#8: Brain boost

Hey there, welcome to Issue #8!

Today we’re covering:

• Working out to get smarter

• Health essentials with Eight Sleep’s Alexandra Zatarain

• New product drops from Bandit, Be Good Bakery, Hoka, and more

Move: Break a sweat to sharpen your mind 🧠

Physical activity helps your working memory and cognitive ability. 

Mental fitness. Moving more is good for your body and brain. But, the benefits don’t stop there — exercise can also enhance cognitive performance.

Post-workout high. It may seem counterintuitive, but exercise leaves people feeling energized, more alert, and ready to tackle new challenges. Plus, it improves short-term memory and reaction times, which could be beneficial for tasks requiring sustained attention. 

Get going: In one study, 15 minutes of moderate-intensity stationary cycling did the trick. But, any activity that increases your heart rate and blood flow could help boost brain function and mood.

So, starting your workday with a walk or breaking a sweat before that big meeting could ensure you bring your A-game. 

Compounding interest: All movement is good, but consistent exercise is better. The science suggests that people who work out multiple times a week score higher on cognitive tests than those living a more sedentary lifestyle.

Move it: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week. 

Health Stack: Alexandra Zatarain 💤

Welcome to our Health Stack series, where founders, operators, and experts share their favorite products, supplements, gear, apps, and routines…

This week we’re joined by Alexandra Zatarain, co-founder and vice president of brand and marketing at sleep fitness brand Eight Sleep.

Here’s Alexandra’s Health Stack:

Peloton Tread: “When I don’t do a strength training workout, I opt for an incline walk or run on the treadmill. The Peloton is my go-to at home, and I love the new feature of being able to watch my favorite show while running!” 

Tonal: “I’ve become obsessed with my Tonal. Started using it consistently in the past year and I’ve seen a tremendous impact on my strength and muscle definition.”

• HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask: “Bedtime skincare is a key daily ritual for me, and since learning the benefits of red light, I couldn’t escape the opportunity to try it.”

• Eight Sleep Pod: “I’ve gotten used to sleeping perfectly thermoregulated and tracking my sleep and health without a wearable. It is truly a groundbreaking product for my health.”

• Plunge: “Cold exposure is not easy for me, but I sometimes push myself to embrace it. Especially after a hard workout!”

Check out Alexandra’s Health Stack here on Wellworthy.

Brands and creators: Improve retention to grow revenue 📈

_{Presented by Youll.}

Fitness studio, bathhouse, recovery center, supplement maker, creator, or trainer… you name it, Youll helps wellness brands launch a subscription-based app.

Developed by Headspace’s product and engineering squad, Youll’s no-code solution unlocks recurring revenue while boosting retention.

Purpose-built for wellness businesses, Youll is the easiest way to create an educational, content-driven digital experience.

Start now to increase earning potential by fostering deeper engagement and customer loyalty with users everywhere.

See transformative growth in just 30 days — book a demo here.

Add to wishlist: Bandit’s latest drop

Coming off the excitement of the 2024 Boston Marathon, Brooklyn-based running brand Bandit just made its limited-edition Good Hill Hunting capsule available online.

A few more launches:

• Hoka has released its latest carbon-plated shoe. Designed to be an everyday runner, the Skyward X is ultra-cushioned with a 48mm stack height.

• Sports nutrition brand Be Good Bakery added vanilla milkshake-flavored POWER UP PROTEIN to its line of tasty consumables designed for the “everyday athlete.”

• The Sweaty Betty x Merrell collection features a range of outdoor-focused apparel, accessories and footwear the brands have created together. Shop here.

• Better-for-you condiment and dressing brand Primal Kitchen unveiled four new dipping sauces, based on traditional fast food favorites. The four flavors (Avocado Lime, Chicken  Dippin’, Special Sauce, and Yum Yum Sauce) have no seed oils or artificial sweeteners.

• Non-profit organization Hike Clerb has collaborated with The North Face to create a line of outdoor clothing and accessories designed to perform in nature and to celebrate individuality and confidence outdoors.

• New “0% junk” company Donutful makes donuts without any artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners… The classic Chocolate Dipped, Pink Dipped, and Vanilla Dipped flavors look delicious.

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.