Title: Editor
Location: New York City
Expertise: Alek Korab is Founding Editor at Body Network. Based in Brooklyn, Alek specializes in wellness, body health, fitness, and weight loss.
Experience: Alek is a seasoned media leader with 27 years of experience. With a track record of impactful coverage reaching millions of readers, Alek previously held key roles as Editor-in-Chief at Metro US and Content Director at Metro International and has worked on projects in 19 countries.
Social Media:LinkedIn
Walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your health and fitness. In this article, we explore nine walking workouts designed to help you maximize the benefits of this everyday activity. Best Life talked to Dr. Milica McDowell, VP of Operations at Gait Happens, and other pros, to gather expert-approved strategies that will enhance your physical and mental well-being. From varied environments to progressive challenges, each workout is crafted to suit different preferences, whether you prefer the convenience of a treadmill or the tranquility of a nature walk. Incorporate strength training, mindful reflection, or even travel-based walking adventures to keep your routine exciting and effective. Get ready to transform your walks into powerful workouts for optimal health benefits.
Dr. McDowell suggests: "Indoor walking on a treadmill is a great alternative to outdoor walking. It provides just as many benefits as outdoor walking and is a more convenient option since you can hop off at any time, unlike an outdoor walk! Also, a treadmill is more forgiving on your joints and spine than walking on outdoor concrete, sidewalks, or pavement.” She continues: “Nature walks and outdoor walks in green spaces have a proven ability to improve your mood and mental clarity! Nature walks can also improve your Vitamin D levels especially if you take an early morning walk!"
2. Progressing Your Walking Routine for Maximum Results
Shutterstock
Dr. McDowell advises on challenging yourself: "You can challenge yourself when walking by increasing one of the following parameters. You don't change more than 1 per session, so your body has a chance to adapt to the workout. Increase cadence. Cadence is your walking speed, and it ties to fitness and can accelerate your workout if you are pressed for time. Shoot for 100-120 steps per minute. Backwards walking. Yes, it sounds surprising, but introducing some minor bouts of backward walking can be a unique stimulus to your body and will mix up the demands on your brain and posture systems. Don't try this if you have balance issues or a history of falls! If you don't have either of those factors in your history, try adding 30-60 seconds of backward walking during your walk. Shoot for 3-5 bouts, and you'll see gains in your glues, hips, and back.
Add walking poles. Nordic walking is the term for walking with poles. It allows you to engage your arms and your abs more than walking without poles. It can allow you to go longer (duration-wise) and higher (elevation-wise) and can help you gain more strength than walking without poles."
3. Combining Walking with Strength Training for Enhanced Benefits
Shutterstock
"Adding load to your walk is a way to add a strength training component to your walk. Hand weights are an easy way to do that, or you can try 'rucking,' which is to add a small loaded backpack to your walk. I'd suggest trying these add-ons for less than 10 minutes (or less than 50% of your walk duration) to see how your body responds,” Dr. McDowell recommends.
4. Proper Walking Form and Technique to Prevent Injuries
Shutterstock
"An ideal walking gait starts with outside (lateral) heel contact, weight shifting through the middle of the foot, and then push off of the big toe (medial) side of the foot,” Dr. McDowell explains. “When you are walking, focus on even contact on the right vs left foot, even symmetrical arm swing, and upright posture. Keep your gaze ahead, your head in neutral (never text and walk!), and your abs pulled back toward your spine. Final pro tip, Breathe! You'd be surprised how many folks forget to work on their breathing when they are walking, so focusing on equal lengths of inhale and exhale activates your diaphragm muscle and enhances core and pelvic floor control."
