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 30 janvier 2019
120+ Haircut Transformations That Will Make Your Jaw Drop to the Floor
Just broke up with your significant other? Moved to a new city? Got a promotion at work? Whatever the new change is, there is no better way to fully embrace it than by revamping your hair. From a slight trim to trying out bangs to completely chopping off all of your length, doing something new with your hair can transform you.
Take a look at some of the wildest hair transformations in the game. You will want to book an appointment at your go-to salon ASAP . . . trust us.
We Asked a Trainer How Many Calories Taking the Steps Burns, and His Answer Is Shocking
Few things are better than seeing triple digits on your machine at the gym, indicating that you've burned some serious calories. But exercise machines and fitness trackers aren't perfect and can even give numbers notably further from reality. Curious if climbing a flight of stairs or crushing a StairMaster workout burns as many calories as it feels like it does, we sought out the advice of Chris Kelly, an NASM-certified personal trainer.
Here's the harsh truth: climbing one step results in burning 0.11 calories, according to a study in the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise journal. This means you would need to go 10 steps in order to burn a single calorie - a distance most fitness trackers consider roughly equal to a flight of stairs, Chris told POPSUGAR. If one calorie seems low to you, it's because that's a very basic number.
He went on to explain that this number varies from person to person based on their weight, the intensity of the exercise, and other factors. Think about it. If you're running up the stairs with ankle weights on, you're going to burn more calories than someone walking without any resistance. If one of you weighed 100 pounds more than the other, that's also going to impact the results.
Both the StairMaster and regular stairs can be an effective workout, but the machine has its advantages. "I have used the StairMaster in the past with clients because I'm able to track their intensity and monitor them easier than on regular stairs," Chris said. Even if the machine doesn't accurately read calories burned, you can use it to track your speed and the steepness of your climb, which can help you gauge your progress. Apply the same concepts to your workouts outside of the gym, and remember that resistance can work wonders.
Emily Blunt's Facialist Reveals All the Secrets to Her Practically Perfect Skin
Emily Blunt and the word "perfect" seem to go hand-in-hand anytime she opens her mouth to sing or steps out onto the red carpet with husband John Krasinski, which is great and all . . . but can we take a second to talk about her skin? Smooth, clear, and exponentially brighter than the SAG Awards trophy she took home - it doesn't get more goals than that.
The secret, according to her facialist of 11 years Biba de Sousa, is regular skin resets. "Leading up to awards season, I saw Emily several times," de Sousa said. "She is flying literally all over the world and her skin needed some TLC. She complained about the effects of dry and humid Winter climate on the East Coast on her skin and about dehydration from multiple air flights."
By "TLC," de Sousa means a combination of a few techniques: light therapy, microcurrent facials, a gua sha board ("to stimulate meridian points of her face"), lymphatic drainage, and what she describes as "fascia release."
"[Fascia release] is also relaxing, which is what Emily needed after being crazy-busy with her double nominations this season."
"Fascia release is a manual facial manipulation technique gaining a momentum among US estheticians, but I have been practicing it for years," she said. "Basically, I move fascia in a certain manner and direction to release facial expression tension and to enhance blood circulation in the surface of the skin. It is also relaxing, which is what Emily needed after being crazy-busy with her double nominations this season. Dry skin tends to 'harden' fast once exposed to stress and elements, and fascia release erases the traces of fatigue."
But perhaps the biggest tip de Sousa can impart is not necessarily what she does for Blunt but rather what she doesn't do. "Emily's skin is in very good shape, so she doesn't need much intervention in terms of extractions or laborous exfoliation. She is very holistic - I don't recall ever putting acids on her face. Not searching for extreme treatments has preserved her skin so well, and she looks just like she did 10 years ago."
Bask in all her glowy glory, ahead.
Harley Quinn Gives Us a Sneak Peek at Her Gang in the First Teaser For Birds of Prey
Harley Quinn is back, and she's bringing some new friends along for the ride! All decked out in her new look and clutching a margarita glass filled with something colorful, Margot Robbie gives us our first proper look at Suicide Squad sequel Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn). The title is still a mouthful, but it somehow fits the cast of characters that appear in the 20-second teaser released on Monday afternoon. The short footage gives us brief glimpses at several iconic DC characters, including Mary Elizabeth Winstead's Huntress and Jurnee Smollett-Bell's Black Canary. Check out the teaser above, and hopefully we'll be seeing much more of the film pretty soon.
Chadwick Boseman and His Girlfriend, Taylor Simone Ledward, Are Fit to Rule the SAG Awards
Chadwick Boseman and his girlfriend Taylor Simone Ledward made a rare joint appearance at the SAG Awards on Jan. 27, and we're so glad they did. They gorgeous couple cozied up on the red carpet and posed with fellow celebrities, including This Is Us cast members Sterling K. Brown and Susan Kelechi Watson.
The 41-year-old Black Panther star and 27-year-old singer first sparked romance rumors in February 2018 when they were spotted together at an NBA All-Star game with his costar Michael B. Jordan. While Taylor and Chadwick keep their romance under the radar, they were confirmed as dating back in April of last year after her grandma shared the news with In Touch.
Even if you have a big crush on Chadwick, it's easy to love these two together. See more photos from their night at the SAG Awards, ahead.
A Little Girl Touched Kate Middleton's Famous Blowout, and Her Reaction Was Purely Precious
Kate Middleton made an adorable new friend on her trip to Dundee, Scotland, with Prince William - all thanks to her famous blowout! On Jan. 29, the Duchess of Cambridge greeted the Dundee crowd and knelt down to meet a few of her small fans, as she frequently does with young children. As Kate got down to eye-level with the kids, a certain little girl was so caught up in their conversation that she started mindlessly playing with the royal's iconic chestnut curls while they talked. Kate noticed the sweet gesture and burst into giggles - the perfect reaction!
