Fitness
6 Weeks to Stronger Is the New Workout Plan You’ve Got to Try
Here’s everything you need to know to before you get lifting.
Does Walking Backwards on a Treadmill Actually Do...Anything?
Influencers tout it as the fix for knee pain—here’s what physical therapists say.
By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
9 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing a New Gym, According to a Personal Trainer
Because the “best” option is the one that meets your needs.
By Christa Sgobba, C.P.T.
17 Simple Fitness Tips to Help You Get the Most Out of Your Workouts in 2025
These tiny tweaks can be game changers for your routine.
By Christa Sgobba, C.P.T.
Experts Agree: Your Next Running Shoes Should Be Asics—We Found the Best Pairs
Reliable everyday trainers, snappy speed sneakers, and more.
By Kristin Canning and Sara Coughlin
Here’s Exactly What to Do on Leg Day, According to Top Trainers
Some smart programming will give your butt, quads, and hamstrings the challenge they need.
By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.
10 Reasons to Add Rowing to Your Next Workout
Boost your cardio, strengthen your muscles, and move a whole lot better.
By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
Break loose
5 Invigorating Stretches to Slot In Between Bed-Rotting Sessions
Lounging feels amazing, but the stiffness that comes after sure doesn’t.
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By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
The Superman Is the Core Exercise Your Workout Might Be Missing
Expand your definition of what “counts” as core work.
By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
The Right Sports Bra Can Make Running Easier and Less Painful—Here Are the Best Ones
Stop the bounce for good.
By Sara Coughlin and Kristin Canning
How to Do the Clam Shell Exercise to Fire Up Your Side-Butt
Pretty much everyone could benefit from doing this move.
By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
SELF Daily
Make your inbox healthier and happier with the latest SELF stories, delivered fresh daily.
After Testing Dozens of Pairs, We’ve Found the Very Best Leggings for Exercise
These sweat-proof, squat-proof options are perfect for hitting the gym.
By Sara Coughlin and Kristin Canning
35 Gifts for Runners That Go the Extra Mile
These picks are a guaranteed endorphin boost.
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By Ashley Wolfgang and Jessie Van Amburg
These Are the Shoes You Want If You Have Plantar Fasciitis
Experts share their recs for sneakers, sandals, and boots that’ll keep your feet happy.
By Sara Coughlin and Kristin Canning
The Best Fleece-Lined Leggings for Running, Hiking, and Getting Cozy
The right gear makes outdoor workouts possible when temperatures drop.
By Jessica Kasparian
How Many Protein Shakes per Day Is Too Many?
Yes, the macro is important—but more of these beverages isn’t necessarily better.
By Caroline Tien
Here’s How Using a Treadmill Compares to Running Outside
Yes, using it still ‘counts’—but there are some little differences to be aware of.
By Cindy Kuzma
These Great Cyber Monday Treadmill Deals Won’t Last Long
Discounts on NordicTrack, Peloton, ProForm, and more that are worth running for.
By Sara Coughlin
This Game-Changing Bicycle Desk Is $140 Off for Black Friday
Yes, you can get a “real” workout with this thing.
By Esther Carlstone
I Swapped My AirPods for the New Google Pixel Buds—Here’s How They Stack Up
Getting connected (and staying that way) was ridiculously easy.
By Christa Sgobba, C.P.T.
Podiatrists Love Hokas—Here Are the Best Pairs for Every Activity
Comfy picks for whatever you’re up to.
By Jennifer Heimlich
A Quick, Energizing Stretch Routine to Do If Thanksgiving Dinner Wipes You Out
Do it midday when you feel your energy levels dipping, or after the big meal.
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By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
How to Make a Protein Shake to Jumpstart Your Recovery
RDs say it’s possible to craft a drink that’s suited to your palate and your nutritional goals.
By Caroline Tien
The Best Exercises to Work Your Shoulders From Every Angle
Strengthen these small-but-mighty muscles while reducing your risk of injury.
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By Elizabeth Millard, CPT, RYT and Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
How a Weighted Vest Can Amp Up Your Walks—And How to Start Using One
It can boost the intensity—and your balance and posture at the same time.
By Jennifer Heimlich
7 Budget-Friendly Rowing Machines for All Fitness Levels
Row, row, row your erg, gently in your home gym.
By Erin Bunch
12 Toasty Base Layers You’ll Wear All Winter Long
Tights and tops that’ll keep you warm on runs, walks, hikes, and more.
By Sara Coughlin
All the Best Walking Shoes You Can Buy on Amazon
Comfy, convenient pairs that ship to you ASAP.
By Sara Coughlin
How to Master the Downward Dog Pose to Stretch Out Your Tight Hammies
If you spend a lot of the day sitting, this one’s for you.
By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
7 Strength Moves You Should Be Doing in Your 30s
Your current (and future) body will thank you.
By Amy Marturana Winderl, C.P.T.
This Beginner-Friendly Chest Workout Will Strengthen Your Upper Body
There are just five moves in this quick yet effective routine.
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By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
WTF Are Toe Spacers and Do They Actually Make Your Workout Better?
Influencers swear by them. Here’s what experts think.
By Jennifer Heimlich
If I Don’t Get Sore After a Workout, Does That Mean It’s Not…Working?
Achy muscles are often telling you something—just not what you may think.
By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
Here’s What Kept the NYC Marathon’s ‘Final Finishers’ Going in the Home Stretch
The first runners to cross the finish line get all the glory—but the last deserve our admiration, too.
By Caroline TienPhotography by Dolly Faibyshev
What Compression Socks Can—and Can’t—Do for Your Workouts
Yes, there are benefits—just maybe not the ones you may think.
By Cindy Kuzma
Awards Season
The 2024 SELF Home Fitness Awards
These 36 products make working out easier, more efficient, and just plain fun.By Sara Coughlin and Sarah FelbinThe 2024 SELF Sneaker Awards: 30 Top-Notch Pairs for Basically Every Activity
We tested 157 different models—here’s who made the final cut.By Sara CoughlinThe 2024 SELF Activewear Awards
Meet the 17 sports bras and leggings we can confidently deem must-haves.By Hannah Dylan Pasternak