Quick wins

Hi! Welcome back to Wellworthy. Here’s this week’s health and wellness rundown:

• How a busy mom balances family, work, and health.

• The power of moving more.

• New drops for mindfulness, brain training, and running fast.

— Let’s go!
Ash Read, co-founder, Wellworthy

Health Stack: Amy Leclerc 

Each week, we tap our network of health and fitness experts to offer personal insights and recommendations.

This week: Amy Leclerc, co-owner of Sit Still Kids Salon, "I’m focusing on seeing time as currency," she explains, to prioritize what truly matters.

Leclerc structures her days around four pillars: her children, her work, physical and mental well-being, and relationships. Her fitness routine combines scheduled activities like weighted vest walks and tennis with opportunistic movement throughout the day. "You’ll often find me doing a set of squats while my coffee brews," she says, embodying her philosophy to "get it in when you can fit it in."

Here’s Amy to share her go-to products: 

• Sunlighten Sauna: “I’m a sauna junkie. Last year we invested in a Sunlighten infrared sauna,it’s been a huge addition to my routine. I’ll often jump in after putting my kids to bed — it’s the perfect way to wind down.”

• NuFace: “I’m nearly 48, so I hit skincare + skincare tech hard. I first experienced NuFace during a facial in Hawaii and left the spa with my own device. I’ve had it for 6 years and love it. When I’m using it consistently, it shows.”

• Koppen Tongue scraper: “One of my besties is a renowned holistic dentist (Dr. Staci Whitman) who turned me onto the ancient practice of tongue scraping. The results are equal parts gross and satisfying, but I’m certain this has helped me stay healthy, especially in the winter months.”

• Hostage Tape: “Dr. Staci also recommends mouth taping at night. I’m two years in and this simple hack has changed my sleep for the better.”

• Milk frother: “I love using this to mix collagen + creatine into my coffee or mushroom tea.”

• A313 Retinoid: “My husband is French so I’ve spent ample time in the pharmacies in France. This no-frills product has reduced my pore size and staved off deep lines like nothing else!”

• Supplements: “My workhorse supplements are Magnesium Breakthrough and Seed Probiotics.”

On Our Radar 

Interesting stories we spotted this week → 

Debunked. New research supports low-carb diets for managing chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The paper suggests limiting carb intake to >130 g/day (about 25% of calories) — focusing on simple proteins like eggs and ground beef — can help form an affordable foundation for sustainable, long-term health.

Record breakers. Seven-time CrossFit Games champion Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr and Joanna Wietrzyk set a new HYROX world record this past weekend —finishing in 54:24. More impressive, this was only Toomey-Orr's third-ever HYROX race. Transitioning from CrossFit, Toomey-Orr prioritized stretching and mobility to prepare for increased running demands. Ready to improve your mobility? Try this 15-minute HYROX-focused routine from athlete Julia Repell.

Giving gains. Donating blood may do more than save lives. A study of 217 frequent male donors found they had blood cells with beneficial genetic changes. After blood loss, our bodies produce a hormone called EPO. When researchers added this hormone to these specially adapted cells, they grew 50% faster than regular cells and suppressed potentially cancerous cells — meaning regular donations might encourage your body to produce healthier blood cells over time.

Movement matters. Moderate physical activity can slash your risk of dementia, stroke, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders by 14-40%. Data from over 73,000 people revealed those who stayed healthier had higher energy expenditure from activities like brisk walking and cleaning. Higher activity provided stronger protection from disease, while extended sitting increased risk by 5-54%. The takeaway? Focus on non-exercise activity and take regular movement breaks during long periods of sitting.

Just Dropped: Gravity meditative journaling

Today, Gravity launched a new app that merges audio meditations with guided journaling prompts to help users process their thoughts and emotions.

The platform features daily reflections that disappear after 24 hours and "Moments" designed to help navigate specific emotional states using techniques grounded in psychology and neuroscience. Download here.

More drops perfect for:

• Clean performance. Just Ingredients partnered with MLB star Bryce Harper to launch a range of NSF Certified supplements including high-protein powders and pre-workouts sweetened with monk fruit. Every product is tested for 300+ contaminants to ensure they're free of banned substances. Browse here.

• Training tech. Polar launched a TrainingPeaks integration that syncs workout plans directly to Polar Flow with real-time guidance on compatible watches. The feature works with all Flow-compatible Polar devices and includes a 30-day TrainingPeaks Premium trial with new watch purchases. Shop Polar here.

• Brain training. Muse launched the Muse S Athena, the first consumer wearable combining EEG and fNIRS sensors to measure both brain activity and blood flow. The $474.99 headband delivers AI-powered neurofeedback for cognitive training. Shop here.

• Women's health. Evvy enhanced its at-home Vaginal Microbiome Test with new Fertility Insights, revealing connections between vaginal bacteria and reproductive health. The expanded test measures protective bacteria levels, microbiome diversity, and fertility disruptors. Get it here.

• Race day. Tracksmith debuted the Eliot Racer, featuring removable ATPU foam atop a carbon fiber plate. The $280, 7.7-ounce shoe delivers premium energy return in a sleek, collegiate-inspired design that avoids typical neon super-shoe aesthetics (in typical Tracksmith fashion). Order here.

• Outdoor protection. Freaks of Nature launched the Peak Performance Sun Stick, the skincare brand's first product since launching last year. The clean SPF formula targets endurance athletes with skin barrier-strengthening benefits for extended adventures. Stock up here.

• Throwback tech. Pebble creator Eric Migicovsky launched Core Devices with two new smartwatches: the $149 Core 2 Duo with e-paper display and 30-day battery, and the $225 Core Time 2 featuring a 64-color touchscreen in metal casing. Shipping July and December. Preorder now.

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

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