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 11 janvier 2017
My Mom Lives Upstairs: How 3 Generations Came Together Under 1 Roof
If you had told me three years ago that my mother would be living on the second floor of the duplex my husband and I owned, I would have called you crazy. At the very least, I would have served you with a healthy dose of side-eye, which is what I gave my realtor when he tried to show my mom a condo three blocks from our house. The thought of having her within a three-minute walk seemed too close for maintaining a healthy relationship.
That was then.
Now, with a toddler who is swiftly approaching the terrible twos, I am grateful for her proximity and how it has strengthened our relationship.
Shortly after my mom moved into her condo, which was then a satisfactory mile-and-a-half away, I became pregnant with my son. When I went back to work, she was there as our "granny nanny." Leaving my little one for eight hours was a challenge I wasn't quite prepared for, but luckily I knew that my son was in the hands of someone who loved him. I got to watch as my mom blossomed into a grandmother.
That first year wasn't without its hiccups and challenges. Since my husband and I were already using her energy during the day, we were hesitant to ask for any additional babysitting. It became clear that one of the hardest parts of her helping us was the constant back and forth between the two apartments, especially over the Winter. When the couple who rented our spare upstairs apartment decided to move out, our family talked about my mom becoming the new tenant.
Of course, we had our reservations. The last thing I wanted was to feel like I was 15 again.I had grown used to the freedom of adulthood. If I decided to spend all day in my pajamas or I went out late with my girlfriends, I needed to know that my mom would refrain from judgment. Even though I keep a fairly clean house, she's still cleaner than I am. Sometimes she'll straighten up toys or fold laundry and I have to tell myself that she's doing it to be helpful, not because she thinks I can't maintain my home. I can't be a sensitive teenager with every perceived slight.
For this situation to work, we had to think of it as two homes under one roof, not one big house. Setting boundaries, such as knocking or texting before the other person came over, were imperative. Babysitting requests would be given with as much notice as possible and would be limited to two hours. The biggest rule that we both agreed to is that each person has the right to say "no." If she doesn't want to babysit, she can say no. If we just want a quiet family dinner, we have the right to say no. Neither one of us wants the other to feel obligated to do anything, since obligation can so often lead to resentment.
Through being honest about our fears and coming up with some solutions, we've created a living situation that works for us. One major adjustment we made was that my mom would stop being the primary caretaker during the workday. Taking care of a large and rambunctious toddler became a little too much for her on a regular basis. With the knowledge that she would move in upstairs, I felt comfortable taking time off of work to be with my son. I've become a stay-at-home mom, which has helped alleviate the pressure on my husband, who works from home, and on my mom, who now gets to just be Grandma. With her living upstairs, there are benefits I had never thought of when she had her own place. At least once a day I'll look at my son and ask if he wants to see Grandma, and with breakneck speed he'll run for the door and happy scream until he's climbed the stairs to her place. These short, sometimes just-20-minute visits give us a chance to catch up, while my son gets a change of scenery. We all play with toys, read books, and talk about our day as a family.
Her living so close has allowed us to develop what we call "nanny camming," where she puts him on the video monitor while he's sleeping. These nanny-camming events allow her to stay in the comfort of her apartment while my son is safely monitored from his own room, and for his mommy and daddy to have some time to themselves to take a walk or go on an actual date. Additionally, since she is just a text away, she's also there for those times when I just need a 30-minute break to think, unpack the groceries, or be alone.
This situation works because we each have our own space and that autonomy would be jeopardized were we living in the same apartment.
Although she is closer than I had ever imagined her being, I still don't think either of us would be comfortable living in the same home together. By maintaining space, respecting boundaries, and listening to each other, I can honestly say I've never regretted the decision to have my mom come to live above me.
Having a kid changed my perspective on a lot of things, which was to be expected. I was not prepared to become one of those people who brags about living close to their parents, but here I am: proud that my son gets to say his grandma lives upstairs and for me to acknowledge that my mom and I are closer in more ways than one and closer than ever before.
6 Easy Tweaks For Healthier (but Still Tasty) Latin Meals
Let's be honest, most Latin fare isn't healthy - whether it's lots of starches, heavy sauces, dough, or salty cheese, the food tends to be on the heavier side. When there's no way you're giving up your favorite family dish in the name of health, there are a few simple changes that can cut a few unnecessary calories. Follow these tips from Amanda Foti, RD, a dietitian with weight-loss service Selvera, to keep a nutritious diet without sacrificing flavor.
- Choose whole grain starches, like brown rice instead of white rice and whole wheat tortillas instead of corn, to increase fiber. White rice and other white flour products break down into sugar once digested and are stored immediately as fat. Incorporating fiber slows down this process, reducing fat storage.
- Healthy fat sources are important for both weight loss and general health. There is much debate regarding oil use and which oil is safe and which you should stay away from. Contrary to popular belief, canola oil is just as healthy as olive oil. In fact, canola oil contains less saturated fat, which can be damaging to your heart. One thing is certain: oil is better than butter. Replace butter with either of these oils when cooking to reduce LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels.
- Remember even healthy fat sources are calorie-dense and can have a negative effect on weight-loss efforts. Using spray oil to panfry or bake dishes rather than liquid oil is a great way to control fat portions.
- Sauces and dressings are a great way to zest up a dish, but can quickly pack on the calories, fat, and sugar. Instead, use a variety of spices (mixes like Italian or adobo seasonings are great time-savers) to add flavor without the extra calories.
- Know your portion sizes. Balancing your plate with 50 percent vegetables, 25 percent protein, and 25 percent fibrous starches (like brown rice) is a great rule of thumb to follow to ensure a balanced meal.
- When eating family style, use smaller plates, and don't go back for seconds. Take your time, and enjoy every bite: when the plate is finished, so are you.
10 Things All Moms Need to Finally Let Go Of in 2017
The instant we become parents, our lives change forever - and not just because there's a brand-new human to raise into adulthood. In addition to that bundle of joy, moms simultaneously take in enough emotional baggage to fill a fleet of minivans. From stressors to distractions to shoulda-woulda-couldas, there are countless things mothers would do well to unload. Here, the top 10 things moms need to let go of in the coming year. And while some might be obvious, warning: few are easy to part with. Good luck!
6 Things Models Always Do to Achieve Flawless Skin
If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing a model up close and personal, take our word for it: nearly every single one has flawless skin that looks like it's been photoshopped. But when we've asked these catwalkers what products they use in order to achieve complexion perfection, the answers have been impossibly simplistic. No peels or retinoids here - we've found that most models stick to the holy trinity of rosewater, Bioderma, and coconut oil.
Turns out, we were asking the wrong question - it's not what they use on their skin but what they do that keeps their faces fabulous. And who better to get the scoop from than a model-approved facialist? We asked Ildi Pekar, the esthetician of Lindsay Ellingson, Miranda Kerr, and Irina Shayk (just to name a glamorous few) what her clients do on the regular for glowing skin.
41 Times Gigi Hadid Proved Sneakers Were Way Hotter Than High Heels
Sure, Gigi Hadid knows how to dress up when the occasion calls for it, but when she's off the clock, you can bet it's sneakers that Gigi is slipping into. Whether she's headed out on a date or keeping it weekend casual, the model clearly has a thing for sporty kicks, and we can't get enough!
While Gigi sometimes plays favorites - she's racking up the hours in those Adidas Superstars - there are still plenty of cool footwear options in her rotation. Just read on for 41 times Gigi proved that sneakers are truly a girl's best friend, and shop a few of her favorite styles too!
5 Little-Known Facts About Carl Philip That Prove He’s More Than Just a Prince
Prince Carl Philip may be the Duke of Värmland in Sweden, but his good looks and charitable heart aren't the only things he's known for. While much of his life has played out in the public eye, there are still a few tidbits you might not know about the royal. Get ready to swoon even harder after reading these five quick facts.
This Is Exactly What Happens to Your Body When You Don't Take a Rest Day
If you're someone who has a hard time giving yourself a break, and you've been skipping rest days, then listen up: while we admire your dedication, skipping your recovery is doing you more harm than you think.
We wanted to find out exactly what happens to your body when you train too hard, so we talked to Michelle Opperman, director of group fitness for Crunch, and Jan Milano, CSCS and sports performance coach at DIAKADI. Did you know the effects can be so severe physiologically and psychologically that there's a name for it? It's called "Overtraining Syndrome."
Want to know what Overtraining Syndrome looks like? Here's what happens to your body when you don't take time to recover from intense exercise (or endurance events!):
- Glycogen stores are depleted. Opperman and Milano both noted that your glycogen decreases. Glycogen is your body's energy source, and not something you want to eliminate. Milano says "decreased glycogen may contribute to the lowered lactate responses," meaning your muscles fatigue more quickly.
- Corticosteroids increase. We know that cortisone and cortisol (stress hormones) are not good for weight loss, and even add to belly-fat retention. Milano told us that these elevated levels also depress the immune system by inhibiting the reaction of lymphocytes to antigens (basically, the fighter cells can't fight the bad invader cells). So overtraining equals a higher likelihood of getting sick.
- Your heart goes into overdrive. "Both resting heart rate and submaximal exercise heart rate are increased," said Milano. Be nice to your heart. Take a breather.
- Your performance suffers. Opperman told us that when sufficient rest is not included in a training program, your ability to perform (i.e., continue training, growing muscle, getting stronger) plateaus or declines, because your muscles literally cannot recover and regenerate. So things just get worse and worse.
- You'll lose muscle mass. Consistent breakdown + no recovery = bye, muscles. That's the opposite of what you're trying to do, right?
- You'll feel AWFUL. The tiny tears in your muscles cannot heal, which results in inflammation, swelling, and tenderness. Opperman says the feeling will "become extreme, lasting for days." She also noted that you'll feel physically exhausted for an extended period as well, which could make it hard for you to perform your day to day functions.
- It messes with your mind. Muscular fatigue is not the only thing Opperman and Milano warned about. The fatigue and distress extend psychologically, and Milano noted that you'll notice mental changes before physical ones. "Decreased vigor, motivation, and confidence; raised tension, depression, and anger accompany an individual's recovery," said Milano.
Do yourself a favor. Go to yoga, don't skip savasana, do your cooldowns, and take a day off to recover. Need some pointers? Make sure you keep our recovery checklist handy, or try any of these recovery essentials.
This Is Exactly What Happens to Your Body When You Don't Take a Rest Day
If you're someone who has a hard time giving yourself a break, and you've been skipping rest days, then listen up: while we admire your dedication, skipping your recovery is doing you more harm than you think.
We wanted to find out exactly what happens to your body when you train too hard, so we talked to Michelle Opperman, director of group fitness for Crunch, and Jan Milano, CSCS and sports performance coach at DIAKADI. Did you know the effects can be so severe physiologically and psychologically that there's a name for it? It's called "Overtraining Syndrome."
Want to know what Overtraining Syndrome looks like? Here's what happens to your body when you don't take time to recover from intense exercise (or endurance events!):
- Glycogen stores are depleted. Opperman and Milano both noted that your glycogen decreases. Glycogen is your body's energy source, and not something you want to eliminate. Milano says "decreased glycogen may contribute to the lowered lactate responses," meaning your muscles fatigue more quickly.
- Corticosteroids increase. We know that cortisone and cortisol (stress hormones) are not good for weight loss, and even add to belly-fat retention. Milano told us that these elevated levels also depress the immune system by inhibiting the reaction of lymphocytes to antigens (basically, the fighter cells can't fight the bad invader cells). So overtraining equals a higher likelihood of getting sick.
