Gretchen Reynolds

New Mexico

Health columnist focusing on exercise science and fitness

Education: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, English Literature and Political Science

Gretchen Reynolds is the author of the "Your Move" column for The Washington Post. Reynolds is an award-winning journalist who has been writing about the science of exercise and health for more than 15 years, first at the New York Times and now at The Post. Reynolds joined The Post after 16 years writing for the New York Times, where she created the popular "Phys Ed" column, which focused on exercise advice and the science of movement. One of her best-known stories was about a hotel-room workout developed by two exercise scientists. She dubbed it "the scientific 7-minute workout," and it beca
Latest from Gretchen Reynolds

No more ‘girl’ push-ups

Girls and women often are encouraged to do modified push-ups, starting from their knees, instead of the full-body version that is standard for boys and men.

May 10, 2023

Exercises like jogging or weight training may help addiction recovery

Adding simple workouts to treatment improved recovery from a variety of substance-use disorders, including to cocaine, opioids, cannabis and alcohol.

April 26, 2023

Too hot outside for a workout? A hot bath can actually help.

Acclimating to hot weather is a good idea for anyone who wants to reduce risk of heat illness during their outdoor workout. A hot bath can help.

April 19, 2023

Why an outdoor workout is better for you than indoors

Moving your workout outside can be a simple way to magnify its benefits, not only for thinking, but health, happiness, fitness, and motivation

April 12, 2023

How exercise leads to sharper thinking and a healthier brain

New findings from 350,000 people make the strongest case yet that exercise improves cognition. A small study shows it raises BDNF, a brain chemical.

April 5, 2023

Feel like a slug? You may have the wrong exercise mind-set.

A new study shows that a negative mind-set — such as feeling like you’re failing at exercise — is bad for your health.

March 22, 2023

The best treatment for depression? It could be exercise.

For people struggling with depression, the findings show you don’t have to run marathons or otherwise train strenuously to benefit.

March 15, 2023

Don’t feel like exercising? It could be your microbiome.

The microbiomes of physically active people can be quite different from those of people who rarely exercise.

March 8, 2023

Got 11 minutes? A daily brisk walk could lower risk for early death.

A new study of 30 million people found that even small amounts of exercise could lower risk for heart disease, certain cancers and early death.

February 28, 2023

For a longer life, afternoon exercise may be best, a large study shows

A new study collected from more than 90,000 people found afternoon exercisers lived longer, but other research suggests morning exercise might burn more body fat.

February 22, 2023