Fitness
5 Healthy ways to talk about fitness around your kids: Create ‘a sense of empowerment’
When it comes to modeling ideas around healthy fitness for her two-year-old son, running coach and former pro distance runner Kaitlin Gregg Goodman is careful about how she frames her own passion for the sport: that it’s something she does for pleasure.
“I want him to really think––and know––it’s something I do for fun, for health, something we do for ourselves. Not something I have to do,” she tells Fortune, but something she gets to do.
She, like so many other adults, understands that relationships with exercise can be complex, and often negative. That’s why Gregg Goodman is starting early with positivity around the topic with her son, and why experts advise other parents to do the same.
“When it comes to body image and exercise, our social and family network can be either a protective factor or a risk factor,” says Deborah Glasofer, associate professor of clinical medical psychology in psychiatry at the Columbia Department of Psychiatry.
This can start at a young age, she says.
“Children are sponges,” Glasofer tells Fortune. “If you hear your child use disparaging language about their appearance or express unhealthy ideas about exercise, that should ring an alarm in your mind to be mindful of your potential role in that.”
Below, experts weigh in on how your words and actions around fitness can impact impressionable kids in your life, at any age—and how to promote a positive relationship with exercise.
Focus on what your body can do
Our bodies do a lot for us every day, but that can get lost when we’re stressed about appearance and not feeling our greatest.
Licensed family therapist Mary Beth Somich says it’s important for parents to use language that encourages their children—and themselves—–to focus on what their body can do, versus how it looks.
“Parents can help their children develop a healthy appreciation for their bodies by discussing the strengths and abilities their child possesses,” she tells Fortune.
Show your kids that being active can be fun
Physical activity doesn’t have to be grueling and challenging all the time. Even light exercise is beneficial for your mental and physical health.
And parents can do a variety of activities with their kids to bond and stay moving—many of which might not even feel like exercise.
“Outdoor adventures like nature walks or time at the park, sports, dance parties, yoga, stretching, gardening. The options are endless,” Somich says.
Glasofer agrees, and says “fun” is in the eye of the beholder, meaning it’s worth it to try different activities together to see what works what you both enjoy best.
“Leaning into the fun can make it less of a chore,” she says, which is what stops many people from wanting to exercise in the first place.
Avoid framing exercise as an obligation
Exercise is great for health and longevity reasons, but framing it as an obligation can lead to a negative relationship with it.
“It is helpful to reframe the language used around exercise by saying, ‘I choose to work out today’ rather than ‘I have to work out today,’” Somich says. “This creates a sense of empowerment.”
Giving children the choice to do an activity also gives them control, which is a key part of developmentgrowing up, according to PennState Extension.
Remember food isn’t ‘earned’
Fitness and nutrition are intertwined—and saying things like you earned the dessert you ordered because you worked out can make your child believe they don’t deserve to eat the food they enjoy without working for it, too, says Glasofer.
“Unfortunately, eating and exercise are often paired, and there isn’t any great reason for this,” she says. “No matter your eating habits, exercise has benefits psychologically and physically.”
Somich also stresses the importance of not labeling foods as “good” or “bad” around children—or even for yourself. Instead, acknowledge that healthy eating includes a variety of foods in moderation.
Gregg Goodman says she pays close attention to how she words ideas related to food and exercise around her son.
“I make sure I’m not using language like, ‘This food is a reward for running,’” she says. She instead says her food is refueling her body after a hard effort.
Body neutrality can be just as beneficial as body positivity
It’s not always easy to like what we see in the mirror. But Somich says you don’t have to praise your appearance to make a positive impact on your kids.
“Parents can use positive or neutral language, avoiding negative or shameful body-focused discussions,” she says.
Modeling positive outlooks and behaviors doesn’t have to include positive talk we don’t agree with, Somich says. It’s more about making sure the negative talk isn’t present.
It’s not just what you say
Finally, remember that children pick up on your attitudes more than you may think, suggests Glasofer.
“Sometimes actions are worth a thousand words,” she says.
And most actions don’t go unnoticed by even the youngest members of a family—including things like scrolling on social media, looking at different workout routines, checking your fitness tracker incessantly, or choosing to do a second workout instead of a family activity.
“Body image concerns are easily projected onto children unconsciously,” says Somich, “which is why it is so important to self-reflect on the language and behaviors that you are modeling or the messaging you are promoting to your children.”
Fitness
Multi-Home Gym Equipment Exercise Package Available for Sale from Strongway Gym Supplies
Coventry, UK – November 10, 2025 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
Strongway Gym Supplies has announced the availability of its new multi-home gym exercise packages, developed to provide users across the United Kingdom with complete training solutions for home fitness. The company stated that the new range brings together a selection of strength and conditioning equipment designed to accommodate both compact living spaces and larger dedicated setups. This update aligns with the growing demand for integrated systems that offer a balance between versatility, durability, and convenience.
