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.
dimanche 13 janvier 2019
A Step-by-Step Guide For Packing the KonMari Way
Before I completed Marie Kondo's KonMari Method of tidying up, I loathed packing for vacation. So much so, I would typically wait until 30 minutes before leaving for the airport to shove everything in a bag and fingers crossed, I would remember my toothbrush. But now that I am a convert for this organizational method, I've applied the same minimalist principles to my packing, and I'm never looking back. Here are some of the key takeaways so you too can pack joyfully.
Start with a suitcase that sparks joy.
During my tidying process, my parents actually got rid of my suitcases accidentally, but I took the opportunity to invest in a new set of ultra-lightweight, rolling suitcases in my favorite color: teal. Before I start packing, I unzip the bag, lay it flat on the floor, and check all pockets for possible remnants from the previous trip (usually cell phone chargers, etc.).
Fold your clothes the KonMari way.
Most of us learned to fold our clothes into thin rectangles and stack the items on top of one another vertically. The problem with this method is you always end up rummaging around your drawer (or in this case suitcase) looking for an item and leaving the whole thing a tangled wreck. Marie Kondo suggests rolling clothes in sort of a triangle shape that stands upright by itself. The clothes are then placed side-by-side horizontally, hugging one another. This makes it so that you can see every single item you own.
This is especially helpful when packing, because you can quickly see if you've forgotten something essential, i.e. underwear. When traveling, gone are the days you have to unload your whole suitcase to find that dang pair of PJs that found its way to the bottom of your bag. When packing, I go the extra mile and refold the clothes so they fit my suitcase perfectly. Then, I lay everything out on my bed (or the floor) until it's time to transfer to the suitcase.
Pull out shoes and accessories.
The KonMari Method is about asking yourself, "What sparks joy?" but when it comes to traveling, I ask myself, "What do I really, really need?" Oftentimes I'll end up putting away a couple of pairs of miscellaneous shoes or dresses and paring down to the bare minimum essentials, so I can zipper my suitcase without the expansion. That way, I know I have some room to spare to pack souvenirs during my trip.
Save toiletries for last.
I leave a hole in the suitcase for my toiletry bag. Meanwhile, I gather my essential toiletries and keep them in plain view on a bathroom counter so I can use them until the last minute. Placing all of the items in a horizontal row (like your clothes) also helps you do a mental checklist before packing them away.
Now that you're all packed up, remember to keep things tidy as you travel! I stash my dirty clothes (still folded) on one side of my bag away from the clean. For whatever reason, this also helps make unpacking a lot easier. You can toss all the dirty clothes in a hamper while transferring the clean, folded clothes back to your drawers.
Here's my list for a weekend trip (as pictured):
- 3 shirts
- 2 shorts
- 3 workout outfits
- 1 sweatshirt
- 1 dress
- 1 jacket (I wear when traveling)
- 3 pairs of underwear
- 1 swimsuit
- 3 pairs of socks
- 1 pair of tennis shoes
- 1 pair of sandals
- 1 pair of wedges/heels
- 1 bag of toiletries
- 1 hat
- 1 pair of sunglasses
2019 Is the Year I'm Going to Organize My Home Like Marie Kondo - Here's How
New Year's resolutions are notoriously difficult to see through all 12 months, so this year, I'm picking just a few concrete goals and going all in on execution. For 2019, I really want to get organized. Inspired by Marie Kondo's recent Netflix show and the disaster that is my t-shirt drawer, I've decided to dedicate a few hours to really decluttering. I'm focusing on the three problem areas in my apartment - my closet, kitchen, and bathroom - in hopes that a cleaner home makes for a happier and more inviting one. If you're filled with the excitement and determination that only January can bring, keep reading to learn about what I'm shopping to make my home my sanctuary.
Um, This Sneaky Airpods Hack Lets You Hear Conversations When You Leave the Room
I feel like everyone's mom or grandma when I say "technology is WILD for the kids these days" - but it's true! Seems like every single day there's an undiscovered iPhone user hack or screen time secret that changes the way people use their devices. But rarely do we see a hack quite so sneaky (or spine-tingling) as this one, which uses the Airpods Live Listen feature.
This tool was originally designed as an accessibility function for those who need to enhance voices, but as Twitter user @arnoldcrndo pointed out, it can also be used to hear conversations in a room where you've left your phone behind. Simply go into your Settings, select "Control Center," customize your controls to include "Hearing," and choose "Live Listen." Afterward, you can walk away from your iPhone in a crowded room and hear amplified sound through the microphone.
Now, I love to eavesdrop as much as the next person (and judging by what I hear them whispering right now, probably more), but I'm definitely not endorsing the use of Airpods in this way. In fact, I have mixed feelings about this hack, and based on the reactions on social media, I'm not alone. Ahead, see what people are saying about this feature, and let's leave the super-sleuthing to the professionals, shall we?
40+ Stylish Reasons to Have a Winter Wedding
Between the Winter light, the sparkly effect of a snowy night, and plenty of seasonal ways to style your wedding gown, there are about a million reasons a Winter wedding might just be the chicest kind of nuptials - because really, is there a better way to wear your Winter white?
If you're in the midst of planning your own Winter ceremony, read through for all the gorgeous shots you'll want to capture on your big day. And, if you still haven't landed on a date, these dreamy shots of real weddings might just convince you to set a date in the snow. Check out all the inspiration ahead.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
Your Definitive Guide to Wearing Sneakers This Winter - Yep, It's That Easy
If you're wondering how to wear your sneakers in the Winter while still staying practical, warm, and stylish, this is the guide you've been waiting for. Whether you're pairing your favorite white kicks with a statement-making puffer jacket or a cozy turtleneck and plaid wool skirt, the options are truly endless. Read on to see how our fave street style stars are wearing their sneakers this season, and then shop our favorite selects for your collection.
Caitriona Balfe's Dress Starts Out Simple, but Just You Wait Until You See the Skirt
The Golden Globes red carpet wasn't short on dramatic gowns with unusual silhouettes, from Lady Gaga's voluminous periwinkle confection to Janelle Monáe's double-layered, armored design. But one star who really pushed the boat out when it comes to proportions was Caitriona Balfe. After wowing us in a her formfitting Chanel number from last year, this time around, the Outlander star wore a custom gown by Moschino with a heavily exaggerated burgundy velvet tulip skirt. The fullness at the hips meant the dress had plenty of room for pockets, which we all know is the red carpet dream.
