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.
mardi 26 mai 2020
Gucci Calls the Fashion Schedule "Worn Out" and Decides on Seasonless Shows Twice a Year
It's no secret that the coronavirus (COVID-19) is the push the fashion industry needed to clean up its act. Now that everything from garment supply chains to performative fashion shows are in desperate need of restructuring, who will be the voices of fashion's future? Gucci's Alessandro Michele is one person leading that conversation and thinks the annual seven-season fashion show schedule is "worn out" - we couldn't agree more.
Following Gucci's virtual press conference on Sunday 24 May, creative director Alessandro Michele took to Instagram to elaborate on how the brand is embracing a more sustainable fashion show schedule. "I will abandon the worn out rituals of seasonalities and show to regain a new cadence, closer to my expressive call," Michele muses in a poetic Instagram carousel captioned Diario. "We will meet just twice a year, to share the chapters of a new story. Irregular, joyful and absolutely free chapters, which will be written blending rules and genres, feeding on new spaces, linguistic codes, and communication platforms. And beyond. I would like to leave behind the paraphernalia of leitmotifs that colonized our prior world: cruise, pre-fall, spring-summer, fall-winter. I think these are stale and underfed words. Labels of an impersonal discourse that lost its meaning."
Ahead, Alessandro Michele's full thoughts on the future of fashion's show schedule.
Gucci Calls the Fashion Schedule "Worn Out" and Decides on Seasonless Shows Twice a Year
It's no secret that the coronavirus (COVID-19) is the push the fashion industry needed to clean up its act. Now that everything from garment supply chains to performative fashion shows are in desperate need of restructuring, who will be the voices of fashion's future? Gucci's Alessandro Michele is one person leading that conversation and thinks the annual seven-season fashion show schedule is "worn out" - we couldn't agree more.
Following Gucci's virtual press conference on Sunday 24 May, creative director Alessandro Michele took to Instagram to elaborate on how the brand is embracing a more sustainable fashion show schedule. "I will abandon the worn out rituals of seasonalities and show to regain a new cadence, closer to my expressive call," Michele muses in a poetic Instagram carousel captioned Diario. "We will meet just twice a year, to share the chapters of a new story. Irregular, joyful and absolutely free chapters, which will be written blending rules and genres, feeding on new spaces, linguistic codes, and communication platforms. And beyond. I would like to leave behind the paraphernalia of leitmotifs that colonized our prior world: cruise, pre-fall, spring-summer, fall-winter. I think these are stale and underfed words. Labels of an impersonal discourse that lost its meaning."
Ahead, Alessandro Michele's full thoughts on the future of fashion's show schedule.
Inspire Dad to Get Active With These Sporty Father's Day Gifts
Enough of the matching socks and tie sets - update your go-to Father's Day gift with something sporty that'll keep the dad in your life active all summer long.
Whether he loves golfing, boxing, or fishing - or if he generally enjoys working up a sweat - the following fitness gifts will help him loosen up, de-stress, and have fun both outdoors and indoors.
How a Virtual Fitness Challenge Helped Me “Hang Out” With My Best Friend
I'm so grateful to live in the same city (in fact, the very same neighborhood!) as one of my best friends - but because of our busy schedules in the late winter, immediately followed by social distancing, we haven't seen each other in months.
So, like most, we've been relying on phone calls, emails, FaceTimes, and endless texting chains. It helps, especially when one of us needs to express how we're feeling during these incredibly trying, unprecedented times - but it's not nearly the same as running a race together, walking for hours through the city, or taking a Spin class and then grabbing a smoothie.
The Barry's Social Fitnessing Challenge had impeccable timing.
In an effort to boost our own personal at-home fitness routines, we both signed on to complete 20 virtual Barry's at Home classes in 30 days. My goals: unload a massive amount of stress, relieve tension, build muscle, get better at burpees, and frankly, just complete the challenge.
Since I had only ever taken one Barry's class in the Red Room before (the Barry's studio), I felt relieved knowing a friend was going through the physically demanding program with me - I knew we'd encourage one another to keep going when multiple sets of pushups seemed impossible.
I'm proud to say I accomplished what I sought out to do, but what I loved most about the challenge was that it gave me an opportunity to "hang out" with my friend.
Given the current circumstances, we certainly couldn't meet up in a cafe right now and plan our next big trip, but we could plan to take Mike P.'s Saturday morning bodyweight class together.
Even seeing her name in the virtual guest list lifted my spirits and motivated me to push through each circuit - especially because we planned to very thoroughly discuss the class after via a FaceTime coffee date.