As a mom of three, it's likely that Kate Middleton often handles moments like this from her own children. While she does have her fair share of parenting struggles, she's a pro at defusing tantrums before they begin, interacting with little ones, and explaining confusing moments in kid-friendly terms. It's no wonder her smallest fans feel so comfortable around her!
Related: A Kid Touched Meghan Markle's Hair, and He Had an Adorable Reaction When Harry Told Him Off
Amy Schumer’s Family Made Her a Vagina Cake, and I Need My Eye Drops Because This Can’t Be Right
Having been to a number of baby showers in my life, I sort of thought the worst things got - or could get - was the diaper game. You know, where people smear various chocolate bars into diapers and force unsuspecting guests to sniff them and guess the candy, ultimately ruining candy forever. But of course things can get worse, especially if you're Amy Schumer. The mom-to-be has always kept it real with respect to her pregnancy, and this cake, in all of its horrifying glory, is certainly not something she was going to hide from Instagram.
The caption reads: "My sister in law. And I can't stress that enough IN LAW. surprised me with a horrifying cake and i can't thank her enough. So I won't thank her at all. @mofischhh something is truly wrong with you and i love you." It's certainly, um, unique, and really the only question we have is, Who did they find to make this thing?
Bo Peep Got a Badass Makeover For Toy Story 4 - See the First Photo!
Bo Peep is back for Toy Story 4, and she's rocking a whole new look.
Although Bo appears in the previous films as the pretty, soft-spoken, and a little bit sarcastic toy who Woody has a big ol' crush on in Andy's bedroom, it seems she's breaking out of her shell for the fourth installment of the Disney Pixar franchise. According to a press release celebrating her addition to the cast, the studio writes that she and Woody haven't seen each other "in years," and that Bo has become "chipped and faded" over time.
"Bo's strength and sarcasm always belied her delicate porcelain exterior, and it turns out she's an adventure-seeking free spirit who feels right at home on the road. When she and Woody are reunited under unlikely circumstances, they realize they've grown worlds apart when it comes to life as a toy."
It will be interesting to see how she fits into Woody's new world, especially since Toy Story 4 was originally pitched as a romantic comedy featuring the two before evolving into a story that involves Tony Hale's new character, Forky.
"Bo's taken control of her own destiny," said Toy Story 4 director Josh Cooley. "While Woody was watching Andy grow up, Bo gathered dust until she took it upon herself to head out into the world. And when Woody shows up, they can't believe that they've found each other again."
Luckily, Annie Potts is back on board as the voice of Bo Peep, and describes the latest edition of her character - who's ditched her pink petticoat and now rocks it as a cape, instead - as "modern, independent, capable, and confident." See Bo in action in a clip and her character poster, ahead!
The Bachelor Couples: Where Are They Now?
The newest season of The Bachelor, starring Colton Underwood, is upon us, and it has us reminiscing about those early Bachelor seasons and wondering what the couples are up to now. Most importantly, who are they seeing and what are their relationship statuses? We all know the group of former contestants from the reality-TV dating show is an incestuous bunch, and it can be difficult to keep track of who's with whom. So we're breaking it down from the beginning to give you the scoop on where the last couples standing from each of the 22 seasons of The Bachelor are now. And in case you missed it, the previous Bachelor, Arie Luyendyk Jr., recently married Lauren Burnham, and they are expecting a baby girl! See if all the other couples made it out this happy. Will you accept this rose?
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
Male Cheerleaders Are Going to Perform at the Super Bowl For the First Time in NFL History
Two men are poised to make history at the Super Bowl on Feb. 3 . . . from the sidelines. On Sunday, keep an eye out for Quinton Peron and Napoleon Jinnies as the Los Angeles Rams face off against the New England Patriots. They're going to be the first male cheerleaders in NFL history to perform at the Super Bowl.
Both Peron and Jinnies joined the Rams in March 2018, becoming two of the first male cheerleaders since the league started nearly 100 years ago. Other NFL teams had stuntmen previously, but Peron, Jinnies, and the New Orleans Saints' Jesse Hernandez were the first to dance alongside their female counterparts. Peron tweeted after the team secured its spot in the Super Bowl: "Napoleon, you think Atlanta is ready for us? NAHHHHHH. We're going to the Super Bowl!"
Peron told Good Morning America that after this "fairy-tale" experience, many more men have expressed interest in becoming cheerleaders like him and Jinnies. "It's exciting to see the tide change a little bit," Peron said.
Keep reading to see more photos of Jinnies (pictured above) and Peron in action. Sunday can't come fast enough!
I Hate Wearing Jeans on the Plane, and This $52 Tracksuit Is Perfect For Traveling
Is there really anything worse than being stuck on a plane for hours, sweating in too-tight jeans? In case you can't tell, I've learned from experience; it's not my favorite thing. Years ago, I switched from wearing denim when traveling and decided to opt for cute and comfy track pants that basically feel like pajamas but are still stylish enough that I won't have to worry about getting kicked off a plane.
I recently treated myself to this Striped Velour Top ($26, originally $44) and matching Jogger Pant ($26, originally $44) set from the latest POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's release, and I'm so obsessed with it.
Just last weekend I flew cross-country, and they were perfect for my five-hour flight. The best part? I got even more use out of them by styling them as separates on my trip. The cozy striped sweater was perfect to pair with jeans for a chill dinner, and I rocked the joggers on a casual day with my favorite hoodie. Need more convincing? They're on sale right now, so what are you waiting for?
This Girl Turned Her AirPods Into Earrings So She'll Never Lose Them, and THIS Is Innovation
The first thing a lot of people say when advising someone else about buying AirPods is, "Try not to lose them!" Misplacing them is a valid concern, and one woman thought of the most creative way to prevent that by turning them into earrings. Gabrielle Reilly told BuzzFeed News, "I absolutely refuse to lose them. My cat ate through two pairs of Beats Bluetooth earphones, and all my other earphones. So I got the AirPods because there was no wire for her to chew, but I still needed something to connect them." Gabrielle did what only a crafty genius would do, and her earrings a pretty cute IMO.