With such an eye-catching gown, Caitriona quite rightly kept her accessories simple, skipping the big jewels in favor of some '90s-inspired hair clips. Her black satin bag came complete with a prominent "Time's Up" ribbon, in support of the continued campaign for safe, fair, and dignified workplaces for women. The four-time nominee may not have been successful when it came to winning a Golden Globe this year, but she definitely won when it comes to taking style risks. Keep reading for a closer look at her gown and that very important accessory.
The Coziest Pieces to Add to Your Wardrobe Right Now, Straight From the POPSUGAR Kohl's Collection
New year, new you, right?! If you're looking to give your wardrobe a 2019 upgrade, you've got to check out the newest additions to the POPSUGAR at Kohl's Collection. This lineup is made for taking your cozy look up a notch. Stock up on cool sweatshirts, pretty sweaters, and our new favorite pair of joggers for the freshest kind of January looks. Shop it all right here - all under $85.
These Are the Sexiest Golden Globe Red Carpet Looks - Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
What does it take to heat up the Gloden Globes red carpet? Just ask Irina Shayk, Rosamund Pike, and Dakota Fanning. Irina wore a gold gown with a thigh-high slit, Rosamund opted for a daring black dress that had too many cutouts to count, and Dakota slipped into a body-hugging bustier gown. You can pretty much say that the 2019 Globe Awards is shaping up to be one of the sexiest red carpets of award season. Keep reading to see some of the most jaw-dropping looks of the night ahead.
Chrissy Teigen's Plunging One-Piece Is So NSFW, She Blurred It Out on Instagram
Chrissy Teigen has been ringing in 2019 with a tropical family vacation, and you better believe she packed some sexy swimwear for the getaway. A few days after rocking a bright orange bathing suit while paddleboarding with her adorable daughter, Luna, the 33-year-old star slipped into a revealing one-piece that made our eyes cartoonishly pop out of our heads. Chrissy's white suit - an ethereal piece from Zimmermann's 2019 Resort Swim collection - featured a dangerously plunging neckline, backless silhouette, and tied waist with a corsage-like adornment.
The low-cut swimwear was deemed so NSFW, in fact, that Chrissy jokingly blurred out the neckline while sharing an Instagram photo with her pals Meghan Mackenzie and Jen Atkin. But don't worry, fam - she gave us a better look at the white-hot one-piece on her Instagram Stories, where she posted a handful of heart-palpitation-inducing snaps that showed just how low it dipped in the front. Keep reading to admire Chrissy's head-turning one-piece and shop it for yourself, along with other similar styles. Thanks for the swimspo, Chrissy!
16 Cocktail Dresses So Pretty, You'll Find Any Excuse to Attend a Party
Anytime you need a cocktail dress, everything in your closet suddenly seems unworthy. Let's face it, if we're going to a fun event, it's really special to get to wear a new dress. So, for all those cocktail parties you've got to attend in 2019, pick up a new dress (or two). From minidresses to floor-length options, these are the 16 picks we want to wear all year long.
Just Call Zendaya the New Gigi, Because Her Tommy Hilfiger Line's Debuting on the Runway
We were eager to find out when Zendaya's new collection for Tommy Hilfiger would debut, and now all our questions have been answered. Just like Gigi Hadid before her, Zendaya will be taking over the TOMMYNOW runway show during Paris Fashion Week, sending her collab down the runway alongside plenty of other Spring 2019 looks that will be immediately available for purchase. Will she take the catwalk herself? Only time will tell.
"TOMMYNOW has become an integral part of our brand story, celebrating our optimistic and inclusive energy with audiences globally. For Spring 2019, we can think of no better place to premiere the first TommyXZendaya collaborative collection than Paris. Our innovative 'See Now, Buy Now' experiential show will blend our Americana heritage, Zendaya's confidence and optimism, and the city's iconic elements for a truly unforgettable runway event," Tommy Hilfiger said in a statement released by the brand.
As you probably remember, Tommy has launched immersive spectacles in Shanghai, Milan, London, LA, and New York, creating extraordinary atmospheres that attract fashion's elite to the front row. We can only imagine what he's got in store for the March 2 presentation - mark your calendars now.
Lady Gaga Brought the Drama to the Globes in This Breathtaking Cinderella-Inspired Gown
Cinderella, is that you? Lady Gaga attended the 2019 Golden Globe Awards in the most breathtaking blue Valentino gown. The actress, who's nominated for her breakout theatrical performance in A Star Is Born, walked down the red carpet in a couture gown that would make even Cinderella jealous.
She accessorized with Giuseppe Zanotti platforms and Tiffany & Co. jewels. Her strapless gown came with detachable poofy sleeves and a train that was so long, she had two people carry it for her. Gaga paid tribute to Judy Garland (who stared in the 1954 version of A Star Is Born) and channeled a look Garland wore in the original movie. Keep reading to see her entire outfit.
The 6 Golden Globes Gowns Everyone's Still Talking About
We don't give out statues for the Golden Globes best dressed, but we should - and we'd start with the six women at the top of this list. With dramatic details (we're looking at you, Lupita!), a train that rivals Cinderella's ballgown (that's all you, Gaga), and a pair of pants as statement-worthy as any gown on the carpet (on our forever style icon Julia Roberts), this select crew had us glued to the screen the minute they hit the red carpet - and we haven't stopped staring since. Suffice it to say, we'll be talking about these A+ looks long after the night wraps. Get a look at our nominees and cast a vote for your best dressed right here.
Victoria Beckham Just Gave Brooklyn's New Girlfriend the Fashion Seal of Approval
Victoria Beckham joined her son Brooklyn and his new girlfriend, model Hana Cross, to support David Beckham at the Kent & Curwen show during Men's Fashion Week. Now, Victoria seems like an awesome mom - I mean, of course she gladly accepts the lady Brooklyn's dating into the family, but when Victoria and Hana strutted into the presentation, it was a whole entrance.