As the challenge went on, we'd chat about what classes we signed up for, fill each other in on our favorite instructors, and discuss all the brutal moves.
I'll be honest: seeing each other for an in-person yoga class is far better than any form of communication. But, until then, I'm so thankful for live virtual workout classes that allow me to feel connected to dear friends.
So, yes, let's tackle that core-strengthening challenge next!
Keeping a Gratitude Journal During the Pandemic Has Given Me Time For Peace and Reflection
When I crawl into bed at the end of a long day, my mind will jump to the worst and cringiest moments from the last 24 hours, like a projector flickering through a reel of everything I wish I could forget. I can't believe I forgot to book that appointment. Where did I leave that shirt I wore last week? I shouldn't have eaten that third cookie before bed. Why did I say that one silly thing seven years ago? This is what my nights used to be like.
At the start of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, thoughts like this began finding their way into my head at all hours of the day and became more constant and more panic-inducing. But in addition to mentally sifting through my catalogue of daily concerns, I was also worrying about whether or not it was safe to go for a walk in front of my building and when I'd be able to visit my family again. My worries became more meaningful than ever before, and I decided I needed to do something to ease my worries, get my day back on track, and take care of myself mentally. So a couple days into the shelter-in-place order, after my nightly breathing exercises, I broke out the journal I'd been trying to keep on and off for the last month and began writing.
I dedicated one lined page to my thoughts for the day. The only catch? I was only allowed to write positive thoughts, thoughts that made me feel thankful despite everything that was happening around me. Taking my time, I filled up the page with my thoughts of gratitude for everything from the apartment I live in and the food in my pantry to reading a good line in a book and having a video call with a friend, no matter how brief.
I once heard that, in order to make something a habit, you have to do it 21 days in a row, so that's what I set out to do with my new gratitude journal. At first, it was something I had to remind myself about, leaving it on my nightstand so I wouldn't forget to open it up and jot down the positive moments from my day. But after a couple weeks, I really started looking forward to filling out my daily page and reflecting on everything good that happened to me throughout the day. Did I bake a delicious apple crumble? Did I go for a short walk (with my mask)? Did I get to spend extra time with the kitties I was fostering?
Giving myself a time and a space to step back from all of that for a second is the kindest decision I could have made for myself and for my mind.
Thoughts like this began to come to the front of my mind more easily as I would wind down for the evening, and soon enough, I'd surpassed the 21-day mark and my gratitude journal began to feel like a safe place where I could let my mind relax and feel at peace. I could sleep easier knowing that, even though I couldn't see my loved ones or leave my apartment that day, good things were still happening all around me. Life was moving forward, and that included all the little positives.
Today, I write in a slightly larger journal with pages that have enough lines to hold everything I'm thankful for. Yes, I still have negative thoughts and worry frequently about news alerts that pop up onto my phone from all over the world. But giving myself a time and a space to step back from all of that for a second is the kindest decision I could have made for myself and for my mind. Is it cheesy to write down that I'm grateful for my gratitude journal? Tonight, I might just have to.
How a Virtual Fitness Challenge Helped Me “Hang Out” With My Best Friend
I'm so grateful to live in the same city (in fact, the very same neighborhood!) as one of my best friends - but because of our busy schedules in the late winter, immediately followed by social distancing, we haven't seen each other in months.
So, like most, we've been relying on phone calls, emails, FaceTimes, and endless texting chains. It helps, especially when one of us needs to express how we're feeling during these incredibly trying, unprecedented times - but it's not nearly the same as running a race together, walking for hours through the city, or taking a Spin class and then grabbing a smoothie.
The Barry's Social Fitnessing Challenge had impeccable timing.
In an effort to boost our own personal at-home fitness routines, we both signed on to complete 20 virtual Barry's at Home classes in 30 days. My goals: unload a massive amount of stress, relieve tension, build muscle, get better at burpees, and frankly, just complete the challenge.
Since I had only ever taken one Barry's class in the Red Room before (the Barry's studio), I felt relieved knowing a friend was going through the physically demanding program with me - I knew we'd encourage one another to keep going when multiple sets of pushups seemed impossible.
I'm proud to say I accomplished what I sought out to do, but what I loved most about the challenge was that it gave me an opportunity to "hang out" with my friend.
Given the current circumstances, we certainly couldn't meet up in a cafe right now and plan our next big trip, but we could plan to take Mike P.'s Saturday morning bodyweight class together.
Even seeing her name in the virtual guest list lifted my spirits and motivated me to push through each circuit - especially because we planned to very thoroughly discuss the class after via a FaceTime coffee date.
