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3 New Exercises You Should Try From Jeff Nippard

Here is everything you need to know to do them – and some other habits that help keep him in shape.

Leah Groth
By Leah GrothApr 10, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Jeff Nippard
Jeff Nippard Pro Natural Bodybuilder/Facebook
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothApr 10, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fitness & Workouts

Do you want to get fit for summer? One fitness expert claims these three exercises will help you achieve your body goals. Jeff Nippard, a Canadian natural pro bodybuilder and internationally qualified powerlifter, has a BSc in biochemistry/chemistry and a passion for science. He has amassed a large following on social media by sharing his science-backed diet and fitness tips with his 4.4 million YouTube subscribers. In a new video, he reveals “three new exercises.” Here is everything you need to know to do them – and some other habits that help keep him in shape.

Incline Lateral Raise

Jeff_Nippard9Jeff Nippard/YouTube

First up, a “meadow style” incline lateral raise, “where you alternate between going behind your back and in front of your body,” he says. “These are so good because by lying against an incline bench, you get most resistance from the dumbbell while you're delt is most stretched.

Bottom Half Smith Squats

Jeff_Nippard10Jeff Nippard/YouTube

The second exercise is bottom half smith squats. “These are brutal because you never get to rest at full walkout,” he explains. “Your quads are just continuously hammered in the deep stretch. Actually, I somewhat look forward to doing these though. They're a fun new challenge each week.”

RELATED: Rebecca Louise Shares 10-Minute Toned Upper Body Workout For Slender Arms

Moto Cable Rows

Jeff_Nippard8Jeff Nippard/YouTube

The third exercise he does is moto cable rows. “Because your whole body is braced against the floor, these give a very secure feel, and because this cable is free to move, you can lock into the plane of motion where you feel your lats the best for me. That's with my elbow more tucked into my side,” he says.

Science-Based Fitness Approach

Bodybuilder_Jeff_NippardJeff Nippard/YouTube

Nippard takes a science-based approach to fitness. In one Instagram post, he called it “super interesting,” 40 percent of his audience would consider their training more “bro” than science-based. “For me, all science-based training means is that you use science to build the foundation of your training,” he explained. That means you:

  1. Train hard
  2. Do enough volume (~5-15 sets per muscle per week)
  3. Use good technique (full range of motion with stretch-emphasis and control the negative)
  4. Use progressive overload (add some weight or reps over time)
  5. Use a variety of exercises

Here Is What He Eats Before and After Workouts

Bodybuilder_Jeff_Nippard4Jeff Nippard/YouTube

In another Instagram post, he discussed his diet before and after workouts. Pre-workout, Nippard has a bowl of jasmine rice, ground turkey, sour cream cheese, sriracha, blueberries, and a kiwi. “The latest research shows that simply not being hungry during your workout is the most important factor for pre-workout nutrition. Rather than nitpicking food sources or macro ratios, I'll chill for about an hour to let that digest,” he says. Post-workout, he has a shake with 50 grams of protein.

“Now, there's no need to stress about the anabolic window, but this shake does make it easier for me to hit my daily protein target of 150 grams,” Nippard explains. “A few hours later, I'll have a chicken sandwich made with ancient grains, bread, light, mayo, lettuce, rotisserie chicken, and a cheddar cheese slice with some crispy mini rice cakes and raspberries.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Adding new exercises to your routine can keep things fresh and interesting, helping you to avoid boredom during your workouts. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year.

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Fitness & Workouts

3 New Exercises You Should Try From Jeff Nippard

Jeff Nippard
Jeff Nippard Pro Natural Bodybuilder/Facebook
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothApr 10, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Do you want to get fit for summer? One fitness expert claims these three exercises will help you achieve your body goals. Jeff Nippard, a Canadian natural pro bodybuilder and internationally qualified powerlifter, has a BSc in biochemistry/chemistry and a passion for science. He has amassed a large following on social media by sharing his science-backed diet and fitness tips with his 4.4 million YouTube subscribers. In a new video, he reveals “three new exercises.” Here is everything you need to know to do them – and some other habits that help keep him in shape.

Incline Lateral Raise

Jeff_Nippard9Jeff Nippard/YouTube

First up, a “meadow style” incline lateral raise, “where you alternate between going behind your back and in front of your body,” he says. “These are so good because by lying against an incline bench, you get most resistance from the dumbbell while you're delt is most stretched.

Bottom Half Smith Squats

Jeff_Nippard10Jeff Nippard/YouTube

The second exercise is bottom half smith squats. “These are brutal because you never get to rest at full walkout,” he explains. “Your quads are just continuously hammered in the deep stretch. Actually, I somewhat look forward to doing these though. They're a fun new challenge each week.”

RELATED: Rebecca Louise Shares 10-Minute Toned Upper Body Workout For Slender Arms

Moto Cable Rows

Jeff_Nippard8Jeff Nippard/YouTube

The third exercise he does is moto cable rows. “Because your whole body is braced against the floor, these give a very secure feel, and because this cable is free to move, you can lock into the plane of motion where you feel your lats the best for me. That's with my elbow more tucked into my side,” he says.

Science-Based Fitness Approach

Bodybuilder_Jeff_NippardJeff Nippard/YouTube

Nippard takes a science-based approach to fitness. In one Instagram post, he called it “super interesting,” 40 percent of his audience would consider their training more “bro” than science-based. “For me, all science-based training means is that you use science to build the foundation of your training,” he explained. That means you:

  1. Train hard
  2. Do enough volume (~5-15 sets per muscle per week)
  3. Use good technique (full range of motion with stretch-emphasis and control the negative)
  4. Use progressive overload (add some weight or reps over time)
  5. Use a variety of exercises

Here Is What He Eats Before and After Workouts

Bodybuilder_Jeff_Nippard4Jeff Nippard/YouTube

In another Instagram post, he discussed his diet before and after workouts. Pre-workout, Nippard has a bowl of jasmine rice, ground turkey, sour cream cheese, sriracha, blueberries, and a kiwi. “The latest research shows that simply not being hungry during your workout is the most important factor for pre-workout nutrition. Rather than nitpicking food sources or macro ratios, I'll chill for about an hour to let that digest,” he says. Post-workout, he has a shake with 50 grams of protein.

“Now, there's no need to stress about the anabolic window, but this shake does make it easier for me to hit my daily protein target of 150 grams,” Nippard explains. “A few hours later, I'll have a chicken sandwich made with ancient grains, bread, light, mayo, lettuce, rotisserie chicken, and a cheddar cheese slice with some crispy mini rice cakes and raspberries.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Adding new exercises to your routine can keep things fresh and interesting, helping you to avoid boredom during your workouts. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss This Is Exactly How to Lose Body Fat This Year.

Fitness & Workouts

Top Coach Reveals 3 Best Back Exercises You Can Do at Home

Cori Lefkowith Redefining Strength
Copyright Redefining Strength/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackJan 06, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
FACT CHECKED BY Adita Yrizarry-lang, holistic lifestyle coach
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Finding time to hit the gym isn't always possible. Whether it's a busy schedule, lack of transportation, or simply preferring to work out at home, getting a proper back workout without equipment might seem challenging.

Enter Cori Lefkowith, founder of Redefining Strength. With over 800,000 YouTube subscribers trusting her expertise, she's made it her mission to help people build strength wherever they are. Today, she shares her top three back exercises that require nothing more than your body weight and items you already have at home.

Why Your Back Needs Attention

"There's often one muscle group overlooked and underworked in our body weight workouts, especially when we don't have any equipment on hand, and that muscle group is our backs," Cori explains in her post. While we regularly do push-ups for the chest and shoulders or squats for the legs, back exercises often get forgotten in-home workouts.

Exercise 1: The Wall or Floor Scapular Hold

The first exercise requires only a wall or floor. "This move is honestly something I even include for my clients in the gym because of how amazing it is for back activation and scapular control," says Cori. This versatile exercise can be performed as either an isometric hold or with repetitions.

Key technique points:

  • Position yourself against a wall or on the floor
  • Push through your elbows while drawing shoulder blades together
  • Press your chest out
  • Keep your core engaged throughout.

RELATED: 51-Year-Old Coach Loses 6 Sizes in 30 Days With 4 Simple Daily Habits

Exercise 2: The Doorway Row Master

Your doorway or stairwell becomes your rowing station with this exercise. "With this move, your body weight will be your own resistance, and you'll feel not only your back and biceps, but even your legs and core," Cori shares. The key is focusing on driving your elbows back rather than just pulling with your arms.

