Healthy lifestyle

A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.

Mental Health

Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.

Public health

Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.

Reproductive Health

For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.

Health

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

dimanche 31 mai 2015

5 Quick Tips to Ensure a Good Run

Even if you head on a run with the right attitude, sometimes it's easy to get in your own way. And you may not even realize you're doing something that's harming your workout. For new runners that can't seem to get into the swing of things, these quick tips will help you out.

  1. Dress right: While there's no need to invest in anything fancy if you're brand new to a running routine, be sure to keep speed and comfort in mind when it comes to your wardrobe and shoe of choice. To choose the perfect pair of kicks to support your precious feet, watch our video for tips on how to pick a running shoe.
  2. Love your warmup: Whether you're going a short or long distance, warming up is necessary for a safe and injury-free run. Get your heart jumping with a series of jumping jacks, a quick power walk, or this five-move dynamic warmup. Just a little cardio will make a world of difference.
  3. Fuel your body right: Overloading on a huge meal right before a run is going to make the whole experience a struggle. Choosing the right pre-workout snack puts you on the right track for a great run.
  4. Stay hydrated: If you're dealing with fatigue, muscle cramps, and headaches regularly, poor hydration may be to blame. Be sure you're staying hydrated all day long for the best workout possible.
  5. Pick a solid pace: Kicking things off too quickly will lead you to burn out fast as well. Don't be afraid to start a little slower, or try out a running playlist to help you keep a steady pace. Try this half-hour running playlist that will help you run three miles in 30 minutes.


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Power Up With a Protein-Packed Dessert

All six of these sweet recipes offer at least five grams of protein power in a delicious, decadent-tasting treat. Whether you're dairy-free, gluten-free, or even vegan, there's at least one tasty option on this list for you!



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5 Tips That Beat Back Fat For Good

Back bulge around the bra area and that pesky muffin top plague plenty of women, and there are lots of ways to feel more confident in your own skin with a little extra effort. Spot-reducing doesn't work - but these healthy tips can help you achieve the results you're after!

Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Blake Smith



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Come Inside For Cardio: 26 Treadmill Workouts For All Levels

While there's nothing quite like running outdoors, unruly weather sometimes makes it impossible. For those rainy or blustery days, there's the trusty treadmill. Whether you're a beginner runner or have a few marathons under your belt, we've got a running workout for you. From a run that mimics going up and down San Francisco hills to another that has you ascending a mountain, you'll swear you're actually running outside.

  • Getting started: If you're new to running, then try our 40-minute beginner treadmill workout. The workout combines walking and running to get your heart rate up while also priming your body for distance and speed. If you feel like the workout is too easy or hard, then play around with the speed, but be sure to give your body time to adjust to the physical demands of running for the first time. Once you're ready, try out our 300-calorie workout, or if you need something a bit shorter, try our 30-minute beginner treadmill workout.
  • Walk-jog workout: Once you're feeling a bit more comfortable on the treadmill, give this workout that mixes walking and jogging a chance. The 60-minute workout alternates between walking briskly, jogging, and running slowly; plan to burn around 300 calories. If you're in a rush, this 42-minute version will put you to work.
  • Switch to sprints: Once you feel like you've mastered the walk and jog combination, try stepping up the pace. This 30-minute interval workout is a great way to start increasing your speed. Mix up your routine with a sprinting and walking workout to help boost your endurance. Then, once you're ready for a tough challenge, give this 60-minute interval workout a try.
  • Sweat like a celebrity: This 30-minute treadmill workout from celeb favorite Barry's Bootcamp is full of intervals, hill work, and sprints, which will challenge both your endurance and your speed. Or give the 25-minute version a try. In short: these workouts are anything but boring. Get ready to push it.
  • Pyramid intervals: Keep boredom at bay with this 30-minute pyramid interval treadmill workout. By changing your running speed every minute, you'll also be winning the war against weight gain. Have more time to spare? Up the ante with our 45-minute pyramid interval treadmill workout.
  • Get in, get out: If you're short on time but still want to get in a solid run, then give this 20-minute treadmill workout a chance. Not only will you play with speed, but the incline also gradually increases, which means you'll get a challenging workout in under 30 minutes!
  • Work your way up the ladder: Push your endurance, raise your heart rate, and rev your metabolism with this interval workout, or try this 40-minute version. This ladder run, with the speed intervals increasing in duration as the workout progresses, is just the thing if you're looking for an extreme challenge!
  • The 500-calorie workout: If you can find about 60 minutes in your day to do this high-interval treadmill workout, then you'll burn about 500 calories. Do it four times a week, and you're already down half a pound.
  • Rolling hills: This treadmill hill workout will show you what it's really like to run in San Francisco. After doing the incline variations in this workout, running flats will seem like a breeze.
  • Go for a hike: Even if you can't make it to Yosemite, this treadmill hike workout will mimic what it's like to be in the great outdoors. The 45-minute workout involves walking and jogging up steep inclines, so you'll strengthen your quads and work your butt. If you're in a hurry, try this 20-minute version instead.
  • Graduate to a mountain: Once you've hiked up some hills, why not try for a mountain ascent? This treadmill mountain climb mixes a brisk walking speed with steep inclines.
  • Add leg work: The treadmill doesn't have to be just about running. This treadmill leg workout allows you to move at a comfortable pace while mixing in lunges, squats, and pliés.
  • Blast fat: Intervals are one of the best ways to fight stubborn belly fat. Say goodbye to your muffin top with this 45-minute treadmill interval workout. You'll run your heart out and walk out with 421 fewer calories than you came in with! And just so you don't get bored, we're throwing in a fat-fry interval-mashup treadmill run. Also, try mixing cardio and strength training for an added fat-blasting boost.
  • Do double duty: Sometimes you need to mix things up, and we all know how important strength training is to a fitness regimen. This 45-minute plan starts on the treadmill and then finishes off with 15 minutes of strength training. If you're just feeling bored on the machines, then try this two-cardio-machine workout that utilizes both the elliptical and the treadmill.


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Become a Healthy Baker With These Surprising Butter Substitutes

Baking calms the mind and feeds the soul, but all that buttery goodness can pack on the pounds. If you're looking to make healthier baked goods, omitting some or all of the butter from your favorite recipes can greatly reduce the calories, fat, and cholesterol. There are countless ways to replace eggs in recipes, and here are healthier alternatives to using butter (great for vegan bakers, too).

  • Applesauce: Often used to replace oil in recipes, applesauce can also be used as a butter alternative, and it works best in cake-like recipes (like this vegan banana apple chunk bread). Replace half the amount of butter in your recipe with applesauce; if the recipe calls for one cup of butter, use half a cup of butter and half a cup of applesauce. If you don't mind a denser, more moist bread, replace all the butter with applesauce to cut even more calories and fat.
  • Avocado: Substitute half the amount of butter in a baking recipe with mashed avocado (it works well with cookies); use the same method as you would when using applesauce. Using avocado not only lowers the calorie content but also creates a softer, chewier baked good, and is perfect if you want to omit the dairy.
  • Earth Balance: Replace all the butter with Earth Balance to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol. Using Smart Balance rather than Earth Balance will also save some calories, but note that Original Smart Balance contains whey, so it's not vegan.
  • Canola oil: In certain recipes, replacing butter with oil works well, especially if the recipe calls for melted butter. Fiddle with your favorite recipes to figure out when canola works instead of butter; when baking chocolate chip cookies, I've had success substituting half a cup of canola oil for half a cup of unsalted butter. Although slightly higher in calories, canola is much lower in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium.
  • Greek yogurt: Replace half the amount of butter in your cookie recipes with half the amount of full-fat plain Greek yogurt. For example, if the recipe calls for one cup of butter, use half a cup of butter and one quarter cup of yogurt. You'll reduce the calories and the saturated fat. Play around with using more yogurt and less butter to see if you still like the taste and consistency. Here are more ways to use Greek yogurt in baking recipes. If you're avoiding dairy, use soy yogurt instead.
  • Prune purée: Often used to help little ones stay regular, prune purée also makes a low-calorie and low-fat alternative to butter. Whatever amount of butter the recipe calls for, replace it completely with store-bought baby food prune purée (unless you have time to make your own; just purée prunes in the food processor). This option works well in recipes that involve chocolate and cinnamon.