5. Structured Walking Plan for Weight Loss and Cardiovascular Health
iStock
"Begin by breaking your walks into smaller portions that are manageable for your current fitness level,” says Caitlin Donato, Director of Fitness at Pritikin Longevity Center. “Begin with an initial goal of three 10-minute walks throughout the day. Give yourself as much time as needed to recover between walks. Once you feel successful with step one, add a heart rate monitor and/or use the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) scale to assess your efforts on the walks. If you are using a heart rate monitor, you are looking to work to 70-75% of your maximum heart rate. If you are using the RPE scale, your goal should be to walk at a pace that feels somewhat hard. You should be able to maintain a conversation, but that conversation should sound breathy. Once you feel successful breaking your walks into three 'somewhat hard' 10-minute sessions, you can progress again and combine those efforts into one 'somewhat hard' 30-minute walking session."
6. Mindful Walking for Mental Health and Self-Reflection
Shutterstock
Emily Sloan, LPC, SEP, recommends a "Reflection Walk": "This is particularly beneficial for people that don't like to journal. It starts with a journaling prompt or reflection question. Take that prompt/question with you on a walk (preferably in nature) without headphones. Allow yourself to ponder and reflect on the question to see what arises from within. The bilateral stimulation of the walking (back and forth - left to right movement) is extremely helpful in allowing the brain to process. This is the basis of EMDR therapy, which is a highly effective mental health therapy. Notice any insight or clarity that arises during the walk."
7. Walking for Weight Loss While Traveling
iStock
Halona Black, writer and meditation teacher, shares: "My tip is to not be afraid to look into local and international races as they are not only for runners. A marathon that is advertised for runners will also have shorter distances that fit people who love to walk -- a 3K or 5K race, for example. It's a great way to travel in your state, or even abroad, as I choose to do."
8. Incorporating Variety into Your Walking Routine
Shutterstock
Joy Puleo, NPCP, ACSM, and Director of Education at Balanced Body, suggests: "Three ways to add intensity, challenge, and diversity are to consider the following:
Intervals: Vary your speed by creating intervals where you are walking at a relaxed pace followed by short intervals increasing speed.
Incline/Decline: Adding inclines and declines will both increase the challenge and change up the routine while keeping the mind in tune with the body and elevating heart rate.
Fitness moments: Adding squats, lunges, and other fitness-based calisthenics are a great way to mix up your walking routine."
9. Proper Treadmill Walking Technique and Goal Setting
Shutterstock
Sarah Bowmar, certified personal trainer and health coach, advises: "Don't hold on to the handles if walking on the treadmill. It causes you to be hunched over and messes up your posture. While walking, keep your posture as straight as possible. If walking on an incline - don't walk 'lazily' walk with purpose and with intention. If you don't, you won't have proper form and can injure yourself. Start with a simple step goal such as 10,000 steps a day. Once that habit has been formed and it's built into your routine you can build upon it such as walking more steps, adding wrist weights, walking on an incline, etc."
Inflation fell just below 3% (2.9%) for the first time since 2021, which makes it the perfect time to look at your financial matters with a fresh perspective. But how can you take advantage of the current economic climate? “The top ways to grow your wealth are really simple, almost deceptively so,” self-made millionaire and author of “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” Ramit Sethi tells CNBC. “And they seem boring, but they are the ones that actually work.” So what should you do? Here’s how to save money and grow wealth, according to financial experts.
Consider investing even a small amount of money to grow wealth. “Invest a percentage of your income every year automatically and increase that percentage 1%,” Sethi says. “We often believe that rich people have access to secret investments, and that’s how they make a ton of money. Listen, I have access to those investments, and I can tell you right now, they typically do not perform better than a simple S&P index fund. The ordinary truth is that you can get great returns with a simple low-cost long-term index fund.”
2. Make More Money
Shutterstock
Don’t feel limited by the amount of money you make. "An often-overlooked option to save more money is to make more,” Kevin M. Curley, II, CFP, wealth advisor at Global Wealth Advisors, tells CBS News. “Working to improve or build up a skillset can increase an employee's value and the amount of money someone might be willing to pay them. Market any specialized skills on social media platforms by broadcasting them to anyone who will listen. You don't have to be an influencer to make money on YouTube, for example. It is possible to reach people who are interested in very niche areas and start making money with only 1,000 subscribers.”
