Latest news with #NationalWalkingDay
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Celebrate Walking Day with comfort: I wore the Hoka Bondi 9s for a month and they're worth every penny
As a trail runner, I've put thousands of miles on pavement, dirt and everything in between. I've tried the best running shoes money can buy — and I've been let down. But even if you're just jogging around the neighborhood, walking the dog or standing on your feet all day, Hoka's new Bondi 9 shoes deliver next-level comfort. They're legit for serious runners, but at the end of the day, most people buy them because they're just really comfortable. And since it's National Walking Day, it's worth pointing out: You don't need to be training for a marathon to appreciate these shoes. To put them to the test, I wore them nonstop for 30 days. They became my go-to for everything from running to errands to chasing my toddler around the playground. They're cushioned enough for marathon training, but they're so plush that I find myself wearing them everywhere — yes, even when I'm not running. Related: Hoka Bondi vs. Hoka Clifton: Which cloud-like sneaker is best? There's something so satisfying about unboxing a fresh pair of running shoes — peeling back the tissue paper, catching that new-shoe smell and feeling the plush cushioning for the first time. As soon as I pulled the Hoka 9s from their signature blue box, I could tell they were built for comfort. The thick, pillowy midsole and soft, structured upper stood out immediately. Naturally, I took them for a spin — a 5-mile walk. I had no blisters, no hot spots, no foot or knee pain whatsoever. They were plush, not stiff, right out of the box. Hoka is known for its bright, eye-catching colors, but it's keeping things relatively neutral so far with the Bondi 9s. Options include all-white, all-black, blue and gray. I went with gray and white. I'm usually a size 9, and that held true for the Bondi 9s. If you have wider feet, good news: Hoka offers wide and extra-wide versions. The shoes have a snug midfoot and roomy toe boxes that let my toes spread naturally. Heel lockdown is solid — there was no slipping, even on longer walks and runs. If you wear orthotics, thicker socks or just like more wiggle room, you may want to size up. Hoka offers a 30-day try-on period, so you can order two sizes and return the one that doesn't fit. A family member who runs ultramarathons first clued me in about Hokas. "They're like pillows for your feet," he said. And he was right: I have never worn shoes with more cushioning than the Bondi 9s. These have a stack height of 43 millimeters in the back (42 for the women's shoes), 2 millimeters more than the Bondi 8s. What does this mean for comfort? Well, there's loads of it. If you're coming from a shoe with minimal or even medium cushioning, the difference will be night and day, in a good way. It usually takes me a few miles to get used to a new shoe, but that wasn't the case with the Bondi 9s. They were my feet's best friend from mile one. The Bondis' thick foam doesn't just soften impact — it adds a surprising bounce. With each stride, I felt an unexpected responsiveness that propelled me forward rather than sinking me into the shoe. The Bondis delivered plush comfort without sacrificing speed, truly the best of both worlds. Related: Want truly comfy walking shoes? Here's what to look for, according to podiatrists It's hard to gauge long-term durability after a month of testing, but here's what I can say. I am not gentle on my running shoes. I've worn these on gravel-strewn trails and to the gym; I've chased my toddler around in them. So far, they've handled it all without major signs of wear. The outsole still has plenty of tread, and the midsole hasn't compressed or lost that signature Hoka cushioning. That said, Hokas have never been known for having the most resilient outsoles. Previous versions of Bondis and Speedgoats, a Hoka trail runner, tend to wear down faster, especially for midfoot or forefoot strikers. If you're using these primarily on pavement or putting in high mileage, you might notice some wear sooner than you would with a stiffer, less cushioned shoe. As for breathability, the engineered mesh upper does a solid job of keeping things ventilated, at least in cooler weather. My feet never felt overly warm, but the real test will come in the summer. Given the amount of foam underfoot, they may run a bit warm, but that's the trade-off for maximum cushioning. If you're on your feet all day — whether pacing hospital halls, chasing kids or grandkids, or running errands — these are the most cushioned shoes you'll find. They also make an excellent recovery shoe for runners logging high mileage. Are these a magical cure for plantar fasciitis or a bum knee? No‚ but no shoe is. Still, Bondi 9s offer exceptional cushioning and support, helping reduce impact stress and providing a smoother ride for those with aches and pains. The curved sole encourages a smooth transition from heel to toe, which may ease joint strain. No shoe can replace proper recovery and strength training, but these are a great option for anyone looking for extra comfort underfoot. The only time I leave these shoes at home is when I hit the gym for strength training. The thick