- Your heart goes into overdrive. "Both resting heart rate and submaximal exercise heart rate are increased," said Milano. Be nice to your heart. Take a breather.
- Your performance suffers. Opperman told us that when sufficient rest is not included in a training program, your ability to perform (i.e., continue training, growing muscle, getting stronger) plateaus or declines, because your muscles literally cannot recover and regenerate. So things just get worse and worse.
- You'll lose muscle mass. Consistent breakdown + no recovery = bye, muscles. That's the opposite of what you're trying to do, right?
- You'll feel AWFUL. The tiny tears in your muscles cannot heal, which results in inflammation, swelling, and tenderness. Opperman says the feeling will "become extreme, lasting for days." She also noted that you'll feel physically exhausted for an extended period as well, which could make it hard for you to perform your day to day functions.
- It messes with your mind. Muscular fatigue is not the only thing Opperman and Milano warned about. The fatigue and distress extend psychologically, and Milano noted that you'll notice mental changes before physical ones. "Decreased vigor, motivation, and confidence; raised tension, depression, and anger accompany an individual's recovery," said Milano.
Do yourself a favor. Go to yoga, don't skip savasana, do your cooldowns, and take a day off to recover. Need some pointers? Make sure you keep our recovery checklist handy, or try any of these recovery essentials.
The 11 Weirdest Things Real Moms Have Found at the Bottom of Their Diaper Bags
Once you have a child, gone are the days of running out of the house with just your wallet, keys, and cell phone, and suddenly you're carrying what feels like a 100-pound piece of luggage filled with everything your child could possibly need in the 20 minutes you'll be out of the house. And with carrying a huge bag comes the mysterious loss of objects at the bottom of said bag, sometimes things you're looking for but can't find, sometimes things that you aren't expecting and wish you didn't find.
We had real moms comment on a few of the latter things they've found at the bottom of their diaper bags, and their findings are both hilarious and disgusting.
- "A ranch packet that had busted open. That's a game-changer!" - Kelly
- "A bag of long forgotten snap peas that had turned into green slime." - Sarah
- "A (moldy) peanut butter and jelly! Can I just say.....gross!!" - Kelly
- "Just two days ago, I found a real tooth. Looks like a molar, but not from my kids.... I'm still so confused???" - Catherine
- "A half [eaten] sticky DumDum sucker with grass, long blond hair and a dead ant and sand stuck to it. It was so gross. Blah." - Shirley
- "Half a sausage which had turned purple and was covered in glitter." - Nikki
- "A cat collar! (Had been looking for our [kitty's] for weeks... and brought new one)." - Gaylene
- "Half a pack of teething crackers gone stale or pulverized at the bottom. Open jars of food or formula bottles soured and smelly. I learned quickly that no one else touched the diaper bag but me." - Leigha
- "A banana that exploded." - Elizabeth
- "A chicken nugget. It was basically petrified." - April
And my personal favorite:
- "2 googly eyes stuck to a half eaten chapstick." - Neriah
26 Crazy and Delicious Casserole Recipes That Are Definitely Not Your Grandma's
While the word 'casserole' might make you cringe, remembering mushy tuna noodle casserole your grandma used to make, rest assured there are foodie-approved ones out there - quinoa risotto with truffle oil, pizza lasagna rollups, and chicken florentine artichoke bake, just to name a few. Not many things are more reliable for a fast and easy dinner than casseroles, but you shouldn't be afraid to branch out and get creative. There's nothing average about these unique recipes, from the ingredients to the flavor.
Dietitians Say to Do This 1 Thing to Beat Belly Bloat (Hint: It Doesn't Have to Do With Food)
You already know that if you eat crap all day, that's how you can expect to feel. Aside from being low in energy and foggy headed, an upset stomach complete with belly bloat is on your horizon. But what if you eat healthy, drink enough water, and avoid foods that make you bloated, like dairy, and you still feel bloated? Stephanie Clarke and Willow Jarosh of C&J Nutrition, registered dietitians and authors of Healthy, Happy Pregnancy Cookbook, have a quick tip that has nothing to do with what you eat.
Their simple advice is "to implement a daily stress reduction technique, whether this is deep breathing or five minutes of meditation daily." There is a strong connection between your brain and your gut, and not just for people with IBS or other digestive issues. Your emotional state directly affects how your belly feels. You've no doubt experienced this when you're nervous about a flight or if you're going through a breakup — you either have to run to the bathroom or feel too nauseous to even think about food.
Deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation can help keep your digestive system calm and running smoothly, which in turn reduces the chances of recurring bloating. "In addition, deep breathing and mindfulness can help slow down your eating at meals, and that can also help to reduce bloating because you'll likely swallow less air if you eat more slowly, chew thoroughly, and take deep breaths between bites."
Don't worry if you've never meditated a day in your life. Start off with an easy approach: first thing in the morning, sip on a hot cup of tea, breathe deeply, and set an intention for your day. Try it every single day, for five to 10 minutes, for a week and see if you notice a sense of calmness that resonates to your belly.
Dietitians Say to Do This 1 Thing to Beat Belly Bloat (Hint: It Doesn't Have to Do With Food)
You already know that if you eat crap all day, that's how you can expect to feel. Aside from being low in energy and foggy headed, an upset stomach complete with belly bloat is on your horizon. But what if you eat healthy, drink enough water, and avoid foods that make you bloated, like dairy, and you still feel bloated? Stephanie Clarke and Willow Jarosh of C&J Nutrition, registered dietitians and authors of Healthy, Happy Pregnancy Cookbook, have a quick tip that has nothing to do with what you eat.
