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25 cardio exercises you can do without leaving your house
Welcome to Start TODAY. Sign up for our free Start TODAY newsletter to receive daily inspiration sent to your inbox — and join us on Instagram!Cardiovascular training — sometimes called aerobic exercise — is any repetitive movement that increases the heart rate and amount of oxygen your body uses. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend getting at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both.With our increasingly sedentary lives, many people fall short of hitting this benchmark, but doing so comes with some impressive health benefits.Cardio exercise benefitsCardio improves heart health, aids in weight loss and maintenance and can even boost our mood and improve mental health. Cardio has even been shown to be beneficial for brain health, improving cognitive ability and reducing the risk of dementia.But many people have a narrow view of what actually counts as cardio exercise. Yes, popular activities like walking, running and biking are great options. But there are plenty of other quick and efficient ways to get that cardio activity in right from home — no equipment required.For those days when you're short on time, the weather isn't cooperating or you just want to get some movement in while watching your favorite TV show, keep this list on hand. These are some of my favorite cardio moves to get that heart rate up!Cardio exercisesForward & backward jumpsThis move is simple, but effective. Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Bend at the knees and extend your arms behind you. Jump forward a few feet, swinging your arms up toward the sky for momentum. Land softly with knees bent. Using the same movements, jump backward a few feet.Boxing squatSit down and back into a squat position, squeezing your glutes and abs. As you return to a standing position, extend your right arm straight out in front of you in a punching motion. Bring your right arm back in and squat back down. This time as you return to standing, extend your left arm straight out in front of you in a punching motion. For a challenge, you can elevate this move by holding light dumbbells.Rocket jumpsStart by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Squeezing your glutes, squat down half way, and then jump up as high as you can reaching your arms toward the sky. Land softly, and then use the momentum from your last jump to repeat. Make sure you keep your abs engaged throughout the entire exercise.Side lungesStart with your feet as wide as your hips. Then step your right foot to the right, and bend the right knee, sitting down into a side lunge. Reach the right glute back and keep the left leg straight. Press down through the right heel and come back to center. Then step your left foot out and lunge to the left. Keep your movements controlled, and repeat side to side as quickly as you can.Running in placeMake sure you put on your tennis shoes for this one! Lightly run in place with the knees bent and arms moving as fast as you can. If you want to step it up and burn even more calories, you can run in place at a sprinting speed. For a lower-impact variation, you can march in place.Jumping jacksStart by standing upright with your legs together, and your arms by your sides. With knees slightly bent, push off the floor and jump into the air. As you’re jumping, spread your legs shoulder-width apart, and swing your arms out to the sides and up over your head. Jump back to the starting position, and repeat!Butt kicksInstead of reaching the knees toward your chest like you do with high knees, you’ll be kicking your feet behind you, reaching your heels toward your butt. This will help with hip flexor mobility and can also loosen up the quads. Simply kick your right foot back toward your right glute, and then kick your left foot back toward your left glute. The faster you go, the more you may feel like you’re running in place — so make sure you focus the movement on kicking your feet toward the glute with every step.Jump squatsThe Jump squat is a power move that target your core and entire lower body. With your feet hip-distance apart, lower into a squat position. Make sure you keep a strong, straight back and your knees behind your toes. With control, jump straight up and swing your arms overhead. Softly return back to your starting squat position and repeat.Mountain climbersBegin in plank position, with your back straight, hips low and core engaged. Keep your shoulders over your wrists. Bring your right knee under your chest toward your right elbow. Return your right leg back to plank position; bring your left leg under your chest toward your left elbow. Repeat while alternating your legs, keeping a steady pace. Remember to breathe and concentrate on engaging your abs, glutes and hamstrings.Lateral shufflesStarting with your feet hip-distance apart, sink into a deep knee bend. Bring both of your arms in front of your chest, holding them up to help you keep your balance. Starting with your right foot and following with your left, shuffle right for 3 or 4 steps (depending on your space), and then repeat to the left. Keep your chest up, core strong, and glutes engaged throughout this movement.High kneesMarch your right knee up toward your chest, place it down, and then march