Options include:

  • Single-arm rows
  • Two-arm rows
  • Anti-rotational variations
  • Rotational pulls.

Exercise 3: The Towel Technique

Don't underestimate the power of a simple towel. "Using a towel, you can actually work your back in so many different ways from rows to flies, to even pull downs," Cori demonstrates. The effectiveness comes from creating self-resistance through the towel.

Towel exercise variations:

  • Self-resistant rows
  • Bent-over rows
  • Pull-downs
  • Single-arm flies.

Making These Moves Work for You

For beginners, Cori recommends starting with wall-based movements. "The wall is a bit easier to control than the floor. And the less you walk your feet away from the wall, the more modified the move is," she advises. This makes these exercises adaptable to every fitness level.

Advanced practitioners can challenge themselves by:

  • Increasing hold times
  • Adding controlled rotations to rows
  • Using towel exercises with increased tension
  • Incorporating dynamic movements.

Form First, Always

To maximize results, Cori emphasizes proper form: "The key is not just pulling with your arms but actually driving your elbows back. You want to feel your shoulder blade move towards your spine, engaging your back to power the pull."

RELATED: Nutritionist Reveals 4 Signs You're Eating Too Much Fiber

Last Word From the Trainer

Cori shares her final advice: "There's always a way to get results training with what we have." These three exercises prove that building a stronger back doesn't require a gym membership – just commitment and proper technique. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Fitness & Workouts

77-Year-Old Former Model Reveals 6 Simple Arm Exercises She's Done for 30 Years

Candace_Cima23
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackDec 10, 2024
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
FACT CHECKED BY Adita Yrizarry-lang, holistic lifestyle coach
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

At 77, Candace Cima challenges the notion that staying fit requires expensive equipment or complicated routines. The former model turned fitness enthusiast has been doing the same arm exercises for three decades, helping thousands of followers maintain their strength and independence through her platform "Living My Life in My 70s." If you're looking for a proven arm workout that's both effective and accessible, here's her time-tested routine.

Why These Exercises Work

"As you get older, you become aware of how many daily activities require arm strength," Candace notes. "Everything from carrying groceries to pushing open heavy doors becomes easier when you maintain your strength." She emphasizes that consistency, not complexity, is the key to lasting results.

Start With What You Have

"You don't need any special workout clothes or gym membership," Candace explains. "I've been using the same set of dumbbells for years." She recommends starting with 1-2 pound weights or even soup cans. "The key is starting where you are and progressing gradually."

RELATED: She Lost 11 Pounds in 60 Days Without Giving Up Her Favorite Foods: “Progress Isn't Perfect”

Exercise 1: The Forward Raise

"My arm routine is very simple. I've been doing it for about 30 years, and it's incredibly beneficial," says Candace. Begin with arms straight, raising weights forward slowly to shoulder height. "The biggest mistake I see is rushing through the movement. Slow and controlled is what builds real strength." Perform 10 repetitions.

Exercise 2 & 3: Side Raises

"Form is everything with side raises," Candace emphasizes. She demonstrates two variations: slightly forward and directly to the sides. "Never raise your arms above shoulder height – it's unnecessary and can cause strain." Perform 10 repetitions of each movement.

Exercise 4: Tricep Kickbacks

"Triceps are often overlooked, but they're essential for pushing movements," says Candace. Bend at the waist, keeping your back flat. "When doing kickbacks, imagine your elbow is glued to your side. This helps maintain proper form." Perform 20 repetitions.

Exercise 5: Bent-Over Side Raises

"Keep your back as straight as possible," Candace instructs. Bend forward at the waist and raise weights out to the sides, maintaining proper form throughout. She recommends 20 repetitions of this movement to target the upper back and shoulders effectively.

RELATED: This Mom Walked 30 Minutes Every Day for a Month, "It Made Me Feel Strong in Ways I Never Expected"

Exercise 6: Standing Bicep Curls

"The final exercise is simple but powerful," Candace shares. Perform 20 standard bicep curls, keeping movements slow and controlled. "Focus on feeling the muscle work rather than rushing through the repetitions."