Their simple advice is "to implement a daily stress reduction technique, whether this is deep breathing or five minutes of meditation daily." There is a strong connection between your brain and your gut, and not just for people with IBS or other digestive issues. Your emotional state directly affects how your belly feels. You've no doubt experienced this when you're nervous about a flight or if you're going through a breakup — you either have to run to the bathroom or feel too nauseous to even think about food.
Deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation can help keep your digestive system calm and running smoothly, which in turn reduces the chances of recurring bloating. "In addition, deep breathing and mindfulness can help slow down your eating at meals, and that can also help to reduce bloating because you'll likely swallow less air if you eat more slowly, chew thoroughly, and take deep breaths between bites."
Don't worry if you've never meditated a day in your life. Start off with an easy approach: first thing in the morning, sip on a hot cup of tea, breathe deeply, and set an intention for your day. Try it every single day, for five to 10 minutes, for a week and see if you notice a sense of calmness that resonates to your belly.
Burn Major Calories With This 30-Minute Cardio Workout You Can Do At Home
Burn major calories with this 30-minute January Jump-Start, full-body cardio workout - you don't even need to leave your home. Be sure to have a towel and water bottle nearby because you are sure to work up a major sweat!
On Anna: Lorna Jane top and BodyLanguage tights / On Dre: Graced by Grit top and Vimmia tights / On Dani: Graced by Grit top and ChiChi Tights
Burn Major Calories With This 30-Minute Cardio Workout You Can Do At Home
Burn major calories with this 30-minute January Jump-Start, full-body cardio workout - you don't even need to leave your home. Be sure to have a towel and water bottle nearby because you are sure to work up a major sweat!
On Anna: Lorna Jane top and BodyLanguage tights / On Dre: Graced by Grit top and Vimmia tights / On Dani: Graced by Grit top and ChiChi Tights
8 Fascinating Facts About Kate Middleton's College Years
Kate Middleton has become quite the icon since joining the royal family in 2011, but her life before becoming the duchess of Cambridge is just as fascinating. In 2001, she started her first year at the University of St. Andrews in Fife, Scotland, which ended up changing the course of her life forever. Not only did she graduate with honors, but her love story with Prince William began there as well. See some of the most interesting facts from her college years here.
What Trying to Be Really Healthy For 30 Days Taught Me
If I had to decide right now whether I was a healthy person or not, I'd take my pen and circle the word healthy. I work out, I scrutinize everything I buy in the market, and I elect to remain calm when I'm overwhelmed . . . even when what I want to do is scream. But when I was tasked to spend the first 30 days of 2017 really being healthy, I blinked. Aren't I already?
Being healthy is subjective, sure, but it's something I can half do. Meaning, I can commit to being healthy when it's convenient and decide not to be when I just want to scarf down a burger loaded with cheese and bacon (no bun, because: healthy). But I don't want to be a half-healthy person. So after considering what spending 30 days being truly healthy might entail, I nodded. I was game.
Follow me to see what I learned after spending an entire month fully committing to a balanced lifestyle. Through yoga, meditation, and clean eating, I learned three key takeaways that made the experience worth trying.
What Trying to Be Really Healthy For 30 Days Taught Me
If I had to decide right now whether I was a healthy person or not, I'd take my pen and circle the word healthy. I work out, I scrutinize everything I buy in the market, and I elect to remain calm when I'm overwhelmed . . . even when what I want to do is scream. But when I was tasked to spend the first 30 days of 2017 really being healthy, I blinked. Aren't I already?
Being healthy is subjective, sure, but it's something I can half do. Meaning, I can commit to being healthy when it's convenient and decide not to be when I just want to scarf down a burger loaded with cheese and bacon (no bun, because: healthy). But I don't want to be a half-healthy person. So after considering what spending 30 days being truly healthy might entail, I nodded. I was game.
Follow me to see what I learned after spending an entire month fully committing to a balanced lifestyle. Through yoga, meditation, and clean eating, I learned three key takeaways that made the experience worth trying.
Justin Timberlake Admiring Jessica Biel Is the Cutest Part of Their Red Carpet Outing
Following their glamorous night out at the Golden Globes on Sunday, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel continued their streak of flawless appearances when they arrived at the LA premiere of The Book of Love on Tuesday. The couple lit up the red carpet with their bright smiles, and Justin practically turned into the heart-eyes emoji as he admired his wife. While Jessica wrote and produced the film (formerly known as The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea), Justin composed the music. The movie follows an introverted architect named Henry, who, after the death of his wife, sets out to help a homeless teen named Millie build a raft to sail across the Atlantic. Talk about a power couple!
There's a Good Reason Why Sasha Obama Wasn't at Her Dad's Farewell Speech
President Barack Obama delivered his farewell speech in front of an audience that included wife Michelle and 18-year-old daughter Malia in Chicago, IL on Tuesday. While we loved seeing the trio together, a question that was on everyone's mind was, "Where was Sasha?" Turns out, there's a good reason why the 15-year-old wasn't at her dad's final address. According to Buzzfeed News, a White House official reported that "Sasha stayed back in DC tonight because she has an exam at school in the morning." So, there you have it!
Even Malia Obama Can't Hold Back Tears During Barack's Farewell Address
In case you somehow missed it, President Barack Obama delivered his farewell speech after eight years in office in Chicago, IL on Tuesday. While his shout-out to wife Michelle was sweet enough, things got even cuter when cameras panned to his 18-year-old daughter, Malia, who was crying in the audience. "Of all that I have done in my life, I'm most proud to be your dad," Barack said while addressing his daughters. Sadly, 15-year-old Sasha did not attend as she was in Washington, D.C. studying for a school exam. Oh, how we're going to see the Obama family.