By securely fastening the AirPods to a detachable clasp, Gabrielle can wear the wireless earphones as dangling earrings and make sure they don't disappear, and she can pop them out any time she wants to charge them. The 22-year-old took her idea to the next level in a really genius way and is now selling the "Airings" for $20. Honestly, why didn't we think of this sooner? People who responded to her now-viral tweet had the exact same question. See an up-close version of the earrings - and people's hilarious reactions to this very 2019 invention - ahead.
15 of the Prettiest Prom Dresses We've Seen, Made Especially For Curvy Girls
There are few dresses in life that are quite as important as your prom dress. It's something so many girls dream of, and your chance to feel like the best version of yourself. If you can't wait to get shopping, start here. We've scoured the internet to find the 15 dresses we think you'll really love, and they're made especially for girls with curves. Happy shopping!
The Youngest-Ever US Figure Skating Champion Taught Jimmy Fallon Her Pre-Competition Ritual
Alysa Liu made history last week as the youngest-ever US figure skating champion, and on Jan. 29, she gave her full reaction to the historic event on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The 13-year-old skater sat down with the host on Jan. 29 to discuss her wins, the reaction from her friends, and how she prepares for a big competition. Alysa even taught Jimmy her pre-routine ritual, that she started with her coach a while back. "I do it every time, just to make sure I do well," she said.
Watch the full video above to see how Alysa's psychs herself up for major victories, like the many she had last weekend. Side note: she's also just a freakin' adorable human being, and your soul will benefit from all 3 minutes and 52 seconds of seeing her on-screen.
We Asked a Trainer How Many Calories Taking the Steps Burns, and His Answer Is Shocking
Few things are better than seeing triple digits on your machine at the gym, indicating that you've burned some serious calories. But exercise machines and fitness trackers aren't perfect and can even give numbers notably further from reality. Curious if climbing a flight of stairs or crushing a StairMaster workout burns as many calories as it feels like it does, we sought out the advice of Chris Kelly, an NASM-certified personal trainer.
Here's the harsh truth: climbing one step results in burning 0.11 calories, according to a study in the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise journal. This means you would need to go 10 steps in order to burn a single calorie - a distance most fitness trackers consider roughly equal to a flight of stairs, Chris told POPSUGAR. If one calorie seems low to you, it's because that's a very basic number.
He went on to explain that this number varies from person to person based on their weight, the intensity of the exercise, and other factors. Think about it. If you're running up the stairs with ankle weights on, you're going to burn more calories than someone walking without any resistance. If one of you weighed 100 pounds more than the other, that's also going to impact the results.
Both the StairMaster and regular stairs can be an effective workout, but the machine has its advantages. "I have used the StairMaster in the past with clients because I'm able to track their intensity and monitor them easier than on regular stairs," Chris said. Even if the machine doesn't accurately read calories burned, you can use it to track your speed and the steepness of your climb, which can help you gauge your progress. Apply the same concepts to your workouts outside of the gym, and remember that resistance can work wonders.
Meet Toni Harris, the "Future First Female NFL Player" and Star of Toyota's Super Bowl Ad
Receive multiple college football scholarship offers? Check. Be named homecoming queen? Check. Star in Toyota's 2019 Super Bowl commercial? Check, check. But there's one goal that Toni Harris has been dreaming about since she's 4 years old, and she's not giving up on it - "I want to be the first female NFL player." On Tuesday, Toyota revealed its ad that will air during Sunday night's football game, and it showcases Toni's journey playing the sport that no one thought she was meant to play, but football is her passion and she loves "to prove people wrong," as she explained in an interview with CBS News. She's so set on her goals that even her Instagram bio says that she's the "Future First Female NFL Player."
The Toyota RAV4 commercial will show just how much she's proved people wrong throughout the years. "They've said a lot of things about Toni Harris," the voiceover reads. "They said she was too small. They said she was too slow, too weak. They said she'd never get to the next level, never inspire a new generation. Never get a football scholarship. Yeah, people have made a lot of assumptions about Toni," to which she replies, "But I've never been a big fan of assumptions."
Currently, Tobi plays defensive back for the East Los Angeles College Huskies, and is deciding which of the four-year college scholarship offers she is ready to accept. She told CBS News about the obstacles she's faced and the teams she's been kicked off of, but she wants her story to inspire younger girls to "keep your dream alive," and that "nothing's impossible." She added, "I'm just paving the way for the next little girl that's gonna come along and be a role model as well."
Cheers to that! Watch Tobi's Toyota commercial ahead, and see more photos of her playing the game she loves; just don't forget her name, because we have a feeling you're going to be hearing a lot of it in the future.
John Legend Reached EGOT Status, but There's 1 Thing Left For Him to Do: Swim Lessons
John Legend has mastered a lot in his 40 years. In September 2018, he become one of the youngest people to obtain EGOT status, which means he's won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. He also made history as the first black man to receive this honor. His successful career aside, there's one thing he hasn't quite conquered yet: swimming. But at age 40, he's giving it another go.
"I can't really swim," John tweeted on Jan. 28. "Today I took my first swim lesson since I was like 5. My dad learned in his 60s so I feel like I'm ahead of schedule." He later wrote to a fan that his children, Luna and Miles, began lessons months ago. We're here for you, John, and so is the rest of social media. Read on for some hilarious and endearing reactions to John's swim lessons - because everyone, even an EGOT winner, needs some moral support when picking up the backstroke.
