The hottest Exercise Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

The Flawed V02 Max Craze

Ground Truths • 14084 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and VO2max are not the same: CRF is estimated in METs from real-world or treadmill tests, while true VO2max requires a lab gas-exchange test and smartwatch VO2 estimates are indirect and often inaccurate.
  2. Nearly all the evidence linking fitness to lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality is based on CRF/METs, with about a 14–15% reduction in mortality risk per 1-MET improvement, not on wearable or routinely measured VO2max.
  3. For most people, don’t obsess over smartwatch VO2 numbers; prioritize increasing real-world activity, improving METs and muscle strength, and reserve lab VO2max testing for elite athletes or specific clinical cases, since AI and apps can amplify misleading wearable data.

I tried David Chapman's chronic-fatigue-defying six-mile run. It worked.

Human Programming • 984 implied HN points • 19 Mar 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. A deliberately chosen, intense bout of exercise (a six-mile run) coincided with a rapid and sustained improvement in energy and function for a week, suggesting some post-viral fatigue can be overturned by action. This hints that perception and mindset may play a big role in how fatigue is experienced and responded to.
  2. Slow, deliberate reintroduction of activity—running, climbing, and light lifting—combined with social support and small, repeated successes helped rebuild confidence and physical capacity. Accepting mild soreness and testing limits in controlled ways provided useful disconfirming evidence against the fear of permanent relapse.
  3. Significant caution and uncertainty remain: this approach is not medical advice and may not work for everyone, with real risk of post-exertional malaise or setbacks. The safest path is to monitor symptoms closely, proceed gradually, and reduce activity if things worsen.

My experience with hypnotherapy for post-viral fatigue/pain/fear

Human Programming • 12 implied HN points • 26 Mar 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Hypnotherapy can externalize and reframe symptoms, turning a persistent fear-driven ‘‘red field’’ into something removable and replacing it with a reassuring image that makes movement feel safer.
  2. The sessions taught simple, usable tools like vagus-breathing and quick visualizations that provided comfort in moments of anxiety or fatigue, even if daily routines didn’t always stick.
  3. Reducing fear and building small amounts of self-trust helped restart a positive recovery cycle where more activity led to more confidence and further recovery; the therapy acted as useful momentum rather than a sole cure.

Level Up: Week 4

Running Probably • 59 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Exercise
  1. It's important to check in on your progress with running and to think deeply about how you feel about your journey so far. Use a journal to explore your thoughts and emotions.
  2. Vary your running distances and routes to keep things interesting. Plan for at least one long run each week as part of your routine.
  3. Take recovery seriously and listen to your body. Don't be afraid to reduce your running mileage sometimes to allow yourself to rest and recharge.

Fix Your Damn Insomnia With This Boring, Lousy, No-Good Hack

Everything Is Amazing • 1303 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Regular physical activity can meaningfully improve sleep and help reduce insomnia.
  2. Gentle, mindful exercises like yoga, tai chi, walking and slow jogging often work best because they lower stress, calm the nervous system, and promote better breathing.
  3. The most effective fixes are often simple and boring — increase movement you can stick with — though results will vary by person.
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Menopause and Weight: There is No Code to Crack

The Vajenda • 5287 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. There is no special code or secret for weight loss during menopause, despite what some predatory sources may claim.
  2. Hormone therapy does not aid in weight loss or boost metabolism during menopause.
  3. Menopause itself is not directly linked to weight gain, but weight changes tend to be influenced by factors like age and lifestyle choices.

Five Tricks for Aging Gracefully

Are You Okay? • 1817 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor to prevent disease and stay on top of your health.
  2. Focus on strength training to maintain muscle mass, which is crucial for balance, energy, and overall health as you age.
  3. Prioritize social connections to combat loneliness, as feeling connected has been linked to better health outcomes.

Ten Takeaways from the Menopause Society Meeting

The Vajenda • 3223 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Statins are effective for women in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
  2. Statin side effects are not as common as believed; most often, it's due to the 'nocebo effect'.
  3. Regular ovarian cancer screening methods like ultrasounds and CA-125 tests are not very effective; focus should be on preventive strategies like oral contraception.

How to turn your phone addiction into a ripped body

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1232 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Many people struggle with phone addiction, and social media can cause stress and anxiety. It's important to find ways to limit exposure and create healthier habits.
  2. Creating physical rituals can help manage digital interactions. For example, doing exercises before and after checking social media can help make the experience more mindful.
  3. Understanding the networks we interact with and how they impact our lives is key. By mapping these networks and being intentional about our digital habits, we can reduce toxicity and feel more connected.

