The Best Yoga and Pilates Gifts of 2025

Got a Friend Who Loves Yoga or Pilates? These Gifts Might Be Just What They’re Looking For

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Both yoga (in all its varieties, including hot, ashtanga, vinyasa) and Pilates are known for their ability to help tone and strengthen the body while boosting flexibility. Fans know that yoga and Pilates use all kinds of props and equipment — mats, weights, blocks, balls, ropes, straps, reformers, and more. Classes have plenty of benefits, like having a trained instructor help with proper movements and modifications, but they can be expensive and time-consuming.

I’m a reformed studio class fanatic. I’ve typically had memberships at separate yoga and Pilates studios at any given time, enjoying multiple classes a week. Then I had a baby. Now, I have to focus on getting my movement in during stolen moments of time. I’ve become acquainted with plenty of at-home props that have leveled up my at-home practice. After some trial and error, I’ve landed on a list of must-have gifts for the yoga and Pilates lovers in your life. Here are my picks.

For Recreating the Experience at Home

pilates prop set

For the Mat Pilates Princess

Your Reformer Prop Starter Kit

While reformer Pilates (Pilates exercises performed on a specialized machine with straps and springs) is heralded as the go-to type of Pilates, thanks to endless TikTok videos of reformer classes, mat Pilates is a fantastic alternative. Mat Pilates is just what it sounds like — Pilates moves performed on the floor, no reformer needed. I love that this essentials set from Your Reformer has everything you need: socks, an inflatable ball, weights, and the infamous Pilates ring. I personally use this set weekly. It’s been perfect for my postpartum Pilates routine.
yoga mat for kids

For the Friend Who’d Love a Jewel-Toned Yoga Mat

Liforme Majestic Carpet Yoga Mat

Take a step out of the world of plain black and gray yoga mats with the Majestic Carpet Yoga Mat from Liforme. This yoga mat has a gorgeous jewel tone and unique pattern that makes it look like a rug fit for royalty. It’s pricey for a yoga mat, we get it. But we think it’s well worth it for someone who practices regularly. “This is definitely on the higher end for yoga mats, but they’re high quality and built to last,” shares our editorial director, Simone Scully.

For the Pilates Lover Who Needs to Get a Grip

Balanced Body Mini Mat

$20 at Amazon

If you have a friend who loves taking Pilates studio classes, odds are they’re familiar with a Pilates arc, box, and tower. All of these contraptions can be excellent for boosting the burn, but they can also be uncomfortable and sweaty. This mini mat can help provide extra grip and comfort, whether for slippery, sweaty hands or the hard surface of a Pilates arc. “It’s a unique size, so [you] can place it on top of your reformer or use [it] for smaller equipment where a larger, standard mat isn’t necessary,” explains writer Brittany Scanniello. Since this is a smaller gift, it could be an excellent stocking stuffer.

sculpt dumbbells

For the Aesthetically Inclined Friend

BetterMe Sculpt Dumbbells

Working out is a lot more fun when you’ve got cute gear. These dumbbells from BetterMe are a unique take on the traditional dumbbell. Shaped as lightly curved cylinders, these 2.2-pound weights offer a nice grip and come in a wide array of colors. I have them in the mocha color and love how simple and chic they are.

For the Advanced Pilates Person

Balanced Body Precision Rotator Disc

$29 at Amazon

The Pilates circle, inflatable ball, and petite weights are common props that many Pilates enthusiasts keep on hand. Give them something new with this precision rotator disc from Balanced Body. It challenges stability and encourages rotational movement in the joints, thus increasing strength, joint function, and flexibility. Just a note: Your gift recipient will need to head to the website to learn on how to use it. “They’re not intuitive to use — they are confusing at first,” admits writer Brittany Vargas. That said, the potential benefits outweigh any learning curve.

