Strong v swole: the surprising truth about building muscle

Traditional bodybuilding advice has been to push workouts to the point of failure, and that soreness is an indicator of effectiveness. But recent studies show there’s another way

A new start after 60: I jumped in the sea for the first time, and finally began to heal

Despite living on an island, David Warr avoided the water for five decades – until a swimming teacher made the link between his fear and a childhood trauma

The spikiness secret: can acupressure mats help with pain, stress and insomnia?

Used in healing practices for centuries, modern versions of these spiky mats are increasingly popular, and many people find them invaluable. Here’s what the science says

‘It’s such a complex little area’: how to really look after your wrists

The structure of wrists mean we have the capacity to do both handstands and neurosurgery. A lot can go wrong

Lajuana is 89, with the body and mind of someone decades younger. What are the secrets of the superagers?

Why do some people age better than others? Five extraordinary individuals – who scientists are studying – share their tips

The best men’s walking boots in the UK for every type of hiking adventure, tested

Whether you’re heading on a multi-day trek or need waterproof shoes for countryside walks, these are the best boots for the job – tried and tested by our writer

The best women’s walking boots in the UK, tested by our expert hiker

Whether you want waterproof or leather, we put women’s walking boots to the test to find the best for every adventure

Dogs, dopamine dressing and microdosing nature: how to find January joy

New year pick-me-ups; hand cream to soothe dry, chapped skin; and the best clothes to buy secondhand

‘I was bullied in school for being different. At 16, I hit a crashing point’: the awkward kid who became the world’s strongest man

As a boy, Tom Stoltman was diagnosed with autism and bullied at school. When he became depressed in his teens, his older brother, a bodybuilder, suggested a trip to the gym

‘I looked exceptional but I was out of breath’: the bodybuilder who switched to mindful movement

Ten years ago, Eugene Teo was obsessed with lifting weights. But, gradually, he realised his extreme mindset was making him unhappy. So he changed his outlook