It's Okay to Not be Okay

Are You Okay? • 1897 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Before setting New Year's resolutions, consider what is realistic and sustainable for you.
  2. Health is not just about physical aspects like weight; it encompasses awareness, acceptance, and agency over one's well-being.
  3. Prioritize the four non-negotiables for health: sleep, talk, eat, and move.

A month of my notes, April 2024

Tao Lin • 539 implied HN points • 07 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Daily notes show a focus on health and wellness. The person tracks their sleep, exercise, and diet to maintain good habits.
  2. There’s an effort to reduce sugar intake, specifically with gum care. The goal is to improve dental health by avoiding sugar at the end of meals.
  3. Self-healing practices are highlighted as important. The individual dedicates significant time to self-care routines that promote mental and physical well-being.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy

The Vajenda • 2476 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Menopausal hormone therapy has both benefits and risks, and it's important for individuals to have accurate information to make informed decisions.
  2. Prioritize exercise, a healthy diet, and not smoking for overall health during menopause.
  3. Menopausal hormone therapy involves prescribing estrogen or progesterone to alleviate symptoms, and progestogen is essential for those taking estrogen to protect against uterine issues.

The weight loss slider

Metabolic Repair • 79 implied HN points • 16 Aug 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Weight loss can be painful and hard to maintain. Many diets lead to cravings and a drop in energy, making it difficult to stick to them for a long time.
  2. There are painless ways to lose weight by focusing on simple food choices, like the potato diet or high-fat keto. These diets can help you lose weight without feeling deprived or constantly hungry.
  3. Personal habits and lifestyle choices play a big role in weight loss. Customizing your diet to fit your life can make the process smoother and less stressful.

Sleep, Diet, Exercise and GLP-1 Drugs

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2688 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. GLP-1 drugs can be very effective for weight loss, and many people are seeing good results from them. They have contributed to a noticeable drop in obesity rates among those who use them, especially college graduates.
  2. Willpower plays an important role in personal fitness and dieting. While using willpower can be tough, it also has positive effects on self-discipline and can lead to healthier habits over time.
  3. It's vital to find joy in exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Enjoyable activities make it easier to stick to fitness routines and achieve overall well-being.

Semaglutide Kind of Life

Freddie deBoer • 5662 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. The author started taking a medication called Rybelsus due to metabolic problems caused by long-term use of psychiatric medications and physical limitations.
  2. The author's struggles with weight management, loss of control due to inability to lift weights, and the significant cost of medication highlight the challenges they face in trying to maintain their health.
  3. Regular monitoring and support from professionals are essential for the author's well-being, despite concerns about societal judgment around medication use.

ex150nosauce+ACV-1 review: Down 10lbs

Experimental Fat Loss • 240 implied HN points • 05 Nov 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. The combination of eliminating sauces and taking apple cider vinegar capsules resulted in significant weight loss, about 10 pounds in one month. This approach helped break through previous weight plateaus.
  2. Cutting out sauces led to a reduced appetite and unexpectedly high levels of satiety, making it easier to control food intake.
  3. There were noticeable changes in cravings and food enjoyment, with less desire for previously liked foods and a sense of food anhedonia, where meals became less rewarding.

Running, considered.

A Small and Simple Thing • 1100 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Running can bring unexpected benefits in life, such as improved mood and coping with stress.
  2. Starting a running club can foster social connections and create a supportive community.
  3. Regular running can lead to personal growth, increased energy, and motivation to achieve goals.

Putting one foot in front of another

Logging the World • 976 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Taking 10,000 steps daily can benefit physical and mental health by providing fresh air, exercise, and a change of scenery.
  2. Walking at a slower pace allows for a better connection with the surroundings, noticing details like street art and wildlife.
  3. Embarking on longer walks can lead to unique experiences, connections with landscapes, and a sense of personal achievement.

Your Holiday Survival Guide: Part 1

Are You Okay? • 738 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Have a plan for managing your physical health during the holidays, covering aspects like COVID, alcohol, food, sleep, exercise, and socializing.
  2. Consider your approach to alcohol in social occasions, stressful situations, and when alone, especially during holiday gatherings.
  3. Approach holiday food with mindfulness; don't arrive hungry, set intentions before eating, allow yourself to enjoy without guilt, and practice self-compassion if you over-indulge.

Friday Q&A: osteoporosis; Paxlovid; COVID misinformation; & breathing and heart rate

Are You Okay? • 619 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Engaging in weight-bearing exercises like yoga can improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, along with a calcium-rich diet and vitamin D supplements.
  2. For older adults, incorporating simple weight-bearing exercises into routines, like wearing a weighted vest while walking, can significantly enhance muscle strength and overall health.
  3. Decisions on medications for osteoporosis should be personalized, considering the effectiveness of lifestyle changes and the potential benefits of prescriptions like Fosamax, which may be complemented by habits like yoga.

