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13 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes For Pain-Free Home Workouts

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13 Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes For Pain-Free Home Workouts

Is it simply me, or are train bikes having a second? It looks like in all places I look there are Peloton commercials, Soul Cycle billboards, and advertisements for eBikes on my Instagram feed sandwiched between photographs of my pals’ children and ASMR tsunami cake movies (search them, you received’t be dissatisfied). For those who’re curious in regards to the biking health pattern like I’m however have a foul again (or knees, hips, and so forth.), then a stationary recumbent bike could be the proper residence train tools for you. Preserve scrolling as I deep-dive into the world of low-impact health machines and evaluate the perfect recumbent train bikes for each stage of rider.

In relation to low-impact train tools, elliptical machines, electrical bikes (AKA “eBikes”), and treadmills for strolling are all nice choices. However for those who want one thing that reduces pressure in your again and all of your joints without delay, a recumbent train bike is essentially the most low-impact of all of them, permitting you to take a seat in a reclined place whereas getting the health advantages of a biking exercise.

Greatest Offers on Recumbent Train Bikes:

What’s the finest recumbent bike for seniors and people with joint ache?

Recumbent bikes are really useful for seniors, these with sedentary life, and rehabbing sufferers who want a low-impact train that burns energy. These are our favourite recumbent train bikes (hold scrolling for evaluations of every!).

What’s a recumbent train bike?

Not like conventional train bikes that place the rider upright, recumbent train bikes have a reclined seat that lets you sit comfortably whereas pedaling. This place offers you with a sturdy base and frees your joints from the frequent pressures and strains that usually end result from operating, strolling, and different upright exercises. Because of this, recumbent train bikes are the popular residence exercise gear for these with knee, again, and hip points. They’re additionally nice for seniors and people with restricted mobility, providing steadiness and simple on-and-off accessibility.

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What are the perfect recumbent bikes for residence use? 

When you have the area, recumbent train bikes are a good way to get a exercise whereas watching TV, studying, or scrolling by way of Amazon in your telephone. For those who plan on conserving busy throughout your exercise, you’ll need to search for quiet recumbent train bikes that boast magnetic resistance (just like the Health Actuality R4000 Recumbent Train Bike with Exercise Aim Setting Laptop) and that received’t intervene together with your favourite TV present.

If your property is on the small aspect, don’t sweat! There are many foldable recumbent train bikes (like this Stamina Recumbent Train Bike with Higher Physique Exerciser) that may open and collapse with the push of a button. Many are additionally light-weight and have wheels, so you’ll be able to simply roll them away for storage with out throwing out your again. Sturdier train bikes can be found as effectively, and may face up to larger weight capacities (Vanswe Recumbent Train Bike, $239.99).

If you’d like the choice to train upright (or reside with somebody who prefers a standard bike), 2-in-1 train bikes (Lanos 2-in-1 Upright and Recumbent Foldable Train Bike) present the perfect of each worlds, changing from an ordinary stationary bike to a recumbent with reclined seating with only a few changes — or from a recumbent to a rowing machine (Stamina Conversion II Recumbent Bike/Rower).

Are you able to get a great exercise with a recumbent bike?

With the appropriate interval workout routines and resistance settings, recumbent bikes can present an efficient, low-impact cardio exercise that may even result in weight reduction. Most fashions have a number of resistance ranges you could simply regulate, which means you’re in a position to intensify your exercise as your power will increase. Some recumbent bikes even have resistance bands that tone your arms when you trip (like this one!).

For those who go for a recumbent bike with included exercises (this one has 25 exercises for each stage constructed proper into the machine!), you’ll be able to customise every trip to assist attain your health objectives. You can too discover pages of free recumbent bike exercises on Youtube, like this 10-minute exercise from Coach Kim of Vive Well being:

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Greatest Recumbent Train Bikes

Greatest 2-in-1 Recumbent and Upright Train Bike

37% off!