yoga mat

For the Friend Who Practices On the Go

Alo Warrior Mat

A solid yoga mat is key for any practice, whether at home or elsewhere. “A great quality mat makes all the difference in my personal practice ... [no] one likes slipping on their mat,” says Alison Reaume, a yoga teacher and therapist based in British Columbia, Canada. We love the Warrior Mat from Alo. It’s a no-frills, quality mat that’s slip-free and repels odor. I had a chance to try this mat out and love the fact that it’s moisture-wicking, making good on its slip-free promise. Plus, it’s nontoxic and PVC- and formaldehyde-free. We love this mat so much that it nabbed a spot as the most durable mat in our best yoga mats of 2025 roundup.

stretching strap

For the Yogi Who Wants to Stretch Their Practice

Lululemon Yoga Strap

A yoga strap can be excellent for stretching (literally) a practice, whether at home or in the studio. Using a strap can help you master new and complex poses. This yoga strap from Lululemon is padded and there are also loops embedded in the strap to help you get a good grip, so that you can increase your range of motion while stretching. You can also roll it up and pack into a bag if you need a quick stretch at the office or while you’re traveling. The strap is 42 inches long and made from nylon, polyester, and elastane.
weighted bracelets

For the Friend Who Wants a Little Extra Burn

BetterMe Adjustable Weight Bands

Adjustable weight bands are an easy, convenient way to bump up the intensity of your yoga or Pilates practice. While it’s common to use light hand weights during Pilates workouts, you can do the same during yoga with wearable weights. I use these adjustable, wearable weights from BetterMe and love how comfortable they are. The soft silicone cover and stretchy bands stay in place without pinching my skin, no matter how sweaty I get. These weights are 1 pound each and come in nine fun colors, including Raspberry Pink, Butter Yellow, and Serenity Blue. They’re compact and light enough to be travel-friendly too.

For the People You Know With Tense Backs

Spinefitter by Sissel

$129 at Amazon
Both yoga and Pilates are fantastic for restorative movement. Rather than high-intensity workouts that can be hard on the joints, like running or boxing, Pilates and yoga tend to be slower paced and are more gentle on the body. This Spinefitter tool by Sissel is great because you can add it to your practice to provide some tension relief. This is a great, unexpected gift for yoga and Pilates lovers. Scanniello notes that while this wasn’t something she would have thought to buy for herself, she’s glad to have been introduced to it. “I’ll use [it] regularly to increase my workout intensity and better align my spine,” she says.
reformer

For the At-Home Reformer Master

Somato Folding Pilates Reformer

For many people who love Pilates, the ultimate dream is a reformer that they can use at any time. But a reformer requires a lot of space, and that simply isn’t possible for many people who live in apartments or smaller homes. This folding reformer from Somato is the answer to anyone’s space issues: It can be folded up and easily stored under the bed, in the closet, or tucked away discreetly in a corner of the house. While we haven’t had the opportunity to try this one out yet, we can’t wait to get our hands on it.

For the One Who Wants to Build Muscle

Balanced Body Weighted Ball

$33 at Amazon
A weighted ball can be helpful for deepening your workout, especially when it comes to positions on the mat. This 3-pound ball from Balance Body is 3.5 inches in diameter, so it’s small enough to fit in your hand. “The 3-pound ball adds a nice addition to a workout, specifically for seated positions,” explains Scanniello. She also notes that the nonslip, textured surface is especially helpful if your hands get sweaty. Heads up: These balls are sold individually, and Scanniello would have preferred to have two balls to balance things out in her workouts.

For the Ones Who Love a Fit Check

yoga mat bag

For a Yoga Mat Bag They’ll Love to Tote About

MZ Wallace Matt Bag

Many yoga mat carriers are just a series of straps that velcro together, exposing your rolled up yoga mat. This one is a completely different take. The Matt Bag from MZ Wallace is made from sleek quilted black nylon and is complete with a simple drawstring closure at the top. “It has leather touches on the drawstring and bag that make it look nice,” says Vargas.
grip socks

For Someone Who Loves to Get Socks as Presents

Your Reformer Crew Grip Socks

Grip socks are essential and typically required at any Pilates studio class. It’s important to be able to keep your feet in the proper spot on the reformer, plus socks help keep things hygienic. For mat Pilates, grip socks can help you keep a grip on the mat. The grip dots on the sole provide excellent traction, and there’s extra support around your ankle and compression under the arch. These socks come in a variety of colors and fun patterns — I have these socks from Your Reformer, and they bring me so much joy. 