They seemed to *subtly* coordinate in textured pantsuits - Victoria's a salt and pepper design from her pre-Fall '19 collection and Hana's a military-inspired set - and Hana even wore Kent & Curwen knitwear to rep the family label. If this doesn't make Victoria and Hana fashion partners in crime, what does these days? Ahead, check out the snaps of the hot new duo on the streets of London, then shop some tailored sets like theirs.
The Dresses at the Golden Globes Are All You Should Be Staring at Today
The 2019 Golden Globes red carpet has wrapped, and while last year's looks might've been all one color, the gowns will be remembered for their extraordinary meaning. If you recall, stars came together in 2018 to support the black dress initiative, a symbol of protest against sexual harassment in the industry. That's one tough act to follow - even with all the tulle in the world.
Nevertheless, the film and TV actresses you know and love proved that bold statements are no thing of the past. They showed up accessorizing with bracelets and ribbons for the Time's Up movement, and, quite honestly, their 2019 looks made our jaws drop with each and every arrival. Go on, see what everyone wore to get this award season party started, then check out our best dressed list.
Holy Moly - Lea Michele Looks Like a Tangerine Dream in Her Golden Globes Gown
Lea Michele may not have been up for an award during Sunday night's Golden Globes ceremony, but her outfit deserves a statue of its own. After cheering on her former costar Darren Criss for his big win last night, the Glee alum stepped out at the InStyle afterparty looking just as dreamy as can be in bright orange. The actress wore a strapless, floor-length Alex Perry gown with a sheer cutout in her midriff area. She finished her look with a pair of gold, strappy heels made by designer Alexandre Birman and jewelry from Stephen Webster. Keep reading to see more photos of Lea's look from all angles.
4 Strong by Zumba Workouts You Can Do at Home - and They're Only 7 Minutes!
I have been in the fitness game long enough to know that if I am feeling really resistant to working out I just need to start moving, and keep it up for five to 10 minutes. Often these mini workouts evolve into something longer and more vigorous than my original intention. That is where these four new seven-minute workouts from Strong by Zumba come to rescue - they fit perfectly into my motivation technique: I can do them at home, they require no equipment, and they get the job done in little time. And that job, if you were wondering, is making your muscles burn.
Strong by Zumba isn't a dance workout, but bodyweight exercises synced to the beat of the music, which makes the already short workouts fly by. I would do a few minute of light cardio before diving into the leg or glute workout to make sure the big muscles in your lower body are ready to squat and lunge.
If you want a longer workout, here's a 20-minute Strong by Zumba workout that you can do at home, too.
How to Lose Weight and Keep It Off According to These Women Who Have Lost 75+ Pounds
If losing weight seems hard, that's because it is: it requires consistent effort, a lifestyle change, and literal sweat (and sometimes blood and tears) to reach your goals. But if you thought losing the weight in the first place was the hard part, you were mistaken. The real work is in keeping the weight off long-term.
These six women prove that maintaining weight loss requires just as much (if not more) effort than getting the weight off in the first place. They also defied the odds since many people regain the weight they lost. Here is how these women, who all lost 75 pounds or more, kept off their weight and adopted healthier habits for a lifetime. Get inspired to not only lose weight, but keep it off for good.
Just Joined a Gym but Not Sure Where to Start? These Trainer Tips Can Help
The gym can be an intimidating place when you're first trying to get in shape - or even trying to get back to it after some time away. But you don't have to be one of those gym-goers whose newfound passion for fitness is short-lived, either because you've piled on too much too soon, become bored, or never really figured out how to build a routine in the first place. These tips from personal trainers can help you get over those newcomer fears, take full advantage of the services your gym offers, and finally crush your goals. Consider this one fewer daunting task on your to-do list.
These Are Our 9 Favorite Fitness Trackers of 2019
We're ready to crush our New Year's resolutions, but we can admit that sometimes, a little help is appreciated. That's why we love fitness trackers. They give us guidance on everything from how many steps we're taking to how well we're sleeping through the night. With these on our arms, all those goals seem that much more attainable.
I Bought This 4.5-Star Sound Machine, and Now I Sleep Like a Teenager on Winter Break
It's always been pretty hard for me to fall asleep and sleep soundly through the night. The problem is twofold: I'm a night owl, so I find it challenging to wind down at a reasonable hour, and I also really don't like silence - without some noise in the background, I can't doze off.
The type of noise matters, too. I'm bothered by snoring, loud breathing, and strange little noises that come from wildlife or outside my window (just one reason I hate camping). I've tried taking melatonin and even Benadryl to pass out, and while these remedies worked at times, they're probably not the healthiest or most sustainable methods of falling asleep. I needed to find a way to doze off naturally and feel more rested in the morning.
Enter: the sound machine. I had heard so many great things about white noise, and I figured trying to block out the sounds and awkward silence that were keeping me awake was worth a shot. After some research, I settled on a LectroFan sound machine, which had gotten good reviews on Amazon.
And let me tell you: I'm in love with this thing. No matter who occupies my bed for the rest of my life, this glorious piece of technology will be by my side. Heck, that's true even when I'm not in my own bed - I went on vacation with my mother shortly after getting the LectroFan, and the machine was so lightweight that I decided to take it along. While my mom was resistant to running it in our room at first, she acquiesced when I explained that I couldn't sleep without it. (I'm not just saying that. I've tried.) She ended up loving it and purchased one when she returned home a week later.
This machine has changed my sleep habits so completely that I now keep one at my childhood home for when I visit and at my boyfriend's place to use when I spend the night. (I am not messing around here.) Incredibly, switching it on seems to prime my body for sleep before I've even climbed into bed. It's as though my body responds to this specific sound, and I instantly become drowsy. I've come to depend on it, and honestly, that's fine by me. Keep reading for a closer look.
An Expert Explains the Proper Walking Form to Maximize Your Workout and Lose Weight
Looking to up your fitness game and lose weight? Try walking. Seriously! Not only is it totally free - you just need a pair of walking shoes and about 30 minutes - but it can help you increase endurance, boost heart health, and lose weight (and if you're not losing weight, it could be because of one or more of these reasons).
