Research demonstrates that performing isometric exercises like squats and planks three times weekly can effectively lower blood pressure in the short term, offering a practical non-drug intervention. A meta-analysis of a…
#Fitness science
This week in fitness science highlighted both exercise-based interventions and technology-driven health solutions. Research validated isometric training—such as squats and planks performed three times weekly—as an effective non-pharmaceutical approach to managing blood pressure. Simultaneously, the fitness technology landscape shifted with Google Health Enterprise and Weight Watchers unveiling an integrated platform combining Fitbit wearables with clinical weight management services. The partnership aims to reduce reliance on weight-loss medications by embedding continuous biometric tracking within supervised health programs, addressing employer concerns about medication costs and adherence challenges. Market response proved strong, with investor confidence reflected in significant stock gains.
Google Health Enterprise and Weight Watchers announced a strategic partnership combining the Google Fitbit Air wearable device with Weight Watchers' enterprise health platform to address employer and health plan concerns…
The Health & Fitness Association has partnered with HYROX and Centr to integrate fitness racing experiences into the 2027 HFA Show, offering members 100 participant and 100 spectator slots for the HYROX Las Vegas event. …
The Health & Fitness Association announced a partnership with HYROX and Centr to bring fitness racing and official competition equipment to The HFA Show 2027. The HFA Show is scheduled for March 10–12 at Mandalay Bay in …
The American College of Sports Medicine is hosting a new webinar series designed for students and members to learn about the diverse research conducted by its members. The informal sessions offer an opportunity to hear a…
Discover Strength, a strength training brand, will open its first Massachusetts location in Wellesley in early November. The studio will offer 30-minute supervised strength workouts twice weekly, with additional sites be…
A recent study shows that a mere three minutes of high-intensity exercise can significantly alter the bloodstream's molecular profile. These changes are associated with improved metabolic and cardiovascular health. The f…
The American College of Sports Medicine has released its September 2026 science highlights, covering new components of fitness science research. Additionally, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Enga…
The 2026 HFA European Congress, scheduled for September 24–26 at London Stadium, will feature exclusive research including the 2026 HFA Global Report and the industry's largest global retention study. New findings on the…
An international survey of 418 HYROX athletes found that half had sustained an injury during training for the competition in the previous year. The findings suggest participants may be overdoing it.
Khloud has expanded its functional snack line with the introduction of Khloud Plus, a protein chip containing collagen. The new product aims to combine convenience with added nutritional benefits.
A large study found that the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week provides only modest protection against heart attacks and strokes. Researchers suggest that substantially greater amounts of …
Physical activity appears to support the brain's glymphatic cleanup system, helping remove harmful waste that accumulates with age. This process may contribute to better sleep and reduced rates of age-related cognitive d…
A study in Physiology & Behavior shows that 20 minutes of stationary cycling can prevent the natural decline in unconscious motor learning that typically occurs after rest. The findings suggest aerobic exercise may help …
Frequent cannabis users may wake up with unusually high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, indicating a potential disruption in daily stress rhythms. The finding raises concerns about how regular cannabis use affects…
In a four-week trial, participants who added a daily glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie to a healthier diet reported significantly lower depression scores. The simple dietary addition appeared to improve mental heal…
A study of over 20,000 people found that very high levels of the inherited cholesterol particle Lp(a) are associated with a greater risk of major cardiovascular events, especially stroke and cardiovascular death. The fin…
An experimental pill called aleniglipron helped people with obesity or overweight lose up to 12.1% of their body weight over 36 weeks. Unlike injectable GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, this small molecule can be tak…
A study found that people who engaged in strength training for about 90 to 120 minutes per week had a 13% lower risk of premature death. The findings highlight that even modest amounts of regular weightlifting can signif…
The Health & Fitness Association and the American Cancer Society, together with The HFA Foundation, have formed a strategic alliance to broaden access to evidence-based exercise oncology programs across the United States…
A 30-year study of over 147,000 people published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that 90 to 120 minutes of strength training per week is associated with lower risks of death from all causes, especially ca…
A large study indicates that the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week provides only modest protection against heart attacks and strokes. Substantially greater benefits may require 560 to 610 …
Only 1.2% of 4.5 million Humana wellness program members activated a wearable device over two years, but 80% of those users remained engaged for at least six months. This large-scale study provides insights into wearable…
A major systematic review found that exercise produces only small average improvements in pain and physical function for people with hip osteoarthritis. While exercise may still help some individuals, researchers caution…
A study found that adults with obesity who consumed one avocado daily for six months showed reduced heart disease risk through decreased LDL particle circulation. The research suggests dietary modifications targeting spe…
Researchers identified an immune mechanism that explains why some people experience muscle pain, weakness, and reduced exercise tolerance when taking statins. This discovery could lead to new treatments that preserve the…
A comprehensive review of over 350 studies suggests that current protein consumption trends may exceed what many people need for optimal health. The research indicates that lower protein intake could improve metabolism, …
A four-month trial with 315 adults with central obesity showed that just 75 minutes of brisk interval exercise delivered significant health improvements. The study demonstrates that even small amounts of targeted exercis…
The CDC documented a significant outbreak of the fungal infection Candida auris affecting healthcare facilities across at least 23 U.S. states, with over 3,000 reported cases. This emerging pathogen poses serious infecti…
A comprehensive analysis of 73 randomized controlled trials involving nearly 5,000 adults with depression found that exercise produced moderate reductions in depressive symptoms comparable to psychological therapies and …
Newcastle University research demonstrates that as little as 10 minutes of hard physical activity may help slow cancer growth by promoting DNA damage repair and remodeling gene expression in colon cancer cells. The study…
A study from Virginia Tech published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that being physically active increases the total amount of energy a person uses each day, contrary to the idea that the …
Researchers identified a protein called "Mitch" that may revolutionize obesity treatment by enabling fat burning and blocking the formation of new fat cells. This discovery could lead to novel therapeutic approaches for …
A four-month study of 315 adults with central obesity found that 75 minutes of brisk interval walking completed in one weekly session was nearly as effective as spreading the same exercise across three days for reducing …
A 12-week intermittent fasting program showed sustained benefits a year after completion. Participants who followed an eight-hour eating window maintained greater weight loss compared to those using standard eating sched…
Researchers compared passive heating methods and found that hot water immersion raises core body temperature more effectively than traditional or infrared saunas, producing stronger boosts in blood flow and immune activi…
A study showed that reducing sleep by approximately 80 minutes per night for six weeks led to weight gain and increased sedentary behavior in participants. The research demonstrates a direct link between insufficient sle…
Scientists discovered that the protein TRF2, previously thought to primarily protect chromosome ends, plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle stem cell health and function. The research found that TRF2 helps muscle st…
Research found that minimal exercise can significantly benefit adults with central obesity. A four-month trial with 315 participants showed that about 75 minutes of weekly exercise delivered measurable health improvement…