Fitness
6 Wellness and Fitness TikTok Trends Experts Are De-Influencing, and You Should Too
Everywhere you look on TikTok and Instagram, there’s an influencer trying to push a new trend of some kind. In the wellness and fitness space, it’s often a new diet trend or a workout that the influencer swears helped tone up their body in 30 days. Or my favorite, the influencer walking around the supermarket aisles (sometimes shirtless) pointing out how everything you’re eating is killing you and how you should swap it for the item they’re selling instead. It may seem harmless to some to consume this type of content, but for others struggling with body image issues, recovering from eating disorders and even impressionable teens and pre-teens, it can have a more negative effect.
What makes this type of content more alarming is that it’s usually misinformation spread on platforms with large followings and by followers who trust the influencer and share their content. As a result, the internet gets filled with mixed messages about what’s true, false or an exaggerated claim.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to expect the average user to be able to decipher what is true from falsehood on social media when the same message is being shared over and over again. We spoke with experts in the wellness and fitness field on trends they want to de-influence as well as how to be able to spot false claims on social media.
The trends to de-influence
Food-restrictive diets and cleanses
You’ve probably seen influencers pushing the keto and carnivore diet on social media. Although the keto diet has been shown to help patients with epilepsy, it isn’t necessarily the best approach for everyone to follow. Popular diets like keto and the carnivore diet focus on eliminating or limiting food groups like carbohydrates. “Very restrictive plans that totally eliminate food groups can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food and a very restrictive eating pattern,” warns Brittany Werner, a registered dietitian and director of an online nutrition coaching program at Working Against Gravity.
Additionally, when you get rid of a whole food group, you put yourself at risk of nutritional deficiencies and digestive issues that occur because of an unbalanced gut microbiome. Diets like these are not sustainable in the long run and can lead to binge eating and increased cravings. “We should aim to eat a balanced diet with whole foods from all food groups like fruits, vegetables and whole grains to provide our body with vital micronutrients,” says Werner.
By now, you probably know that cleanses and detoxes aren’t recommended, but these methods are still being pushed. “Our bodies are naturally highly effective at eliminating waste and toxins, since the liver is the main filter for our body and breaks down toxins so they can be eliminated,” explains Werner. The kidneys also work as a filter system to catch and eliminate any additional waste through our urine.
“Often, cleanses or detoxes involve extreme measures such as drastic calorie restriction and diuretics that make you more susceptible to severe nutritional deficiencies and digestive issues,” Werner warns. Additionally, there is little peer-reviewed scientific research to back the effectiveness of any cleanse or detox. Instead, Werner advises following a balanced diet full of protein, fruits and vegetables to support your body’s natural detox system.
Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, the U.S. medical director at science and nutrition company ZOE, tells CNET that he’s observed parasite cleanses trending on TikTok. “According to TikTok, everyone has parasites and these parasites require a concoction of various supplements and concentrated herbs in order to eradicate,” he says. “Yet, as I sit here as a gastroenterologist, I’m left asking, ‘If everyone has parasites, why am I not detecting them on tests?’”
Bulsiewicz says he’s run hundreds of parasite tests through the years and remembers two instances when the test results were positive for parasites. “We live in a hyper-sterile society, so everything has been cleaned, scrubbed of any dirt or natural material and coated with chemicals to double- and triple-verify its cleanliness,” he explains. As a result, he points out that parasites are on the decline in the Western world. If you suspect you have parasites, make sure to see a professional to get properly evaluated instead of following an unlicensed influencer’s advice on social media.
“Earning food” by going to the gym
You’ve probably heard or said once before after a big meal that you need to burn off said calories. Believe it or not, the majority of our daily calorie burn does not come from a workout session or fitness class. “We’re burning far more calories walking, standing, climbing stairs, cooking and doing our daily acts of life than we do in our workouts,” explains Werner. That’s why thinking you can earn your food by burning off calories at the gym is flawed.
The gym offers benefits that go beyond burning calories. Instead, your daily workout should be used for muscle building and improving both your cardiovascular and mental health.
Protein Diet Coke and similar trends
You’ve probably seen the protein diet coke trend making the rounds across TikTok lately. With protein having a moment in the spotlight right now, it seems that people are constantly trying to find ways to sneak it into their diet — even if it is in carbonated form. According to Bulsiewicz, he can see why people would combine Diet Coke and protein shakes. “It makes sense, but as a gastroenterologist, what I see is a recipe for bloating and diarrhea because, at baseline, both drinks have ingredients known to trigger these symptoms,” he explains.
For example, Diet Coke has artificial sweeteners and carbonation, while the protein shake has protein isolates and usually has lactose from dairy. You should be mindful of that if you have a sensitive stomach and plan on trying social media trends such as this one.
Fearmongering fitness advice targeting women
One popular fitness stigma that seems to remain despite plenty of debunking is that lifting weights will make you bulky. The same thing applies when you see some Pilates content pushing the narrative that you’ll build long and lean muscles — when the reality is that you can’t change the length of your muscles. Miriam Fried, founder and head trainer at MF Strong in NYC, says that she’s also observed different forms of fearmongering based on hormonal health. “Fitness professionals without proper credentials are selling generic hormone balancing or menstrual cycle-syncing workouts, and women are being told they can only do low impact or intensity workouts.”
Dr. Anne Hussain, a naturopathic doctor and author of “The Period Literacy Handbook,” agrees and says the cycle-syncing, low-movement trend has gotten out of hand. She says there needs to be more encouragement for women and menstruators to move more by doing cardio and resistance training. “It’s a disservice to people to tell them to not engage in formal exercise for one to two weeks per month — that adds up to three to six months of the year!” she says, adding, “Instead, we need to make sure people are fueled well and get the support for any disruptive hormone-based symptoms so they can feel well and move more.”
Vibration plates and other fitness shortcuts
If you’ve seen an uptick of fitness influencers pushing vibration plates in replacement for traditional workouts, you may want to think twice. Mike Julom, an ACE-certified personal trainer and founder of ThisIsWhyImFit.com, says vibration plates are not the magic fix people think they are. “Social media makes it look like standing on one or doing a few simple moves is enough to burn fat and build muscle, but studies show that’s not how it works,” he explains. He points out that just standing or doing some exercises on the vibration plates is not going to build muscle or burn calories similar to lifting weights or doing cardio.
“They do have benefits like improving balance or helping blood flow, but it’s not enough if someone’s goal is to lose weight or get stronger,” Julom says, adding, “It’s mostly just a shortcut that doesn’t really pay off.” The truth is, if you are looking to lose body fat or build muscle, you will need to put in the work by strength training and doing cardio instead of relying on a vibrating plate or similar shortcut. This applies to any other trend you see on social media trying to push the idea that one piece of workout equipment is the magic fix to weight loss or to achieve a certain aesthetic.
Avoiding cortisol-spiking exercises
If you’ve been on FitTok lately, you’ve probably seen some fitness influencers talking about the dangers of doing workouts that cause your cortisol levels to spike. Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone”, and it is released during high-intensity exercise or when you’re in “fight or flight” mode. Although too much cortisol isn’t good for you, FitTok takes it to the next level by fearmongering around workouts like HIIT.
Hussain says you shouldn’t rule out high-intensity exercise because it has plenty of benefits. “High-intensity exercise is immensely helpful for cardiovascular health, and we should be engaging in cardio and resistance training both to reap the overlapping and distinct benefits from each,” Hussain says.
Additionally, she points out that exercise helps with long-term cortisol regulation and supports mental health. Instead of adding barriers and discouraging people from engaging in high-intensity exercise, she advises influencers to encourage it since most people don’t meet the minimum exercise guidelines — 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week for adults.
The problem with these fitness and wellness
These are just some of the many fitness and wellness trends seen across TikTok that spread misinformation and confusion to users. Some may seem harmless, but the problem is more so with the ones that could potentially harm those who try to copy the trend. Nutrition misinformation can lead to unhealthy eating habits, nutrient deficiencies and other chronic health problems. Werner points out that it can also negatively impact our mental health.
“Misinformation and click-bait nutrition advice often target vulnerable populations that are desperate for help with their health and nutrition,” she says. As a result, these groups are more easily influenced by these unrealistic promises and fad diets. Additionally, misinformation tied to food and nutrition can often lead to guilt and fear surrounding eating. “Unsustainable plans can lead to binge eating and long-term body image and self-esteem issues,” Werner warns.
When it comes to fitness, women specifically are faced with contradicting messages about what they should or shouldn’t be doing in the gym. Fried says, “As a whole, women are an undertrained population — we get less activity across the span of our lifetimes than men.” As a result, this makes women more susceptible to osteoporosis (bone density loss) and sarcopenia (muscle loss) as they age, which puts them at higher risk of falling, getting injured and developing certain diseases.