Extra! Extra! Sunlight is Good For You!!!

The Corbett Report • 23 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Sunlight in moderation is genuinely good for you — it can calm inflammation and may help reduce risks of autoimmune problems like multiple sclerosis, so getting outside a bit each day can support your immune system.
  2. Powerful industries (Big Food, Big Pharma, and global health interests) have financial reasons to keep people unhealthy, and their influence can shape public messaging and discourage simple healthy choices.
  3. Grassroots efforts to promote healthy eating, exercise, and sensible sun exposure are valuable, but watch out for political co‑option or techy schemes; focus on practical, low‑tech steps to Make Everyone Healthy Again.

Your brain 🧠 on exercise: How movement fuels you

Brain Pizza • 1059 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Aerobic exercise is great for your brain. It helps improve mood, increases brain volume, and boosts cognitive function.
  2. Resistance training is also important. Regular strength workouts can help maintain brain health, especially as we age.
  3. Metabolism is more complex than just calories in and out. Regular exercise and what we eat play big roles in how our body burns energy.

Exercise Machines are Not Fraud

Yung’s Substack • 616 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Exercise machines and free weights each have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them depends on factors like goals, training stage, and personal preferences.
  2. Machines do not necessarily isolate muscles, but they can provide stability and offer different resistance profiles compared to free weights.
  3. Safety is not a deciding factor between machines and free weights, and injuries in weight training are more commonly related to using free weights.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

Are You Okay? • 878 implied HN points • 10 Jan 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Health is more than just physical metrics like blood pressure; it also encompasses how we feel, think, and behave in our daily lives.
  2. Being healthy involves honesty, asking for help, and building structure and support where needed, rather than quick fixes or fad diets.
  3. Prioritize four key elements for health: Sleep, Talk, Eat, Move, remembering that self-care is about meeting basic needs and nurturing a foundation for overall well-being.

MR WRONG: Tunnel vision

INDIGNITY • 294 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. The article discusses the experience of getting a colonoscopy procedure for health reasons.
  2. Colonoscopies play a vital role in detecting health issues such as polyps that can turn cancerous.
  3. The process of preparing for a colonoscopy involves detailed dietary restrictions and medical procedures to ensure optimal results.

The Secret to Waking up Alert and Refreshed

The Dose • 511 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Getting good sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being.
  2. Quality sleep impacts everyday life in various ways like sticking to exercise goals and boosting academic performance.
  3. Key factors to waking up alert include exercising, sleeping adequately, and eating a nutritious breakfast.

Run

ASK MOLLY • 471 implied HN points • 21 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. The post is about running and how it could be worse.
  2. The author's sister loves running and describes it as horrible but with a smile.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers only.

Biking to Barcelona

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 853 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Some people are using unique methods to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson's research, like running marathons or biking across countries.
  2. Exercise is important for managing Parkinson's symptoms and there is a focus on collecting data about how it impacts individuals.
  3. Technology, like wearables and apps, is being used to collect data on Parkinson's symptoms and to assess the effectiveness of different management strategies.

The Secret Behind Norway's Olympic Dominance

The Healthtech Initiative • 4 implied HN points • 27 Feb 26
🎾 Sports Exercise
  1. Norway dominated the 2026 Winter Olympics with a record 41 medals and an outsized per‑capita performance.
  2. People in Norway favor outdoor, nature‑based activities like walking, hiking, and cross‑country skiing and tend to train more at sustainable tempo and threshold intensities (Z3–Z4) with less time spent at maximum effort.
  3. These activity patterns appear across the whole population, suggesting Norway’s success comes from a broad, inclusive sports culture that emphasizes fun and steady training rather than early specialization.

Medical Roundup #1

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1523 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Saving up medical and health related stories allows for better organization
  2. Vaccination developments include a new malaria vaccine, FDA approved vaccine for chikungunya, and a vaccine for cancer
  3. Challenges in the medical field include lack of funding delays, issues with the FDA, and concerns about the origins of Covid-19

2025 Yearly Review

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 25 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Exercise
  1. Personal and family life moved from struggling to thriving — managing stress better helped the kids and strengthened relationships, marked by lots of happy milestones and trips.
  2. Work and community impact scaled up strongly — talks exceeded goals and Running for Resilience grew programs, events, partnerships, and measurable community outcomes.
  3. The main lesson is to slow down and set clearer boundaries — prioritising rest, saying no more often, and focusing on diet and balanced exercise are top priorities for next year.