Socialising, work, exercise: what makes a good day and is there a ‘formula’ for making it better?

Researchers have figured out which activities, and in what volume, are linked to people reporting having a good day. We challenge three writers to follow the blueprint for improving their daily grind

The best barefoot shoes in the UK – tried and tested for comfort and support

They’re the divisive footwear that many swear by, but which barefoot shoes are comfy enough for running and hiking? Our writer spent three months finding out

‘Wild west’ reformer pilates boom is causing rise in injuries, experts warn

Lack of regulation for specialist classes leaves UK fitness enthusiasts at risk, say professional bodies

‘As soon as I left the first session I felt taller’: is reformer pilates as amazing – or awful – as they say?

One of the fastest-growing fitness trends is also one of the most divisive. To its fans, it promises a stronger, healthier body; to its critics, it’s another way to make women feel insecure. Time to sort fact from fiction

‘The highs are extremely high – but the lows are extremely low’: when working out becomes an addiction

Pushing yourself to the limit, training through injury and choosing the gym over socialising are all signs that you may have an unhealthy reliance on exercise

‘At certain points, I had to stop entirely’: what I learned after a week of Hyrox classes

The popular fitness trend is all over social media, and curious, I tried a few classes – they left me totally out of air

Scrambling, walking and swimming in splendid isolation: 75 years of the UK’s national parks

Our writer first hiked in the Lake District, Eryri and Dartmoor in the 1970s. Their beauty remains unrivalled, but they are more popular than ever. So, here’s how to avoid the crowds

‘It all feels very natural’: Britain’s sauna boom heats up as people seek warmth of human connection

Evidence suggests saunas can boost heart health, but their real power may lie in bringing people together in an increasingly digital world

The best padel rackets in the UK for every player, from beginner to pro

The sport is booming, but which racket will boost your game? Our expert enlisted the help of a padel coach to round up the aces

I’ve seen some bizarre exercises online. If I were an influencer, this is the one workout I’d recommend

Forget snake yoga. All it takes to increase your life expectancy is factoring a set of simple exercises into your weekly routine, says Prof Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh