9 Exercises to Boost Your Brain and Body

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to overlook the profound impact exercise has on our mental well-being. Yet, this intersection—where physical exertion meets mental clarity—is paving the path to a healthier mind. Let’s dive into how breaking a sweat not only chisels your body but sharpens your brain.

Cardiovascular Workouts: Rev Up Your Brain

When you engage in activities like running or cycling, your heart pounds with purpose. This rhythm does more than burn calories—it sends a surge of oxygen and nutrients rushing to your brain, awakening your cognitive prowess. Each stride or pedal stroke is a step toward mental acuity.

Stretching and Flexibility: Unwind Your Mind

Delving into yoga or deep stretching sessions doesn’t just limber up your body—it stretches your mind into a tranquil state. As muscles lengthen and tension releases, so does stress, leaving a path for mental clarity and peace. It’s not just flexibility; it’s serenity.

Strength Training: Build Your Mental Muscle

Lifting weights? You’re lifting more than iron. The endorphins released during strength training build your mental fortress, bolstering mood and sharpening your focus. The gym isn’t just a place for physical gains—it’s a wellspring of mental strength.

Group Sports: Team Up for Mental Health

In sports like basketball or soccer, camaraderie takes center stage. The teamwork fostered in these environments doesn’t just strengthen your social fabric; it boosts cognitive function and emotional resilience. With every pass and play, you’re reinforcing a network of support and mental fortitude.

Mindful Movement: Walking with Purpose

Even a brisk walk can transform how you see the world around you. Each step becomes a meditation, reducing anxiety, invigorating creativity, and enhancing your memory. With purpose in your stride, you open the door to a brighter mental state.

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): Burst of Brilliance

Short bursts of intensity—these workouts make your blood pulse with vigor. They flood your brain with endorphins and growth factors, nurturing neural health. It’s not just about the sweat; it’s about the mental high that follows.

Dance Classes: Step into Mental Vitality

With each dance routine, you’re not only commanding your body to move; you’re engaging your brain in a symphony of coordination and memory exercises. It’s a fun, effective way to keep your mind sharp and your spirits high.

Outdoor Activities: Nature’s Prescription

Hiking, kayaking—these outdoor adventures do more than challenge your body. They immerse you in nature’s boundless calm, reducing stress and supercharging your mood. It’s Mother Nature’s way of saying, “Take a deep breath and embrace tranquility.”

So there you have it—exercise is more than physical; it’s a cornerstone of mental health. Each activity is a stepping stone, not just to fitness but to a more resilient mind. So lace up those sneakers, grab that yoga mat, or hit that dance floor—your mind will thank you!

7 Ways Exercise Transforms Your Mental Health

How Exercise Boosts Mental Health: A Dynamic Duo

Picture yourself at the dawn of a new day—crisp morning air filling your lungs as you lace up your sneakers. You’re not just gearing up for a workout, but also setting the stage for mental clarity and emotional resilience. Exercise isn’t merely about physical fitness; it’s a formidable ally in the battle for mental well-being.

Release the Endorphins: Engage in Regular Cardiovascular Activity

Every stride you take, every pedal you push, releases a powerful wave of endorphins—nature’s way of lifting your spirits. Running, cycling, or even a brisk walk do more than just get the blood pumping—they transform your mood, offering a natural antidote to stress and anxiety.

Strengthen the Mind with the Body: Weight Training for Confidence

Feel the weight in your hands, the tension in your muscles, as you push through another rep. Weight training doesn’t just sculpt your physique—it builds mental toughness. The empowerment you gain from lifting challenges spills over into everyday life, giving you the confidence to face obstacles head-on.

Flexibility for Mental Flexibility: The Role of Yoga and Stretching

Stretch your body, stretch your mind—yoga and stretching are more than just physical exercises. They unlock tension held deep within and encourage relaxation, leaving you with mental clarity and a sense of calm amid life’s chaos.

