April 04, 2019 at 01:20PM by CWC Jessamyn Stanley has long been walking, talking, forearm-standing proof that every damn body is a yoga body. Her Instagram feed is filled with photos of her contorting into pose after pose in her underwear. Her “fat, black, flexible body,” as she calls it, is a source of inspiration for those who have been traditionally underrepresented in yoga and fitness. Recently, she decided to further her mission by introducing a digital fitness app. Stanley tells me her followers would often reach out to say that they’d been inspired by her practice, but didn’t feel comfortable entering a studio. With today’s launch of The Underbelly, an app Stanley named after “the part [of your body] that you want to hide from other people, but is actually your strength,” she’s created an inclusive place for her community to come together to practice yoga. “Nothing has been about just pure, straight-up body-pos wellness. Not about, what is your body going to look like at the end of this process, but what’s going to happen to you on the inside.” —Jessamyn Stanley “I wanted to make a space that was totally different from all other digital yoga offerings, because I felt like everything up to this point was just so fitness-based,” Stanley tells me. “Nothing has been about just pure, straight-up body-pos wellness. Not about, what is your body going to look like at the end of this process, but what’s going to happen to you on the
Month: April 2019
For a longer life, adding healthy foods is more important than cutting anything out
April 04, 2019 at 01:14PM by CWC The vast majority of eating plans revolve around striking certain foods from the menu. No sugar, no processed foods, no foods at all after 8 p.m., and on, and on (and on). But according to a 27-year worldwide diet analysis recently published in the journal Lancet, restricting the ingredients on our plates isn’t nearly as important as making sure that whole grains, fruit, fiber, healthy fats, and veggies are there in the first place. To reach this conclusion, CNN reports that lead study researcher Ashkan Afshin, MD, assistant professor at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, studied the effect of 15 dietary risk factors on both disability and death. His team analyzed diets high in foods linked with poor health—like red meat, sugar, trans-fats, and salt—alongside those with sparse amounts of wholesome foods. The results concluded that those “bad for you foods” (aside from salt) actually ranked towards the bottom of the risk factors. But here’s the real kicker: Of the top three nutrition-related deaths in the year 2017, two were a result of not eating enough of a certain food group. Namely, people were majorly under-eating whole grains and fruit. Of the top three nutrition-related deaths in the year 2017, two were a result of not eating enough of a certain food group. Namely, people were majorly under-eating whole grains and fruit. High risk factors identified in the analysis also varied greatly depending on geographical location. In America and
The psychological reason why indulging your cravings is usually a good thing
April 04, 2019 at 12:39PM by CWC Raise your hand if you’ve ever started a healthy food kick (hooray for green smoothies and grain bowls!)…only to start desperately missing your favorite treats by like, day three? The struggle is so, so real. And yes, it’s true that food cravings can be your body telling you that you need to get more sleep, or that it needs more salt post-workout. But sometimes you just need some cheesecake, or an order of fries, you know? That’s where healthy eating gets tricky—because while it’s tempting to completely cut out “bad” foods, or replace them with healthier dupes, those actually are not successful strategies for most people. What’s more, resisting the foods you crave can become not just an exercise in willpower but a full-on distraction from other things in your life. In order to find that happy medium between eating what you love and eating a healthy, well-rounded diet, experts have a somewhat counterintuitive suggestion: indulge that craving. It’s not news that taking a balanced approach to healthy eating is more sustainable than following strict food rules. Sure, some foods might be more nutritious than others, but trying to avoid foods you think are “bad” and only eat “good” foods isn’t likely to make you healthier overall. “When you tell yourself something is off limits, you’re likely to think about it more often,” says Judith Matz, LCSW, co-author of The Diet Survivor’s Handbook: 60 Lessons in Eating, Acceptance and Self-Care. You know how
Medicine ball moves are the most overlooked way to fire up your entire body
April 04, 2019 at 12:01PM by CWC There’s that one corner in the gym, somewhere between the mats and the weights, that doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves. You know the one I’m talking about—where the medicine balls all just sort of hang out together until, once in a blue moon, some adventurous soul comes over and takes one out for a test drive. But while they may not seem as sexy and exciting as the cardio equipment, or as easy to grab-and-go as the weights, medicine balls should not be overlooked when it comes to getting in a full-body workout. Sure, you’re probably familiar with slams (a trainer favorite in seemingly every modality), but what you may not realize is that there are literally hundreds of other ways to feel the medicine ball burn from your head—or at least, shoulders—to your toes. “Using a medicine ball provides countless uses that can be used to increase muscular stretch, endurance, and power,” says Tony Vacharasanee, a trainer at NYC’s BodySpaceFitnes. “They can be thrown, caught, and used to provide resistance for many movements, in all three planes of motion, and at varying speeds.” He also notes that both beginners and experts can benefit from their versatility. “Developing explosive power is one of the unique benefits of using medicine balls since maximal movement speed is critical to increasing power capabilities,” he says. “Medicine balls are great for this since they allow movements to occur as explosively as possible without the need
Why do we date different versions of the same person? (Asking for a friend…named Khloé Kardashian)