As the challenge went on, we'd chat about what classes we signed up for, fill each other in on our favorite instructors, and discuss all the brutal moves.
I'll be honest: seeing each other for an in-person yoga class is far better than any form of communication. But, until then, I'm so thankful for live virtual workout classes that allow me to feel connected to dear friends.
So, yes, let's tackle that core-strengthening challenge next!
Prince William Says Becoming a Parent Brought Back Emotions From Losing Diana In "Leaps and Bounds"
Prince William has spoken about his mother, the late Princess Diana, in a rare interview for upcoming BBC documentary, Football, Prince William And Our Mental Health. The documentary is airing in the UK on May 28and sees the Duke of Cambridge meet with players, fans, and managers from grassroots to elite soccer teams to have conversations about mental health. The documentary is part of #HeadsUp - a campaign to kick off the biggest ever conversation on mental health, through soccer.
In a brief preview of the TV special, which was posted to the Kensington Royals Instagram page on Tuesday morning, the duke sat down with English former soccer player Marvin Sordell to discuss how feelings from a past traumatic event can resurface when you become a parent. Sorell explains that he grew up without a father and, when he became a dad himself, he "really struggled with his emotions," admitting that those early days were the hardest time in his life.
Sordell asks the duke how he deals with the pressure that so many fathers feel when they become a parent for the first time. "Having children is the biggest life-changing moment, it really is," Prince William says in the two-minute clip. "I think, when you've been through something traumatic in life and that is, like you say, your dad not being around, my mother dying when I was younger - your emotions come back in leaps and bounds because it's a very different phase of life. And there's no one there to kind of help you, and I definitely found it very, at times, overwhelming."
He also explains how important it's been, for him, to have a partner to go through parenthood with. "Me and Catherine, particularly, we support each other and we go through those moments together," he says. "We kind of evolve and learn together, but I do agree with you. I think, emotionally, things come out of the blue that you don't ever expect, or that maybe you think you've dealt with," says Prince William, explaining that while it's one of the most amazing moments of your life, it's also one of the scariest.
The full documentary, Football, Prince William And Our Mental Health, will air on BBC One in the UK at 8.05 p.m. - there's no word yet on whether it will also air in the US, but we'll keep you posted.
Are You Sirius?! This High School Dance Team's Viral Harry Potter Routine Is So Damn Good
This ain't your typical Yule Ball, folks. Back in 2018, the students of Arizona's Walden Grove High School were at it again when they took us to Hogwarts with yet another viral dance sensation, and we're still thinking about it. It seemed nearly impossible to top the dance team's Wizard of Oz-themed homecoming performance from the year before, but they zeroed in on the fandom that can win us over every time: Harry Potter.
From the cupboard under the stairs and a Sorting Hat ceremony complete with "My House" in the background to an intense dance battle against Voldemort, this performance overlooks no detail. Watch the full routine above, and prepare to have your jaw drop within the first minute.
Are You Sirius?! This High School Dance Team's Viral Harry Potter Routine Is So Damn Good
This ain't your typical Yule Ball, folks. Back in 2018, the students of Arizona's Walden Grove High School were at it again when they took us to Hogwarts with yet another viral dance sensation, and we're still thinking about it. It seemed nearly impossible to top the dance team's Wizard of Oz-themed homecoming performance from the year before, but they zeroed in on the fandom that can win us over every time: Harry Potter.
From the cupboard under the stairs and a Sorting Hat ceremony complete with "My House" in the background to an intense dance battle against Voldemort, this performance overlooks no detail. Watch the full routine above, and prepare to have your jaw drop within the first minute.
Jennifer Aniston's Bikini Moments Prove She's Like Fine Wine, She Gets Sexier With Age
Jennifer Aniston celebrated her 51st birthday on Feb. 11, and the special milestone got us thinking about all the sexy moments she's had over the years. More specifically, all the times she's slipped into a bikini and steamed up our screens! From lounging on the sand with friends to soaking up the rays at a poolside resort, we're looking at Jennifer's most sizzling swimsuit shots!
Wondering What Songs You're Hearing on Sweet Magnolias? Let Us Help With That, Honey
Netflix's new drama Sweet Magnolias has the kind of soundtrack that you can put on whenever and just genuinely enjoy. Surprisingly, there are only a handful of actual songs on the soundtrack; the new Netflix series seems mostly to prefer its own original underscoring by James Jandrisch. That being said, the show's music team has chosen several preexisting songs to add an extra layer to some of the most pivotal scenes, and we've tracked down as many of them as we can.