And while you should aim for about 10,000 steps a day to lose weight (in addition to eating in a calorie deficit and strength training), your form makes a difference to prevent injury and maximize your workout. Alexis Craig, an NASM-certified personal trainer and a coach at the live-streaming workout app Gixo (which includes a variety of walking classes), told POPSUGAR that many people actually have improper walking form.
"Focus on landing on the balls of your feet with every step, pushing off the back foot," Alexis told POPSUGAR. "This seems very weird to a lot of people because they are used to walking with a heel strike. Heel striking leads to hyperextension of the knee and can cause a chain reaction to all kinds of injuries, so really try to lift up your front knee and land on the ball of your foot as much as you can." She also recommends to use your arms and breathe in cadence with your steps and to breathe through your nose as much as possible.
Next time you hit the pavement or the treadmill, pay attention to how your foot strikes the ground. It may take some practice to land on the balls of your feet, but with enough repetition, you'll get it. Before you know it, you'll be ready to take on this 20-minute walking treadmill workout.
The 10 People You Meet at the Gym in January
The start of a new year means new beginnings for those who are just starting their journeys to getting fit, but for those avid gym-goers who have a steady routine and a quiet space to work out, it means crowds and, yes, a little inconvenience. You know what we're talking about: going to the gym in January means seeing crowds of new people who are kick-starting their resolutions - a group some call the "new year, new me" crowd.
Of course, we're in full support of starting a healthy routine anytime, anywhere (and we all know there's a serious learning curve when it comes to finding a sweat routine that's just right for your body and schedule), but that doesn't stop us from seeing some patterns with the new friends we see those first 31 days of the new year . . . and sometimes never again. Ahead are the characters we always come across.
Experts Agree Walking Can Help You Lose Weight - Here's How Many Calories You'll Burn
While doing some HIIT workouts or strength training are proven to help you lean out, walking can absolutely help you drop pounds. What's great about walking is it's easy on the joints so it's something most people can do, it's free, and you don't have to get all sweaty doing it. Walking not only burns calories but can also give you a mood boost from the fresh air and sunshine if you're walking outside.
Many experts, including celeb trainer Harley Pasternak, agree that getting in more steps each day is one of the best ways to lose weight. According to Pasternak, "People who are more active throughout the day are actually leaner, healthier, fitter, and live longer than those who are sedentary throughout the day and then just do an hour Spin class three or four days a week."
So don't discount walking! Laura Arndt, a certified personal trainer and the CEO of Matriarc, a health and wellness app for moms, recommends that her clients aim for 10,000 total steps a day for weight loss. You can track your steps with your iPhone or a fitness tracker like a FitBit. Arndt said a 30-minute brisk walk can get most of her clients "between 3,000 and 5,000 steps, depending on their speed and their gait. However, we shouldn't be sitting the remainder of the day, so the goal is to achieve another 5,000 steps through everyday activity."
The chart below shows how many calories you'll burn in 30 minutes depending on your weight, according to SparkPeople. If you're on a treadmill, pump up the incline to burn more calories and target your booty. So call a friend to walk and chat with, or listen to a podcast or audiobook, and the half hour will fly by!
| Weight | 3 mph (20 minutes/mile) | 4 mph (15 minutes/mile) | 4 mph with 5 percent incline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | 91 | 108 | 210 |
| 130 | 99 | 122 | 225 |
| 140 | 107 | 135 | 240 |
| 150 | 115 | 148 | 255 |
| 160 | 124 | 162 | 270 |
| 170 | 132 | 176 | 285 |
| 180 | 140 | 189 | 300 |
| 190 | 148 | 202 | 315 |
| 200 | 156 | 216 | 330 |
I'm a Trainer, and These Are the Exercises You Should Be Doing More of in 2019
Instead of sharing a list of exercises I think should be retired (like the crunch - please stop doing crunches!), I decided to compile a list of exercises I think you should be doing more of today, tomorrow, in 2019, and beyond.
For starters, compound exercises are a must. Ask any trainer and they'll tell you that multijoint movements like squats will help you burn more calories and fat because they require more energy to perform. You'll also find that unilateral exercises (single-arm or single-leg exercises) made the list because they help build symmetry on both sides of your body.
It's my hope that these exercises inspire you to try something new and experiment with your workouts to become stronger.
Skip the Mat and Work Your Abs Standing For a Strong, Lean Core
If you're a person who loves working your abs because you get to lie down on a mat, this post may not be for you. We've rounded up our favorite standing ab exercises to show you how to work your abs upright because these moves will help you in your everyday activities far more than crunches will. And if you have neck pain every time you do ab work on the floor, try some of these standing moves and see how you feel.
There's quite a variety of ways to work your abs once you are off the floor - some of the moves use weights and some don't. We'll teach you how to do the wood chopper and the tuck jump. Program these moves into your next workout; we recommend adding two to five of these in a sweat session. Say goodbye to the mat, and read on to see all the ways you can work your abs standing.
Related: Skip the Crunches in This Quick Standing Abs Workout
Exactly What You Need to Know Before Trying Orangetheory in 2019 - Including the Price
You've probably heard of, or seen an Orangetheory fitness studio. The interval-based workout franchise, which is the brainchild of physiologist Ellen Latham, is exploding and now boasts over 700 locations nationwide, from New York to Alaska.
While the name Orangetheory is cool in and of itself, there's actually quite a bit behind it. Read on to have your questions answered about how much classes cost, what's involved in each session, and what you'll ultimately get out of a membership.
What Is Orangetheory?
To get the most out of your workouts, you'll need to buy into the gym's so-called Orangetheory, which is based on the physiological theory of "Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption," or EPOC, also known as the afterburn effect. Basically, the goal of any sweat session at OTF is to train within the "Orange Zone," a target heart rate, for 12 minutes or more. Doing so is said to improve your endurance and overall fitness. With the afterburn effect, you will continue burning calories at an elevated rate even after your workout is finished.
What's Involved in a Typical Orangetheory Session?
During your one-hour interval workout at OTF, you'll be coached through both cardiovascular and strength exercises. A class might start out with treadmill, bike, or strider work, then switch to weight-training via TRX suspension straps and free weights. At the end of a sesh, OTF claims you will have burned upwards of 500 calories!
Is There Any Special Equipment Involved in Orangetheory?
The short answer is "yes." To effectively monitor your heart rate, OTF uses its own heart-rate monitors. So your Fitbit won't be compatible with their app-enabled system. Once you are equipped with either the OTBeat Flex, a heart-rate monitor worn on your forearm, the OTBeat Core, a chest strap, or the newest OTBeat Burn, which can be worn on your wrist, forearm, or bicep, your individual heart rate is displayed on screens around the room. You're only competing with yourself, however, since again, the goal is to hit the Orange Zone for at least 12 minutes of your workout. Fun incentive: for each minute you stay in the Orange Zone, you earn a "Splat point," which can be tracked via the app.
How Much Do Orangetheory Classes Cost?
Membership rates vary depending on where you live. We talked to Orangetheory, and they told us there's a range of membership packages to choose from, from Basic (4 classes for $59/month) to Elite (8 classes for $99/month) to Premier (unlimited classes for $159/month). These are just estimates, so it's best to connect with a studio rep to discuss a plan that works for you; other premium locations, such as in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, Austin, and Dallas, cost more. If you live in Manhattan, you'll have to shell out $199 for an Elite membership and a cool $279 for the Premier.
No matter which level you go for, no annual contract is involved. Phew! And you can take additional classes at a discounted rate once you purchase a membership; the average cost of a class is $28. It's also worth noting the heart-rate monitors require an additional fee; between $5 and $10 for a rental, and between $69 and $109 to purchase. The good news? Anyone can try a free introductory class. And there's an app for that, too, and for booking future sessions.
What Else Do I Need to Know?
All this stuff about heart rate and points and interval training zones may sound intimidating. But the truth is, since your results are individually tracked and assessed, Orangetheory classes are designed for all fitness levels. The classes are led by coaches who are there to motivate you to be your personal best and reach your fitness goals. No matter where you start, OTF claims you will see increased energy in one month, "amazing results" in three months, and the start of a "new you" in six. Sounds like it's worth a try!
Sunday's To-Do List: Meal Prep Any of These Healthy Chicken Lunches For the Week
Meal prepping is an amazing tool when it comes to eating clean throughout the week. It saves us from last-minute fast-food binges and hangry spats with anyone who dare to come near us after work when we're too hungry to think straight. The key to successful meal prepping is variety. Stick to a few different meals so you can make sure you're not eating the same exact dishes all week, which takes as little effort as switching up veggies or cooking your carbs or proteins with different spices.
One of the most common foods used when prepping meals is chicken. It's a protein-packed poultry that can be easily cooked in tons of different ways, making it an excellent addition to your meal preps. Whether you eat your lunches and dinners straight out of your Tupperware or plate them nicely on a dish, these 21 healthy chicken meal prep ideas are bound to give you some serious inspo.
This 20-Minute HIIT Workout Is What You Need to Lose Belly Fat
Just about every fitness trainer, from famous ones like Jillian Michaels to not-so-famous ones like Champlain Valley CrossFit owner and head coach Jade Jenny, shares a clear message. If you want to lose belly fat, you need to focus on two main things. First, dial in your diet, eating whole foods and ditching sugar and processed crap. Second, when it comes to exercise, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts are a must - they're shown to target belly fat.
Here's a basic 20-minute HIIT workout designed to help you lose belly fat by burning calories to decrease your overall body fat, revealing a slimmer, leaner tummy. This workout alternates between jumping rope and bodyweight moves, so all you need is a jump rope. If you don't have one, just pretend or run in place instead.
The Workout
Directions: Perform each exercise below for 40 seconds, then take a 20-second rest. Push yourself hard during each 40-second interval. Perform the entire circuit twice for a 20 minute workout, or three times for a half-hour workouts.
- Jump rope
- Plank with bunny hops
- Jump rope
- Air squats
- Jump rope
- Burpees
- Jump rope
- Plank jacks
- Jump rope
- V-ups
Directions for each exercise are ahead.
Giving Blood For the First Time? Here's Everything You Need to Know
I'm terrified of needles. When I was a little kid, I would scream so loud any time I had to get my vaccinations, the other kids in the pediatrician's office assumed I was being subjected to some type of medieval torture. So when my high school offered a blood drive, I balked. I wasn't about to subject my arm to more needles.
It wasn't until I got to college and joined a sorority, where we were highly encouraged to participate in the blood donation aspects of our Homecoming and Greek Week festivities, that I mustered up the courage to do it. It eased my nerves to have friends to donate with, but I had no idea what to expect. I ate an iron-filled meal beforehand, drank a bunch of water, and hoped for the best.
When I first donated, I squeezed the nurse's hand so tight, I thought she would be leaving with broken appendages. But I survived, and you know what? It wasn't even that bad. I could barely feel the needle going in, and if I didn't look at the bag getting filled with my blood, I could pretend like nothing was happening. Now, I make an effort to give blood whenever possible.
According to the American Red Cross, someone in the US needs blood every two seconds, and one donation can potentially save up to three lives. If you're thinking about donating blood (and you should!) or you're just curious about what it entails, read on. We spoke with Patty Corvaia, APR, external communications manager at American Red Cross Blood Services, who outlined everything you need to know before giving blood and what you should do before, during, and after. Read on to get prepared to give back to your community and potentially save lives.
12 January Destinations to Shake Your Holiday Hangover
Holiday hangovers are a real thing, and we're not just talking booze-wise. (Although, obviously, that too.) Festivity madness is undoubtedly exhausting, between thinking of thoughtful gifts, shopping for and wrapping said gifts, attending multitudes of merry gatherings, and managing to survive family-house-hopping craziness (insert a glass of wine - or five). So, gifting ourselves a "refresh-cation" might just be the best idea we've had all year.
Whatever your post-holiday unwind style, this roundup of January destinations has your back. Maybe you need something to work off those Christmas cookies . . . because is it even the holidays without the cookies? Perhaps you just need some solo peace and quiet . . . no problem. Or, quite possibly, you're mulling over trying something new for that new year's reset - we've got that, too.