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Do These 7 Things on Sunday to Lose Weight All Week Long

You know you should be eating right and exercising all week to reach your weight-loss goals, but when you're so rushed between work and family responsibilities, it's tough to have time to make it happen. A little planning goes a long way, so here are some things you can do on Sunday to ensure you stay on a healthy path all week long.

Plan Your Workouts

Don't just think to yourself that you'll squeeze in a run here and a trip to the gym there - plan it out. Sit down with your weekly calendar and jot down every workout just as you would doctor's appointments and meetings. Use this time to call your fitness buddy or trainer to make dates, check out studio schedules to find classes you want to take, and check the week's weather to figure out which days will be best for outdoor workouts.

Hit the Hamper

Nothing puts a damper on a workout more than not being able to find a clean sports bra, so do a couple loads before Monday, making sure you have everything you need, from your running tights to yoga tops to the towel you use to wipe sweat from your brow. Lay out your outfits for each day's workout so you're not running around the house Tuesday morning trying to find your missing sock.

Gather Your Gear

Collect whatever you need to work out - a yoga mat, sneakers, or earbuds - and make sure everything is set so you can easily grab the items throughout the week. Pack your gym bag, and put it by the door or in your car so you won't forget it when you leave for the day. If you exercise at home, put your favorite fitness video in the DVD player and lay out your dumbbells and resistance band. Sunday is also a great time to make a couple new playlists to inspire your kick-ass workouts (if you don't have time, subscribe to our workout playlists on Spotify).

Plan Your Meals and Snacks

Sit down and write out a weekly eating plan including all meals and snacks for the week. If you need a little inspiration, check out these healthy recipes. After making out a grocery list to include everything you'll need to whip them up, hit the health food store and stock up for the week. Since produce is best enjoyed within a few days of purchasing, note what fruits and veggies you'll want to pick up halfway through the week.

Make things even easier by prepping in advance: wash, cut, and store veggies to be used in dinner recipes, cut up fruit for smoothies or snacks, and cook up some whole grains and store them in the fridge. Cook some of these make-ahead breakfasts in advance, or turn on the crockpot to make something you can eat a few nights that week, like these under-400-calorie meals.

Pack It Up

If you'll be away from home during the day, cut down on the temptation to go out to lunch or grab a cookie by packing lunches and snacks from home. Making five salads for the week is easy and healthy, or you can whip up a big pot of soup and freeze small portions in glass containers to grab for lunch. Also set aside 10 snacks for the week (two per day) such as Greek yogurt, cheese sticks, and containers of carrots and hummus, or measure out 100-calorie portions of trail mix, whole-grain crackers, or cereal. It'll probably take about an hour to get it all ready, but it'll end up saving you time during the rest of the week.

Hit the Hay

Once everything is all set, take a nice hot bath, slip on your PJs, and hop into bed early. Unwind with an evening yoga sequence or a calming book, and you're more likely to have a good night's sleep and wake up refreshed for the week ahead.



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How to Pack Salads on Sunday Night So They're Fresh All Week

Eating a big salad at least once a day is a great way to maintain healthy habits. Don't have time to cut up a salad every single night? Here's a way to make all the salads you need for your workweek at once. Follow these simple salad-making rules, and your meal will taste just as fresh on Friday as it does on Monday!

This is just a general guide with lots of room for creativity. Even though you're making all five salads at one time, you can still make them all a little different with the types of toppings and dressings you use for each one. It's a great way to save time and money and ensure you're getting a dose of daily veggies for health and weight loss.



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This Push-Up Challenge Will Make You Insanely Stronger in 30 Days

If being able to do 50 push-ups is on your fitness bucket list, it's time to make it happen. Just like the 30-Day Squat Challenge, here's a plan to build your upper body and core strength so that by the end of the 30 days, you'll be able to bust out 50 push-ups.

This challenge involves five push-up variations to not only prevent boredom and overuse injuries but to also help sculpt other areas of the body. Here are instructions for the five different variations, followed by a 30-day plan to get you all the way to 50.

Number 1: Basic Push-Up

  • Come into plank position with your arms and legs straight, shoulders above the wrists.
  • Take a breath in, and as you exhale, bend your elbows out to the sides and lower your chest toward the ground. Stop as soon as your shoulders are in line with your elbows. Inhale to straighten the arms. This counts as one rep.
  • If this is too difficult, do this exercise with your knees on the floor.

Number 2: One-Legged Push-Up (Left Leg)

  • Begin in plank position.
  • Extend your left leg straight behind you so it's parallel with the floor. Engage your abs, and try to keep your left heel in line with your hips.
  • With your left leg extended and your right toes on the floor, exhale to bend the elbows, lowering into a push-up. Inhale to straighten your arms.
  • This counts as one rep.
  • If this is too difficult, the photo above shows how to do this push-up variation with your right knee resting on the floor.

Number 3: One-Legged Push-Up (Right Leg)

  • Now switch sides. From plank position, extend your right leg straight behind you so it's parallel with the floor. Engage your abs, and try to keep your right heel in line with your hips.
  • With your right leg extended and your left toes on the floor, exhale to bend the elbows, lowering into a push-up. Inhale to straighten your arms.
  • This counts as one rep. As mentioned above, if this is too difficult, rest your left knee on the floor.

Number 4: T Push-Up

  • Begin in plank position.
  • Take a breath in, and then exhale to bend your elbows, lowering into a push-up.
  • Inhale to straighten your arms, and at the top of your push-up, lift your left arm straight up overhead, rotating your torso to stack your shoulders, and turn your heels to the right, making a T-shape with your body.
  • Exhale to place your left palm back on the ground and lower into a push-up.
  • Inhale to straighten your arms and lift your right arm up overhead, rotating your torso and turning heels to the left.
  • Exhale to place your right hand back on the ground.
  • Doing a T push-up on both sides counts as one rep.

Number 5: Diamond Push-Up

  • Begin in plank position. Place your hands together, directly under your sternum, with the tips of your index fingers and thumbs touching. Your fingers and thumbs should form a diamond or triangle shape.
  • After an inhale, exhale to bend your elbows, lowering your chest toward the floor.
  • Inhale to straighten the arms.
  • This counts as one rep.
  • If this is too difficult, try separating your hands a couple inches or widening your feet slightly. Still too hard? Then lower the knees to the ground.

The Plan

Instead of rolling out 50 regular push-ups in a row, you'll work up to doing 10 reps of each. This plan gives your upper body a day of rest every two days, but feel free to strength train other areas of the body on those rest days.