For the Ladies Who Need More Support

Shefit Low Impact Sports Bra

$65 at Amazon

The tight support of many sports bras can be a bit much for low-key classes and easygoing living room workouts. This low-impact sports bra from Shefit is perfect for a bit of support during ultra-chill circumstances. “When I say that it’s worth every penny, I am not exaggerating,” says writer Raki Swanson. She loves how supportive and comfortable it is. Bonus points that it’s adjustable and easy to wash.

sports bra

For a Cute and Functional Look

Planet Nusa Strap1 Power Sports Bra

Part of an enjoyable practice, whether it’s Pilates or yoga, is wearing comfortable yet functional clothes. Preferably clothing that you look good in too. The Strap1 Power Sports Bra from Planet Nusa checks all these boxes. Vargas thinks that this is a solid option for a quality sports bra and will impress anyone on your list who’d love a gift from a boutique European brand.
striped stretch pants

For the Friend Who Loves PJs

Planet Nusa Sting1 Pants

One great thing about Pilates is that some classes are so chill that you can show up extremely comfy. That’s when you’ll want to grab the Sting pants from Planet Nusa. These striped cotton pants are made of substantial cotton, so you don’t have to worry about them being see-through. “They are so cute and cozy, great for lounging, errands, living room workouts, or yoga classes,” says writer Olivia Campbell.

biker shorts

For People Who Like to Be Comfortable

OddoBody Biker Short

One of the most important elements when you’re exercising, meditating, or just moving is having comfortable and breathable clothes. These 100 percent organic cotton stretchy biker shorts from OddoBody are soft, lightweight, and simple. Vargas tried these shorts and was struck by how comfortable they are. She definitely saw these as a fantastic present. “It could be like a luxury gift for someone who really cares about having high-quality, nontoxic clothing,” she says. They’re available in sizes XS to XXXL, in three colors: Black, Olive Green, and Sky Blue.

socks

For the Ones Who Want to Look Cute in Class

Pointe Studio Annie Ankle Sock

The Pilates shake is real. But these Pointe Studio grip ankle socks will put a smile on her face even during the toughest classes. “The grips work well in Pilates classes — I feel secure,” says Vargas. She adds that the ankle stays in place and no part of the sock slides down when working out. The socks’ fun checker print is paired with a ruffled edge, so they’ll look cute peeking out of her shoes when she is running to and from class.
leggings

For the Pilates Fashionista

Liaison the Label Layered Sculpt Pant

The layered look is on-trend for comfy clothes and elevated trousers alike. That’s why we were especially keen on the Layered Sculpt Pant from Liaison the Label. “I love that the pants have no front inseam and that they do fit well with your body,” explains Swanson. Coming in at under $100, they’re a reasonable mid-price buy for your fashionable friend who is always hitting a studio class.

For Getting Them Started Young

play mat

For the Family That Practices Together

Totter + Tumble Roamer Play Mat

Since having my son, I’ve been desperately trying to squeeze in a few minutes of movement whenever I can. This Totter + Tumble Roamer Play Mat is made from cushy memory foam and is double-sided, with a different pattern on each side. After I got mine, I realized that this mat would also be great for exercising — a win-win! So, whenever my son is playing elsewhere, I’ll sneak in a quick mat Pilates class (usually from the Pilates Class app). The play mat comes in three sizes: standard (83 by 55 inches), compact (72 by 49 inches), and round (55 inches). There’s a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from, and you can clean it easily with warm, soapy water.