If anything, this post-holiday travel inspiration might just give you a daydream escape to help soothe the inevitable effects of fielding dating questions from wacky Aunt Susan. You've most certainly earned a mini or not-so-mini break to look forward to in January when the holiday dust has settled. Start 2019 off on a refreshed foot with these relaxing, detoxing, and utterly restorative spots.
Think: yoga, beach, massage, meditation retreat, cozy fireplace reading. Feel: rejuvenated, refreshed, rebooted - and get some long overdue "you time."
2019 Hotel Bucket List: 15 Stunning Spots to Stay
Each new year that comes around brings its own set of top places to travel, and with this always comes hundreds of suggested resorts, hotels, and B&Bs around the world that every jetsetter should add to their bucket list. Where you choose to stay while traveling can oftentimes make or break your experience - no matter what kind of travel experience you're looking for. So we've selected 15 must-experience stays that every traveler, vacationer, and dreamer should keep their eye on this year, from beachside stunners in Greece and one-of-a-kind stays across the USA to remote, next-level properties. If you have "travel more" at the top of your resolutions list for 2019 or you're simply craving a dose of travel inspiration, you'll want to keep reading!
A Step-by-Step Guide For Packing the KonMari Way
Before I completed Marie Kondo's KonMari Method of tidying up, I loathed packing for vacation. So much so, I would typically wait until 30 minutes before leaving for the airport to shove everything in a bag and fingers crossed, I would remember my toothbrush. But now that I am a convert for this organizational method, I've applied the same minimalist principles to my packing, and I'm never looking back. Here are some of the key takeaways so you too can pack joyfully.
Start with a suitcase that sparks joy.
During my tidying process, my parents actually got rid of my suitcases accidentally, but I took the opportunity to invest in a new set of ultra-lightweight, rolling suitcases in my favorite color: teal. Before I start packing, I unzip the bag, lay it flat on the floor, and check all pockets for possible remnants from the previous trip (usually cell phone chargers, etc.).
Fold your clothes the KonMari way.
Most of us learned to fold our clothes into thin rectangles and stack the items on top of one another vertically. The problem with this method is you always end up rummaging around your drawer (or in this case suitcase) looking for an item and leaving the whole thing a tangled wreck. Marie Kondo suggests rolling clothes in sort of a triangle shape that stands upright by itself. The clothes are then placed side-by-side horizontally, hugging one another. This makes it so that you can see every single item you own.
This is especially helpful when packing, because you can quickly see if you've forgotten something essential, i.e. underwear. When traveling, gone are the days you have to unload your whole suitcase to find that dang pair of PJs that found its way to the bottom of your bag. When packing, I go the extra mile and refold the clothes so they fit my suitcase perfectly. Then, I lay everything out on my bed (or the floor) until it's time to transfer to the suitcase.
Pull out shoes and accessories.
The KonMari Method is about asking yourself, "What sparks joy?" but when it comes to traveling, I ask myself, "What do I really, really need?" Oftentimes I'll end up putting away a couple of pairs of miscellaneous shoes or dresses and paring down to the bare minimum essentials, so I can zipper my suitcase without the expansion. That way, I know I have some room to spare to pack souvenirs during my trip.
Save toiletries for last.
I leave a hole in the suitcase for my toiletry bag. Meanwhile, I gather my essential toiletries and keep them in plain view on a bathroom counter so I can use them until the last minute. Placing all of the items in a horizontal row (like your clothes) also helps you do a mental checklist before packing them away.
Now that you're all packed up, remember to keep things tidy as you travel! I stash my dirty clothes (still folded) on one side of my bag away from the clean. For whatever reason, this also helps make unpacking a lot easier. You can toss all the dirty clothes in a hamper while transferring the clean, folded clothes back to your drawers.
Here's my list for a weekend trip (as pictured):
- 3 shirts
- 2 shorts
- 3 workout outfits
- 1 sweatshirt
- 1 dress
- 1 jacket (I wear when traveling)
- 3 pairs of underwear
- 1 swimsuit
- 3 pairs of socks
- 1 pair of tennis shoes
- 1 pair of sandals
- 1 pair of wedges/heels
- 1 bag of toiletries
- 1 hat
- 1 pair of sunglasses
2019 Is the Year I'm Going to Organize My Home Like Marie Kondo - Here's How
New Year's resolutions are notoriously difficult to see through all 12 months, so this year, I'm picking just a few concrete goals and going all in on execution. For 2019, I really want to get organized. Inspired by Marie Kondo's recent Netflix show and the disaster that is my t-shirt drawer, I've decided to dedicate a few hours to really decluttering. I'm focusing on the three problem areas in my apartment - my closet, kitchen, and bathroom - in hopes that a cleaner home makes for a happier and more inviting one. If you're filled with the excitement and determination that only January can bring, keep reading to learn about what I'm shopping to make my home my sanctuary.
Behati Prinsloo Says Her Postpartum Depression Made It "Difficult to Get Back Into Normal Life"
Behati Prinsloo, supermodel mom of two, is getting candid about parenthood. The 30-year-old Victoria Secret model recently sat down with Net-a-Porter's Porter Edit to explain the highs and lows she experienced becoming a mother. She shares daughters 11-month-old Gio and 2-year-old Dusty with husband Adam Levine.
Behati revealed that while she really liked being pregnant and wanted to enjoy her time carrying each baby, it did not come without its fair share of trials.
"After my first baby, I had a little postpartum depression and it was difficult to get back into normal life," she said. "But after the second one everything felt so much easier; it was easier for me to work out, breastfeeding was easier."
She didn't feel the stress of getting back into shape or returning to modeling after having her girls. Behati said, "No one pressured me to return to work, not even Victoria's Secret, who I was under contract with – they never asked me when I was going to be back." Instead, she felt confident when she walked the runway in November 2018.
"I did the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show eight months after I had Gio. I felt so empowered. I was like, 'I can do this, I have two kids.' It was a beautiful journey; I loved being pregnant and I enjoyed getting back to work," she explained.
