Latest news with #Women'sHealth
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Could Your Birth Control Method Be Affecting Your Performance In The Gym? Here's What Experts Say
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Thanks to TikToks, sketchy health blogs, and Thanksgiving soapboxes courtesy of your toxic aunt, the rumor that birth control affects your ability to perform athletically has been spread far and wide for way too long. We get why it's confusing. Hormonal birth control methods such as contraceptive pills alter your hormones, which can affect…well, everything else, like your workouts. But, science hasn't exactly found that to be true. Plus, there are several kinds of birth control methods; some are more studied than others. We have some limited information on how oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) affect athletic performance in females. Other forms, including intrauterine devices (IUDs) with and without hormones, as well as implants, work differently and are even less studied. We consulted the experts to find out what we know, and what we don't, about how your birth control may affect your workouts. Meet the Experts: Jessica Shepherd, MD, is a board-certified ob-gyn, author of Generation M: Living Well in Perimenopause and Menopause, and Women's Health advisory board member. Bailey McLagan is a PhD candidate in exercise physiology at the University of Southern California, who specializes in women's performance research, including how birth control affects workouts. It's difficult to generalize these medications' effects since there are a bunch of different types, and they affect women differently. The most commonly used is oral contraceptives. These medications include synthetic hormones and generally work by "sending a signal to our brain to tell our body not to release an egg,' says Bailey McLagan, MS, a PhD candidate in exercise physiology at the University of Southern California, who studies the role of female hormones in exercise and recovery. 'The goal is to prevent ovulation, thus preventing the possibility of getting pregnant.' They can cause a handful of side effects that may indirectly affect performance, such as mood changes, spotting, cramping, nausea, or headaches. Even though these side effects are possible, it's important to note that not everyone will experience them, McLagan notes. Beyond side effects, 'it's not clear what, if any, effect OCPs have on training,' McLagan says. 'This is because there are so many kinds that are often not recorded in research and because studies don't often differentiate between OCP users and non-users.' One 2022 study, for example, looked at hormonal oral birth control effects on strength training outcomes, including muscle thickness, muscle fiber size, and composition over a 12-week period. They found that factors were similar between women who did and did not use oral contraceptives, says Jessica Shepherd, MD, board-certified ob-gyn and Women's Health advisory board member. START YOUR STRENGTH TRANSFORMATION Another study looked at exercise performance factors such as workload, exhaustion, time to completion, mean peak outputs, rate of production, and maximal oxygen intake between oral contraception users and non-users. The study found a trivial reduction in performance factors in those using oral contraception. 'It's important to remember that performance is impacted by a lot of things, so a trivial reduction doesn't signify an advantage in one over the other,' McLagan says. Some studies have looked at the impact of hormonal birth control on VO2 max—a measure of how much oxygen you use during training, Dr. Shepherd says. When VO2 max is high, it means that your body is more efficient at delivering oxygen to the muscles, Dr. Shepherd says. One study found the use of oral contraceptives might lower VO2 max. As mentioned, oral contraceptives aren't the only form of birth control. Dr. Shepherd says hormonal IUDs have shown some positive results. In one study, it was found to be the best-tolerated contraceptive for female endurance athletes. It also had the highest percentage of users who perceived positive training and competition impacts. 'Overall, there should be better research that looks at a prospective, randomized design to assess the effects of all types of hormonal contraceptives on athletic performance in females,' Dr. Shepherd says. What we do know: Much more research needs to be done to determine the effects of different birth control methods on training performance. Ultimately, how your experience on how birth control affects your workouts will differ from others. Therefore, you might have to go through some level of trial and error to determine what works for you. If you're on a new form of birth control, your doctor might tell you to stay on it for more than a month to see if potential symptoms subside or not. Ultimately, you shouldn't have to choose between being on birth control and getting the workout results you want. There are a ton of reasons to stay on birth control beyond pregnancy prevention—and there are tons of options to choose from. So don't be afraid to advocate for yourself to find the one that gives you the best results in all aspects of your life. 'If a certain form of OCP is making you feel uncomfortable, it may be that you need a different formulation of hormones, a lower dose, or switch to a different birth control method altogether,' McLagan says. Keep an open line of communication with your doctor, and adjust as necessary until you find a path that works for you. You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Inside Sydney Sweeney's grueling exercise and diet regime as star sizzles in swimsuit alongside mystery man