For the Friends Who Want to Train Them Young

Yogi Fun Yoga Train Game

$16.99 at Amazon
If yoga is a big part of a family’s values, then getting them this sweet Yoga Train game for toddlers (ages 2 to 4) will be a hit. This game has cards featuring different yoga poses that the parent and child can do together. The cards are then laid out in a line, creating a “train.” It comes with 10 jumbo cards that you can combine in a different train each time you play. It’s sure to get some giggles going and be a lot of fun for everyone.
baby leggings

For the Parents With Baby Yogis

Colored Organics Organic Cotton Jay Leggings

Any baby or toddler yogi will need some yogi leggings. This sweet pair from Colored Organics comes in 20-plus unisex colors (water-based dyes) and is made from 95 percent organic cotton and 5 percent elastane. The leggings are super soft and come with an elastic waistband. They’re available in sizes 0 to 3 months up to 5T.
kids beginner yoga bundle

For Older Kiddos Starting a Practice

Mindful & Co Beginner Yoga Bundle

If your friends or family members are encouraging their kiddos to get into yoga, then a fun, vibrant, and kid-friendly introduction is key. This beginner yoga bundle from Mindful & Co comes with a beautiful yoga mat and illustrated yoga flash cards with instructions and playful poems. Each flash card depicts a different pose, teaching various postures. You can choose from seven different themed bundles, including Sesame Street, Space, Nature, and Enchanted. This gift is for kids ages 18 months to 10 years old.

For Recouping Between Sessions

magnesium

For the One Who Needs a Good Night’s Rest

Moon Juice Magnesi-Om

Fitness isn’t just about how you move. It’s also about how you take care of yourself between your movement sessions. Moon Juice’s Magnesi-Om is a tasty magnesium supplement that may help decrease bloating, encourage healthy digestion, and lull anyone who drinks it into a blissful sleep. I’ve taken it consistently for three years and love how it helps me fall asleep without feeling groggy the next morning.

For a Post-Class Refresh

The Rootist Clarify Dry Shampoo

$30.40 at Amazon
$32Now 5% Off

Getting into a regular workout routine can call for a lot of time management. This means that a class might be stacked right before heading into the office. Gift your Pilates or yoga-loving friend this dry shampoo from The Rootist to help her freshen up during those tight transition times. Writer Katie Tuttle appreciates that the product is applied with a brush because it’s great for targeting areas that could use some extra TLC, like your bangs. She also notes that it’s the perfect size for travel.

For Your Friend With Tense Muscles

Oceanfoam Tidal Roller

$46.40 at Amazon
$58Now 20% Off
Foam rolling can be a useful tool to help you prepare for a workout, easing muscle stiffness and priming your body for movement.

The Tidal Roller from Oceanfoam comes in 25 patterns and features ridges on the surface that resemble waves, offering a unique and intense sensation. I’ve added this into my practice and love how much more flexible my body feels.

The Tidal Roller is 20 inches long and 5 inches wide, and it also comes in a smaller version, Ripple, that’s 11 inches long and 3.35 inches wide. Even better? It’s environmentally friendly, with an inner core made from 80 percent recycled EVA foam and an outer layer made from 15 percent bloom algae foam.

book

For the Friend Who Loves Self-Care

‘Real Self-Care’ by Pooja Lakshmin, MD

Yoga and Pilates are two forms of movement that can help boost anyone’s self-care routine. But self-care isn’t just physical movement. That’s why we love the book Real Self-Care by Pooja Lakshmin, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at George Washington University School of Medicine. This book offers an alternative, deeper look at what “self-care” really means — looking inward and reflecting on how to treat yourself with compassion and care.

For the One Who Meditates Every Day

Inner Compass Cards

$62.99 at Amazon
When it comes to keeping a consistent practice, mindset is key. Meditation and mindfulness can be an excellent way to stay in a positive mindset.

A positive mindset can help you stay locked into a solid movement routine. We love these meditation cards from Inner Compass because they are gorgeously illustrated, have simple symbols, and come with an in-depth interpretation booklet. Give this to someone who loves to meditate, and encourage them to keep it somewhere they pass by every day so they can pull a card on the go.
water bottle

For the Friend Who’s Always Hydrating

Lululemon Back to Life Sport Bottle

Hydration is a no-brainer for any seasoned Pilates or yoga enthusiast. We like this 100 percent steel water bottle from Lululemon because it’s the perfect size for a car cupholder, is top-rack dishwasher safe, and has a handy folding straw. Writer Ashley Ziegler appreciated that its insulation kept her water cold, and that there was no leaking whatsoever. While $44 for a water bottle might seem steep, consider this an upscale gift they’ll use every day. It comes in nine colors, including Lululemon Red, Blissful Pink, and several ombré designs.