Through becoming a mother, Behati has developed a deep admiration for working moms. "I'm [currently] keeping work very casual and not trying to be everywhere and show that I'm 'back' – it's tough being a mom," she said. "The people I look up to the most are working mothers; it's awesome to see these amazing, strong women with kids and a career, killing it at both."
Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard's Daughters Had an Adorable Surprise For Them After the Globes
During Sunday night's Golden Globes, Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard were basically all of our parents. They captured their relatable getting ready struggles and stunning selfies during the show, but when it was time to go home, they resumed their roles as Delta and Lincoln's mom and dad in the sweetest way possible. When Dax and Kristen arrived home, they were greeted by adorable drawings from their daughters, which Kristen captured on her Instagram Stories.
Some of the notes were filled with love: "I love you momma and I love that you have a nomination. I love you. Bye. Delta. I love the 'domination' so much," the first drawing read. And others were "dramatic," as Kristen joked. "Dear mommy I am really happy you got chosen and it breaks my heart. I am really happy for you. I even said I am really happy and it makes me happy inside, and I won't be mean to Delta at all," Lincoln's drawing said.
First, let's give a round of applause to the babysitter because this is the cutest gesture, and we wouldn't expect anything less from the 4- and 5-year-old Shepard gals. Second, Kristen epitomized a mother's love when gushing over the drawings, exclaiming: "And then some completely grotesque pictures of us! Oh my goodness." Ha!
Despite not taking home the award for best actress in a TV musical or comedy for her role on The Good Place, Kristen is absolutely winning in the parenting department. Check out photos from Kristen and Dax's night ahead, and gush over the endearing drawings from Delta and Lincoln.
Sparkly Eggs and Color-Changing Mermaid Tails? The New Hatchimals Are Turning the Fun WAY Up
The newest season of Spin Master's Hatchimals CollEGGtibles is fin-tastic! With sparkly, seashell-shaped eggs and magical color-changing fun, it's safe to say that these adorable eggs have set the bar for the collectibles craze even higher.
Season five, called "Mermal Magic," features over 80 characters to collect, which can all be stored in the new Coral Castle playset (which comes with an exclusive Mermal Magic character and hidden treasure). Products in the shimmery under-the-sea line, which is available to purchase at all major retailers on Jan. 7, will range in price from $3 to $20.
Get an exclusive sneak peek ahead!
Jamie Otis Reveals She Had Another Miscarriage, 4 Months After Her Chemical Pregnancy
Jamie Otis is opening up about the heartbreaking news of her second miscarriage in four months. On Jan. 11, the Married at First Sight star revealed to Instagram followers that she lost a baby after 10 weeks gestation.
Jamie has been honest on social media about her pregnancy struggles ever since she lost her son Jonathan Edward when she was 17 weeks pregnant in 2016. She is known for chronicling her continued path toward parenthood through sincere posts, especially after she and her husband Doug Hehner excitedly welcomed their daughter Henley Grace in 2017. In September 2018 Jamie revealed she had a "chemical pregnancy", and on Friday she shared a photo of herself in bed with Henley Grace and gave an account of how she's coping with another upsetting loss.
"So thankful for this little one and her daddy. Our doc appointment didn't go well today," she wrote. "I'm devastated. We've had a 'failed miscarriage.' Our baby formed and there was an amniotic sac, but while the amniotic sac continued to grow the baby stopped at some point . . . Spending the rest of the day in bed thanking God from the bottom.of.my.heart for our rainbow baby, @henleygracehehner. Feeling so blessed to have her to hold while my heart aches!"
Our hearts are with Jamie, Doug, Henley, and the rest of their family.
This Dog Responds to Harry Potter Spells, So He Basically Just Aced His Charms O.W.L.
Anna Brisbin and her dog are shocking the internet with a two-minute video of the mini Dachshund listening to commands. But we're not just talking sit or stay here - the 10-month-old dog responds (very obediently, might I add) to Harry Potter spells. Oh, and his name's Remus.
"Oh, you trained your dog in German?" Anna wrote on Twitter. "Coolcoolcool I trained my dog in Harry Potter spells."
Remus will turn on a light to the command of "Lumos" (and turn it off with "Nox"), stand on his hind legs at "Wingardium Leviosa," go fetch his ball when Anna yells "Accio ball," eat when he hears "Engorgio," and pee - yes, pee - when Anna says "Augumenti." It's truly incredible.
The video of Remus, which has nearly two million views on Twitter at press time, is garnering tons of reactions from other Harry Potter-loving Twitter users. See some of the best (and funniest) ahead, and watch Remus's full Harry Potter spells routine in the video above.
Incoming! Disney Junior Is Airing a New Show This Month, and It’s Going to Be DINO-Mite!
Disney Junior is already stacking its 2019 lineup with a new show airing on Jan. 18, and it's going to be DINO-mite! Gigantosaurus, a CGI animated dinosaur adventure series for preschoolers, is about four young dinosaurs - Rocky, Bill, Tiny, and Mazu - who "explore a prehistoric world of adventure where the most exciting mystery of all is Gigantosaurus, the biggest and fiercest dinosaur anyone has ever seen!"
The hilarious show, which will definitely channel your child's inner dino (and give '90s kids some serious The Land Before Time vibes), features an adorable and catchy theme song, co-created by the LA-based children's band, The BeatBuds.
"As kids, the Cretaceous world always captivated our imaginations. As adults, and as songwriters in the children's genre, we had coincidentally previously explored various musical ideas to express our lifelong interest in this colorful and awe-inspiring time period," Matty of The BeatBuds told POPSUGAR. "When we were presented with the opportunity to write a theme song for a new Disney dinosaur series, we looked at each other, smiled, and started stomping our feet to our own dino beat! After that, the song flowed out like volcanic lava!" Jonny, the other half of the musical duo, added that he was inspired to "create a song that really thumps for the kids!"
Check out a clip from the new show above, get a sneak peek at the theme song written by The BeatBuds ahead, and tune into the first episode of Gigantosaurus on Jan. 18 at 9 a.m. local time!
