 on topics ranging from pet care to pop psychology. Whether you're riding the subway or need something to keep you engaged at work, listening to podcasts is a great way to broaden your horizons, especially if you have questions about health and wellness. Listen to the top wellness podcasts for 2024 to enrich your life.

Listen Now 

Our Favorite Wellness Podcasts 

 greatly impacts your ability to maintain employment, excel in an academic environment, build positive relationships and overcome life's challenges. 

 explores the effects of mental health issues, including addiction and trauma, on everyday life. Host Paul Gilmartin interviews doctors, stand-up comedians and other professionals to find out how they cope with mental health changes healthily.

Many people experience low self-esteem and other mental health problems as a result of diet culture. If you've ever thought of a food as either "good" or "bad," you probably know exactly what it's like to deal with unrealistic diet expectations. Christy Harrison, a registered dietitian, uses the 

 to debunk some of the most common myths about dieting. Topics covered include clean eating, infertility diets and listening to your body's natural hunger signals.

Dr. Jen Gunter is an extremely popular content creator on YouTube, racking up millions of views for her videos on women's health and wellness. In 

, she tackles some of the most common myths about vaccines, opioids, food allergies and anxiety disorders. If you've ever wondered what's normal and what isn't, check out Dr. Gunter's podcast and 

Sound Bath Experiences: Soothing Tunes for Immersive Stress Relief

 focuses on the myths surrounding wellness and weight loss. Hosts Michael Hobbes and Aubrey Gordon are especially interested in exploring the relationship between capitalism and common wellness scams. Listen to the podcast for answers to common health-related questions, such as "Do I need to take 10,000 steps every day?" and "Is a vegetarian diet really better for your health?"

 is one of the top-ranked health podcasts in the nation and with good reason. Dr. Andrew Huberman examines health and wellness through a scientific lens, ensuring that listeners receive the most up-to-date information about their bodies. Topics covered include sleep hygiene, the use of supplements to optimize physical performance and the science of neuroplasticity.

Dr. Will Cole, a functional medicine expert, takes a lighter approach to popular health and wellness topics. 

 examines how ordinary humans can improve their lives with self-care and grace. Dr. Cole also discusses the mind-body connection and the importance of positive relationships.

Lauren Slayton is a registered dietitian who uses the 

 podcast to answer your most burning questions about food and dieting. Each episode lasts about 30 minutes, so it's easy to fit Foodtrainers into your daily commute or your lunch break. Slayton answers questions related to portion size, the use of artificial sweeteners, the need for daily supplements and the importance of eating well for longevity.

 podcast, host Wendy Zukerman breaks even the most complex topics into bite-sized gems of wisdom that anyone can understand. For each topic, Zukerman seeks to understand whether it's legitimate, a fad or some combination of the two. Listen to Science Vs if you've ever wondered if you're drinking too much caffeine or wanted to know why some people use mind-altering substances to address their mental health issues.

 to give listeners access to accurate information about health and fitness. As a professor at California State University, San Bernardino, Dr. Malik is an experienced researcher who excels at sharing health-related information with laypeople. He's especially interested in the effects of food on Type 2 diabetes, weight and hormone levels. The podcast covers a variety of topics, such as the gut microbiome, the use of exercise to reduce stress and effective techniques for getting rid of fat permanently.

If you've ever seen a TED talk, you know that TED speakers are curious people who love sharing their knowledge with others. 

 builds on this principle by helping listeners navigate the U.S. healthcare system, improve their mental health and keep their bodies as healthy as possible. The podcast features a variety of speakers, so you benefit from hearing multiple points of view on topics related to health and wellness. Best of all, each episode is fairly short, so you can cover several topics in one day if you're so inclined.

Dan Harris had a panic attack on live television, prompting him to explore meditation as an alternative to other treatments. Now, he uses the 10% Happier podcast to interview other people about how meditation has improved their lives. Since he launched the podcast, Harris has also examined other wellness topics, such as science-based tools for stress reduction and tips for building healthier relationships.

You don't have to spend a ton of money to improve your mental and physical health. Start by adding one or more of these podcasts to your daily or weekly routine. You'll discover practical wellness advice that you can apply immediately.

Listening to podcasts is a great way to learn more about health and wellness. Check out the top wellness podcasts for 2024 if you need a little extra motivation.

