Connect with us

Fitness

New Year, New You: Tackling Resolutions with Sound Advice – Calexico Chronicle

Published

on

New Year, New You: Tackling Resolutions with Sound Advice – Calexico Chronicle

IMPERIAL VALLEY — “May all your troubles last as long as your New Year’s resolutions.” But seriously.

Greeting the new year with a new attitude is human nature, and the most common areas of self-improvement often revolve around more exercise and eating right. We’ve got both here, with advice from a personal trainer and, separately, a nutritionist and dietician.

But it’s not always the outward that might need a little retooling. Here, we have some professional advice on how to clean-up those finances in 2025 and also how to clean-up the soul a bit, with the basics of charitable giving.

No matter what you choose to do in 2025, we wish you the very best.

A Pro Talks Fitness Goals in 2025

Fitness goals are among the most popular new year’s resolutions, yet they can also be among the quickest to abandon. The strategy for sustainability, as described by female fitness coach Kaeden Toves is to focus on, “little, short term goals” because those “are going to lead to a bigger win.” 

Advertisement

Some key facets that can help make fitness goals a success in 2025 include conducting research, finding the right form of exercise, as well as having weekly goals.

For those new to exercise, Toves recommends searching Google, Instagram, and YouTube to find short workouts and learn proper form. “Then, once you look that up, I would recommend, you know, writing in your notes what exactly the workout is,” she describes. The notes then serve to keep track of exercises as well as formulate a customized workout plan.

Fitness trainer Kaeden Toves demonstrates how to use one of the machines at 4:13 Fitness Center in Imperial. | MELANIE MORENO PHOTO

Online resources can suffice for home workouts, but if transitioning to the gym, a bit of research can make the process easier. Toves recalls her first few times going to a gym. “I had started by myself and I would just hop on a StairMaster with my notes open because I had a whole workout ready to go, and then I would do my steps,” she explained. If working out at a gym still sounds nerve-wracking, Toves recommends going with a friend, because it’s “always a little bit less intimidating just to do something together.”

Finding an enjoyable form of exercise is essential for maintaining a consistent workout routine. However, that might require testing out different types and formats to find the most enjoyable ones. “Do whatever is fun,” Toves states. “I think anyone — whether you know what to do or not — should just jump in if there’s a class going on.” Experimentation leads to understanding preferences and exposure to different types of workouts.

Individuals should also consider their goals before committing to a workout plan, as different outcomes will require different workout plans. Toves mentions that most people set drastic goals for themselves, but those are not usually realistic or sustainable. She opts for setting small, achievable weekly goals, such as gradually increasing the number of workout days or slowly reducing unhealthy habits, which can help build long-term success.

Toves’ clients typically reach out to her for guidance on toning, for which she says largely has to do with nutrition. “Getting your protein in and then actually lifting weights and pumping up those muscles, activating them” is what “will make you look a little bit more toned.” By contrast, meeting weight loss goals through LISS (low intensity steady state) cardio can be effective. “As long as you’re getting your steps in, whether it’s, like, going on a walk every day or coming walking on the treadmill,” Toves states, “that’s gonna really, really make some improvements.”

Advertisement

For added accountability and customized workout plans, a personal trainer or coach may be the next step. Before booking, however, Toves recommends having “your budget and finances” in place because it is “a lot easier to stay consistent knowing that you have that set aside.”

Trainers and coaches typically work over a period of several months to support the client and modify their fitness, nutrition or lifestyle habits to stimulate better results.

Kaeden Toves is available for new female clients interested in online coaching. Find out more by inquiring at 4:13 Fitness Center or by filling out an application on her Instagram page @kaedenbrooke.

— Melanie Moreno

Becoming Better with Finances in 2025

Envisioning a fatter bank account in the new year is commonplace, but making it happen can take some serious discipline, according to Jim Rhodes, a retired 30-year financial and investment planner.

Advertisement

Even for those who have never saved before, cleaning up your ledger can be done by “taking a few steps right now can make a big difference down the line,” Rhodes said — it’s a six-step process that can achieve big things.