If Burpees Are Your Kryptonite, These Are the 3 Moves You Should Do Instead
There are two types of people in this world: those who love burpees and those who despise them. One person who truly cannot stand burpees, and is probably the president of the anti-burpee club, is celebrity trainer Ben Bruno. He dislikes them so much, he dedicated an entire Instagram post to explaining why he isn't a fan.
If this were an assignment for class, we're sure he'd get an A+ on it. In his "why I don't like burpees" post, Ben made the following points:
- They put "undue stress on the wrists, shoulders, knees, and lower back."
- They're an "Advanced exercise masquerading as a beginner exercise. Most people lack the requisite strength and mobility to do them properly at all, let alone for high reps, which is how they're programmed since the goal is metabolic conditioning."
- "High reps + poor form = Recipe for injury"
- "They're often used in group settings and bootcamps, but most people suck at them, making it a bad choice."
- "Strong athletes and advanced trainees with good mobility can probably get away with doing them, but have you ever seen a pro strength coach prescribe burpees? Me neither. Success leaves clues."
Instead of doing burpees, Ben recommends breaking the movement down "into its constituent parts." This means performing push-ups and squats (or squat jumps) separately in a circuit. He also recommends using any cardio machine such as the bike, SkiErg, elliptical, Versa Climber, rower, sleds, StairMaster, and doing sprints for metabolic conditioning work.
In conclusion, "literally anything else besides burpees." Check out how to do the alternatives ahead:
10 Sneaker Organizers, Because We Can't All Have a Designated Shoe Closet
Got a sneaker obsession? Us too, so we're taking proactive, positive steps to decluttering our closet. Gone are the days where you're running around looking for a match, and you'll find that when your shoes are organized, it actually opens up a lot more storage space. Which means you can shop for more sneakers.
This List of Foods You Can Eat on the Mediterranean Diet Proves It's Not Really a Diet
If you feel like you've heard about the Mediterranean diet a lot lately, you're not wrong. It was named the best diet of the year for what feels like the thousandth time and for good reason. Not only has the Mediterranean diet been proven effective for weight loss, but it can also reduce your risk for heart disease and even help you live longer. And as more dieters move away from more restrictive plans, a diet that allows you to eat carbs and drink wine will undoubtedly only grow in popularity.
In fact, the Mediterranean diet feels less like a diet than a lifestyle. "The diet is rooted in enjoyment of eating and staying active," Elissa Goldman, MS, RD, LDN, founder of Nutrition by Elissa in Arlington, MA, told POPSUGAR. "Rather than counting or restricting a food group, the Mediterranean diet encourages the addition and consumption of whole foods."
If you're thinking of giving it a go, you're in luck - Elissa gave us some suggestions for what you can (and should) eat on the Mediterranean diet, right ahead.
Get In Your Cardio With The Fitness Marshall's Newest Dance Workout to "Throw a Fit"
Why go to a boutique studio when you can do The Fitness Marshall's dance workouts in the comfort of your own home? This week, he decided to speed things up with a high-intensity routine to "Throw a Fit" by Tinashe.
You're going to start off "chill," and as the song goes on, you'll be moving all over, working your arms, abs, and legs. Get ready for countless hair flips, sass, and swag with this routine.
"One of my favorite things is channeling real-life emotions in my workouts," TFM told POPSUGAR. "This song is perfect to vent all of your relationship frustrations and rage into a fun, explosive cardio dance workout. Plus, Tinashe is one of the most underrated artists out there and any chance to dance to her music is a win."
Be sure to check out the routine in the video above.
This Dietitian Eats These 5 Foods Every Day - and You Should Too
Whether you're trying to lose weight or you just want to take better care of yourself, a healthy diet is essential. But picking and choosing the most virtuous foods can be tricky on your own. How can you ensure you're getting the vitamins you need? Enough fiber? The right nutrients to slow aging or keep your system running smoothly?
POPSUGAR asked Mascha Davis, MPH, RDN, a registered dietitian and nutritionist and the national media spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, to help us sort through the clutter. Here, you'll find five foods she recommends eating at least once over the course of the day. And whether you want glowing skin or a healthy digestive system, her picks deliver. "These foods all promote different aspects of health and provide a balance of nutrients you need," she said. "I eat them every day, and you should too."
Fortunately, they couldn't be simpler to add to your menu - keep reading to see for yourself.
11 Humidifiers That Are Perfect For the Office, Because Wow, Is It Dry in Here?!
Is the dry Winter air having you apply hand cream every hour, on the hour? Us too, which is why we're investing in a humidifier for our desks. They've been popping up all over the POPSUGAR office, and for good reason. The dry, hot, artificial air is tough on everyone, and these little gadgets will help you breathe easier. Plus, many of them double as diffusers, so your space can also smell delicious. Take a deep breath, and keep reading to shop our picks!
This "All About the Incline" Walking Workout Makes For a Perfect Lunchtime Sweat Sesh
Adding a little, or a lot, of incline to the treadmill is one way to increase the intensity of your walking workout. Plus, it works your booty too. Here's a quick walking workout I like to do, especially a day or two after a hard strength-training session. It's only 22 minutes, and it gets the blood flowing. I like to end the workout with some core exercises to make my gym time feel complete. Feel free to adjust the speed and incline to fit your needs. Aside from getting your playlist in order, use the three minute warmup to work on your stride and posture.
| Time | Speed (MPH) |
Incline |
|---|---|---|
| 0:00-3:00 | 3.0 | 1.0 |
| 3:00-6:00 | 3.5 | 5.0 |
| 6:00-9:00 | 3.5 | 10.0 |
| 9:00-11:00 | 4.0 | 10.0 |
| 11:00-12:00 | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| 12:00-14:00 | 3.7 | 5.0 |
| 14:00-16:00 | 3.7 | 10.0 |
| 15:00-18:00 | 4.0 | 10.0 |
| 18:00-20:00 | 3.7 | 10.0 |
| 20:00-22:00 | 3.0 | 5.0 |
Take advantage of your warm muscles and work on your flexibility! Try this full-body stretch sesh.