2. Plan Ahead
iStock
Plan ahead when doing food shopping or planning to go to a restaurant so you don’t get tempted by something outside your budget. "Be honest with yourself and set expectations with friends and family who might be expecting you to pick up the tab or purchase a gift,” Dr. Kate Mielitz, Accredited Financial Counselor at Beyond Finance, tells CBS News. “Yes, it's hard, and uncomfortable, to say, 'I can't afford it,' but it pays off when you have money in your account at the end of the pay period.”
4. Switch Service Providers
iStock
Consider switching service providers to save money. "As a personal example, I recently switched telecom services and found it was 30% cheaper, and the plan gave me free cell service for the first year," Curley says. “Shopping around for home and auto insurance rates can be a good way to save money,” says Nia Adams, personal finance educator at Perspectives.
5. Is Your Salary Fair?
Shutterstock
Don’t be afraid to ask for a raise to make sure you are getting a fair wage. “Learn the skills of negotiating your salary and getting paid what you’re worth,” Sethi says.
6. Side Hustle
Shutterstock
Consider making more money by exploring side hustles. By using your spare time to work on new projects, you can make more money. “If you really want to increase your earnings, consider starting a business on the side,” Sethi says.
7. Reduce Investment-Related Fees
Shutterstock
Don’t overlook the fees on your investment accounts. "Fees are imperative to consider when choosing an investment because they can diminish your investment returns, and with compound interest, can cost you a substantial amount of money over time," Vincent Grosso, founder at Pascack Capital, tells CBS News. "To save money, investors can look for less expensive fund options. A more expensive fund does not always equate to a superior fund. Evaluating your fund fees can save you money today, and your future self will thank you, as well.”
Netflix fans rejoice—the streaming giant just renewed two major shows. Supacell and The Gentleman will both be returning for season 2 after performing very well in their initial seasons. “The world of The Gentlemen is a little bit of me,” Ritchie previously told Netflix. “We’re looking forward to bringing fans back into that world, introducing new characters and their stories, and I am excited to be doing it with this extremely talented cast.” Here’s what to expect in season 2 of both hit shows.
According to the official description, Supacell is about “a group of five ordinary people who unexpectedly develop superpowers. They have little in common except for one thing: they are all Black South Londoners. It is down to one man, Michael Lasaki, to bring them all together in order to save the woman he loves.”
2. What's Next?
Netflix
Creator Rapman says he has a clear idea of what will happen on the show. “I’ve always had it [mapped out] to Season 3. I know how Season 2 ends,” he told Tudum. “I’ve got stuff planned for this story. I’ve had this in my head for years, so I’m ready to go.”
3. Just Getting Started
Netflix
Rapman says each of the five Supacell heroes is just getting started. “Supacell Season 1 is my Batman Begins. It’s a prequel of what they’ll be like,” he told Tudum. “Season 2 is when you really see what they become. That future you saw at the end of the pilot in London, that exact future doesn’t exist anymore. They’ve changed everything. It’s going to be interesting when we get into the writers’ room.”
4. What's The Gentlemen About?
Netflix
The Gentlemen, based on the Guy Ritchie movie of the same name, is coming back for another 8-episode season. “When aristocratic Eddie inherits the family estate, he discovers that it's home to an enormous weed empire — and its proprietors aren't going anywhere,” says Netflix in their official description.
5. What's Next?
Netflix
Even the cast are full of questions and speculations about what’s coming next. “It’d be fun to see the business spread a bit more,” Kaya Scodelario, who plays Susie, tells Tudum. “How do they take it to the next level? They’re very adamant about not getting into the chop game, so how do they then continue to build the empire? Where does that take them? How does the new structure of the business work practically?”
6. What About Susie and Eddie?
Netflix
Fans of the relationship between Susie and Eddie should be prepared for anything. “I think they’ve grown to love each other in their own way, but I think they’ll never fully trust each other because they are so different and they’re from such vastly different worlds,” Theo James told Tudum. “There’s a love between them, but ultimately they will never be from the same cloth.”