If you're new to the push-up scene, it's OK to perform these push-ups with your knees resting on the floor if straight legs is too difficult. But keep in mind that unless you practice doing push-ups on your toes with your legs straight, you'll never be able to do them. So do as many reps as you can with proper form with your knees lifted, and lower them when your arms start to fatigue. It's also OK to rest your arms if you need to (in ChIld's Pose or Seated Heart Opener), but as the plan progresses and you build strength and endurance, spend less time on your knees and resting, and more time rocking these push-up variations.

Day of Month Exercise Total Push-Ups
Day 1 1 rep of each 5
Day 2 1 rep of each, repeat 2x 10
Day 3 Rest 0
Day 4 2 reps of each 10
Day 5 1 rep of each, repeat 3x 15
Day 6 Rest 0
Day 7 2 reps of each, repeat 2x 20
Day 8 3 reps of each 15
Day 9 Rest 0
Day 10 2 reps of each, repeat 3x 30
Day 11 4 reps of each 20
Day 12 Rest 0
Day 13 3 reps of each, repeat 2x 30
Day 14 4 reps of each 20
Day 15 Rest 0
Day 16 5 reps of each 25
Day 17 6 reps of each 30
Day 18 Rest 0
Day 19 4 reps of each, repeat 2x 40
Day 20 6 reps of each 30
Day 21 Rest 0
Day 22 7 reps of each 35
Day 23 8 reps of each 40
Day 24 Rest 0
Day 25 8 reps of each 40
Day 26 9 reps of each 45
Day 27 Rest 0
Day 28 9 reps of each 45
Day 29 5 reps of each, repeat 2x 50
Day 30 10 reps of each 50


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This Rule Could Be the Key to Losing Weight

The 80/20 principle is no diet - it's a lifestyle change that can lead to sustainable weight loss. Folks who have suffered on rigid, limiting diets in the past find that this new rule teaches them about balance and moderation, a concept that never exists in a fad diet. When you practice 80/20, you have the space to go out socially and enjoy a meal (or a cocktail!) with friends, but most importantly, it makes the whole clean-living thing feel doable for the long run.

The breakdown is simple: 80 percent of the time you focus on eating clean, good-for-you foods, and 20 percent of the time you have the freedom to indulge as you please. Don't be concerned about the math, but it's simple: if you eat three square meals a day, three of those meals every week are your 20 percent cheat meals; if you eat five small meals a day, then seven of those small meals are up for grabs.

If you're worried about loosening the reins, look to Hollywood for 80/20 success stories. When we spoke to Jessica Alba's trainer Yumi Lee, Yumi credited the 80/20 rule when it came to Jessica's ability to maintain her healthy weight. She explains, "You can't be 100 percent all of the time, but you can be 80 percent all of the time." Yumi recommends small, frequent meals throughout the day, aiming to make healthy choices 80 percent of the time.

Supermodel Miranda Kerr has also explained how the 80/20 rule has done wonders for her relationship with food. Without guilt or conditions placed on meal choices, Miranda says, "Food is my friend, and consistency is the key. I believe that everything in moderation is best." We could not agree more.



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At-Home Tabata Workout - 10 Minutes and Done

When it comes to burning a lot of calories in little time, try Tabata. It's a form of high-intensity interval training (aka HIIT) that alternates between 20 seconds of max training and 10-second rest periods for a total of eight rounds. These workouts are fast-paced and fun.

This workout is made of two Tabata sets, plus a short warmup and cooldown. No equipment is necessary, and we keep track of the timing. So what are you waiting for? Press play, and get your sweat on.

Looking for a longer workout? After completing this video, try another 10-minute Tabata workout for 20 minutes of fun!



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jeudi 28 mai 2015

Reasons You're Waking Up Tired

Do you constantly wake up feeling like you could sleep for another three hours? Not everyone's a morning person, but when you wake up so tired you have a pounding headache, pour orange juice into your cereal, or practically fall asleep while checking your morning emails, something's not right. Keep reading to find out what might be preventing you from waking up energized.



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Embrace the Healthy Fats With These Avocado-Inspired Snacks

Need more fiber in your diet? Turn to the smooth and satisfying avocado. Just half an avocado contains almost seven grams of fiber. Too high in fat, you say? Don't fret, because avocados contain the good-for-you monounsaturated fats (MUFA) your body needs to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and maintain the HDL (good) ones. Here are 12 delectable ways to snack on the melt-in-your-mouth creaminess of an avocado.



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How Katy Perry Plans to Stay Happy and Healthy All Summer Long

If you saw Katy Perry rock this year's Super Bowl halftime show, then you won't be surprised to find that this lady stays superfit. Our friends at Made Man recently caught up with her to find out how she stays looking and feeling good while she's on tour.

How do you stay "on" every day?
I'm not on every day. I'm sometimes 85 percent but I try my best. I always prepare myself, my mind, my body. I'm looking after my health which is most important because if I get sick I can't play a show, and thankfully I've not gotten sick!

You have done so many shows already. How do you keep things fresh?
It's really hard because sometimes there are people on the road that are sick. There've been puke buckets on the side of different instruments and hidden behind different lifts and things like that. And sometimes people are lonely, sometimes people have personal things going on in their life. I think you just have to continually remind yourself that these fans have waited so long, they're probably not going to see this show ever again, they may not ever see you ever again, this is like their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So we always try our best and are really grateful that we have such a successful tour. From the California Dreams tour to the Prismatic world tour it's grown so much and people still want it. That isn't always the case, so we're seizing the moment for sure.

How long does it take you to get ready to perform?
The shows are typically at nine p.m. and when it's show day it's all reserved for the show. So I sleep a lot, that's kind of like where I get all my strength and rejuvenation. My operating hours are very strange. I'm not a nine to five girl, in a Dolly Parton kind of way. I'm like a nine p.m. to five a.m. girl. I really start my day about noon and end my day about three a.m. So I'm getting quite a lot of sleep. It's about nine hours, sometimes even more and there's a regime that I start from the moment I wake up usually.

What are you going to do when you finally do get time off? Are you good at switching off?
No. You have to place me on a deserted island with no phone and I'll already probably have like a phone hidden in some box! But I love what I do. I have a lot of energy now, things will change. I think this summer it will be very important for me to kind of step outside of my world and my bubble and have real genuine normal experiences and go to the farmers market and pick out fruit.

What's your favorite late night snack after a show?!
Well I try, I really try on the road to keep it all very healthy but the crew always has pizza around so I'm always like 'Give me a slice bro! Give me a slice. I'll give you an extra hour's sleep if you give me a slice!'

Check out more articles like this from Made Man:



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Dynamic Yoga Sequence to Build Your Best Bikini Body

Sure, yoga is great for calming the mind, but this ancient practice can also give you a strong and sexy body to boot! Get psyched for beach time with these 12 challenging yoga poses that will tone your tush, thighs, abs, and upper body. Follow this 12-pose sequence through on the right side, and then repeat on the left.



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What You Can Do Right Now to Banish Belly Bloat

If you want to fight fight belly fat, burning calories and fat through cardio - especially interval training - is your best bet. Bloating, on the other hand, is its own beast, and you can't feel like you're rocking your bathing suit if your belly is superpuffy. Luckily, there are easy ways to reduce bloating so that you can show off that tummy you've been working so hard to get.

