Enjoy live group classes with the Les Mills Experience (CNW Group/GoodLife Fitness)
TORONTO /CNW/ – The biggest names in fitness and wellness will gather in downtown Toronto this summer for the canfitpro Global Conference and Trade Show August 9 and 10. Hundreds of fitness experts, professionals and consumers will take part in the largest fitness conference and trade show in Canada to learn the latest nutrition, wellness and exercise trends.
Check out canfitpro Global Conference & Trade Show Aug 9-10, 2024
This year’s conference will include topical sessions on training for athletes of all ages, accessible fitness for different abilities, managing mindset and mental outlook, nutrition for better quality of life, fitness trends and therapeutic approaches to physical activity. Participants can watch the Pickleball Ontario Championships on site, join their favourite classes as part of the Les Mills Experience fitness festival, and tour booths from 100+ leading companies showcasing the latest wellness technology, nutrition, apparel and equipment. Anyone can attend.
Click here for a full schedule of in-person and online sessions. Some session highlights include:
Friday, August 9 Opening ceremonies Hamza Khan, global expert in the future of work and people-first leadership. Learn how to adapt and thrive in today’s fragmented work environment. Hamza Khan will share his ideas on purposeful productivity, transcend burnout culture, and embrace constant change.
Training styles for neurodivergent athletes Christine Conti, fitness coach and educator, chronic disease specialist. As a personal trainer and triathlon/Iron Man guide for athletes with autism, Down syndrome and other neurodivergent disorders, Christine Conti champions advanced visual, tactile and auditory coaching techniques that suit every learning style, helping all athletes reach their peak performance.
Food over 40: Men’s guide to boosting testosterone, muscle and confidence Funk Roberts, nutrition and fitness expert for men over 40, owner of Funk Roberts Fitness Nutrition for men over 40 is not about calories, macros or any restrictive fad diet. Funk Roberts teaches men how to implement an effective and sustainable nutrition system that naturally increases testosterone, boosts metabolism, builds muscle and increases energy.
Saturday, August 10 Hormone toxicity: Taking back control during perimenopause and menopause Kelly Nolan, pharmacist, women’s health expert Major shifts in body chemistry during perimenopause and menopause can wreak havoc emotionally and physically with a dramatic shift in body image and unexpected symptoms from ongoing anxiety to high fatigue and brain fog affecting our work performance. Kelly Nolan will explore how to detoxify to balance hormones naturally with the goal of optimal health, weight release and disease prevention.
Four generations, one passion for fitness Sal Pellegrino, international fitness expert and presenter For the first time, four generations are actively working out in the gym at one time. But not all generations want the same thing. From in-gym social centres to outdoor fitness to tranquil recovery spaces, Sal Pellegrino will share his research into what motivates each generation and what we’ll see in our neighbourhood gyms in the months and years to come.
Photo opportunities:
Watch fast-paced matches and learn Pickleball basics from Ontario’s best players
Join hundreds of fitness enthusiasts for a giant workout led by New Zealand superstar instructors at the Les Mills Experience
Take a cold plunge, enjoy a Cryo Lounge chair and sweat through the latest workouts including Joga, Warrior Combat, Socacize….even a step class with R&B soul singer Jully Black.
About canfitpro canfitpro is the largest provider of education in the Canadian fitness industry. Founded in 1993, canfitpro delivers accessible, quality education, certifications, conferences, trade shows, and membership services. canfitpro’s 60,000 members include some of the world’s finest fitness professionals, health club operators, industry suppliers and fitness consumers. (canfitpro.com)
Understanding Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: Numbers to Know in 2026
The American Heart Association’s 2026 update reveals a decrease in deaths from heart disease and stroke, despite rising rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Following their Life’s Essential 8 guidelines can prevent 40% of cardiovascular deaths, emphasizing the importance of healthier lifestyles for improved heart health.
Understanding Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: Numbers to Know in 2026
(Family Features) Taking care of your heart with healthy behaviors may be at the top of your wellness priority list already, and there may be good news about the effects of adhering to expert recommendations.
New information from the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistics Update shows deaths from heart disease and stroke are on the decline. However, rates continue to climb for high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity – all of which are health risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Following expert guidance can be your prescription for better health as 80% of heart disease and stroke is preventable.
To help maintain and improve your cardiovascular health, consider following the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, which is a set of four health behaviors (eat better, be more active, quit tobacco and get healthy sleep) and four health factors (manage weight, control cholesterol, manage blood sugar and manage blood pressure).
In the United States, optimal Life’s Essential 8 scores could prevent up to 40% of annual all-cause and cardiovascular disease deaths among adults.
Consider these highlights from the statistics update:
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S. and stroke is the No. 4 leading cause of death.