Purchase from Amazon, $169.99 (was $269.99)

Why we prefer it:

  • Can be utilized as a recumbent or upright train bike
  • 10-level adjustable magnetic resistance
  • Foldable!
  • 3,400+ 5-star Amazon evaluations

If you’d like the choice of sitting upright or reclined — or are torn between shopping for an ordinary train bike and a recumbent — the Lanos 2-in-1 is the right combo bike for you. It effortlessly transitions between the 2 positions, and even folds to be as compact as potential when not in use. The big LCD display screen shows your distance, pace, time, energy, and coronary heart price pulse, and 10 ranges of resistance assist you to customise your exercise as you advance. The seat is definitely adjustable for various heights and leg lengths, too.

Joyful buyer: “I’m SO GLAD I purchased this bike! It has a recumbent characteristic which I actually wished. It’s sturdy. It has 10 settings of resistance, I began off at 5. That appears to be the setting I’ll use for some time, as I’ve knee points. It has a pleasant again brace to carry you comfortably in place as you pedal. There are two handles by the seat to carry onto. There’s a display screen in entrance with pace, time, distance, energy and pulse. This bike might have been offered for twice as a lot and it wouldn’t be an excessive amount of. I’m very blissful I purchased it!”

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Greatest total recumbent train bike

Purchase from Walmart, $649

Why we prefer it:

  • 25 ranges of resistance for a variety of exercise depth choices
  • Enhanced bluetooth and entry to the Discover the World app
  • Console consists of 29 exercise packages and visibility to exercise metrics

One of many hottest options of this train bike is the flexibility to not solely use the monitor to document your distance, time, and pace, however to bike wherever. That’s proper, you’ll be able to simulate a motorcycle trip by way of lovely, unique locations all over the world with only a few faucets on the LCD display screen. You can too be a part of digital lessons, begin a pre-programmed exercise (there are 26 to select from!), and even “bike” with others. Add that to a whopping 25 resistance ranges and all of the bells and whistles of a well-built recumbent train bike (extensive, soft seat, adjustable controls, ergonomically positioned grips that monitor your coronary heart price, and so forth.), and you’ve got our choose for the perfect total recumbent train bike.

Joyful buyer: “I’ve been going to rehab for an damage and utilizing the recumbent bike there. After a lot on-line looking out and debating, I selected this mannequin for the various options and the affordability. It arrived rapidly, was tremendous straightforward to arrange, and is very easy to make use of. It solely took a couple of minutes to learn to begin utilizing this bike and getting in my first “trip.” It was clearly a lot enjoyable that my 8-year-old couldn’t await his flip! My total household makes use of this bike, particularly on wet days, when it’s way more pleasing to be indoors. I might positively advocate.”

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Greatest business recumbent train bike

best recumbent exercise bikes
Sole

Purchase from Sole, $1,599.99

Why we prefer it:

  • 30 lb. flywheel offers the right quiet, clean trip
  • Heavy responsibility metal body
  • 40 completely different ranges of resistance to problem folks of all health talents
  • Lifetime guarantee on body

Recumbent train bikes are standard at gyms and bodily therapists’ workplaces. They’re typically really useful by docs of sufferers recovering from knee and hip substitute surgical procedures, and there’s a cause for that — they supply a low-impact, therapeutic cardio exercise. Of all of the recumbent train bikes on this story, the Sole LCR Recumbent Bike is essentially the most gym-quality of all of them. Made with a heavy responsibility metal body, it could maintain weights as much as 350 kilos. There are 40 resistance ranges — the best of any bike reviewed right here — and magnetic resistance permits for straightforward transitioning between all of them. Adjustable seating and foot pedals present ergonomic positioning, and can assist your again ache (not make it worse!). The LCD display screen syncs with most health apps, so you’ll be able to admire your progress whereas having your morning espresso.

Greatest recumbent train bike with arm exercisers

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best recumbent exercise bikes
Amazon

10% off!

Purchase from Amazon, $349 (was $389)

Why we prefer it:

  • Movable handlebars
  • 8 ranges of resistance
  • Simply adjustable seat
  • 1,500 5-star evaluations

This recumbent train bike is an Amazon best-seller — and has among the finest evaluations! Not like most train bikes, this one has arm exercisers that provide you with a complete physique exercise as you pedal. Pulse sensors monitor your coronary heart price, and the digital monitor shows your outcomes and progress. A step-through design allows you to hop on and off with out dropping your steadiness, and an adjustable, cushioned seat offers you simply the appropriate place for a pressure-free exercise.