This Is Us: Toby's Fate Is Finally Revealed During the Midseason Premiere
This Is Us is known for making us cry, but it hits us with a major curveball during the Winter finale, "Last Christmas." The December episode certainly left us reeling, as the final minutes showed Toby keeling over and flat-lining on the operating table. Even though Toby's fate was left up in the air, we finally got some answers during the midseason premiere. In one of the opening scenes, we learn that Toby actually suffered from an arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat. As he recuperates in the hospital with Kate by his side, the doctor proceeds to give him even more bad news: he needs surgery to repair his heart. Even though he's hesitant at first, he eventually agrees to do it last minute, but not before telling Kate that he loves her. Toby makes it through surgery with flying colors and Kate admits that she wants to spend the rest of her life with him and the two talk about getting married. Can you believe This Is Us actually gave us a happy ending for a change? Neither can we.
25 Recipes That Will Make Hot-Sauce-Lovers Totally Lose It
It doesn't matter if you're in camp Cholula, camp Tapatío, or even camp sriracha, what matters is that your favorite hot sauce can be infused into any of these 25 recipes - and in as much quantity as you can handle. Does creamy taco-style pasta sound good? How about a red pepper martini? Find those and more fiery treats ahead.
30 Stars Turning 30 This Year
With a new year comes a new crop of celebrities turning 30. That Awkward Moment costars Michael B. Jordan and Zac Efron are both celebrating the milestone this year, as are former Glee stars Naya Rivera and Darren Criss. Musicians Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, Tove Lo, and Kesha are also in the mix along with actresses Blake Lively, Hilary Duff, and Shay Mitchell. Keep reading to see all the stars turning 30 this year.
4 Mistakes You're Making at the Barre
Are you getting the most out of your workout? If you're investing your time — and money! — into exercise, you better get some bang for your buck! And you don't want to stand in your own way by making rookie mistakes, right?
We're big fans of barre, and we know many of you love the dance-inspired workout, too. So, we hit up our friends at Barreworks Studio in Brentwood and Santa Monica to give us some helpful advice on how we can make our workout better. Courtni Gidish, Instructor and Professional Dancer, and Leslie Taylor, Studio Manager, identified four classic and common mistakes they see in the studio. Check in to see if you're guilty of any of these, and how you can easily correct them to get the best workout possible at the barre.
1. Not Creating Your Own Resistance
You don't use super heavy weights in barre, nor are you typically working against a resistance band. It's up to you to create resistance. "You shouldn't be able to flail your arms and legs around," said Courtni. "You need to squeeze your muscles against the movements and fight the urge to use momentum." Try slowing down, and being more conscious of your movement. "Your body is capable of creating a ton of resistance on its own, but you need to keep the movements small and precise to get those results."
2. Using Weights That Are Too Heavy
Speaking of weights, the experts told us to keep it light — it'll still be a good workout, we promise! "The focus of barre classes is to really burn out your muscles using light weights and high reps," said Courtni. "Grabbing 5 pound weights and taking breaks when you feel fatigued isn't going to be as effective as sticking it out with 2-3 pound weights, and the constant need to shake it out and reset means you're spending a lot of your workout . . . well, not working out." Don't overdo it: grab lighter weights (bring an extra set if you think you'll want to go heavier or lighter), and prepare to burn!
3. Writing at Off as "Just For Girls"
Many people write off barre as an easy workout because it's typically geared toward women — and then they find out how challenging it is. "This one really gets me," said Leslie. "We occasionally have men into the studio with their wives or girlfriends who think they're going to breeze through the class — and they leave saying it was the hardest workout they've ever done." Just goes to show you that you don't need to pump iron in a gym to get a great workout! "Barre works small muscle groups that often get ignored during your standard gym workout, and everyone — no matter their fitness level — can benefit from this type of hyper-focused workout."
4. Skipping the Stretch
We've said it before: don't skip the cooldown! "Stretching after your barre workout is essential," said Courtni. It also doesn't take a lot of time! "These two to three minutes of stretching help increase flexibility, improve circulation, and cool you down." Think about why you're skipping — we all get busy, but it's only a few minutes! "If you can't spare these last few minutes, then you may want to consider taking class at a time when you can. Clients who choose to stay for the duration of class also can't focus on their final stretch when you're rummaging around for your keys."
4 Mistakes You're Making at the Barre
Are you getting the most out of your workout? If you're investing your time — and money! — into exercise, you better get some bang for your buck! And you don't want to stand in your own way by making rookie mistakes, right?
We're big fans of barre, and we know many of you love the dance-inspired workout, too. So, we hit up our friends at Barreworks Studio in Brentwood and Santa Monica to give us some helpful advice on how we can make our workout better. Courtni Gidish, Instructor and Professional Dancer, and Leslie Taylor, Studio Manager, identified four classic and common mistakes they see in the studio. Check in to see if you're guilty of any of these, and how you can easily correct them to get the best workout possible at the barre.
1. Not Creating Your Own Resistance
You don't use super heavy weights in barre, nor are you typically working against a resistance band. It's up to you to create resistance. "You shouldn't be able to flail your arms and legs around," said Courtni. "You need to squeeze your muscles against the movements and fight the urge to use momentum." Try slowing down, and being more conscious of your movement. "Your body is capable of creating a ton of resistance on its own, but you need to keep the movements small and precise to get those results."
2. Using Weights That Are Too Heavy
Speaking of weights, the experts told us to keep it light — it'll still be a good workout, we promise! "The focus of barre classes is to really burn out your muscles using light weights and high reps," said Courtni. "Grabbing 5 pound weights and taking breaks when you feel fatigued isn't going to be as effective as sticking it out with 2-3 pound weights, and the constant need to shake it out and reset means you're spending a lot of your workout . . . well, not working out." Don't overdo it: grab lighter weights (bring an extra set if you think you'll want to go heavier or lighter), and prepare to burn!
