September 09, 2019 at 12:02AM by CWC There’s no burn quite like spin class burn. While I’m pedaling away on that bike against the resistance, my muscles are working in overdrive. And I have to admit: Most of the time, the only thing I’m doing during those moments is begging my legs to make it to the end—not fully thinking about what they’re doing. But knowing exactly which muscles I’m using in class—and engaging them at the right times!—is the key to getting the best workout. “The brain-muscle connection is powerful,” says Samantha Jade, senior instructor at SoulCycle and creator of BODY by SJ. “When you focus on which regions of the body to engage and what position and form you should be in, your neurological system is more awake to send improved messages for even more effective muscle firing, riding technique, and position. The mental focus in your workout increases your output capabilities. Plus, being connected to your body and performance will yield a safer more effective workout.” Before your next class, find out exactly which muscles you’re working—and should be engaging!—in and out of the saddle. Which muscles to focus on in the saddle When you’re riding in the saddle during spin class, there’s one primary muscle group you’re working: your glutes. “Our glutes tend to be ‘asleep’—especially if we spend most of our day sitting—so you have to consciously think about turning them on. That means literally squeezing each butt cheek, which creates the push/pull that you
Day: September 8, 2019
15 gifts for every plant lover in your life, from your work wife to your woo-woo BFF
September 09, 2019 at 12:00AM by CWC We all know someone who’s, like, the ultimate plant lady. Her home features gorgeous greenery in every room. Her desk at work has the cutest mini succulent next to her monitor. When other people whip out their phones showing people pictures of their kids or cats, she shares shots of the magical greenhouse she visited upstate filled with exotic snake plants and fiddle-leaf figs. Hunting for the perfect gift for a bonafide plant lady can be tricky. The last thing she needs is more flora or fauna. Fortunately, there’s still tons of botanical-themed presents beyond the obvious potted succulent from Whole Foods. Rounded up here are 15 picks for plant people of all types. Keep reading to find one that will make her heart bloom. Scroll down for 15 fun gifts for plant lovers. Photo: Seeutek 1. For the person who takes succulents in like stray cats: Seeutek plant stack rack, $37.95 So many succulents, nowhere to put them. It’s a conundrum many a plant lady has found herself facing. Instead of giving her one more plant baby to mother, give them a podium to stand upon, with this handy-yet-chic plant stack rack. Photo: The Sill 2. For the person who loves surprises: The Sill plant subscription, $35 Getting a new plant every month will give your plant-loving friend something to continuously look forward to. Choose between a subscription of plants for beginners, pet-friendly plants, or low-light plants. They can be shipped anywhere
I’m an esthetician and these are 10 skin-care habits every person should make
September 08, 2019 at 10:00PM by CWC In my 10-plus years as an esthetician, I’ve treated an innumerable amount of folks who all want to know one thing: the secret to beautiful, youthful-looking skin. Ninety percent of them ask about the most effective serums and masks on the market, even if those comes with an extravagant price tag. But, what if I told you that there isn’t just one secret to youthful skin, but many—and none of them involve a single product? It’s true: Daily lifestyle habits can make a serious impact in your skin’s health, and I’ve seen the results firsthand from my clients. Because, let’s be frank: Do you think any magical serum will amount to anything if you’re going to sleep with your makeup on or pull all-nighters to binge-watch Game of Thrones? I don’t think so. However, instilling these habits into your daily lifestyle will not only help your skin flourish, but boost your overall well being as well. Keep on scrolling to find out what they are and to add them to your routine now. 1. Figure out your skin type During the initial consultation with any new client I see, I examine their skin thoroughly to figure out what their skin type is and sometimes it takes more than their initial visit. Everyone’s skin is different, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all routine. When you know your skin type, you’ll know which ingredients and routines will work best for you. If you’re unsure of how to
Make your hamstrings feel like *butter* with the “waterfall stretch”
September 08, 2019 at 08:00PM by CWC My hamstrings are like violin strands or Spandex-laced skinny jeans. Read: Extremely tight. As such, I tend to lift one foot up onto any raised surface I come across during a stroll or a conversation, and then bend over a bit to stretch them out. It may look funny, but whatever—my hammies need some love. From now on though, you’re going to catch me doing the “waterfall stretch.” This involves slightly bending one knee while sticking the other foot slightly in front of you, toes pointed up while keeping that heel planted. Then you outstretch your arms, folding your body over the front heel, and flowing gracefully back up in a waterfall-esque motion. Adidas running coach Jessie Zapotechne enlightened me with this stretch right before we knocked out a 5K (while testing out the new Adidas headphones, which—BTW—are really great), and my legs truly felt like butter, and so much more loose than they typically feel after my regular hamstring stretches. “The waterfall stretch is one of my favorites for runners because it stretches out the entire back side of your body—think glutes, hamstrings, and calves, as well as your lower back and shoulders,” she tells me. “It’s a simple move, but you’ll often see elite distance runners doing this as a dynamic warm-up before running or racing.” It makes perfect sense, considering how many trainers praise the perks of a dynamic (rather than a static) warmup before exercise. “Dynamic warm-ups activate specific muscle