Sydney Sweeney turned heads this weekend as she soaked up the sun in a swimsuit during a lakefront getaway in northern Idaho. The 27-year-old actress was seen cozying up to a mystery man, sharing playful moments and stepping away from her group of friends and family to spend some alone time with him. While some fans were left wondering who her potential new beau is, many have also been marveling at her sculpted physique. Sweeney, who is set to star as former professional boxer Christy Martin in upcoming biopic titled Christy, proudly flaunted her figure that is the result of a disciplined workout routine and diet. So how exactly did she achieve her toned look? Sweeney has always had an active streak, and has credited much of her natural athleticism to her outdoorsy upbringing. 'I grew up on the water, always running around in a bikini,' she previously told Elle. 'If I wasn't swimming in the lake or the ocean, I was skiing or attempting to surf.' Summers, she explained to Women's Health, have always played a transformative role in her physique. 'I see such a change in my body after an entire summer. My arms are stronger and more sculpted. My abs are rock solid.' But her natural athleticism doesn't stop with seasonal activities. The actress also has a background in mixed martial arts (MMA), a sport she took seriously enough to compete in - and win. 'I did competitions and I got first place fighting all guys,' she once revealed to Kelly Clarkson. But lately, Sweeney's fitness game has reached a new level, thanks to intense preparation for Christy. 'I've been immersed in training to bring to life the story of an incredible woman - a true champion who fought battles both inside and outside the ring,' she shared in an Instagram post. 'Her journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and hope.' In an interview with W magazine, she explained that while training for the role of Christy, her body became completely different. 'I loved it,' she said. 'I came onboard to play Christy, and I had about three and a half months of training. I started eating. I weight-trained in the morning for an hour, kickboxed midday for about two hours, and then weight-trained again at night for an hour.' Because of this intense routine, she went up four clothes sizes. 'My boobs got bigger. And my butt got huge. It was crazy! I was like, "Oh my God." But it was amazing: I was so strong, like crazy strong,' she said. And when she isn't training to play the most successful female boxer of the 90s, she likes to stay fit through Pilates and other similar exercises. 'I like this place called SolidCore. It's a full-body high-intensity workout but on a reformer, and it's been killing my ass. I love it,' she told WSJ Magazine. The star also emphasized the physical and emotional benefits of the practice, telling Women's Health, 'It just makes me feel so toned and strong, but also elongated, and I feel so good doing that.' As for her diet? It's not as intense as you would expect. 'I love a good bowl of berries and some eggs and a bagel,' she said to Women's Health of her go-to breakfast. She explained that she loves being on the water and noticed that during the summer, her body is at its most toned Lunch is often 'something hearty,' which to her can either mean a chicken Caesar salad or even a cheeseburger. Dinner usually depends on where she is, but one cuisine always stands out: 'I love Italian… Italian's usually my go-to for dinner,' she admitted. Despite the demands of her career, Sweeney doesn't restrict herself too harshly. 'It's important to eat,' she explained. 'I definitely one day will probably start eating healthier, but I work out and I'm so active, so I'm able to balance that out. But I love food and it makes me happy.' That love for food definitely includes sweets. 'I love my sugar. I love my candy. I love my cookies and ice cream,' she admitted. 'I'll randomly find some Sour Patch Kids or some peanut M&M's,' she said. Interestingly, despite seemingly doing everything all at once, she's never turned to coffee for energy. She also loves doing outdoor sports like skiing 'I've never even tried coffee,' she previously told Bustle. Instead, she relies on sugar when she needs a pick-me-up, including Swedish Fish or 'anything gummy.' And when it comes to drinks, she keeps it simple. 'I just identify as just a water person… I never really think about alcohol, to be honest.' She explained that since her tween years, she's stayed on top of her hydration. 'Ever since I was 12 years old, I was like, "I'm just going to drink water." And I love it.' She's also partnered with flavored water brand Bai to add a little variety.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I shed 6st WITHOUT Mounjaro in my 40s & had no loose skin – my favourite weight loss hack is free & anyone can do it
Read on for more weight loss hacks WEIGH TO GO! I shed 6st WITHOUT Mounjaro in my 40s & had no loose skin – my favourite weight loss hack is free & anyone can do it A WOMAN has revealed how she lost weight with no loose skin without using fat jabs. Claire Spencer, 44, managed to shift 6 stone the old-fashioned way, through plenty of hard work and watching her diet. Advertisement 3 Claire Spencer, 44, lost six stone without weight loss pills Credit: Supplied 3 She shared her favourite way to exercise to burn calories Credit: Instagram/clairespencer001 But now, Claire has taken to social media to share the top exercise she swears by to shift weight fast, and you won't have to sign up for the gym. In the clip, Claire was seen out in the countryside with her blonde hair pulled up to a ponytail as she revealed her favourite workout. She said: It's not all pumping iron, doing lunges, squats for England, crunches. "Do you know what is really simple, really effective and free? Walking. Advertisement READ MORE ON WEIGHT LOSS WEIGHT TO GO I shed 6st on fat jabs - the common mistake that can hinder weight loss "I've been on two walks today, and walking is just amazing because it just connects you with the outside world, gets fresh air in your lungs, it's amazing for cardiovascular health, it's great for your heart, it's amazing for your lungs, it's amazing for your mental health as well." Not only can it make you feel better from within, Claire said a brisk walk can help you burn calories too. Claire isn't the only person who swears by walking for weight loss and a new workout trend has gone viral on social media. The 6-6-6 walking challenge has taken the internet by storm to encourage people to stay active. Advertisement It's unclear who started the trend on TikTok, but the 6-6-6 walking challenge involves walking for 60 minutes a day, either at 6am or 6pm, starting with a six-minute warm-up and ending with six-minute cool-down. According to Lindsey Bomgren, CPT, founder of Nourish, Move, Love: "Walking after eating a meal helps regulate blood sugar, aids in digestion, and supports long-term heart health." 