I used AI to understand my mother’s rare stage 4 cancer and advocate for her when doctors wouldn’t.

I used AI to understand my mother's rare stage 4 cancer and advocate for her when doctors wouldn't.

This essay is based on a conversation with Pratik Desai, 34, based in New Jersey. vibe coded tools — then refined using advanced coding tools — to help mothers Navigating Stage 4 Duodenal adenocarcinoma, an advanced cancer that affects the small intestine. His words have been edited for length and clarity. Loading audio narration… I … Read more

Inside the legendary Stoke-on-Trent gym saved from closure

Inside the legendary Stoke-on-Trent gym saved from closure

Ian Quayle and Jason Brandred create monument to gym founder Ian Quayle (left) and business partner Jason Bundred pictured with a monument to Powerhouse Gym founder Phil Simic.(Image: Pete Stoneier) Two new owners have stepped in to bring Powerhouse Gym “back to its glory days.” Ian Quayle, 42, and Jason Brandred, 35, took over the … Read more

Why people who don’t exercise aren’t lazy – simple solutions to make exercise easier

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Your support helps us tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to big tech, The Independent is where the stories unfold. Whether we’re investigating the finances of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing The A Word, a new documentary highlighting American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to … Read more

Changes in spending, gym closures and anti-obesity drugs decimate fitness industry

People exercise at a gym in southern Seoul on June 30, 2025. [NEWS1]

People exercise at a gym in southern Seoul on June 30, 2025. [NEWS1] The fitness industry is in decline due to anti-obesity drugs. As fitness spending soars, the once-thriving “dumbbell economy” is being forced into diets as people turn to medical solutions to manage their weight. The number of customers who used their cards at … Read more

New Mexico court-mandated pathway to mental health care

New Mexico court-mandated pathway to mental health care

State Sen. Mo Maestas, an Albuquerque Democrat, hopes the citizen effort will “become a reality.” “I want the average legal practitioner, the average person who deals with families suffering from mental health issues, to know that it’s real,” Maestas said. “This is an option for families and health care providers.” Moe Maesta New Mexico has … Read more

I hate core training, but this 15-minute no-equipment routine has me hooked.

I hate core training, but this 15-minute no-equipment routine has me hooked.

A strong core is more than just having visible abdominal muscles. It supports posture, balance, and stability, making daily movements easier. But while I know how important core training is, I have to admit that I sometimes slack off on it, especially for women who are transitioning through life stages. The thought of doing crunches, … Read more

90-year-old grandfather proves fitness has no expiry date: ‘I go to the gym by myself and strength train three times a week’

Jennifer Martin's grandfather, a 90-year-old fitness trainer, embodies senior health through strength training. His daily routine, which includes exercises such as sit-to-stand and chest presses, emphasizes the importance of maintaining muscle for independence and longevity. (Instagram/Jennifer Martin)

In an era where aging is often associated with decline, a 90-year-old grandfather is rewriting the narrative about senior health. Fitness trainer Jennifer Martin took to social media to document the incredible physical resilience of her grandfather, affectionately known as ‘Poppy’, proving that strength training was a lifelong endeavor. Also read | A 62-year-old grandmother … Read more

Here’s the science behind how peptides can boost your workout

female athlete

Peptides are widely marketed as a kind of “holy grail” for workout recovery and physical performance. You may have seen online ads claiming that these supplements can significantly boost muscle growth, eliminate joint pain, and speed recovery time. As the prevalence of joint-related problems such as osteoarthritis increases, many people are turning to these “dietary … Read more

“Three things you should do first if you want to start strength training in middle age”

People wearing sports tops outdoors

Exactly how to start strength training in midlifeGetty Images As you get older, you may experience more bothersome pain in your joints, feel less mobile, or feel as strong as you used to, which is normal. But that doesn’t mean you have That’s how I feel. Consistent strength training will help you move pain-free and … Read more