matcha set

For the One Who Loves an Early-Bird Yoga Class

Mantra Matcha Beginner’s Bundle

Matcha, or ground powder of green tea leaves, is a coffee alternative that has much less caffeine but can still provide a kick in the a.m. to get you ready for an early morning workout. The Beginner’s Bundle from Mantra Matcha is perfect for people who are just getting to know matcha. It comes with three different types of matcha, so your giftee can figure out which one they like best: Super Premium Ceremonial Matcha, Cinnamon Goji Berry Matcha, and Banana Cacao Matcha. They’re all vegan and keto-friendly, with zero grams of sugar and no artificial sweeteners. If you know your special someone’s favorite flavors, you can build your own bundle for them, with flavors like Ginger Beet Matcha, Strawberry Lemon Matcha, Rose Hip Dragon Fruit Matcha, and more to pick from.

For the Friend Who’s Always Thirsty

Caliwater Cactus Water

$27.89 at Amazon
$30.99Now 10% Off

Hydration is everything when working out, but plain water can get old. Caliwater is a thirst-quenching beverage that uses cactus water to hydrate, along with electrolytes and vitamin C. The mixed 12-pack includes flavors like Wild Prickly Pear, Ginger Lime, and Watermelon. “It’s definitely a tasty alternative to heavily sugar-laden and colored drinks,” says writer Catherine Brown. Each can contains 30 to 35 calories (depending on the flavor) and has 6 to 7 grams of added sugar, in the form of organic blue agave and organic monk fruit extract.

modballs energy bites

For the Friend Who Gets Post-Workout Hangry

Modballs Clean Energy Bites

A great workout can feel fantastic. Feeling hangry afterward is not. These protein energy bites from Modballs are perfect for your friend who’s always hungry after a workout. Stocking their gym bag with these energy bites will keep them satiated after their workout and beyond. Writer Kitty Broihier appreciates the convenient individually wrapped packaging. “They also have a good dose of fiber (2 to 3 grams per ball) and 3 grams protein per ball, so they seem like a wholesome snack option,” she explains. Modballs come in two flavors — Almond Coconut and Peanut Butter Chocolate, and both are loaded with chunks of 85 percent cacao, whole-grain oats, and yummy ingredients like pumpkin seeds, pistachios, dried berries, and more.

gift card

For the Friend Who’s Too Busy to Cook

Gardencup Gift Card

Let’s be real: Preparing an entire meal after a hard workout can be a drag. For people who are already extremely busy, a meal prep plan can be a life raft. Gardencup offers delicious salads like the Chicken Bacon Cobb or Mediterranean Salad, soups, vegetable and fruit sides, snack cups like the Apple Crumble Overnight Oats, and cold-pressed juices. “The Strawberry Spinach Salad is incredible. Truly so good. The caprese is awesome too,” shares Scully. Gardencup delivers nationwide, weekly or biweekly, and everything is recyclable or biodegradable, including the BPA-free plastic cups, box, liner, and ice packs.

mushroom coffee

For the Friend Who’s Always Tired at Pilates

Ryze Ritual Set

If you or a loved one is a fan of coffee but not the caffeine, then Ryze mushroom coffee might be the perfect gift. Ryze is a coffee alternative that uses mushrooms as a natural little jolt. This kit is a fantastic gentle introduction to the world of mushroom coffee. “I love that this kit is trying to get you started using mushroom coffee — you get enough to sample and use for at least two weeks,” explains Swanson. The Ritual Set comes with two bags of Mushroom Coffee (60 servings), one bag of Superfood Creamer, plus an array of free gifts: a jar, scoop, and spoon made from acacia wood, a limited-edition glass, and travel-size packets of mushroom coffee and creamer.