“Exercise and strength training specifically can literally be life-changing and life-saving for women, so it can be incredibly frustrating as a fitness professional to see trends that further alienate women from training,” explains Fried.
How to tell what’s true or false on social media
Viewing posts, reels and videos on social media can seem like an echo chamber since you’re seeing the same information shared over and over again. You assume it must be true because it’s getting reposted by people you’re following and others. There’s also content that can contradict it as well. It only makes it harder to decipher what’s true from fiction if nothing is being verified. So, how can you use your best judgment?
Bulsiewicz says it’s time to start challenging these influencers by asking them for evidence to support their claims. “If we want to discern truth, then we should be able to bring our information back to our gold standard source of truth, which is evidence — and TikTok is all about hacks,” Bulsiewicz points out. By asking influencers for the evidence, it will give you a better idea if they know what they’re talking about.
“If they point you to blog posts, other TikTok videos or a YouTube video, then they are simply regurgitating information that they found on the internet, contributing to the echo chamber and in my opinion, they’ve lost all credibility,” Bulsiewicz says. If they instead share a study to support their claims, Bulsiewicz says there are a few things to look out for with those sources. “If they point you to a research article, but it’s a test tube or a rat study, it’s not good enough because you don’t exist in a test tube, nor are you a rat.” Instead, he advises that the studies should be backed by human research, especially if you’re going to be doing something that affects your health.
“I think, ultimately, knowledge is power by finding quality sources of information we trust that can help arm us against misinformation when it sneaks up on our newsfeed,” says Fried. “I also think when it comes to fitness and health claims, approaching with a certain level of skepticism is important because anyone can claim anything.”
Bulsiewicz believes that what we consume on social media is a matter of personal responsibility. “You as an individual are under no obligation to accept what is presented to you, and I think we are far too quick to trust any and every thing that we hear from a social source.” Instead, he advises learning to discriminate and reject things that, from a common sense perspective, are nonsensical.
“We must learn to identify sources of truth and identify true experts who earn our trust because, at the end of the day, our health is one of the most valuable commodities that we have,” Bulsiewicz concludes.
Final thoughts
Social media can be like the wild, wild west with all the information at your fingertips, but it’s important to approach it all with caution. If it seems too good to be true or promises that you’ll see a bodily difference in a matter of days by making a specific change, it’s most likely an exaggeration or a lie. If you’re uncertain about any information you spot on social media, speak with an expert offline who can better answer your questions and speak to the post’s validity.
Fitness
Just 10 minutes of exercise can trigger powerful anti-cancer effects
As people return to gyms or start new fitness routines in the new year, new research suggests that even a short burst of intense exercise could play a role in protecting against cancer. Scientists report that as little as 10 minutes of hard physical activity may help slow cancer growth.
The study found that brief, vigorous exercise quickly changes the mix of molecules circulating in the bloodstream. These rapid shifts appear to suppress bowel cancer cell growth while also speeding up the repair of damaged DNA.
How Exercise Changes the Bloodstream
Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that exercise raises the levels of several small molecules in the blood. Many of these molecules are known to reduce inflammation, support healthy blood vessels, and improve metabolism.
When scientists exposed bowel cancer cells in the lab to blood containing these exercise-driven molecules, they observed widespread genetic changes. More than 1,300 genes shifted their activity, including genes involved in DNA repair, energy production, and cancer cell growth.
Published in the International Journal of Cancer, the findings help clarify how physical activity may lower bowel cancer risk. The research shows that exercise sends molecular signals through the bloodstream that influence genes controlling tumor growth and genetic stability.
The results add to growing evidence that staying physically active is an important part of cancer prevention.
New Possibilities for Cancer Treatment
Dr. Sam Orange, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Newcastle University and lead author of the study, said: “What’s remarkable is that exercise doesn’t just benefit healthy tissues, it sends powerful signals through the bloodstream that can directly influence thousands of genes in cancer cells.
“It’s an exciting insight because it opens the door to find ways that mimic or augment the biological effects of exercise, potentially improving cancer treatment and, crucially, patient outcomes.
“In the future, these insights could lead to new therapies that imitate the beneficial effects of exercise on how cells repair damaged DNA and use fuel for energy.”
Slowing Cancer Growth at the Cellular Level
The research team found that exercise increased the activity of genes that support mitochondrial energy metabolism. This helps cells use oxygen more efficiently.
