Fitness
The 2024 SELF Sneaker Awards: 30 Top-Notch Pairs for Basically Every Activity
We tested 157 different models—here’s who made the final cut.
By Sara Coughlin
Yes, You Can Get a ‘Real’ Workout Using This Bicycle Desk
Typing while cycling is much easier than it sounds.
By Esther Carlstone
Pivotal situation
Why Your Big Toes Play Such a Huge Role in Your Health and Fitness
This little joint can have mighty ripple effects.
By Erica Sloan
My New Favorite Walking Sneaker Is Ultra-Cushioned and Costs Less Than $100
Ryka’s Devotion X Max has it all.
By Sarah Felbin
The Best Sports Bras for High-Impact Workouts, According to Runners
Get the extra support you need.
By Sara Coughlin
Gifts For Your Fitness Friends
Here’s Exactly What You Need to Create Your Own Home Gym
From dumbbells to treadmills, we’ve got you covered.By Sara Coughlin and Malia Griggs27 Gifts the Runner in Your Life Will Love—And Actually Use
We got recs from marathoners, coaches, and joggers alike.27 slidesBy Ashley Wolfgang30 Fitness Gifts for Your Favorite Gym Rat
Including plush recovery slides, a cult-fave belt bag, and wearable weights.30 slidesBy Sarah Madaus and Sara Coughlin
Last Year, Ali Truwit Lost Her Lower Leg in a Shark Attack. Now, She’s a Paralympic Medalist
“When you are truly faced with death and you understand what a second chance at life means, you want to make the most of it.”
By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
Going the distance
22 Pairs of Walking Shoes That Stand Up to Full Days of Wear
Podiatrist- and editor-approved picks that are cute and comfy.
By Sara Coughlin and Kristin Canning
Paralympian Lauren Steadman Had ‘Zero Expectations’ Before Winning Bronze While Managing Long COVID
For the British triathlete, “just to be on the start line was fantastic.”
By Taylor Dutch
What Does Competing With COVID Do to an Athlete’s Body?
Pushing through to win a medal may feel worth it in the moment. But there are real risks.
By Julie Stewart
8 Things to Know About Femita Ayanbeku, the Paralympian Who Qualified for Paris 6 Months After Giving Birth
She shares with SELF how she got started running at 23, her training modifications while pregnant, and why retirement is looking less likely.
By Cindy Kuzma
‘Appalling’: The Paralympic Women’s Cycling Course Is Just Half the Length of the Men’s
Gold medalist Sarah Storey called the decision a “real disappointment.”
By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
SELF Daily
Make your inbox healthier and happier with the latest SELF stories, delivered fresh daily.
Everything You Need to Know About the Paralympic Classifications
If you’re wondering why there are more than a dozen 100-meter races, read this.
By Cindy Kuzma
The Number of Women Playing Wheelchair Rugby at the Paralympics Has Doubled Since Tokyo
The mixed-gender (but male-dominated) sport still has a ways to go.
By Taylor Dutch
The Best Socks for Your Sweaty, Stinky Feet
Whether you’re working out or relaxing, nothing is worse than feeling damp.
By Jessica Kasparian
6 Things to Know About Valentina Petrillo, the First Trans Athlete to Compete at the Paralympics
Her dream has been more than four decades in the making.
By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
Zakia Khudadadi Just Became the First Athlete From the Refugee Paralympic Team to Win a Medal
She dedicated her performance to the women of Afghanistan.
By Taylor Dutch
42 Lululemon Deals to Add to Your Cart Right Now
Don't miss out on discounted leggings, sports bras, belt bags, and more.
By Jessica Kasparian
It Shouldn’t Be This Expensive to Be a Paralympic Athlete
Unique equipment and travel needs coupled with limited sponsorship opportunities can keep people from entering parasports altogether.
By Katie Camero
Serving looks
The Best Tennis Kits We’ve Seen at the US Open So Far
From dainty diamonds to sherbet-inspired palettes, here’s what your favorite pros are wearing.
By Julia Sullivan
The Best Labor Day Fitness Deals You Can Shop Right Now
Don’t sweat it—we did the scrolling for you.
By Jasmine Lynn Seales
Do Paralympic Guides Get Medals If Their Athletes Win?
They’re together every step of the way, from training to competition.
By Cindy Kuzma
This Paralympic Archer Just Competed While 7 Months Pregnant
Jodie Grinham added a few extra elements to her training routine to account for a surprise kick or two.
By Cindy Kuzma
The Right Shoes Can Level Up Your Workout—Here Are Our Top Picks for Every Type of Activity
For running, jumping, lifting, and more.
By Sara Coughlin and Kristin Canning
What to Know About Boccia, the Unique Paralympic Sport With No Olympic Counterpart
You’ve just made an amazing throw! Great—now your opponent can knock it right out.
By Taylor Dutch
12 Tenniscore Looks to Shop If the US Open Is Serving Major Inspiration
Because everyone looks cute in a sporty skirt.
By Jordan Galloway
Why Is Wheelchair Rubgy Nicknamed…Murderball?!
Collisions actually play a strategic role in this Paralympic sport.
By Cindy Kuzma
My Favorite Pickleball Set Is Under $50 and Super Beginner-Friendly
The right paddle can seriously improve your game.
By Esther Carlstone
8 Things to Know About Paralympic Guides, Pilots, and Tappers
They keep the athletes safe and set them up for success—all while training their own bodies for high-level competition too.
By Cindy Kuzma
What Is Goalball—And Why Are All the Athletes Wearing Black-Out Goggles?
You’ll definitely want to tune into this super-intense Paralympic sport.
By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T.
Aced it
All Your Little Questions About the US Open, Asked and Answered
Tennis can be confusing, but we’re here to help.
By Julia Sullivan
Who and What to Watch For at the 2024 Paralympic Games
From rising stars to absolute legends, these athletes are bringing it all to Paris.
By Cindy Kuzma
Courting disaster
Here’s What It’s Like To Try Out for the US Open Ball Crew
My high school tennis experience didn’t help me as much as I’d hoped.
By Caroline Tien
How Madison Keys Is Getting Her Head Back in the Game After That Wimbledon-Ending Injury
She says meeting with her therapist has “made my time on court just way more enjoyable.”
By Caroline Tien
But Seriously, How Does Tennis Scoring Work?
This absolute ace of a guide will clear up all your confusion just in time for the US Open.
By Jenny McCoy, C.P.T. and Caroline Tien
Awards Season
The 2024 SELF Activewear Awards
Meet the 17 sports bras and leggings we can confidently deem must-haves.
By Hannah Dylan Pasternak
The 2023 SELF Activewear Awards
Meet the 75 best sports bras, leggings, tops, bottoms, and jackets of the year.
By SELF Staffers