A woman has shared footage of the shocking moment someone stole her dumbbells at a publicgym, just seconds after she put them down in front of her.
In aviralvideo with over 9.6 million views, TikToker and gym junkieKylen Suttnerrevealed her encounter with a “gym Karen” which has now left TikTok completely stunned. Watch above.
At the beginning ofthe video, Suttner is seen sitting on a bench press, lifting some dumbbells. She often films herself at the gym to work on her technique or post videos to TikTok.
She then reveals the moment that has made her “officially over public gyms.”
When she sets her dumbbells down, having finished her set, a hand comes into the frame and takes one away.
When Suttner realises she turns and says “Oh sorry, I was using that,” to which the woman, who is outside of the frame, replies: “I’ve been waiting for these for a really long time, you’ve had them forever.”
Suttner replies: “I just have a couple more,” but the woman says “You’ve had them long enough.”
One person commended Suttner on how she handled the situation: “You’re a much better person than me this would’ve brought out anger I didn’t know I had.”
Another said the exact same thing had happened to her: “A guy literally tried taking it out of my hand mid-set.”
A third person agreed: “This happened to me at Planet Fitness.”
By presenting their products in light-coloured boxes and bags, manufacturers believe you’re more likely to think a product is better for you. That theory was proven in recent research by Kiel University in Washington, which found that products presented in lighter shades were automatically assumed to be the “healthy” options. Interestingly, the researchers also found that most of us assumed the lighter the package, the more chance there is that the food will taste gross.Source
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Starting a fitness journey is amazing for both your mind and body, but sticking to it can sometimes prove to be difficult. Too often we set unrealistic fitness goals which are unsustainable in the long run. If you’re looking to up your exercise, setting specific and achievable targets can be the secret to lasting change.
“It is important to set fitness goals as a way to hold ourselves accountable for pouring into ourselves just as much (if not more) as we pour into others,” says Dr.Chelsea Jackson Roberts, Ph.D., Peloton Yoga & Meditation Instructor. “I recommend starting off small and committing to celebrating the small wins.” She adds that setting realistic goals is important as well to not overwhelm you (or your body) and avoid burnout.
Editor’s Note: You should clear any long-term changes to your fitness routine with your primary healthcare provider beforehand.Weight loss, health and body image are complex subjects — before deciding to switch up your exercise and fitness levels, we invite you to gain a broader perspective with our explorationinto the hazards of diet culture.
When it comes to staying motivated, it’s important to focus on all of your progress along the way. “I am a big stickler for progress over perfection,” says Kirsten Ferguson, Peloton Tread Instructor. “Enjoy every little, small victory in the process towards greatness.”
Whatever fitness goals you decide to set are unique to you and need to be suited to your lifestyle. Remember to consult your healthcare provider prior to starting any new fitness regimen. Here are some fitness goals examples to get you started on your wellness journey:
1. Start a Walking Program
JGI/Tom GrillGetty Images
A smart goal doesn’t need to always be high intensity. A walking program is a great entry into fitness because it’s free and easy to start. Plus, walking regularly can even improve longevity. You may notice significant improvements to your health in just two weeks of a power walking routine, ranging from benefits like decreased blood pressure to stronger leg muscles.
How to achieve it:
Beginners can start with walking 10 minutes per day for the first two weeks. Aim for a 3 to 3.5 mph pace on the treadmill, or about a 17-20 minute per mile pace outdoors. You can advance your routine by increasing your pace, time or incline.
Find a scenic walking path if you’re able to that keeps your stroll interesting. Try recruiting a friend or family member to walk with you for extra accountability.
2. Grow Stronger Glutes
Your gluteal muscles assist everything from proper posture to helping you power through workouts, but we often spend more time sitting on our glutes than using them. Training your glutes has a ton of benefits, from helping prevent knee injuries to supporting the lower back. You’ll see improvements in activities like running, jumping and even heavy lifting when you train your glutes since they are essential for creating power and acceleration.
How to achieve it:
Incorporate glute-toning exercises into your workout regimen at least three days a week to start seeing and feeling results.
Try using resistance bands to start out; they are great for enhancing the mind-muscle connection and increasing the time in which your muscles are under tension. They naturally can help with form feedback too.
3. Improve Upper Body Strength
Lifting and carrying anything becomes much easier when you have substantial upper body strength. Daily tasks like hauling groceries, picking up kids, even shoveling snow all become easier when you are working with a strong upper body.
How to achieve it:
Incorporate arm-strengthening exercises into your workout regimen at least three days a week to start seeing and feeling results.
Try working up towards 20 pushups or strengthening your arms to eventually be able to do one pull-up. Some of the best arm exercises can be done with bodyweight and don’t require any dumbbells.