Joyful buyer: “Received this to assist my mid-80 yr outdated grandparents… they completely adore it! They are saying it’s just like the kind of bike they used within the bodily remedy periods on the hospital after my grandfather’s stroke. The seat works effectively for them… they’re neither skinny nor obese. The arms and ft motion assist them keep energetic with out placing a number of strain on their ft. My grandfather was utilizing a walker, so couldn’t train with all his weight on his legs, however he might do that! He has used it day-after-day for a couple of months to this point.”

Greatest folding recumbent train bike

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best recumbent exercise bikes
QVC

Purchase from Dick’s Sporting Good, $349.99

Why we prefer it:

  • Contains recumbent train bike and handbook
  • Eight ranges of quiet resistance
  • Health meter shows pace, time, distance, energy, RPM, and odometer; requires 2 AAA batteries, not included
  • Rotating handles for higher physique exercise

Most individuals shrink back from residence train bikes as a result of they are often clunky. This compact recumbent train bike is a QVC best-seller for its compactness and portability. It’s fully foldable to slot in nearly any measurement nook. Padded handles and a soft backrest make the trip as comfy as potential, and stationary handles on the seat permit for straightforward on and off. The cherry on prime is that the handles rotate for an higher physique exercise (for those who select).

Joyful buyer: “I hate to train, however I’m actually liking this bike! It’s a good measurement for each men and women, adjustable, has many additional options, and so forth. It’s straightforward to retailer away and transfer from room to room. I put it in entrance of my TV and pedal away! I like the truth that I don’t must be seen by everybody within the neighborhood and I can nonetheless train indoors, it doesn’t matter what the climate is exterior. Thanks for an ideal product!”

finest recumbent bike with rower

best recumbent exercise bikes (3)
QVC

Purchase from Amazon, $739

Why we prefer it:

  • 8 ranges of magnetic resistance
  • Constructed-in multifunction digital monitor
  • Hand pulse sensor constructed into grips
  • Foldable body

There are such a lot of methods to make use of this 2-in-1 recumbent train bike, because it doubles as a rowing machine. Each provide nice low-impact exercises, and you’ll transition between the 2 positions simply, because of wheels constructed into the sturdy body. You possibly can even stand and use the rower resistance bands for an arm-only exercise (pictured right here, middle). Oversize pedals have adjustable straps, and the digital monitor tracks your progress in time, distance, pace, and extra. The perfect half? It’s fully foldable!

Joyful buyer: “I purchased this not figuring out for certain if I used to be going to have the ability to use it. I’ve MS and arthritis in my backbone so whereas I must train, I didn’t know if I might actually row. I can!! This machine makes it straightforward to each trip a motorcycle at a snug incline of the seat and rowing seems to be even simpler for me. I simply love the liberty I really feel because it glides alongside… My husband has tried it and loves it too. So [many] completely different ranges — [we] can use the identical machine and each profit at our personal tempo.”

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Greatest recumbent train bike underneath $200

20% off!

Purchase from QVC, $184.17 (was $230.50)

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Why we prefer it:

  • Quick, dependable, and quiet magnetic resistance system with 8 ranges of resistance adjustment
  • Coronary heart price sensor places permit for pure hand positioning throughout exercises
  • Totally adjustable pedal straps and body assist you to management the space out of your seat to the pedals

Not solely is that this recumbent bike fairly, it will get the job accomplished with out hurting your knees, again, and hips. In truth, it might even be really useful that can assist you get well from damage. A heavy responsibility body holds as much as 220 kilos, and seat handles make it straightforward to steadiness whenever you’re hopping on and off. It’s surprisingly quiet, so you’ll be able to pedal away whereas watching TV or scrolling by way of your iPad. The LCD monitor is simple to learn and shows your progress in pace, distance, time, and coronary heart price, whereas the handles take your pulse as you trip. Simply regulate the body and your seat for essentially the most comfy, ergonomic place on your top.

Joyful buyer: “I noticed all of the evaluations on this bike and I’m so blissful I bought it! Sure it’s tremendous quiet and I can watch my television reveals, and earlier than I do know it I’ve biked for a half hour or extra! I might be having knee surgical procedure so wished to get one thing to assist with my bodily remedy and that is simply the perfect bike! Extremely advocate! I do know I adore it!”

Most quiet recumbent train bike

Purchase from Walmart, $171.43

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Why we prefer it:

  • 250 lbs weight capability
  • ‘Step Through’ design offers straightforward on and off the bike
  • ‘Quiet Drive’ belt system permits for noiseless and uninterrupted exercise periods
  • 3 pc purpose exercise settings of distance, time, and energy burned

Probably the greatest causes to train at house is that you are able to do different issues — watch TV, chat on the telephone with a buddy, browse the web — all with out the stressors of being surrounded by folks on the fitness center. This recumbent train bike allows you to benefit from the peace and quiet of residence. A Quiet Drive belt system ensures a noise-free exercise, and its built-in telephone and pill holder will safe your gadgets when you work out. It additionally has a “step-through” design for these with restricted mobility, and a backrest for soft decrease again assist.

Joyful buyer: “I get dizzy simply on treadmills and elliptical so I used to be advised to strive a recumbent bike. I actually benefit from the exercise and I don’t get dizzy on this, I’ve misplaced 8 lbs in 3 weeks since I’ve had it simply doing 1-3 miles a day. This bike is clean and doesn’t wobble or make bizarre noises whenever you go quick on it. It’s comfy to take a seat on and never too cumbersome to maintain in a principal room. I like that’s has the holder for a pill or telephone. I simply put an episode on of a present and am distracted sufficient to not get bored whereas I’m understanding. I def advocate this one.”

finest recumbent train bike underneath $200

best recumbent exercise bikes

Purchase from Amazon, $140.83

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Why we prefer it:

  • Simple to learn pc display screen
  • Snug balanced seat
  • Vast pedals
  • Simple on and off
  • 11,000+ 5-star evaluations

It’s not too good to be true – this bike actually is underneath $200 with greater than 11,000 five-star Amazon evaluations. That’s as a result of it’s greater than only a finances recumbent train bike, it’s prime quality, too! With a sturdy body and step-on, step-off design, it’s constructed particularly for seniors and people who have mobility points. It’s not flashy, nevertheless it does have the important options: extensive pedals, an easy-to-read pc display screen, digital progress monitoring, and a large, soft seat. You don’t have any excuse to not purchase it!

Joyful buyer: “Nice worth for a stationary bike. Simple to assemble. I’m a 61 yr outdated, 5 ft. tall, 120 lb grandma and managed it alone. Needed to regulate to final notch attributable to brief stature… The standard is nice for the worth, sturdy, a little bit heavy, seat is roomy, again relaxation is supportive, arm rests assist stabilize whereas pedaling and provides a great place to relaxation arms. Snug to take a seat and browse or watch TV whereas exercising, making time go in a short time. Doesn’t really feel like you’re torturing your self exercising. Simply raised my coronary heart price on the decrease stress settings. Seems to be made of fine high quality supplies, not overly cumbersome wanting, in a position to depart in dwelling space with out cramping my area. Laptop readouts good to maintain monitor of progress. All of the elements match effectively collectively, no issues with meeting. Did use one other instrument to tighten the screws, though instruments wanted for meeting are supplied. Would advocate this bike.”

Greatest recumbent train bike for a Complete Physique Exercise

best recumbent exercise bikes
QVC

Purchase from QVC, $849

Why we prefer it:

  • Rotating handlebars with pulse sensors
  • Ergonomic padded seat
  • Giant foot pedals with straps

The arm exercisers on this recumbent bike are nearer to the physique than on different fashions, offering a total-body exercise with out taking over a lot area. Giant foot pedals are straightforward to grip, and an ergonomic, cushioned seat adjusts on your leg size and luxury. Pulse sensors hold monitor of your coronary heart price, and a straightforward to make use of monitor shows your pace, energy burned, distance, exercise time, and coronary heart price.

