Put those weights down! How ‘eccentric’ exercise opens up a whole new world of fitness

For years we have been told the best way to get fitter and stronger is to lift something heavy, whether that’s a barbell or our own bodyweight. What if how we put it down was just as important?

All the right moves! 17 personal trainers on the exercise they always recommend – from planks to face pulls

Whether you are starting from scratch, or have a well-honed routine, moving can help us feel happier and healthier. Experts share their one essential exercise and how to get the most out of it

Is it true that … it’s harder for women to build muscle than men?

Men tend to have a higher ratio of muscle to fat, but women respond just as well to resistance training

‘A buff is so versatile’: running essentials for your first marathon – and what you don’t need

Inspired to run your first 26.2 miles? Seasoned runners share their go-to kit, from race-day shoes to free apps (plus five UK marathons you can still enter)

Socialising, work, exercise: what makes a good day and is there a ‘formula’ for making it better?

Researchers have figured out which activities, and in what volume, are linked to people reporting having a good day. We challenge three writers to follow the blueprint for improving their daily grind

The best barefoot shoes in the UK – tried and tested for comfort and support

They’re the divisive footwear that many swear by, but which barefoot shoes are comfy enough for running and hiking? Our writer spent three months finding out

‘Wild west’ reformer pilates boom is causing rise in injuries, experts warn

Lack of regulation for specialist classes leaves UK fitness enthusiasts at risk, say professional bodies

‘As soon as I left the first session I felt taller’: is reformer pilates as amazing – or awful – as they say?

One of the fastest-growing fitness trends is also one of the most divisive. To its fans, it promises a stronger, healthier body; to its critics, it’s another way to make women feel insecure. Time to sort fact from fiction

Is it true that … you can never eat too much fibre?

Fibremaxxing is everywhere, and most of us should eat more roughage, but your gut won’t thank you for overloading

‘The highs are extremely high – but the lows are extremely low’: when working out becomes an addiction

Pushing yourself to the limit, training through injury and choosing the gym over socialising are all signs that you may have an unhealthy reliance on exercise

‘At certain points, I had to stop entirely’: what I learned after a week of Hyrox classes

The popular fitness trend is all over social media, and curious, I tried a few classes – they left me totally out of air

Scrambling, walking and swimming in splendid isolation: 75 years of the UK’s national parks

Our writer first hiked in the Lake District, Eryri and Dartmoor in the 1970s. Their beauty remains unrivalled, but they are more popular than ever. So, here’s how to avoid the crowds

‘It all feels very natural’: Britain’s sauna boom heats up as people seek warmth of human connection

Evidence suggests saunas can boost heart health, but their real power may lie in bringing people together in an increasingly digital world

The best padel rackets in the UK for every player, from beginner to pro

The sport is booming, but which racket will boost your game? Our expert enlisted the help of a padel coach to round up the aces

I’ve seen some bizarre exercises online. If I were an influencer, this is the one workout I’d recommend

Forget snake yoga. All it takes to increase your life expectancy is factoring a set of simple exercises into your weekly routine, says Prof Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh