Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mercredi 27 janvier 2016
If You're Not Following Cassey Ho You Need to Start Immediately
Cassey Ho broke the internet before breaking the internet was even a concept. In 2012, the already popular YouTuber became a web-wide sensation with her "Call Me Maybe" Squat Challenge, which garnered millions of views and subscribers, and launched her career in "social fitness."
It's not hard to see why she's so successful; we think the Pilates princess is hands down one of the most relatable, funny, and empowering young women in the fitness world – and you can see all of that through her eyes on social media (in particular, on her beautifully-curated Instagram). If you find yourself laying in bed, doing the infinite scroll on your phone's screen, and craving a little extra inspiration, here are 11 reasons to add @blogilates to your feed.
8 Photos That Prove Men Lose Weight Without Even Trying
What the heck?! You've been trying to lose weight forever, and your guy is the one dropping pounds faster than you can do squats. It's an annoying fact that men have a faster metabolism just because they're men, which means they can often lose weight with half an ounce of effort. If you know a guy trying to slim down (or maybe not even trying at all!), this will sound all too familiar.
10 Weight-Loss Rules That Work
There's so much out there when it comes to weight-loss tips, and it can be hard to separate what works from what's just a fad - especially when you're just starting out on your weight-loss journey. So we went straight to the source: we asked our readers on Facebook to tell us the best strategy that worked for shedding pounds. Read on for the 10 most popular weight-loss rules that have been proven to work - by you!
Feel-Good, Feel-Strong Yoga
After a long day, you deserve 30 minutes all to yourself. We've enlisted yogi Mandy Ingber to help get you long and lean. Much like what you'll find in Mandy's Yogalosophy DVD this sequence is designed to calm the mind while toning the body.
Our Favorite Affordable Activewear Brands
Splurging on a gorgeous, technical activewear piece is always a treat, but when working out is a part of your everyday routine, you need to build out your fitness wardrobe with some more affordable options. The good news: you don't have to spend a fortune to find beautiful, stylish pieces that are just as fashionable as they are functional. Here are some sweat-wicking, supportive, and saving-savvy brands that'll take you from the gym to the street with ease.
7 Moves to Burn 400 Calories in 20 Minutes
Kettlebell fans love the heavy, round-shaped weights for a reason - kettlebell exercises combine cardio and strength training for a time-saving calorie burn. The amount of calories you can burn using kettlebells can be amazingly high: a study by the American Council on Exercise found that the average person burns 400 calories in 20 minutes when doing kettlebell exercises. More research has found that regularly exercising with kettlebells significantly reduces back, neck, and shoulder pain by strengthening core and upper body muscles.
Does all that convince you to add more kettlebell to your life? Read on for tips on choosing the right kettlebell and a few calorie-torching exercises to try. And do check out this kettlebell tutorial and workout to learn the basics.
The Workout That Made Me a Morning Person
If you asked all my past roommates and exes if I am a morning person, let's just say you'd receive some big laughs and a resounding "No!" A self-proclaimed morning hater for as long as I can remember, I've been known as the queen of excuses such as "three more minutes" (averaging an additional hour of time in bed - no easy feat) and everyone's favorite, "Can you carry me out of bed?" (which I used throughout my college years.)
The concept of being a morning person has always been foreign and intriguing to me. When I was sleeping in too late, throwing myself together, frantically grabbing coffee, and running into the office at the last minute, I felt like my morning-loving co-workers lived secret, zen lives before 9 a.m. that were full of accomplishments out of my reach. I would attempt to become a morning person and hit up the gym or head to yoga before work, but despite all my efforts, my morning routine stayed the same . . . until six months ago. I've experienced a serious change that I (and everyone in my life) once thought to be impossible: I wake up two or three times a week at 6 a.m. to work out. I wish I could say that I woke up one day magically filled with more energy and maturity, but I would be lying. Instead, I fell hard for one workout.
Related: 4 Ways to Wake Up and Work Out - Even in the Dark!
At first, I resisted SoulCycle's advances. This indoor-cycling studio's cult-like following made me skeptical, but after I got my ass handed to me at my first class, I was hooked. I had recently broken up with a long-distance boyfriend, and throwing myself into a new cardio routine I loved made me feel strong and more like myself than I had in months. A few months into my new relationship with SoulCycle, I realized that my weeknights were booking up fast. I spent my evenings sweating at the studio and was saying no to dinners out with friends, relaxing solo Netflix sessions on my couch, or yes, new dates.
After a wavering back and forth, I knew that there was one option that could help me have it all, but it would require me waking up at the crack of dawn. Things didn't change overnight; it definitely took a few weeks to get into the groove. But approximately three weeks into my morning-person project, something clicked - and it stuck. I now realize that my past attempts to exercise in the morning faltered for a number of reasons. Here's what made the difference this time around.
No Option to Snooze
While there's certainly a meditative aspect to my morning SoulCycle routine, the music, group energy, and programming works to wake my body up - there's no option to snooze on my mat like I used to do during a quiet yoga session. In SoulCycle, I find myself invigorated by challenging cardio, dancing on the bike, and other people sweating it out in class. When it comes to a morning workout, making the shift to intense group fitness was a must for me. There's plenty of time for me to chill on my yoga mat after work or on a weekend afternoon.
Hard-Earned Dough
Before-work sessions fill up in a flash at the SF studio, so signing up and paying for classes days in advance is a must. I quickly learned that the guilt of sleeping in past my wake-up time is only trumped by the realization that I've wasted $30 before getting out of bed. When my alarm goes off and my mind taunts me to stay under the covers, I remember that I'm throwing away money if I don't pop up and out.
The Way You Make Me Feel
Dragging myself out from under the covers has always been a struggle, and heading to a workout that felt like another thing I had to do or cross off my list didn't make the process any easier. This became a nonissue with my new routine, because I genuinely love SoulCycle and the way it makes me feel all day long. Sure, there are tough moments where I'm bitching and moaning on the way, but I am never disappointed with my decision to wake up and work out once I walk into the studio.
At this point, I'm sure it comes as no surprise that I'm a SoulCycle convert. I also get that it is not the ideal morning workout for everyone - just like every workout out there is not for me. Sure, I love group fitness, but I'm not down with any class where I'm berated by an instructor (think military-style boot camp), and I can't fathom the concept of craving a long run. The lesson here? Find your SoulCycle. There is a workout out there that fits your personality and your body's needs, and it can change your tune about waking up early - I'm living proof.
mardi 26 janvier 2016
When You Can't Lose Weight Because You Love Eating Too Much
Buttery warm bread, chewy chocolate chip cookies, ooey-gooey pizza, and creamy-dreamy ice cream. Why does food have to taste so incredibly amazing? If you live to eat, you'll totally relate to how real the struggle is if you're trying to lose weight.
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Leg Exercises
Keep those thighs strong and toned with these moves - they're the most effective exercises for targeting your lower half to make you feel confident in anything you wear, or nothing at all.
5 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Started Running
When I first got into running, I experienced everything from painful blisters to chafing to unsupported bosoms - no wonder I hated it. I wish someone had sat me down and told me these basic tips and tricks to help smooth my transition from nonrunner to runner. If you're just starting out on your own journey pounding the pavement or treadmill belt, here are things you should know about running.
It Gets Easier
As with most things, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. To strengthen your muscles, acclimate your heart and lungs, and increase your endurance, run at least three times a week. Start off with a doable distance such as two miles. Once that distance feels good, gradually increase your mileage. The key is to move at a comfortable pace for a reasonable amount of time. If you do too much too soon, you could end up with an injury or a deep hatred for the sport.
You Don't Have to Wear Two Sports Bras
If you're well-endowed, running can be painful. I wore two sports bras for the longest time because I couldn't find one that prevented the uncomfortable bounce. A cheap cotton sports bra from Target just won't do. You might have to spend $50 or more, but it's worth it when you only have to wear one bra you trust.
Don't Skimp on Gear
For my first run, I picked up a $25 pair of sneaks and a pack of cheap cotton socks and wondered why I had screaming blisters. You don't need a ton of gear, but what you do need, you shouldn't skimp on. Spring for a trusty pair of well-fitting sneaks ($60-$120), a good pair of wicking socks ($10-$15), a super supportive sports bra ($30-$70), a seamless tank to prevent chafing ($20-$40), and a lightweight pair of running shorts to avoid wedgies ($20-$40). Technical gear specifically designed for running makes a huge difference and could make or break your new running career.
There Are Apps to Chart Your Run
I often drove running routes in my car to figure out mileage until my hubby introduced me to the wonderful world of iPhone running apps. The GPS not only keeps track of your distance, but it'll also chart your workout time, pace, calories burned, and elevation and give you a map of your run. Being able to track your workout might motivate you to keep going so you can beat your personal records.
Running Outside Is Harder Than the Treadmill
My power was out one morning - meaning no treadmill time for me - so I decided to run outside instead. It was so much harder! The real hills, the uneven terrain, the wind, the sun, the heat - it all makes running tougher than it already is. But I'll tell you, once I started running outside, I saw a huge improvement in my strength and endurance. I even lost the five extra pounds I could never quite shake, and my muscle definition was noticeable to others ("Damn, look at your calves!"). I know people are in love with their treadmills, but I wish someone suggested I run outside because the difficulty made me a better runner.
25 Inexpensive Fitness Gifts to Spoil Your Fit Sweetheart With
If you have a fit friend with a special day coming up, we're here to help you score the perfect gift - without breaking the bank. We've rounded up 25 gifts, with selections for the runner, yogi, cyclist, and overall fitness freak. Your wallet will appreciate that all these finds are under $25.
Related: Fitness Must Haves - All Under $100
The Next Super Grain You Should Be Eating
Image Sources: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts and Jenny Sugar
Quinoa used to get all the attention as one of the most nutritious whole grains, hailed as one of the best superfoods ever, but farro is quickly gaining popularity. A little softer and more tender in texture, it's similar to rice, so people who can't deal with the slightly nutty flavor and poppy texture of quinoa will love spooning into a bowl of farro. But is it healthier than quinoa? Check out the nutritional comparison below. For those who deal with any sort of wheat intolerance, it's important to note that farro is not a gluten-free grain.
| 1/4 cup dry | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Fiber (g) | Protein (g) | Calcium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinoa | 170 | 2.5 | 30 | 3 | 7 | 20 |
| Farro | 170 | 0 | 33 | 3 | 7 | 40 |
Are you surprised? Nutritionally speaking, both grains are pretty much exactly the same. While they're both high in fiber and protein, farro has slightly more carbs but also offers more calcium than quinoa. If you're new to farro, try this radish, kale, and farro salad.
Still obsessed with quinoa? Try it for the first meal of the day making this apple cinnamon breakfast bake. For an appetizer or dinner, whip up these Mexican quinoa burrito bites. And for dessert you'll love these ginger molasses cookies made with homemade quinoa flour.
Can't choose between these two delicious grains? Whip up this Tender Greens' Happy Vegan Salad that includes a quinoa and beet salad as well as a farro cranberry kale salad. Yum!
7 Calorie-Scorching Moves You Need to Know
Make the most of your workouts by adding one, or all, of these killer full-body moves. They are sure to torch tons of calories will toning you all over. Just press play and learn some of our favorite exercises.
9 Cringe-Worthy Moments a Dieter Experiences on a Date
When you're a devoted healthy eater, it's hard to go out to eat at a restaurant, period. After all, you can never be completely sure of what's going into your dish. But when you add a date who you're hoping to make a good impression on into the mix, things can get awkward. As if dates weren't nerve-racking enough, now you have to spend part of the evening dodging the dessert menu like the plague. It would be ideal to meet someone in a health-conscious environment, say the gym or Whole Foods, so you at least know that you're somewhat on the same page with food. But life isn't a rom-com, and Ashton Kutcher won't be handing you a bouquet of carrots like in No Strings Attached. You may not care what your date orders, but ugh, please don't insist that I nosh on the bread basket.