According to Strongway, the newly available packages have been designed following feedback from customers who sought to combine the functionality of a full gym with the practicality of home use. Each setup is assembled from the company’s existing strength and cardio equipment, providing customers with a cohesive set of tools for developing endurance, flexibility, and muscle conditioning. Further information about Strongway’s home fitness range is available at: https://strongway.co.uk/collections/home-fitness.
Strongway confirmed that the packages include adjustable benches, multi-gyms, free weights, and supporting accessories that can be adapted to suit different exercise routines. The company said its approach has been to ensure that every product within a package integrates effectively with the others, helping users create efficient and space-conscious workout environments. The introduction of these bundles, the firm added, represents a shift towards more comprehensive and accessible fitness solutions for those seeking long-term training systems that do not compromise on quality.
Co-Director Mandip Walia commented that this announcement reflects Strongway’s commitment to expanding its offering for home users while maintaining the build standards of commercial equipment. “We’ve focused on bringing together our most popular products into packages that make sense for different training styles,” he said. “The goal has been to offer flexibility without sacrificing reliability or design integrity. People want their home gyms to perform like professional setups, and that’s the standard we continue to aim for.”
The company added that these multi-gym packages were developed with modularity in mind, allowing users to build and expand their systems over time. This approach, Strongway explained, ensures that customers can adjust their training setups as their routines evolve, reducing the need for complete replacements or costly upgrades.
By offering equipment combinations that support strength, mobility, and conditioning exercises, Strongway intends to make high-quality fitness tools more accessible to a broader audience.
The announcement also coincides with the company’s ongoing production review, which focuses on maintaining precision engineering across its equipment range. Strongway has also confirmed that it is in a continuous process of expanding its product range to support growing nationwide demand for its home gym products. More details about its bundled package deals can be found at: https://strongway.co.uk/collections/ultimate-package-deals.
Co-Director Randeep Walia added that customer input has played a significant role in shaping Strongway’s recent developments. “We’ve seen a real shift in how people approach fitness at home,” he said. “Many customers now want something that can last for years, with the option to add new equipment as they progress. These packages are designed with that in mind — adaptable, practical, and consistent in quality.”
The broader home fitness market in the UK continues to expand, driven by increased interest in personal wellness and convenience-based exercise options. Strongway’s latest product release reflects this trend, providing an adaptable framework for users who wish to establish their own home training environments. The company noted that it remains focused on balancing durability with usability, ensuring that equipment remains suitable for a variety of fitness levels.
Strongway’s latest announcement follows a series of updates to its home and commercial product lines, as the company continues to strengthen its reputation for manufacturing reliable gym systems with consistent build quality.
Strongway Gym Supplies confirmed that the new home gym packages are now available for order through its official website, with delivery options available across the United Kingdom. The company emphasised that customers can expect the same quality assurance applied across all product categories, from individual weights and bars to complete multi-station setups. Those seeking additional details about the company and its current range of fitness solutions can find more information at: https://strongway.co.uk/.
The company concluded that the release marks another step in its broader mission to make dependable, high-quality exercise systems more accessible to users at every stage of their fitness journey. By combining professional engineering standards with thoughtful design, Strongway aims to support the continued growth of home-based training environments across the country.
Readers interested in ordering home fitness products or package deals online can do so by visiting the collection links provided above.
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For more information about Strongway Gym Supplies, contact the company here:
Strongway Gym Supplies
Mandip Walia
+44-800-001-6093
sales@strongway.co.uk
Strongway Gym Supplies, 26 The Pavilion, Coventry CV3 1QP, United Kingdom
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Fitness
Dubai November Challenge: From sports events to exercise hubs, take your fitness to next level
If you are a sports and fitness enthusiast, then November is a month you should spend in Dubai. As the weather cools down in the desert city, it is time to embrace the inner fitness freak in you and have a great time in the emirate.
Sports events
DP World Tour Championships will be held from November 13 to 16 while PTO Dubai T100 Triathlon will be conducted from November 14 to 16.
There are three events scheduled for November 14 – Dubai Open for Gymnastics Academies will be held at 7 am while Baseball United Season One and World Natural Games will kick off at 9 am.
Five events are slated for November 15. Public Prosecution Run will kick off at 5.30 am. Arabian Warrior, an obstacle course race (OCR) event at Dubai Festival City, and the Music Run, a vibrant 5km fun run, will both begin at 7 am. Chase the Wind Rollerskating and Aura Skypool Tri in the Sky will also be held on the same day.
November 16 will witness five sports events. Runway Run, a one-of-a-kind 5K adventure on the runway of the Dubai Airshow, will kick off at 5am. ICD Brookefield Place Vertical Run, where participants climb either 30 or 54 floors of the ICD Brookfield Place tower in Dubai, will begin at 6am.
The seventh edition of Plus500 City Half Marathon Dubai, will start at 6 am at DIFC. Emirates NBD Unity Run, which also kicks off at 6 am, is open to children and adults of all abilities and ages. Wewalk and Weride, the TECOM Group’s flagship walkathon, is scheduled for 7 am.