Teamwork and Support: The Social Benefits of Group Sports

Join a team and suddenly, you’re not alone in your fitness journey—you’re part of a community. Group sports or fitness classes provide camaraderie and support, creating bonds that uplift and motivate beyond the playing field.

Mindful Movement: From Tai Chi to Dance

Engage in mindful movement, where every step and gesture matters—Tai Chi and dance encourage focus, offering a creative outlet for emotions. These practices turn physical movement into a meditative experience, balancing the body and mind.

Beyond the Gym: Outdoor Activities for a Fresh Perspective

Step outside and breathe in a new perspective. Outdoor activities like hiking or cycling not only challenge your body but rejuvenate your mind, providing a refreshing escape from the routine and a reminder of the world’s vastness and beauty.

Routine and Discipline: Establishing Workout Habits

Consistency is key—create a workout routine that grounds your day. Building discipline in exercise translates to mental discipline, establishing a foundation of stability and focus that supports mental health.

So lace up, step out, and embrace the holistic powerhouse of exercise—where physical strength and mental resilience converge for a healthier, more vibrant you.

Healthy Grab-and-Go: Revolutionize Your Mealtime!

In the whirlwind of daily life—where multitasking becomes a sport and time is an elusive luxury—feeding ourselves and our families often feels like a Herculean task. Enter the saviors of sanity: healthy, grab-and-go meal options that cater to the fast-paced yet health-conscious consumer.

Fast Yet Flavorful: Convenience Meets Nutrition

Picture this: It’s 7 a.m., the kids are restless, and the day already seems too short to accommodate breakfast. Yet, that doesn’t mean resorting to unfilling, high-calorie snacks. Enter the realm of pre-packaged wonders like ALDI’s Northern Catch tuna pouches—at just 85 cents each, these little powerhouses offer a burst of flavor and a protein punch, making them a staple in busy households.

Why Grab-and-Go is the Way to Go

We all know the struggle of balancing a nutritious diet with a demanding schedule. Grab-and-go options not only save time but also pack essential nutrients that keep us—and our loved ones—fueled throughout the day. With varieties like zesty lemon and herb garlic, meal prep turns into a simple, satisfying endeavor without sacrificing taste.

Sustainable Choices in a Fast-Paced World

Incorporating sustainable choices into our diet is more than a trend—it’s imperative for our planet’s health. Opting for products that are responsibly-sourced, like MSC-certified tuna pouches, aligns our personal well-being with broader environmental goals. When every purchase echoes our values, we cultivate a greater sense of connection between our meals and the world around us.

More Than Just a Meal: A Lifestyle Shift

Grabbing that pouch of protein isn’t just about convenience—it’s a statement of self-care amid chaos. By embracing efficiency, we’re not only feeding our bodies but also freeing up time to nourish our minds and spirits. It’s about transforming the mundane into an opportunity for joy and creativity, even in the smallest acts of daily life.

The Final Takeaway: Stock Up and Savor

These affordable, flavorful pouches are a testament to the fact that healthy eating need not be a laborious affair. As supermarket aisles evolve, so too must our approach to sustenance. So, gear up for your next shopping trip—because once these 85-cent wonders hit the shelves, they won’t last long. Grab a bunch and toast to the revolution of mealtime magnificence, no gourmet skills required.

Forge Champions: The Power of Extreme Training

Defying the Elements: Harnessing the Power of Extreme Weather Training

In the world of high-performance sports, where every second counts and every decision matters, athletes are constantly seeking that edge—something that will propel them beyond their current limits. As recent events like the Yukon Arctic Ultra have demonstrated, extreme weather isn’t just a challenge; it’s a crucible that can forge champions. But how can athletes effectively harness the power of these conditions to enhance their performance?

Weathering the Storm: Training in Extreme Conditions

Training in extreme weather isn’t just about survival—it’s about adaptation and transformation. The body’s physiological response to harsh conditions can lead to profound improvements in endurance and resilience. Take, for instance, the runners at the Yukon Arctic Ultra, who brave temperatures dipping to -40 degrees Celsius. Their bodies embark on a rigorous journey of energy transformation, where calories are torched and fat reserves become the primary fuel.