  • Put this down: Not only is too much sodium bad for your heart, but it will also cause you to retain water - and not just in your belly - so stop yourself the next time you reach for the salt shaker. Extra sprinkles aren't the only way we consume too much sodium. Limit high-sodium foods such as hot dogs, cottage cheese, bacon, soy sauce, and chips.
  • Sip this: When you're belly is bloated, filling up on water seems like the last thing you want to do, but it helps prevent bloat in two ways. When you're not drinking enough fluids, your body retains water to prevent dehydration. So sipping nature's beverage can actually reduce water retention. Drinking water also prevents constipation, which is another cause of a bloated belly. Also include foods with high water content such as watermelon, celery, grapefruit, and cucumbers.
  • Limit this: Some foods such as beans, broccoli, pears, onions, and carbonated drinks create more gases in your body than others, so limit these foods. Dairy can also cause some people gassiness, so if this sounds familiar, hold the milk, ice cream, yogurt, and cheese, and look for dairy-free alternatives.
  • Eat this: Fiber helps everything move through the intestines more quickly, which prevents constipation and bloating. If you're not accustomed to eating enough fiber, then slowly add more and more fiber to your diet - go too fast, and you'll feel even more bloated than before. Include berries, avocado, kiwi, beans, whole grains, and other high-fiber foods in your meals and snacks every day.
  • Slow down: One small cause of bloating could be that you're swallowing too much air when you're scarfing down your meals; this is why some of us get the hiccups when eating too quickly. Slow down when you eat, and really chew your food.
  • Get tropical: Eating pineapple can ease bloating too. This tropical fruit is high in the enzyme bromelain, which helps break down protein and eases digestion, helping to banish the bloat. Here's a bloat-fighting smoothie recipe to try that's made with pineapple.
  • Get moving: Daily physical activity can also prevent constipation, so aim for 30 minutes a day.
  • Cheers to this: Alcohol is another cause of bloat since it causes dehydration, which as mentioned above, can lead to water retention. For your health and your belly's sake, stick to one alcoholic beverage, and follow it with a huge glass of water.


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No Space, No Equipment, No Problem: Our 20-Minute Apartment Workout

No space, no money to invest in a home gym, and no time? No excuses! Work your entire body with the following circuit workout. You don't need a lot of space to do it; all you need is your living room or bedroom floor. And while it tones all your muscle groups, it doesn't take a lot of time: repeat this circuit twice, and you'll still be done in about 20 minutes!



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Combo Workout: Quick Cardio and Kickass Abs

Today's workout in our Better-Body Challenge is a fun calorie-burning, ab-toning session. And it only takes 30 minutes. Start with 20 minutes on the treadmill, playing with both speed and incline (or try this elliptical workout). Then end your sweat session with 10 minutes of hardcore ab work! You've been working hard all month, so this quick workout is more about maintenance. Keep it up!

Treadmill Workout: 20 Minutes


Time
Speed
(MPH)
Incline
Notes
00:00-03:00
3.8
1.0
Warmup
03:00-05:00
4.3
4.5
05:00-07:00
4.8
3.0
07:00-09:00
5.0
2.5
09:00-11:00
5.8
2.0
11:00-13:00
6.0
1.5
13:00-15:00
5.8
2.0
15:00-17:00
4.5
2.5
17:00-20:00
3.5
1.0
Cooldown


Ab Workout: 10 Minutes



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The Best Before-Bed Yoga Sequence For Slumber

Yoga before bed can be some of your best defense against insomnia. By calming down your body and your mind, you're putting yourself in a better position for sweet and restful slumber. Ready to get to bed? This yoga sequence will save the day.



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Don't Be a Bloated Bride: 10 Foods to Avoid Before the Wedding

The dress is bought, the final fitting has happened - the last thing you want is to feel puffy and bloated as you walk down the aisle. While you may have kept up with your already-healthy diet and lifestyle in the months leading up to the wedding, certain foods have been shown to leave the body feeling a little swollen around the seams. A good rule of thumb is to stick to a basic elimination diet during the two weeks before the wedding, but if that's too much to ask, try cutting out a few of the following foods before your big day.



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Versatile Greek Yogurt Recipes to Lighten Up Any Meal

It's no secret that we love Greek yogurt around here, and there's good reasons. It's a perfect way to get more protein and calcium in your diet, and the probiotics are nothing but good news for your insides. And not only that - substituting Greek yogurt for cream, mayonnaise, and other high-fat options saves big in the calorie department. From breakfast to dessert and everything in between, here are some of our favorite ways to add flavor, not calories, with Greek yogurt!



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The 1 Ingredient That Can Elevate Your Hummus

I love making homemade hummus - it's so easy and so cheap! But I must admit, eating the same flavor each time is a little boring. Inspired by the farmers market, I baked up some heirloom tomatoes and added them to my finished hummus. The result was simply delicious and I couldn't stop dipping my veggies in it. Here is a basic hummus recipe that you can easily jazz up with things you have on hand, but I highly recommend roasting tomatoes to add.

Ingredients
4 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon salt
2 1-pound, 3-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2/3 cup tahini, well stirred
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, or to taste
1/2 cup olive oil, or to taste
1/2 to 1 cup roasted tomato

Directions
Add all of the ingredients to a food a processor, and blend until smooth.



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Whittle Your Middle With This Challenging Ab Workout

The following post was originally featured on The Fitnessista and written by Gina H., who is part of POPSUGAR Select Fitness.


Even though I'll be working on my reverse six-pack this summer, I put together a little ab burner for you! It's perfect to add to your cardio routine, or something you could do at home before bed. All the moves are explained thoroughly with the photos, except the beast. For this one, come onto your hands and knees (knees under your hips and hands under your shoulders.) Engage your core to lift your knees into a hover off the floor. It burns so good.

For more details about this workout, check out the post on The Fitnessista.



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mercredi 27 mai 2015

Marine Corps Veteran Says Zumba Is the Post-Combat Therapy That Saved Her

For many people, exercise is therapy. For Angelica Jimenez, Zumba is a lifesaver. The Marine Corps veteran nearly died in Afghanistan in 2005 from an attack by a suicide bomber, and she's still in the recovery process today. But she's also teaching a Zumba class in Emerson, New Jersey, and she says the dance class is the therapy she needed to get her life back on track. The classes have helped her "keep her strength and put a smile back on her face," CBS News reports.

Angelica isn't the only one who finds a significant mental and physical boost from Zumba - it's scientifically proven to make you happier. "This is the best therapy I could ever have," she said. Watch the inspiring video above to hear her full story.



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The Reason Your Ab Work Isn't Showing Results

My stay at Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, MX, can be summed up in two words: fitness heaven. As a guest of the award-winning retreat, every day brought a slew of new classes to try - from hiking to kettlebells, there was something for everyone. While each class had its lasting benefits, weeks later, l still find myself going back to a simple tip mentioned during the Ranch's Ab + Cycle class.

Feeling fatigued after an intense ride on our Spin bikes, the entire class seemed to be struggling with the Pilates portion of the class. There was grunting happening, people propelling themselves up with force, and more than a few necks being strained. Seeing the potential for back injuries, our instructor, trainer JayDee Cutting III, offered a simple tip that has had far-reaching effects on all of my workouts since: "Focus on the muscle, not the movement."