Top Wellness Podcasts to Follow in 2024 | Popular Living 

Top Wellness Podcasts to Follow in 2024

Spring is a perfect time to start fresh and rededicate yourself to your health and well-being. The post-holiday winter slump can be rough, but the first glimmer of springtime reminds us that the seasons keep changing – and so do we!

Practicing mindfulness is a simple yet effective tool to help you refocus and refresh this spring. Let’s talk specifically about mindful eating, why it’s so beneficial, and how to start implementing it right away. I even have a seasonal meal plan to help you make the most of the spring bounty. Your mind and body will thank you!

What is mindful eating and how can it benefit you?

Spring-inspired meal plan ideas (plus recipes!)

Discover Mindful Eating: What It Is and Why It Matters This Spring

First, mindfulness. I’m sure you’ve heard this buzzword floating around, but what does it 

 is, essentially, the practice of being present. In this busy world with so many priorities competing for your attention, it’s all too common to be thinking about your grocery list or email inbox rather than what’s in front of your face. Multitasking is basically a given; we spend so much of our time jumping immediately from one task to the next.

Unfortunately, all that energy spent trying to be uber-productive means less energy spent tuning into our bodies and minds. Meanwhile, 

 are at an all-time high. The more we fracture our attention into a million little pieces and take our minds out of the present, the more we miss living the life in front of us (and damage our health along the way).

Fortunately, mindfulness practices (even in very small doses!) can counteract all these negative effects. By focusing on the present, tuning into your senses, and harnessing your breath, you can train your brain to be less reactive to stimuli and more able to cope with whatever life throws your way.

 is one tool for your mindfulness toolkit that you can employ to restore your health and well-being. It differs from usual eating habits in that you sit down, remove distractions (like your phone), eat slowly, take note of the details of each bite (such as textures, aromas, and flavors), and pay attention to how your body feels after each bite.

The benefits of mindful eating are multifaceted. First, it helps slow you down and calm your mind; it’s a beautiful little haven of mindfulness in the middle of a crazy day. What’s more, it enhances awareness of your physical body, including satiety cues, which can help prevent overeating and curb cravings.

The Art of Mindful Eating: Simple Exercises for Every Meal

While we’ll talk about more ways to spice up your practice in a minute, here are the simplest steps to practice mindful eating:

Prepare your food so everything is completely ready, then sit down to eat. Put away your phone and any other distractions.

Pick up the first bite with your fork and examine it; take in the colors, smells, and other qualities of the food.

Take that first bite and set your fork down. Chew slowly, noting the qualities of the food (like temperature, taste, and texture).

Swallow, then pause. Tune into your stomach. How hungry are you? How did that bite make you feel?

Repeat steps 2, 3, and 4 for several more bites, paying attention to what you’re consuming the entire time.

It might feel weird at first, but I promise it’s good for you! And less mindless eating means fewer “junk” calories consumed – so that’s an added win.

Here are some other ideas to make your spring 

Try eating your meals as slowly as possible every once in a while. Chew slowly, chew more, take long pauses and deep breaths between bites, and savor the experience.

Focus on the sensory experience of seasonal foods. In-season produce is SO flavorful and amazing; turn the tasting into its own special experience!

Create eating rituals by using your nice dishes, setting the table with flowers or candles, or sharing a meal with a loved one.

Learning to listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues starts with being mindful as you eat. The more you practice, the less often you’ll eat past the point of being satisfied.

Practice gratitude for spring’s bounty by saying something you’re grateful for between each bite.

Make it a shared practice to teach your family mindfulness and attention to health.

The Vibrant Palette of Spring: Seasonal Produce to Refresh Your Plate

Okay, now let’s talk about the role of spring vegetables and fruits for a mindful diet. Seasonal produce is more than just readily available: it’s fresher, bursting with essential nutrients, more flavorful, and usually less expensive than out-of-season produce. It’s also better for the environment to eat what mother nature naturally produces rather than buying hothouse-grown, imported produce.

Intentionally planning meals with and buying seasonal fruits and veggies is an important part of an overall mindful diet, especially in the spring when more things start growing again.

 can vary based on the climate where you live, here are some of the fruit and veg options that are 

Crafting a Spring-Inspired Meal Plan: Mindfulness Meets Seasonal Nutrition

Even with a busy lifestyle or limited cooking skills, it’s possible to plan and execute mindful meals with a variety of healthy foods. Feed your body, mind, and soul with nourishing ingredients and intentional moments to prioritize your health this spring.

Plan with purpose: building a mindful meal plan with spring produce

So, let’s build a mindful meal plan. First, you’ve got to know what you’re working with. Are you a three-square-meals-plus-two-snacks kind of person? Do you tend to graze throughout the day? Are breakfasts always on the go? Is dinner your big meal with your family? Build your meal plan around your realistic schedule.

Here’s a sample of a day for someone who eats three regular meals plus an afternoon snack:

: Omelet made with eggs, cheese, and tons of chopped veggies, plus a piece of seasonal fruit.

: Giant spinach salad full of your favorite seasonal fruits and veggies (I like avocados, broccoli, strawberries, mushrooms, and carrots), cold chicken, 

: Seasonal veggies dipped in hummus, plus some sort of small treat as a pick-me-up (chocolate is ALWAYS my go-to).

 and serve it with roasted broccoli or asparagus and seasoned avocado.

Remember – mindfulness isn’t just for the eating part. Plan your meals mindfully! Grocery shop mindfully! Cook and bake mindfully! The more mindfulness you practice, the more health benefits you reap, after all.

Fresh starts: preparing mindful and seasonal dishes

Here are some more of my favorite recipes that celebrate spring and allow me to practice mindfulness with my ingredient choices:

Embrace Mindful Eating This Spring for a Healthier, Happier You

Because eating is something you have to do anyway, making your meals more mindful is a great way to build healthier habits into your existing schedule. By taking small moments to slow down, savor your meals, and immerse yourself fully in the present moment, you train your brain to focus, relax, and deal with the ups and downs of life in a more productive way. Let me know if you have any favorite mindful eating techniques to share!

Spring is a perfect time to start fresh and rededicate yourself to your well-being. Mindful eating is a tool to sit down, remove distractions, eat slowly, and take note of the details of each bite. Try it today!

Mindful Eating for Spring: Embrace Seasonal Produce and Healthy Habits | PopularLiving

Mindful Eating for Spring: Embrace Seasonal Produce and Healthy Habits

Choosing the Best At-Home Fitness Equipment

At-home fitness equipment can change your life if you let it. I know that’s a bold statement, but it’s true — a consistent exercise routine can make you 

I’ve been a personal trainer, health coach, and fitness instructor for 10+ years at this point, and I’ve watched as the world has shifted to a more at-home focus for exercise. Luckily, home gym equipment is better than it’s ever been before, so it’s easy to find the right pieces to assist you on your personal fitness journey.

Let’s dive into at-home fitness equipment and my recommendations on how to get the best quality and value. Everything I link to or mention in this article is something I personally stand behind, and most of it can be found in my own home!

Equipment Recommendations for Homes with Limited Floor Space

Portable Equipment Recommendation for Travel

The Best Home Workout Equipment for a Full-body Workout

Best Home Equipment for Strength Training

How I Created My Perfect Home Gym: A Step-by-Step Guide

Top Reputable Brands for Home Fitness Equipment

First, let’s talk about equipment brands. Top-rated brands for the best at-home fitness equipment include some names you’ll recognize and some you’ve probably never heard of before. For the former, NordicTrack, Bowflex, Rogue Fitness, and Power Systems have earned their names in the industry. 

However, just because you’ve never heard of a brand before doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider its equipment. For example, URBNFit and Trideer sell wildly popular fitness equipment on Amazon with thousands upon thousands of positive reviews.

How to Choose High-quality Home Fitness Equipment

No matter what brand you end up choosing, what actually matters is choosing high-quality pieces of exercise equipment for your home. Sometimes, what you’re paying for is the name on the side of the equipment (cough cough, Peloton) … and if that’s what you want, that’s great! I’ve ridden a Peloton bike and loved it. Just know that fancy name brands aren’t the only way to get high-quality equipment.

Opinions of experts (like everything in this article!), non-sponsored reviews, and customer feedback are great ways to see past good marketing and figure out where to find top-quality equipment.

There are several factors to take into account before choosing the right fitness equipment for your home. These include your living space/storage space (more on that in a minute), budget, preferred exercise, and the age and physical condition of the people who will be using the equipment.

