Ever had two friends with so much in common that you just knew they’d hit it off if you could get them together… and then enjoyed the satisfaction of being right? That’s what it’s felt like since bringing the Well+Good newsletter community into Skimm Well earlier this fall. (A fun, full-circle moment for me having spent five years editing at W+G.)
Now that we’ve all been vibing for a few months, it seemed like a good time to ask W+G readers if there was anything they missed seeing in their inboxes, and the answer was clear: workouts — quick, smart ones you’ll actually do — form cues, and just more evidenced-based fitness content in general. (Music to my ears as a certified trainer and Pilates instructor who side-eyes questionable FitTok trendsharder than this toddler.)
So we’re rolling out a new fitness section dedicated to just that. Moving forward, it’ll stand alone below — but today, we’re kicking things off right here with a few no-equipment routines worth taking with you on the go ahead of any holiday travel ...
Do this five-minute mobility routine ASAP when you get off the plane or out of the car — your hip flexors will thank you.
Just a handful of classic Pilates mat moves — that look simple but are very spicy — is enough to get your core shaking.
Finally, if your movement of choice while traveling is walking, try adding some structure by following the 6-6-6 rule. (The only thing evil about it is how the pace will get your blood pumping.)
— Jordan “I Promise I’m Counting Your Reps” Galloway, editor
Saying farewell to “sardine girl summer” and welcoming in what we’re dubbing “fermented food fall” — surprise, there’s so many options beyond sauerkraut.
Put a pack of tissues next to your lube, because this annoying postsex phenomenon is more common than you might think.
Wellness fads are getting weirder: First “protein maxxxing,” now “peptide stacking”— and health experts have… thoughts.
You’re at your neighbor’s house, digging into her world-famous crab dip, when your throat feels itchy and your stomach clenches. Before you blame food poisoning, consider that you might be experiencing adult-onset allergies. (Gulp.)
Yep, you can develop allergies for the first time as an adult. Food is the most common culprit (shellfish tops the list, but fruits, veggies, and nuts are in the mix), and yes — you can even become allergic to pets. Adults can also develop seasonal allergies, even in winter. While pollen usually gets the blame, mold, dust mites, and indoor air quality can trigger symptoms, too.
Oh, and one more curveball: tick-related allergies. Cases of Alpha-gal syndrome — the condition that makes you allergic to red meat after a tick bite — are rising. Just last week, a death was linked to a meat allergy complication.
Wait…why is this happening now? Sometimes your immune system just needs a change of scenery to freak out. If you’ve moved, it can take years for your body to “meet” the local allergens and decide it hates them. Same goes for pets — three years of snuggling Pawl Rudd or Jason Meowma does not guarantee lifelong compatibility. And environmental shifts (air pollution, wildfire smoke, weird temperature swings, even the infamous “Christmas tree syndrome”) can crank up sensitivity, too.
How do I figure out what’s going on? Start with a doctor or allergist. They’ll ask about symptoms, your environment, and triggers, then maybe run blood or skin-prick tests to confirm what your immune system is overreacting to.
For Your Sanity:
Don’t ignore “small” symptoms. A tickle in your throat, watery eyes, or random hives are all warning signs. Allergies often get worse over time, so flag new patterns with your doctor.
Watch for winter mold. Cold air + indoor heat = condensation, which can fuel mold growth behind walls or in bathrooms. More time indoors also means more exposure to dust mites.
Know your emergency plan. If you’ve had a severe reaction, or think you might be at risk, ask about carrying an epinephrine auto-injector. Here are some unexpected causes of anaphylaxis, knowing potential triggers can help you prepare.
Q: Which food should you not store in your pantry?
In the supplement world, creatine — the compound your muscles already store for energy — used to be the quiet “friend-of” sidekick. This past year? It’s arriving with a glam squad, a tagline, and probably a feud brewing in its first scene.
But before you add an XL helping to your morning coffee, here’s the good, the bad, and the chaotic of creatine culture…
Lawful good: Getting creatine curious. We love that women are claiming their strength era. Creatine can support muscle growth, help power high-intensity workouts, and generally make you feel like the strong friend everyone asks to open the jar. More here if you want to go full Hermione on the research.
Lawful evil: Certain types ofcreatine gummies. They’re cute. They’re trendy. They taste like a Sour Patch Kid went to Equinox. But before you bite: One study comparing different options found you would have to eat 8,000 (not a typo) gummies of a certain brand it tested to get a “loading dose.” While a loading dose is a higher-than-normal serving of the supplement to jumpstart its effects, that’s still a lotta gummies.
Chaotic good: Asking your doctor about dosing. A single scoop (about 5g) is great for building muscle mass. But one nutrition expert says two scoops (closer to 10g) may even boost cognitive power — which is good news if you want biceps and the ability to remember where you left your keys.
Chaotic evil: "Man Cereal." It’s got creatine. It’s got protein. It’s got… unsolicited opinions about your form. A breakfast built for someone who says “it’s simple economics” at brunch.
Stepping Up
Grumpy little walk, fart walk, color walk… whatever you call your daily loop, give it an upgrade with these kicks. They’re ready to bring you to school pickup, the grocery aisle, or absolutely nowhere in comfort and style.