JayDee went on to explain that if you solely focus on mimicking a movement, the integrity of an exercise can be compromised. Instead, think about which part of the body the exercise is targeting. For instance, if you're doing a squat and find that your glutes aren't fired up, rethink your form - doing so will ensure that your quads aren't overcompensating and your butt is getting the workout it deserves. JayDee also suggests that whenever doing ab work on the floor, start the first exercise by placing your hand on the muscle being worked. As you go into the exercise, keep your hand there to make sure the muscle is being activated. If you find that it isn't, regroup, engage the muscle, and perform the exercise at a slower pace to see the difference. You'll also find that when doing ab work, it only takes a small amount of movement to engage the core; something important to consider the next time you find that you're pulling yourself up by the neck. Focus on the core, and you can let go of this idea of getting your head as far up as possible.



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10 Foods That Help Detoxify the Body

If you went a little overboard and are now feeling the urge to eat clean, you've come to the right place. Since most detoxes are usually calorie-deprivation diets in disguise, it's wise to steer clear of them, but not to worry - there are still ways to get your body back on track. Exercising, cutting out alcohol and refined sugars, and eating a healthy diet do wonders. A little extra help doesn't hurt either.

Here are 10 healthy foods with natural cleansing properties. Include them in your next meal and get rid of that extra junk left over from the big feast.



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Bend These Weight-Loss Rules and Still Drop Pounds

If you love to eat, losing weight can seem so structured - you immediately get frustrated and grab the first decadent food you can find. Even though there are some very specific guidelines that can help you reach your goal faster, there's no one-size-fits-all weight-loss plan for everyone. Here are five rules you can bend and still drop pounds from the scale.

Rule #1: No Cupcakes, Wine, or French Fries

While dessert, alcohol, and fried foods tend to be high in calories, just because you want to lose weight doesn't mean you have to live without the foods you adore. Actually, denying yourself the bites you crave can backfire, causing you to feel deprived, resulting in bingeing. You can't eat these foods all the time, but it's perfectly healthy to enjoy a few spoonfuls of ice cream or a small glass of Chardonnay every once in a while. Just tone down your portion sizes and only indulge about once a week.

Rule #2: Salad, Every Day

Salads aren't for everyone, and the dissatisfied feeling you get afterward could cause you to head to the nearest pizza joint. Plus, salad toppings can really add up. When a bowl of greens is covered in candied walnuts, cheese, dried cranberries, avocado, and creamy dressing, a seemingly healthy salad can run higher in calories than a burger. If you're not into a bowl of raw veggies, choose other low-calorie meals that incorporate veggies such as sandwiches, broth-based soups, grilled veggies, and whole-grain salads. You have to enjoy the foods you're eating in order to stick with a healthy meal plan.

Rule #3: Must Exercise to Lose Weight

A 30-minute jog burns about 250 calories, and while burning calories is a great way to lose weight, it's not the only way. If you're injured and can't exercise, or you're just not able to make the time for it, you can still lose weight. It just means you have to be willing to eat less and cut calories in your diet instead. If you do skip out on workouts, keep active in other ways - it's important for so many other reasons like heart health, stress relief, and better sleep.

Rule #4: No Carbs

While carbs tend to be high in calories, not all carbs are created equal. Refined carbs like white flour, rice, and sugar are the ones to limit. Complex carbs like quinoa, oats, whole-wheat pasta, whole-grain bread, and brown rice are full of protein that'll give you energy and fiber that will keep you full. And simple carbs like fruit also offer fiber to send your brain that "I'm full" signal. You still need to watch portions of these foods since they aren't calorie-free, but you definitely don't need to (and shouldn't) ditch all carbs in the name of weight loss.

Rule #5: Measure Everything

While portion control is a huge weight-loss buzz phrase, and limiting your calories is the best way to lose weight, you don't have to be rigid about measuring everything. There are tons of foods you can eat as much as you want of and not measure a single bite. We're talking nonstarchy, low-cal veggies such as salad greens, peppers, celery, and cucumbers. If your daily diet seems too strict, try to include foods like these that you can munch on without worrying about how much you're eating.



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7 Ways to Make Your Post-Workout High Last Longer

It's the moment when you feel like you could run a marathon after completing a workout. Whether you just kicked butt in a kickboxing class or released unwanted toxins from hot yoga, that natural post-workout high is something everyone wants to last as long as possible. Shape Magazine tells us seven ways to make your post-workout high last longer. Check out how easy it is to tack on these steps after your workout.

You hear a lot about a runner's high. But, really, any activity that gets your heart rate up for 30 minutes or more will trigger the release of endorphins (like anandamide) that are similar to THC, the chemical responsible for the high you get from marijuana, according to research from the University of Arizona in Tucson. Those chemicals are why you feel that buzzy, happy glow after hitting the gym. But, the downside is that the feeling wears off faster than you'd like. Luckily, these tips can help you fight the fade, and make your post-gym high last longer. (And, by the way, Science Is Trying to Decode the Runner's High, so you can maximize your potential.)

Go Hard

Prolonging your natural high starts with getting the biggest boost possible during your sweat session-something to remember when you're powering through the last 10 seconds of your next plank. When you're in pain, your body releases natural opiate-like endorphins with the same buzz-inducing (and ache-numbing) properties as their chemical cousins, says Matt Bellace, Ph.D., author of A Better High. To get the best, longest-lasting high, then, you've got to get uncomfortable during your workout. Add some sprints into your run, grab a heavier weight than usual, push out an extra set… You'll thank yourself later. (Punishment Can Be a Key Incentive for Exercise.) 

Take It Outside

For a more sustained high, Bellace suggests opting for outdoor workouts like hiking, surfing, or swimming. Research has shown that fresh air (especially what's around oceans and mountains) contains negative ions, molecules that have an extra mood-boosting effect on the body. 

Sweat With a Friend

People who work out with friends tend to enjoy their sweat sesh more and exercise harder, studies show. (Learn six more reasons Why Having a Fitness Buddy Is the Best Thing Ever.) And that translates into a happier post-workout glow.

Spread the Joy

Savoring these moments of euphoria are as important as experiencing them in the first place: When you fail to focus on good things, the resulting mood boost is weaker and shorter-lived, according to findings from the Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. The easiest way to hold onto your happiness is by sharing with friends, directly or via social media posts, says Bellace. Doing so encourages you to reflect on and feel gratitude for your blessings, which deepens the pleasure you experience. Plus, when you look back on these posts or texts later, you get to relive the high. (The Right-and Wrong-Ways to Use Social Media for Weight Loss.) 

Fuel Up

Eating something tasty releases dopamine in the pleasure center of the brain, says Bellace. And while sugar and caffeine will give you a short-term rush, they can also lead to a crash-especially if you eat them after a workout, when your muscles are screaming for wholesome nutrients. A better bet: these nutrition expert-approved post-workout foods

Get Busy

First of all, studies have shown that exercise boosts genital arousal-so you'll already want to have sex. Plus, a roll in the hay will flood your body with more feel-good endorphins and hormones, bringing your workout-induced bliss to the next level. Pro tip: You might want to hit the showers first. (See 5 Surprising Reasons to Have Sex Tonight.)

Pump Up the Tunes

You might already listen to a playlist during your workout, but keep the music cranked up after you've cooled down too. Listening to music you like can cause your brain to release dopamine, according to researchers from McGill University. That explains why your favorite song (hey, "Uptown Funk"!) can make you feel so happy-even on your hundreth listen-and may mean that if you keep iTunes playing once you leave the gym, you can keep the good feelings going too. 



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Who Will Win the Pop 100? Vote Now!

Lunchtime Special: A Heart-Pumping 20-Minute Elliptical Plan



Even when you're not in the mood to work out, a quick cardio session at the gym will help keep you on your healthy track and feeling fit. This kick-ass 20-minute elliptical workout keeps the pace quick and the resistance high to offer you a solid workout in a short period of time.