20 Pairs of Patterned Leggings For When Plain Black Just Won't Do
No shade to your closet full of black leggings, but sometimes you need something with a little pizzazz. Whether you are running to a workout class or just want to look like you are, a pair of patterned leggings is just the thing. Throw on one of the best sports bras and a pair of trendy sneakers, and you've got the ultimate athleisure outfit. With price tags ranging from $9 to $150, there's something on this list for every style and budget.
Here's the Bottom Line When It Comes to Running Outside in Winter
Though you may feel the urge to stay cocooned indoors this Winter, you cannot hibernate (you are not a bear). Runners especially have to make the ultimate decision before they pound the pavement through freezing temperatures: exactly how cold is too cold?
The American College of Sports Medicine warns against running outside if the wind chill is below negative 18 degrees Fahrenheit because that's when your risk of frostbite increases. Some experts have made the cutoff 20 degrees. Regardless, what it boils down to is simple: you'll get a different number depending on who you ask (though we'd recommend listening to the ACSM). The reality is, it's entirely up to you, but there are some key things you need to remember before you lace up your running shoes and step outside this Winter.
Know the Risks, and Be Smart About It
"You can definitely exercise in cold weather as long as you take the right preventative measures," Alexis Colvin, MD, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine from Mount Sinai, told POPSUGAR. So, know your body; if you have exercise-induced asthma, for instance, cold weather can trigger symptoms because the air is dryer, Dr. Colvin said.
"If you have heart problems, you may want to try to ease into working out outside too," she continued. "Your body has to try to keep your core temperature up, and that's asking your heart also to work a little harder."
Roberto Mandje, head of training at New York Road Runners and former Olympic runner, told POPSUGAR that runners need to keep safety a priority. If there's a Winter advisory out, for example, do your mileage indoors. He added, "The thing with running or exercise in general is that you're exerting more effort, so you want to make sure you have the fitness to complete the run, and that goes without saying regardless of the time of year."
Stock Up on Gear
Mandje said it's less about the temperature outside and more about having the appropriate gear (you don't want to wear a "typical cotton sweatshirt and sweatpants"). He listed the following as essentials: "synthetic materials, moisture-wicking and wind-breaking materials, running tights, and running socks." Layering up appropriately with a beanie, Buff, gloves, and hand warmers is also important to keep your extremities covered.
When there's snow on the ground, there could be a layer of ice underneath, so Mandje emphasized wearing shoes with a good grip. You could put Yaktrax around your shoes. These have removable spikes and steel coils that, like "chains around your tires," help with traction.
Modify Your Run
"Let's say it's super cold. Maybe you decide to split a five-mile run into three miles outside and come inside to run the last two miles on a treadmill," Mandje said. "The reality is that it's so personal." It also depends on where you live and what temperatures you're used to, he pointed out.
Acclimate Yourself to the Cold
Dr. Colvin said it's all about a "gradual transition" from hot to cold and vice versa. "It really comes down to your preference and acclimatizing to the weather," Mandje explained, "and the best way to do that is by heading out and being well prepared as far as your expectation."
If you approach Winter running the right, safe way and listen to your body, you'll be good to go. And if you think it's too cold (or conditions outside are clearly hazardous), you can still get your sweat on indoors, no problem.
No Gym Membership, No Problem: These Space-Saving Workout Essentials Have You Covered
If only I had a home gym complete with a fancy stationary bike, complete set of weights, and dedicated yoga zone - I'd work out every morning, without fail. Much as I'd like to believe my lack of workout equipment is the reason for my lack of abs, the truth is you really don't need that much room to get in a good workout.
In fact, these 13 pieces of workout equipment for small spaces make it possible to exercise in even the tiniest studio apartment. Whether you're queuing up a Class FitSugar video or 10-minute workout you can do at home, these small-space essentials have got you covered.
Stronger on 1 Side? Here's How to Fix It - and Why You Definitely Want To
Have you ever managed a single-legged squat on only one leg or struggled to lift a weight with one arm but not the other? There's a reason for that, and it's called a muscle imbalance: when a muscle is stronger on one side of your body than the other. It's natural and pretty commonplace, which makes sense when you think about how most of us are trained to favor one hand, and therefore one side of the body, when we're very young.
"Imbalances are not a cause for panic," BOC-certified athletic trainer Liz Letchford, MS, told POPSUGAR, especially because your body "is asymmetrical by design - we've got one lung bigger than the other, a liver on one side, and even our diaphragm is a little off-center." And being imbalanced is normal in a lot of sports, too; many, like tennis and softball, are asymmetrical by design, and having an imbalance can even help you in competition.
That doesn't mean it's something you want to keep around. According to Nirav Pandya, MD, associate professor of orthopedic surgery at UC San Francisco, muscle imbalances become an issue when you compete in endurance sports, such as running, cycling, or swimming. "If you're doing just short bursts of activity," like playing tennis once a week or running for 20-30 minutes at a time, an imbalance may not be a big deal. But when you extend that exercise over a long period of time, it can lead to painful joint injuries.
If you're in your 20s or younger, though, an imbalance might be more annoying than painful. My right arm is stronger and noticeably bigger than my left, a remnant from playing softball for 12 years. My leg and glute muscles are also imbalanced - possibly also related to sports, or simply from natural dominance. Neither imbalance has affected my daily life or workouts yet, but Dr. Pandya warned that that could change. He said people typically start running into imbalance-related injuries in their 30s, when their bodies are less able to bounce back from the damage.