4. Build a Stronger Core
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More than just aesthetics, a strong core is essential for building stability, improving posture and reducing low back pain. What’s more, proper core engagement is necessary for other major exercises like squats and push-ups. Even daily tasks like bending down to put on shoes, lifting a package and standing up all require core strength.
How to achieve it:
Try to do at least 10 minutes of core focused exercises three times a week to start seeing and feeling results.
Work up towards holding a minute-long plank, and try to focus on engaging different angles of your abdominal muscles with exercises like side-planks.
5. Boost Your Cardio Endurance
Cardiorespiratory exercise has benefits like strengthening the heart and respiratory muscles, reducing cholesterol levels and arterial blood pressure, increasing lean body mass and even optimizing metabolic rate. You don’t need to spend hours on a treadmill to boost your cardio. High intensity interval training is a great way to get efficient cardio done and can be used in a variety of exercises.
How to achieve it:
Jogging and running are great entry into building cardiorespiratory fitness. Setting goals like building up to a 5K or 10K can give you something to work towards and look forward to. Set a realistic time frame and map out a running schedule.
Try a new piece of cardio equipment like the rowing machine or jump rope to change things up and keep your workouts interesting.
6. Lift Weights
While bodyweight workouts can provide tremendous fitness gains, lifting weights is definitely a way to level up your workout routine. Incorporating strength training into your workout regimen can increase lean body mass, help gain bone density and even enhance flexibility and sleep. Plus, lifting weights can help reduce risk of several chronic diseases.
How to achieve it:
Start with two to three weight training sessions per week. Be sure to listen to your body and start with light weights.
Form is key, and investing in even just one or two sessions with a qualified fitness professional to teach you technique can be essential. Many fitness apps also have great weight training programs to follow and virtual communities for extra support.
7. Increase Your Flexibility
Oscar WongGetty Images
Flexibility does vary widely from person to person, but inactivity or lack of stretching can all play a role in minimizing the body’s range of motion. Lengthening and stretching muscles can help prevent injuries and energize the body too. Regularly stretching can also give muscles more full range of motion.
How to achieve it:
Set a goal of stretching first thing in the morning for 10 minutes. Morning stretches can help increase blood flow to muscles and joints, preparing your body for the day ahead. If you’re doing other workouts, aim for a five-minute cooldown stretching session at minimum to properly recover.
Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds, which allows the muscle to fully relax. Turn on some soothing music or listen to a podcast to help pass the time by.
8. Learn a New Skill
Maybe you’ve been thinking about taking a boxing class for a while now, or are looking to join a local sports recreational team. Take the plunge and try something new! Learning a new skill can keep things interesting and exciting, encouraging you to keep going with your fitness routine and goals.
How to achieve it:
It’s a good idea to work with a coach or join a class with an experienced instructor who can teach you proper form and technique of whatever new skill you are learning to do.
Be patient with yourself, take things slow and enlist a friend to join in on the fun while holding you accountable too.
9. Meditate Regularly
Fitness isn’t always about hitting the gym; working on the mind-body connection is crucial too. Meditation is a great way to increase calmness and physical relaxation. Some studies show that meditating can decrease blood pressure and symptoms of anxiety and depression. There is no right or wrong way to meditate, and committing to even five minutes a day can make a tremendous difference.
How to achieve it:
Set up a meditation space in your home. This can be as simple as a quiet corner with a comfy chair and a few small plants.
If you’re not sure where to start, try a meditation app for guidance. Some sessions target specific issues like anxiety, sleep and stress, so you can tailor the meditation experience to what suits you best.
10. Prioritize Recovery Days
“One example that doesn’t get enough celebration is the fitness goal of rest and recovery,” Roberts says. “For every day or hour that you work out, try and commit to that equal amount of rest either the same day or the next.” If you’re starting up a new exercise regimen or performing exercise that you haven’t done in a while, proper recovery is especially important because you may experience delayed onset muscle soreness. We know that exercise has a slew of health benefits, and in order to stay consistent with a workout regimen, proper recovery is essential.
How to achieve it:
Sleep is your body’s time to repair, recuperate, and recover. Your emotional, mental, and physical health all benefit from adequate sleep. A great place to start is moving up bedtime by about 15 minutes to get more rest.
Utilizing a myofascial release tool like a foam roller can help relieve muscle tension and soreness while also improving range of motion. By taking the time to foam roll, especially after a tough workout, you can help promote the recovery process.