April 04, 2019 at 11:55AM by CWC It’s common to have a “type” regarding preference in romantic partner, but, like why are so many of us drawn to different versions of the same person in physicality, profession, or the weird way that they stab you in the effing back? Asking for a friend…named Khloé Kardashian, who this week on Jimmy Kimmel Live defended her penchant for philandering NBA players. “I do want to ask about this character that you had a baby with. Is it time to stop dating basketball players?” Kimmel asked her. “I don’t know,” she answered. “I like what I like. What can I say?” Well, I think I speak for everyone when I say, with heavy side-eye, “Khloé, girl.” To be fair, all the men I date are 90-pound, dark-haired, pale musicians, and my friend who lives in San Francisco seems to only shack up with clean-cut engineer boyfriends. So, are we all just masochists with a preferred torture weapon, or what? According to the pros, this goes beyond “I like what I like” and into “I am what I am,” with your type being a reflection of you and the narrative that you’re trying to build. Unpacking our attraction patterns begins with “relational self-awareness,” clinical psychologist Alexandra Solomon, PhD and author of Loving Bravely, tells me. That’s essentially the ability to audit your desires and how you react in relationships or otherwise. When you can be honest with yourself, you can see what kind of narrative you’re
These lash serums are so good, you won’t even need extensions
April 04, 2019 at 11:50AM by CWC In the world of lashes, the name of the game tends to be “more is more.” This is why you won’t find a mascara that doesn’t claim to lengthen and volumize your eyelashes, why eyelash extensions are becoming an increasingly popular beauty treatment, and why most beauty lovers say that the one thing they won’t leave their house without is—you guessed it—mascara. So I’m not surprised that every single person I speak to about beauty asks: How do you get longer eyelashes? Well, it’s not like growing out your hair—your little lashes are different. Lengthening them is really all about the ingredients you coat them with—hence the importance of using a lash serum. “Lash serums are treatments typically enriched with conditioning peptides and fatty acids that stimulate and promote growth and stronger eyelashes,” says Clementina Richardson, celebrity lash expert and founder of Envious Lashes. “Just like you condition your hair, you need to condition your lashes. Over-the-counter lash conditioners are a great option and typically contain ingredients that strengthen and moisturize them.” They’re also key for preventing your eyelash hairs from getting brittle and breaking. “So your natural lashes stay more intact, creating a thicker, fuller appearance,” she says. All you have to do is apply a serum to the lash line. “After removing your makeup and cleansing your face, brush the serum along the base of your eyelashes daily,” says Richardson. “With regular continued use, you’ll start to notice your eyelashes looking
I Tried A Natural Deodorant With Only One Ingredient—And It Actually Worked
April 04, 2019 at 11:25AM A crystal deodorant may be just what your body needs. Continue Reading… Author Stephanie Eckelkamp | Life by Daily Burn Selected by iversue
These wireless headphones will stay charged for a week’s worth of workouts
April 04, 2019 at 10:16AM by CWC You know how on dating profiles, people like to include their number one pet peeve? Well, here’s mine: when I’m jamming to Cardi B. on the treadmill and suddenly my bluetooth headphones (tragically) die. Suddenly, I’m left with the sound of my own breathing, pain in my legs, and nary a runner’s high in sight. But a tech angel named Beats has just blessed gym-goers with Powerbeats Pro ($250)—a set of bluetooth buds that you can charge once and wear through nine hours of weightlifting, cardio, or your fitness flavor of choice. The battery life on these babies lasts for—no joke—nine whole hours, and the charging case will afford you a whole extra day of listening time. (Meaning, they outlast Apple AirPods, Galaxy Buds, and Jabra Elite 65t, according to The Verge.) That’s enough juice to get down to Britney Spears’ entire musical cannon. Not to mention the collected works of Beyoncé and Ariana Grande in one charge. That’s enough juice to get down to Britney Spears’ entire musical cannon. Not to mention the collected works of Beyoncé and Ariana Grande in one charge. The Powerbeats Pro pack has more cool features, too. You can use the hands-free Siri command to call your mom or check if the day’s weather will permit an outdoor run. They’ll automatically play and pause your music as you insert or remove them from your ears. And Powerbeats come with four sizes of bud so they feel super comfy
This Posture-Correcting Exercise Will Also Strengthen Your Core
April 04, 2019 at 10:13AM Way shorter than a workout (and more comfortable than a back brace). Continue Reading… Author Ray Bass | Life by Daily Burn Selected by iversue
Why “ecowellness” could be the secret to a whole new level of health
April 04, 2019 at 08:31AM by CWC Over the years, countless studies have shown just how much spending time in nature can affect your overall health and well-being, whether that’s improving your mood or strengthening your immune system. And now there’s a simple word that perfectly bundles up all the benefits of spending time outdoors: ecowellness. According to a study published in the Journal of Humanistic Counseling, the concept of ecowellness “encompasses a sense of appreciation, respect, and awe of nature that can contribute to holistic wellness.” In a big way, too. Researchers studied 749 participants between 19 to 84 years old, looking at the relationships between ecowellness measures and overall wellness. What they found was having a relationship with nature—whether through spending more time outdoors or being passionate about the environment—was linked to helping participants more effectively work through challenges, be more creative, and stay physically healthy. Having a relationship with nature was linked to helping participants more effectively work through challenges, be more creative, and stay physically healthy. In this particular study, researchers found ecowellness could greatly benefit those in counseling, but it seems to be a beneficial aspect of holistic wellness for anyone. “This study provides additional insight into the possible importance of helping clients identify nature-based activity through which they can feel effective and more whole, including making a positive difference on the planet,” said study co-author Ryan F. Reese, PhD, in a press release. Now that it’s getting warmer outside, there’s no better time than