Time Resistance SPM* Notes
00:00-3:00 5 140 Warmup
03:00-5:00 7 150
05:00-07:00 8 150-160
07:00-08:00 10 190-210 Sprint
08:00-10:00 6 150-160
10:00-12:00 10 190-210 Sprint
12:00-14:00 8 150-160
14:00-15:00 10 190-210 Sprint
15:00-17:00 7 150-160
17:00-18:00 8 190-210 Sprint
18:00-20:00 5 140 Cooldown

*SPM = strides per minute
Incline = 20 percent

Click here for an image-free printable version of this elliptical interval workout.



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Bye-Bye Cottage-Cheese Thighs: 5-Minute Leg-Toning Workout

Your legs are truly lovely and take you everywhere you want to go, but if you sometimes scan them in the mirror and think of cottage cheese, here's a workout for you. Strengthen and tone your powerful gams with this quick and effective workout. Just press play and get ready to show your legs some love.

Looking for more quick workouts? Check out these fitness quickies:
The Ultimate Inner-Thigh Workout
Reboot Your Backside With This Tush-Toning Workout
Blast Away Calories With This Full-Body Tabata Workout



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The 1 Stretch to Wake Up Your Body

All you need to be ready to take on the day is this morning stretch from our friends at Self.

Source: Shutterstock

Bring your body to life first thing in the A.M. and give your muscles a natural caffeine-like boost with this feel-good stretch from Jenn Seracuse, director of Pilates at Flex Studios in New York City.

Consider this your chance to ease into your day.

Your Stretch: Thread the Needle

Source: Jay Sullivan

This is a good way to release the upper and mid back, which tends to get very tight, especially if you spend the majority of your day in front of a computer, explains Seracuse. (Guilty!)

Do It: Come to all fours on the floor. Reach your left arm straight up toward the ceiling and rotate your chest slightly in that direction. Prevent sinking into the right side of your body by keeping your right shoulder stacked over wrist and right hip over knee. Hold for three to five breaths. Now take your left arm, bring it down and reach it under and through your right armpit as if you're "threading the needle" (as shown). Bring your left shoulder and ear to graze the floor. Hold for three to five breaths. Repeat on opposite side.

More from SELF:



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Twist Out Toxins With Heat-Building Yoga

While plenty of people swear by Bikram yoga, there is also power that comes from building your own internal fire. Move through a fierce twisting sequence with loads of vinyasas (Four-Limbed Staff to Up Dog to Down Dog) that will challenge your body but be well worth all your effort. It's a great way to use all the strength you've built up from following our Better-Body Challenge.



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150-Calorie Snack-Packs Perfect For Traveling

One simple way to avoid an expansion of your waistline while traveling is to pack your own snacks. Here are 11 150-calorie snack-pack ideas perfect for any long car trip or flight. Just assemble your snack, bag it, and then pack it in your purse or carry-on. Not only will you save some calories, but you'll also save some dough.



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Personal Trainer to the Stars Harley Pasternak Shares His Secrets

Trainer to the stars Harley Pasternak shares some inside secrets in this article from Billboard.com on some of his most famous celeb clients. From Kanye West to Rihanna to Lady Gaga, this guy has worked with some of the biggest stars in the industry.

Apparently, working out with the stars can actually be detrimental to your health. While hiking with "close friend" Kanye West in Hawaii, celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak and West were nearly blown to bits in an abandoned military minefield. Then there was the time Pasternak bicycled alongside Alicia Keys across Vancouver Island with a broken ankle and full leg cast. Only slightly less intense are basketball standoffs with Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine.

But when it comes to the nuts and bolts of his fitness philosophy, Pasternak, 41, is strictly no-nonsense. The gluten-free fad? "Truth is, less than 1 percent of Americans are actually allergic to wheat." Working out for hours? "It just makes you hungry." Instead, Pasternak instructs his superstar clients - from Lady Gaga to Ariana Grande - to simply walk 10,000 steps (they all wear FitBits) and complete 10 minutes of resistance moves each day.

Along with being helicoptered onto private yachts in the Indian Ocean for training sessions and sculpting the multiplatinum likes of Bono, Rihanna, Katy Perry and John Mayer, Pasternak has become a best-selling author. His latest book, 5 Pounds, which hit stores in March, details five daily must-dos including eating the "holy trinity of satiety": protein, fiber and healthy fat.

"Every night my clients email me about the five things," he says. Yep, even "LG" (Lady Gaga) checks in. Not so much West, "who is such a creative, it's tough getting him to work within a structure," notes Pasternak. "He's more likely to send an email mocking something I've worn!"

Check out more articles like this from Billboard.com:



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mardi 26 mai 2015

Too Good to Squash: 12 Healthy Zucchini-Filled Recipes

Zucchini - the tasty star of the Summer squash family - is low in calories but high in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Make the most of this seasonal veggie with one of these recipes. Whether you want to enjoy zucchini at breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even snack time, there's a recipe here that will suit your dietary needs.



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Real-Life Forrest Gump Is Running Over 3,000 Miles in 100 Days

When you're bored and you want to feel productive, you might go for a run (and feel pretty good about your choice). Barclay Oudersluys was bored and decided to go for a run across the entire country. Dubbing his adventure Project Gump, the 23-year-old Michigan native is running from California to Maine partly for fun and partly to raise money for the Hall Steps Foundation, a nonprofit that strives to fight poverty around the world through better health. "What better way is there to promote healthy living than by running?" Barclay wrote on his Crowdrise fundraising page, where he has already raised over $3,500 of his $10,000 goal.

The real-life Forrest Gump told the Detroit Free Press that the spontaneous idea was sparked by an everyday run. "I was at the University of Michigan and I was on a run there one day, bored, and I tried to come up with something big to do and decided to run across the country," he said. "I'm out here just having fun." He started on May 9 and mapped out his entire route, and if all goes as planned, Barclay will run for 100 days, spanning over 3,000 miles.



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10 Breakfast Smoothies That Will Help You Lose Weight

If you're looking to sip away the pounds, juice cleanses may not be the best idea. Smoothies, however, could be your best-kept weight-loss secret; the blended beverage offers you tons of nutrition as well as protein and fiber to help keep you full until your next meal. Whipping up a smoothie for breakfast will further help you rev up your metabolism first thing in the morning, so here are seven smoothies to make in the morning to fill you up as the scale ticks down.

Metabolism-Boosting Smoothie

Source: Jenny Sugar

Start your day right with a glass of fat-burning ingredients, like calcium-rich Greek yogurt, almonds, and broccoli; high-fiber strawberries; and spicy cinnamon, among other metabolism-boosting ingredients.

Vegan Milkshake Smoothie

Source: Jenny Sugar

This high-protein vegan vanilla milkshake smoothie seems like an indulgence, but it's not - you'll be excited to know that in this case, having dessert for breakfast is actually an excellent idea.

Sweet Spinach Smoothie

Source: Leta Shy

Protein, fiber, and calcium make this sweet green smoothie a filling, fat-burning meal. From celeb trainer Harley Pasternak, it's a favorite among starlets looking to reset after an indulgent period.

Apple Flaxseed Cinnamon Smoothie

Source: Leta Shy

Adding ground flaxseed to this apple cinnamon smoothie bulks up what's in your cup, making you feel more satisfied. The extra fiber will also keep you feeling full until lunch rolls around. Added bonus: you can make the smoothie the night before to thicken in your fridge overnight.

