At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team USA’s gymnastics squad embraced a furry emotional coach: Beacon, a four-year-old Golden Retriever trained as a therapy dog. Deployed to help mitigate performance anxiety, Beacon spent up to 15 hours a day by athletes’ sides, engaging in stress-relieving snuggles and quiet companionship. His presence lowered anxiety and cortisol levels,…
In 2025, the integration of artificial intelligence into athletic apparel has transformed the way athletes train and monitor their performance. Smart sportswear equipped with textile strain sensors and AI-driven analytics offers real-time feedback on muscle activation, breathing patterns, and movement symmetry. This innovation allows for precise adjustments during workouts, enhancing efficiency and reducing the risk…
Once a niche pastime invented in the 1960s, pickleball has surged in popularity worldwide, merging elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong into a fast-paced yet accessible sport. Played on a smaller court with a perforated ball and paddles, it appeals to all ages and fitness levels. Communities across the U.S., Australia, and parts of Europe…
