Should you choose the 5, 10 or 12.5 pound dumbbell? When do you progress to a heavier weight? Is there an easy formula you can use so you aren’t so lost in a gym or in your favorite class? You've come to the right place, because this is a topic I LOVE to teach and hope you’ll walk away with greater clarity and confidence!

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and whether you’re celebrating a special someone, your best friends, or even just treating yourself, we’ve got you covered. We asked our contributors to share their favorite gifts this season, and the results are as thoughtful as they are fun

It was 2011. I was in my mid-forties. I co-owned the first women-owned strength training gym in Alexandria. I was a hard-charged business owner and seeking the title of best mom of twins. Yet inside I was dying. In retrospect, I was giving it all to my work and my kids. Nothing was left for me—and my body—which was still weary from a difficult conception and childbirth experience. And boy, did my body show for it.

When winter settles in, our kitchens become the coziest place to be. It’s the season for simmering pots, well-loved family recipes, and dishes that feel like a warm hug at the end of the day. From comforting classics to a few creative twists we can’t stop making, we asked our contributors to share the winter recipes they return to again and again.

I am thrilled that women are now aiming to eat MORE, not less. I encourage my own members to count their grams in protein daily to help understand how they are often undernourishing their bodies in their overwhelmingly busy lives (and workouts!). But here’s where I’m starting to get concerned.

Winter has a way of sparking wanderlust—whether you’re chasing snow-capped mountains, cozy fireside escapes, or a sunny reprieve from the cold. We asked our contributors to share their favorite winter destinations, and they delivered a mix of local getaways, international adventures, and hidden gems that make the season feel a little warmer.

‘Tis the season for toasts, cocktails, and cozy pours by the fire with friends and family! Yet, before we raise our glasses, let me raise a question: what does (extra holiday) drinking mean for our brain health?

Shopping for the person who already has it all calls for a different kind of gift—the kind that feels thoughtful, unexpected, and a little unforgettable. This guide is all about experiences, heirloom-worthy pieces, and meaningful luxuries.

For women in perimenopause and menopause and post menopause, the stories are the same, and they’re heartbreaking. I applaud those women who have courageously come to me to express their intimacy concerns. It’s time we talk about just how important these issues are to our midlife health and wellness.

Today, I’m handing the microphone to the team. These are the gifts they love to give and the pieces they’re using in their own homes. I hope their picks spark an idea, solve a list, or simply make you smile.

We all remember the era when red wine was touted as the shortcut to better health and longer life. Turns out, much of that buzz stemmed from studies in yeast and mice—not humans—and the latest research is setting the record straight. Here’s what you really need to know now.

Between travel, jet lag, and nonstop family plans, the holidays can make it tough to stay on track with fitness. But what if you could feel strong and energized no matter where you are? I’ve discovered the key to doing just that. It all comes down to one surprising item I pack every time I travel.

For many, the newest round of weight loss medications, including the GLPs, has been a godsend and a relief. It has represented, for many, a new lease on life. Individuals taking weight loss medications must prioritize strength training to ensure their weight loss is healthy and sustainable. 

Snoring isn’t just annoying. It’s a health issue. A snoring partner can be a huge obstacle to achieving good quality sleep. Your snoring partner negatively impacts your (and your partner’s) cortisol, growth hormone, weight, metabolism, cravings, melatonin, sex hormones, ability to grow muscle and to detox your brain – it really is everything.

September in Alexandria has its own magic—cooler mornings on King Street, Art on the Avenue around the corner, pumpkin lattes popping up everywhere, and those first cozy evenings along the waterfront. Our contributors shared how they welcome fall in Alexandria.

Listen, this is coming from the queen of the no-breakfast club herself. I spent many years, especially when I was working and parenting my toddlers, skipping breakfast completely. But I’ve seen, especially now when I skip breakfast, how I become more stressed, have more cravings, and see less results from my workouts.

One philosophy that so many of our members are now practicing is the 15-minute workout. I want to share with you a few exercises that I’ve really loved lately. You don’t even need any fancy equipment. All these exercises can be paired with one another, and they can be modified in multiple ways. And, when done correctly, they work EVERYTHING–in just 10-15 minutes time!

Perimenopause starts earlier than most women realize, often while they’re still deep in the parenting trenches. It can begin in our thirties and can last up to 10 years. Layer in your own hormonal shifts, and the smallest disruption can hit like a tidal wave.

Alexandria is packed with charm, history, and must-try experiences, so it’s no wonder friends and family are always dropping in. We asked our contributors to share their can’t-miss recommendations for visitors (and locals looking for a little staycation fun). See which ones made the list and add a few to your own itinerary.

Perimenopause meets parenting—and the collision is real. From mood swings and brain fog to hot flashes and identity shifts, these changes shape how we show up as parents. Join me and Mary Willcox Smith for an honest conversation about finding your power through both seasons of life.