7. Supacell Rave Reviews
Netflix
Supacell scored 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics and viewers alike raving about the show. “Though the excitement of supernatural abilities and the magic of science fiction ripple across the show, the series also explores major themes that disproportionately affect Black people, including human trafficking, extreme surveillance, pervasive global anti-Blackness and predatory medical practices,” writes Aramide Tinubu for Variety.
8. London Superheroes
Neflix
Other reviews highlight the unique aspect of having a superhero story take place amongst people of color in London. “This is not your typical superhero origin story, where preserving truth, justice and the American way is the primary concern,” Leila Latif writes for The Guardian. “Instead, the characters are operating in a society where the odds are stacked against them, and they are all struggling to make ends meet and avoid violence. Their priority is to use the unexpected new tools at their disposal to even the playing field.”
9. Cheeky Humor
Netflix
Fans of Guy Ritchie will know what to expect from The Gentlemen. “As you’d expect from the prolific and provocative filmmaker behind Snatch, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., the Robert Downey Jr. Sherlock Holmes movies, etc., The Gentlemen is filled with cheeky humor, sweeping camera movements, callbacks to previous plot developments and the occasional use of a graphic that spells out definitions and sometimes does some convenient math for us,” Richard Roeper says cia the Chicago Sun-Times.
What is it that makes a movie a timeless classic? “I’ve probably been asked that question more than any other. Everybody says, ‘So what makes a film a classic?’ And the answer to that is, I don’t know. It really depends,” TCM host Ben Mankiewicz tells CNN. “What I do know is that if you’re arguing about it, then I think we’re doing our job. This question is supposed to be argued over, and it’s supposed to be argued over passionately.” One of the hallmarks of an iconic movie is a powerful moment that not only makes the movie a must-watch, but comes to represent the film itself. Here are 20 unforgettable moments from iconic classic films that will make movie night special again.
"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn," says Clarke Gable’s Rhett Butler before leaving Scarlett O’Hara, immortalized by Vivien Leigh, in this classic Civil War-era epic. You can only push a man so far, Scarlett!
2. The Godfather (1972)
Wikimedia Commons
"I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse,” says Marlon Brando’s Vito Corleone in this groundbreaking crime movie which was essentially the Godfather (sorry, I had to) of all the mob movies that followed. Brando’s bone-chilling threat of the line, so casually and quietly delivered, is truly ionic.
3. Casablanca (1942)
Warner Bros.
"Here's looking at you, kid," Humphrey Bogart’s Rick Blaine says to Ingrid Bergman’s Ilsa, an improvised line that was not in the original script. Blaine says it in flashback, and when he tells her goodbye at the end of the movie (spoiler alert?). Truly the stuff romance is made of.
4. The Wizard of Oz(1939)
Warner Bros.
"There's no place like home," uttered by Judy Garland’s Dorothy Gale, is one of the most beloved and quoted lines from a cherished classic movie. A close second is “only bad witches are ugly.”
5. Citizen Kane (1941)
Warner Bros.
"Rosebud" is the last word uttered by Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles) in what’s widely considered one of the best movies ever made. "Here's a man who might have been president. He's been loved and hated and talked about as much as any man in our time - but when he comes to die, he's got something on his mind called Rosebud. What does that mean?" says the newsreel editor in the movie.
6. Psycho (1960)
Universal Pictures
"We all go a little mad sometimes," says Norman Bates, famously played by Anthony Perkins in a movie that ruined showers forever (thanks Alfred Hitchcock!). Perkins is delightfully deranged in this classic horror/thriller film.
7. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Wikimedia Commons
"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings,"says Henry Travers as the hapless angel Clarence in this classic Christmas movie. This perennial holiday favorite will make you happy at any time of year.
8. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Wikimedia Commons
"The trick, William Potter, is not minding that it hurts," Peter O’Toole’s T.E. Lawrence says to Potter in this sweeping classic. The line perfectly encapsulates Lawrence’s attitude and eccentricity when Potter tries to follow Lawrences’ example and put out a burning match with his fingers.