Hack Your Immune System to Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season
We wanted to learn new ways to beat the common cold and stave off the flu, so we asked Dave Asprey, the founder and CEO of Bulletproof, how to hack the human immune system.
Winter's here, and if you've made it this far without getting sick, you're one of the lucky (or smart). Depending on where you live, there are still, at least, a few months left of cold, dreary weather and for too many people that means a few more months of cold and flu season.
I often used to get sick every month and get completely knocked out by colds and flu. Thankfully, over the years, I've learned many tricks, especially while running the Silicon Valley Health Institute. These are the tricks you probably won't hear about at your doctor's office (unless you have a great functional medicine doctor!).
Check out these hacks to help keep your immune system working strong, and if you do get a cold or flu, to help you knock it out as quickly and comfortably as possible.
Keep Fit All Year Long With Our January Must Haves
We're kicking off 2015 with an energy that we're hoping carries us through the entire year, and our monthly must haves are the perfect way to get our fitness plan off to a strong start. From new gear to healthy snacks to transforming our offices for the better, these are the items getting us excited about fitness for the year to come.
Yes, You Can (and Should!) Eat Chocolate Each Day With These 100-Calorie Desserts
Go ahead and give into your chocolate cravings! Studies show that indulging a little each day can prevent you from devouring an entire bag of M&Ms. So eating these 100-calorie treats can actually help you lose weight.
300-Calorie-Burning Video Workout
Torching calories and building lean muscles doesn't need to take all day. Give us half an hour, and we will help you burn up to 300 calories. This 30-minute workout keeps you moving, mixing cardio moves with weight lifting to maximize your metabolism. To burn those 300 calories, you're going to have to push yourself. But we know you're up for the challenge! Grab your dumbbells, between five and 10 pounds; press play; and get ready to burn it up.
300-Calorie-Burning Video Workout
Torching calories and building lean muscles doesn't need to take all day. Give us half an hour, and we will help you burn up to 300 calories. This 30-minute workout keeps you moving, mixing cardio moves with weight lifting to maximize your metabolism. To burn those 300 calories, you're going to have to push yourself. But we know you're up for the challenge! Grab your dumbbells, between five and 10 pounds; press play; and get ready to burn it up.
I Broke Up With Running and My Fitness Life Is So Much Better
When I set my eyes on participating in my first triathlon seven years ago, I hadn't run just to run since 8th grade track when I ran the merciless 400 meters - one loop around the track at a painful semisprint speed. Biking and swimming were already some of my favorite pastimes, making a triathlon the perfect fitness goal for me. I just needed to start running. And I was inspired! I had read countless and varied tales on the positive power of running and its life-changing qualities. I was confident I could learn to love running by following in the footsteps of my new personal heroes who had dropped hundreds of pounds, beat depression, and tamed addictions all by lacing up their sneakers and hitting the road. Easy peasy. We were all born to run, right? I began my relationship with running using the Couch to 5K program. I can tell you that although the affair was very sweaty, the love connection was tenuous at best.
A good majority of runners will admit to having a love-hate relationship with the activity. They will confess it's not easy. They will tell you pain is temporary, but the high afterward is marvelous. I never got high and I never found the love. My relationship never evolved beyond the spectrum of moderate tolerance to hate. And I gave running a solid chance to win my heart while it was making it stronger. I have done a handful of tris, run 5Ks for charity and for PRs (personal records), participated in the San Francisco Nike Women's Half-Marathon. I was the slowest member on the kick-ass relay team in the 198-mile Hood to Coast stage race in Oregon - cruising through downtown Portland at midnight was a highlight of my running career. I thought love would come with repetition, but mostly it created a sense of dread.