At the same time, genes linked to rapid cell division were turned down, which may make cancer cells less aggressive. Blood collected after exercise also boosted DNA repair, activating a key repair gene known as PNKP.
The study included 30 volunteers, both men and women between the ages of 50 and 78. All participants were overweight or obese (a risk factor of cancer) but otherwise healthy.
Each volunteer completed a short but intense cycling test that lasted about 10 minutes. Researchers then collected blood samples and examined 249 proteins. Thirteen of those proteins increased after exercise, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), which plays a role in repairing damaged DNA.
Why Even One Workout Matters
Dr. Orange, a Clinical Exercise Physiologist at The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “These results suggest that exercise doesn’t just benefit healthy tissues, it may also create a more hostile environment for cancer cells to grow.
“Even a single workout can make a difference. One bout of exercise, lasting just 10 minutes, sends powerful signals to the body.
“It’s a reminder that every step, every session, counts when it comes to doing your best to protect your health.”
Bowel Cancer Rates and Physical Activity
Bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the UK, after breast, prostate and lung cancer.
In the UK, one person is diagnosed with bowel cancer every 12 minutes, adding up to nearly 44,000 cases each year. Someone dies from the disease every 30 minutes.
Researchers estimate that regular physical activity lowers bowel cancer risk by about 20%. Exercise does not have to mean gym workouts or sports. Walking or biking to work, along with everyday activities such as gardening or cleaning, can also contribute.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to examine whether repeated exercise sessions lead to long-lasting biological changes. They also aim to study how exercise-related effects interact with common cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Fitness
Expert-Approved Workout Gear, Apparel and More Award-Winning Products From the Women’s Health Fitness Awards
The start of a new year always brings with it lofty goals, inspiring resolutions and promises to oneself about prioritizing health and fitness. It’s overwhelming, to be quite honest, with social media feeds swarming about all the “it” gear, apparel and workout classes that promise to elevate your fitness routine.
Luckily, Women’s Health is here to help: Their annual Fitness Awards dropped earlier today, showcasing innovative at-home gear, a clever water bottle (that will truly help you drink more water), sports bras that actually stay in place and more.
Women’s Health Executive Health and Fitness Director Jacqueline Andriakos and her team spent the entire year trying out everything they could get their hands on in the fitness space. Their list of 60 winners promises to level up your routine in the new year.
See their top picks below across multiple fitness categories, starting at just $19.
Women’s Health Fitness Awards 2026 winners seen on TODAY
Level up your at-home gym with these dumbbells that feature an easy-to-grip exterior that’s soft on the palms, helping to prevent calluses or rough skin. Not only are they great for your palms, but Andriakos calls out a feature that offers support for your wrists too.
“The real hero feature is the square heads — they prevent wobbling and rolling, which is so important for wrist protection when you’re in high plank, doing renegade rows, or doing any stability-based training,” says Andriakos.
“We’re seeing a trend away from classic leggings toward slightly flowier gym-to-street pants, and these are such a comfortable, functional version of that,” says Andriakos referring to the Women’s Health pick for ‘Best Straight-Leg Bottom.’ “They hug in all the right places, come in tons of colors, and — bless them — they offer short, regular and long inseams, which I appreciate as a tall girl.”
This truly versatile shoe can be your new go-to for any activity — no matter if you’re an avid ClassPass user or prefer hot girl walks.
“They look sleek, they’re super bendy and comfortable, and they’re truly a hybrid shoe,” says Andriakos. “While you can tie them like regular sneakers, I love that they’re easy to slip on thanks to the heel loop—perfect for those moments when I’m holding my daughter and don’t have hands free to tie laces.”
This “no-frills” tote bag won for ‘Best Gym Tote,’ and is washable, meaning you can rid it of any gym-related odors alongside your used workout clothes each week. “It has all the functionality and compartments you’d want whether you’re going to and from the gym or just running around town,” says Andriakos, speaking to the bags’ versatility.
These were named the ‘Best Running Sock’ by the Women’s Health team, for their “lightweight and low-profile yet cushiony” fit.
“The biggest mistake I’ve made in the past with running socks is wearing ankle-cut and ending up with blisters or open wounds on the back of my ankles or heels,” says Andriakos. “The quarter rise on this pair means your ankle stays fully protected no matter your distance.”
“I really believe even the most mundane items can make daily habits — like hydration — feel more enticing,” says Andriakos, adding that the “window” on this water bottle helps give you visual cues on how much you’ve consumed.
