Training, Recovery & Community
Evidence-based reads on getting stronger, recovering smarter and living well — from the team at mActivity in New Haven. Every claim here is backed by published research.
The M Is for Mindful
The "m" in mActivity stands for Mindful Activity — being present, a digital detox for your workout, and why our floor stays phone-free (with the co-working lounge for everything else).
Read → Strength & LongevityThe Importance of Strength Training at Every Age
Lifting weights is linked to a longer life, stronger bones and staying independent as you age — here's what the research shows, and how much you actually need.
Read → Training SmartWhy One-on-One Personal Training Works
A trainer can save you planning time, improve technique, create accountability and help make every session more focused and effective.
Read → Community & Well-BeingWhy Community Is the Missing Ingredient in Fitness
Social connection rivals diet and exercise as a predictor of a long, healthy life — and it may be the real reason people stick with the gym. The science behind "the Mac."
Read → Training SmartWhy Variety Is the Key to a Workout You'll Actually Keep
Variety drives adherence, cuts overuse injury and keeps your body adapting — as long as it's purposeful, not random. How to use it well.
Read → RecoveryThe Case for Sauna and Steam
Heat therapy is one of the most pleasant recovery tools there is — and it's tied to better recovery, real cardiovascular benefits and lower stress. The evidence, honestly.
Read → RecoveryCryotherapy, Red Light and Compression: What the Science Says
An honest look at what the evidence supports, what remains uncertain and how these three recovery options may fit into a routine.
Read →Community Stories
The people, friendships, and ideas that have shaped mActivity.
Bike To mActivity, Then Bike Through Italy
New Haven couples share their love of cycling, travel, and staying active together.
Originally published 2019 Read → Community StoriesVulnerability is Her Greatest Strength
Catherine Huoy Walsh shares the personal journey that shaped her strength and approach to training.
Originally published 2019 Read → Community StoriesPulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist Explains How Mindfulness Strengthens Community Engagement
Jake Halpern discusses attention, empathy, storytelling, and connection across communities.
Originally published 2019 Read → Community StoriesA New Haven Mom’s Culturally Inclusive Approach to Wellness
A New Haven mother explores the many dimensions of wellness, family, and cultural connection.
Originally published 2019 Read → Community StoriesNew Haven Couple Weighs in on Habits for the Holidays
Chris and Sara Lamar-Sterling share the habits and mutual support that shaped their wellness journey.
Originally published 2018 Read → Community StoriesGive Thanks for Friendship: How 3 Widowed Women in Their 70s Stay Healthy
Sara, Marian, and Anneke describe the friendship and routines that keep them connected.
Originally published 2018 Read → Community Stories8,760 Hours Each Year To Invest In What You Love
Cheikh Mboup reflects on belonging, meaningful work, and investing time in what matters.
Originally published 2018 Read → Community StoriesThe Fastest Way To The Finish Line
Runner and mActivity member Tim Ritchie reflects on training, purpose, and balance.
Originally published 2018 Read → Community StoriesMaura’s Approach to Training with a Heart Rate Monitor
Member and science teacher Maura Foley shares what motivates her to track her workouts.
Originally published 2018 Read → Community StoriesMusic Is Fitness For The Soul
Fernando Pinto reflects on the music, relationships, and community behind his life’s work.
Originally published 2018 Read → Community StoriesAn Author's Advice On How To Show Up, Even When Uninspired
Amy Bloom shares the everyday discipline of showing up for writing and movement, even without inspiration.
Originally published 2018 Read → Community StoriesAn Athletic Academic Discovers Exercise As Medicine
An academic and mActivity member reflects on exercise, emotional well-being, and asking for support.
Originally published 2018 Read → Community StoriesPat Gilhuly Accepts Physical Therapy
Tennis professional and member Pat Gilhuly reflects on helping others and accepting help himself.
Originally published 2018 Read → Community StoriesFrom Personal Training To Spring Training, Harrison White On Preparing for His MLB Career
Harrison White reflects on baseball, personal training, and preparing for professional spring training.
Originally published 2018 Read → Community StoriesNeed Motivation? Read Jenn’s Story About Mental Toughness
Jenn Salomon talks about rugby, mental toughness, and the daily work behind a big goal.
Originally published 2018 Read → Community StoriesA New Haven Artist's Approach to Self-Care
Artist Kwadwo Adae discusses creativity, community, and making time for self-care.
Originally published 2018 Read → Community StoriesDown To Earth With Jacqueline Maisonpierre
Jacqueline Maisonpierre talks about farming, food, simplicity, and healthier communities.
Originally published 2018 Read → Community StoriesHow Alexa Found a Sustainable Health Routine
Alexa shares how she found a more sustainable relationship with movement, food, and daily life.
Originally published 2018 Read → Community StoriesHelping Refugees Find Home in New Haven
How IRIS, mActivity, and neighbors worked together to welcome refugees to New Haven.
Originally published 2018 Read → Community StoriesNew Fitness Center in New Haven Stretches Beyond Physical Health
The story of how Burch Valldejuli and Pablo Perez brought their vision for mActivity to East Rock.
Originally published 2016 Read →Wellness Journal
Past reflections on movement, rest, and mindful living.
Transforming Lives: The Benefits of Personal Training at mActivity New Haven
An archived reflection on the support and structure of personal training.
Originally published 2023 Read → Wellness JournalFinding Serenity in the Holiday Hustle: Yoga at mActivity New Haven
A seasonal reflection on making room for movement and calm during the holidays.
Originally published 2023 Read → Wellness JournalThe Timeless Benefits of Physical Activity for the 50+ Age Group at mActivity Fitness Center
Looking beyond the scale at the role of activity and community in later life.
Originally published 2023 Read → Wellness JournalThe Benefits of Strength Training Over the Age of 50
An archived introduction to strength training and staying active as we age.
Originally published 2023 Read → Wellness JournalThe Benefits of Taking a Vacation
A reflection on rest, time away, and making space for well-being.
Originally published 2023 Read → Wellness JournalAre you lonely - join the gym!
A reflection on the social side of a fitness routine and finding connection through shared activity.
Originally published 2023 Read → Wellness JournalSauna Sessions and Exercise - A Winning Combination for Cardiovascular Health
An archived discussion of research on sauna use and exercise.
Originally published 2023 Read → Wellness JournalWhat does the ‘m’ in mActivity stand for? The Power of Being Intentional in Your Workout
A reflection on the mindful activity at the heart of mActivity’s name.
Originally published 2023 Read → Wellness JournalmActivity Word for 2023: Flourishing
Looking back at flourishing as mActivity’s guiding word for 2023.
Originally published 2023 Read →Try mActivity Free for 2 Days
Strength training, group classes, steam & sauna, cryotherapy and the co-working lounge — experience all of it on us.
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