From Our President: Goals You Can Achieve

Many of us work hard to meet the ambitious goals we set for ourselves at the start of the new year, especially around health and wellness. Last year, I committed to regularly using my exercise bike, but I fell out of the habit. While CR can’t keep you from breaking resolutions, we can help get you started toward smart and reasonable goals.

We often think we can sacrifice sleep despite overwhelming evidence of its powerful impact on our health. Life can get in the way—through anxiety about family issues or inflation tightening its grip. But sleep should be a priority, so we hope this issue can help you get the rest you need, with our experts’ advice on pillows, mattresses, blackout shades, and humidifiers. I have begun using a relaxation and breathing app to wind down. See what works and how your body responds.

Exercise has also been shown to help you meet your sleep—and overall health—goals, whether you do strength training, cardio, or a mix. It’s important to find a routine that’s both safe and something you’ll continue, and experts recommend setting specific, manageable goals and finding activities you’ll actually enjoy. The best fitness equipment matters, too, which is why we included the top cardio machines for you.

And when you’re finished with your workout, eat smart. CR won’t recommend this year’s fad diet, but we do help identify foods that are good for you—and some that may not be, including whether your favorite lettuce is being recalled and testing how some brands of dark chocolate bars contain a concerning amount of lead and cadmium. So whether you’re having a healthy salad or rewarding yourself with a treat, we want to help you make the best choice.

As you work toward your ambitions for this year—and as I dust off my exercise bike—CR is here to support you in meaningful ways.