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How a restless night or a good workout can affect your brain — even days later

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How a restless night or a good workout can affect your brain — even days later

Got a lot on your mind to work out? Maybe last week’s workout is to blame.

A new study reports that our brains do not respond to daily life in immediate, isolated bursts — instead, the effects of sleep, exercise, heart rate and mood can linger on our minds for over two weeks.

Researchers from Aalto University and the University of Oulu in Finland tracked a neuroscientist’s brain and behavioral activity for five months, finding that a workout or restless night can influence attention, cognition and memory for several days afterward.

Triana’s study found that brains do not respond to daily life in immediate, isolated bursts — instead, the effects of sleep, exercise, heart rate and mood can linger on our minds for over two weeks. Matti Ahlgren / Aalto University

“Our behavior and mental states are constantly shaped by our environment and experiences. Yet, we know little about the response of brain functional connectivity to environmental, physiological and behavioral changes on different timescales, from days to months,” said lead study author Ana Triana, who underwent twice-weekly brain scans, took mood surveys and wore technology that tracked her movements as she went about her daily routine.

From Triana’s data, the team identified two distinct brain response patterns: a short-term wave lasting under seven days and a long-term wave of up to 15 days.

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Exercise was found to positively affect brain region interaction, potentially influencing memory and cognitive flexibility. NDABCREATIVITY – stock.adobe.com

The short wave reflects rapid adaptations, like how poor sleep briefly affects our focus. The long wave suggests more gradual, lasting effects, especially in areas tied to attention and memory. 

Physical activity was also found to positively affect brain region interaction, potentially influencing memory and cognitive flexibility.

Even slight shifts in mood and heart rate left lasting impressions for up to 15 days, the researchers found.

The study revealed a strong tie between heart rate variability — an indication of how well the heart can adapt to changing situations — and brain connectivity, especially during rest.

The team proposes that stress management techniques can shape our brain’s wiring even when we are not actively concentrating on a task.

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The findings were published Tuesday in PLOS Biology.

“The use of wearable technology was crucial,” Triana said. “Brain scans are useful tools, but a snapshot of someone lying still for half an hour can only show so much. Our brains do not work in isolation.”

Restless sleep correlates with lower connectivity between default mode network nodes, a group of brain regions that are active when we are at rest, not focusing on any specific task.

She and her colleagues hope their method of tracking brain changes in real time leads to personalized health care, perhaps helping with the early detection of mental health conditions where subtle signs might be missed.

“We must bring data from daily life into the lab to see the full picture of how our habits shape the brain, but surveys can be tiring and inaccurate,” said study co-author and neuroscientist Dr. Nick Hayward. “Combining concurrent physiology with repeated brain scans in one person is crucial. Our approach gives context to neuroscience and delivers very fine detail to our understanding of the brain.”

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Kareena Kapoor’s nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar says how much fat you will lose through exercise depends on these 3 factors

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Kareena Kapoor’s nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar says how much fat you will lose through exercise depends on these 3 factors

Squats are one of the most effective exercises you can do to strengthen your body and burn calories. In a new video she posted on Instagram, actor Kareena Kapoor’s dietician Rujuta Diwekar highlighted that just because squats look simple doesn’t mean they’re easy to perfect – in fact, there are tons of ways to do them wrong. Also read: Kareena Kapoor’s dietician Rujuta Diwekar says sleep is the most important thing for weight loss

Trying to lose weight with exercise? Don’t miss nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar’s tips. (Representative picture: Pexels)

According to her, ‘how many calories you burn, and how much fat you will lose,’ depends on whether or not you are exercising correctly. She said it is very important to learn how to do squats, or any other exercise, with proper form to prevent injury and maximise your fitness routine’s effectiveness. Improper form can lead to unnecessary stress on your joints and muscles and an increased risk of strains and sprains.

The right way to do squats

Rujuta said in Hindi, “Exercise is extremely important for our body’s strength, fat loss, muscles, thinness, calorie burning. But it is more important to exercise correctly if you want to enjoy its benefits, and avoid injuries and other health issues.” She then went on to discuss the three ‘Rs’ to keep in mind as she discussed her squat workout in one of her recent gym videos, and even shared some of the most common squatting mistakes.