3. Writing at Off as "Just For Girls"
Many people write off barre as an easy workout because it's typically geared toward women — and then they find out how challenging it is. "This one really gets me," said Leslie. "We occasionally have men into the studio with their wives or girlfriends who think they're going to breeze through the class — and they leave saying it was the hardest workout they've ever done." Just goes to show you that you don't need to pump iron in a gym to get a great workout! "Barre works small muscle groups that often get ignored during your standard gym workout, and everyone — no matter their fitness level — can benefit from this type of hyper-focused workout."
4. Skipping the Stretch
We've said it before: don't skip the cooldown! "Stretching after your barre workout is essential," said Courtni. It also doesn't take a lot of time! "These two to three minutes of stretching help increase flexibility, improve circulation, and cool you down." Think about why you're skipping — we all get busy, but it's only a few minutes! "If you can't spare these last few minutes, then you may want to consider taking class at a time when you can. Clients who choose to stay for the duration of class also can't focus on their final stretch when you're rummaging around for your keys."
Just Like Fire, Pink and Carey Hart's Romance Is Too Hot to Handle
Pink and Carey Hart recently celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary, and even though their relationship hasn't always been the smoothest, they've managed to make it work. Their love story began in 2001 and after four years of dating, Pink flipped the script and proposed to Carey during his race at the Pro 250 class finals in Mammoth, CA. They ended up tying the knot six months later in Costa Rica and are now parents to two beautiful children, daughter Willow and son Jameson. If their love story doesn't inspire you, we don't know what will.
33 Food Facts That Will Make You Love Oprah Even More
If you tried to count the ways your life is like Oprah's, you'd probably be stumped. But the one thing you likely have in common with the star that you might not realize is your serious love of food. Oprah lives for food - in fact, she recently wrote a new cookbook called Food, Health, and Happiness and revealed she lost 42 pounds on Weight Watchers by "giving up numerical goals" and focusing instead on cooking healthful foods at home.
As a woman who appreciates an organic salad just as much as she adores fresh bread, Oprah is more relatable than you'd think. Get a glimpse into Oprah's personal life and become an even bigger fan of hers by checking out the following 33 food facts that will make you love her more than ever.
A Simple, Affordable Meal Plan Anyone Can Do
After the holiday season, if like me you stared blankly at your savings account and thought, "Oops," then also like me, you may be trying to find ways to trickle those earnings back into the bank. A big portion of my expenses (rent and utilities aside) goes to dining out, so I'm committing myself to a weekly grocery budget. I've developed this cheap-eating guide that's realistic with the intention of helping you cook / pack all your meals (coffee habit included) without spending an inordinate amount of time in the kitchen.
Princess Beatrice Just Pulled a Style Move Other Royals Wouldn't Dare To
When it comes to fashion, many royals go with what they know: classic shifts that never go out of style, skirt suits that can be reworn, and the occasional elegant yet modest dress while attending a fancy event. But Princess Beatrice is a tad more trendy than the other ladies who share her same title. For the 2016 Angel Ball, she skipped the classics and turned to a designer that today's It girls love: Tommy Hilfiger, who put Beatrice in a long navy and gold embellished gown.
Beatrice's choice was the perfect mix of regal and fashion-forward, as it was polished and nonrevealing, but at the same time, something we'd expect to see on Gigi Hadid. Perhaps this means she's been paying attention to the model's outfits? Scroll through for a better view of Beatrice's look, then cross your fingers and hope she shares some tips with pal Kate Middleton.
8 Hulu Original Shows That Are Worth Watching
Everyone knows that Netflix makes incredibly binge-worthy shows. Amazon, too, produces solid content - Billy Bob Thornton even brought home a Golden Globe for original series Goliath. While first just a site to stream your favorite network shows, Hulu has thrown its hat into the ring and is creating some fantastic original content. Its lineup includes comedies, dramas, documentaries, mockumentaries, reality, and more. That's not to forget some of its future shows, such as The Handmaid's Tale and Marvel's Runaways, both of which are getting a lot of buzz. Before they premiere, check out a list of all of the current Hulu original shows you should binge.
The Moment This Bride Turns Around, You'll Fall Deeply in Love With Her Dress
There are plenty of things to take into account when choosing a wedding dress: fit, silhouette, whether you'd like it to be simple or statement-making, etc. For her big day, model Sun Wei likely looked for something that would wow from all angles, so she turned to Galia Lahav, a fashion house known for dresses with long, poufy trains - aka something fit for a princess or even a Barbie. As she said "I do" to Satoru Mizuno at the Aoyama St. Grace Cathedral in Tokyo, Japan, Sun had her back to the crowd, thus creating a view that took our breath away. Scroll through to see her flawless look in full, since the front's pretty spectacular as well. Then, see which trends will be big for brides in Fall 2017.
6 Travel Gadgets That Are Worthy of the Investment
As you're planning your next trip or wondering how to make your commute a bit better, look no further than to this year's Consumer Electronics Show. The annual tech conference showed off plenty of new beauty and home gadgets, but didn't forget to include products that would make life ten times easier if you're a frequent traveler.
Why ABC and Dustin Lance Black Fought So Hard to Use That "F" Word on TV
Dustin Lance Black is about to rock the TV world with a beautiful, inspiring, incredible story. We Will Rise is a new show on ABC that focuses on the story of the gay rights movement, from its inception during the Stonewall Riots in 1969 all the way up to the present day. During ABC's panel at this year's Television Critics' Association Winter press tour, Black had plenty of profound quotes about why this is such an important story to tell, but one particular revelation seemed especially striking. When asked if ABC had placed any limitations on the project, the answer was a resounding no. What's interesting, though, is ABC helped Black fight to include a controversial word that will surely ruffle a few feathers. He wanted to make sure When We Rise would include the word "fag."
"That's a word I've heard. Certainly, it's a word that LGBT people generations before me heard."
