Think different

Welcome back to Wellworthy, your weekly rundown on living healthier, longer, and better.

Here’s what we’ve got this week:

• A top fitness instructor’s training essentials. 

• Why fitness predicts longevity better than weight.

• The cultural shift reshaping our relationship with alcohol.

• Fresh drops from Satisfy, Hyperice, Ten Thousand, and more.

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

Health Stack: Akin Akman

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

This week: Akin Akman, co-founder of AARMY, and one of the most influential instructors in fitness.

Akin began his career as a tennis prodigy, training under Nick Bollettieri, the coach who has worked with Agassi, Serena, and Sharapova. Tapping this experience, He built AARMY on the belief that elite training principles should be accessible to everyone.

Here’s what powers his training:

• Lululemon Release and Recover Ball Set: “I use Lululemon’s Release and Recover Ball for self-myofascial release. I’ll even use it under my feet during meetings to keep my plantar fascia loose.”

• Shokz headphones: “They sit off your ears, and are water-resistant, run-proof, and they never fall out. The charge lasts forever too.” 

• Wilson Pro Staff: “I’m always ready with my tennis racket. My favorite’s the Wilson Pro Staff.

• Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow: “It keeps my skin hydrated and fresh without feeling heavy.”

• Lululemon Beyondfeel Running Shoes: “I run in the Lululemon running shoes. They’re lightweight, responsive, and locked in.”

• AARMY On Demand: “When I travel my routine doesn’t stop. I do AARMY On Demand every day.”

Check out Akin’s full Health Stack here.

On Our Radar 

Interesting stories we spotted this week → 

Fitness > body weight. A meta-analysis of nearly 400,000 people shows that cardio fitness predicts longevity far better than BMI. Fit but overweight? No extra risk. Unfit at any weight? More than double the mortality risk. Bottom line: focus on building your VO₂ max, not obsessing over numbers on a scale.

Update available. Apple restored blood oxygen tracking on US Apple Watches following a years-long patent lawsuit. The feature returns via iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 updates. Processing now happens on your iPhone, with results appearing in the Health app. 

Exercise sparks creativity. New research following 150+ people wearing activity sensors found that those who swapped sedentary time for moderate-to-vigorous activity were more likely to engage in creative pursuits like cooking, music, or art. TL;DR: Movement fuels imagination.

Alcohol’s decline. U.S. consumption hit a record low, with 54% of adults reporting they drink. Among young adults, usage fell from 59% to 50% in just two years.For the first time, a majority of Americans (53%) now believe moderate drinking is harmful, signaling a cultural shift in how we view alcohol and health.

Just Dropped

New products and launches spotted this week → 

Hyperice unveiled the next generation of its best-selling Hyperice X contrast therapy line. The Hyperice X 2 Knee and X 2 Shoulder replace the original models with expanded temperature ranges and multi-level compression. Get the details. 

NEAP launched collagen protein gel in Mango, Peach, Strawberry, and Watermelon flavors. Each tear-and-squeeze pouch delivers 20g protein with 0g sugar, 0g fat, and just 80 calories. Try it here.

Ten Thousand debuted its Foundation Collection featuring performance essentials that move seamlessly between training and daily life. The technical fabric shorts and shirts offer moisture-wicking performance with streamlined details for all-day comfort. Shop the collection.

COROS unveiled the NOMAD outdoor GPS watch with dual-frequency navigation and Adventure Journaling features. Users can record voice notes, upload photos, and document their best outdoor moments directly within activities. Document your adventure.

Satisfy launched TheROCKER, its first trail shoe engineered for mixed terrain and road-to-trail transitions. Powered by proprietary TuneLug™, Euforia™, and Rippy™ 66 technologies, the shoe delivers long-distance comfort, confident grip, and breathable durability for mid-to-ultra distance runs. Grab a pair.

OMORPHO introduced its first weighted short for women: the G-Short 2-in-1, designed to enhance daily movement. Available in Black, Sand, and Flame colorways. Shop now.

Sunday Swagger dropped an Uncrustables collaboration featuring golf apparel inspired by the iconic PB&J sandwich. The moisture-wicking polos include UPF 40 protection with vibrant swirls and the catchphrase "Snack, Swing, Repeat." Get yours here.

BUNKY rolled out its Protein Popcorn. Each bag contains 10g protein and it’s seed-oil free with no artificial additives. Available in two flavors: Aged White Cheddar and Sriracha Lime. Pick up a bag.

Salomon launched the S/LAB Ultra Glide 1.5, an updated trail running shoe featuring enhanced stability, and soft, dynamic cushioning that adapts over distance. The unique outsole design diffuses pressure to minimize fatigue and an improved heel design offers a rub-free experience. Check them out.

Signos launched the first FDA-cleared, over-the-counter glucose monitoring system for weight management. The platform shows how food, activity, and sleep affect metabolism in real time through AI-powered insights. Take control now.