For example, a single adult will have an easier time creating their own exercise area and routine than a multi-generation family where seniors, teens, and people in between may all be sharing the same equipment and space. Luckily, there are SO many solid options out there that should fit your needs and preferences.

Understanding Price Ranges for Different Types of Home Fitness Equipment

The price ranges you can find for home fitness equipment is actually absurd. It depends on what is important to you. New or used? Just the basics or all the bells and whistles? How big is the equipment, what is its weight capacity, and how many components does it have? This will impact the price you pay. Fortunately, quality equipment doesn’t have to break the bank.

On the other hand, don’t go too cheap when it comes to your exercise equipment, either. I’m not saying you need to drop the big bucks right away; there are plenty of high-quality pieces out there at affordable prices. CHEAP, low-quality equipment, however, can be short-lived at best and dangerous at worst. Your health and safety are worth more than that.

Let's talk about specific price ranges for a minute. Of course, the types of fitness equipment on the market are endless, but this should give you an idea of what’s reasonable to pay for typical equipment:

Dumbbells: Individual dumbbells start as low as $5 and can cost as much as $400 for a heavy pair

Kettlebells: $10 to $300 depending on weight

Yoga mats: $10–$140 (and that’s just for standard sizes)

Best Fitness Equipment for Different Living Spaces

One of the main factors that will influence the home fitness equipment you buy is your living space. Someone who has a full garage or unfinished basement to turn into a home gym will have an entirely different shopping list than someone who lives in a small apartment with next to no storage space. I’ve lived in both as an adult, and my fitness equipment options were drastically different during those different stages.

Note that there is exercise equipment out there for every kind of space — you’ll just have to do some measuring and double-check the dimensions of the equipment before you buy.

How much space is needed to properly use your equipment? 

These are some general rules of thumb, but be sure to find out what each individual piece requires before you hit “add to cart”:

 should have at least two feet of clearance to the left and right and six feet of space behind the machine while in use for safety reasons. This is obviously one of the most space-consuming pieces of exercise equipment.

So if your treadmill is three feet wide and six feet long, a footprint of seven by 12 feet is recommended.

 typically need about one foot of space on each side and two feet of clearance to the back while in use.

For example, a bike with a two by four--foot base would need a four by six footprint for safe use.

need elbow room and air flow for proper functioning and safety, so a nine by four footprint would be appropriate for an eight-foot rower.

If you need compact fitness equipment suitable for small spaces, multi-functional fitness equipment that can serve multiple workout purposes will give you the biggest bang for your buck (and will save on space, too).


 can be a good way to save on space and get a lot of use from the same equipment.

 that can be rolled into a corner when not in use are good space savers.

Buy Now

Shop

Cons

Brand

Product

Pros

Portable Equipment Recommendations for Travel

Frequent travelers can find that it’s difficult to stay on track with their fitness goals. Many hotels have fitness centers stocked with the basics, but that’s not always the case.

For trips to visit family, work trips with tight schedules, or other travel situations where you need your own fitness equipment, portable and light pieces such as 

are easy to toss in your suitcase. You can also pack your own 

Finding the Right Fitness Equipment for Your Personal Goals

Multi-purpose equipment is a smart place to start your home fitness collection. That being said, if you have an absolute favorite exercise that requires a certain piece of fitness equipment to effectively complete, that is still absolutely a good investment on your part.

 are my top recommendations if you’re looking for a total-body workout.

A quick note about fitness subscriptions:

 before you buy a piece of equipment that is only beneficial if you pay for a monthly subscription, think about how realistic that’s going to be for you, personally. 

Some people thrive with their subscription-model equipment and the accompanying classes, and that’s great for them! Add that cost into your base price of the equipment before you buy, however, since that’s a cost that will never go away.

There are plenty of strategies out there for losing weight, but a balanced regimen should include both strength training and cardio. We’ll touch more on strength equipment below, so let’s talk about the top at-home cardio equipment for weight loss.

If you’re looking for the best equipment for cardio workouts you can do at home, you can’t beat the basics: treadmills, bikes, rowers, and ellipticals are ubiquitous for a reason.

 for home cardio equipment — it’s top-quality, has options at reasonable prices, offers all the same features as its more expensive competitors, and has proven its reputation for durability and functionality over the years. I got 

 previously-owned for less than half of retail, so be sure to scour your local sales pages for deals.

