Let’s face it – this time of year is busy. Pair the Christmas dinners with Secret Santa’s, cold and flu season and end-of-year work rush and, with the best will in the world, you’re likely to end up feeling a little run down.
That’s where exercise moves to relieve tension come in – a sure-fire way to not only ease stiff and sore muscles, but also boost endorphins and mood. As per the NHS website, “Exercise won’t make your stress disappear, but it can reduce some of the emotional intensity that you’re feeling, clearing your thoughts and letting you deal with your problems more calmly.”
iFIT and Samsung Health are joining forces to bring personalized, connected fitness experiences to millions of users around the globe, the companies announced Monday.
The partnership will integrate iFIT’s interactive content and intelligent fitness equipment with Samsung’s Galaxy ecosystem, giving users access to an expansive library of health and wellness programming—including strength training, yoga, cardio, mindfulness and recovery content—through the Samsung Health app. The content will begin rolling out this fall in 10 countries, including the U.S., U.K., India, and Germany.
“Personalized wellness is the future—and together with Samsung Health, we’re helping millions of people engage in healthier, more balanced lives across the globe,” said Kevin Duffy, CEO of iFIT. “Our iFIT content inspires people to work out more. Using real-time data to go beyond reps and heart rates delivers smarter, more intuitive guidance to actually drive results.”
Samsung Health users with compatible Galaxy devices such as the Galaxy Ring or Galaxy Watch will be able to access selected iFIT content for a monthly or annual fee. The integration promises to offer a more tailored experience by leveraging health data and AI-powered insights directly from users’ wearable devices.
Advertisement
Dr. Hon Pak, senior vice president and head of the digital health team for Samsung’s mobile business, said the collaboration demonstrates the company’s commitment to preventive health and digital wellness.
“Through Samsung Health, we aim to provide highly personalized fitness experiences that empower individuals to adopt healthier behaviors and enhance their well-being,” Pak said.
Connected Fitness Expands With Personalized, AI-Driven Experiences
The health tech landscape is rapidly evolving as consumer demand for more personalized, data-driven wellness tools continues to surge. At the center of this transformation is the growing role of artificial intelligence and wearables, which are helping users monitor, understand, and act on their health in real time.
Advancements in biometric sensors and mobile health platforms have made it easier than ever to collect meaningful health data—ranging from heart rate variability and sleep patterns to stress levels and metabolic indicators. The latest generation of wearable devices now serves as round-the-clock health companions, with some models even offering early warning signs for conditions such as atrial fibrillation or sleep apnea.
Artificial intelligence has further enhanced the value of these devices by interpreting complex data into actionable insights. AI-driven coaching can provide users with personalized exercise routines, dietary suggestions, and mental wellness interventions based on their unique health profiles and daily patterns.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, the integration of fitness content with mobile ecosystems means users no longer have to juggle separate apps and devices. Instead, they’re experiencing seamless transitions between workout recommendations, health record tracking, and motivational coaching—all on a single platform.
As more companies collaborate across fitness and tech sectors, these innovations are shaping a future in which preventive health is accessible, engaging, and deeply personalized for users at every fitness level.
If you have been on the internet, follow a dedicated exercising routine and are into health-conscious eating, then you might have seen at least one post or reel with an influencer sharing they like to eat an amount of protein before or after their workout for better efficiency and absorption. While some believe taking it before the workout provides the energy, others add that having it after the workout improves absorption and gives a boost. But which of them is ideal, let’s find out!
What are the different forms of protein one can take?
Originating from the Greek word protos, meaning first, protein is the most important requirement in human nutrition. It strengthens the bones and constructs the hair, blood, connective tissue, enzymes and more. According to Harvard Health, the recommended dietary allowance for protein is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, which can be added in the diet through nutritious options such as eggs, chicken and turkey, milk, salmon and tuna, nuts, beans, cheese and more.
How does protein help before a workout?
Image credits: Getty Images
Advertisement
If you are someone who faces problems while working out on an empty stomach, ensuring your protein intake before the workout might work in your favour. It limits the carbs in the system while keeping the hunger at bay. Additionally, researchers found that pre-workout protein doesn’t increase resting energy expenditure and ensures that the protein is stocked in the body when required for muscle protein synthesis. However, one should have protein at least an hour before a workout as it could lead to digestive problems.
How does protein help post-workout?
Research has found that consuming protein within the immediate and prolonged post-exercise window supports adaptive response in skeletal muscle. Resistance exercise is believed to boost the muscle’s anabolic response to protein intake for up to 24 hours. Additionally, post-workout protein intake also reduces muscle damage, inflammation and promotes satiety.
Does the anabolic window matter?
Image credits: Getty Images
Advertisement
The anabolic or metabolic window is a time after a workout when the body is considered to be the most receptive to nutrients. It is believed that consuming high protein during this time promotes muscle protein synthesis and replenishes depleted glycogen stores. Many suggest eating protein within 30-60 minutes post-workout, whereas others suggest it can extend up to a 4-6 hour window. While it might be effective, the anabolic window still remains under-researched and is not definitive science.
Which is better protein timing: Before or after a workout?
Image credits: Getty Images
A study compared the effects of consuming protein before and after a workout on muscle strength and size. The researchers divided 21 men into groups of two, both of which received a protein shake containing 25 g of protein. While one received it before the workout, another received it after. Each participant completed a full-body workout thrice per week for 10 weeks.The results showed no significant difference in muscle strength or size between the groups, thus showing no difference between the pre- and post-protein intake. Additionally, what matters is ensuring the daily protein intake, no matter pre- or post-workout.The way the body processes the protein might depend on the type of exercise, digestion capability and protein source. Thus, what matters is watching your protein intake and exercise routines no matter what the timing is.Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, nutritional, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine.
When my recurring knee and lower back pain led me to a physical therapist, I was surprised that they prescribed a set of glute-strengthening exercises.
I’m an avid runner and enjoy lower-body workouts, so I had assumed my glutes were doing their job, but I was wrong.