Unfortunately, correcting an imbalance isn't as simple as doing more reps or using heavier weights on your weak side. Both Letchford and Dr. Pandya agreed that seeing a physical therapist or a trainer is your best bet, especially one who's trained to recognize and correct imbalances. "If you'd like to give it a go yourself," Letchford said, try to "get curious about how your body moves and feels" when you're working the imbalanced muscles. When I squat, for example, I feel my left quad and glute firing much more than my right. Some people can even see the imbalances in a mirror. Then, Letchford said, focus on what it feels like when you make the movement look or feel more balanced. "Find that feeling more often," she said.
But whatever you do, always train both sides evenly. Going harder or heavier on the weaker side can build up too much strength, which reverses the issue instead of fixing it. "The weaker side will eventually catch up," Letchford said. "And then you can progress your movements with a more balanced body."
That means it's also OK to use lighter weights or lower the reps on both sides until your weaker side is up to speed. "It's better to be a little bit weaker and symmetric than to be really strong and asymmetric," Dr. Pandya said.
It's basically impossible to get to full symmetry, but working both sides to equal strength, or as close to equal as you can, will help protect you from injury in the long run. It's a time-consuming process, Dr. Pandya said. "You're kind of breaking yourself down and building back up again, but that time that you put in can definitely pay off on the back end."
11 Low-Carb Snacks That Will Keep You Satisfied Until Dinner
Let's be real: all day long, we're thinking about snack time. We want something to keep us full and focused as we're trying to live our life and accomplish our goals. Right now, we're looking for options filled with protein and healthy fats that have a lower carbohydrate content. As if finding yummy snacks wasn't exciting enough, these 11 options are all on Amazon, so they can be delivered straight to your door. Happy snacking!
A CrossFit Coach Created This 40-Minute Home Workout to Torch Fat and Build Muscle
Can't make it to the gym but you still want to get in a muscle-building, fat-burning workout? Jade Jenny, head CrossFit coach and owner of Champlain Valley CrossFit, crafted this simple (yet intense!) 40-minute interval workout you can do anywhere.
It involves heart-pumping cardio as well as bodyweight moves that will strengthen and tone your legs, butt, arms, and core. All you need is a clock and your own motivation to push yourself during the fast-paced intervals.
40-Minute Home Workout
Equipment needed: Aside from your own body, all you need is a set of stairs you can run up and down. If you don't have access to stairs, use a sturdy ottoman or bench and do step-ups.
Directions: Perform each exercise for 30 seconds followed by a 30-second rest. Repeat the four-minute circuit 10 times for a total of 40 minutes. Want to make it harder? Perform each exercise a little longer for 40 seconds, followed by a 20-second rest.
| Exercise | Time |
|---|---|
| Burpees | Minute 1: 30 seconds on, 30 seconds rest |
| Air squats | Minute 2: 30 seconds on, 30 seconds rest |
| Run up and down the stairs (or step-ups) | Minute 3: 30 seconds on, 30 seconds rest |
| Hollow hold or plank | Minute 4: 30 seconds on, 30 seconds rest |
Related: Heart Pumping? Check. Legs and Arms Burning? Check. This 30-Minute Workout Has It All
Keep reading for details on how to do each move.
Will Chocolate Actually Cure Your Cough? We Asked an Expert
Maybe you've tried everything under the sun to cure your pesky cough during cold and flu season. But, as it turns out, you might have missed one delicious remedy. According to a research study first published in BMJ Open in January 2017 that's currently making the rounds again online, chocolate (yes, chocolate!) could be your answer.
Researchers at the University of Hull in Yorkshire, England, randomly prescribed 163 patients who sought medical attention for a cough one of two medications: regular codeine or CS1002, which is an over-the-counter cough medicine with a cocoa base. It's now sold in Europe under the name Unicough. Participants were instructed to take their medicine orally four times per day for up to a week - or until the cough went away - and to record their symptoms daily. Researchers ultimately found that CS1002 was associated with "greater reductions in cough frequency, sleep disruption, and improved health status" compared to codeine.
Tania Elliott, MD, clinical instructor of medicine at NYU Langone Health, told POPSUGAR, "The study showed that a cocoa-based cough suppressant was better than the standard random cherry cough suppressant that you use. We don't know the exact mechanism."
This isn't the first study on chocolate as a cough suppressant. Researchers have looked into the cough-suppressing qualities of theobromine, an ingredient specific to dark chocolate, for years. Dark chocolate is also known to be an antioxidant, "so anything that's going to calm down your immune system is a good thing," said Dr. Elliott.
Another theory, Dr. Elliott explained, is that the cocoa bean in liquid form coats and calms the throat like honey. She added that larger-scale studies need to be done on cocoa beans and theobromine specifically before anyone can make a final statement that chocolate-based medication is "far superior to what's already on the market."
Some researchers have suggested sucking on a piece of dark chocolate to ease your cough. Going off the theory that theobromine helps, Dr. Elliott said the "slow release" could be soothing, though you shouldn't expect miraculous results, either. Before you go redecorate your house Willy Wonka style, here's some advice from Dr. Elliott about chocolate: "Don't go crazy buying it. It's not going to make your cold and flu symptoms go away any sooner . . . but I don't think there's any harm in it."
So, sure, take a trip to the Chocolate Factory the next time you're coughing up a storm. It won't solve all your problems, but it'll definitely put a smile on your face.
My Overeating Was Causing Weight Gain, Until I Started Eating This 1 Food Before Meals
I do intermittent fasting, which means my first meal is lunch. I'm not hungry all morning, but I'll tell you, when lunchtime rolls around, I am ready to eat! I would sit down to my meal-prepped Buddha bowl and basically inhale it within 10 minutes. Then I'd reach for more food because I still felt hungry, or rather felt the need to eat more. I would end up overeating so much that I'd feel uncomfortably full and bloated. I also started to gain weight.