the left knee toward your chest. As you start moving faster, try and keep your knees up as high as you can. You can pick up the pace and increase the impact of this workout by adding jumps. Always land with softly bent knees, and swing your arms to keep your heart rate up.Dance it out!If you’re looking to spice up your cardio routine while having some fun, dance! Put on your favorite song and focus on keeping your body moving to the beat, incorporating your arms and legs for a full-body cardio workout. Dancing has been shown to help improve your mood and is an awesome standalone workout or a fun way to finish out your favorite circuit!Stephanie Mansour / TODAYSide Toe TapsStanding with your feet as wide as your hips, tap your right foot out to the right and then come back to center. Then tap your left foot out to the left and come back to center. Keep tapping right then left, alternating for 60 seconds.Stephanie Mansour / TODAYModified JacksStart with your feet as wide as your hips and arms down by your sides. Tap your right foot out to the right (like you did for a side tap) and reach both arms up overhead. Then bring the right foot back to center and the arms back down by your sides. Tap the left foot out to the left and reach the arms overhead, then bring the arms down and the foot back to center. Repeat as quickly as you can, alternating for 60 seconds.Stephanie Mansour / TODAYPlank Shoulder TapCome into a plank position with your shoulders over your wrists. Spread your fingers wide. Pull your naval in toward your spine and shift your weight to your left hand as you lift your right hand up and tap your left shoulder. Then place the right hand down and switch to the other side, repeating for 10 times on each side.Stephanie Mansour / TODAYPlank to Downward Facing DogStart in a plank position with your shoulders over your wrists. Pull your low abs in as you quickly pike your hips up and back into a downward facing dog. Reach your heels toward the ground and your glutes up toward the ceiling. Press down firmly through your hands. Then quickly move forward into plank again. Repeat 10 times.Stephanie Mansour / TODAYSide to Side ShuffleTo start, lower down into a squat. From here, move to your right using quick shuffle steps for six steps. Repeat to the left side. The goal is to stay low and move quickly to the right then left. Repeat for 10 repetitions on each side.Stephanie Mansour / TODAYSkatersStand with feet shoulder-distance apart. Draw one leg behind you into a curtsy lunge. Maintain a 90-degree angle with the front knee. Next, use your front arm to create momentum as you swing your arms forward to leap the back leg to the side. This skating motion will switch sides, so the previously back leg is now in the front, and vice versa. Replicate the motion to switch sides. Repeat for 10 repetitions.Stephanie Mansour / TODAYPlank JacksStart in a full plank position. Engage your abs to protect your lower back. Jump both feet out, similar to doing a jumping jack, remaining in a plank position. Jump the feet back in. Increase speed as you repeat the motion. Repeat for 10-20 repetitions.Stephanie Mansour / TODAYJumping LungesBegin this exercise in a lunge position. As you prepare to jump, sink down deeper into the lunge. Engage your core muscles, leaning slightly forward. Explode upwards. Quickly exchange feet to switch lunge positions when you land, switching arms as you do so. Do your best to land softly. Do not lock your knees; keep them softly bent. Repeat for 10 repetitions total, or 5 repetitions each leg.Stephanie Mansour / TODAYGrapevine with a jumpStart standing with your arms by your sides and your feet shoulder-width apart. Step to the left with your left foot and then step your right foot behind your left foot. Then, step your left foot out to the left again. This is the grapevine. Then, slightly bend your knees as you jump up and clap, landing with softly bent knees. Repeat, moving this time to the right. Alternate left and right, performing 5 times to each side.Stephanie Mansour / TODAYNFL ShuffleStanding with your feet as wide as your shoulders, put your hands up and pitter patter your feet quickly. Stay in place and up on your toes to complete 20 steps or for 10 seconds total.Stephanie Mansour / TODAYLunge to Knee DriveWith the feet as wide as the hips, step the right foot back into a reverse lunge. Then, with force, bring the right knee through center and up toward your chest as you jump on your left foot landing with a slightly bent leg. Without stopping at the center, step the right foot back into the reverse lunge again. Repeat 10 times, then switch sides.Stephanie Mansour / TODAYArm circlesStraighten your arms out to your sides and lift them up as high as your shoulders. Begin rotating in small circles. Completing 10 rotations forward and then 10 rotations backward. BurpeesBegin in squat position with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place both hands on the floor and shift your weight onto your hands. Kick your feet back behind you so that you’re in pushup position. Perform one pushup, making sure your back is straight and your core is engaged. Jump your feet forward so that you are back in a squat position and stand up. With your arms above your head, jump up. When you land, go straight into squat position and repeat. Perform 10 burpees total.