cushioning is great for running and walking, but for weightlifting — especially squats and deadlifts — I prefer my grippier, more grounded Nike Metcons. Related: These are the best Hoka shoes for walking If you loved the Hoka Bondi 8, don't worry — the 9s will feel familiar, with a few key upgrades. The midsole is softer and more responsive, and the upper got a refresh with a more accommodating fit that hugs your foot without feeling restrictive. The Bondi has never been lightweight, but the 9 shaves off 0.3 ounces, making for a slightly less clunky feel. If you're comparing the 9s to the Bondi X, that's a different story. The Bondi X takes that plush cushioning and adds a carbon plate, making it more performance-oriented. It's still a Bondi — well-cushioned and built for long miles — but with extra propulsion for those who want more speed. If you're mostly walking, working on your feet or prioritizing maximum comfort, the Bondi 9s are the better pick. If you want something with more zip, the Bondi X might be worth a look. How do they compare with other shoes? Well, they offer more cushioning than anything I've worn. Even Nike is playing catch-up, adding more foam than ever before (the Nike Vomero 18 now has a 46-millimeter stack height, 3 more than the Bondi 9). Will I be throwing away all of my previous pairs of running shoes? No. (That would be wasteful!) Plus, different shoes serve different purposes — some are better for speed work, others for trails and still others just fit my mood on any given day. But will the Bondi 9s become a go-to in my rotation for walking, easy runs and recovery days? Absolutely. The plush, bouncy cushioning, improved fit and surprisingly smooth ride make for one of the most comfortable shoes I've tested in a long time.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Daily Weather Update from FOX Weather: Expected tornado outbreak prompts rare 'high risk' of severe weather
Welcome to the Daily Weather Update from FOX Weather. It's April 2, 2025, and it's also National Walking Day. Start your day with everything you need to know about today's weather. You can also get a quick briefing of national, regional and local weather whenever you like with the FOX Weather Update podcast. A tornado outbreak is expected Wednesday and Wednesday night from parts of the mid-Mississippi and lower Ohio valleys westward into the eastern Ozarks, including the threat of multiple long-track EF-3 or stronger tornadoes. NOAA's Storm Prediction Center (SPC) upgraded portions of Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi to a rare Level 5 out of 5 "high risk" of severe weather. This marks only the second time this year, and the first instance of two such high-risk alerts in a single year since 2021, that a Level 5 threat has been issued. The previous Level 5 alert was issued on March 15 when the National Weather Service confirmed 13 tornadoes, including six powerful EF-3s, which tragically resulted in seven deaths and 12 injuries. Now, the SPC is warning of a significant tornado outbreak expected throughout the day Wednesday and into the overnight hours. Concerns loom over the potential for numerous tornadoes, some of which could be intense and track on the ground for extended periods, causing widespread damage. In addition to the tornado threat, hail larger than 2 inches is possible with wind gusts in excess of 70 mph. These threats extend beyond the immediate high-risk zone, stretching from North Texas to the southern Great Lakes. Just about the same areas where the worst storms are expected also face the risk of flash flooding. On Wednesday, the highest flooding threat covers an area that stretches from Indiana to Arkansas. On Thursday, a "high risk" of flooding is concentrated in a zone that covers western Kentucky, the Bootheel of Missouri, West Tennessee and northeastern Arkansas. On the cold side of the storm system that is creating the severe weather and flooding, a winter storm could bring upwards of 2 feet of snow to parts of the Upper Midwest. The heaviest snow is expected along the banks of Lake Superior in the Arrowhead of Minnesota. A Missouri couple is figuring out the next steps after their home was recently destroyed by a tornado. However, the discovery of some of their wedding photos about 100 miles away is giving them a glimmer of hope. Here are a few more stories you might find interesting. See it: SpaceX shares first stunning views from polar orbit never before seen from human spaceflight April stargazing highlights: Night skies light up with Pink Moon, Lyrid meteor shower Climber suffers fatal fall from UK's highest mountain Need more weather? Check your local forecast plus 3D radar in the FOX Weather app. You can also watch FOX Weather wherever you go using the FOX Weather app, at or on your favorite streaming service. It's easy to share your weather photos and videos with us. Email them to weather@ or add the hashtag #FOXWeather to your post on your favorite social media article source: Daily Weather Update from FOX Weather: Expected tornado outbreak prompts rare 'high risk' of severe weather
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump to announce new tariffs on ‘Liberation Day,' celebrities pay tribute to Val Kilmer, historic flooding threatens central U.S.