This Summer, running and I hit an all-time low. It started out innocently enough with my decision to run another half-marathon. After all, I had routes for all those long runs mapped out and a training plan I liked - it seemed a shame to let all that knowledge go to waste. With the almost daily intention of running a simple three-miler, I would set my alarm to start my day with a run. And every morning, when the alarm buzzed, I easily convinced myself to stay in bed with the intention of running later in the day. But I didn't run later in the day. And I didn't run the next day either. I also didn't do anything else - I was mentally saving myself for that dreaded short three-mile run.
During this phase of avoidance, my body began to ache. My joints and muscled missed moving. And although I wasn't waking up early to run, I was lethargic. So I did what seemed unthinkable, I told running we needed a break. I got back to the strength-training, biking-, hiking-, dance-aerobics regimen I actually enjoyed. After a couple of weeks of rocking my sweat sessions, I realized it was time and that I would not be seduced by the benefits of running again - you can't reap the benefits if you don't put in the miles. So I officially broke up with running. I went public about it and probably talked to too many disinterested people about how I left this unsatisfying relationship.
It's been good: running hasn't missed me and I haven't missed running. Sure I do some running-inspired moves like high knees and butt kickers as part of my cardio warmup, but it feels like a clean breakup. Everyone in moving on, and most importantly I am moving!
Working out is hard, and clearly finding something you love to do is key - mere toleration doesn't work. There are so many ways to get strong, break a sweat, and burn calories. The benefits of regular exercise are proven, so don't trap yourself in a bad relationship. Put yourself out there. Try new things. You can and will find something you love.
7 Reasons Why Gina Rodriguez is Our Healthy Living Inspiration
To put it bluntly, Gina Rodriguez is a badass. As beautiful inside as she is out, the Jane The Virgin star is our role model for healthy living. Here's all the reasons we're obsessed with making her our new workout BFF.
These 10 Secret Diet Confessions Are All Too Relatable
If you've ever been on a diet, you'll relate to these anonymous (and hilarious) diet confessions, uploaded to the Whisper secret-sharing app. Commiserate, relate, and vow never to diet again with these tips that will help you ditch the diet for good.
Competitive Indoor Skydiving Is a Real Thing, and It's Totally Insane
When asked about extreme sports, I've always said, "I'll never pay to jump out of a plane, but I would try that indoor skydiving thing. It looks safe and easy!" But after seeing this video of a professional indoor skydiving competition, that impression has completely changed. Maybe it's the intense Requiem For a Dream soundtrack playing in the background, the athlete's TRON-reminiscent getup, or the fact that he is performing dizzyingly fast, complicated moves in mid freakin' air, but it has become apparent that there is far more to indoor skydiving than my original impression.
As this video (and others like it) spread like wildfire across social media, there's no doubt that this sport is the next "big thing" to watch. Who knows . . . maybe by the next Olympics, there will be an indoor skydiving category!
lundi 25 janvier 2016
A Bodyweight Workout You Can Do Anywhere
The moves in this no-equipment workout have a few things in common: they're basic, functional, and scalable as your level of fitness improves. So while this simple bodyweight workout may not seem like much, as you repeat the circuit, you'll learn just how effective it can be. You can time yourself so that as you get better, you can race against your previous times.
Alternating lunges means alternate lunging forward with your right, then left (five times on each side). Check out our tips on how to do a reverse crunch here as well as how to do jumping squats here.
5 Easy Yoga Poses That Banish Stress Instantly
I'd like to say that I'm a zen yogi who always has a cool, calm mind; positive perspective; and zero-tolerance policy for things that don't serve my highest good . . . But I'd be lying. What yoga has given me, however, is the awareness to stop myself in the moment, recognize what is happening, roll out my mat, breathe deep, and feel better sooner.
I may not always have the time or necessary gear for a full-length class when things are feeling crazy, but I can always stop what I'm doing and relax into the following five poses - no matter where I am or what I'm wearing. It may not change what's happening around me, but it always leaves me with a refreshed point of view and a way better attitude.
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