Plus, you can switch out the caps for either a screw-off or straw lid, depending on your preferences. And, while the brand praises the bottles’ durability, if you happen to break it within the first year of ownership, they’ll send you a replacement.
More Women’s Health Fitness Awards 2026 winners to Shop
This super-stretchy, uber-lightweight tee was named the best for workouts, per Women’s Health. It provides a little more coverage compared to your average workout top, yet remains breathable for yoga or HIIT sessions.
“This bra is hands-down the best high-impact sports bra I’ve ever tried,” raves Andriakos, further calling it her holy grail. “I can’t stand dealing with hardware, clasps or removable pads, and this one eliminates all of that — you just slip it on with zero fidgeting. It does have adjustable straps, though, so you still get a bit of customization in the fit. I also love the scoop neckline. It’s flattering and pretty without being too low-cut, and it gives enough coverage that I never feel like I’m spilling out the top when I’m jumping around during workouts. It has supported me through different life stages, too — my chest has changed sizes during pregnancy and postpartum, and it’s fit me perfectly through all of it.”
While this bra can double as a workout tank in some ways, Women’s Health awarded it ‘Best Crop.’ It offers medium-support, that the brand says will aid you in any run, rep and even during recovery.
Bala prioritizes “comfort and convenience” in this mat, that they created to be a one-and-done solution for when you need a basic mat for floor workouts, or an assist during planks, lunges, step-ups and more.
“It is genuinely beautiful — and I know that sounds funny when talking about workout equipment, but you really do use the gear that appeals to you,” says Andriakos. “I love aesthetically pleasing equipment, and this mat has those chic curved edges and comes in that trendy foldable style.”
Vuori is a viral brand — with searches for store locations spiking 180% over the past month alone. These leggings are designed with recycled materials, but that doesn’t mean they compromise on moisture-wicking and multi-stretch features.
“They’re incredibly comfortable (and flattering) with the perfect mid- to high-rise waist, and there are no uncomfortable elastics or drawstrings,” says Andriakos.
Want a versatile pair of leggings that will carry you through any and all workouts? Women’s Health recommends this now award-winning pair, for its moisture-wicking fabric, range of sizes and comfortable, high-rise fit.
“I get a comment every single time I wear this fleece,” says Andriakos. “I’ve washed it dozens of times now, and it still feels just as soft, even after going through the washer and the dryer. I also love the elastic at the waist because you can cinch it for a more flattering, cozy look while keeping in extra heat. It’s stylish, eye-catching and helps me feel put-together in my activewear life.”
Chirp is also a Shop TODAY-favorite brand (their roller was a Gift We Love in 2025!), so its safe to say we weren’t surprised to see it earn another award, this time for their miniature massage gun.
“The Chirp Mini massager blends the percussion of a massage gun with the rolling motion of a foam roller,” says Andriakos. “It provides targeted relief to sore body parts and with three adjustable speeds, it’s gentler than other techy massage tools but still allows you to get meaningful relief.”
“The Power Pilates Kit from BetterMe is a bit an investment, but it is a worthwhile one — you get so much bang for your buck!” exclaims Andriakos. “The kit includes mini loop bands in both fabric and rubber, hand weights, grip socks, a Pilates ball, a Pilates ring and a weighted power ring. Basically everything you’d need for a traditional strength-focused resistance workout or a Pilates-sculpt session. It’s all compact equipment too, so if you’re traveling or packing a few things for on-the-go workouts, this bundle is incredibly versatile, so you never need to miss a workout.”
Women’s Health Fitness Awards 2025 previously seen on TODAY
Does sweat drip into your eyes or your hair get disheveled while working out? The Gymwrap 2.0 Headband promises to wick away sweat as you exercise. That way, you don’t have to worry about sweat getting into your eyes or your hair falling loose. The headband also has Evapocool fabric to keep it breathable, cool and ventilating while you wear it.
If you’re like us and have a growing collection of water bottles, you might want to add this Bala Bottle to your round up. Not only will it keep your drink cool, the booster ring on the cap can be used to mount your phone.
Remain hands-free during your runs with the SPI Running Belt. According to the brand, it’s a favorite amongst marathoners. And unlike some running belts on the market, the belt offers ample space and no bounce as you run.
According to the brand, this sandal absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear. Meaning, you should experience less stress on the knees, ankles and other joints as you recover. There’s also sizing for men, too, here.
Rhone’s Revive Pocket Leggings promise movement with ease. From its stretchy fabric, anti-odor technology, supportive waistband and oh, the phone pocket (of course!), these leggings should help you move about confidently during your workouts. Choose from this bright plum color above or one of their 15 shades, including black and navy from their core line.
Although the brand doesn’t have an option for men, they have some workout joggers available.
Meet the experts
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. These items were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team along with Jacqueline Andriakos and the Women’s Health team.
- Jacqueline Andriakos, NASM-CPT, is the Executive Health and Fitness Director at Women’s Health, certified personal trainer and former group fitness class instructor.
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The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers. For this particular article, the Women’s Health team submitted a list of their Fitness Awards winners, from which we chose products to feature on the show.
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Fitness
Physical Fitness Movies and Shows to Keep You Motivated Toward Your Goals
The New Year is a time when many of us feel motivated to think more about our physical fitness. Lift heavier weights. Run longer distances. Shave a few seconds off that mile time. Whether you’re looking to hit a new PB or simply incorporate more movement into your daily routine, it’s easier to reach your goals if you surround yourself with positive affirmations about staying consistent and practicing discipline.
Lock in by watching these movies and shows that celebrate a good sweat session. You can stream these titles while climbing the Stairmaster, foam rolling after the gym, or enjoying a well-deserved rest day in a cozy, horizontal position. After all, visualization is one way to gear up to get moving — and it can be done from the comfort of your couch.
Final Draft
It’s never too late to restart a fitness journey. This Japanese series gathers together twenty-five former professional athletes — some of whom had no choice but to walk away from their respective sports, and others who retired on their own terms. They take part in a high-stakes survival competition, and the winner is awarded 30 million yen to kick-start their second-chance career. Among the participants: baseball legend Yoshio Itoi, soccer icon Yoshito Ōkubo, and three-division boxing world champion Hozumi Hasegawa.
Lorena, Light-Footed Woman
The sport of running is hard enough, but tackling a long-distance race without some good sneakers is a whole new kind of challenge. This short documentary introduces Lorena Ramírez, the member of Mexico’s Rarámuri community who earned the world’s attention in 2017 by competing in the Cerro Rojo UltraTrail, an ultramarathon of over 30 miles. She did so while wearing huaraches — traditional Mexican sandals — as well as her trademark long skirt and other customary indigenous garb.
The Other Shore: The Diana Nyad Story
Diana Nyad first gained acclaim in 1975 for swimming around Manhattan in record time. This documentary follows the long-distance swimmer as she pursues a perilous goal — swimming from Cuba to Florida without the use of a protective shark cage — a journey she attempts repeatedly, up until the age of 63. Afterward, queue up Nyad, the dramatic take starring Annette Bening as the athlete and Jodie Foster as her best friend and trainer, Bonnie Stoll.
Physical: 100
This search for the ultimate physique in Korea caught the attention of fitness lovers worldwide — for good reason. In this unique tournament, 100 athletes, bodybuilders, and military professionals take part in daunting challenges that test raw strength, speed, endurance, and technique. They face off in various trials until there’s only one competitor left standing. Want even more rivalry? Queue up Physical: Asia, the continent-wide spin-off in which athletes compete in teams representing their countries of origin.
SPRINT
This docuseries closely follows the world’s fastest athletes as they ready their bodies, minds, and spirits to compete in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Created by the same team behind Formula 1: Drive to Survive, these episodes zoom in on American sprinters Gabby Thomas, Noah Lyles, Fred Kerley, Twanisha ‘TeeTee’ Terry, Kenny Bednarek, and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, as well as runners from the UK, Ivory Coast, Italy, Jamaica, and Kenya. Watching these elite runners prove what the human body is capable of is apt inspiration for athletes at any level.
Tour de France: Unchained
Go behind the scenes of the world’s most thrilling race on two wheels: the Tour de France, the famed road cycling competition that spans approximately 2,200 miles over a period of three weeks. In each of its three seasons, the series embeds with multiple teams as they race while dealing with terrain, injury, and other setbacks. These episodes track the annual men’s competition in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Ultimate Beastmaster
After countless hours of training, contestants take on the supersized obstacle course called “The Beast.” Produced by and featuring Sylvester Stallone, the international competition made history when it debuted with six localized versions in various countries, all featuring different competitors, hosts, and languages of origin. (The U.S. edition is hosted by Terry Crews and Charissa Thompson.) Also available to stream: Ultimate Beastmaster Mexico, hosted by Inés Sainz and Luis Ernesto Franco.
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