At its core, the secret to a healthy fitness routine is simple: Find ways to move. There are limitless options these days, but the best exercise is whatever you enjoy enough to keep doing it.
On the Well desk, we are always looking for new and interesting ways to move. In 2024, we published articles on how to stay strong as you age, how to run better and how to blow off a little steam. We also looked at how exercise can affect your immune system, your sleep patterns and your sex life.
Here is a selection of our favorite fitness coverage from the year.
Exercise to ease pain.
Take a walk
Some fitness enthusiasts might go on about their latest HIIT workout or the lifting session that blasted their quads. But you shouldn’t underestimate the power of walking as a workout. Whether you’re walking in the wilderness, doing so while wearing a weighted pack or just around the block, walking can be a great way to improve your physical and mental health.
And, experts say, this simple exercise can help combat some forms of chronic pain. If you suffer from back issues, walking isn’t an instant fix but can play a role in managing the discomfort.
Get your butt in shape
Back pain can start in a number of different parts of the body. For instance, if you sit in an office all day, you may have experienced a painful condition called “gluteal amnesia,” also known as dead butt syndrome. Without occasional movement, the butt muscles can actually shut down and cause widespread problems and pain across the body.