It's worth noting that one of the show's most noticeable songs isn't actually available anywhere to stream or purchase right now. That would be "Change Is Gonna Come" by Katie Pruitt, which shows up significantly in the first episode (and also has appeared recently on Station 19 and Nancy Drew), but isn't available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or any other platforms at the moment. There are plenty of songs that are available, though, so keep reading to see which songs from Sweet Magnolias you want to add to your playlists!
Jennifer Aniston's Bikini Moments Prove She's Like Fine Wine, She Gets Sexier With Age
Jennifer Aniston celebrated her 51st birthday on Feb. 11, and the special milestone got us thinking about all the sexy moments she's had over the years. More specifically, all the times she's slipped into a bikini and steamed up our screens! From lounging on the sand with friends to soaking up the rays at a poolside resort, we're looking at Jennifer's most sizzling swimsuit shots!
Wondering What Songs You're Hearing on Sweet Magnolias? Let Us Help With That, Honey
Netflix's new drama Sweet Magnolias has the kind of soundtrack that you can put on whenever and just genuinely enjoy. Surprisingly, there are only a handful of actual songs on the soundtrack; the new Netflix series seems mostly to prefer its own original underscoring by James Jandrisch. That being said, the show's music team has chosen several preexisting songs to add an extra layer to some of the most pivotal scenes, and we've tracked down as many of them as we can.
It's worth noting that one of the show's most noticeable songs isn't actually available anywhere to stream or purchase right now. That would be "Change Is Gonna Come" by Katie Pruitt, which shows up significantly in the first episode (and also has appeared recently on Station 19 and Nancy Drew), but isn't available on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or any other platforms at the moment. There are plenty of songs that are available, though, so keep reading to see which songs from Sweet Magnolias you want to add to your playlists!
A Look at Charming Prince Philip Through the Years
Before Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth, she married the handsome foreign Prince Philip from Greece, who also happens to be her third cousin. According to Sally Bedell Smith's biography titled Elizabeth the Queen, Philip came from a tumultuous background despite his lineage. Born in 1921 on the island of Corfu, he moved to Paris at age 1 with his parents, Alice Marie and Prince Andrew of Greece. By age 8, he'd headed to England for boarding school. With generous good looks and confidence, Philip made his way to England with the help of royal relatives. He would later be invited to have lunch with the royal family, and that's when Elizabeth reportedly fell for him. During World War II, Philip served in the Mediterranean and Pacific, and he and Elizabeth wrote each other letters. By 1946, he was back in London and making regular visits to Buckingham Palace. During that Summer, he spent a month at the royal family's Balmoral Estate, where he proposed. Their wedding was held at Westminster Abbey on Nov. 20, 1947.
Related: Inside the Queen's Balmoral Photo Album
During their 70 years of marriage, most of them during Elizabeth's reign as the monarch, Prince Philip has been as constant as the queen herself, although he's a bit more controversial, making a few insensitive gaffes. Let's look back at pictures of Prince Philip over the years, then see the facts about the British royal family every diehard fan should know.
Related: The Royal Rule That Keeps Prince Philip From Being a King
A Look at Charming Prince Philip Through the Years
Before Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth, she married the handsome foreign Prince Philip from Greece, who also happens to be her third cousin. According to Sally Bedell Smith's biography titled Elizabeth the Queen, Philip came from a tumultuous background despite his lineage. Born in 1921 on the island of Corfu, he moved to Paris at age 1 with his parents, Alice Marie and Prince Andrew of Greece. By age 8, he'd headed to England for boarding school. With generous good looks and confidence, Philip made his way to England with the help of royal relatives. He would later be invited to have lunch with the royal family, and that's when Elizabeth reportedly fell for him. During World War II, Philip served in the Mediterranean and Pacific, and he and Elizabeth wrote each other letters. By 1946, he was back in London and making regular visits to Buckingham Palace. During that Summer, he spent a month at the royal family's Balmoral Estate, where he proposed. Their wedding was held at Westminster Abbey on Nov. 20, 1947.
Related: Inside the Queen's Balmoral Photo Album
During their 70 years of marriage, most of them during Elizabeth's reign as the monarch, Prince Philip has been as constant as the queen herself, although he's a bit more controversial, making a few insensitive gaffes. Let's look back at pictures of Prince Philip over the years, then see the facts about the British royal family every diehard fan should know.