Progress Through Repetitions

"Instead of increasing weight, I increase the reps," Candace explains. "This approach has kept me injury-free while building real, functional strength. Start with what feels comfortable and add reps as it becomes easier."

Make It a Sustainable Routine

"I do these exercises three times a week, always in the morning," says Candace. "Consistency is more important than intensity. These simple movements, done regularly, have kept me strong enough to enjoy an active lifestyle well into my seventies."

RELATED: 7 Protein Swaps a Dietitian Uses to Cut Calories Not Muscle

Listen to Your Body

"Some days you'll feel stronger than others, and that's perfectly normal," Candace concludes. "The key is to stay consistent while respecting your body's signals. If something doesn't feel right, adjust the weight or repetitions accordingly. Remember, you're building strength for life, not just for today." And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss I Hit 60 and These 15 Anti-Aging Foods Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger

Fitness & Workouts

Top 10-Minute Exercises That Will Tone Your Sagging Arms

Rebecca Louise
Copyright Rebecca-Louise/YouTube
Alek Korab
By Alek KorabSep 16, 2024
Alek Korab
Editor
Alek Korab is Founding Editor of Body Network
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✓Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Rebecca Louise, certified NASM & Yoga Trainer, is on a mission to help people transform their bodies and mindsets through effective home workouts. With a background in competitive sports, Rebecca understands the importance of exercise and teamwork. After feeling lost in traditional gym settings, she discovered the power of home workouts and began sharing her routines online. Now, she's here to guide you through an effective arm-toning workout that promises results in just 10 minutes. "Hey guys, do you have some saggy skin that you want to get rid of? Well, today, I have got the perfect 10 minutes to tighten up your skin and tone your arms. Let's do this," Rebecca says enthusiastically in the video. Here's exactly what to do.

Nutrition and Fitness: The Perfect Balance

How to reduce the sag oin your arms? "Now 80% is going to be nutrition, 20% is going to be the fitness, but I'm going to crush you with that 20% right now," she explains, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach.

Getting Started: Equipment Options

Fitness,,workout,,Gym,Exercise,,Healthy,In,Exercise,kettleball,weights,kettlebellShutterstock

Rebecca advises, "If you've got mini kettlebells, great. If you've got dumbbells, great. If you've got no weight, it doesn't matter. But the most important thing is we are going to work out throughout this whole exercise."

RELATED: 10 Drinks That Will Ward Off Hunger Without Breaking Your Fast, and 6 You Should Avoid

Exercise 1: The V-Push

"You're going to grab hold of your weights, your dumbbells, however they are with your palms facing up. And we are going to bring those elbows out to the side and you're going to push up into a V and bring it back to here," she instructs in the video.

Proper Form and Mindset

"We are going to start to really work those triceps. So let's tighten up that skin, tone up the upper part of our body, get some confidence and rock it," Rebecca says encouragingly.

Exercise 2: Pulse and Hold

"Okay, we're going to pulse up and down, small little pulses, however you are holding. If you've got weights, it's got a dog, any chance sometimes that happens to me, you're going to release those shoulders away from those ears and you're going to do small little pulses," she explains, detailing the next move.

Exercise 3: Bicep Curls with a Twist

"So you're going to bring me a bicep curl and take it all the way through. So lift, hold and swing it back down," Rebecca demonstrates, adding a unique twist to the classic bicep curl.

The Importance of Challenging Yourself

"And those last couple of reps want to be difficult. So if this is too easy, just means that your weight isn't heavy enough and you are not going to bulk up these workouts. Do not get you bulky," she reassures in the video.

RELATED:I Lost Over 50 Pounds and This Is the Only Tip You Need to Do the Same

Exercise 4: Back and Bicep Combo

"Weights right out in front of you. You're going to pull it in here and then slowly, that's it. This is what's tidying it up, taking it nice and slow and then bring it in towards you," Rebecca instructs, introducing a move that targets multiple muscle groups.

Exercise 5: Shoulder Press Variation

"Okay, we're going to take one arm and we are going to push up to the sky and we're going to drop that elbow all the way in towards us," she says, describing a unique shoulder exercise.