3 The 6-6-6 walking challenge has gone viral on TikTok Credit: Instagram/clairespencer001 I'm a 'former fatty' who lost 12 stone WITHOUT jabs - being slim means I don't have to eat in the car to avoid judgement "The challenge is meant to encourage habit formation and having a specific time of day (ie, 6am or 6pm) that signals it's time for movement," Bomgren told Women's Health. Advertisement "But ultimately, I don't think the time of day you work out matters – it's just about consistently showing up." She also recommended using speed intervals and incline walking (going up hills) to prevent plateaus in your workout and help you lose more weight. Claire proves that the easy exercise works and the clip went viral on her TikTok account @clairespencer001 and many agreed that walking was the best way to lose weight. One person wrote: "It is great - I've been walking 10k steps a day for a few weeks and feel great for it." Advertisement Another commented: "I did too!! 6.5stone gone only from walking, built up to doing two hour walks and the calorie burn was far more than gym classes I was going to." "I used to go gym twice a day!!! Then started walking and lost more fat and weight than the gym," penned a third. The 5 best exercises to lose weight By Lucy Gornall, personal trainer and health journalist EXERCISE can be intimidating and hard to devote yourself to. So how do you find the right workout for you? As a PT and fitness journalist, I've tried everything. I've taken part in endless fitness competitions, marathons and I maintain a regime of runs, strength training and Pilates. Fitness is so entrenched in my life, I stick to it even at Christmas! The key is finding an activity you love that can become a habit. My top five forms of exercise, especially if you're trying to lose weight, are: Walking Running Pilates High-intensity interval training (HIIT) Strength training Meanwhile a fourth said: "Walking is underestimated. I love walking." "It's an 80/20 balance that's all. Sounds simple but it's not. It's the mental shift that's needed,' claimed a fifth Advertisement Someone else added: "I started walking with a weighted vest it's such a great workout!"
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Forget 10,000 steps! Scientists just revealed the real number you should be walking daily
How many steps per day is good: For years, 10,000 steps a day has been the gold standard of fitness, a number built into smartwatches, fitness apps, and even our collective mindset. But here's the truth: it was never based on science, and now, new research is finally clearing the air, as per a Women's Health report. The Truth Behind the 10,000 Steps Goal A scientific analysis published in The Lancet Public Health confirms that walking fewer than 10,000 steps a day can still offer significant health benefits, sometimes just as much, according to the report. In fact, researchers found the health perks begin to plateau at around 7,000 steps per day, as per Women's Health. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category others MCA Product Management Others Management healthcare CXO PGDM Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Leadership Public Policy Project Management Finance Healthcare Data Analytics Operations Management MBA Data Science Degree Design Thinking Data Science Digital Marketing Technology Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT - ISB Cybersecurity for Leaders Program India Starts on undefined Get Details ALSO READ: Doctors reveal 27 symptoms that could signal serious trouble by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo The 10,000 Step Myth Started as Marketing The origin of the 10,000-step goal isn't medical, it's marketing, as reported by Women's Health. The number dates back to the 1960s when Tokyo doctor Iwao Ohya and engineer Jiro Kato developed a pedometer called 'Manpo-Kei,' which literally means '10,000 steps meter,' as reported by Women's Health. It was catchy, the Japanese character for 10,000 even resembled a walking man, and the number stuck. But it turns out, no clinical data ever backed it, as per the report. ALSO READ: Traverse City Walmart Stabbing: 11 injured, suspect in custody as police probe motive — social media flooded with videos, images Live Events What the New Study Actually Found In the latest study, researchers reviewed data from 88 studies and found that people who walked 7,000 steps daily had a significantly lower risk of developing chronic health issues like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, cancer, and depression, compared to those walking only 2,000 steps, as reported by Women's Health. While 10,000 steps was still associated with slightly lower risks, the extra benefits after hitting 7,000 were minimal, according to the report. Registered dietitian and strength coach Albert Matheny, RD, CSCS, said, "The data show health gains level off well before 10,000," adding, '10,000 steps per day is not the magic number," as quoted by Women's Health. According to the experts,5,000 to 7,000 steps a day is a realistic and healthy target. That's about 2 to 3.5 miles for most people, and while 10,000 steps isn't harmful, it isn't necessary for staying healthy either, according to the report. Co-founder of SoHo Strength Lab, Dani Singer said that, "Mortality and cardiovascular risk improvements start at just 2,000. It's important to understand this so that you avoid an all-or-nothing mindset—especially one that isn't based on any actual data," as quoted by Women's Health. Is 10,000 Steps Needed? However, the main point of the experts, including Matheny is that, 'A thousand steps is way better than zero,' as quoted in the report. If you're already hitting 10,000 regularly and it feels good, keep going. But if that number has ever felt intimidating or out of reach, the science now says you can breathe easy and aim a little lower without sacrificing your health, according to the report. FAQs Is 7,000 steps enough for heart health? Yes. Studies show 7,000 steps a day can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease, as per the Women's Health report. What if I can only manage 2,000 steps? That's still a great start, every step helps, and even 2,000 can lower your health risks, as per the Women's Health report.