"I do intermittent fasting, so what the hell!" I'd think to myself. Eating too much during my feeding window was definitely one of the mistakes I made when I started intermittent fasting almost two years ago. But even now, I still have my moments where I overeat. That is, until I heard about this little trick on a podcast I was listening to about healthy eating.
According to a Dietitian, This Is Exactly What You Should Eat Before and After Every Workout
A great workout starts before you step foot in the gym. We tend to focus a lot on the best workouts to achieve your goals and how to lose fat and build muscle, but nutrition often gets overlooked. It's just as important as what you're actually doing during the workout and can make or break your goals. Fueling your body with quality foods to have energy to perform and also to help your body recover is essential to achieving your goals.
Figuring out what you should eat before and after your workout can be overwhelming, which is why POPSUGAR spoke to Nicole Lund, MS, RDN, clinical nutritionist at NYU Langone's Sports Performance Center.
Keep Your Stride With These Elliptical Workouts, From Beginner to Advanced
I think the elliptical has gotten a reputation for being the machine you hop on when you just want to phone in your workout. Yes, it is a low-impact workout, but just because this cardio machine is kind on your joints doesn't mean you can't push yourself on it either. We know it's all too easy to step on the machine, queue up your show, and just go through the motions. To help you make the most of your sweat session (and to make sure you break a sweat), we've rounded up a dozen elliptical workouts for you to follow and push yourself. Make the most of your gym time and take one of these to the gym with you and see all that you can do on the elliptical - you might even feel sore in your glutes the next day.
30 Minutes or Less
- Lunchtime workout: This 30-minute lunchtime workout makes for a quick midday cardio session and ensures that you have enough time to freshen up in the locker room before heading back to your desk.
- Cardio quickie: Need something even shorter? This 20-minute interval workout helps you fit in a workout on even the busiest of days.
- Interval training: When you don't have a lot of time, try this short interval elliptical workout. It's only 22 minutes long (including warmup and cooldown) and features really short and effective intervals.
- HIIT It: If you're looking to step it up a notch and play with speed, here are three HIIT workouts - beginner, intermediate, and advanced - for you to try.
- Shorter, faster intervals: This 30-minute elliptical workout uses shrinking recovery time between intervals, which pushes your anaerobic threshold to strengthen your cardiovascular system.
- Total body: Work your entire body with this 30-minute elliptical workout - it'll get your heart rate up, too.
- Back-to-basics intervals: Do this elliptical interval workout when you have only 30 minutes to spare. It's the best way to get the most out of a short amount of time.
- Two-machine workout: Mix up your cardio with this stationary bike and elliptical workout - it'll leave you sweaty.
More Than 30 Minutes
- Beginner full-body: If you're new to the elliptical machine, this beginning elliptical workout uses all the different features of the machine: pedaling forward, going backward, pushing and pulling the handles, and even letting go of the handles to challenge your core.
- Just like the treadmill: For times when you can't find an empty treadmill at the gym, try this elliptical "treadmill" workout. The workout comes close to mimicking what running on a treadmill feels like and may even help even out your stride. It's only 35 minutes.
- Booty gains with a side of cardio: Target glutes and hamstrings by playing with the incline on the elliptical. This elliptical booty workout will help you tone your backside while also getting a good cardio workout.
- Go long, finish strong: This beginner-friendly hour-long elliptical workout varies speed and incline for an effective workout.
If You Want to Build Muscle, This Is How Often You Should Be Training Every Week
Building muscle isn't as simple as it sounds. It's going to require dedication, changes to your nutrition, recovery (this is extremely important), and time. If your goal is to build muscle and you're not sure where to begin, start here.
Halo Top Is Blessing Us With 3 New Vegan Flavors, Including Chocolate Hazelnut!
If you've been cleansing your home Marie Kondo-style, it's time to show your freezer some love, and ditch those frostbitten green beans to make room for something that'll most definitely spark joy. Halo Top is kicking off 2019 by releasing not one but three more dairy-free ice cream flavors that vegans and nonvegans alike will want to stock up on.
The latest vegan flavors include Mint Fudge Cookie, Chocolate Hazelnut (we're looking at you, Nutella-lovers!), and Peanut Butter & Jelly. Considering how much we obsessed over the healthy ice cream brand's nonvegan PB&J option, we're sure the vegan-approved version is going to knock it out of the park.
These three flavors join a collection of other dairy-free Halo Top pints, including Cinnamon Roll and Peanut Butter Cup, to name a few of our faves. Get the scoop (hah, get it?) on the vegan-friendly desserts ahead, and prepare to devour them by the spoonful (or shovelful) once you spot 'em in grocery store freezers.
Top 10 Things Dogs Eat (Other Than Food)!
Do you know the No. 1 thing dogs eat that they shouldn't? (Hint: it's not your homework!) Find it out and more when you start the slideshow of the top sneaky nonsnacks that often cause choking, surgery, or worse!
Costco Is Selling Heart-Shaped Ravioli For Valentine's Day, and It's Stuffed With 4 Cheeses!
If you're anything like me, your heart and soul are happy every time you eat pasta, and you'd be especially happy to eat heart-shaped pasta. Well, carb club VIP members, we're in luck, because Costco is selling exactly that for Valentine's Day. An artisan pasta company named Nuovo Pasta makes heart-shaped ravioli filled with four Italian cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and aged asiago), and Costco has started carrying the adorable creation. Costco Buys on Instagram shared a snap of the ravioli, which comes in two 20-ounce packages for a total of $10.
The combination of regular dough and deep-red dough makes for a festive dinner on V-Day, and you can serve the pasta in a number of ways. Show off the fun color by simply tossing the cooked ravioli with olive oil or butter and parmesan cheese, or take the flavor up a notch with creamy vodka sauce or alfredo. No matter what, it'll be impossible not to feel heart-eyed while eating it.