Rujuta said, “To ensure that you get the maximum benefit of exercising, keep in mind the three — range, reps, and rest. First, you have to complete the range of motion. Move the joint through its full range of motion. Your hip should go below your knees while squatting. Your knees should go up, while moving in the direction of your toes and hips should come down. When we exercise with the right technique and with a full range of motion, even one rep (repetition) is more effective than 100 reps done wrongly.”

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How lean you will look depends on these factors

Rujuta also wrote in her caption, “How many calories you burn, how much fat you will lose, how lean you will look depends on these 3 Rs. Range – are you moving the joint through its full range of motion (ROM). Reps – 5-10 reps per set are optimum for muscle fibre recruitment. Rest – is there a break? Not just between sets but also between 2 exercise sessions? Because only then can the body burn fat.”

Still not sure if you’re squatting properly? To cut through the noise and ensure proper form, here’s what you need to know: In 2022, fitness trainer Namrata Purohit, who is known for training several Bollywood celebrities such as Sara Ali Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, and Khushi Kapoor, among others, shared a short video of herself demonstrating the do’s and don’ts of squats. Check it out right now.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

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Ivanka Trump’s 5-exercise routine for a toned physique at 42 revealed

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Ivanka Trump’s 5-exercise routine for a toned physique at 42 revealed

Ivanka Trump’s “luxury personal trainer” is shedding light on how the former first daughter stays fit.

Sandy Brockman, a Texas-based trainer, recently shared that the 42-year-old lifts weights four days a week, occasionally adding one day of yoga.

“Ivanka is wonderful because she is just being herself and learning how to strength train, which is so badass,” Brockman, 52, told the Daily Mail.

Ivanka Trump’s five-step workout routine was revealed by her trainer. ivankatrump/Instagram
The former first daughter, 42, does mostly weight training. ivankatrump/Instagram

During their workout sessions, Trump typically sticks to the same five exercises, altering the amount of weight depending on her goals at the time.

“The movements are always the same. They’re deadlifts, back squats, hinges, presses and pull-ups,” Brockman revealed.

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Although the trainer noted that everyone’s strength levels are different, she said people should aim to lift their bodyweight.

“My minimum strength goals I strive for with my clients include: five strict push-ups, two strict pull-ups, one bodyweight barbell back squat, one bodyweight barbell deadlift and one 45-pound barbell overhead press,” she said.

Her trainer, Sandy Brockman, said Trump sticks to “deadlifts, back squats, hinges, presses and pull-ups.” sandybrockmanfitness/Instagram
Brockman, seen above, also encourages Trump to eat lots of protein. sandybrockmanfitness/Instagram

While most women gravitate toward doing just cardio, Brockman encouraged them to give the weight room a shot.

“Women need strength training so bad, and it feels good for women to do endurance,” she told the outlet. “It feels good for us to run. But sitting down and doing hard strength will actually help women become stronger.”

Trump’s strength training sessions typically last an hour, but Brockman said her famous client’s choices outside the gym are just as important when it comes to building muscle and staying lean.

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“I don’t want women starving,” she explained. “I want them to keep that constant flow of protein going through their bodies.”

Brockman said Trump is a “badass” in the gym.
The personal trainer posted a video of her famous client doing squats last month.

The personal trainer said she instructs her A-list clientele to have “20 grams of protein every two to three hours.”

The daughter of Donald Trump gave her followers a glimpse at her workout routine last month.

The socialite, clad in an all-gray workout set, showed off her impeccable squat form as she carried 15 pounds on each side.

“Beautiful Back Squats Today,” Brockman wrote over the video, which Ivanka reposted, adding, “Heck yes! Let’s Go!”