Mindy Kaling Just Shared Her Daughter’s Favorite Books . . . Which Are Now 90% Baby Spit
As an avid reader, I tend to think I owe most of my love for books to my mom, who used to read to me every day without fail, even when I was a sleeping newborn. Mindy Kaling also values sitting with a good book and tries to read at least three to five books a day with her 1-year-old daughter Katherine. Together, they mainly read board books, which Mindy says are great, because they're really short, really fun, and are able to endure the constant onslaught of baby drool.
"A good thing to know about board books is that they get covered with spit. This entire book [Oh My Oh My Oh Dinosaurs! by Sandra Boynton] is 90 percent my daughter's saliva. I think that's why they are board, so they can chew on them," Mindy said on Instagram Stories on Jan. 7.
The mom also shared Katherine's favorite book, as well as one that Mindy herself relies on to help her daughter get to sleep. "Katherine's hands-down favorite book is Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton. I think she really likes the illustrations, which are incredibly friendly, and even though they're simple they have so much emotion," she said. "The most useful books for a selfish adult are books that encourage your child to sleep. This The Going to Bed Book is a classic. Without fail, by the time I'm finished, my daughter is [snoring]."
Mindy shared a few other stories she and Katherine love to read together (and drool all over, in Katherine's case), including Dr. Seuss board books and books that rhyme. But of course, even though his book doesn't come in a board book version, Mindy had to shout out her good friend B.J. Novak for those parents whose kids who are past the board book stage. "Obviously when she gets older, her favorite book will be The Book With No Pictures written by B.J. Novak - an iconic, classic children's book - except that it's not a board book, so I didn't want him to feel offended."
Although Mindy was gifted a baby library by Oprah Winfrey, she says she's always looking for new books, especially as they "go through them so quickly because again, my daughter destroys them by chewing on them." And if you don't have your own personal Oprah, never fear: Mindy shared her and Katherine's favorite board books that are available on Amazon - check them out ahead!
These Congresswomen Brought Their Kids to Work on Their First Days, and Hell Yes, Working Mamas
The 116th Congress, which was sworn in on Jan. 3, includes 125 women - 18 more than the 115th Congress! Within that group, there are a hell of a lot of working moms holding seats, which meant that there were a number of young kids present in Washington DC on the day of the swearing-in ceremony.
From Rashida Tlaib, one of the first Muslim women to be elected to Congress (along with Ilhan Omar), to Ayanna Pressley, the first black woman to be elected to Congress in Massachusetts, these are some of the women of the 116th Congress who were joined by their biggest fans - their kids - to make history on Capitol Hill.
1 Genius Dad Created an App That Freezes Kids' Phones Until They Call Their Parents Back
As a teenager who was entering middle school just as the cell phone craze really took hold in the late 2000s, there was nothing I loved more than texting on my Samsung flip phone. Fast forward to 15 years later, and parents have a hell of a lot more to worry about than whether or not their children accidentally hit the costly "data" button on their pink Razrs. Fortunately, Nick Herbert did moms and dads everywhere a solid by creating an app called ReplyASAP, which locks kids' phones until they call their parents back.
And yes, it's as straightforward as it sounds. If you call your child and they don't answer, they literally can't do anything else on their device until they give you a ring back. So far, the app is going over well with parents. Ever since the app launched in August 2017 on Google Play, it's been downloaded more than 75,000 times. For now, ReplyASAP is only available for Android users. But on the upside, the first "connection" is free. From there, each additional device the app is programmed with costs a few bucks a month.
“Fiver” Birthday Parties Are Starting to Catch On, and They’re Actually Kind of Genius
A new(ish) trend is emerging in the kids' birthday party realm - "fiver" parties - and I've got to say, I'm on board.
Every year, I attend the birthday parties of the kids I used to nanny. They're getting older now, and I truly think the stuff and toys are just getting bigger and more expensive as time goes on. I have sat there year after year as they rip open their gifts, either exclaiming "I have this already!" or "I don't want this" or "Yay! I hoped for this," and it's of no fault to them that it gets to be just so damn much - it's their birthday, and they want to open the things they've been presented with. And if you're inviting 15 kids to the party and each of them is coming with a gift, of course things are bound to get a little out of hand - not only that, but each gift opened tends to get less and less special.
This is where the fiver party swoops in to create a more meaningful experience. On the invitation for a fiver party the parent can explain that gifts aren't expected, but should you want to bring something with you (because it can feel awkward to show up empty-handed), a $5 gift card or cash can be gifted to go toward something the child is saving for, or even an experience, like a museum pass or day at the movies. This shifts the birthday party to being more about celebrating with friends and family, rather than a day focused on what gifts they'll get to rip open.
"It was so wonderful and is creating many more memories than a toy could."
Back in June, Today spoke with Sarah Schultz, a mom of three who threw her son a fiver party. "Birthday parties can be so expensive - spending $20 on a gift . . . really limits the amount of birthday parties I let our kids attend," she said, adding that her son combined his Christmas and birthday money to save up for a pet hedgehog. "Braden was very happy with his fiver party and it was a wonderful lesson to teach him about saving money instead of spending money as soon as you get it." Another mother, Rachel Horan, threw a fiver party for her daughter and put the focus of the $5 gifts on getting Michaela a zoo pass for the year, which was a success. "It was so wonderful and [the zoo pass] is creating many more memories than a toy could," she said. "So many parents said they wish they had thought of it with their own kids but were never sure how to word it."
Author Amy McCready, the founder of Positive Parenting Solutions, was skeptical about the concept at first, but shared some of the things she now considers benefits of a fiver party.
With fiver parties, parents and close relatives can still give the child a few gifts, and friends can help contribute to a larger coveted item or experience. To those people [who disagree], I share my insight of being able to have more friends attend, keep the party an affordable event for those kids, and keep those useless gifts that get pushed aside away. I also don't think it's any more tacky than saying your child has a wish list for their birthday and to buy certain gifts for them.
However, Amy thinks that the party idea should be approved by the birthday kid first. Because not every party they go to for their friends and classmates will be a fiver party, they might want a party in which they get a bunch of little toys and gifts from friends. If you're considering a fiver party for your child, chat with them first about the benefits of being able to save up for one or two things they really want, or an experience, and let them approve the idea. If they do, it sounds like you'll all be pleasantly surprised with how it turns out.
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