Good morning, all. It's Jess! Good to be back. Today is National Walking Day, so I'll be going for a stroll when I take a break later. You should too! Now, on to the news. Subscribe to get this newsletter in your inbox each morning. NEED TO KNOW Mark Schiefelbein/AP Trump to announce new tariffs It's 'Liberation Day,' as President Trump has called it. Weeks after promising reciprocal tariffs, the president is expected to announce details at 4 p.m. ET, after the markets close. Here's what we know so far. The tariffs: Trump is reportedly considering reciprocal tariffs matching what countries impose on the U.S., as well as a 20% flat tariff on all imports. Officials say it could raise over $6 trillion in revenue. Here's what economists say. [ABC News/Yahoo Finance] Retaliation: The EU, the world's biggest trading bloc, warned yesterday that it 'holds a lot of cards' on trade and has a retaliatory plan. Meanwhile, Canada's and Mexico's leaders spoke yesterday about Canada's plan to fight the trade actions. [AP/Reuters] Senate resolution: N.J. Sen. Cory Booker held the Senate floor for a record-setting 25-hour speech against Trump's agenda. It inadvertently delayed a vote to nullify the emergency declaration behind tariffs on Canada, which could have enough GOP votes to pass. [Yahoo News/USA Today] IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Mark Humphrey/AP 🙏 Remembering Val Kilmer Actor Val Kilmer, who starred in Top Gun, Batman Forever, Tombstone and more, died from pneumonia. He was 65. Read the tributes that Francis Ford Coppola, Josh Brolin and others posted in his honor. [Variety] 🗳️ Election results Wisconsin voters elected Susan Crawford to the state Supreme Court, maintaining its 4-3 liberal majority. In Florida, Republicans Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine won special elections for seats in the U.S. House. [Reuters] ⛈️ Dangerous flooding Forecasters said powerful thunderstorms could bring once-in-a-lifetime flooding, damaging wind gusts, hail and tornadoes to tens of millions of people in the central and eastern U.S. through tomorrow. [CNN] 🏀 Jokić's big night Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić set an NBA record with a 61-point triple-double last night, but it wasn't enough to carry his team to victory. The Minnesota Timberwolves won 140-139 in double overtime. [Yahoo Sports] 📺 Black goes beltless Minecraft star Jack Black made quite the entrance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon when a slightly too enthusiastic guitar performance ended in a wardrobe malfunction. Watch the hilarious clip. [Entertainment Weekly] WHAT'S HAPPENING TODAY 📺 Now streaming: Season 3 of Love on the Spectrum dropped on Netflix. See which fan favorites are returning to the show. [People] 🏀 On the court, the Knicks look to extend their three-game win streak when they tip off against the Cavs at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. [AP] ⚾ On the field, the Yankees will try again to beat the Diamondbacks at 7:05 p.m. ET on Prime Video. [SNY] 🏒 On the ice, the Panthers play the Maple Leafs in a game with pretty big implications at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+. [Hockey News] ☀️ And don't forget to: Read your daily horoscope. Play the crossword. Check the forecast in your area. TODAY IN HISTORY Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photo: Courtesy Everett Collection In 1968, Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey premiered, revolutionizing and setting the standard for future sci-fi films. See how the director's other movies, including The Shining, Dr. Strangelove and Eyes Wide Shut, ranked on this list. Do you have a favorite? Let us know. [Wealth of Geeks] 3 QUESTIONS ... about tending to your garden Spring has officially sprung. I checked in with Yahoo Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder, who asked experts for tips on how to spruce up your garden this season. When you buy through links in this article, Yahoo may receive compensation. Jessica R.: If I haven't tended my garden all winter, what should I do first? Jessica D.: Get down and dirty with some light cleanup! Put on gloves before clearing debris like fallen branches — one expert we spoke to loved this grippy pair for $7 — and using shears to prune dead material from shrubs. Then give your soil some TLC: Loosen it with a pick and add compost to feed your plants. Jessica R.: OK, I'm done cleaning. What should I plant? Jessica D.: Annuals are an easy way to add a pop of color. Plant them between perennials and at the front of flower beds. Our experts liked this ergonomic trowel and knee pad to make the task easier. For a 'wow' moment, flank your front door with large pots filled with a shrub, like roses. Jessica R.: Beyond planting, how else can I elevate my garden? Jessica D.: I'd definitely recommend a seating area where you can enjoy the fruits of your labor! A bistro set with an outdoor rug will do the trick. And don't forget about your local pollinators. Hang a bird house or add garden sways to attract birds, bees and butterflies and give your space character. Want to grow some vegetables? Here are beginner-friendly tips. FEEL-GOOD MOMENT Masato Hattori Scientists discovered a new dinosaur species, Duonychus, that originated in Mongolia. One said it was among the 'weirdest dinosaurs out there,' with 2-foot-long clawed fingers, leaf-shaped teeth, a long neck, a small head and feathers. Curious? Take a look. [NBC News] Have a great day! See you tomorrow. 💡 P.S. Before you go, your daily advice: Eating your meals too quickly can lead to overeating and indigestion. One way to eat more mindfully: use your non-dominant hand. [AP] About The Yodel: The Yodel is a morning newsletter from Yahoo News. Start your day with The Yodel to get caught up on weather, national news, politics, entertainment and sports — in four minutes or less.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Harness the Power of Walking: Benefits of being physically active
