As a former dedicated Pilates-goer, my routine has definitely shifted over the past couple of years. While I still love Pilates, I now prioritize weight training. The strength, power—and let’s not forget the endless health benefits—are hard to beat. And today, I’m sharing one more science-backed benefit that might surprise you. Keep reading to find out!
What’s your favorite form of movement? A long walk plus strength training are my go-tos. Respond to this email and let me know!
—Ava Durgin, assistant health editor
Want to keep your brain sharp? Grab some weights
A new study just gave us another reason to hit the gym: lifting weights may help slow brain aging—especially for older adults at risk of dementia.¹ Researchers followed adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that often precedes Alzheimer’s. After six months, the results were remarkable.
Participants who strength trained twice a week for 24 weeks improved their memory, specifically verbal episodic memory.
MRI scans showed protection against brain shrinkage in the right hippocampus and precuneus (areas linked to Alzheimer’s).
White matter integrity (a measure of neuron health)improved in the training group and declined in the control group.
Some participants improved so significantly, they no longer met the criteria for MCI by the end of the study.
Twice a week is all it takes to build brain-protective habits. Think of it as a workout for your body and your brain.
Midi Health is a virtual care clinic specializing in women’s midlife health for those 35+. Their experts can help youaddress common perimenopause and menopause symptoms with effective, well-rounded personalized care plans.
And they make it so easy:
✅Covered by insurance
✅Available in all 50 states
✅No membership fees
✅Accessible virtual visits
✅Prescriptions and holistic solutions
✅Get started in minutes
The result? 91% of women report symptom relief within 60 days. Connect with one of their trained clinicians and get yourpersonalized care plan today.
Research suggests that 70% of physicians receive no formal training in menopause management.⁵ At Midi, their clinicians bring 5+ years of experience, complete 75+ hours of specialized perimenopause and menopause training, and stay up to date on the latest research.
We love a good summer BBQ, but not the flimsy paper plates that come with it. Not only do most disposable paper and plastic options end up in landfills, but they can also leach chemicals into your food, especially when used with hot meals.
That’s why we’re obsessed with The Outdoor Core Set from Year & Day. Made from natural, plant-based materials, these plates and bowls are plastic-free and safe for the microwave and dishwasher. The set includes 16 elegant, coupe-style pieces—everything you need for outdoor dinners (or as a kid-friendly option) that feel a little more elevated, and a lot more sustainable.
That’s it for the long game—thanks for playing. Have a great week ahead!
Just a heads-up: Everything in this newsletter is for general info only—not medical advice. We always recommend checking in with a healthcare professional before making any health decisions. Our product picks and reviews reflect our editors’ opinions unless we say otherwise. We sometimes link to other sites, but we’re not responsible for their content.
*These statements haven’t been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