Together, heart disease and stroke accounted for more than a quarter of all deaths in the U.S. in 2023.
Cardiovascular diseases, including all types of heart disease and stroke, claim more lives in the U.S. each year than all forms of cancer and accidental deaths — the Nos. 2 and 3 causes of death – combined.
On average, every 34 seconds, someone died of cardiovascular disease in 2023.
On average, about two people died of heart disease every 3 minutes in the U.S. in 2023.
On average in 2023, someone died of stroke every 3 minutes, 14 seconds in the U.S.
Nearly half of U.S. adults now have high blood pressure.
Nearly 29.5 million U.S. adults have diagnosed diabetes.
About 50% of U.S. adults have obesity or severe obesity, and 28.1% of youth ages 2-19 have obesity.
Only 1 in 4 U.S. adults meets national physical activity guidelines. Only 1 in 5 U.S. youths ages 6-17 are physically active for 60 minutes or more every day of the week.
To learn more about how to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, visit heart.org.
UOG Wins Three CES 2026 Awards for Black Diamond Carbon & Nano Silver Wellness Wearables
At CES 2026, United One Group Healthcare (UOG) highlighted wellness wearables, winning three significant awards for its innovative products, including the UOG 5-in-All Wellness Band and Socks. These recognition honors emphasize practical consumer value and meaningful innovation, marking UOG as a leader in non-invasive wellness technology.
Last Updated on January 20, 2026 by Daily News StaffCES® 2026. Image Credit: Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®
LAS VEGAS — CES is usually where the flashiest screens, fastest chips, and wildest concept gadgets steal the spotlight. But this year, wellness wearables made a serious push into the conversation—and United One Group Healthcare (UOG) walked away with some of the show’s biggest editorial wins.
United One Group (UOG), the developer behind what it calls the world’s first Black Diamond Carbon & Nano Silver fusion wellness technology, announced it earned three major industry awards at CES 2026—plus an on-floor boost when a CES official spokesperson publicly highlighted UOG’s featured productsduring the event.
Three CES 2026 Awards for UOG’s 5-in-All Line
According to the company, UOG’s wearable wellness products received:
Two TWICE Picks Awards for
UOG 5-in-All Wellness Foot Pain Relief Socks
UOG 5-in-All Wellness Band
One TechRadar Pro Picks Award for
UOG 5-in-All Wellness Band
That kind of cross-recognition matters at CES, where editorial awards are often split across categories and audiences. UOG’s haul places it among a smaller group of wellness-focused brands to earn multiple editorial honors—including wins from both TWICE (a key consumer electronics and retail publication in the U.S.) and TechRadar Pro (a global tech and professional solutions outlet).
Why These Awards Carry Weight
Both award programs are editor-selected, not paid placements, which is a big deal in a show environment packed with marketing noise.
TWICE Picks Awards spotlight products that show market readiness, performance, and practical consumer value.
TechRadar Pro Picks Awards focus on meaningful innovation, usability, and real-world impact.
In other words: these wins aren’t about the loudest booth—they’re about products editors believe people will actually use.UOG Healthcare Products Information (PRNewsfoto/United One Group (UOG) America)
What UOG Showed Off at CES 2026
UOG’s CES lineup centers on non-invasive, wearable wellness gear that integrates its proprietary Black Diamond Carbon & Nano Silver nanotechnology. The company says the material is designed to support microcirculation, activate the body’s natural electrical pathways, and encourage recovery—without electronics or medication.
Here’s a quick look at the featured products:
1) UOG 5-in-All Wellness Band (Award Winner)
The 5-in-All Wellness Band was the standout, earning recognition from both TWICE and TechRadar Pro. UOG describes it as a soft, flexible, one-size wearable designed to support:
deeper sleep
headache relief and reduced cranial tension
neck and shoulder relaxation
stress reduction through parasympathetic nervous system support
UOG positions it for people dealing with insomnia, migraines, eye fatigue, frequent travel, and high-stress routines.
Also a TWICE Picks Awards winner, these socks are aimed at relief for:
plantar fasciitis
neuropathy
swelling
chronic foot fatigue
The company says the design includes a three-zone arch system and targeted cushioning to support circulation and nerve function—especially for people managing diabetes or circulation issues.
3) Performance Sports Socks, Knee Sleeves, and Arm Sleeves
UOG also featured additional recovery-focused wearables, including:
Performance Sports Socks for circulation support, fatigue reduction, and daily recovery
Knee Sleeves engineered for joint stabilization and compression-based comfort
Arm Sleeves designed to support endurance, flexibility, and reduced arm/elbow fatigue
The common thread: UOG’s nanotech material paired with compression and ergonomic design, aimed at everyday users as much as athletes.