Tips for Staying Motivated
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Set S.M.A.R.T. goals: “Setting smart fitness goals are so important to keep you focused and accountable,” Ferguson says. Try to make each goal specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. “Far too often, people set fitness goals without a plan, with no time limit and they aren’t realistic to achieve and when they don’t happen right away, unfortunately people quit.” She adds that with every goal you set, it’s important that they are not only realistic but also small and manageable. Focus on setting a timeline and choosing a goal that is meaningful to you.
Mark time in your calendar for exercise: “Set a schedule just like you set a meeting on your work calendar or your kids after school schedule. Make the times realistic when you know you will have the least amount of distractions,” Ferguson recommends. “Just as we schedule lunch dates and place responsibilities for work in our daily calendars, it is just as important to place those commitments towards our fitness goals there too,” Roberts adds.
Recruit a workout partner: A friend or family member can help hold you accountable and make working out even more enjoyable. “I think there is something so powerful in knowing that you aren’t going at your goals alone,” Ferguson adds. “On the days that you really don’t feel like doing it, your friend will motivate you to show up and show out!” But if you can’t work out together in person, there are still ways to connect. “Even if you can’t be in the same physical place as the individual, create opportunities to check in or even Facetime during a workout,” Roberts says.
Get some support: Ferguson says it’s a good idea to let your friends, family, even children know about your goals and how they can support you in achieving them. “We all want to see you win!”
Journal throughout your fitness journey: “I am a big proponent of reflecting on my experiences through journal writing,” Roberts shares. “Practice recording your workouts either written or even voice memos. For me, this is a practice that helps me see and hear my accomplishments over time.”
Find some great fitness goals quotes: An inspirational quote can be an amazing motivator. Write it out and place it somewhere visible, or make it your phone background or desktop image so you see it every day.
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Manly fans should get excited for the 2022 season as last season’s preliminary finalists unleashed a freakish young duo set to light up the NRL.
The regular season has not yet started but Manly Sea Eagles fans will already be cheering as one of the fastest backline pairings the NRL has seen showed what they could do against the Canberra Raiders.
It was a tough night for the Sea Eagles, losing 18-16 in the side’s final trial game but more importantly, losing prop Marty Taupau with a back injury, Dylan Walker limped off the field with an ankle problem and Haumole Olakau’atu suffered a suspected elbow injury. Ben Trbojevic played through despite initally staying down clutching his knee. Taupau, Walker and Trbojevic are all expected to play in round one.
Just under two weeks from the first match of the season, the wing-centre pairing of Jason Saab and Tolutau Koula have both shown off their extreme speed in the trial match in Gosford.
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Koula is yet to play NRL but the 19-year-old utility sports the fastest 100m athletics time in GPS history when he ran a 10.58 as a 17-year-old. It’s a time that would have fractionally missed the Australian Track & Field Championships 100m final in 2021.
And with Saab on the wing and one of the NRL’s fastest men already, the Sea Eagles will have a potent backline in 2022.
12 minutes into the clash the Raiders were attacking the Sea Eagles line, when a Jack Wighton pass was caught by Saab, who sprinted away for the try.
Raiders fullback Xavier Savage made chase but only got within 10m after Saab switched off with 25m still to run.
“Saab’s got (Savage) covered and then some,” Andrew Voss screamed on Fox League. “Is he the fastest in the competition? He’ll tell you he is and he shut it down like a dragracer well short of the quarter mile.”
Voss said he spoke to Saab and he said he was confident he could beat any other player.
Corey Parker added: “It must be a nice feeling that nobody, nobody on the field can catch you.”
Code Sports Lachlan McKirdy tweeted: “Throwing an intercept to Jason Saab and watching him run 90m in about second gear is a pretty rough way to start a pre-season game.
Fox Sports’ Cody Kaye added: “Hot damn it’s good seeing Saab pin em. Looks like he’s got like five more gears too”.
But Koula was not about to be outdone, Koula pounced on a long range chance as well, racing 70m to make the Raiders pay for a Wighton fumble.
And hilariously, Saab was running right next to him and was the first player to catch him after he scored the try.
“Lock it in Eddie: the fastest right side we’ve ever seen in rugby league,” Voss said.
Parker said: “We’ve ever seen? That’s a massive call.”
Voss continued: “This is something special Manly fans — and all league fans — that we get to see this young talent. But for Manly fans in particular. If this develops in the maroon and white, you are in for some serious entertainment.”
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Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to John Holsinger, a mentor and legend in the fitness industry following a motorcycle crash.
Key points:
John Holsinger was a leader in the fitness industry leader
He is being remembered as a friend and mentor
He died after suffering serious head injuries in a motorcycle accident
The 70-year-old died after the vehicle he was riding left the road and caught alight 25 kilometres east of Broken Hill in far western New South Wales last Tuesday.