Step No. 1, Rhodes said, is to “assess your current situation in terms of how you are spending your income. Once you know how your income is being spent, then you can decide how to make changes to help your situation.”

Creating a budget and sticking to it is step two, he said. “It is easier to stay on track if you establish budget goals, adjusting them as your life circumstances change.”

Jim Rhodes

Step No. 3, eliminate unnecessary expenses. Rhodes said, “This is easier said than done but it may be helpful to think about what expenses are necessary and what is discretionary. That way you can focus on what expenses can be eliminated or reduced.

No. 4 is to build an emergency fund, he said. “Most people recommend a fund to cover about six months of income,” Rhodes added.

No. 5 is to educate yourself about investing, Rhodes said, and “focus on investment vehicles that are low cost, diversified and help you achieve values over the long-term.

Advertisement

Lastly, he said, “If this is too daunting, there are low-cost professionals who can help you take these initial steps.

Rhodes brings a lot of experience to the table, having worked with various organizations including Bechtel/Fremont Investment Advisors. He founded Rhodes investment Advisory in 1995, which merged with American Money Management in 2006. He retired from everything financial in 2022.

Taking aim at the young and single, or those who have never before thought about their financial futures, Rhodes cautioned “Don’t fall for the (get rich) quick schemes, the ones that are too good to be true. The only one making money will be the selling broker.

“It is never too early to be serious about this. One never knows what the future holds, and planning is always better than hoping to win the lottery just before retirement,” he said.

Rhodes added that saving doesn’t have to feel painful, adding that once a person has their spending under control and is setting aside 10 percent of their income for savings or investing, “you can have a ‘mad money’ account for occasional splurging.”

Advertisement

— Richard Montenegro Brown

How to Eat Healthier in 2025

Eating healthier in 2025 does not need to feel restrictive. Often, when beginning a new diet or way of eating, the tendency is to think about what is not allowed on the meal plate. Through simple swaps and visual guides, Marta Carrillo, MS, RDN, shares tips on how to build more balanced meals through what is added into each plate.

“Instead of restriction, I’m more about bringing nutrients into your diet,” said Carrillo, the dietitian leading El Centro Regional Medical Center’s medical nutrition therapy and on-site cafeteria. For the general person looking to eat healthier, simply filling half of a meal plate with vegetables can make a big impact. It takes some time for the stomach to get used to eating more vegetables, Carrillo said, but consistency will show results.

“Every time, I’m incorporating vegetables for all the meals,” she said, “until the stomach gets used to that.” There comes a point, Carrillo described, where a relationship develops between the stomach and brain because a person will start to crave eating vegetables more than the high-calorie or nutritionally deficient foods they may have eaten more of previously.

Marta Carrillo, MS, RDN, is the dietitian leading El Centro Regional Medical Center’s medical nutrition therapy and on-site cafeteria. She was photographed recently inside the cafeteria. | MELANIE MORENO PHOTO

When setting goals for weight loss, it is especially important to eat a balanced ratio of food groups. “They tend to overeat more,” Carrillo said when describing challenges she sees in patients during consults. “It’s also a lot about portion sizes.” Too much of anything can create an imbalance, she cautioned. A tool Carrillo utilizes with her patients is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate. The guidelines, available at MyPlate.gov, encourage quartering sections of a plate to include fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy. The options for what falls within each category are versatile and serve as a reminder to consume a varied range of foods.

Some of the nutritionally balanced dishes served at the El Centro Regional Medical Center cafeteria are shown. | MELANIE MORENO PHOTO

Satiation from protein, omega-3s, fiber and water are additional points that Carrillo keeps in mind when planning meals. Each correlates with necessary macronutrients, helps with important functions within the body, as well as supports energy and provides a feeling of fullness. Protein can come from lean meats, fish, poultry, tofu, eggs or legumes (a plant group including varieties of beans, lentils and peas). While supplementation is an option, omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, like herring, mackerel and salmon, or plant sources, like flaxseeds and chia seeds. Fiber is prominent in many whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Despite water not being a macronutrient, Carrillo said hydration is important for the body and helps everything run smoothly.