The Science Behind the Suffering

When the mercury drops, the body’s caloric demands skyrocket. Muscles are put under the microscope, revealing their capacity to thrive in adversity. Athletes like the Yukon Ultra competitors wear fitness monitors that silently track this metamorphosis, recording heart rates that beat like war drums and calorie counts that challenge the most stringent diets.

These conditions are not just trials; they’re teachers. Extreme weather training compels the body to adapt in ways standard conditions never could. It’s about more than just enduring—it’s about unleashing latent potential.

Practical Tips for Athletes

For those ready to gear up for extreme weather training, preparation is key. Start by gradually acclimating to the environment. Layer your clothing—strategically using thermal garments—to allow for flexibility as your body warms. Hydration is critical; cold can mask dehydration, so drink like you’re in the desert under the blazing sun.

And never overlook the psychological fortitude required. Mental resilience often separates the finishers from the rest—it’s the steely determination to push through when every instinct screams to stop.

Beyond the Horizon

The rise of global temperatures threatens the very foundation of winter sports, yet it also offers an unexpected boon—a training ground that breeds unmatched endurance. As athletes continue to harness these extreme conditions, they not only prepare themselves for competition but also pioneer new frontiers in human potential.

So, the next time the heavens unleash their icy fury, remember: it’s not an obstacle—it’s an opportunity to define what you’re truly capable of.

Sheffield Unites: March for Harvey Willgoose

Every community possesses a unique lifeline—the spirit of togetherness that pulses stronger in times of adversity. When tragedy strikes, such as in the heartbreaking loss of young Harvey Willgoose, it reveals a communal resilience that galvanizes change. As we witness the outpouring of support from those who marched through Sheffield, it’s clear: collective action is a formidable force against societal issues.

In the midst of despair, the community took the reins—transforming sorrow into a shared mission. With banners held high, chants echoing through streets, and hearts beating as one, Sheffield’s residents demonstrated an unyielding unity. This march wasn’t just a tribute; it was a statement. A stand against the scourge of youth violence and a call for action that echoes beyond city limits.

What can we learn from such powerful displays of community spirit? First, empathy drives action. When individuals connect over a shared cause, it fosters a powerful impetus for change. It’s this emotional bond that encourages participation, fuels advocacy, and, importantly, initiates discussions around difficult topics like knife crime.

Next, strength lies in numbers. The march for Harvey Willgoose wasn’t just about his memory—it became a platform to address broader challenges. By banding together, communities amplify their voices and hold greater sway in instigating change. Whether it’s lobbying for better policies or creating support networks, there’s undeniable power when people—unified in purpose—confront societal wrongs.

Finally, embracing proactive solutions solidifies the impact of collective action. Communities can move from reaction to prevention by educating youth, providing resources for at-risk individuals, and establishing forums for open dialogue. As the Sheffield march showed, creating awareness is just the beginning. Lasting change requires a strategic commitment to tackling root causes, reinforced by ongoing community engagement.

In a world often punctuated by division, the Sheffield community reminds us of the profound impact of coming together. Their march wasn’t just about grieving a tragic loss—it was a beacon of hope, signaling that, united, we can conquer even the toughest societal challenges. Let’s take a leaf from their book. Rally with your neighbors, speak out, mobilize. Because when communities unite, they not only heal—they transform.

Discover 6 Perks of Exercising in Nature

In a world where the walls of gyms often close in on us, there’s nothing like stepping outside and breathing in the fresh air to invigorate both body and mind. Outdoor workouts aren’t just a change of scenery—they’re a powerhouse of benefits waiting to be unlocked.

Let’s start with varied terrains. Treadmills have nothing on trails—embracing those uneven surfaces gears up a wider array of muscles and hones your balance. It’s like Mother Nature’s version of cross-training, and it keeps things fresh and exciting.