Mr Holsinger had been riding with a group of friends when he crashed, leaving him with serious head injuries.
He was flown to Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition but died earlier this week.
The bike burst into flames following the crash. (ABC Broken Hill: Bill Ormonde)
‘An inspiration’
According to many, he was a mentor and a leader with decades of experience in the fitness industry.
The Sydneysider was the Global Health and Fitness Association’s (IHRSA) Asia-Pacific director since 2005.
His tireless work in the APAC region made our organisation stronger and the world a healthier place.
Mr Holsinger was a much beloved character in the international fitness industry. (Supplied: IHRSA)
Mr Holsinger worked in the field across the world, with health leaders from China, Japan, India, New Zealand and a number of other countries.
One of his colleagues from China, Loni Wang, revealed: “John was an inspiration to me personally.”
“John was a thought leader who led by example and was a true team player,” friend and IHRSA vice president of international operations Alison O’kane Giannaras said.
“His wisdom and contributions will be deeply missed but not forgotten.
The 70-year-old is survived by his wife Val, and his family.
NFL futures betting is not for everyone, and it is far from the most efficient way to make money, even by the highly uncertain standards of sports betting. Observers struggle to understand the present in sports, much less predict the future, and even successful futures bets require the bettor to let a sportsbook hold their money for extended periods. That’s time that could be spent putting your money to work in various other ways.
On the other hand, NFL futures betting is fun. To the extent that gambling on a sport can provide a thrill, nothing beats having something pegged months in advance and watching it pay off. I recommend it only in small doses and as a way to give yourself something to keep track of over the course of a season or even offseason. The best futures strategy, I’ve always found, is to spread money around on a couple of intriguing prospects and see what happens—while keeping your expectations limited.
With that attitude in mind, here are a handful of early NFL futures bets for 2022 that deserve consideration. Let’s use American odds, where -110 correlates to a $110 bet needed to win $100 and +700 correlates to a $100 winning bet returning $700 (see this article on Super Bowl bets for an odds explainer). Odds here are via the online sportsbooks at DraftKings and FanDuel.
1. Los Angeles Chargers to Win the Super Bowl: +2400
If you’re going to park money on a futures bet for almost an entire year, don’t do it for a small return (in the event your bet hits). That typically means not picking the favorites, which in this case are the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills at around +750 odds each. This past season’s champion, the Los Angeles Rams, had the seventh-best odds at this time in 2021 (+1500). Nothing’s a guarantee, but it’s not a bad idea to pick teams with similar odds this year.
The Chargers are an intriguing lottery ticket. They have a (hopefully) ascendant quarterback in third-year man Justin Herbert. After winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, Herbert didn’t take as big a leap as he might’ve preferred in 2021. His interception rate ticked up from 1.7 percent to 2.2 percent of his throws, his adjusted yards-per-attempt held steady at 7.6, and his QBR hopped from 62.6 to 65.6.
The numbers aren’t the full story, though. Herbert has some best arm talent in the NFL, and he thrived in tough moments to manage five fourth-quarter comebacks. The Chargers had one of the worst defenses in the NFL last season, but there’s enough individual talent sprinkled around (defensive end Joey Bosa and safety Derwin James are the headliners) that a step forward in 2022 seems like a good bet.
2. New England Patriots to Win the Super Bowl: +2800
The Patriots got dragged around the field by the Bills in the wild card playoff round, but they’re a good value at these long odds, too. They finished the regular season fourth in Football Outsiders’ DVOA, a play-by-play efficiency stat that tends to be relatively predictive of who’s good and who isn’t. Quarterback Mac Jones was the league’s best rookie passer by a wide margin in 2021, even though New England didn’t ask a lot of him. If Jones gets better, the Patriots could be a threat.
The Chiefs have won this division six years in a row and frequently piled long playoff runs atop their dominant regular seasons. But eventually, every dominant team gets some bad breaks, like injuries, and slips up a bit. The Chiefs are still the best bet in the AFC to contend for the Super Bowl in any given year, but they’re due for some bad luck, and 2022 seems like it could be the time.
They’ll probably put the franchise tag on free agent tackle Orlando Brown, but there’s a good chance that an inconsistent secondary loses its best player (safety Tyrann Mathieu), one of the league’s better cornerbacks (Charvarius Ward), and maybe another player or two. If the Chiefs take a small step backward and the Chargers make the leap I’m expecting, then L.A. becomes an attractive option here.
The Rams are, of course, the division favorites at +150. But let’s note a few things: The 49ers beat them in Los Angeles to close the regular season and very nearly did it again in the NFC Championship. The Rams are excellent and will stay that way for a while, but it’s difficult to see how they’re better than they were in 2021.