Related: The Royal Rule That Keeps Prince Philip From Being a King
How a Stranger's Comment Changed the Way I Parent
We'd spent a few hours at the beach during our Spring break trip to San Diego when the weather turned and we decided to pack it up and head out. I juggled sandy beach toys and wet towels in my arms and attempted to convince my 2-and-a-half-year-old that it was a good idea to leave the endless playground that is the beach while my husband followed behind with the folding chairs and our crying 4-month-old. As we trudged through the sand, I noticed an older man look at us and heard him comment sweetly to his wife: "Those were the days, weren't they?"
I stopped - not physically, because that would have sent plastic toys flying and my toddler running - but inwardly, and when we got back to the car my voice cracked as I told my husband what I'd heard. There weren't actual tears, though that wouldn't have been too surprising for my sentimental self, but I got emotional thinking about it. These are the days. We're in them, living them. Right. Now.
It was a powerful reminder for me as a mom. Especially as a mom who, at the time, was only four months in with two kids and who'd spent the first eight weeks after my second son's birth wondering how on earth anyone has more than one child and their sanity. It had taken me a while to get into a groove and there were more than a few mornings when I had to force myself to get up to tend to a crying child and even more afternoons when I wondered how early was too early to pour a glass of wine.
Juggling 2-year-old tantrums with nap schedules and never-ending bedtime routines makes for some long days, and when you throw in being responsible for actually feeding the entire family and maintaining the relationship that got you there in the first place, it can be overwhelming.
The grocery shopping and the lunch packing and the endless picking up of toys. The busyness of all the little things starts to drown out the beauty of it all as one big thing. It's easy to lose sight of how magical a time it is when you're in the middle of the everyday, but that man's comment reminded me that the days when our children are little are the days that we'll be nostalgic for once they're calling us for money instead of whining for more Cheerios.
In the weeks since, I've made a conscious effort to replay those words and that scene at the beach in my mind. We were sticky with sunscreen, hair tangled from the wind, hands full of stuff, dragging our babies through the sand, and instead of seeing chaos, that man saw us as a beautiful memory of his own young family. We were the highlight reel.
The potty training accidents, the endless snack requests and subsequent spills, the constant fight over the need to actually be buckled into a car seat - these may not be the highlights of each day, but somewhere along with that first baby smile, the hilarious comments only a toddler is capable of making, and the out-of-nowhere hugs that make you want to freeze time, they all combine to make one amazing lifetime of experiences.
The challenge is remembering that the next time your toddler intentionally throws a plastic fire truck at your infant's head after they both refused to nap all day and you just realized there's no food in the house for dinner. Man, these are the days.
lundi 25 mai 2020
Ariana Grande Has an Impressive Collection of Ink - Just Look at These 29 Tiny Tattoos
While singer Ariana Grande isn't as tattooed as her longtime friend and fellow "Stuck With U" singer Justin Bieber, she does have an impressive collection that extends into the double digits. Each tattoo tells a story and holds sentimental value. Some designs are in a few not-so-obvious spots, while others are on full display on her fingers. (No, not that finger.)
Click ahead to see a roundup of some of Grande's best ink.
I Found 10 Sneakers That'll Inspire You to Get Moving All Summer Long
When I'm sporting new kicks, I feel supported, comfortable, confident, and encouraged to get active. And since I'm devoting my summer to feeling good, treating myself to a colorful, seasonally-inspired pair of sneakers is one step in the right direction.
Who's with me? Whether you're in the market for new fitness shoes or a more leisurely style, these tie-dye, beachy, and vibrantly hued kicks will motivate you to get moving and enjoy the warm weather all summer long.
Equipment or Not, You Can Still Work on Your Kickboxing Technique at Home
Don't shelve your love for kickboxing just because you're away from your gym, the equipment, and training that comes with it. Working toward improving your practice at home is an awesome way to relieve stress and feel good.
Shadowboxing drills are great for practicing kickboxing at home when you don't have the proper equipment on hand, Tommy Dibernardo, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the head trainer at RockBox Fitness, says.
If you are interested in creating an at-home gym, Dibernardo suggests purchasing either a punching bag, speed bag, or double-end bag along with some eight to 14-ounce gloves, for starters.
Either way, Dibernardo is supporting your dedication by offering up three tips for improving your kickboxing technique, below.
Improving Technique Can Help You Avoid Injury
According to Dibernardo, not using your core or rotating from the hips while kickboxing can result in injury.
Incorporating strength-training conditioning like squats, hamstring curls, and abductor exercises can provide a better foundation for your kickboxing moves by strengthening the hips. Any core movements, such as planks and oblique rotations, can help make for an easy fix, too, Dibernardo explains.