Broncos WR Josh Reynolds reportedly wounded in strip club shooting last week
October 24, 2024 at 5:46 PMJosh Reynolds' injuries are apparently minor, despite a gunshot wound to the head. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) (Cooper Neill via Getty Images)Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds was one of two men wounded in a shooting after leaving a strip club last week, according to court documents obtained by 9News' Janet Oravetz.Reynolds, 29, was reportedly shot twice, once in his left arm and once in the back of his head. According to a statement the Broncos released Thursday, the injuries were minor:"Josh Reynolds was a victim of a shooting on Friday in Denver and received treatment for minor injuries. Out of respect for the legal process, we will defer further comment on this matter to the authorities."Reynolds was also reportedly at the Broncos' facility Thursday. He is currently on injured reserve with a broken finger and has not played in a game since Oct. 6.The incident reportedly occurred at 3 a.m. last Friday, with authorities receiving a 911 call about a shooting around Denver's Southmoor Park area. The caller reportedly said he was driving and had been shot, then stopped responding. A second 911 caller reportedly followed, saying two of his friends had been shot and needed an ambulance. He was running during the call and said they were being shot at.Officers reportedly found the group via GPS tracking, with the wounded Reynolds among them. Another man was shot in the back, while a third victim was wounded by shattered glass. All three had scrapes from climbing over a fence. Police reportedly located the victims' vehicle on Interstate 25 with "numerous bullet defects in the back driver-side and front windshield."The victims reportedly said they were at a strip club called Shotgun Willies and left without incident at 2:45 a.m., at which point two drivers began following them in their own vehicles, shooting at them. Two men, Burr Charlesworth and Luis Mendoza, were later arrested on Wednesday.Mendoza was reportedly seen in a strip club surveillance video enter the club at midnight, watching the victims rather than engage with the entertainers and following them out. Three vehicles were later seen following the victims out of the club parking lot. Charlesworth reportedly said after he was arrested he was "helping" a friend who had asked him to follow the victims due to a prior conflict, but denied he was the one shooting.Reynolds is in his first season with the Broncos after signing a two-year, $9 million contract last offseason. Before that, he played eight seasons total with the Los Angeles Rams, Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions, with a career high of 618 receiving yards in 2020.It's unclear how his wounds will affect his return to the field, but this isn't the first time an NFL wide receiver has missed time this season due to a shooting.
Some Halloween candy includes cancer-linked Red Dye 3, watchdog says
Taste It Tuesday: Halloween candy Taste It Tuesday: Halloween candy 02:56 As people stock up on Halloween candy this month, they may be buying bags of treats that contain with Red Dye 3, a carcinogen that is banned in Europe and for use in cosmetics in the U.S., according to Consumer Reports. Some popular Halloween candy available in stores this year are manufactured using Red Dye 3, Consumer Reports said on Wednesday. The pigment, also known as Red Dye No. 3, has been shown to cause cancer in animals, and some studies have linked it and other artificial food dyes to hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral effects in children, the nonprofit consumer advocacy group said. To be sure, the immediate risks are unclear. The FDA says it allows the use of the dyes in foods because the "way that Red No. 3 causes cancer in animals, specifically rats, does not occur in humans so these animal results have limited relevance to humans." The dye will be banned in California starting in 2027.Halloween candy with Red Dye 3The Halloween candy that Consumer Reports identified as containing Red Dye 3 as an ingredient include:Brach's Candy CornBrach's Autumn MixBrach's Mellowcreme PumpkinsNerds Candy CornDouble Bubble bubble gumPez CandyAmos Lollipop RingsCreate-A-Treat Halloween House"Parents should know that Brach's Candy Corn, Double Bubble bubble gum, Pez and other treats their kids may bring home on Halloween are made with an ingredient that is a known carcinogen," said Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at Consumer Reports, in a statement. "These manufacturers should stop making products with this dangerous chemical since less risky alternatives are readily available." Ferrara, the owner of Brach's, said in an emailed statement to CBS MoneyWatch that its products are safe and are manufactured with ingredients approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration."Ferrara complies with all laws and regulations related to our products and will continue to do so in the future," the company said. What is Red Dye 3?The red coloring, a synthetic dye made from petroleum, creates a bright cherry-red tint in food and drinks, according to the FDA. It was banned from use in cosmetics in 1990 after evidence that it was associated with cancer in animals, the agency said. Ferrara added that it has been phasing out Red Dye 3 since early 2023, and that it's on track to eliminate the food coloring from its remaining products by the end of 2026. "In the current stage of our reformulation process, more than half of the Brach's portfolio does not include Red No. 3," it added.Consumer Reports said it is urging the FDA to ban Red Dye 3 in food, dietary supplements and ingested drugs. "Companies are moving away from using Red Dye 3, but it's evident that we can't depend on all of them to do the right thing," Ronholm said. "It's been over 30 years since the FDA banned Red Dye 3 in cosmetics after it was found to cause cancer in animals, but it's still allowed in our food."
