners. “One of the main glories of…
If you’re a birder, Virgo, or expecting parent, odds are you’re familiar with nesting—aka the process of preparing and inhabiting a home. Outside of binocular-laden bird watching and astrological deep-dives, the term nesting is commonly used amongst polyamorous and other non-monogamous folks with the word partner tacked onto the end. “Nesting partners are two or more people who agree to own a house or rent an apartment together,” explains Ally Iseman, a non-monogamy sexpert and founder of Passport 2 Pleasure, a concierge wellness guide for couples and individuals exploring healthy non-monogamy. Basically, nest partners are just two partners who live…
If there’s one thing that gets under my skin, it’s food waste. It’s estimated that in the United States alone, 80 million tons of food goes to waste every year, which is roughly 149 billion meals. But, I get it: life happens. And if I were to say I’ve never wasted food before, it would be a sheer lie. (No, I’m not proud of it. But, again, life happens.) As 2024 kicks off, reducing food waste is one of my top priorities. So, who better to call upon for savvy culinary tips than Rudi Sodamin, the head of culinary arts…
Let’s get one thing straight: I know how powerful meditation can be. Every time I make room in my schedule to sit on my mat, press “play” on my favorite meditation app, and close my eyes, I’m a totally new person by the time I open them again: less anxious, way calmer, and in a much better mood1. The only issue? Squeezing in that moment of Zen throughout the day is easier said than done—until I began tacking a meditation to the end of my workouts. My “ah-ha” moment happened when I began doing Melissa Wood Health workouts. Melissa Wood-Tepperberg,…
Reality star Kyle Richards recently made waves (and headlines!) when she revealed that she was no longer drinking. That’s right: Richards, reigning Real Housewives of Beverly Hills wild child and the queen of tequila-induced splits, has been sober for over a year. “Removing alcohol made such a difference in my skin and how I felt,” Richards told Us Weekly in December. Richards is clearly onto something here: A 2023 survey from NC Solutions found that 34 percent of Americans planned to drink less that year. The same survey found of the Americans who don’t drink at all, 21 percent say it’s to…
With the Well+Good SHOP, our editors put their years of know-how to work in order to pick products (from skin care to self care and beyond) they’re betting you’ll love. While our editors independently select these products, making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. Happy shopping! Explore the SHOP When your skin is dry to the point of chapping and flaking (hey there, winter temps), your usual hydrating serums and moisturizers just aren’t going to cut it. Will they quench your thirsty face in the interim? Sure. But for long-haul hydration and deep nourishment, it’s best…