Footwork and Stance
When it comes to proper kickboxing footwork and stance, do not cross your feet or become staggered in a parallel position, Dibernardo says.
Ladder drills, shadowboxing rounds of three minutes at a time, and jumping rope are all great for improving footwork and speed, Dibernardo says.
Practice Your Hand Positioning
"We never drop our hands; they should return right between the ear and chin. Elbows are to stay tight to the body," Dibernardo explains.
Working with a speed bag will teach you to keep your hands up while developing speed, while a double end bag will teach you to keep your hands up while punches are thrown at you, Dibernardo elaborates.
If you don't have those tools on hand, band drills - where you keep your hands up and under a band (or suspended string) while ducking from one side to another in your boxing stance - can help, too.
Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.
I Found 10 Sneakers That'll Inspire You to Get Moving All Summer Long
When I'm sporting new kicks, I feel supported, comfortable, confident, and encouraged to get active. And since I'm devoting my summer to feeling good, treating myself to a colorful, seasonally-inspired pair of sneakers is one step in the right direction.
Who's with me? Whether you're in the market for new fitness shoes or a more leisurely style, these tie-dye, beachy, and vibrantly hued kicks will motivate you to get moving and enjoy the warm weather all summer long.
Add Bird Dogs to Your Warmup Routine - Your Back Will Thank You
At the end of every gym day - before social distancing began, that is - my fiancé and I would recap what workouts we both did. Without fail, he'd mention that he completed a set of bird dogs - a fairly simply core exercise that never made my list. To be totally honest, I didn't even know what he was talking about until I googled the move.
Upon my early research, I learned that bird dogs are usually prescribed in physical therapy, and that the movement can be beneficial for those suffering from back pain.
For more information, I reached out to Sam Becourtney, PT, DPT, CSCS, TSAC-F at Bespoke Treatments in New York City.
"Bird dogs are commonly used in physical therapy in situations where there is a lock of core strength, pelvic control, hip pain, or back pain," Becourtney explains.
The move, Becourtney says, engages the core and helps you work on anti-rotation through the hips and spine.
"The main benefit of this exercise is for core and spinal stabilization. It is a great way to recruit and engage the deep core musculature - think deeper than the '6-pack' rectus abdominus muscles."
While on all fours, you're essentially extending the opposite arm and leg to elongate your body, while keeping the hips and spine as still as possible. Here's how:
- Start in "quadruped" position with both hands and knees on the ground.
- Knees should be bent at 90 degrees, and hands should be under elbows under shoulders.
- Find a "neutral" pelvis or spinal position by arching your back as far as you can, then rounding your back as far as you can (think Cat-Cow). Then, find a position in-between those two end ranges where you feel secure.
- Once secure in this neutral spine position, actively engage the core musculature by drawing your belly button toward your spine.
- Reach one arm out and forward as you extend the opposite foot out and back - without allowing your lower back to arch.
- The goal is to create a straight line from your hand to your opposite foot, keeping your spinal alignment as is, and keeping your hips stacked (avoiding rotation).
- Return to the starting position, switch hands/feet, and repeat for a prescribed number of repetitions.
As someone who regularly worries about her posture (trust me, it needs work) and deals with some lower back pain, I was particularly interested in the back health benefits.
"The bird dog can be beneficial for the health of your back because of the core and spinal muscle recruitment that is required to perform the exercise," Becourtney says.
What's more, Becourtney explains a bird dog is performed with "the spine suspended," which means you're not vertically loading through the spine via gravity like when standing.
"Instead, the hips are loaded in this quadruped position, which makes it an ideal posture to work on core stabilization without risking overload or increase in pain through the lower back."
Other than in physical therapy rehab programs, bird dogs are often performed in warmups for activities like sports or weightlifting. Coincidentally, they've since shown up in a few warmups on my favorite fitness apps.
"There is no 'bad' time to perform this exercise, but I personally like to prescribe it as a way to get the body warm, get certain muscles firing, and get the pelvis/hips moving. Because it is not an exercise you commonly load, it would serve best as a warmup to more challenging core exercises, once able to tolerate," Becourtney says.
However, this is all dependent on if you're experiencing pain or dealing with an injury.
Becourtney explains that if you're experiencing knee pain, shoulder pain, or instability, have difficulty transiting from floor to standing, or notice that bird dogs cause an increase in back pain, you should first consult a healthcare professional for advice.
Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.