Cooper Kupp just had the best receiving season ever. It’s hard to go up from that, and the Rams’ No. 2 receiver down the stretch, Odell Beckham Jr., is staring down both free agency and rehab from the torn ACL he suffered in the Super Bowl. Matthew Stafford, the title-winning quarterback, will be another year older at 34. Andrew Whitworth, the 40-year-old left tackle who somehow continued to play at an elite level in 2021, will probably retire. Von Miller, the similarly ageless pass-rusher, is a free agent and might roll out of town. Even if he doesn’t, the Rams have an old roster core with lots of contractual uncertainty. They are a brilliantly managed team and will be fine in the long run, but they might drop down a peg in 2022.
The 49ers are poised to get better, and they’re clearly not far behind the Rams to begin with (they finished fifth in DVOA to the Niners’ sixth). Second-year QB Trey Lance, who figures to have a lot more upside, if a lower floor, than Jimmy Garoppolo, is likely to take over behind center. They aren’t going to lose any premium free agents and only have one player, guard Laken Tomlinson at No. 26, in the top 75 of the Pro Football Focus free agent rankings. For those reasons, the Niners are a good futures bet in the West, and probably for the NFC title and Super Bowl, too.
5. Kayvon Thibodeaux to be the NFL Draft’s first pick: +800
Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal at +120 and Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson at +200 are the far-and-away market favorites to go first in April’s draft. I don’t see a ton of value there, and it’s not clear the Jacksonville Jaguars have figured out who they want. But Thibodeaux at +800 looks like the pure value play. He entered the 2021 college season as most people’s favorite, and he’s likely to test off the charts in the pre-draft workout circuit. I must caution, however, that placing any bet on the Jaguars’ decision-making is a dangerous exercise.
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Anew surveyof Australian adults has found your relationship status can impact how well yousleep.
We know based onprevious researchthat sleeping next to someone can help you sleep better — but this is the first study to look at how the type of relationship you’re in might impact your sleep.
We found that people who live with a regular partner tend to fall asleep faster than people who have occasional or casual partners, or who are single. It’s not all bad news for people who aren’t in an ongoing relationship though — the amount of sleep people got overnight wasn’t related to relationship status.
Perchance to dream and stay healthy
It’s generallyrecommendedyou should get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. However, about 40 per cent of Australiansreportinadequate sleep.
Lots of things can affect how well you sleep — like work worries, family responsibilities and health.
Existing research also tells us sleeping next to someone can impact our sleep. Due to a range of psychological and evolutionary factors, such as the need for strong social bonds to feel safe, it seems sleeping next to someoneresults in better sleep, and how well you sleep islinked with your relationship quality. Getting along well with your partner might lead to a better night of sleep — and vice versa!
However, no previous research investigated how relationship status might affect your sleep. Weasked nearly 800 Australian adultsabout their relationship status and to rate their sleep using a shorter version of thePittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, which has been verified as a valid sleep measure.
Casual partners keep us up at night
Ourstudy, to be published in the March edition of theSleep Sciencejournal, finds it takes people who have casual or occasional partners just over ten minutes longer to fall asleep than people who live with a regular partner.
(Getty)
Ten minutes might not sound like a long time — butstudies showjust four to eight minutes can be the difference between people with insomnia (seen as hyperarousal with physiological measures like increased metabolic rate, higher body temperature, altered heart rate and activity in the brain) and healthy sleepers.
When we break this down by gender in our study, we see women are much more likely to be affected by relationship status than men. Men fall asleep just as quickly when they have a casual partner compared with a regular, live-in partner.
These differences are only seen when we look at what is called “sleep latency” — the amount of time it takes from turning off the light to when you fall asleep. The other main measure — the total amount of sleep overnight — does not change depending on relationship status. People in our study in relationships (regardless of living situation) also report higher post-sex emotional satisfaction, and more frequent orgasms.
Lots of things can affect how well you sleep – like work worries, family responsibilities and health. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
So, while you might feel like your sleep is worse because it takes a little longer to get to sleep, we don’t expect this to play out as major changes to daytime fatigue or sleepiness for people who are single or in casual relationships.
Why is it so?
A few things could explain why relationship status impacts sleep.
People in new relationships that are still at the casual stage might experience more excitement or anxiety when sleeping next to their new partner — or they might be worrying about the status of their relationship.
On the other hand, being in an ongoing relationship may be associated with feelings of physical and emotional security, which canreduce physiological arousal— and improve sleep. It’s possible we find it easier to sleep next to someone we trust because it is an evolutionary adaptation. That is, we feel safer from predators when sleeping in an environment we perceive to be “secure“.