"There were no limitations from ABC. . . . I will say ABC actually stood up and fought for me because I don't know how hard and fast a rule it is or law it is, but it certainly is a rule you are not to say 'fag' on television," Black explained. "And I said to the lawyers at ABC, 'I don't know how we do this show authentically without saying "fag,"' because that's a word I've heard. Certainly, it's a word that LGBT people generations before me heard. And they stood next to me and fought for us to be able to say that word on television so that this experience was authentic in that way. So, if anything, ABC helped to push the boundaries a bit so that it didn't feel inauthentic."
In a present-day context, the word "fag" remains controversial. The term has evolved from its usage as a slur and has been reappropriated by the gay community as a term of endearment to strip away its harmful implications. Whatever feelings you may have about the word's modern muddled context, though, it is vital it appear as the slur it once was in a story about the LGBT's fight for civil rights. Dustin Lance Black hit the nail on the head: without it, the story would be incomplete. The experience of the audience would ultimately not be authentic. So, while it might seem incendiary to use "fag" on a historically family-friendly network and while there will almost surely be blowback in response, I believe the decision should be met with full support.
25 Empowering Books Every Strong, Badass Latina Boss Lady Should Read
We are strong Latinas, hear us roar! Some of the most inspiring insight into empowerment, womanhood, and strength comes from the pages of authors like Esmeralda Santiago, Isabel Allende, Julia Alvarez, and many, many more. Whether the authors are Latina, black, white, purple, yellow, or somewhere in between, these 25 reads by female authors will have you feeling proud to be a woman and Latina - and maybe even push you to finally lean in. Keep scrolling to see our picks, then check out 10 powerful quotes you'll want to Pin immediately.
Emma Watson's Version of Belle Has a Boss-Lady Career
More proof Emma Watson's Belle in Beauty and the Beast isn't a damsel in distress? She's got a job that's serious #careergoals.
Is Once Upon a Time Getting Another Season? Here's What We Know
Once Upon a Time just announced its midseason premiere date, but the future for the series is still unclear. If the show does get renewed for a seventh season, fans should brace themselves for a whole lot of change. At the Television Critics' Association's press tour on Jan. 10, ABC Chief Channing Dungey talked with Entertainment Weekly about the future of the series. "[Executive producers Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis] would be looking for the seventh season to be a springboard in a new direction from a narrative standpoint," she said. "Which doesn't necessarily mean that we're not bringing cast back; it's just how do you kind of hit the reset button in a way that gives you opportunity to expand the stories that we're telling?"
Does this mean Emma Swan will really die at the end of this season? Not exactly. "Whenever there's change, there's always transition," she added. "It's just too hard to really say more of anything. Until they really get their pitch finalized, it's hard to really be more specific." In a previous interview with EW, she also opened up about how the series might come to a close if it does get canceled. "This is absolutely a show that is beloved to us and if and when we decide to end it, we want to do it the right way and really give the fans the ending that they deserve," she said. "But I will say that Eddie and Adam have some really good ideas for future seasons."
Meet the Workout That's Being Called "the End of Exercise"
With the explosion of dance's popularity as a form of exercise, it's no wonder that CIZE by Shaun T. was the number one Google fitness search of 2016.
If you've ever tried a Shaun T. workout, you likely have a vivid memory of your first experience - he's not playing around, and you're going to get a serious workout. In fact, his workouts are so intense, they're literally called "Insanity" and "Asylum." Sounds . . . not intimidating at all, right? [Editor's note: I tried Insanity years ago before my fitness journey really began and assumed I had gone into cardiac arrest mere moments after beginning the DVD.]
"Exercise is something you have to do; CIZE is something you'll WANT to do," Shaun T. says in his promotional video for CIZE. We can't argue that dance is the one form of exercise that really doesn't feel like you're working out and possibly the most fun way to break a sweat.
Here's how the program works and why people are obsessed with it . . .
What Is It?
It's a dance cardio workout series, designed by trainer Shaun T. Prepare to watch him feel himself in a major way, dressed like an early '90s hip-hop star. He's really living his truth in this workout.
You access CIZE on a series of DVDs you can purchase from the Beachbody Fitness website (home of P90X and more).
What You Get
- Three DVDs, six dance workouts.
- A beginner calendar and advanced calendar, to customize your schedule.
- A nutrition plan. Because any amount of exercise can be undone with poor dietary choices, CIZE comes with a nutrition guide by Shaun T. that helps you stay on track for your health and fitness goals.
Reasons You'll Love It
- Learn to dance. Many reviewers stated "I can't dance" yet miraculously became dancers. If you are not a dancer, don't have rhythm, or have been too intimidated to try a dance class in public, now's your chance to do it in the privacy of your own home.
- Have fun. As mentioned, dance is ridiculously fun, and if you hate exercise, this might be the way for you to get active.
- Total-body workout. Intense cardio, moving every muscle group, conditioning your entire body? Yes.
- Good music. You're not dancing to elevator music or some heinous generic beats from a free MP3 site. You'll have fun, fast, energizing tunes you love to dance to, by Sia, Destiny's Child, Missy Elliott, Ariana Grande, LL Cool J, and Bruno Mars.
- Potentially free socks. If you're willing to share your before and after photos with Shaun T., he will send you a pair of socks. Which is exactly the reward you were hoping for, right?
Many reviewers have loved it, while naysayers were unhappy with a lack of weight-loss results. But because we think exercise is about so much more than weight loss, we're eager to try - plus, any chance to see Shaun T. do his thing is a win in our book.
Meet the Workout That's Being Called "the End of Exercise"
With the explosion of dance's popularity as a form of exercise, it's no wonder that CIZE by Shaun T. was the number one Google fitness search of 2016.
If you've ever tried a Shaun T. workout, you likely have a vivid memory of your first experience - he's not playing around, and you're going to get a serious workout. In fact, his workouts are so intense, they're literally called "Insanity" and "Asylum." Sounds . . . not intimidating at all, right? [Editor's note: I tried Insanity years ago before my fitness journey really began and assumed I had gone into cardiac arrest mere moments after beginning the DVD.]