Exercise 6: Tricep Dips

"You're going to come down to the ground. You're going to have your hands directly underneath your shoulders, and we're going to come down to your knees, hands here," Rebecca explains, setting up for tricep dips.

RELATED:I Lost 50 Pounds in 6 Months With Walking and These 3 Major Changes

Exercise 7: Overhead Tricep Extension

"We are going to take it over the top of our head. So we're going to bring both of them. If you've got two dumbbells, if you've just got one really heavy one, their feet hit with this apart, we're going to take it down and we're going to extend up," she instructs, detailing the overhead tricep extension.

The Final Push

"Oh my goodness. We've got less than 60 seconds to go. We're going to punch out the last part," Rebecca says, encouraging viewers to push through the final minute.

Exercise 8: Cross-Body Punches

"So we're going to take it in front, little punches in front of your face with your weight, without your weight. And we're just going to take it across the body slightly," she explains, describing the last exercise of the routine.

RELATED: I Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These High-Protein Foods

The Importance of Completing the Workout

"The last 60 seconds, this is where the workout is going to start to get you results because you've got to finish it," Rebecca emphasizes, highlighting the importance of seeing the workout through to the end. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Fitness & Workouts

4 Strength Moves to Transform Your Body in 30 Days, Says Expert

Luisana Carrero luisana nutritioncoach
Copyright luisana_nutritioncoach/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 03, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Adita Yrizarry-lang, holistic lifestyle coach
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you ready to achieve all of your fitness goals in 2025 but aren’t sure what exercises to do? Keep it simple, urges one expert. Luisana Carrero is a nutrition coach and social media influencer who knows how to lose weight and keep it off from personal experience. In fact, she ended up losing 28 pounds in 4 months. In a new post, she reveals that a few targeted exercises can help transform your figure. “If I could only choose 4 exercises to dramatically change your shape, these are your picks,” she says. “Here they are!”

These Exercises Target Multiple Muscle Groups at Once

What makes these four exercises great to add to your routine? “These are super effective because they target multiple muscle groups at once,” she explains. What makes them so great? They work by “helping you build strength, burn more calories and transform your body composition,” Louisiana says in her post.

RELATED: She Lost 45 Pounds in Her Garage by Doing These 3 Things

Squats

The first exercise she recommends? Squats, “any variation,” she says. “They work your quads, glutes, and hamstrings while improving mobility and overall strength.” Her go-tos are: “Back Squats, Front Squats & Bulgarian Split Squats.”

Pull-Ups or Lat Pulldowns

Next up are pull-ups or lat pulldowns. “Amazing for building upper body strength, target your back, shoulders, and biceps. They help create a strong V-shape (giving the illusion of a smaller waist,” she says.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Walking Burns More Fat Than Running, “Your Body Actually Prefers It”

Bench Press or Push-Ups

The third option of exercises? Bench press or push-ups. “These are great for working you chest, shoulders, and triceps while also engaging your core,” she says.

Deadlifts or RDLs

She also does deadlifts or Romanian deadlifts (RDLs). “Builds strength in your back, glutes, hamstrings and core. This is one of the best exercises for building strong, toned legs and glutes,” she says.

RELATED: This Coach Lost 100 Pounds Without Dieting by Focusing on These 4 Basic Rules

Do Them 2 to 3 Times a Week

How often should you do these exercises? “Aim to include each of these exercises 2-3 times per week in your workout routine,” she recommends, adding that they can be done with either dumbbells or barbells. “Just remember: Master proper form first. Gradually increase the weight every other week to continue challenging your muscles. For fat loss, pair these with eating in a calorie deficit and watch your body transform.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks.

Nutrition & Diet

Top Doctor Reveals 7 Hidden Signs You're Eating Too Much Sugar

Dr. Eric Berg DC
Copyright Dr. Eric Berg DC/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackJan 19, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Does your tongue have a persistent white coating? Or maybe you've noticed your skin becoming more wrinkled lately? These could be unexpected signs that you're consuming too much sugar. Dr. Eric Berg DC, a leading authority on nutrition and healthy weight loss, has helped millions understand the hidden dangers of excessive sugar consumption. With over 13 million YouTube subscribers and multiple bestselling books, Dr. Berg breaks down the surprising signals your body sends when sugar intake is too high. Read on to discover if you're experiencing any of these seven warning signs.