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A Bunch of Top-Tier Home Gym Equipment Is up to 52% Off for Prime Day

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A Bunch of Top-Tier Home Gym Equipment Is up to 52% Off for Prime Day

JUST IN TIME for holiday shopping season and building out your winter workout cave, Amazon is hosting a massive fall savings event as a follow-up to July Prime Day. The retailer’s October Prime Day, dubbed Prime Big Deal Days, is on October 8 and 9—and we’ve spotted steep savings on everything from top tech (Apple included) to mattresses.

Perhaps most notably, you can save up to 52 percent on home fitness equipment right now. These are long-lasting investments selling for hundreds of dollars less than they normally do, so we recommend snagging them while you can. We’re currently seeing deep discounts on some of our favorite rowing machines and adjustable dumbbells—and you’ll want to add these deals to your cart before they sell out or return to full price. Prices can change drastically, and quickly, throughout Amazon’s Prime Day events, so act fast to lock in items you’ve been eyeing.

SHOP ALL AMAZON PRIME DAY DEALS

The Best October Prime Day Fitness Deals

Exercise Bike

Merach Exercise Bike

Now 20% Off

On Sale

Adjustable Weight Bench

Flybird Adjustable Weight Bench

Now 27% Off

Prime Day Deal

SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

Now 22% Off

Prime Day Deal

Under Desk Walking Pad

Sperax Under Desk Walking Pad

Now 45% Off

Prime Day Deal

Resistance Exercise Bands

Fit Simplify Resistance Exercise Bands

Now 52% Off

Prime Day Deal

Interlocking Floor Mat Set

ProsourceFit Interlocking Floor Mat Set

Now 13% Off

Prime Day Deal

Weighted Vest

Aduro Sport Weighted Vest

Now 32% Off

Prime Day Deal

Quick-Release Weighted Vest

Wolf Tactical Quick-Release Weighted Vest

Now 19% Off

Prime Day Deal

Rowing Machine

Merach Rowing Machine

Now 35% Off

Prime Day Deal

Massage Gun

Toloco Massage Gun

Now 17% Off

Why These Are Our Picks

Of note are the Sperax under-desk treadmill and Merach stationary bike that are currently $200 or less. Both are easy additions to your home gym that help you get your exercise in, whether it’s under your standing desk or in front of your living room TV. If you don’t have a quality piece of cardio at your disposal, your missing out on a huge part of your training. If you’re low on space, opt for a discounted weighted vest, which our team love for its ability to gradually amp up the intensity of body-weight workouts.

You can also score editor-tested adjustable dumbbells from BowFlex for 22 percent off. They range from 10 to 90 pounds, which means you can do a wide range of movements to target different muscle groups. Pair them with a steeply discounted weight bench that can be adjusted based on your workout of choice.

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And if you’re really trying to set up a proper home gym, don’t overlook the importance of floor mats, which can provide cushioning for your joints and prevent your floors from getting scuffed up from equipment and weights. On top of that, it just makes the room look cool. No matter what you add to your cart, we recommend acting quickly—and checking back here for the latest deals. After all, Prime Day is, in fact, a sprint…not a marathon.


When Is October Prime Day This Year?

The second Prime Day of the year will take place October 8 and October 9, 2024, but you can expect to see sales before and after those dates. If you spot a great deal, go ahead and snag it, because popular products tend to sell out. If you don’t have time to shop on the actual Prime Day dates, there are still deals to be had, as Amazon has kept the sales going on certain products for as long as they have inventory in the past.

We will be updating this list as new deals hit the site.

Do I Need to Be a Prime Member to Shop Prime Day?

Yes, you must have an Amazon Prime membership to get these discounts, but becoming a member is easy and costs $14.99 a month (or $139 a year). You can also sign up for a 30-day free trial that aligns with the sale. Pro tip: There are two less expensive options worth looking into—a student membership or the Prime Access program.

Shop The Best Prime Day Deals

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Prime Day Deals | Prime Day Tech Deals | Prime Day Mattress Deals | Prime Day Grooming Deals | Prime Day Rowing Machine Deals | Prime Day Home Fitness Sales | Prime Day Smartwatch Deals | Prime Day Cole Haan Deals

Headshot of Charles Thorp, NASM

Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world.  

Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.

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