The Ultimate Ranking of Trader Joe's Rosés Under $6
There are countless ways to get your Rosé fix, from Rosé cocktails to Rosé-flavored strawberries, but nothing beats a good bottle - especially when it's under $6! Trader Joe's has an impressively large assortment of affordable Rosé, but deciding which bottle to choose can be tricky. Our editors took one for the team and taste-tested five Rosés from Trader Joe's that cost less than $6. Turns out, there was a clear winner. Check out the different bottles we tried - ranked from worst to tastiest - and discover our top pick at the end!
Prices and products may vary by Trader Joe's location.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
These Moms Talking About Swimsuits Will Have You Nodding So Hard Your Head Will Fall Off
I Swimsuit Season So HardWhen I'm at the beach, I'm there to lifeguard, build sandcastles, supply treats, re-stand the umbrella every dang time it blows over, spray sunscreen, drink a beer, look for seashells, warm-up wet kiddos, force people to eat sandwiches and drink juice, blow up water-wings, and keep my son from publicly urinating. Basically, I've got a really fun job to do and I don't have time to let a piece of lycra throw me off my game. #imomsohard #baywatch #swimsuit #cutouts #doubledecker #brave #moat #onelife #liveit #momlife #reallife #mombod #beach
Posted by imomsohard on Thursday, May 18, 2017
Swimsuit season is here, and that means women can be heard collectively screaming "WTF!" in fitting rooms around the globe. Two such women - the hilarious Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley of the IMomSoHard video series - are brave enough to give us a peek inside their attempts to try on the season's "hottest" swimwear.
Their viral video begins with the two moms in stereotypical male Summer attire - oversize t-shirts and loose-fitting trunk shorts that let you "move around, no nipples coming out." Oh, sign us all up.
But, no, just as quickly, the women swap those practical duds for what they're expected to wear while navigating a beach day with kids. As Smedley, decked out in a ruffled teal monokini, points out, "Hmmm, I wonder if there's a way to make your butt look too big, to really accentuate your love handles and make your bust feel inadequate?"
As hilarious as the video is, what perhaps hit a nerve among viewers (it's been watched more than five million times and shared more than 76,000 times) is how ridiculous they make these unrealistic beauty standards really seem.
Hensley, in a moment of clarity, makes the point abundantly clear: "I want my daughter to love her life and to love herself and she's not gonna do it because I tell her to, she's gonna do it because I teach her to."
And if that doesn't make you nod your head so hard that it up and falls off your body, here's her kicker: "I really want a revenge body, but I'll take a f*cking attitude."
Preach, mamas.
The Ultimate Ranking of Trader Joe's Rosés Under $6
There are countless ways to get your Rosé fix, from Rosé cocktails to Rosé-flavored strawberries, but nothing beats a good bottle - especially when it's under $6! Trader Joe's has an impressively large assortment of affordable Rosé, but deciding which bottle to choose can be tricky. Our editors took one for the team and taste-tested five Rosés from Trader Joe's that cost less than $6. Turns out, there was a clear winner. Check out the different bottles we tried - ranked from worst to tastiest - and discover our top pick at the end!
Prices and products may vary by Trader Joe's location.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
The Ultimate Ranking of Trader Joe's Rosés Under $6
There are countless ways to get your Rosé fix, from Rosé cocktails to Rosé-flavored strawberries, but nothing beats a good bottle - especially when it's under $6! Trader Joe's has an impressively large assortment of affordable Rosé, but deciding which bottle to choose can be tricky. Our editors took one for the team and taste-tested five Rosés from Trader Joe's that cost less than $6. Turns out, there was a clear winner. Check out the different bottles we tried - ranked from worst to tastiest - and discover our top pick at the end!
Prices and products may vary by Trader Joe's location.
- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano
Let's Relive That Time Jimmy Fallon Found Out That He Totally Had a Chance With Nicole Kidman
During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in January 2015, Nicole Kidman dropped a bomb on the late-night host: he could have dated her! While recounting the story of how they first met back in the early 2000s - a mutual friend named Rick offered to introduce the two by bringing Nicole to Jimmy's NYC apartment - the Oscar winner couldn't contain herself as she revealed that she "liked" the then-SNL star and had considered the visit "a hangout."
Unbeknownst to Jimmy, he totally blew his chances at landing the Australian beauty; between his offering of brie cheese and corn chips, lack of communication, and the fact that he "put on a video game," Nicole admitted, "After about an hour and a half, I thought, 'He had no interest, this is so embarrassing.'" Needless to say, Jimmy was horrified, and the following week, he tweeted, "I am so embarrassed." Watch the entire video above to relive the hilarious conversation.