Should you cosign a loan for your child or a loved one? A guide to risks and rewards
Why you can trust usWe may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we believe in. Pricing and availability are subject to change. October 24, 2024 at 3:02 PMShould you cosign a loan for your child or a loved one? (Morsa Images via Getty Images)Is your child or another loved one struggling to qualify for a car, home or other personal loan? Cosigning on their loan could help them get approved, but it's also a risky move.Older adults tend to have better credit scores and more financial stability than their children and younger relatives. If you have good credit and steady income, you could potentially step in as a cosigner and help a loved one get approved for a loan, or even help them qualify for more affordable terms.The downsides, however, include potential damage to your finances, your credit and your relationship.What does it mean to be a cosigner?When you cosign on a personal loan, you agree to be fully legally liable for someone else's debt. Cosigning might seem akin to giving a character reference, but it's a far more serious commitment: You'll take on all the same responsibility for payments as the borrower, without any of the privileges.For the main borrower, the benefit of having you cosign on a loan is that your good credit and financial stability help them qualify. You may even help them get approved for a student loan, car loan or mortgage where they were already rejected for any of the following reasons:Insufficient incomeBad creditNo credit historyExcessive debtFor the cosigner, the main benefit is intangible — the opportunity to help out a loved one — while the drawbacks are more material.When the main borrower can't pay, you'll be responsible for sending money to the lender. If the primary borrower misses just one loan payment, your credit scores can tank. And if the loan goes into default, around 75% of creditors will come after you for the money first.Pros and cons of cosigning a loanCosigning on a loan can help your child or loved one qualify for more favorable rates and terms than they could on their own, helping them with necessary purchases or to save on high-interest debt. But you’ll want to weigh the potential for financial and personal drawbacks before signing any dotted line.Benefits of cosigningDrawbacks of cosigningYou can help a loved one qualify for a loanYou assume full liability for payments and late fees if the main borrower falls behind or files bankruptcyYou can help the main borrower qualify for larger and more affordable loansThe loan increases your debt-to-income ratio and debt-to-credit ratio — which could make it harder to qualify for your own loansIf the main borrower pays as agreed, your credit scores could improveFinancial strain could damage your relationship with the main borrowerInitial drop in your credit scoresCosigning can seriously damage your credit scores if the primary borrower misses a paymentYou have no legal right to the loan funds or use of the property purchased with the fundsLenders may not notify you if the main borrower misses paymentsDig deeper: Do credit scores matter after you retire?When to consider cosigning a loanAs the cosigner, you're putting your finances and credit on the line. So the main borrower should be willing to openly discuss the arrangement, answer all of your questions and show you documents to verify their situation.There's no way to totally safeguard yourself against credit and financial damage as a cosigner, but you'll be safer if all of these conditions are met:You have a long-term relationship with the primary borrower.You're willing to be liable, even if the relationship changes before the loan is paid off.You can afford to pay 100% of the loan on your own without having to borrow from your retirement, emergency savings or another savings account.You're not planning to retire or undergo a big financial change before the loan payment ends.You understand the reason the main borrower was denied a loan and how they plan to remedy the problem.You've reviewed the main borrower's credit reports and confirmed they don't have a recent history of missed loan or credit card bills.The main borrower has shown you their budget and plan for paying back the loan.Dig deeper: How personal loans work — and what to know before you applyWhen to avoid cosigningIn past studies, around 40% of people said they regretted cosigning on a loan, often because they had to cover some of the debt. You can avoid a decision you'll regret by saying "no" if the situation doesn't feel right. Any one of these conditions is a good reason to decline:You have a fixed or limited income and can't afford the payments on your own.You're confused about the arrangement or you're being pressured to cosign.You plan to apply for your own loan shortly after cosigning.Your loved one has a checkered financial past and shows no signs of improving.The main borrower refuses to show you their budget, credit reports, pay stubs or other documents to confirm their situation.Alternatives to cosigning for a child or loved oneIf you're uncomfortable cosigning on a loan, but still want to help, consider offering another type of assistance. Here are some alternatives.Gift fundCosigning on a mortgage for your child or grandchild is probably less common than you think. In fact, less than 4% of buyers under 35 have a coborrower who's 55 or older. Cosigning can also be counter-productive, since the lender sets the loan terms based on the lowest of the two applicants' scores.Instead of cosigning, you might offer your family member a "gift fund," or a cash gift to use for their home purchase. By doing this, you help them increase their down payment and qualify for more loans without putting your credit on the line.Informal loanOffering your loved one a loan from your savings lets