Ayana Underwood

Ayana is an award-winning editor and the current senior health editor at Outside. She has nearly a decade of experience in the digital publishing industry. Her beats include health conditions, mental health, fitness, and nutrition. Her bylines and edits appear in publications including SELF, Verywell Mind, Harvard Public Health Magazine, and mindbodygreen, among others.

Latest Stories

Wellness

An AI Robot Gave Me a Massage. My Knees and Back Never Felt Better.

As a runner, I'm used to knee and lower back pain. So, I went to a fancy hotel and put Aescape's AI robot massage to the test.

August 18, 20262

Opinion

The Nolan Wells Tragedy Reminds Us That the Most Dangerous Moment on Any Adventure Is When the Group Splits Up

The tragic death of Nolan Wells on a Mississippi island raises painful questions. Here is what search-and-rescue data teaches us about the high cost of outdoor separation.

July 13, 20266

Nutrition

Ultrarunner Scott Jurek’s Best Advice for Anyone Curious About Plant-Based Eating

Jurek, who broke the FKT record on the Appalachian Trail in 2015, fuels with legumes, whole grains—and vegan ice cream.

June 16, 2026

Training & Performance

World Cup Players Run the Equivalent of 5 Marathons—or Half the Grand Canyon

We calculated just how far a soccer player competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup runs. Here's how we did the math.

June 15, 2026

Nutrition

4 Food Rules Pro-Climber Sasha DiGiulian Swears By

Want to crush your next climb, run, or hike? Try these nutrition tips straight from the mouth of an elite athlete.

June 8, 2026

Nutrition

On the Hulu Hit 'Paradise,' Shailene Woodley's Character Survives Only on Beans. We Asked Experts If She Could IRL.

These are all the gross and scary things that would happen to her body on a bean-only diet—from a few days to two years—in a post-apocalyptic world. (And don't worry, there are no major spoilers here.)

March 27, 20268

Wellness

Listen to the Latest Longevity News and Research Here

We've put together a playlist of our most popular research-backed and expert-approved stories on healthy aging. You can listen to them anytime, anywhere.

March 13, 2026

Wellness

'Landman' Actress Ali Larter Believes in Looking Your Age and Feeling Your Best

Larter, who plays Angela in the gritty Texan drama series, is embracing getting older. She recently shared her strict workout plan, how she stays hydrated, and shuts down self-criticism.

March 2, 20261

Training & Performance

I Ditched My Tracker and Headphones Before a Run—The Result Was Unexpected

Running without music or a watch isn’t just about silence, but there's a lot you can learn in silence.

December 29, 2025

Nutrition

Holiday Stress Is Showing Up in Women’s Bodies—Just Not Where You’d Expect

A recent survey suggests a widening health gap, with women—often the default planners and hosts—bearing the brunt of holiday strain.

December 11, 20255

Training & Performance

The Only Earbuds That Stay Secure No Matter How Hard I Train

They're just $30, come in an array of bright colors, and have great sound quality

December 9, 20251

Wellness

This Under-$16 Moisturizer Saves My Skin Every Winter

Winter dryness used to ruin my skin—until this cream transformed everything

November 28, 20252

Training & Performance

Peloton Recalls 833,000 Bikes After Riders Report Injuries

For riders who own the affected model, Peloton is offering free seat replacements. Do not resume riding until your seat is fixed.

November 6, 20252

Wellness

I Cover Wellness Trends for a Living. The Great Lock-In Challenge Isn’t It.

TikTok's latest challenge is meant to help us get a head start on our New Years' resolutions, but it feels performative and unnecessary

October 28, 20252

Books & Media

Netflix's New Documentary 'The Perfect Neighbor' Forced Me to Reckon with What It Means to Be Black Outdoors

The gripping true-crime story reminded me of my own experiences as a Black woman outside

October 23, 20256

Training & Performance

The Life of a Showgirl Is an Athletic Feat—Just Ask Lady Gaga's Backup Dancer

Touring dancers aren’t just artists—they’re high-performance athletes. With the release Taylor Swift’s 'The Life of a Showgirl,' we chatted with real-life showgirl and Lady Gaga's former backup dancer Sloan-Taylor Rabinor to get a behind-the-curtains look at the training, discipline, and endurance it takes to thrive under the spotlight night after night.

October 3, 20251