#18: Social fitness

Have you ever noticed how a spin class boosts your mood? This week, we explore why, as we uncover the benefits of group workouts and social interactions. 

Plus: 

• A bestselling author and holistic wellness expert shares their top product picks

• New drops for cyclists, quenching your thirst, peanut butter-lovers, and more

Let’s go!
- Ash Read and Joe Niehaus

Better together: The power of group workouts

Social workouts boost well-being.

Topline: Group exercise delivers more benefits than solo workouts. A recent study found:

• Identifying with a fitness club is associated with improved overall health

• Frequent participation enhances well-being by strengthening social bonds

Beyond attendance. Individuals who feel part of the group enjoy sessions more than isolated participants. 

The perks: Further research shows that group exercise produces a higher quality of life, both emotionally and physically:

• Run groups have proven to be an effective treatment for depression

• Shorter group sessions can produce better results than longer, solo workouts. 

Everyday connection. Outside the gym, micro-interactions can significantly impact your well-being. Simple gestures — such as smiling, making eye contact, and having a short conversation — can make you happier.

The bottom line: All physical activity counts, but breaking a sweat with others offers benefits beyond the workout. So, join a class or run group to flex your social muscles — and build a healthier, happier life.

My Health Stack by Kimberly Snyder

Each week in our Health Stack series, Wellworthy taps into its network of health and fitness experts to offer personal insights and recommendations.

This week: Kimberly Snyder. She’s a multiple-time New York Times bestselling author, holistic wellness expert, and the founder of health brand Solluna.

Here’s Kimberly to share her Health Stack.

My home setup:

• The Jaspr Air Filter: “This filter cleans over 99% of airborne particles such as bacteria, dust and allergens. It goes crazy when I’m burning my incense - whereas my other air filters would barely register it! We keep these filters throughout our home and bedrooms.”

• Miracle Made Sheets: “These sheets contain silver, which is antibacterial, and also have temperature-controlling technology. I don’t want to be too hot or too cold when I sleep, and these sheets are great at helping to support great sleep.”

How I fuel:

• LMNT: “I think electrolyte replenishment is so key. I love the electrolyte mix in this brand, and I start the day with “Power Water” as I call it, with the raspberry or watermelon flavor LMNT added into a big jar of filtered water.”

• Sun Warrior Vegan Protein: “I’m so busy during the day that I often make my Power Protein Smoothie to give me more energy and nutrition through the afternoons. I think the Sun Warrior is simply the best tasting protein powder, and it’s plant-based and designed for optimal assimilation. I love the vanilla flavor!”

• Solluna SBO Probiotics: “I’m a big proponent of living a more truly natural lifestyle in order to be our most vibrant, healthy and beautiful. And one powerful way we can do that is to ingest soil-based organism probiotics (SBOs), which emulate how our ancestors used to eat a little bit of soil on unwashed fruits and vegetables.”

My favorite training accessory:

• GORUCK Backpack: “I walk in nature for an hour around 5 days a week for my main form of exercise (besides running after my kids!) and some yoga. I am not a gym person. Sometimes I throw on the GORUCK backpack to get a little more weight-bearing benefits in, helping to strengthen my bones, and it makes a big difference!”

Check out more from Kimberly here.

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Just dropped: A new book from Dr. Andrew Huberman

Ph.D., neuroscientist, and hyper-popular podcast host Andrew Huberman just announced his first book, Protocols. It’s dubbed “An Operating Manual for the Human Body” and covers everything from enhancing your mood to rewiring your nervous system.

Although it doesn’t actually come out until April of next year, it’s available for pre-order on Amazon, audio platforms like Spotify and Audible, and more. Preorder here.

More drops perfect for:

• Spinning at home. A new at-home smart bike called Zwift Ride became available this week. It claims to be an all-in-one setup that allows you to do indoor cycling right from the comfort of your home. Order here.

• Sun protection. Freaks of Nature, a natural skincare brand, came out with a 100% mineral sunscreen with SPF50 and 80-minute water protection and is reef-safe.  Shop here.

• Menopause symptoms. Prescription skincare routine company Musely launched its menopause-combatting cream, The Estrogen Boost, which is an HRT topical that treats hot flashes, night sweats, hair changes, and more. Subscribe here.

• Meal replacements. A new high-protein shake from OWYN (stands for “only what you need”) has 3 grams of prebiotic fiber, 26 grams of protein, and 180 calories. Get it on Amazon.

• Quenching thirst. Cult-favorite canned water brand Liquid Death launched powdered drink mixes a few months ago. They’re now available in single-flavor multipacks on their online store and Amazon. Find out more here.

• Reese’s-lovers. B.T.R. NATION, a “superfood snacks” brand, introduced a new flavor today. The Peanut Butter Crunch PROTEIN+ bar has 15 grams of organic plant protein and no added sugar. Check out the ingredients here.

• Retro tennis. Available to buy tomorrow, the Reebok Nano Court is an old-school-looking shoe for tennis, pickleball, and padel. It’s priced at $120. Check them out here.

Today’s newsletter was brought to you by Joe Niehaus and Ash Read.

P.S. We’d love to hear from you! Send us your favorite gear, personal health stack, or feedback on the newsletter.