Then there’s the elemental factor. The wind in your hair and the sun on your back add an extra layer of resistance and challenge, turning every cardio session into a dynamic dance with the elements. Your lungs will expand, your heart rate will soar, and you’ll feel more alive than ever.

Nature also invites us to engage our senses. As you run through the park or along the beach, let the world around you stimulate every sense. The rustling leaves, the chirping birds, the earthy scent of the ground—all work more magic than you’d think in reducing stress and elevating your mood.

Feeling stuck in a rut with your workout? Diversify your routine by incorporating nature’s props into your sessions. Park benches aren’t just for sitting—get creative with tricep dips, and trees can become stations for incline push-ups. This versatility keeps your workout challenging and your interest piqued.

And don’t forget the sunshine—the ultimate source of Vitamin D. Soak it up while you lunge and leap, as this vital vitamin is key to bolstering your bones and boosting immune function. It’s as if nature hands you a health boost on a silver platter.

Lastly, outdoor workouts foster social connections. There’s something deeply motivating about joining a local boot camp or a running club—shared goals and camaraderie create a powerful sense of accountability. Together, you push, pull, and propel each other to new heights.

So lace up those shoes, grab a friend, and head out the door. The world is your gym—now it’s time to make the most of it.

Prince documentary featuring abuse claims cut by Netflix after estate deal

Prince documentary featuring abuse claims cut by Netflix after estate deal

Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY

February 7, 2025 at 2:48 PM

A contentious Prince documentary will no longer see the light of day.

The nine-hour, bombshell documentary was in development at Netflix for five years before the streamer reportedly pulled the plug in a deal with the superstar’s estate.

“The Prince Estate and Netflix have come to a mutual agreement that will allow the estate to develop and produce a new documentary featuring exclusive content from Prince’s archive,” the estate said in a statement released on social media Thursday. “As a result, the Netflix documentary will not be released.”

The film, from Oscar-winning director Ezra Edelman (“O.J.: Made in America”), includes first-hand testimony from multiple former lovers of Prince, who accused him of physical and emotional abuse, per New York Times Magazine, which reported to have seen the unreleased film.

USA TODAY has reached out to Netflix, Prince’s estate and Edelman for comment.

On Thursday, the estate released a video on social media, writing: “The Vault Has Been Freed.” The 30-second clip, set to his 2002 song “Free,” includes a Prince quote: “Despite everything, no one can dictate who you are to other people. The truth is, you are either here to enlighten or discourage.” “The vault” refers to Prince’s personal archives featuring unreleased footage and music.

The original Edelman film included musings on the “Purple Rain” singer’s artistry in between allegations of physical and emotional abuse, accounts of his own abusive childhood and his abandonment of his young wife Mayte Garcia after the couple lost their child, the Times reported.

In a previously shared statement to USA TODAY in September, Prince’s estate said it was “working to resolve matters concerning the documentary so that his story may be told in a way that is factually correct and does not mischaracterize or sensationalize his life.”

Prince accused of physical, emotional abuse in unreleased documentary, report says

The film reportedly included allegations of a physical altercation in which Prince repeatedly punched his ex-lover Jill Jones after an argument in 1984, and relayed allegations of the singer monitoring ex-girlfriend Susannah Melvoin’s calls and dissuading her from leaving their home after she moved in with him.

The documentary also featured Garcia, who said she met Prince when she was 16 and he was 35 before they became intimate when she was 19 and wed when she was 22. Garcia reportedly said after she became pregnant and lost their child, he became cold and distant, but she ultimately stopped short of criticizing him.

In addition to former lovers, the documentary reportedly also featured some of Prince’s former collaborators, including members of The Revolution, who recalled his occasionally controlling nature in their interactions with him. They said the “When Doves Cry” singer dismissed their demands for better pay and at one point asked band member Wendy Melvoin to disavow her homosexuality as a prerequisite for getting the group back together.

The Times Magazine’s September report said it conducted more than 20 interviews regarding the film, with deputy editor Sasha Weiss viewing the documentary in 2023 at a small, private screening in Brooklyn in which other figures, including Questlove, also viewed the film.