Let's Relive That Time Jimmy Fallon Found Out That He Totally Had a Chance With Nicole Kidman
During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in January 2015, Nicole Kidman dropped a bomb on the late-night host: he could have dated her! While recounting the story of how they first met back in the early 2000s - a mutual friend named Rick offered to introduce the two by bringing Nicole to Jimmy's NYC apartment - the Oscar winner couldn't contain herself as she revealed that she "liked" the then-SNL star and had considered the visit "a hangout."
Unbeknownst to Jimmy, he totally blew his chances at landing the Australian beauty; between his offering of brie cheese and corn chips, lack of communication, and the fact that he "put on a video game," Nicole admitted, "After about an hour and a half, I thought, 'He had no interest, this is so embarrassing.'" Needless to say, Jimmy was horrified, and the following week, he tweeted, "I am so embarrassed." Watch the entire video above to relive the hilarious conversation.
The 50 Best Toys and Gift Ideas For 2-Year-Olds in 2020
We have searched across the internet for the best toys to give as gifts and birthday presents for those 2-year-old boys and girls in your life, from educational toys to practical gifts and everything in between. Everyone knows a 24-month-old is always on the move and getting into everything, and just needs toys to keep them engaged. Check out our best toys and gifts 2-year-olds below - that will keep your tot busy all day.
Find the best gifts for the toddlers and kids in your life with our gift guides, including for infants, 1-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds, 5-year-olds, 6-year-olds, 7-year-olds, 8-year-olds, 9-year-olds, tweens, and teens.
The 13 Most Mouthwatering Pizzas You Can Have Shipped to Your Door Today
Getting a little sick of cooking all your own meals at home? Yeah, us too. Luckily, Goldbelly sells tons of delicious pizzas from famous restaurants across the country. These drool-inducing pies can be delivered to your door, and all you have to do is pop them in the oven. Most of them come in frozen packs, so you can save some of that cheesy goodness for later, too.
From deep dish to Neapolitan, feast your eyes on the tastiest pizzas to order today. They come from New York City, Chicago, Detroit, and more pizza capitals food connoisseurs give the stamp of approval. You deserve a treat, and your stovetop deserves a break.
The 13 Most Mouthwatering Pizzas You Can Have Shipped to Your Door Today
Getting a little sick of cooking all your own meals at home? Yeah, us too. Luckily, Goldbelly sells tons of delicious pizzas from famous restaurants across the country. These drool-inducing pies can be delivered to your door, and all you have to do is pop them in the oven. Most of them come in frozen packs, so you can save some of that cheesy goodness for later, too.
From deep dish to Neapolitan, feast your eyes on the tastiest pizzas to order today. They come from New York City, Chicago, Detroit, and more pizza capitals food connoisseurs give the stamp of approval. You deserve a treat, and your stovetop deserves a break.
The 13 Most Mouthwatering Pizzas You Can Have Shipped to Your Door Today
Getting a little sick of cooking all your own meals at home? Yeah, us too. Luckily, Goldbelly sells tons of delicious pizzas from famous restaurants across the country. These drool-inducing pies can be delivered to your door, and all you have to do is pop them in the oven. Most of them come in frozen packs, so you can save some of that cheesy goodness for later, too.
From deep dish to Neapolitan, feast your eyes on the tastiest pizzas to order today. They come from New York City, Chicago, Detroit, and more pizza capitals food connoisseurs give the stamp of approval. You deserve a treat, and your stovetop deserves a break.
Watch the Captivating Riverdance "Together Apart" Video That's Bringing Fans to Tears
The Irish dancing show-slash-phenomenon Riverdance has been going strong since the mid-90s, but as with so many other things, its productions have come to a halt during the coronavirus pandemic. The show's performers are scattered around the world from Ireland to Australia to Granada, Spain, but they came together for a virtual collaboration that's leaving YouTube viewers emotional, and we can see why.
Set to a poignant bagpipe rendition of "Caoineadh Cu Chulainn (Lament)" from Riverdance's soundtrack, the video features dancers performing the show's signature jigs, high kicks, and leaps through deserted Dublin streets, in backyards in the US, in front of cliffside castles in Spain, and on rooftops in London. Every dancer brings their own flare, but the most touching part of the video comes from the performers who are also healthcare workers, and who "swapped their dancing shoes for scrubs," according to the video description. We see them dancing the same steps not on stage or at home, but in the halls of hospitals. The video is bookended by poignant poetry excerpts, and it ends with an Irish proverb that resonates now more than ever: "Under the shelter of each other, people survive." Watch the captivating video for yourself above.
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