Before We Start What Counts as Sugar

"I need to clarify exactly what sugar is and the difference between a sugar and a carbohydrate," Dr. Berg says in his post, explaining that many people misunderstand the relationship between complex carbohydrates, simple carbohydrates, and sugars. He reveals that carbohydrates consist of three components: sugar, fiber, and starch – with starch being a hidden form of sugar many overlook.

The Surprising Truth About Starch

Midsection of young woman using glucometer to check blood sugar level at homeShutterstock

"Starch is sugar," Dr. Berg states plainly. He explains that starch is simply multiple sugar molecules connected together, scientifically called polysaccharides. Even more concerning, some modified starches like maltodextrin can spike blood sugar levels to 185 on the glycemic index – dramatically higher than table sugar at 65.

Sign 1 Unexplained High Adrenaline

Sleep disorder, insomnia. Young blonde woman lying on the bed awake

Shutterstock

The most surprising sign of excessive sugar consumption, according to Dr. Berg, is elevated adrenaline levels. "Too much sugar damages the cell's ability to make energy in the mitochondria," he explains. This leads to increased adrenaline production, causing nervous energy, restlessness, and even insomnia.

Sign 2 Frequent Infections

Tired woman lying in bed can't sleep late at night with insomnia. Asian girl with funny face sick or sad depressed sleeping at home.Shutterstock

"Having too much sugar will weaken your immune system to the point where you're more vulnerable to acquire an infection," Dr. Berg warns. This reduced immunity makes you more susceptible to various types of infections.

Sign 3 Low Testosterone Levels

Beautiful couple is having sex in bed at homeShutterstock

"Sugar will lower testosterone," Dr. Berg reveals. This reduction can lead to multiple issues, including erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and difficulty building muscle, as testosterone plays a crucial role in muscle development.

Sign 4 Bleeding Gums

Toothache,,Pain,And,Sensitive,Teeth,With,A,Woman,Brushing,dental,dentist,tooth teethShutterstock

If you see pink in your toothbrush after brushing, pay attention. Dr. Berg explains this could indicate a mild form of scurvy, showing vitamin C deficiency. "When you eat sugar, you block vitamin C and one place that it shows up is in your gums," he notes.

Sign 5 Chronic Sinus Problems

Close up portrait of an attractive man with eyeglasses. Poor young guy has eyesight problems. He is rubbing his nose and eyes because of wearinessShutterstock

"Most chronic sinus problems are a fungus called aspergillus," Dr. Berg explains. This microorganism feeds on sugar, making it nearly impossible to resolve chronic sinus infections without eliminating sugar from your diet.

Sign 6 Persistent White Tongue

Female tongue with a white plaque. Cropped shot of a young woman showing tongue isolated on a white background. Digestive tract disease, organ dysfunction, poor oral hygiene, fungal infections

Shutterstock

A chronic white tongue coating could indicate candida overgrowth. "I do not think you can get rid of this candida without eliminating sugar from the diet because it loves these simple sugars," Dr. Berg emphasizes.

Sign 7 Premature Aging

Anti-Wrinkle Skin Care. Sad Woman Looking In Mirror, Touching Her FaceShutterstock

"When you consume too much sugar, you're going to produce less collagen," Dr. Berg warns. This reduction in collagen production manifests as loose, more wrinkled skin, leading to premature aging.

Taking Action Against Hidden Sugars

Mindfulness,Woman,Breathing,Fresh,Air,happyShutterstock

Recognizing these signs is crucial for taking control of your health. Dr. Berg's insights reveal how sugar affects multiple body systems, from hormones to immune function. By paying attention to these warning signs and reducing sugar intake – including hidden sources like modified starches – you can start improving your health today. Remember, awareness is the first step toward positive change, and even small reductions in sugar consumption can lead to significant health improvements. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Fitness & Workouts

Fitness Trainer Reveals 10 Fat Burning Habits Over 50

Christine Roderick corexchristine
Copyright corexchristine/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothJan 19, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

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This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

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Are you letting your age be an excuse for not getting into shape? One 57-year-old expert who looks half her age has some recommendations to help you burn fat and achieve your best body. Christine Roderick is an “age positive” fitness trainer who helps “women over 40 transform their body, mind & spirits.” In a new social media post, she shows off her flat abs and reveals all her healthy daily habits that help her achieve her fantastic figure. “What I do for maximum fat burning at 57,” she writes. “Use this template for a week, 2 weeks or a month to get results,” she adds, sharing “what a typical day looks like” in her life.