Joyful buyer: “Have had this bike for a few month now and completely adore it! I’ve MS and am utilizing this bike for my day by day train routine to assist each loosen up and strengthen my legs and arms. This bike could be very prime quality and really sturdy. I can regulate the stress to match my wants. I train my legs with the pedals first, then my arms with the handles so I get the good thing about the stress adjustment for each! I couldn’t be happier with my buy! And it took us about three hours to place the bike collectively. The directions are very straightforward to comply with, however you want two folks to do it.”

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finest recumbent bike desk

best recumbent exercise bikes
QVC

Purchase from Walmart, $179.29

Why we prefer it:

  • Adjustable desktop for mount and standing place; pill holder, laptop computer strap, and cup holder
  • Foot launch strikes desk to standing place
  • Wheels for mobility, folds for storage

For those who do business from home and end up not hitting your day by day step objectives, this recumbent bike/desk combo will get you shifting with out disturbing your work. It has all of the bells and whistles of a best-selling recumbent train bike – adjustable seat, stress adjustment, and an digital monitor to trace your progress — but in addition has a desktop, cup holder, and laptop computer strap. You possibly can even take a break from pedaling and use it as a standing desk. The cherry on prime? It folds up whenever you need to put your work away for the night time!

Joyful buyer: “After sitting at a desk at a house workplace, this was precisely what I wanted. I actually like that I’m standing as a substitute of sitting all day. Once I do sit down, I exploit the bicycle, since my ft are on the pedals and I begin pedaling with out actually excited about it. I really feel so significantly better than once I was sitting at a desk all day.”

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Most comfy recumbent train bike

best recumbent exercise bikes

21% off!

Purchase from Amazon, $284.99 (was $369.99) – Save $30 with coupon on Amazon!

Why we prefer it:

  • Thick again seat
  • Transport wheel for portability
  • Multi-function LCD show and coronary heart price monitor handrail

The soft seat on this recumbent train bike will make your exercise a pleasure. Constructed atop a heavy-duty body, the padded seat adjusts to suit your top, so you’ll find essentially the most comfy place on your physique. Eight ranges of clean magnetic resistance assist you to create your personal exercise on the tempo that works for you. Whenever you’re accomplished understanding, simply wheel it away for storage. It has different enjoyable options, too: a multi-function LCD display screen, coronary heart monitor, and even a holder on your pill, telephone, and water bottle.

Joyful buyer: I’m a 66- year-old lady with RA and a crappy knee, and this bike is superior! That is my first recumbent bike, and it’s great to take a seat comfortably and peddle away watching TV to hopefully eliminate the 30 kilos I nonetheless must lose.”

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Greatest recumbent train bike with equipment

Best Upright Exercise Bikes for Weight Loss of 2022
Amazon

Purchase from Amazon, $199.99 – Save $30 with a coupon on Amazon!

Why we prefer it:

  • Comes with dumbbells
  • Contains resistance bands
  • Thick body and huge backseat

Discuss a full physique exercise! The Folding Magnetic Train Bike from Pooboo is a mini fitness center. It not solely features a set of light-weight dumbbells, however comes with rope bands that can be utilized whereas driving or positioned behind the bike. Performing cardio has been proven to be efficient at decreasing physique mass, however research have additionally proven that resistance coaching can battle weight problems as effectively. This bike presents a solution to do each that’s environment friendly and area saving. It features a backseat, and includes a thick x-frame to assist your weight whether or not you lean ahead or trip straight. You’ll love pulling out this three-in-one bike usually.

Joyful buyer: After a lot analysis I made a decision on this bike. I’m not hardcore into biking, so I didn’t want something fancy. This bike is ideal! It arrived on time and was tremendous straightforward to place collectively. The seat is extensive, making it tremendous comfy, and the bike is quiet. I might positively advocate to anybody trying to get in a stable exercise. Plus, when you’re accomplished it simply folds, taking over [little space]. Nice purchase!

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Health

Health, happiness and helping others are vital parts of free and responsible society, Founding Fathers taught

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Health, happiness and helping others are vital parts of free and responsible society, Founding Fathers taught

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It’s well known that Ben Franklin was a morning person. In his “Poor Richard’s Almanac,” he famously said, “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” 

But what did Ben Franklin do when he got up early? What was his morning ritual? 