See also

Advertisement

It is possible to eat healthfully, and it can be easier than ever in 2025 by incorporating whole foods that emphasize variety rather than restriction. Carrillo states, “Organic food — anything that comes from mother nature — it will help.” See MyPlate.gov for suggestions on how to create balanced meals at home. Marta Carrillo, MS, RDN is also available for nutritional support consultations at ECRMC through a primary care provider’s referral. The ECRMC cafeteria is also open to the public, offering a variety of healthful meal options.

— Melanie Moreno

Becoming More Charitable in 2025

It’s said that “charity begins at home, but should not end there,” and for those looking to start off the new year on a more charitable note, there is much one can do.

For Oreda Chin, executive director of the United Way of Imperial County, communicating needs and different ways to contribute are key. “Explain to them how they can help because there are a number of different ways. It doesn’t have to be financially. It could be that they give of their time and helping with recruitment, helping with volunteers, just get people to understand what we do and why we do it, and I think that that’s one of the things that we lack a little bit here in the Valley,” Chin said.

Jim Rhodes, president of Burning Bush International, a nonprofit that helps with faith-based outreach and charity in Uganda, his principles of giving are guided by his faith.

Oreda Chin

“For me, life is a better experience if you have a spiritual foundation, and you find small ways to help others. Don’t think, ‘I won’t do anything because I can’t have a big impact.’ Person-to-person charity can have a big impact on the life of someone else,” Rhodes said. 

Calexico Neighborhood House Executive Director Cindy Alba believes giving, whether time, resources or dollars, is a personally enriching experience. “I think the people that donate, they feel appreciation that they are making a positive impact to another person in the community. … And it gives them the value of being able to make a difference to people’s lives,” she said.

Advertisement

In a practical sense, if one is looking for a guidepost to charitable giving in the new year, there are some basics:

Donating money: One can donate cash or other assets. Also, automatic withdrawals can ensure regular donations 

Volunteering: One can offer time to support the community

Donating blood: A single donation can help save three lives, according to sources

Using a donor advised fund: A donor advised fund (DAF) is a charitable investment account that allows one to make a donation and receive a tax deduction. 

Advertisement

Considering a qualified charitable distribution: Those age 70 ½ or older with an IRA can consider a qualified charitable distribution (QCD).

Rhodes, who also has 30 years of experience in financial planning and investing, added, “When evaluating what charities to financially support, pay attention to their overhead expenses and how much of your donation dollar goes to the actual mission of the organization.”

Chin said giving through charity “gives you a rush. … an adrenaline rush.” “This is the one thing that I have found in the 30 years or more that I have been doing nonprofit work, you have to love something in that process. It has to be from your heart and something you feel very strongly about, with those people that have that feeling of charity and commitment.”

— Richard Montenegro Brown

Advertisement

Fitness

Just 10 minutes of exercise can trigger powerful anti-cancer effects

Published

on

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

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.”

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Fitness

Expert-Approved Workout Gear, Apparel and More Award-Winning Products From the Women’s Health Fitness Awards

Published

on

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.”

Advertisement
Courtesy Jillian Gonzales

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.”

Advertisement

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.”

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

“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.”

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

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.

How do you add Shop TODAY as a Preferred Source on Google?

Google’s new Preferred Sources feature allows users to manually select their favorite publishers and news outlets for a more customizable experience tailored directly to the reader. Once you’ve opted to receive our content, you’ll begin seeing more of our recent and trending articles displayed within your Top Stories news feed.

The easiest way to add us as a preferred source is to click here and type in “TODAY.com.” Once the box is checked and you’ve refreshed the page, Shop TODAY content will start appearing in your feed.

How we chose

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.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Fitness

Physical Fitness Movies and Shows to Keep You Motivated Toward Your Goals

Published

on

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 Nyadthe 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.

 

Continue Reading

Trending