Intermittent Fasting

Her first habit is intermittent fasting. “Fast 12-13 hours,” she recommends. Intermittent fasting prolongs “the period when your body has burned through the calories consumed during your last meal and begins burning fat,” explains Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Hydration

Christine wakes up at 6:15 a.m. The first thing she does is hydrate. According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Coffee

Christina drinks a “loaded” coffee latte at 7:00 a.m. She adds @cymbiotika nootropic creamer and one scoop of collagen. According to the Cleveland Clinic, drinking coffee in moderation has several benefits. “It acts on your brain to improve memory, mood, reaction times, and mental function,” they say, citing a study finding that caffeine can improve endurance and performance during exercise. It is also antioxidant-rich, can ward off diabetes, prevent neurologic disease, lower cancer risk, and ward off depression, they point out.

Protein Before Workout

At 8:00 a.m., she hits the gym for a challenging strength training workout “with about 15 grams of protein as fuel & water with. @kion aminos,” she reveals. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW), but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

For breakfast, Christine consumes 30 to 49 grams of protein, healthy fats, and carbs. She might eat eggs, lean meat, avocado, and whole grain toast or have a protein shake with prebiotic powder. Lunch is her largest meal of the day, “lean protein, bit more complex crabs & veggies ( i.e. salmon, leafy green salad & brown rice )” she writes. At 3 she will have a snack, 20 grams of protein in the form of cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, or hummus with veggies or seed cracker. Dinner might be lean meat, grilled veggies, and salad. “I tend to skip a lot of carbs at night but if I do do it it’s usually quinoa or a whole grain,” she says. For dessert, she will have “chocolate something!” she says. In total she aims for 120 grams of protein.

Stretching or Yoga

She also does stretch or yoga in the afternoon “to work on mobility & flexibility,” she says. “Stretching keeps the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, and we need that flexibility to maintain a range of motion in the joints,” says Harvard Health. “Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are weak and unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.”

Walking

Christine gets her steps in. She explains that she is “trying to incorporate the 15-20 minute walk after dinner at a 50% so far lol but really want this in my life,” she writes. Going for a daily walk can be a game changer, especially at a brisk speed. One study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that walking at a brisk pace for about 30 minutes a day reduced the risk of heart disease, cancer, dementia, and death, compared with walking a similar number of steps but at a slower pace.

Tea Before Bed

She also avoids eating 2 to 3 hours before bed, “just a habit I made myself get consistent with,” she says. “I drink tea or sugar free cacao if I need something.” Numerous studies have shown that various teas may boost your immune system, fight inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease.

Supplements

Christine takes supplements throughout the day:

Morning supplements: @fatty15, @seed probiotics @joiwomenswellness NAD, glutathione, C & methylated vitamin B 12

Afternoon supplements: @modere_us collagen & Trim ( Cla) @cymbiotika D3K2 @udeawellness the hair pill & omega 3 supplement

Evening supplements: Magnesium threonate & citrate for calm & progesterone

Sleep

Lastly, she prioritizes sleep. “In bed by 10 hopefully!!!!” she writes. According to the Sleep Foundation, getting enough z’s is a mood booster, promotes heart health, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function, restores your immune system, helps relieve stress, and aids in weight loss. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI Hit 60 and These 15 Anti-Aging Foods Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger.

Healthy Body

Functional MD Reveals 5 Natural Ways to Lower Cortisol Levels

Dr. Kate Lyzenga-Dean
Copyright drkateld/Instagram
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackJan 19, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Do you feel constantly stressed, struggle with stubborn weight, or deal with unexplained fatigue? Your cortisol levels might be working against you. This stress hormone can be both friend and foe—supporting vital functions when balanced but causing havoc when chronically elevated. Dr. Lyzenga-Dean, a Functional Medicine Healthcare Provider, explains that high cortisol doesn't just come from mental stress: "It's not just mental and emotional stress that triggers the release of cortisol. Physical stressors like infections, autoimmunity, hormone imbalance, and more can raise it too." Here are five science-based strategies to help you restore balance and feel better naturally.