The Times reported at the time that when Edelman’s team held a screening for Prince’s estate, a lawyer representing the estate later presented the film crew with 17 pages of demanded changes. Edelman’s team made some adjustments, but pleasing the estate was reportedly unsuccessful.

The singer died in 2016 at his Minneapolis compound at age 57. Public data released six weeks after his death showed he died of an accidental fentanyl overdose.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Netflix axes Prince doc with abuse claims from Ezra Edelman

Pharrell Williams And Universal Pictures Cancel His Musical, ‘Golden’

After the animated Lego film Piece By Piece underperformed at the box office, Universal Pictures has pulled the plug on Pharrell Williams’ other musical movie based on his childhood in Virginia Beach. According to Variety, the project, which was retitled Golden after a name-change from Atlantis, “did not live up to its developed conceit,” and will be pulled from the studio’s release schedule. Directed by Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind), the film would have been released in theaters on May 5 and featured among its cast Halle Bailey, Quinta Brunson, Brian Tyree Henry, Janelle Monáe, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Anderson .Paak, and Jaboukie Young-White.

In a joint statement, Williams and Gondry told Variety, “When all of us got into the editing room, we collectively decided there wasn’t a path forward to tell the version of this story that we originally envisioned. We appreciate all the hard work of the talented cast and crew. While we’re disappointed we can’t deliver this film, we have incredible partners at Universal and will collaborate in a different capacity again soon.” The movie has reportedly cost the studio $20 million in sunk cost, but the studio will absorb the hit instead of releasing it.

In explaining the differences between Golden and Piece By Piece, Pharrell told Empire magazine in November, “Piece By Piece is about my life, whereas Golden is about a neighborhood that I grew up in. I’s a musical expedition set in the summer of 1977 in Virginia Beach. It’s a coming-of-age story about self-discovery and pursuing your dreams, but it’s so much more magical than that. It’s a celebration of Black life, Black culture, and most importantly, Black joy.”

While it’s somewhat disappointing we won’t get to see the completed vision, especially with such a dynamite cast, Pharrell still has other film projects in the works — and everybody already got paid. And hey, even if Piece By Piece bricked at the box office (sorry), it’s still in line to potentially win him an Oscar.

Zoe Saldaña Gets Fired Up in Red Silk Saint Laurent Gown for Critics Choice Awards 2025 With Husband Marco Perego-Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña was fired up for the 2025 Critics Choice Awards on Friday in Santa Monica, Calif. The actress, who was nominated as Best Supporting Actress for her work in “Emilia Pérez,” arrived in a striking red gown by Saint Laurent on the red carpet, accompanied by her husband, Marco Perego-Saldaña.

Saldaña’s dress featured a draped, cowl-style neckline and a sleeveless silhouette with gathered fabric at the shoulders. She accessorized with a black choker-style necklace and multiple rings from Cartier Collection.

Stylist Petra Flannery has been collaborating with Saldaña on her red carpet looks.

Perego-Saldaña accompanied his wife in a pinstriped gray suit paired with an unbuttoned white shirt and leather boots.

Saldaña was nominated for multiple awards this season with “Emilia Pérez.” She has already won accolades at the Cannes Film Festival, London Film Critics’ Circle Awards and Golden Globe Awards.

For the 2025 Golden Globes in January, Saldaña wore a Saint Laurent strapless black gown. The brand’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello’s Saint Laurent Productions is a coproducer of “Emilia Pérez,” and many of the costumes came from Vaccarello’s archives. For the London Film Critics’ Cicle Awards on Feb. 3, she wore a dress from Maison Margiela’s Artisanal couture fall 2022 collection.

The 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards takes place on Friday, broadcasting live on E! from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. The ceremony, originally scheduled for Jan. 12 and then Jan. 26, was postponed due to catastrophic wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Chelsea Handler returns as host for the third consecutive year, leading the star-studded event that celebrates the most outstanding achievements in film and television for 2024.

