Laurel Leicht

Laurel Leicht is the fitness editor of SHAPE magazine and a freelance writer. Her work has appeared in Runner’s World, Self, Men's Health, Redbook, and Modern Bride and on mensfitness.com, iVillage, and HGTV.com. She’s also served as a contributing writer for the local endurance-sports magazine Competitor New York. A Missouri native and a Midwesterner at heart, Laurel currently lives in Brooklyn, NY. She’s run nine marathons, biked two centuries, and competed in three Olympic-distance triathlons.

Articles by Laurel Leicht

6 Plyometrics Exercises for a Better Workout in Less Time

The secret to getting an even better burn from your plyometrics exercises could be doing fewer reps (yes, fewer!). Try this intense plyometrics workout — stat.

6 Killer Cardio Workouts That Don’t Involve Running

Not a fan of running? These six cardio workouts will give you the same heart-pumping, calorie-burning benefits minus the high-impact risks on your joints.

18 Delicious Super Bowl Snacks That Are Secretly Healthy

Prepare for the biggest football game of the season with these healthy Super Bowl snacks. From lean turkey chili to quinoa nachos, this is one winning spread.

8 Exercises Trainers Never Do (And What to Do Instead)

Ditch the crunches, say bye to bicep curls. There’s a slew of better-for-you strength exercises that’ll get you better results, faster. Just follow these trainer tips on what to do.

Sculpt the Back of Your Body with Jason Walsh’s Go-To Moves

Celeb trainer Jason Walsh shares the must-do moves for strengthening your posterior chain. Your triceps, back, butt and calves will all feel the burn.

Should You Be Taking Pre-Workout Supplements?

Pre-workout supplements can boost energy and help you work hard, but they’re not for everyone. Learn the pros and cons so you can decide if you need one.

5 Band Exercises for Your Best Butt Ever

To strengthen and sculpt your backside, all you need is a resistance band…and these five band exercises. Strap in and get ready to build a better butt.

6 Vertical Races for the Ultimate Fitness Test

Reach crazy new fitness heights with these six vertical races that test your speed, strength and endurance. All you have to do is embrace the burn.

Is the Secret to Recovery Something Called Rolfing?

Rolfing, a type of recovery technique similar to massage, could be the answer to your stiff muscles. One writer shares how it helped her race recovery.

5 Badass Resistance Band Exercises for Total-Body Strength

Resistance bands force you to recruit more muscles and put more power behind each move. Try these resistance band exercises from powerhouse Kaisa Keranen.

6 Open-Water Swimming Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

If open-water swimming leaves you searching for the nearest shore, here’s how to correct your stroke mistakes. That triathlon PR is yours.

15 Top Picks for Tri Gear If You’re on a Budget or a Baller

Whether you’re new to multi-sport races or can spend on new gear to better your game, we found the best triathlon gear for you. Ready, set, swim, bike, run!

Step Up Your Running Game with This Stair Workout

Climb your way through this stair workout that combines strength and cardio. It has you stepping right up to more speed and power.

Carb Cycling: A Daily Meal Plan to Get Started

You know a no-carb diet won’t do, but what about low-carb mixed with high-carb days? Learn what carb cycling is, and which meal plan will work for you.