Now to bed … or beds
If you were to go to the doctor and tell then you’re having trouble sleeping, chances are they would recommend strategies like improving yoursleep habitsorcognitive behavioural therapyfor insomnia.
(Getty)
But these strategies don’t consider your relationship status.
Our findings suggest doctors could consider your relationship status as they work out how to help you get a better night’s sleep.
The next step for this research area is to understand how sleep changes when people are in the same bed as their partner or not.
People in casual relationships may find falling asleep easier when they sleep alone, whereas people who live with their partners may not — we just don’t know yet.
We also need objective data — from wearables or overnight brain activity monitoring — rather than surveys.
Searching for coffee alternatives? We don’t blame you. You don’t need a Tasmanian devil-like personality for a second (or fifth) cup of joe to set you off on a high-octane spinout. While coffee has plenty of health benefits, caffeine constricts blood vessels but surges blood pressure and adrenaline, causing that overstimulated, shaky-Chihuahua sensation, followed by plummeting energy.
Avoid the boomerang by reaching for one of these piping-hot coffee alternatives. They’ll keep you laser-focused without the jitters—and you’ll reap some unique health benefits, too.
Best Coffee Alternatives: Table of Contents
Blume
Crio Bru
MUD/WTR
Laird Superfood
Superbolt Tea
Courtesy Image
1. Blume
If you’re matcha-averse because it’s too dang vegetal (mmm, grass in a mug), try Matcha Coconut Blend. Tea leaves grown in Nishio, Japan, are handpicked then stone-ground with organic coconut milk powder and antioxidant-rich moringa leaf powder (7x more vitamin C than oranges, 15x more potassium than bananas). The blend is subtly tropical and velvety in texture. Mix 1 tsp with a splash of boiling water, then add 1 cup hot or cold milk for a killer latte that has half the caffeine of coffee.
If you love the routine of pour-over but hate its acidity, reach for Ghana French Roast. Pure ground cacao is roasted and ground just like coffee beans. Give the bag a good huff; the aroma is devilishly good, like an earthier dark chocolate. While brewed cacao is practically caffeine-free, it contains a stimulant called theobromine that delivers a slow burn of energy. It’s also packed with mood-boosting antioxidants. For a robust brew, double the amount of grounds and steep long and hot in a French press.
For a mindful approach to wakefulness, you can’t beat this blend. Masala chai—aromatic and spicy with cinnamon, cardamom and peppercorns—is an ayurvedic mainstay that sharpens mental acuity. Lion’s mane, cordyceps and reishi mushrooms support immune function and energy. Turmeric and cinnamon lend anti-inflammatory benefits, and cacao improves mood. Pour boiling water over 1 tbsp, then use a frother to whirl it up. Add the brand’s MCT creamer for a touch of sweetness.
We’ll drink the Laird Hamilton Kool-Aid— especially when it takes the form of Chai Instafuel. Black and rooibos tea gets married to a zesty chai blend that’s mellowed by the brand’s Original Superfood Creamer, made from coconut milk powder, seaweed-derived calcium, organic coconut sugar and organic extra-virgin coconut oil. The full range of MCT oils promotes energy and satiety. This is indulgent without artificial additives. Add 3 1⁄2 tbsp to 12 oz hot water and mix with a frother.
Tapping into traditional Chinese medicine, this powerhouse tea is targeted at athletes hoping to feel energized and clearheaded. The caffeine in green, white and Ceylon black teas enhances blood flow to the brain without jacking up your heart rate. Siberian ginseng helps keep you mentally stimulated, yerba maté ups antioxidant levels, and ginger and adaptogen-packed herb schisandra offer immunity support. The flavor is light and herbal. Steep tea bag in boiling water for 5 minutes. Add honey, if desired.
The Canterbury Tales. The Aeneid. The Sound and the Fury. Great books these are, but they aren’t exactly reads you can knock off quickly. And sometimes “quick read” is exactly what the soul craves. Ahead, 15 amazing books you can read in a day if not a sitting. Some are new, some are classics, but all will be ready for 5 o’clock cocktail chatter if you pick ‘em up in the morning.
Amazon
1. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
You didn’t think you’d make it through a list of the best books you can read in a day without this one, now did you? Good. So let’s share our position loud and clear: If you haven’t read this 1952 classic already, do it now. And if you’ve read it before, it’s high time to read it again. An inimitable novella about an older fisherman and his sojourns at sea, you can easily read this book in one sitting—and be better for it. P.S. If you can make it through these 128 pages without shedding a tear, we’re impressed.
