Here’s a cool stat. Up to 30 percent of runners began running at the start of the pandemic. That stat is just one of many drummed up by Raziq Rauf in his new book, This Is Running. Published by Rizzoli New York, the book serves as both a celebration of the sport and an exploration of the role it’s playing in our culture. If you get paywalled out of this excerpt from Men’s Health, you can get a quick rundown of the book here.
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Fitness
A Massive Study Just Made the Case for Strength Training and Mental Health
Sven Mieke/Unsplash
Heavy Lifting: Exercise has long been linked to better mental health. But a large-scale study is adding specificity to that picture — and the finding may have us gripping tighter to strength regimens.
The Study: Researchers used a genetic analysis method called Mendelian randomization to look at data from more than 341,000 adults ages 37 to 73 in the UK Biobank database. They examined genetic variants tied to cardiorespiratory fitness and grip strength, then cross-referenced those with hospital records and depression questionnaires. They found that for every 0.1 kg increase in grip strength relative to body weight, participants were 14% less likely to have depression — particularly so for women.And surprisingly, there was no significant link between higher cardio fitness and lower risk of depression.
The Takeaway: If you run or cycle for your mental health, this research suggests adding resistance training could offer another layer of protection. Especially if you’re a woman.
Keep in Mind: Though this genetic analysis is stronger than an observational study, it still can’t prove that building muscle prevents depression as there are likely outside factors at play. But with 341,000+ participants, the findings are hard to ignore.
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Sleep & Recovery
Does KT Tape Really Work? Researchers Have Questions.
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You Should Know: Kinesiology tape — that stretchy tape you often see plastered on the knees or shoulders of athletes — is supposed to gently lift the skin to reduce pressure and improve circulation, giving your muscles better feedback during movement. Lots of people swear by it for everything from nagging knee pain to post-workout soreness. But new research published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine is questioning its effectiveness.
Going Deeper: Researchers analyzed 128 systematic reviews covering more than 15,000 participants and found no strong evidence that KT tape supports long-term recovery or meaningful physical improvement. There may be some short-term relief right after application, but it fades quickly. It's worth noting, however, that the study grouped all body parts and taping techniques together, which may have muddied the results.
Takeaway: KT tape probably isn't the recovery tool it's been marketed as, but it's not entirely useless. Paired with actual rehab, it may help you stay comfortable enough to keep moving.
Bottom Line: A real injury needs a real treatment plan, but KT tape can play a supporting role in that.
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Personal Development
How to Be Less Defensive
Midjourney
D!-FENCE!: Who among us enjoys having their mistakes pointed out? Correct: No one. It’s natural for us to take a defensive position when we’re being challenged. We might feel hurt, embarrassed, or even fearful. The problem is, defensiveness isn’t productive for either party and can often make things worse. But there are some concrete ways you can work to turn down your knee-jerk defensiveness and respond more productively and less emotionally.
The Upside Of Letting Down Your Defenses: Being defensive when we feel like we’re being criticized or judged can shut down our ability to listen and have open communication. When we’re consumed with our own feelings, we don’t really hear the other person, which can cause fissures in relationships. That self-protection can override our inner filter, resulting in us blurting out something we might regret.
How to Do It: Defensiveness happens practically automatically, but pausing before reacting is important. This allows us to fully hear and process what the other person is saying before responding. Approach the conversation from a place of curiosity and open-mindedness: Is any part of what they’re saying accurate? Why are they saying it? Most likely, they’re pointing out a behavior or a belief — not criticizing you entirely — for a desire for a better outcome.
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Quick Picks
Strength Test — How many push-ups should you be able to do based on your age?
That Time of Year — Here are 4 ways to tell if you have a cold or just allergies.
Leaving Money Behind? — Most seniors ignore these 10 little-known benefits. Here’s how to claim yours.*
This: Resistance Bands Not That: Endless Light Dumbbell Reps
Tiny dumbbells and endless repetitions can turn workouts into glorified arm flapping. Resistance bands, on the other hand, provide variable tension that challenges muscles through a full range of motion. They’re portable, inexpensive, and surprisingly effective for building strength and joint stability.
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What We're Cooking
Kachumber Salad
Courtesy: Simply Recipes
Serves: 4 | Cook Time: 25 minutes
This Indian chopped salad highlights cucumber, tomato, and onion, all tossed in a bright lime-and-salt dressing. Letting the onions marinate in lime juice softens their bite while adding a subtle pickled flavor, and a serrano pepper brings a gentle heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, along with spices like cumin and chaat masala, pack this dish with depth and complexity. The best part is that the flavors continue to develop as it sits, making it the perfect option for easy meal prep.
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It’s a simple shift: less heaviness, more presence — and a social experience that still feels like a treat.
Thank you for supporting our sponsors! They help us keep All Healthy free.
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HEALTHY HABIT
Sunset Check-In
Step outside briefly at sunset or dusk. The shift in light signals your body that the day is winding down. Even a minute of evening light can reinforce your circadian rhythm and make the transition into nighttime feel more natural.
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Final Thought
Money is the most envied, but the least enjoyed. Health is the most enjoyed, but the least envied.”