Mar. 23—(Family Features) A walk isn't just good for your body; it's a simple, powerful way to care for your mind and soul. Physical activity, like walking, reduces stress, boosts mood and promotes overall well-being. Yet physical activity levels in the United States continue to decline, a trend threatening both mental and physical health. Less than half of adults and fewer than 1 in 5 children in the U.S. get the recommended amount of physical activity needed for heart health, according to the American Heart Association's 2025 Heart & Stroke Statistical Update. National recommendations call for children to get at least one hour of physical activity each day, but the latest statistics show less than 19% of children in the U.S. achieve that target. Meanwhile, less than half of adults get the recommended 150 minutes or more of weekly physical activity. What's more, according to data from a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1 in 4 U.S. adults sits for longer than eight hours each day, which can have negative consequences on physical and mental health. For decades, the American Heart Association has championed the importance of physical activity in communities across the country through events like National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 2. These tips and information can help you understand how a brisk walk can make a world of difference for heart health and mental clarity. Benefits of Physical Activity Staying active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. The physical health benefits may be obvious, but research suggests physical activity can also help bring more joy to your life. According to the 2019 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, people who get the recommended amount of physical activity are less likely to experience depression. Regular physical activity enhances your mood, sharpens your mind, improves sleep and boosts overall well-being, all while reducing the risk of disease and depression and increasing both the quality and longevity of life. How to Be More Physically Active Exercise as simple as a brisk walk can put a major spring in your step. It can even energize you to finish other tasks at hand, whether it's cooking or running errands. Give your daily physical activity level a boost with these tips: Exercising outdoors is a great way to get moving. Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce stress, promote a sense of belonging and improve mood. It's even better if you can enjoy the sunshine outside, which can improve mood, boost your immunity and help you get some vitamin D. Invite a family member or friend along with you. It's good for them, it's good for you and it's good company all around. Instead of wondering if you'll move today, explore how you'll move. A walk, a dance or a stretch all count. Getting Pets Involved Pets are part of your family, and they can help you get healthy together. Pets provide a fun reason to spend more time outside and get the exercise needed to reduce the risk of disease later in life. Getting moving along with your pet adds more exercise to your routine, which means living longer, reducing risk of dying from heart attack or stroke, reducing risk of diabetes, reducing stress and even boosting your overall happiness and well-being. Exercising with your pet can also mean enjoying more socializing. You may find yourself meeting other dog owners in your area on a walk or at the dog park. Learn more about how simple habits like walking can support your overall health at Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
Associated Press
01-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Break the sedentary cycle: National Walking Day can kickstart healthier routines
( NewMediaWire) - April 01, 2025 - DALLAS — Sedentary behavior has become a national health crisis, with 1 in 4 U.S. adults sitting for more than eight hours a day, increasing their risk for heart disease, stroke, and mental health challenges, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To help people move more, the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health of all, invites communities nationwide to walk together on Wednesday, April 2. Adopting healthier routines doesn't have to be intimidating or overwhelming according to Eduardo Sanchez MD, MPH, FAHA, the Association's chief medical officer for prevention. Routine walks can be a simple yet powerful way to break the cycle of sedentary behavior. 'Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to improve both physical and mental well-being,' said Sanchez. 'Even small steps can lead to big changes. By making movement a part of your day — whether that's walking your dog, picking parking spot a little further away from the entrance, or strolling with family — you're investing in your heart health and improving your overall wellness.' To make the most of National Walking Day, consider these tips: Invite friends, family or colleagues to join you for a walk. Take a conference call on the move if you work remotely. Bring your pet along—it's great for both of you! Share your walk on social media using #NationalWalkingDay to inspire others. Take a family stroll after dinner to wind down for the evening. If walking isn't accessible for you, consider seated exercises or gentle stretching to stay active. Regular physical activity, such as walking, is one of the most effective ways to improve overall health and is also a key component of the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8(TM), a collection of the most critical factors for achieving optimal cardiovascular health. The Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or gardening, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, such as running or aerobic dancing. Additionally, two days of moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activities, such as resistance training, are recommended weekly. For practical tips and inspiration to build healthier habits, visit the Association's Healthy for Good(TM) initiative at Additional Resources: The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