The one thing your hairstylist wants you to stop doing after new color
September 08, 2019 at 06:01PM by CWC You just left the salon with a fresh new color, and you’re fully basking in that post-appointment glow. (You know the what I’m talking about.) But if you plan on hopping in the shower and sudsing up your strands within the next 48 hours, you might want to snap some selfies now. According to the pros, it’s the quickest way to take your hair from fab to faded. Not many people know there’s a hair-washing rule after coloring. Unfortunately, not abiding by it is one of the biggest mistakes you can make for your color—and your bank account. “After you dye your hair, don’t wash it for at least two days because the hair is still sensitive and therefore will be more like to fade faster,” says Sergio Pattirane, a hairstylist at Rob Peetoom in New York City. “We recommend waiting to wash it so that the color stay fresh and longer.” It’s not just the initial wash that matters—it’s really every wash. In order to keep your color looking as fresh as possible between appointments, it’s recommended to keep washes to a minimum throughout the week, as well as switching up your washing habits in the first place. “Wash your hair two days a week—one day with conditioner and the other day with a mask,” he says. “Also avoid washing your hair with water that’s too hot, as this will cause the hair cuticles to open and then cause the color to fade away.”
I want to tell you about my suicidal thoughts
September 08, 2019 at 04:00PM by CWC Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, yet it is still treated with shame and silence. In honor of National Suicide Prevention Week, we’re sharing stories about suicide in order to encourage awareness and combat stigma. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. I’ve struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts since I was a teenager. But by the time I was 29, I thought I had things under control. I took antidepressants and talked to a therapist every week. I had a full life with my husband of three years. Trips were ventured, friends gathered together, and there were plenty of nights on the town. Everything appeared fine from the outside. It’s just that there’s this one single thing that I slowly began to notice until I could no longer deny its presence in my life. I was gay. In my mind, being gay meant the destruction of the one thing that I thought kept the demons at bay: my marriage. I was in love and he had this uncanny ability to draw me out from the dark side. Being married to this wonderful person, I thought, would solve all my problems. So now to be gay, and lose him and all that he represented? I wouldn’t dare make that leap. To even think about it was too painful, too terrifying. As I grappled
There’s An Unexpected Side Effect Of Wildfires, According To A New Study
September 08, 2019 at 04:00PM New study shows wildfire’s produce particles, called tarballs, that contribute to climate change. Continue Reading… Author Gretchen Lidicker, M.S. | Life by Daily Burn Selected by CWC
3 Actually Tangible Ways To Practice Mindfulness During Sex
September 08, 2019 at 04:00PM Mindfulness doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it can be very sexy. Continue Reading… Author Andrea Glik, LMSW | Life by Daily Burn Selected by CWC
What This Nutritionist & Anxiety Expert Wants You To Eat Every Day
September 08, 2019 at 03:00PM Plus, exactly which foods to find them in. Continue Reading… Author Ali Miller, R.D., L.D., C.D.E. | Life by Daily Burn Selected by CWC
The telltale Sagittarius traits that describe the freedom-loving, fun-having zodiac sign
September 08, 2019 at 02:09PM by CWC Along with living life in the limelight, Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, and Brad Pitt all have other things in common: a whole bunch of Sagittarius traits. But—beyond being born somewhere within November 22 and December 21—what does that really mean? Whether you’re curious for yourself or the other Sags’ in your life, consider your bases covered. Below, astrologers spill the details regarding what you need to know about the ninth sign of the zodiac. Find expert intel about Sagittarius traits, strengths, compatibility with other signs, and what these archers need most in order to be happy and live their best life. Telltale Sagittarius traits Before diving deep into explaining typical Sagittarius traits, Juliana Rose Teal, resident astrologer at Miraval Arizona, debunks the misconception that all people of the same sun sign (which is what you use to read your daily horoscope) always embody the same characteristics. Rather, she says, no two Sagittarians are identical, and what the sun sign represents are the positive qualities we’re meant to grow into. “We are not necessarily born into all the traits of our sign,” Teal says. “As we consciously work on developing the positive traits of our sun sign, we become our unique selves and grow in confidence.” So, when it comes to Sagittarius traits specifically, this means growing into a sense of optimism. Sagittarians naturally see the world through rose-colored glasses. And when they embody that trait, they can be helpful and kind to others. “They