6 simple ways to get the most out of your workout

Any exercise is better than none, but no one wants to waste their time in the gym. Learn how to get the most out of your workout here.

Photo credit: Victor Freitas on Unsplash
  • Not everyone wants the same thing out of a workout session. We each have our distinct goals.
  • We should keep in mind that pain doesn't always mean gain.
  • You are much more likely to succeed in your exercise goals if you hold yourself accountable by writing down your intentions and plans.
Keep reading Show less
sports motivation goal-setting human body self health
Personal Growth

Creativity isn't just for the young, new research shows

It all depends on what type of creativity we're discussing.

The troupe Lifting, composed of dancers aged 62 to 85 years, performs the play "For a no, for a yes" directed by French choreographer Anne Martin, on March 26, 2018, at the Coloc' de la Culture in Cournon-d'Auvergnez (Photo: Thierry Zoccolan/AFP/Getty Images)
  • There are two peaks to creativity: One in our mid-20s and another 30 years later.
  • Conceptual innovators set out with explicit goals that they carefully execute, while experimental innovators are synthesists, collecting ideas and incorporating them as they age.
  • The study focuses on 31 Nobel laureates in economics.
Keep reading Show less
aging economics goal-setting motivation personal growth creativity
Surprising Science

Is there an optimal time of day to exercise?

Two new studies say yes. Unfortunately, each claims a different time.

Bronx, N.Y.: NYPD officer Julissa Camacho works out at the 44th precinct gym in the Bronx, New York on April 3, 2019. (Photo by Alejandra Villa Loarca/Newsday via Getty Images)
  • Research at the Weizmann Institute of Sciences declares evening to be the best time for an exercise session.
  • Not so fast, says a new study at UC Irvine, which replies that late morning is the optimal workout time.
  • Both studies involved mice on treadmills and measured different markers to produce their results.
Keep reading Show less
biology human body productivity obesity goal-setting health
Surprising Science

Want to achieve your goals? The Finnish have a word for that.

Sisu is an ancient concept that is an integral part of Finland's national character.

An ultra trailer walks past the Mont Blanc at La Flegere path on September 2, 2018 near Chamonix, as he competes during 170 km Mount Blanc Ultra Trail (UTMB) race around the Mont-Blanc, crossing France, Italy and Switzerland. (Photo by Jeff Pachoud/AFP/Getty Images)
  • Sisu is an important Finnish concept that helps natives tap into an "unexplored inner strength."
  • Researcher Emilia Lahti surveyed over 1,000 Finnish citizens to discover what the term means to them.
  • Lahti discovered her own sisu when completing 50 ultramarathons in 50 consecutive days to fight domestic violence.
Keep reading Show less
goal-setting motivation potential success visualizations psychology
Personal Growth

Physically active adults are less inclined to be depressed, say Oxford and Yale researchers

But we already knew that, didn't we?

Photo credit: Travis Yewell on Unsplash
  • American adults that exercise spend an average of 18 fewer days depressed every year.
  • The large-scale study includes data from over 1.2 million Americans over a five-year period.
  • The researchers note that too much exercise negatively impacts mental health.
Keep reading Show less
health psychology depression goal-setting mindfulness happiness
Surprising Science