you set a limit on your assistance without risking credit damage or lender's fees. Of course, it's difficult to ensure you'll get the money back. According to a 2022 survey of people who had loaned someone money, 42% did not get repayment in full.One way to formalize and enforce the terms of the loan is to draw up and sign a loan agreement, which can be used if you decide to pursue repayment with legal action in small claims court.Make them an authorized userIf your family member has low or no credit scores, another way to help is to add them to your credit card as an authorized user. When you do so, your account information appears on their credit reports and can positively affect their scores. Additionally, the authorized user does not have to have their own card for the account and can't be held liable for the credit card debt you accrue.FAQs: Cosigning on loans and moreLearn more about your responsibilities as a cosigner before helping out a child or loved one with these common questions.Can I be released from a loan I cosigned on?It depends on the lender and type of loan. Some lenders allow borrowers to apply for cosigner release after several years of on-time monthly payments and a credit check to determine the main borrower can take on the loan without your support. Check with your lender to learn whether release is a possibility and the steps for removal from the loan.What happens if the primary borrower doesn't pay a loan I cosigned on?If the main borrower defaults on a loan you’ve cosigned for, the cosigner is responsible for paying the loan. Missed payments will show on your credit report, pulling down your scores. And if you’re not able to repay the loan amount, you may be sent to a collection agency or, in some cases, sued in small claims court.For auto loans and other secured loans, the lender can eventually take back ownership of the collateral — for example, the vehicle — leaving you on the hook for the unpaid balance and associated repossession fees.What happens to loan debt when a cosigner dies?What happens to the debt depends on your lender and type of loan. Generally, lenders won’t change the terms or conditions of a loan if a cosigner dies before the debt is fully repaid, and the main borrower becomes responsible for the entire loan. For student loans, it greatly depends on the loan — for example, federal Parent PLUS loans discharge the debt when a cosigner (or parent) dies, while private student loans may require full payment immediately after the death of a cosigner. Learn more about cosigners and how state laws affect personal loans in our guide to loan debt and death.I cosigned a loan for my spouse and we’re now seeking divorce. Am I responsible for any unpaid debt?Yes. Cosigners are responsible for any unpaid loan debt, no matter your relationship with the main borrower. If a creditor or lender can't get the money from the main borrower, they will come after the cosigner.In fact, if you live in one of nine community property states, you may be responsible for a spouse’s unpaid debt even if you’re not a cosigner. Talk with an attorney specializing in divorce or matrimonial law to learn more about how marital debt is divided in your state. If money is a barrier, you might be able to find low-cost or free legal help through your local bar association.Does refinancing a loan require a cosigner?You aren’t required to have a cosigner to refinance a loan, but a cosigner can help if you’re not able to get approval on your own, whether due to poor credit or a risky borrowing history. A cosigner can also improve your chances for lower loan rates and better terms than your original loan. If your original loan also had a cosigner, you can ask if that person is willing to cosign on your new loan or find another cosigner who is.SourcesAbout the writerSarah Brady is a finance writer and educator who covers a wide range of topics, from personal and small business credit and loans to financial scams. Her expertise has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Forbes Advisor, CNN, Fortune, Investopedia and other top media brands. As an NFCC-certified credit counselor, Sarah taught workshops on money management and coached thousands of clients on how to improve their credit. She is also a former HUD-certified housing counselor and educator for the City of San Francisco's affordable homebuyer programs.Article edited by Kelly Suzan Waggoner
The full list of major US companies slashing staff this year, from Beyond Inc. to Meta and Goldman Sachs
Careers The full list of major US companies slashing staff this year, from Beyond Inc. to Meta and Goldman Sachs Lakshmi Varanasi, Sarah Jackson, Jordan Hart, Beatrice Nolan, Hannah Getahun, Geoff Weiss, Aaron Mok, Dominick Reuter, Shubhangi Goel, Jyoti Mann, Alex Bitter, Kenneth Niemeyer, Katie Balevic, Erin Snodgrass, Lloyd Lee, Madeline Berg, Kwan Wei Kevin Tan, and Nora Redmond Updated 2024-10-24T18:04:12Z Share icon An curved arrow pointing right. Share Facebook Icon The letter F. Facebook Email icon An envelope. It indicates the ability to send an email. Email Twitter icon A stylized bird with an open mouth, tweeting. Twitter LinkedIn icon LinkedIn Link icon An image of a chain link. It symobilizes a website link url. Copy Link lighning bolt icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt. Impact Link Save Article Icon A bookmark Save Read in app Angle down icon An icon in the shape of an angle pointing down. Beyond Inc., the parent company of Bed Bath & Beyond, Overstock, and Zulily is the latest to announce layoffs. PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images Last year's job cuts weren't the end of layoffs. Further reductions continue in 2024.Companies like Flagstar Bank, Meta, PwC, Tesla, Google, Microsoft, and Nike have all announced cuts.See the list of companies reducing their worker numbers in 2024.