Chia Berry Smoothie

Source: Lizzie Fuhr

For more fiber, protein, and thickness, add chia seeds to your next smoothie. They'll keep you full without the need to make a midmorning pastry run. This chia berry smoothie is also packed with antioxidants for your health.

Flat-Belly Smoothie

Source: Jenny Sugar

Had a big night? Start today right with a debloating smoothie that helps you depuff and reenergize. This filling flat-belly smoothie is a great way to kick off your morning after a few too many evening indulgences.

Apple-Cinnamon Breakfast Smoothie

Source: Michele Foley

This thick, tasty apple-cinnamon smoothie is a favorite of celebs for keeping them satisfied for hours. It blends up quickly, so you can make it on a busy morning and feel full until lunch.

Berry Breakfast Smoothie

Source: Lizzie Fuhr

For a fiber-rich smoothie without all the fuss, opt for this berry breakfast smoothie that supermodel Karlie Kloss loves. Made with just a few ingredients, it's a cinch to make and will keep you full for hours.

Banana Bread Smoothie

Source: Lizzie Fuhr

Skip the pastries, and opt for something lower in calories and better for you instead. Luckily, this banana bread smoothie tastes like what you crave with a healthy dose of protein, fiber, good fats, and more. It's perfect for when you need to fuel up before a hectic morning.

Debloating Papaya Smoothie

Source: Jenny Sugar

If you've had a big night out or are just feeling a little overstuffed, wake up with this debloating papaya smoothie. Filled with enzymes to aid in digestion as well as potassium to help flush out excess sodium, this smoothie will help you start your day right and feel a little lighter as well.



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Burn More Calories and Lose Weight Faster With These Tabata Workouts

What's not to love about high-intensity interval training? Not only does HIIT save you time, but it also burns tons of calories, both while you work out and after (even if you're doing nothing at all!). One of our favorite ways to HIIT is Tabata, a type of workout that combines 20 seconds of intense bursts of workouts with 10 seconds of rest in four-minute rounds. Does a short and effective workout sound good to you? Get started here.

  1. Printable Tabata workout: Take it with you; this printable Tabata workout may be the only thing you need to stay in shape. Packed with so many different types of moves, from backward lunges to burpees, so you don't get bored, this workout will keep you interested in your workout while you burn major calories.
  2. 10-minute, no-equipment Tabata: For an all-in-one workout, just press play. This 10-minute Tabata workout video combines two Tabata sets with a short warmup and cooldown to get you in and out in just 10 minutes! All you have to do is follow along.
  3. And another: Can't get enough of our Tabata workouts? This 10-minute Tabata video workout adds even more intensity to your routine. Play it back to back with the above or on its own for an effective, intense workout.
  4. Tabata mashup: Two classic moves, one killer workout. This Tabata mashup workout video combines 20 seconds of push-ups and 20 seconds of squats, along with short rest intervals, for a sweat-inducing HIIT workout.
  5. Eight-minute Tabata: Don't have time for a long workout? Tabata makes a great quick and effective workout for when time is limited. This eight-minute Tabata workout is basically two rounds of Tabata, so if you decide to do more, you can repeat the workout.
  6. Living room Tabata: Too hot or wet to run outside? Amp up your cardio routine with this printable home Tabata workout. Perfect for any small space, it'll have you doing heart-rate-raising moves like mountain climbers and squat jumps to burn calories fast.
  7. 20-minute Tabata: If you're short on time, this do-anywhere workout will help you burn major calories in no time at all. A mix of cardio and bodyweight exercises done at high intensity will sculpt your body with no equipment necessary. Learn how to do the entire 20-minute Tabata-inspired workout here.
  8. 40-minute Tabata workout poster: Get serious at the gym - and be the inspiration to your fellow gym rats - with this intense, 40-minute Tabata superset workout you can print and take with you anywhere.
  9. Total-body Tabata: For a longer workout that will make you feel like you spent hours at the gym, go for this 30-minute full-body Tabata workout. Be warned: even the rest periods will sculpt muscles with targeted isometric exercises like planks and wall sits.


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Female Boxing Champion Pretends to Be Clueless Before Kicking Trainer's Butt

Germaine Yeap just proved that "fight like a girl" means fight like you're a boxing champion who can beat out the guys. She's a pro Muay Thai fighter who's had over six years of training, but the new Muay Thai trainers at a local Malaysian gym never would have guessed that. Germaine shows up to the gym and tries her best to look like a weak, helpless girl who has no idea what she's doing. When she suggests that they practice in the ring, the male trainer is hesitant, saying, "I just don't want to hurt you." If only he knew who he was really going up against. You have to see the hilarious result when Germaine switches from faking it to killing it the way she always does. Way to take them by surprise, girl.



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Pizza Hut and Taco Bell Just Got a Little Bit Healthier

When you think healthy fast food, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell don't exactly pop into mind (especially when there are calorie bombs like this one on the menu). But the two fast food brands announced today that they are getting just a little bit healthier by removing many artificial ingredients in their foods.

Yum Brands, the company that owns both Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, said that it is removing key artificial ingredients soon. Starting in July, you can say goodbye to artificial flavors and colors in Pizza Hut's offerings, while Taco Bell will remove artificial colors, flavors, and high-fructose corn syrup by the end of the year and artificial preservatives "where possible" by the end of 2017. That means no more Yellow No. 6 dye in its nacho cheese, no Blue No. 1 in its ranch dressing, and real black pepper instead of "black pepper flavor."

Taco Bell is also going one step further, pledging to eliminate the use of unsustainable palm oil in its restaurants. While palm oil is a natural ingredient, the harvesting of unsustainable palm oil has led to widespread deforestation, several endangered species, and increased pollution as well as other environmental and economic consequences.

Panera Bread recently announced a similar pledge to remove over 150 artificial ingredients, and while the debate on the dangers of GMOs still hasn't been settled, Chipotle said it has stopped using genetically modified ingredients as well. Whether or not you ever indulge in Pizza Hut or Taco Bell, these small changes signal a step in the right direction when it comes to more- conscious eating and consumer demand for higher-quality food.



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After Finding Her Strength in a Boxing Gym, Desiree Lost 210 Pounds

When Desiree Richards first stepped into TITLE Boxing Club at almost 400 pounds, she could barely finish a class. Now she's an inspiration to everyone in her hometown - her local paper even covered her amazing weight-loss journey! Read on for her incredible transformation, how she started, and what's different now that she's down 200-plus pounds.

Desiree: Before

POPSUGAR Fitness: What made you decide to start?
Desiree Richards A trip to the ER due to my heart racing. The doctors had to restart my heart. At that moment, I knew I had to change something. I had tried losing weight before, lost 80 pounds, and gained it back and more. I knew that I had to make a lifestyle change in order to lose the weight for good.

PS: What's your favorite way to work out?
DR: Boxing. I have been taking boxing classes at TITLE Boxing Club in Arlington, TX. Boxing has influenced my life in more ways than one. It has been a large tool in my weight loss, a stress reliever, and a confidence booster. I encourage other people to find a form of exercise that is enjoyable for them. And when you find it, stick with it.

PS: What's your weekly exercise schedule?
DR: I started out about four times a week at TITLE, and at first, I was barely able to finish a class. Now I work out six days a week: four times at TITLE and two weight resistance workouts. I also have started using a weighted vest and weighted gloves. I am always looking for ways to improve and become better than I was yesterday.