The 20 Saddest Meals We've Ever Made Ourselves
It's impossible to be a first-class chef all the time, or most of the time, or even ever. Time can be scarce, and POPSUGAR editors are just as guilty of emptying a jar of peanut butter one spoonful at a time instead of eating a balanced dinner. If fact, we've eaten some pretty sad meals when left to our own devices. I put out an open call for the most depressing meals our editors have "prepared" for themselves, and the results are so shocking that I've removed all of their names from this list. Here is the definitive ranking of the 20 saddest responses I got - from slightly embarrassing to just downright heartbreaking.
20 Cool Inventions From Amazon Launchpad So Mind-Boggling, You Can't Live Without Them
If you're unfamiliar with Amazon Launchpad, you're missing out on a treasure trove of unique, brand-new products. So what exactly is this cool section on the site? "Amazon Launchpad is an onboarding and marketing program for startup products funded by crowdfunding, VCs, or incubators," the company explains. "Our mission is to support entrepreneurs by providing resources, expertise, and global infrastructure to sell and deliver innovative products to millions of Amazon customers."
Basically, it's a hub of innovative products you probably haven't heard about yet - but should hear about. It could literally be anything, from a new snack to a clever gadget. We rounded up the most genius items the site is currently offering. Check them all out, and try one out for yourself.
27 Cool Shark Tank Products You'll Wish You Thought of First but Can Buy on Amazon
How many times have you watched Shark Tank and thought, "I wish I'd thought of that"? Now you can easily buy some of your favorite products from the show because they're sold on Amazon. To make it even simpler to pick up some of the show's hottest inventions, we curated a list of its bestselling hits. From a bean-bag bed to plastic-free bags and even a phone sanitizer, there's no doubt you'll wonder how you survived so long without these genius items. Take a look ahead.
Snickers Coffee Creamer Is on Shelves Now, So Get Ready For a Caramel-Filled Cup!
If you're not a morning person, coffee is probably one of the things that gets you out of bed ASAP after hitting snooze. Now you'll be inspired to brew a cup even more quickly because Coffee-mate launched Snickers and Dove Dark Chocolate Almond creamers. Sorry, did you glaze over that? Let's repeat: Snickers. Coffee. Creamer! And Dove Dark Chocolate Almond! These brand-new products are available at major retailers nationwide as of January 2019. At $3.59 for a 32-ounce bottle, each container will last in your fridge for a while and save you countless coffee-shop trips.
The Dove Dark Chocolate Almond creamer has more of a mocha flavor, while the Snickers creamer has prominent notes of caramel. See ya later, overpriced caramel lattes and long lines. There might be crazy sh*t happening in the world, but at least our coffee can taste like a Snickers, you know? It's the little things.
The Pioneer Woman's 10+ Most Popular Casseroles Will Inspire You to Cook
You know you can always count on the Pioneer Woman for easy and delicious recipes. Some of Ree Drummond's most popular recipes are her casseroles, and it's easy to see why: these one-pan wonders are layered with flavor and guarantee that dinner gets on the table fast. If you're looking to get out of your dinner rut or desperately need some inspiration to cook, look no further than Ree Drummond's top 14 most popular casserole recipes from Food Network, including hash brown casserole, cheesy turkey tetrazzini, broccoli wild rice casserole, and chicken tortilla casserole. The rave reviews don't lie!
After Going Missing, This Black Lab Returned Home With 2 Very Unlikely Friends
Just a normal Thursday morning!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRNLg4zYsOs
Posted by Kyle Krier on Thursday, January 10, 2019
The second Kyle and Laura Krier - a couple from Concordia, KS - realized their black lab, Bo, was missing, they immediately began to panic. After a long night of worrying, Kyle got word from someone in town that a black lab was spotted six miles away in a field. The catch? He had two new friends with him.
Kyle immediately jumped into his pickup truck and headed to the location where Bo was spotted. And lo and behold, his pup was there, hanging out with a yellow lab and a goat. Fortunately, Kyle caught the reunion on video, and there's no denying the Homeward Bound vibes.
"My black lab runs off last night, he's gone all night, and look who I find him with," he said in the viral video he posted to Facebook. Once the fuzzy trio reached the truck, he offered them all a ride, saying, "Hey, goat! You want to get in my truck, too? Come on, hop in there! Everybody just get in."
According to The Dodo, both the yellow lab and the goat - who are named Ozzy and Libby, respectively - belong to the Krier's neighbors. As sweet as the video is, we're hoping Bo, Ozzy, and Libby stay put from here on out!
I Hate Wearing Jeans on the Plane, and This $52 Tracksuit Is Perfect For Traveling
Is there really anything worse than being stuck on a plane for hours, sweating in too-tight jeans? In case you can't tell, I've learned from experience; it's not my favorite thing. Years ago, I switched from wearing denim when traveling and decided to opt for cute and comfy track pants that basically feel like pajamas but are still stylish enough that I won't have to worry about getting kicked off a plane.
I recently treated myself to this Striped Velour Top ($26, originally $44) and matching Jogger Pant ($26, originally $44) set from the latest POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's release, and I'm so obsessed with it.
Just last weekend I flew cross-country, and they were perfect for my five-hour flight. The best part? I got even more use out of them by styling them as separates on my trip. The cozy striped sweater was perfect to pair with jeans for a chill dinner, and I rocked the joggers on a casual day with my favorite hoodie. Need more convincing? They're on sale right now, so what are you waiting for?
17 One-Piece Swimsuits For Curvy Girls So Cool, You'll Say, "Winter, Please Leave"
In 2019, the one-piece swimsuit trend is here to stay. Whether you want something bold and playful or alluring and sexy, there's something for absolutely everyone. If you're stumped on where to start shopping, we pulled the best picks for curvy women. That way, you don't have to go digging around the internet for the perfect purchase. Not only are these styles fun to look through, but they will also get you excited for Summer.
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