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That is less well known. In his autobiography, Ben Franklin wrote that the first thing he did when he woke up each day was to ask himself the following question: “What good shall I do this day?” (See the video at the top of this article.) 

CAKE AND DEMOCRACY ARE A ‘SWEET’ COMBINATION, SAYS BESTSELLING AUTHOR: ‘FREEDOM IS A TREAT’ 

I love Ben Franklin’s ritual. 

For most of my adult life, my default morning thoughts included questions such as, “What annoying tasks do I have to do this day?” and “What terrible things have happened in the world that I’ll read about when I open my laptop?” 

A.J. Jacobs, a New York City-based bestselling author (shown at right), spent a year “living” the Constitution — which included getting closer to the lives of America’s Founding Fathers. Shown at left Ben Franklin.  (iStock; A.J. Jacobs)

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Nowadays, I try instead to do what Ben Franklin advises: I ask myself, “What good can I do today?” 

Written on a piece of paper, it now hangs over my desk as a reminder. 

This new habit is the result of the year I spent recently trying to live like the Founding Fathers. I wrote about the wisdom I learned in my new book, “The Year of Living Constitutionally.”

“The Founders’ idea of virtue meant public-mindedness. A virtuous person puts the interests of others before their own interests.”

As Franklin’s morning ritual implies, the Founders were obsessed with the idea of virtue. 

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Nowadays, the word “virtue” has a bit of a cringey and fusty ring to it.

MAKING STUFF BY HAND TAPS INTO THE GREAT TRADITION OF AMERICAN INDIVIDUALISM

I hear the word most often used in the phrase “virtue signaling,” which is not a compliment. 

“Virtue signaling” refers to someone who is ostentatiously trying to show off how righteous they are by, for instance, loudly asking a waiter about the living conditions of the bees that produced the honey for their oatmeal.

A.J. Jacobs used a quill and ink well to write most of his book

“The Founders’ idea of virtue meant public-mindedness,” said Jacobs. “A virtuous person puts the interests of others before their own interests. A virtuous person focuses on those two key words in the Constitution’s preamble: ‘General Welfare.’” (A.J. Jacobs; iStock)

In the Founders’ era, the word virtue had no such mixed connotations. 

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Virtue was a cherished ideal. In his book “First Principles,” Thomas E. Ricks writes that the Founders used the word virtue about 6,000 times in the collected writings from the Revolutionary era. 

That’s more often than the word “freedom.” 

“I almost wish the Constitution had a Bill of Responsibilities.”

The Founders’ idea of virtue meant public-mindedness. A virtuous person puts the interests of others before their own interests. A virtuous person focuses on those two key words in the Constitution’s preamble: “General Welfare.”

IN AN ELECTION YEAR, AMERICANS NEED FEWER HOT TAKES AND MORE COOL-HEADED REASONING

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I think we’re due for a resurgence of virtue. I know I could use more of it. 

As a rule, I’m too focused on my individual rights. Rights are wonderful, and I’m grateful that I live in a country that puts an emphasis on individual rights. But rights come with responsibilities. 

I almost wish the Constitution had a Bill of Responsibilities. 

AJ Jacobs with family and sharpening quill split

A.J. Jacobs, pictured at left with members of his family, “lived” the Constitution for a year — which included sharpening his own quill pen, at right, and growing closer to the meaning and intent of the Founding Fathers.  (A.J. Jacobs)

The idea of public responsibility, I believe, was more ingrained in the 18th century and didn’t need to be spelled out. You were expected to sacrifice for your community.

If there was a fire, you were expected to be part of the bucket brigade, helping to save your neighbor’s house. If you were a man, you were expected to be a part of your local militia. 

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 “If I’m depressed, I find the best thing to do is to help others. It gets me out of my head.”

When my wife and kids and I wrote a Constitution for our family — an exercise I fully recommend — we included a Bill of Rights, but also a Bill of Responsibilities. 

WHY AMERICANS NEED MORE FACE-TO-FACE CIVIL DISCUSSIONS ‘WITH FOLKS OUTSIDE THEIR OWN BUBBLE’ 

It’s not about being saintly. 

Service actually wasn’t opposed to happiness. It was integral to it. 