For Elevating Their Practice

yoga blocks

For the Friend Who Has All the Props

Oko Living Yoga Block

Yoga blocks can help make poses that might feel impossible a bit more accessible. But keeping the blocks clean can be a pain since they’re usually made from a firm foam material that easily soaks up sweat, creating an unappealing odor over time, no matter how much you wash them. We love these cork yoga blocks from Oko Living because they come with a removable, washable 100 percent cotton cover. You can simply unzip the cover and pop it into the washer for a sweeter-smelling practice. The cotton cover comes in three colors — Cream, Jade, and Clay — and features a carrying handle to make it easy to tote these blocks wherever you exercise.
salutation spray

For the Hottie Who Loves Hot Yoga

Ananday Sage & Citrus Salutation Spray

There’s no way around it: Yoga mats can pose some major hygiene issues. Yoga mats are absorbent, and hot yoga is the sweatiest workout you can imagine, so an effective mat cleaner is a must. This plant-based mat cleaner contains witch hazel and a blend of essential oils, so that your recipient can enjoy practicing on a clean, refreshed mat. It comes in a refillable, recycled aluminum bottle with a reusable spray nozzle.
open app

For the Friend Who Loves Breath Work and Yoga

Open Mindfulness and Movement

An online class subscription can help take an at-home practice to the next level. “A subscription to an online platform that offers a variety of classes and lengths to meet their needs, even when life is busy, as the convenience allows them to take classes anywhere,” says Reaume. I’ve used the Open app for four years now. What first drew me to it was the aesthetic: It has a modern design, gorgeous color palette, and great music. Then there’s the quality of classes: While much of Open offerings focus on breath work and meditation, it also offers excellent yoga and Pilates classes.
alo wellness club app

For the Friend That Loves All Classes

Alo Wellness Club App

The Alo Wellness Club is another app I’ve used for upward of three years. Created by the lux yoga brand, this app is perfect for all types of workouts. You can choose from yoga, Pilates, barre, HIIT, or strength classes. Plus, you can also take advantage of the mindfulness classes. I turn to this app when I want to mix up my fitness routine and take a more athletic approach to yoga and Pilates. I love how affordable it is too — if you purchase through the Alo website, it’s only $10 a month.
body skincare

For Someone Who Loves a Gift With a Purpose

Gifted Gratitude Bath Set

There’s nothing like soothing tired muscles in a warm bath, especially with handmade lavender-rosemary scented products. This bath set comes with a body soak, body soufflé, and a lavender eucalyptus soap.

And it’s even better when it’s for a worthy cause. FreeFrom is a national organization that helps support the long-term safety of survivors of gender-based violence. Gifted is the group’s business arm, where 100 percent of every purchase helps survivors build wealth, safety, and power. I love Gifted by FreeFrom’s ethos: Every product is made by a survivor of intimate partner violence. The company assures that all survivors are paid a living wage and are offered excellent benefits. Anyone will be sure to love this gift with a purpose.

the pilates class logo

For the Dedicated At-Home Pilates Lover

The Pilates Class

I started using The Pilates Class at home in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. After just a month of using the app, my friends joked that I was friends with the creator and lead instructor, Jaqui Kingswell, because of how much I gushed about her classes. She gives excellent verbal cues, so I never worry about my form, has an encouraging teaching style, and I love the specially curated Spotify playlists I can sync to the classes. There are six trainers and more than 300 classes available, so your giftee will have endless options to choose from. You can purchase gift subscriptions on the company’s website — one month for $29, three months for $87, or an annual subscription for $139.
travel yoga mat

For the Earthy Yoga and Pilates Lover

Oko Living Jade & Jute Travel Yoga Mat

Most yoga mats are made out of synthetic materials, making them difficult to clean at times, since they absorb sweat and, after a while, hold odor. This mat from Oko Living is made from organic cotton. We love how easy this makes it to keep things clean — you can simply toss the mat in the washing machine. The cotton is woven with jute to give you an excellent grip, and its soft hues come from an herbal dye that uses medicinal ayurvedic plants. The price tag may seem high for a yoga mat, but this one is destined to stick around longer than its competitors, since you can easily give it a deep clean by throwing it in the washer.