"Exercise is something you have to do; CIZE is something you'll WANT to do," Shaun T. says in his promotional video for CIZE. We can't argue that dance is the one form of exercise that really doesn't feel like you're working out and possibly the most fun way to break a sweat.
Here's how the program works and why people are obsessed with it . . .
What Is It?
It's a dance cardio workout series, designed by trainer Shaun T. Prepare to watch him feel himself in a major way, dressed like an early '90s hip-hop star. He's really living his truth in this workout.
You access CIZE on a series of DVDs you can purchase from the Beachbody Fitness website (home of P90X and more).
What You Get
- Three DVDs, six dance workouts.
- A beginner calendar and advanced calendar, to customize your schedule.
- A nutrition plan. Because any amount of exercise can be undone with poor dietary choices, CIZE comes with a nutrition guide by Shaun T. that helps you stay on track for your health and fitness goals.
Reasons You'll Love It
- Learn to dance. Many reviewers stated "I can't dance" yet miraculously became dancers. If you are not a dancer, don't have rhythm, or have been too intimidated to try a dance class in public, now's your chance to do it in the privacy of your own home.
- Have fun. As mentioned, dance is ridiculously fun, and if you hate exercise, this might be the way for you to get active.
- Total-body workout. Intense cardio, moving every muscle group, conditioning your entire body? Yes.
- Good music. You're not dancing to elevator music or some heinous generic beats from a free MP3 site. You'll have fun, fast, energizing tunes you love to dance to, by Sia, Destiny's Child, Missy Elliott, Ariana Grande, LL Cool J, and Bruno Mars.
- Potentially free socks. If you're willing to share your before and after photos with Shaun T., he will send you a pair of socks. Which is exactly the reward you were hoping for, right?
Many reviewers have loved it, while naysayers were unhappy with a lack of weight-loss results. But because we think exercise is about so much more than weight loss, we're eager to try - plus, any chance to see Shaun T. do his thing is a win in our book.
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone Bring Their "City of Stars" to the City of Light
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling barely had time to celebrate their big Golden Globes wins before they jetted off to Paris for another round of La La Land press. The duo hit the red carpet along with director Damien Chazelle on Tuesday night and posed for photos together after signing autographs for excited fans. Just days before landing in the City of Light, Emma, Ryan, and Damien all won big at the Golden Globes; Emma and Ryan took home trophies for best actress and best actor in a musical or comedy, respectfully, while Damien nabbed best director for his work on the film. The trio also won one of the night's biggest honors: best motion picture, musical or comedy. In addition to making us tear up with their heartfelt acceptance speeches, Ryan and Emma also made us laugh with their spot-on reactions to that blink-or-you-miss-it makeout between Ryan Reynolds and Emma's ex Andrew Garfield.
The First Footage of Joseph Fiennes Playing Michael Jackson Is Here and Oh No
When it was announced that Joseph Fiennes would play Michael Jackson in a British TV series, the internet, understandably, exploded. Hiring a white man to play a black man in the height of #OscarsSoWhite incited a digital riot, and nearly a year after the news, a teaser is here to remind us all that this was indeed a terrible, terrible idea. The episode, part of a series called Urban Myths airing on Sky Arts in the UK, is about a rumored road trip that Jackson went on with Elizabeth Taylor and Marlon Brando after 9/11. I'm just going to leave this video here, along with a picture of Fiennes on the red carpet. Do with this what you will.
Image Source: Getty / Michael Tullberg
10 Tragically Underrated Netflix Original Shows
With shows such as Orange Is the New Black, House of Cards, and the Marvel lineup (Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Daredevil), Netflix is known for producing original, binge-worthy content. In fact in 2016 alone, ultrapopular shows such as Stranger Things, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, Fuller House, and The Crown premiered on the site, reducing our drive to actually leave the couch. Yet, with all of the phenomenal options available, not every show gets the buzz it deserves. To rectify that, take a look at the seven most underrated Netflix Originals that you need to start watching right now!
Ryan Gosling's Acceptance Speech Is the 1 Thing You Need to Watch From the Golden Globes
Remember how you were, like, totally over Ryan Gosling for a while? Well, you're back into him. Not only did he win our hearts in La La Land, he's starting to win all the awards for it too. Gosling won the Golden Globe on Sunday night and proceeded to give a beautifully touching speech about his gratitude for costar Emma Stone, director Damien Chazelle, and, most of all, wife Eva Mendes. He spoke about how while he was singing and dancing on a set, she was taking on quite a bit at home.
Pretty Little Liars Creator I. Marlene King Teases the "Deadly" Final Game
Of all the TV shows ending in 2017, one of the greatest losses may be Pretty Little Liars. With the show's seventh season comes a final big reveal: the identity of "A.D." and the truth behind their evil intentions. You know what this means, right? We can't get to the bottom of the show's final mystery without playing a game. It has, after all, been a major "A" trademark from the very beginning. So, what makes this last hurrah the biggest of them all? Well, it sounds like Hanna, Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Alison will be playing along for the duration of the season.
At this year's Television Critics' Association Winter press tour, creator I. Marlene King and producer Joseph Dougherty shed a bit of light on the dangers to come. "They're all going to be under a tremendous amount of pressure," Dougherty said. "Every incarnation has always been about trying to break the friends apart, and perhaps the pressure this time is more dangerous than it's ever been before. I think they come the closest they ever come to shattering." King, on the other hand, hinted at the big black box that appears in the season's trailer. "It's a board game that is created by 'A,' and he forces the PLLs to play this game in the final 10 episodes. . . . The stakes are incredibly high." King added, "This is the most shocking, the most romantic, the most deadly season."
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