Desiree: After


PS: How do you keep workouts exciting?
DR: I work out with friends. I also enjoy working out at TITLE Boxing Club because some of the instructors have experience in martial arts. Every instructor brings a different feel to the class, which helps keep it exciting.

PS: How much weight have you lost?
DR: Two hundred and ten pounds in about a year and a half.

PS: What was the first big difference, other than the number on the scale, that really made you feel proud and excited?
DR: I would say the things I started to be able to do that I could not at almost 400 pounds. Some of those things include:

  • Being able to sit in a classroom chair and be comfortable and being able to use any stall and not just the handicap stall in public places.
  • Being able to wear a seat belt without it being uncomfortable anymore and being cold instead of hot all the time.
  • Feeling more confident in myself.
  • Being able to ride roller coasters.
  • Being able to shop at any store instead of only places with plus sizes.
  • Sit in a theater seat comfortably.

The life of someone severely overweight is hard physically, mentally, and emotionally. All of that changed as I lost weight.

PS: How do you track your weight loss?
DR: I weigh myself once a week on the same day and at same time. I have also recently been keeping track of my BMI and body fat. My BMI use to be in the 60s and is now in the 20s. Every once in a while, I will take my measurements, but unfortunately do not have my original measurements from when I started.

PS: What's a typical day of meals and snacks?
DR: I tend to have Ezekiel bread and hummus for breakfast. My first snack is usually a smoothie or another kind of fruit. Lunch is normally tofu with seasoning and mushrooms. Second snack is either a protein bar or mixed nuts. I normally eat a bowl of baked veggies with vegan cheese for dinner. I also enjoy snap peas because they are healthier than normal chips. Zevia is a natural soda I enjoy. I love eating pickles because the ones I eat do not have calories and are a good snack to grab if I have already eaten my calories for the day.

Desiree: After


PS: What's the range of calories you eat per day?
DR: I started at about 1,200 to 1,300 calories a day. At that time, I ate 40 percent protein, 30 percent fat, and 30 percent carbs. Now I eat about 1,400 calories per day. I use to keep track of the calories with an app on my phone, but now I have a general understanding of healthy foods and nutritional information. I usually eat three 300-calorie meals and two 200-calorie snacks. I also eat about every three hours.

PS: What are the healthy staples that are always in your fridge?
DR: Apples, oranges, raisins, broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower, spinach, juice, carrots, vegan cheese, flaxseed, protein powder, almond milk, tofu, salsa, brown rice, quinoa, frozen mixed veggies, sweet potatoes, frozen vegan pizza, Bragg's soy sauce amino acids, mustard, almond milk coffee creamer, frozen mixed berries.

PS: How do you strategize for meals out?
DR: I have enjoyed finding vegan restaurants because the food is lighter and healthier. When not at a vegan restaurant, I like to find somewhere that has veggie burger or a salad. I usually have one cheat meal a week when I eat out or eat my frozen pizza at home. I have also had to learn to be OK with going out with friends and not eating. It was hard at first, but if you want to be healthy, you have to place your own health above what others may think when you don't eat with them. I love spending time with friends, and oftentimes we do eat out. Sometimes I will join them and eat if I can find a healthy option, and other times, I won't.

PS: What advice do you have for anyone starting out on a weight-loss journey?
DR: The first couple of weeks are the hardest, but once you get past the sore muscles of those first few workouts, just keep moving forward. Find what works for you. My journey to health and fitness will look different than yours. It is never too late to never give up. Consistency is key, and it must be a lifestyle change. Diets or pills may work for a while but will not be sufficient. Celebrate the success and keep moving forward even if you may not see the results you were expecting. Sometimes we just need to trust the process. Find people who are also on a journey of health. It's important to have support and accountability. I have lost a lot of weight and I am proud of who I am. But I am even more proud of the person who walked into the gym at almost 400 pounds and continued to come back again and again. Others say that I am inspiring, and I am grateful. But I am also inspired by those who I see come back to TITLE again and again as well - the moms, dads, students, teachers, brothers, sisters, and many more.



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Simple Ways to Detox After an Indulgent 3-Day Weekend

When your holiday weekend is packed with barbecues and beer, it's hard to just say no. Keep this list in mind for any day-after detoxing requirements.

  1. Start your day with a cup of hot lemon water or green tea.
  2. Wake up your body with this detoxing yoga sequence full of twists and forward bends.
  3. Follow one of these detox meal plans for getting back on track after an indulgent day or weekend. The meals are heavy on the lean protein and veggies!
  4. Bust out your blender or juicer and make one of these detoxifying green juice and smoothie recipes.
  5. Make sure you fit in a heart-pumping workout today to reenergize your body and mind. Sweat out the bad with one of these Tabata interval workouts.
  6. Give your digestive system a cleansing boost with kale; here are some detoxing kale recipes to try.
  7. Nix the high-sugar drinks or diet sodas today and stick to water; you can flavor your glass with your favorite fruits (like cucumber, lemon, or berries), ginger, or mint. Learn how to make detoxifying infused water here.


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Make the Most of Your Chill Day to Recover Faster

Give your body a day off to recuperate and recharge from all the hard work you have been putting in to the Better-Body Challenge. But your recovery will be faster if you keep active. Really! Get your blood flowing to help feed your weary muscles, and take yourself for a 20-minute stroll, then give your muscles some TLC. Here's our simple prescription for making the most of your chill day.

Roll

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A weekly massage would be great for your body but not so great for your wallet. Instead, invest in a foam roller for some DIY muscle relief. Rolling out smooth knotted muscles and prime tight spots for stretching. Here are three resources to kick off your massage session.

Stretch

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After walking and rolling, lengthen tight muscles with some stretching. Pick one or two stretches for each body part, and hold your stretches for 30 seconds each.



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The Ingredient You Should Be Adding to Every Smoothie

I've always been an eggs and avocado enthusiast when it comes to breakfast, but recently, a smoothie's combination of being refreshing and ready in one minute has helped me make the transition from the stove to the blender. I've been playing around with a number of ingredient combinations, but regardless of what I toss into the mix, there's one nutrient-dense item that remains: spinach.

This leafy green might turn everything a grassy hue, but you should not be afraid to drink up. Here's why I always toss (at least) one cup of spinach into my breakfast smoothie.

It helps tone muscle: Popeye had the right idea! While your spinach-filled smoothie won't make you muscles grow immediately, a Swedish animal study found found that nitrate, found naturally in spinach, may improve muscle tone and endurance in humans.

It restores your energy: Iron helps transport oxygen around the body, and people with an iron deficiency often feel fatigued and groggy without realizing it's the problem. Bumping up your iron intake can make a huge difference in how you feel, and spinach is one of the best natural plant sources out there.

You can't taste it: While kale can leave your smoothie looking and tasting very green, spinach easily sneaks in without affecting flavor. If you're not convinced, try this pear, grape, and spinach smoothie or this chocolate-banana blend. These recipes will help you turn into a spinach smoothie convert, too.



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2-Week Plank Challenge: Build Up to a 5-Minute Plank

Plank is one of the most effective total-body moves, so here's a new challenge for you to conquer - a five-minute plank. Since holding a straight-up plank wouldn't be any fun (and could end up causing an injury), this challenge mixes up five basic variations to not only tone your abs and arms, but to target the obliques, legs, and upper back as well. Here's an explanation of how to do each one, followed by the two-week plan.



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