9. Chinatown (1974)
Paramount Pictures
"Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown," is one of the most memorable lines in cinema history, uttered by Lawrence Walsh (Joe Mantell) at the end of the movie. Bleak? Yes. Iconic? Also yes.
10. 12 Angry Men (1957)
Wikimedia Commons
"I’m talking about somebody’s life here!" says Juror #8 in this intense, dialogue-driven courtroom drama. Henry Fonda gives a typically brilliant performance as the one juror who refuses to just casually send a man to his death.
11. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
Wikimedia Commons
"I’m just crazy about Tiffany’s!" says Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly. Hepburn perfectly portrays Golightly’s vulnerability and sadness in this iconic romantic comedy.
12. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Universal Pictures
"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view," says Atticus Finch in this adaptation of Harper Lee’s timeless novel. Gregory Peck’s powerful performance as a lawyer trying to save an innocent man against all odds is heartbreaking and inspiring.
13. Vertigo
Paramount Pictures
“You shouldn't keep souvenirs of a killing. You shouldn't have been that sentimental,” says John ‘Scottie’ Ferguson, played by James Stewart. It’s moments like that which make Vertigo the perfect Hitchcock classic.
14. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Wikimedia Commons
"Get busy living, or get busy dying," says Andy Dufresne in a movie packed so packed with incredible lines and moments it’s hard to pick just one. Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman give gripping performances in this movie about hope, friendship, and never giving up.
15. Singin' in the Rain (1952)
Wikimedia Commons
"I'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain," sings Don Lockwood, memorably played by Gene Kelly, in this iconic, timeless musical. Kelly’s performance was just one of many stunning musical and dance numbers in this beautiful and hilarious classic.
16. The Sound of Music (1965)
20th Century Fox
"The hills are alive with the sound of music," sings Maria in one of the most stunning openings in film. The gorgeous Untersberg mountain is as much a character in this beloved musical as Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer are.
17. Rear Window (1954)
Wikimedia Commons
“She's too perfect, she's too talented, she's too beautiful, she's too sophisticated, she's too everything but what I want,” says James Stewart’s L.B. 'Jeff' Jefferies when discussing the luminous Lisa Carol Fremont, played to perfection by Grace Kelly. Another Hitchcock/Stewart classic.
18. Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Wikimedia Commons
"I am big! It's the pictures that got small," says Gloria Swanson in an unforgettable turn as aging star Norma Desmond. This dark satire perfectly skewers the film industry—deservedly so.
19. A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
Warner Bros.
"I have always depended on the kindness of strangers," says tender, fragile Blanche DuBois in this Southern Gothic drama film adapted from Tennessee Williams's Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh are magnificent.
20. The Maltese Falcon (1941)
Wikimedia Commons
The line "the stuff that dreams are made of," is uttered by Humprey Bogart at his weary best. Bogart’s turn as private detective Sam Spade is considered one of his most iconic performances in this noir classic considered the greatest detective movie ever made.
YouTuber Christie X is a Target expert—she knows which beauty products are actually worth spending money on. With hundreds of items to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which ones live up to the hype. In this vlog, Christie recommends 6 products that she swears by. With almost every item coming in at under $10, your next trip to Target will not only be fun but VERY budget-friendly. Read on to find out what Christie says you can’t leave the store without!
Christie is a big fan of the Makeup Revolution Soap Styler Brow Enhancer ($8). “You don't want to spend $20 on brow wax,” she says. “Try the one from Makeup Revolution. It works just like my Patrick Ta.” The Patrick Ta Brow Wax retails at $24, so that's an amazing makeup dupe!
2. Hero Pimple Patches
Copyright @Christxiee/YouTube
Christie loves the Hero Cosmetics Mighty Acne Pimple Patch Duo ($6.99). “Pimple patches from Hero cosmetics are my favorite. It's the only patch that actually sticks on your face all night and it comes in different sizes,” she says.