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election cakes in New York

Jacobs is shown with an “Election Cake” offering as part of his “Year of Living Constitutionally,” the title of his most recent book. He writes that service to others “wasn’t opposed to happiness. It was integral to it.” (A.J. Jacobs)

As Jeffrey Rosen, president of the National Constitution Center, has said, “Happiness wasn’t about feeling good. It was about doing good.” 

I find this observation to be true in my own life. If I’m depressed, I find the best thing to do is to help others. It gets me out of my head.

A.J. Jacobs and wife in regalia coat and outfit

Jacobs, pictured here with his wife, spent a year living “constitutionally” — and wrote about it in his new book.  (A.J. Jacobs)

That piece of paper over my desk serves as a moral North Star and helps tamp down my Larry David side. 

When I start to get angry about something silly — such as my Instagram post didn’t get enough likes — I can look at the phrase and get a reality check. 

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It reminds me of the big picture.

“The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution’s Original Meaning” by A.J. Jacobs (2024) is published by Crown.

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Health

Ultra-processed foods have these repercussions on children's health, nutritionist warns

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Ultra-processed foods have these repercussions on children's health, nutritionist warns

Super-processed, packaged foods have become prevalent in U.S. diets — and experts are warning of the potential effects.

Recent research has shown that 60% of Americans’ daily caloric intake comes from ultra-processed foods (UPFs).

A study published by the BMJ revealed that exposure to UPFs was associated with 32 poor health outcomes, including mental, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and metabolic complications.

THESE 6 ‘HEALTHY’ FOODS WON’T HELP YOU LOST WEIGHT, NUTRITIONIST WARNS

Some of the linked conditions include cancer, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.

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While America’s diet is 60% ultra-processed overall, registered dietitian nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein warned that consumption among American kids is even higher than that.

Nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein says that more than 70% of American kids’ diets consist of processed foods. (iStock)

“With children, it’s actually over 70%,” the Los Angeles-based expert told Fox News Digital. “That is really wild when you think about it.”

“What we eat defines how our cells work, how our organs work, and we’re seeing a strong decline in mental health and well-being.”

Muhlstein explained that people are not consuming the vitamins, minerals or healthy fat sources as previous generations.

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LEAN, MEAN PROTEIN: HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU BE EATING? NUTRITIONIST REVEALS ANSWERS

Instead, today’s kids are ingesting “plenty of fat” that comes from ultra-processed seed oils, fried foods and sugary foods, she said.

“We’re actually seeing that this next generation might be the first generation to … have a shorter lifespan than their parents due to nutrition and lifestyle factors,” Muhlstein said.

processed snacks

Studies have shown that consuming ultra-processed foods is associated with 32 poor health outcomes. (iStock)

Studies have shown that providing children with a nutritious diet improves their mental well-being, behavior and academic achievement, noted Muhlstein, who teaches a kids’ nutrition course called “Raising Balanced Eaters.”

The goal isn’t necessarily to get to 0% ultra-processed foods, Muhlstein noted, as that would likely be unrealistic.

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2 SURPRISING FOODS FOR FALL THAT ARE DELICIOUS, HEALTHY AND EASY TO PREPARE

“But right now, if we’re seeing that kids are eating about 70% ultra-processed foods and only 30% of their calories are coming from whole foods, the goal would be to reverse that.”

The nutritionist encouraged parents to follow the “80/20 rule” when feeding their kids, which would include 80% of whole foods like eggs, fish, meat, fruits and vegetables, and 20% of not-so-nutritious foods like chips, cookies and ice cream.

Healthier alternatives for kids

Muhlstein listed a few alternatives for ultra-processed foods that are popular with kids.

This includes using marinara sauce instead of ketchup on foods like chicken nuggets and French fries.

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“[Marinara] has fewer ingredients [and is] much lower in sugar,” she said. “You actually see chunks of tomato, some basil, maybe it’s made with some olive oil or another healthy oil and some salt.”

french fries and chicken fingers with ketchup

Substituting ketchup with marinara sauce is a simple way to transition kids away from an ultra-processed diet. (iStock)

“It’s still creamy, it’s still red, it’s still tasty, and it’s one step closer to less processing.”

For popular processed foods like chicken nuggets, which have been “all blended up and mechanically separated,” Muhlstein suggested switching to chicken strips and gradually moving toward baked rather than fried.

Even at a barbecue, the expert recommended the simple, healthier decision of choosing a hamburger over a hot dog.

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“Hot dogs are usually made with nitrites and nitrates,” she cautioned. “We actually have incredible research to show that they increase the risk of certain cancers.”

“When you can go from a hot dog to a hamburger, that’s usually just ground beef … with some seasoning,” the expert went on. “It’s already a nice step in the right direction of less processing overall.”

family preparing burgers on the grill

When feeding kids, a hamburger is a healthier choice than a hot dog, the nutritionist said. (iStock)

Muhlstein encouraged parents to take these transitions “one step at a time” and to “be really joyful” about the experience to boost their child’s attitude.

Failing to address a child’s eating habits and assuming they might “grow out of it” could cause long-term consequences, she warned.

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“If you’re not exposing your kids to flavors and textures beyond chicken nuggets, sugary yogurts, French fries, hot dogs and pizza, it’s very unlikely that they are going to establish a better palate and a healthier relationship with food moving forward.”

family using a shopping cart while buying groceries at the supermarket

The nutritionist encouraged parents to follow the “80/20 rule” — 80% of whole foods like eggs, fish, meat, fruits and vegetables, and 20% of processed foods like chips, cookies and ice cream. (iStock)

The expert recommended sitting down for family meals, noting that it’s one of the most “well-researched” ways to reduce eating disorders.

This includes turning off the TV and electronics during dinner, she said, as studies show TV-watching during meals leads to higher consumption of UPFs.

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“Only three to five family meals a week can lower a person’s risk for eating disorders,” she said. “It’s [proven] to bring a healthy, positive relationship around food, especially if you can make the conversations lighthearted … keep it somewhat positive.”

“It’s a great way for the family to connect, for the kids to see their parents eat a wholesome meal, and for everyone to return to more meals and less mindless snacking.”

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'How much sleep is too much?': Ask a doctor

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'How much sleep is too much?': Ask a doctor

Sleep is known to have amazing health benefits – but how much shuteye is too much?

The answer isn’t so straightforward, Dr. Chris Winter, a Virginia-based neurologist and sleep medicine specialist with Mattress Firm, told Fox News Digital.

“This is to some degree an impossible question to answer,” he wrote. 

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As with food and other lifestyle factors, Winter explained that the ideal amount of sleep is a “dynamic range.”

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Sleep durations exceeding 11 to 12 hours might prompt concern, the expert said. (iStock)

“What is too much food for me might be an amazingly inadequate amount for an Olympic swimmer,” he said as an example.

For the average adult, sleep durations exceeding 11 to 12 hours would be considered “too much” and would start “prompting questions about sleep quality and sleep consistency,” Winter said.

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While getting too little sleep can cause many negative effects, an excess of slumber can pose risks like sleep inertia, which is the feeling of grogginess that occurs after sleeping in for too long.

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The sleep specialist recommended catching up on sleep when there’s been a deficit. (iStock )

“For many individuals, it’s less about ‘too much sleep’ and more about compensatory sleep,” he said. 

“In other words, you got inadequate sleep during the week and are trying to ‘make up’ for the lost sleep on the weekend.”

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Sleeping too much on a regular basis is more a reflection of “inadequate sleep quality” overall, Winter said.

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Even so, the expert recommends catching up on sleep when there’s been a deficit.

“Studies have shown that if you pay that sleep debt back quickly, it probably keeps the deficit from impacting your health,” he said.

Senior couple sleeping

Sleeping too much on a regular basis is more a reflection of “inadequate sleep quality” overall, the sleep doctor said. (iStock)

“While it should never be Plan A, making up lost sleep via napping or sleeping in, when possible, can be a good fallback plan.”

Although some studies have suggested negative health outcomes from both inadequate and excessive sleep, Winter emphasized that it’s better to get too much sleep than not enough.

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“Trying to create consistency in sleep is important, too,” he said. 

“Sleeping a different seven hours every night is not nearly as healthy as sticking to the same seven hours night after night.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night.

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