2. Naked at the Knife-Edge: What Everest Taught Me About Leadership and the Power of Vulnerability by Vivian James Rigney
It may only be 192 pages, but you’ll be taken on quite the adventure as you follow along on Rigney’s journey to make it to the summit of Everest. Here, the leadership expert and executive coach shares unique learnings from the experience along with hard-won lessons on success and its very definition. If you liked Into Thin Air and How to Win Friends and Influence People, this March 2022 release is for you.
A newcomer for February 22nd, this short story collection clocks in at 192 pages. A moving portrayal of our lives amid the ongoing pandemic lives, it’s penned by the Booker Prize-winning author of Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha. While the book centers on loss and struggle, there are plenty of laughs and inspiring moments too in tales of emotionally drained nurses, a middle-aged man unable to attend his mom’s funeral, and the unforgettable Alan, a “sixty-two-year old bachelor. With a wife,” in Newcastle, England, in the title story “Life Without Children.”
This gripping and grim 208-page memoir centers around the death of Didion’s daughter in 2005 at the age of 39. Published in 2011, it’s Didion prose at her finest, and a reminder that when life is at its darkest, there’s always a window for learning and love. Though a bit longer, at 242 pages, Didion’s 2007 The Year of Magical Thinking is also worth reading.
Originally published in 1951, this slim volume of 117 pages chronicles the author’s strolls through New York City during his childhood. Kazin grew up in a working-class Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn in the decade before the Great Depression. It’s evocative, melodic, and a potent reminder that every generation undergoes strife.
6. Don’y Worry: 48 Lessons on Relieving Anxiety from a Zen Buddhist Monk by Shunmyo Masuno
The title says it all. Penned by the bestselling author of The Art of Simple Living, this practical guide educates readers on basic Zen principles to help you feel more at ease and attuned to the present moment. Debuting on April 5, there’s much to learn in this compact manual. Our personal favorite lesson in this 224-page book? #24: Act instead of worrying—things will definitely work out better.
7. The Art of Whisky: The Vanishing Spirits of Single Malt Scotch by Ernie Button
Whisky aficionado? Pick up a copy of this 176-page book that takes you on a photographic journey of the beloved spirit. The origins of the work occurred when award-winning photographer Ernie Button noticed the unique patterns formed in the residue at the bottoms of (almost) empty whisky glasses and decided to chronicle them with special lighting techniques. Needless to say, palm a dram of whiskey while you make your way through this book, which will be unveiled May 2022.
In 192 pages, Alexander draws you in to the captivating world of a solitary, island-dwelling wolf in British Columbia’s Salish Sea, with incredible photography, journal entries, and interviews. You’ll never look at wild animals the same way after completing this stellar 2020 tome from Rocky Mountain Books.
9. The Climate Diet: 50 Simple Ways to Trim Your Carbon Footprintby Paul Greenberg
Good look putting this 176-page book down. Within, an acclaimed sustainability and food writer shares advice on how to live to protect this Pale Blue Dot. Whether you incorporate one or all 50 tips from this book into your life, you’ll feel good about knowing you’re doing something to leave the world a better place. (Pro tip: This is best enjoyed in a tent by flashlight.)
10. No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg
We consider this 2019 #1 New York Times bestseller a companion read to The Climate Diet. In 160 pages, this page-turner introduces (or re-familiarizes) you to the 19-year-old Swedish climate activist. Along with her historic address to the United Nations in 2019, and her famous “And change is coming, whether you like it or not” line, you’ll come away from reading this with countless pieces of wisdom to ponder and carry into your daily life.
11. Steal Like an Artist 10th Anniversary Gift Edition by Austin Kleon
On sale March 2022, New York Times bestseller and Goodreads Choice award Austin Kleon will captivate you from start to finish. Within, you’ll learn how to harness your creativity in 10 straightforward principles. The book originated as a commencement speech on advice Kleon wishes he could share with his 19-year-old self for the graduating class of SUNY Broome Community College. It moved countless people who came across it, and it became an online sensation. If you like this book, check out Kleon’s “Read Like an Artist” book club on monthly subscription service for bookworms, Literati.
12. How TV Can Make You Smarter by Allison Shoemaker
This book was published in 2020, and we’re going to go ahead and guess you’ve been watching more TV than normal in these pandemic times. In a tightly written 112 pages, Shoemaker—an author and TV critic—makes the case that TV has many emotional and intellectual benefits. We knew all that Billions and The Morning Show binge-watching wasn’t in vain.
This Penguin Classics book (and recent Netflix movie) is a moving tale about racial identity. Though the novel was first published in 1929, Larsen’s words ring true to this day. Since it’s 160 pages, it’s the kind of book you can start and finish in a day, but will linger in your mind long after you finish.