The exception to this endorsement is rowing machines — 

 would be my brand recommendation on that front, as they make the best rowers out there!

Of course, there are also plenty of other great options out there, depending on your needs. It’s a good idea to either find a brick-and-mortar store where you can test out your equipment before buying or purchase from a company with a great return policy in case the relationship doesn’t work out.

Strength training is so important for building lean body mass, preventing injury, healthy aging, hormone regulation, maintaining a healthy weight, and, of course, building strength.

Along with the adjustable strength equipment I mentioned earlier, a 

 will allow you to complete additional functional movements, and 

 are durable, comfortable, and practical.

If your main fitness goals are strength-based and you have the space and confidence to do so safely, additional pieces such as a 

Shop Now

I started with a TJMaxx special as my first yoga mat back in the day… and you know what? It served me well for MANY years. Inexpensive setups can still get the job done.

For both yoga and Pilates, I’ve since upgraded to my 

 and Lululemon reversible 5mm mats. I have a 

 to keep my yoga equipment from becoming one giant disaster on my floor.

For additional yoga accessories, Manduka takes the cake when it comes to 

For additional Pilates equipment or for general flexibility and balance training, smaller 

 are a good place to start. If you have the storage space, a larger 

can be beneficial and fun. I also love this 

(mostly because of how deliciously it pops my back in juuuust the right spot).

Try this FREE 30-day yoga journey you can do at home:

My two general recommendations for beginners and people who are getting back into the swing of things are to 1) start with one thing at a time and 2) start with what you like.

What I mean is it’s better to slowly accumulate home fitness equipment you’ll actually use rather than buy a bunch of stuff hoping you’ll use it someday. If you know you like yoga videos, doing cardio on the elliptical, or lifting weights, start there before you branch out into other areas.

You don’t have to shell out thousands of dollars for a top-of-the-line model, but buying quality equipment from the get-go is a much better value than replacing cheap junk when it inevitably breaks down.


For several years, my home workout space was a small, carpeted loft that doubled as a storage space. Since I preferred to go to the gym most of the time anyway, this wasn’t really a hardship, but it did force me to start small and build up from there.

I’m fortunate to have a better, non-carpeted exercise room these days, and here’s how I’ve built up that space over time:

For me, this was yoga. I set up a yoga mat and block, bought a cheap mirror to lean against the wall, and put a TV in there so I could do videos and online classes.

As my space changed over time and my exercise preferences evolved, I added more equipment to my collection. This process was very slow (and is still ongoing!), but I now have the cardio and strength equipment I want and need.

, treadmill, adjustable dumbbells and kettlebells, a bench, an assortment of balls and bands, several mats, a plethora of yoga equipment, a TV and computer for digital classes, and a few others. Everyone’s setup will be different, so only consider what works for YOU.

3. I researched. A lot. And then researched some more. 

Rather than impulsively buying any shiny exercise toy that appealed to me (and trust me, they ALL appeal to me), I read reviews, took out my measuring tape, and watched YouTube videos. (There are still some pieces I haven’t committed to yet because I want to make sure they’re perfect!)

As much as I’d love to install a fitness 

(yes, that kind of pole; it’s a great workout!) in my house, I know that’s something dream-me would use and not real-me. A treadmill, or a bunch of bands for my post-injury rehabilitation, on the other hand? Those things get a TON of use and were smart purchases for me.

Regular maintenance and cleaning are essential for home fitness equipment longevity. Actually read the manual that comes with your equipment rather than tossing it in the trash or storing it in a drawer, never to be seen again.

Discover the impact of at-home fitness equipment and gain valuable recommendations for top quality and value. Expert insights and personal endorsements make this your go-to guide for home exercise.

Selecting the right home fitness equipment involves considering space, budget, and preferred exercises for long-term use and health benefits.

The Best At-Home Fitness Equipment (That You'll Actually Use!)

Receive articles right in your inbox!

More PopularLiving

Top Wellness Podcasts to Follow in 2024

Mindful Eating for Spring: Embrace Seasonal Produce and Healthy Habits

The Best At-Home Fitness Equipment (That You'll Actually Use!)

0 comments