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Expert advice, location-based gym reviews, and seasonal workout tips to enhance your fitness journey.

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Disclaimer: This article references third-party studies and articles. Always consult a professional before starting a new fitness program.

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How Smart Gyms Are Changing the Workout Experience
Technology

How Smart Gyms Are Changing the Workout Experience

Smart gyms are revolutionizing the fitness landscape in 2025, blending advanced technology with traditional exercise routines to create a more personalized, engaging, and effective workout experience. From AI-powered equipment to immersive digital environments, smart gyms are redefining how people train, track progress, and stay motivated.

January 202512 min read
By Global Gym Finder Editorial Team
Strength Training for Beginners: An Easy‑to‑Follow Guide
Fitness Tips
External
MD Reviewed

Strength Training for Beginners: An Easy‑to‑Follow Guide

An expert‑reviewed walkthrough of strength training basics—what it is, how to start with safe form, the science‑backed benefits, and 14 beginner exercises—from home body‑weight moves to gym machines.

January 202515 min read
By Hadley Mendelsohn, reviewed by Craig Primack, MD
Reviewed by Craig Primack, MD
Weightlifting for Beginners: How to Get Started
Fitness Tips
External

Weightlifting for Beginners: How to Get Started

Feeling intimidated in the weight room? Freelance health writer Stacey Carter demystifies the basics—from dumbbells to barbells—highlighting why strength training is essential even in your 30s and breaking down how to build a balanced beginner routine.

January 202513 min read
By Stacey Carter, Live Science
14 Tips to Maximize Muscle Recovery
Fitness Tips
External
MD Reviewed

14 Tips to Maximize Muscle Recovery

Living an overall healthy lifestyle is the most important step you can take to maximize your recovery from working out. No recovery method can compensate for poor nutrition and a lack of rest. Despite what you may read on some fitness blogs, there's no better way to help your muscles recover than by eating healthy foods and getting a good night's sleep. Many people believe they need expensive supplements to achieve results from their workouts. Although some supplements have benefits, you won't maximize your performance unless you take care of the basics.

April 16, 202412 min read
By Daniel Yetman
Reviewed by Alissa Palladino, MS, RDN, LD, CPT
7 Lower Back Stretches to Reduce Pain and Improve Mobility
Fitness Tips
External
MD Reviewed

7 Lower Back Stretches to Reduce Pain and Improve Mobility

Lower back pain is common, and many things can cause it. Specific stretches can relieve lower back pain and improve the flexibility of the inflamed muscles. Lower back pain may be a symptom of an underlying condition, like kidney stones or acute pancreatitis. Other times, it's a side effect of a sedentary lifestyle, repetitive motions, or a pulled muscle. While stretching isn't a remedy for all lower back pain, it can provide relief in many instances.

May 20, 20248 min read
By Emily Cronkleton
Reviewed by Jared Meacham, PhD., RD, CSCS
13 Fatigue-Fighting Hacks to Supercharge Your Mornings
Fitness Tips
External
MD Reviewed

13 Fatigue-Fighting Hacks to Supercharge Your Mornings

You may feel tired in the morning if you're not getting enough sleep. It may also relate to your mental or physical health. Speak with your doctor to find the cause. In the meantime, making a few lifestyle changes may help you fight morning fatigue. When waking up is hard to do, consider the following strategies. We've all had those mornings when we just can't shake a feeling of sluggishness, even when we've technically gotten enough sleep.

February 6, 202311 min read
By Sarah Garone
Reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI
Pilates vs. Yoga: The Differences and What's Right for You
Fitness Tips
External
MD Reviewed

Pilates vs. Yoga: The Differences and What's Right for You

Yoga and Pilates are two types of low impact workouts that use your body weight as resistance. There are benefits to both. Here is a comparison to help you choose which may help you reach your fitness goals. Pilates, yoga, Yogilates, PiYo. They all seem to offer similar workouts, so how do you choose? Pilates and yoga have significantly evolved in recent years.

January 25, 20249 min read
By Natasha Freutel
Reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M.S., R.D., L.D., CDE
Can Yoga Help Aid Digestion? 9 Poses to Try
Fitness Tips
External
MD Reviewed

Can Yoga Help Aid Digestion? 9 Poses to Try

When you have digestive issues, you may want to find relief fast. There's growing interest in finding natural relief for digestive issues through yoga and gentle movement. Many people tout the benefits of yoga for digestive relief, so you may be wondering whether you should try it. Discover 9 specific yoga poses that may help improve your digestive health naturally.

February 9, 20218 min read
By Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT
Reviewed by Courtney Sullivan, Certified Yoga Instructor
12 Exercises That Burn the Most Calories
Fitness Tips
External
MD Reviewed

12 Exercises That Burn the Most Calories

Some exercises, including running, bicycling, and HIIT workouts, can burn more calories per hour compared to others. You have other options, too, if you don't like running. If you want to get the most calorie bang for your buck, you might want to take up running. Running burns the most calories per hour. But if running isn't your thing, there are other calorie-burning exercises like HIIT workouts, jumping rope, and swimming.