What’s Next for UOG After CES
UOG says its long-term mission is to merge advanced nanotechnology with accessible wellness solutions—and it plans to expand into next-generation recovery wear, biosensor-integrated systems, and AI-driven wellness platforms.
At a show where “the future” often means bigger, brighter, and faster, UOG’s CES moment points to a different direction: wellness tech that’s wearable, practical, and built around daily life.
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UOG at CES 2026
UOG exhibited at Booth #56227 at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, offering live demos, performance testing, and product trials throughout the show.
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
Loving-kindness, the feeling cultivated in metta meditation, is very different from romantic love. Anna Sunderland Engels
What loving-kindness meditation is and how to practice it in the new year
Jeremy David Engels, Penn State A popular New Year’s resolution is to take up meditation – specifically mindfulness meditation. This is a healthy choice. Regular mindfulness practice has been linked to many positive health benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety, better sleep and quicker healing after injury and illness. Mindfulness can help us to be present in a distracted world and to feel more at home in our bodies, and in our lives. There are many different types of meditation. Some mindfulness practices ask meditators simply to sit with whatever thoughts, sensations or emotions arise without immediately reacting to them. Such meditations cultivate focus, while granting more freedom in how we respond to whatever events life throws at us. Other meditations ask practitioners to deliberately focus on one emotion – for example, gratitude or love – to deepen the experience of that emotion. The purpose behind this type of meditation is to bring more gratitude, or more love, into one’s life. The more people meditate on love, the easier it is to experience this emotion even when not meditating. One such meditation is known as “metta,” or loving-kindness. As a scholar of communication and mindfulness, as well as a longtime meditation teacher, I have both studied and practiced metta. Here is what loving-kindness means and how to try it out for yourself:
Unbounded, universal love
Loving-kindness, or metta, is the type of love which is practiced by Buddhists around the world. Like many forms of meditation today, there are both secular and religious forms of the practice. One does not need to be a Buddhist to practice loving-kindness. It is for anyone and everyone who wants to live more lovingly. Loving-kindness, the feeling cultivated in metta meditation, is very different from romantic love. In the ancient Pali language, the word “metta” has two root meanings: The first is “gentle,” in the sense of a gentle spring rain that falls on young plants, nourishing them without discrimination. The second is “friend.” Metta is limitless and unbounded love; it is gentle presence and universal friendliness. Metta practice is meant to grow people’s ability to be present for themselves and others without fail.A guided loving-kindness meditation practice. Metta is not reciprocal or conditional. It does not discriminate between us and them, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, popular or unpopular, worthy and unworthy. To practice metta is to give what I describe in my research as “the rarest and most precious gift” – a gift of love offered without any expectation of it being returned.
How to practice loving-kindness meditation
In the fifth century, a Sri Lankan monk, Buddhaghosa, composed an influential meditation text called the “Visuddhimagga,” or “The Path of Purification.” In this text, Buddhaghosa provides instructions for how to practice loving-kindness meditation. Contemporary teachers tend to adapt and modify his instructions. The practice of loving-kindness often involves quietly reciting to oneself several traditional phrases designed to evoke metta, and visualizing the beings who will receive that loving-kindness. Traditionally, the practice begins by sending loving kindness to ourselves. It is typical during this meditation to say:
May I be filled by loving-kindness
May I be safe from inner and outer dangers
May I be well in body and mind
May I be at ease and happy
After speaking these phrases, and feeling the emotions they evoke, next it’s common to direct loving-kindness toward someone – or something – else: It can be a beloved person, a dear friend, a pet, an animal, a favorite tree. The phrases become:
May you be filled by loving-kindness
May you be safe from inner and outer dangers
May you be well in body and mind
May you be at ease and happy
Next, this loving-kindness is directed to a wider circle of friends and loved ones: “May they …” The final step is to gradually expand the circle of well wishes: including the people in our community and town, people everywhere, animals and all living beings, and the whole Earth. This last round of recitation begins: “May we …” In this way, loving-kindness meditation practice opens the heart further and further into life, beginning with the meditator themselves.
Loving-kindness and mindful democracy
Clinical research shows that loving-kindness meditation has a positive effect on mental health, including lessening anxiety and depression, increasing life satisfaction and improving self-acceptance while reducing self-criticism. There is also evidence that loving-kindness meditation increases a sense of connection with other people. The benefits of loving-kindness meditation are not just for the individual. In my research, I show that there are also tremendous benefits for society as a whole. Indeed, the practice of democracy requires us to work together with friends, strangers and even purported “opponents.” This is difficult to do if our hearts are full of hatred and resentment. Each time meditators open their hearts in metta meditation, they prepare themselves to live more loving lives: for their own selves, and for all living beings. Jeremy David Engels, Liberal Arts Endowed Professor of Communication, Penn State This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