14. Congratulations, by the Way: Some Thoughts on Kindness by George Saunders
How’s a 60-page book sound? It’ll sound even better once you know what’s inside: words of lasting interest from Saunders’ graduation address at Syracuse University. Published in 2014, the book also makes for a great gift for any kind of milestone.
15. For Esmé with Love and Squalor and Other Stories by J.D. Salinger
Don’t let this slim 175-page edition fool you. It’s packed with stories that will imprint themselves into your brain for years to come. Take these lines from “Pretty Mouth and Green My Eyes,” one of the book’s nine short stories (FYI: This book is also known as Nine Stories): “Honest to God, I think it’s this goddamn New York. What I think maybe we’ll do, if everything goes along all right, we’ll get ourselves a little place in Connecticut maybe. Not too far out, necessarily, but far enough that we can lead a normal goddam life…I mean—except you—who do we know in New York except a bunch of neurotics. It’s bound to undermine even a normal person sooner or later.” Does Salinger get any better than that? Okay, maybe that’s what re-reading The Catcher in the Rye in tomorrow’s marathon reading session is for, too.
Odell Beckham Jr.’s Super Bowl may have been cut short by a brutal knee injury but days after the big game he had another huge moment.
Odell Beckham Jr. has been busy since winning his first Super Bowl ring with the Rams just over a week ago.
The Rams receiver and longtime girlfriend Lauren Wood welcomed their first child together, Zydn, on Thursday, Feb. 17, Beckham announced early Wednesday in an Instagram post.
“2-17-22, 0605. THE biggest blessing I’ve ever had in my life arrived here on earth! The words, I can’t even put together for the overwhelming emotions that ran thru me … a moment I will never forget and cherish forever. Zydn was born n at that moment I knew my life changed for the better,” the new dad wrote.
“Lauren Wood, u changed my life forever and delivered the most beautiful gift of all … EFFORTLESSLY! Ur strength throughout this gives me the courage to keep goin because i now kno with u by my side and holding it down for me, I can get thru anything. I love u so much.”
In the same message, Beckham, 29, also revealed he underwent successful surgery five days after Zydn’s birth for a torn ACL in his left knee, which he suffered during Super Bowl 2022. Although Beckham did not specify his injury in Wednesday’s message, the post-surgery photo nearly parallels the one snapped by his mother, Heather Van Norman, after his November 2020 procedure on the same knee.
“And so the journey continues; 2-22-22; the stars are all aligned; surgery was a success. Like I’ve said all along ‘IT WAS WRITTEN.’ Im just sticking to the script and seeing where God will take me. Honestly I’ve been through so much to get to where im at.. I duggg deep, and figured out a lot about myself along the way. If there’s one thing I can take from all the work and growth, it is that I AM as resilient as they come. Too much heart to not keep walkin in faith! Lol I kno yall probably tired of hearing me say this every year now “this my year”
BUT IM GON BE BACK!!! U better believe imma be back , and imma be back better than ever before. I mean that Shxt from the bottom of my heart. Filled wit LOVE and gratitude. I wanna thank u all for the love and support, this is not the end; but only the beginning to everything I’ve ever dreamed of. LUV,” Beckham wrote.
Beckham caught two passes for 52 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter and change of the game but went down on his third target with a non-contact injury that was reported as a torn ACL.
Wood, who has been linked to Beckham since 2019, called the former first-round pick the “best dad” in the comments.
“I love you 🥲 every step of the way … every joy, every pain … every win every loss, every life changing event & life challenge.. u r not alone & I love the human we made 😍,” she gushed.
The couple went public with their relationship in November 2019, and announced Wood’s pregnancy in November 2021.
In Wednesday’s post, Beckham reflected on his Super Bowl experience and tenure as a Ram, following his release by the Browns last November.
“This last week has been one that I truly could never forget. I had never been more prepared and focused for a game in my life, I was ready to go nuclear and perform at the highest level that I ever had in my career. I knew it and I felt it in my soul, I was in my biggggest bag n nothin was goin to stop me. I reallly mean that!! I was ON,” he wrote.
“Motivated, determined, and eyes set on a goal that I promised to myself and this team from the moment I decided to be an LA Ram. Safe to say those were my plans and not Gods. I kno there’s purpose in all of this and it may seem that this journey has come to an end but it’s really just a door opening to a new beginning. Starting it off, as a WORLD CHAMPION.”
Beckham will be a free agent in March, however, it’s unclear if he will be ready for the start of the 2022 season after undergoing surgery. Further, while there appears to be interest on both sides, the receiver’s NFL future remains to be seen.
Beckham spent five years with the Giants after the team selected him with the 12th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. The LSU product was traded to the Browns in March 2019.
This story first appeared in the New York Post and was republished with permission.
