July/August 2025

Take a Chance

Step outside your comfort zone this summer! Try a new workout, explore fresh foods, and spend more time outdoors. Discover simple ways to expand your routine and find what energizes you.

On the Cover

How Long-Distance Runner Kara Goucher Reclaimed Her Power

Olympian Kara Goucher became a crusader for the rights of women athletes and clean sport. Here's her story.

By Jill Patton, NBC-HWC

Attitude/Mindset Mental Health

Features

a woman floats effortlessly in the water

The Many Benefits of Spontaneity — and How to Cultivate More of It

It’s easy to sabotage our efforts by trying too hard, especially when we really want something. The Chinese concept of wu-wei suggests the alternative approach of being in the moment.

By Edward Slingerland, PhD

Attitude/Mindset Mindfulness/Meditation

a person prepares to take melatonin supplments

The Powerful — and Surprising — Health Benefits of Melatonin

Melatonin is much more than a sleep compound. It helps to regulate hormones, boost immunity, and support mitochondria. Learn about the many roles it plays.

By Mo Perry

Supplements Vitamins/Minerals

How Play-Inspired Moves Can Boost Your Fitness

Play is proven to boost physical and mental health — for kids and adults alike. But what does play look and feel like once we’re grown and more prone to injury? And how can we get more of it in our lives?

By Nicole Radziszewski

Active Aging Fitness Tips

Real Food

5 Recipes That Are Fresh, Flavorful, and Full of Herbs

These nutritious recipes make fresh herbs the star of the show.

By Kate Morgan

Cooking & Food

a variety of fresh foods that support eye health

How to Eat for Eye Health

When it comes to eating for healthy eyes, carrots are just the beginning. Discover the best nutrients for eye health.

By Catherine Guthrie

Nutrition Tips Vitamins/Minerals

bowls of various nuts around a quart of milk

5 Things to Pay Attention to in Dairy-Free Milk

The nondairy milk aisle can be overwhelming. Cut through the confusion with this advice.

By Stephanie Soucheray

Cooking & Food Nutrition Tips

SOMETHING SIMPLE: Pan-Fried Halloumi With Cucumber Salad

Halloumi is a semihard cheese that can be grilled or fried without melting, creating a crispy outer layer and a soft, chewy center. This flavorful recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make.

By Maddie Augustin

Lunch & Dinner Something Simple

Real Fitness

a woman performing various moves from the odd objects workout

Create Functional Strength With This Odd-Objects Workout

Build real-world strength by embracing awkward positions and unruly weights in this strongman-inspired routine.

By Andrew Heffernan

Strength Training

man performing Jefferson curl (also knowns as rag doll)

Improve Your Back Strength and Mobility With the Jefferson Curl

Practice this gentle spinal flexion to improve your back’s strength and flexibility.

By Maggie Fazeli Fard

Flexibility & Mobility

man performing Jefferson Curl (also known as rag doll)

The Case for Rounding Your Back While Lifting

You’ve undoubtedly been told to maintain a “flat” back while lifting. But breaking this rule occasionally might help you gain strength, mobility, and resilience. Here's what you need to know.

By Alec Blenis, CSCS, CES, PN2

Fitness Tips Flexibility & Mobility

People huddling together for a team cheer

Solo Athlete? Here’s Why Exercising With Other People Matters

Just because you rock a solitary sport doesn’t mean you can’t be part of a community. Discover five benefits of moving your body with other people.

By Lauren Bedosky

Real Life

a woman sniffs an orange in an orange grove

In Search of Glimmers

Learn how micromoments of awe can boost your mood.

By Jessie Sholl

Attitude/Mindset Mindfulness/Meditation

multigenerations prepare to take a trips

Going on Vacation With Friends or Family? Here Are 8 Tips to Help You Survive

Going on a friendcation or taking a trip with family? Here are some tips to minimize conflict when vacationing with your loved ones.

By Jon Spayde

Friends Healthy Communication

3 Adaptogenic Herbs That Support Resiliency

Fortify your stress response — and mental well-being — with these supportive herbs.

By Henry Emmons, MD

Mental Health Nutrition Tips

Hope on the Great Barrier Reef

One of our editors shares her tour of the Great Barrier Reef of Australia and what she learned about efforts to rehabilitate this critical marine habitat.

By Kaelyn Riley

Sustainability Travel

Well Informed

Your Brain On Ultraprocessed Food

Eating UPFs can wreak havoc on your digestion, gut health, and metabolism, but did you know they can also have a negative impact on your brain and mental health? Here's how.

By Michael Dregni

Food Addiction Nutrition Tips

Why Cardiorespiratory Fitness Is More Important Than BMI

According to a recent study, a person’s cardiorespiratory fitness — which is measured by their VO2 max — plays a much more significant role in determining health risks than bodyweight. Here's why.

By Michael Dregni

Cardio Heart & Cardiovascular Health

How Muscles Remember — and Regain — Lost Strength

Taking an unexpected break from fitness due to illness or injury? Don’t stress — your strength can return faster than you think.

By Craig Cox

Strength Training

Sunglasses: More Than Just a Cool Accessory

Wearing sunglasses isn’t just about style — they’re a crucial line of defense for protecting your vision. Here’s what to look for when choosing your next pair.

By Catherine Guthrie

General Health

In Every Issue

Learning How to Manage Gestational Hypertension — Naturally

How healthcare researcher Michelle Emebo learned to manage gestational hypertension with quality nutrition and exercise.

By Michelle Emebo

Healthy Habits/Goal Setting Heart & Cardiovascular Health

photo collage: kids walking, dog, and jump rope

How Do You Make Time for Play?

Experience Life staff members share how they incorporate play into their lives.

By Experience Life Staff

Play/Recreation

5 Dairy-Free Milks to Try Now

Tired of the same old almond milk? Try these nondairy alternatives made with walnuts, pistachios, pecans, oats — and bananas!

By Experience Life Staff

Cooking & Food Product Reviews

Columns

Finding Her Way

Experience Life's editor in chief reflects on the sweet spot where purpose, belonging, and contentment meet.

By Jamie Martin

Columns

Ask L•AI•C

Discover Life Time’s new AI tool, L•AI•C. Hear from the founder about how it works and how it can support your health and wellness goals.

By Bahram Akradi

Columns

Recent Issues

See All

May/June 2026

The transition from spring to summer can feel liberating — and energizing. But knowing how to channel that energy can be vexing. Whether you’re primed to run your first 5K or feel ready to finally navigate the local farmers’ market, we’ll help you make the most of your renewed vigor.

March/April 2026

Dishing up well-researched nutrition advice, inspiring recipes, and helpful kitchen tips, our annual celebration of food features appetizing options for everyone, including burger-loving beginners and cuisine-centric connoisseurs.

January/February 2026

Explore the surprising ways in which foundational health and fitness practices can truly improve your overall well-being.

November/December 2025

The holidays bring fresh challenges to both longstanding and new relationships. Discover inspiration to overcome the kind of fraught interactions that can turn celebratory gatherings into unhealthy battlegrounds.

September/October 2025

In this transitional season, we honor your body's natural rhythms to attune your sleep, focus, and energy.

May/June 2025

Explore the powerful link between mental and physical health, with expert strategies to build resilience, overcome obstacles, and find your peace.

May/June 2026

March/April 2026

January/February 2026

Explore the surprising ways in which foundational health and fitness practices can truly improve your overall well-being.

November/December 2025

September/October 2025

In this transitional season, we honor your body's natural rhythms to attune your sleep, focus, and energy.

May/June 2025

Explore the powerful link between mental and physical health, with expert strategies to build resilience, overcome obstacles, and find your peace.