Year: 2018

September 30, 2018 at 06:30PM If you (or someone you know) has gone through the experience of a breast-cancer diagnosis and surgery, the last thing you want to worry about—really, the very last thing—is finding a bra that fits comfortably after the procedure, so you’re not delayed even a hot minute from getting back to the things you love. “It’s disruptive enough to have your whole life turned upside down after finding out you have breast cancer,” says Anne Peled, MD, a San Francisco-based plastic surgeon who specializes in cancer surgery. “To then also have to struggle with finding a well-fitting bra after surgery can feel like the last straw in terms of trying to get back to your pre-cancer life and routine.” Dr. Peled knows that struggle firsthand because she’s a survivor, too. After years of studying breast cancer and performing lumpectomies and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Peled found herself on the patients’ side of the desk. And once she went shopping for her own post-surgery bra that would hold up to her beloved HIIT workouts, she knew she had some valuable input to share. “The Empower Bra represents a true commitment to women’s health, and to getting women feeling whole again.” That’s when Athleta tapped her to consult on the creation of the second Empower Bra, a sports bra first introduced in 2017 designed specifically for women pushing through breast-cancer recovery and to help them stay active after surgery. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women in the U.S

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September 30, 2018 at 06:30PM Between beach runs, rooftop yoga, and park HIIT sessions, the options for switching up your workouts over the summer are endless. But once the temperature drops, the array dwindles to studio classes (pricey) and doing jumping jacks in your living room (yawn). If you’ve ever tried to muster the motivation to get off your couch and knock out a quick bodyweight workout, you know what we’re talking about. That’s why we tapped iFit trainer Becca Capell, NASM CPT, to share her tips on how to get as hyped for a DIY sweat sesh as you do for your favorite spin class. Her number one tip for keeping things interesting? Find accountability. Her number one piece of advice to keep things interesting? Find accountability. Whether that means inviting a friend to work out with you or downloading a training app like iFit Coach, outside inspiration is key. “People often lack motivation since there is little buy-in needed. When you have to get dressed and drive somewhere, you commit,” she says. “To make home workouts more fun and effective, I recommend always having a plan. With iFit Coach, we have hundreds of workouts you can do at home that are all created by certified trainers, so you’re sure to get the results you’re working toward.” Ready to get moving? Scroll down to get the exact workout she recommends for taking your summer motivation inside. Photo: iFit Move 1: Plank Pike Reps: Aim for 10-15 per set, building up as you

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September 30, 2018 at 08:27AM Spa menus are looking a lot different than they used to, with new massage modalities ranging from the woo-woo to the downright weird—think CBD-infused rub downs, high-vibe crystal massages, and celebrity-approved treatments that involve biting. (Yes, that’s a thing apparently.) But there’s one type of out-there massage that you definitely won’t be seeing at your favorite day spa any time soon: yoni massage. Basically, a yoni massage is a tantric massage for your vagina, and its roots go way back. “The word ‘yoni’ comes from the ancient Sanskrit language,” says advanced certified tantra educator Mare Simone, who learned about yoni massage from Charles Muir, aka the godfather of tantra. “It means the sacred space where life comes from.” Although a yoni massage can definitely lead to climax, an orgasm is actually not the intention. “The main goal [of a yoni massage] is really about healing and awakening pleasure,” Simone says. It’s meant to be an incredibly powerful, transformational experience more than anything else. (But if the Big O does happen, who’s going to complain?) One of the benefits of a yoni massage is education. Most women are familiar with the external parts of the vagina, like the clitoris, but a lot of a woman’s erogenous zones are hidden, Simone says. Learning how to connect more with what’s inside the vaginal canal—hello, G spot!—can be super eye-opening. The other major benefit of a yoni massage, Simone says, is to release tension and emotions that women tend to hold

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