Woody Allen film star Tony Roberts who shot to fame in Annie Hall dies aged 85

TONY Roberts who appeared in several Woody Allen movies often as his best friend has died at the age of 85.

The Tony Award-nominated theater performer’s death was announced to The New York Times by his daughter Nicole Burley.

Versatile Roberts had a genial stage personality perfect for musical comedy.

He appeared in diverse Broadway musicals including How Now, Dow Jones (1967), Sugar (1972) and an adaptation of the movie Some Like It Hot.

He co-starred in Victor/Victoria (1995) with Julie Andrews when she returned to Broadway in the stage version of her popular film.

He also was in the campy, roller-disco Xanadu in 2007 and The Royal Family in 2009.

Ive never been particularly lucky at card games. Ive never hit a jackpot. But I have been extremely lucky in life, he write in his memoir, Do You Know Me? Unlike many of my pals, who didnt know what they wanted to become when they grew up, I knew I wanted to be an actor before I got to high school.

Roberts also appeared on Broadway in the 1966 Woody Allen comedy “Don’t Drink the Water,” repeating his role in the film version, and in Allen’s “Play It Again, Sam” (1969), for which he also made the movie.

Other Allen films in which Roberts appeared were “Annie Hall” (1977), “Stardust Memories” (1980), “A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy” (1982), “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986) and “Radio Days” (1987).

Roberts confident onscreen presence not to mention his tall frame, broad shoulders and brown curly mane was the perfect foil for Allens various neurotic characters, making them more funny and enjoyable to watch, The Jewish Daily Forward wrote in 2016.

In Eric Lax’s book “Woody Allen: A Biography,” Roberts recalled a complicated scene in “A Midsummer Night’s Sex Comedy” that Allen shot over and over even after the film had been edited to get his intended effect.

“When you go back to see (Allen’s work) two, three, four times, you begin to see the amazing amount of art in it, that nothing is accidental,” Roberts said.

Among his other movies were “Serpico” (1973) and “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” (1974).

He was nominated twice for a Tony Award for “How Now, Dow Jones” and “Play It Again, Sam,” when he was billed as Anthony Roberts.

One of Roberts’ biggest Broadway successes was Charles Busch’s hit comedy “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife” (2000), in which he played the title character’s husband.

Roberts, who made his Broadway debut in 1962 in the short-lived “Something About a Soldier,” also was a replacement in some of its longest-running hits including “Barefoot in the Park,” “Promises, “Promises,” “They’re Playing Our Song,” “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway,” “The Sisters Rosensweig” and the 1998 Roundabout Theatre Company revival of “Cabaret.”

I was lucky enough to get in on the last years of the Golden Age of Broadway. In that era there was a lot more going on that seemed to have high quality about it and great conviction, he told Broadway World in 2015.

In London, he starred with Betty Buckley in the West End production of “Promises, Promises,” playing the Jack Lemmon role in this stage version of “The Apartment.”

Roberts’ television credits include the short-lived series “The Four Seasons” (1984) and “The Lucie Arnaz Show” (1985) as well as guest spots on such well-known shows as “Murder, She Wrote” and “Law & Order.”

Roberts was born in New York on Oct. 22, 1939, the son of radio and television announced Ken Roberts.

“I was raised in the middle of a lot of actor talk,” he told the AP in 1985. “My cousin was Everett Sloane, who was a very fine actor. My father’s friends were mostly actors. I’m sure that in some way I needed to prove myself in their eyes.”

He attended the High School of Music and Art in New York and graduated from Northwestern University in Illinois.

His marriage to Jennifer Lyons ended in divorce. He is survived by his daughter, the actor Nicole Burley.

He first met Allen backstage when he was starring in Barefoot in the Park, having replaced Robert Redford. Roberts had unsuccessfully auditioned four times for Allens first Broadway play, Dont Drink the Water. Seeing Roberts perform in Barefoot in the Park convinced Allen that Roberts was worth casting. According to his memoir, Allen told him, You were great. How come youre such a lousy auditioner?