Low intensity

Movement is medicine. Today, we're exploring the power of everyday activities for enhanced well-being.

Plus: 

• A former pro soccer player shares her Health Stack.

• Early access to a new breathwork app, and new drops from Speedland, Quest Nutrition, and more.

Let’s go!
- Ash Read and Joe Niehaus

You don’t have to go all-out

Even light activity can make a significant difference.

The movement advantage. A review of studies from around the world found higher levels of physical activity deliver impactful results:

• Reduces depression risk by 23%

• Decreases incident anxiety risk by 26%

• Improves overall mental well-being

Small efforts, big rewards. A particularly strong association was found between low and moderate physical activity like walking, and reduced risk of depression.

Lee Smith, professor of public health at Anglia Ruskin University notes, “The fact that even low to moderate levels of physical activity can be beneficial for mental health is particularly important." Why? Because these activities are often more achievable.

Easy does it. Here's how you can incorporate more low intensity movement into your day:

1. Take a walk: A stroll around the neighborhood can boost your mood.

2. Garden: Tending to plants provides both physical activity and a connection with nature. 

3. Play golf: Enjoy the outdoors while getting in some low-impact exercise.

4. Do light strength training: Short sessions with small weights or bodyweight exercises is enough.

5. Stretch or do yoga: These activities combine movement with mindfulness for added benefits.

Finding your sweet spot. There's a place for high-intensity workouts and pushing your limits. But, don't discount the power of gentler activities. Make movement a regular part of your routine, whatever that looks like for you.

My Health Stack by Taylor Cohen

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: Taylor Cohen, pro soccer player turned entrepreneur. Taylor is founder and CEO of AthletEX, a national network of former college athletes. 

Here’s Taylor’s to share her Health Stack:

• WHOOP: “I have been an active Whoop user since my college and professional soccer playing days… This has been the best platform for me to noticeably track results from all the training and recovery work I do every single day.”

• LMNT Hydration Packs: “I use LMNT for hydration every day. Staying properly hydrated is key to my recovery. I have always been a ‘cramper’ and LMNT helps prevent cramping and keep my cells properly hydrated throughout my busy work and life schedule.”

• Theragun Prime: “A big part of my recovery is myofascial release and massage therapy that I can do at home outside of my scheduled recovery sessions with practitioners. Therabody has amazing products that I use every day including on the road when I’m traveling with their Mini Theragun.”

• Barcode: “This has become my favorite fitness water and hydrating drink. There are so many hydration drinks out there and Barcode has cracked the code on something that properly fuels athletes, tastes amazing, is low sugar, and organic.”

• Thorne Supplements: “An important part of my sleep habits and daily nutrition is making sure I am getting what I need from vitamins and minerals. I take Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Creatine supplements from Thorne.”

• Functional Patterns Leverage King: “This piece of training equipment is something I use in almost every workout session I do to increase strength and stability through functional proper biomechanics movement.”

Unleash explosive power with the Nike Indy Bra

^{Presented by Nike.}

Designed for those who refuse to settle, the Nike Indy Bra is a sleek and secure sports bra.

Ideal for training workouts and dance classes, the Indy Bra's support gives you a locked-in feeling and minimizes motion. Smooth, quick-drying fabric provides a clean finish, so you can wear it your way.

Adjustable straps and removable pads let you fine-tune your fit whether you're on the go, in the flow or taking it slow.

Experience the ultimate support and comfort with the Nike Indy Bra. Shop here.

Just Dropped: A music-backed breathwork app

FivePointFive announced “the world’s most advanced functional breathwork app.” It combines science-backed coaching with music from chart-topping artists like Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, and SIA. FivePointFive has reserved 50 early access spots for Wellworthy readers. Claim your spot now.

More drops:

• Trail running. Performance brand Speedland dropped three new models: the GL:SVT, GL:PDX, and GS:RAR.  Check them out here.

• OTC glucose monitor. Dexcom launched Stelo, a wearable biosensor that tracks glucose levels 24/7 without prescriptions or fingersticks. Buy now.

• Tasty probiotics. Flanagan Farm released Organic Kraut, a five-flavor line of sauerkraut packed with nutritional benefits. Find a store.

• Signature tennis shoes. In collaboration with American tennis champion Coco Gauff, New Balance launched the Coco CG2 in time for the 2024 US Open. Get a pair here.

• New smartwatches. Garmin unveiled its latest GPS smartwatches: the next-generation fēnix 8 multisport watch and the Enduro 3, designed for ultra-endurance athletes. Discover the fēnix 8 here and Enduro 3 here.

• Foldable rower. Rogue, the popular gym equipment manufacturer, introduced the Echo Rower, a new indoor rowing machine made with a space-saving aluminum frame and performance display screen. Get it here.

• Protein treats. Barebells introduced a new Key Lime Pie flavor to its line of protein bars, capturing Florida’s favorite blend of sour lime and sweet white chocolate. Order here.

• Healthy baked treats. Quest Nutrition launched the Bake Shop line, featuring nutritious brownies and muffins that provide 10 grams of protein—without the guilt. Buy here.

• Recyclable running shoes. Salomon released the Vision, a groundbreaking shoe with a fully recyclable sole that takes circular footwear to the next level. At the moment, they’re only available in the UK. Learn more 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.