August 27, 202410 min read
By Kirsten Nunez
Reviewed by Marie Lorraine Johnson MS, RD, CPT
What Muscle Groups Are Best to Work Out Together?
Fitness Tips
External
MD Reviewed

What Muscle Groups Are Best to Work Out Together?

There is no right or wrong way to create a strength training routine. However, pairing certain muscle groups together can help make your workouts more efficient. A complete training program should include a combination of exercises that help improve your strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance. Strength training can help improve the health of bones, muscles, and connective tissue and your blood glucose and lipid levels.

December 23, 20249 min read
By Daniel Yetman
Reviewed by Danielle Hildreth, RN, CPT
How to Gain Weight Fast: Tips to Be Safe and Healthy
Nutrition
External
MD Reviewed

How to Gain Weight Fast: Tips to Be Safe and Healthy

Making dietary changes may help you gain weight healthily, such as increasing your intake of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. You can also try consuming nuts, dried fruit, and shakes. There are many reasons someone may want to gain weight, such as being naturally underweight due to genetics or a fast metabolism. Being underweight may also indicate poor nutrition or underlying health conditions.

May 9, 202411 min read
By Kris Gunnars, BSc
Reviewed by Marie Lorraine Johnson MS, RD, CPT
7-Day Healthy Weight-Gain Meal Plan
Nutrition
External
MD Reviewed

7-Day Healthy Weight-Gain Meal Plan

Looking to gain weight? Do it the healthy way with this delicious, nutrient-packed meal plan. Whether you're working on building muscle and would like your diet to support bulking up, or maybe you're recovering from an illness that dropped your weight below what you would like.

February 19, 202510 min read
By Sarah Garone, D.T.R.
Reviewed by Christa Brown, M.S., RDN, LD
A Beginner's Guide to Lifting Weights: A Complete Workout Plan
Fitness Tips
External

A Beginner's Guide to Lifting Weights: A Complete Workout Plan

From building muscle to improving mood and posture, lifting weights is one of the best things you can do for your body. Since lean muscle mass naturally declines with age, making the effort to strength train on a regular basis can help you preserve and enhance your muscle mass. But most importantly, it's never too late to start and there are strength training benefits at nearly any age.

May 20, 202212 min read
By Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., NASM-CPT
What Is Strength Training? Benefits of Strength Workouts
Fitness Tips
External

What Is Strength Training? Benefits of Strength Workouts

Discover why strength training is a powerhouse for injury prevention, daily functionality, stronger bones, and improved aging. Experts break down how compound lifts build resilience for everyday activities—from lifting groceries to chasing grandkids.

January 20259 min read
By Shape.com editors
10 Beginner Strength Training Exercises To Get Toned
Fitness Tips
External

10 Beginner Strength Training Exercises To Get Toned

Boost lean tone with ten beginner-friendly strength moves—like goblet squats, kettlebell deadlifts, push‑ups, hip thrusts, farmer's carry, and band‑assisted chin‑ups—complete with set/rep guidance and technique cues.

January 202510 min read
By Anthony J. Yeung, CSCS (EatThis.com)
5 Essential Strength Training Exercises for Beginners
Fitness Tips
External

5 Essential Strength Training Exercises for Beginners

Gym newbies: master these five essential movements—starting with squats, rows, presses, hinges—to build muscle, burn fat, boost metabolism, and develop a strong fitness foundation.

January 20258 min read
By John Valbonesi, Everyday Athlete Gym
How to Start Exercising: A Beginner's Guide to Working Out
Fitness Tips
External
MD Reviewed

How to Start Exercising: A Beginner's Guide to Working Out

Arlene Semeco outlines a step-by-step plan for beginners: explore different workout types, set realistic goals, follow a sample one-week program, and learn five proven ways to stay motivated. A must-read for anyone starting their fitness journey.

January 202512 min read
By Arlene Semeco, MS, RD
Reviewed by Courtney L. Gilbert, PT, DPT
What do the Best Gyms in the World All Have in Common?
Gym Reviews
External

What do the Best Gyms in the World All Have in Common?

Based on first-hand international reviews, Jack outlines the world-class customer service, experience design, and personalization strategies that top gyms use to maintain member loyalty.

April 20257 min read
By Jack

Smart Gym Technology

Discover how AI, VR, and biometric monitoring are revolutionizing fitness in 2025.

Recovery & Wellness Guide

Medically-reviewed strategies for muscle recovery, energy optimization, and pain relief.

Mind-Body Fitness Guide

Medically-reviewed guides covering yoga, Pilates, and mindful movement practices.

Complete Strength Training Guide

Medically-reviewed comprehensive guide covering home bodyweight to gym machines.

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Featured Location Guide

Discover the best fitness options in popular destinations around the world.

New York City Fitness Guide
Featured City

New York City

The ultimate guide to finding your perfect workout spot in the city that never sleeps.

Complete NYC Gym Guide

New York City offers an incredible variety of fitness options, from luxury health clubs with panoramic views to budget-friendly community centers and specialized boutique studios.

Our comprehensive guide breaks down the best options by neighborhood, price range, and amenities, helping you find the perfect match for your fitness goals and preferences.