Economic Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
What is the viral 6-6-6 walking challenge, and what is this weight-loss trend really doing to you?
iStock A new fitness trend called the 6-6-6 walking challenge involves walking for 60 minutes daily with warm-up and cool-down. Experts say it is easy to remember and accessible to all fitness levels. Studies show walking improves health and reduces mortality risk. It may aid weight loss when combined with diet. (Image: iStock) If you've been anywhere near TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are you've come across a curious fitness routine dubbed the '6-6-6 walking challenge.' No, it's not what it sounds like—it's not satanic, and it's not a gym cult either. In fact, this viral challenge is surprisingly wholesome, aiming to improve physical and mental health by encouraging a structured walking habit. But does it live up to the hype? According to a report in Women's Health, the 6-6-6 challenge involves walking for 60 minutes a day at either 6 a.m. or 6 p.m., beginning with a six-minute warm-up and ending with a six-minute cool-down. It's the latest in a long line of numerical fitness trends—think 12-3-30 or 3-2-8—that simplify workouts into digestible routines. Part of the appeal lies in the ease of remembering the format. Lindsey Bomgren, CPT and founder of Nourish Move Love, told Women's Health that people naturally gravitate toward number-based challenges because they remove guesswork and offer a clear, repeatable formula. 'It's accessible to all fitness levels while still offering tangible health benefits,' she noted. Plus, the challenge encourages consistency—often the missing ingredient in long-term fitness success. While it may seem too simple to be effective, walking has long been backed by research as a powerful tool for overall health. A 2021 JAMA Network Open study found that adults who took at least 7,000 steps a day had up to a 70% lower risk of mortality than those who didn't. Since the 6-6-6 method encourages about an hour of walking (roughly 6,000 to 7,000 steps), it could have meaningful health implications if sustained. As for the specific timing—6 a.m. or 6 p.m.—Bomgren points out it's more about habit-building than magic hours. However, walking post-meal has been shown to regulate blood sugar, aid digestion, and boost heart health. If weight loss is your goal, this trend could help, but it's not a silver bullet. Janet Hamilton, CSCS and owner of Running Strong, notes that while any additional movement can aid in weight loss, it must be paired with dietary adjustments to create a calorie deficit. 'You might see your weight drop gradually over time, but it's not just about the steps,' she says. A 2023 Obesity study even observed that people who worked out early in the day had lower BMIs and smaller waistlines—though it stopped short of proving direct causation. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Everygirl® (@theeverygirl) Beyond shedding pounds, walking strengthens bones, supports cardiovascular health, and enhances mental well-being. A PLOS One study from 2022 linked brisk walking to improved bone density, while a JAMA study tied higher step counts to reduced mortality. The mental health benefits are equally compelling. A 2024 review in JAMA Network Open found that walking reduced symptoms of depression, and a 2022 analysis in Applied Psychology revealed walking in nature significantly eased anxiety. Though six-minute warm-ups and cool-downs may seem arbitrary, they're right in line with recommendations from the American Heart Association. They help prepare your body for exertion and ease it back into rest, reducing injury risk and aiding recovery. In a sea of fleeting fitness trends, the 6-6-6 walking challenge may actually have staying power. It isn't a magic bullet, but it might be the nudge you need to get moving. Whether you're chasing a healthier heart, a trimmer waistline, or simply a bit of mental clarity—walking just might walk you there.