3. Versed Body Lotion
Copyright @Christxiee/YouTube
Christie recommends Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion Unscented ($17.99). “Versed became my favorite drugstore skincare brand,” she says. “This body lotion has retinol in it, and helps with firming and anti-aging. Skincare should not be just about your face.”
4. Versed Cleansing Balm
Copyright @Christxiee/YouTube
Christie is obsessed with the Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm - Eucalyptus Oil + Vitamin E ($7.99). “Their cleansing balm is what I use almost every day,” she says. “I love to bring around this travel size with me.”
5. Jergens Natural Glow
Copyright @Christxiee/YouTube
Christie loves the Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer, Self Tanner Body Lotion ($9.49). “When it comes to self tanner, Jergens is always my favorite. This is something that I definitely don't think we have to go high end for. So this gives a natural, subtle, bro, depending on how much you want to put,” she says.
6. Crest Whitening Mouthwash
Copyright @Christxiee/YouTube
Christie is a fan of the Crest 3D White Brilliance Alcohol Free Whitening Mouthwash, Clean Mint ($6.99). “I use this every day and it actually whitens my teeth,” she says. “I love this mouthwash! My teeth look whiter after only a few days of using it. The flavor is refreshingly minty, but not too strong. I have sensitive teeth, but this does not bother them so it is a great whitening option for me!” reads a customer review.
Whether your gym drawer needs a major refresh or you’re embarking on a fitness journey, buying new active clothes is always the answer—though our credit cards would beg to differ. Stocking up on high-performance leggings and tennis dresses from high-end brands like Spanx and Alo can come at a steep price, especially if you look to social media and fitness influencers for inspiration. Thankfully, Target’s active brand, All in Motion, has athleisure dupes for these retailers at a fraction of the price. Keep reading to see what Target shoppers are buying.
Described as the “do it all” dress, Spanx’s active racerback dress is a customer favorite. It’s designed to be worn to the park, yoga, or pickleball or as an everyday casual outfit.The Spanx piece retails for $138, but there’s a dupe at Target for just $30. Like the Spanx version, the Target dress also features a zip front, built-in shorts, and a hidden pocket.
"Absolutely love this dress," wrote one happy Target customer. "It’s so comfortable and much more affordable than a lot of athletic dresses I have seen."
"It is slimming yet supportive in all the right places. The material is breathable and dress is flowy at the bottom," shared another. "I always get so many compliments when I wear this dress & people are always shocked when I say Target and not a higher end brand."
2. Dupe for Alosoft Backspin Skirt
Target
If you can’t fathom coughing up $74 for the Alosoft Backspin Skirt, you’ll want to check out Target.
The retailer’s active brand, All in Motion, just dropped its Women’s Knit Slit Skort, which is essentially an Alosoft dupe, according to shoppers. Available in sizes XS to 3X, the bottoms come in four different colors and are nearly $50 cheaper than Alo.
"This is hands down the best skort I have ever worn! I absolutely love this style," wrote a Target reviewer. "It is extremely comfortable, fashionable, and convenient (especially the pockets)."
While Alo’s version features a thigh-high slit, Target’s skort offers side pockets. Plus, Target is more size-inclusive.
"I love the length, simple curved hem and the style. All of it, A+!!!! I have both the white and the black. The white is not, I repeat, is NOT see through- WIN!" raved a Target shopper. "The handfeel is so soft and smooth, and it juts looks a little more sophisticated than some of the other skirts I have."
4. Dupe for Alo's Airbrush Streamlined Dress
Target
Alo's best-selling athletic dress is $128, but at Target, All in Motion has two similar versions for $30.
"This is SOOOO flattering! I’m a curvy girl and can barely find athletic dresses that look good on me. Material is buttery soft," said a shopper of the Asymmetrical dress.
"Obsessed with this dress! Great stretchy material and love the soft, but bright pink color. Has built in shorts and a zipper on the back. Padding in the chest that can be removed. The stretchy fabric is very flattering," shared a fellow shopper of the High-Neck version.