How We Chose the Best Gifts for Yoga and Pilates Lovers

We left no stone unturned when selecting the best gifts for yoga and Pilates lovers. First, we enlisted our roster of Everyday Health writers to test more than 400 wellness gifts, then we whittled down the list based on user experience, affordability, and accessibility. We fine-tuned these selections to land on the ones that were relevant for yoga and Pilates lovers. I also consulted with a yoga teacher and therapist to gather further insights into our picks.

I’m a licensed therapist, new mother, and a yoga and Pilates enthusiast, and I made the final product selections. I used my experience of attending hundreds of yoga and Pilates classes, knowledge of the mental health benefits of exercise, and personal experience with my at-home practice to handpick each of these items.

Why Trust Everyday Health

We independently investigate and recommend products and services we believe will enrich the lives of our readers and meet their specific needs. You can trust our reviews because we do the legwork for you. Read more about why you can trust us.

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW

Author

Julia Childs Heyl, MSW, is a California-based clinical social worker and mental health writer. Her writing often focuses on mental health disparities and uses critical race theory as her preferred theoretical framework. She has been published by Verywell Mind, Health, Parents, Shape, Yahoo, and more.

In her clinical work, Julia specializes in treating people of color experiencing anxiety, depression, and trauma through depth therapy and EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) trauma therapy. Identifying as a holistic-minded clinician, Julia views mental health as a relationship between the soul, self, and systemic structures in our lives. Her formative training includes developing mental health programming specifically for Black survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and conducting research on generational trauma within the Black community.

Lili Ladaga

Lili Ladaga

Editor
Lili Ladaga is a freelance editor on the Marketplace Team at Everyday Health.

Ashley Ziegler

Tester

Ashley Ziegler is a full-time writer with extensive experience covering women’s health, babies' and kids' health, mental health, and wellness. Her work has appeared on websites including The Bump, Health, Pregnancy & Newborn, People, Parents, Romper, Scary Mommy, and more.

Before transitioning into her full-time writing career, Ashley worked in the departments of pediatric cardiology and general medicine at Duke University Medical Center, and later at the North Carolina Medical Board. During undergrad, she majored in communications at Purdue University and then earned her master’s degree with a concentration in healthcare management from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Ashley lives with her husband and two young daughters in North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, taking barre classes, and catching up on her favorite podcasts.

Brittany Scanniello, RD

Tester

Brittany Scanniello is a freelance writer, registered dietitian-nutritionist, and owner of Eat Simply Nutrition, a Colorado-based integrative nutrition company and private practice.

As a lifelong and collegiate athlete, Brittany has always kept fitness and nutrition a top priority. Her expertise lies in pediatrics, sports, and functional nutrition, though she is experienced in all nutrition-related matters. She strongly believes that food has the power to reduce the risk of chronic disease and help people feel energized so she works hard to make nutrition information accessible and easy to understand for all.

Brittany received her undergraduate degree in human nutrition and dietetics from University of North Carolina in Greensboro. She also completed a dietetic internship to become a registered dietitian at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California.

As a freelance nutrition and fitness writer, her work has been published in Eat This Not That, PopSugar, and other outlets. She is the author of The Complete Macro Cookbook.

When Brittany is not counseling clients or writing, she enjoys working on her family's farm, golfing, playing with her three kids, and baking.

Brittany Vargas

Tester

Brittany Elyse Vargas has been a professional writer and journalist for over a decade and has been exploring topics around mental health, mind-body medicine, health, wellness, and psycho-spiritual development for the past 20 years.

As a trauma-informed health journalist, she is a regular contributor to Everyday Health, Medscape and Verywell Mind. Her byline has also appeared in Yahoo Life, Shape, Integrative Practitioner, Business Insider, and BBC Travel, among others.

Brittany is also a certified Reiki Master who has been practicing since 2010.

She received her bachelor's degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara and is a proud Californian. In her spare time, she loves practicing yoga, dancing, hiking, and traveling.

Catherine Brown

Tester

Catherine began a career based on health while working at an orthodontist's office, then became a certified yoga and meditation teacher, but soon recognized a call to follow a path in natural wellness through plants.

She is an herbologist who has worked with plant medicine for over two decades. She specializes in Andean and Amazonian medicine from South America. She has consulted for Colombia University and the New York Psychiatric Institution in their studies on plant medicine for mental health.

She is a Reiki master and has been recently exploring the world of sound healing.

Kitty Broihier, MS, RD, LD

Tester

Kitty is a registered dietitian and food and nutrition communications professional whose 30 years of experience is focused on accurately translating nutrition science into language that consumers can understand, learn from, and enjoy. Her most important aim when writing is to provide information that people can put into practice in their everyday lives.

Immediately after her schooling, Kitty entered the world of publishing as a member of the editorial staff at Good Housekeeping magazine. She later worked at an international food ingredient company in the public relations department before launching her own company. In addition to writing, Broihier's scope of work includes recipe development, and she has authored and coauthored several cookbooks.

Kitty's work has appeared in dozens of consumer and professional publications including Shape, Prevention, Clean Eating, US News & World Report, the Portland Press-Herald, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Food & Nutrition magazine, and Cooking Light, to name a few.

Broihier has been an adjunct nutrition instructor for over a decade at Southern Maine Community College, and served as president of the Maine Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics for two terms. In 2013 she was chosen "Outstanding Dietitian of the Year" for the state of Maine.

Kitty is a credentialed mindful eating instructor and puts some of those skills to work with her newest venture called the Eating Habits Lab, where she offers women personalized eating habits and nutrition coaching. She also runs the Eating Habits Lab Facebook group and offers systems-based eating habits online courses.

A mother of two adult children, she currently lives in Lisbon, Maine, with her husband, dog Maisey, and cat Smudge. When not busy in her home office, Kitty spends her time cooking, tending a huge home garden, and thinking of creative ways to repurpose leftovers.

Raki Swanson

Tester

Raki Swanson is a Minnesota-based freelance health writer and married mother to two adult children. She has experience covering mental health, fitness, food, and lifestyle topics, as well as significant experience reviewing and testing products for the Marketplace team, including online therapy, fitness gear, and food.

She received a bachelor's degree in applied psychology from St. Cloud University in Minnesota. She has also worked as a business development manager at a Fortune 500 company in Minnesota, and spent several years living in the south of France while growing up, which inspired her love of travel and food.

When she's not writing, you can find her reading, blogging, and enjoying being an empty nester with her husband, two dogs, and tabby cat named Kevin.

Simone Scully

Tester

Simone Scully is the editorial director for service commerce and marketplace content at Everyday Health. She has nearly 15 years of experience as a professional health and science journalist, covering topics such as the psychological impacts of living with chronic conditions, nationwide gaps in menopause healthcare, grief, neonatal loss, and the latest wellness trends over her career. Her byline has been published by over 35 publications, including Healthline, Well+Good, InStyle, Psych Central, Romper, Narratively, Nautilus magazine, and more.

Before joining Everyday Health, Simone was an editorial director of health and parenting commerce and service content at Dotdash Meredith. She oversaw a team of editors and writers that published content across nine different sites, including the Verywells, Parents, Health, and Shape. Prior to this, she also worked as an editor at The Weather Channel's Weather.com, Upworthy, theSkimm, and Business Insider. A project Simone oversaw at Weather.com on the health and environmental impacts of global water shortages won several awards in 2020, including the CMA award for Best Series of Articles, an IAC award, and an Eppy award, among others.

Simone received a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, where she focused on science and health long-form reporting and photojournalism. Her master's thesis explored the treatment of prolonged grief disorder following a miscarriage or the loss of a child. She was also awarded the John Horgan Award for Critical Science and Health Journalism at graduation.

Born in Minnesota, Simone lived 14 years in France until she graduated high school, then three years in London to get her bachelor's degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She currently lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with her husband, son, dog, and cats. When she's not working, you can find her writing fiction or plays, hiking in national parks, or tending to her garden and indoor plants.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Hendricks S et al. Effects of Foam Rolling on Performance and Recovery: A Systematic Review of the Literature to Guide Practitioners on the Use of Foam Rolling. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. April 2020.
  2. Lindsay EK et al. How Mindfulness Training Promotes Positive Emotions: Dismantling Acceptance Skills Training in Two Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. December 2018.