DSG Archery Championship will be held on November 18 at 7 am while Meydan Night Run is slated for November 19 at 7.30 am and Dassa X-Country Runs will take place on November 20 at 3 pm.
November 21 will see three events, including Dubai College Rugby and Netball Sevens as well as Turf Games, both scheduled at 8 am, and AHPEC Showjumping at 5 pm.
There will be three events on November 22 as well. Bare Knuckle Fight League and Spartans White Collar 12 are scheduled for 6 pm while the Angels Cup, DuGym Rhythmic Gymnastics International Competition will be held at 9 pm.
Dubai Run will kick off at 5 am on November 23, followed by Spinneys 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Ride 3 at 6 am.
On November 27, Level Up Sports Tech Innovation Expo will be held at 10am while Emirates Dubai 7s is scheduled for November 28 at 3 am.
November 29 events include Dubai International 22ft Sailing Race – Round 2 at 6 am, Dubai Oriental Dhow Sailing Race Class 60 Progress – Round 2 at 6.30 am and Red Bull Half Court World Finals 2025 at 8am.
Skechers Half Marathon is scheduled to kick off at 5am on November 30. SportsPro Tribe Road Run 10K, 5K, 3K and 1K will also be held the same day from 7 am.
Fitness challenges
From November 10 to 16, you can be part of the week-long fitness hubs at Gymnation Motor City or the Deep Dive Dubai X Wellfit.
There are also month-long events across Dubai, including a fitness hub at JA Hatta Fort Hotel, from November 1 to 28.
Other events include activities to encourage people to exercise for 30 minutes a day for 30 days as part of Dubai Fitness Challenge 2025.
DP World is hosting a 30X30 Fitness Village in Kite Beach while the Dubai Municipality is organising a similar event in Zabeel Park from November 1 to 30.
X-Park Dubai X Wellfit 30X30 Fitness Hub is being held at X-Park, Kite Beach. Bluewaters Fitness Hub is another event being held throughout November.
Other 30-minute-30-day events include D3 Mercedes-Benz 30X30 Fitness Hub, Danube Sports World 30X30 Fitness Hub, Hatta Wadi 30X30 Fitness Hub, Zabeel Ladies Club 30X30 Fitness Hub, Ripe Market 30X30 Fitness Hub, Town Square 30X30 Fitness Hub, Global Village 30X30 Fitness Hub, Beach JBR X Squatwolf 30X30 Fitness Hub, Sevens Stadium 30X30 Fitness Hub, Nad Al Sheba Mall 30X30 Fitness Hub and Wasl Village 30X30 Fitness Hub.
Fitness
Chop your way to higher T: How this power move fires up your hormones
Chopping wood isn’t a walk in the park, and lumberjacks bulk up those muscles by felling trees, cutting logs, and transporting heavy lumber. Historically, lumberjacks used axes and hand saws, and many modern-day loggers have moved on to chainsaws and power tools. Lately, the wood chop exercise has grown in popularity, and you don’t need an axe, a power tool, a forest, or even a tree. You can use different options, such as a dumbbell, a medicine ball, or the cable handle on the pulley system.
Fire up your obliques
This lumberjack-inspired move resembles the motion of chopping wood. You begin with your arms up overhead before twisting your torso, engaging your transverse abdominis and oblique muscles, and bringing your arms down across your body as if you’re chopping wood.
This simple exercise boosts your functional fitness, engages your whole body, and torches your abs and oblique muscles on the sides of your core. The rotational motion also enhances your core stability, athletic performance, mobility, balance, and more. What about raising testosterone? Researchers have explored just that and found that yes, wood chopping really does raise T levels.
The research: Can wood chopping boost testosterone?

In a study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior, the researchers sought to determine whether wood chopping and sports affect testosterone levels. Does testosterone rise during tasks like tree felling? How do shifts in T levels influence performance?
The study involved 51 men aged between 16 and 80 from the Tsimane indigenous group in the Bolivian Amazon who farmed, hunted, and foraged. The researchers examined how the men’s testosterone levels changed during hard physical work. The researchers collected saliva samples before and after the wood-chopping activity to measure testosterone levels. A different group of men provided resting saliva samples for the study authors to compare. They also compared changes in the T levels during a competitive football game.
The study results

The results revealed the following:
- The Tsimane men who spent an hour chopping down trees to clear land for crops experienced a 48.6% increase in testosterone levels, regardless of their health or age.
- The rise in T levels was even more significant than when the same men played competitive soccer, which resulted in a 30.1% increase.
The researchers pointed out that testosterone rises not just during competition or sports, but also when these men are performing their everyday physical labor to support their families. These short-term surges in testosterone could help the men work harder, be more productive, and continue on with the physically demanding tasks.
Concluding thoughts
Studies have shown that HIIT and strength training also raise testosterone, so it’s worth hitting the gym. That being said, after seeing this study, while chopping wood might not be for everyone, you might consider adding the wood chop exercise to your workout routine. In this study, both older and younger men experienced these T spikes, showing that these benefits applied regardless of age.
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