This Is How Cortisol Affects Your Body

Before diving into solutions, it's crucial to understand what high cortisol does to your body. "When cortisol stays too high for too long, it raises blood glucose, keeps you in fat storage mode instead of fat loss mode, and blocks the calming and helpful progesterone that can lead to estrogen dominance over time," Dr. Lyzenga-Dean explains in her post. This understanding helps explain why managing cortisol is crucial for overall health.

Recognize the Warning Signs

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According to Dr. Lyzenga-Dean, chronically high cortisol manifests in various ways: "It makes a mess of our immune systems, your circadian rhythm and your metabolism. Not to mention chronically high cortisol causes symptoms of anxiety and depression, chronic fatigue and pain, heart palpitations, stress hives, and general misery at high levels." Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward addressing the problem.

Balance Blood Sugar With Smart Food Choices

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"Since cortisol is released in response to blood sugar spikes and crashes, eating foods that encourage steady blood sugar levels helps to reduce cortisol," Dr. Lyzenga-Dean explains. She recommends focusing on protein, healthy fats, and fiber, which act as "extended release nutrition" by slowing down the breakdown and absorption of fuel. This natural approach helps level out the spikes and crashes typically caused by processed carbs and sugary foods.

Rethink Your Relationship With Caffeine

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While that morning coffee might feel essential, it could be working against you. "Caffeine directly causes adrenal cells to make more cortisol as well as other stress hormones, which creates a cycle of physical chronic stress and dependence on caffeine," warns Dr. Lyzenga-Dean. She suggests reducing intake or temporarily eliminating caffeine to break the cortisol spiral, especially if you're experiencing morning grogginess and difficulty concentrating.

Add High-Quality Fish Oil Supplements

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The right supplements can make a significant difference. "Fish oil has been shown to lower cortisol, reduce overall inflammation, and help support healthy neurotransmitter function," Dr. Lyzenga-Dean shares. However, she emphasizes the importance of quality: "Be careful about sourcing on this, both for fatty fish that you eat and fish oil supplements, as toxins and heavy metals tend to accumulate in fat."

Replenish Stress-Depleted Vitamins

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Chronic stress creates a hidden nutritional deficit. "Excess stress can cause you to excrete magnesium leading to problems with bone density, muscle tension, headaches, anxiety, and sleep problems," explains Dr. Lyzenga-Dean. She notes that stress also depletes several B vitamins, potentially causing neurologic symptoms, low energy, and hormone dysfunction. Regular testing can help identify and address these deficiencies.

Harness the Power of Adaptogenic Herbs

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Adaptogens offer a natural approach to stress management. Dr. Lyzenga-Dean highlights several effective options: "Panax Ginseng is a well-established cortisol manager. Ashwagandha is not only calming but also energizing. Rhodiola acts upstream on the brain to improve mental function, decrease overwhelm, and lower high perception of stress." However, she emphasizes that quality and proper dosing are crucial for seeing results.

Monitor Your Progress Through Testing

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Dr. Lyzenga-Dean emphasizes the importance of proper testing: "Unfortunately, most doctors don't or won't test for these [nutrient levels], but that testing is surprisingly accessible." Consider working with a functional medicine provider who can help monitor your cortisol levels and related markers to ensure your interventions are working effectively.

Know When to Seek Professional Help

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While these strategies can be implemented on your own, some situations require professional guidance. Dr. Lyzenga-Dean notes that complex cases involving multiple symptoms or long-standing issues may benefit from personalized attention and monitoring. This ensures you're addressing your specific needs and circumstances effectively.

Maintain Long-Term Success

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Understanding cortisol's dual nature helps explain its impact on your health. As Dr. Lyzenga-Dean notes, "When cortisol is balanced and being produced at appropriate times and amounts, it's our friend. It activates our immune system, plays an important role in the sleep cycle, and quenches inflammation." The key is maintaining this balance through consistent application of these strategies while monitoring your body's response and adjusting as needed. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss40 Health Symptoms That Can Be More Serious Than You Think.

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