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Month: September 2019

You and your body

A psychologist’s take on why re-creating your first date feels like the epitome of romance

4 min read

September 09, 2019 at 01:00PM by CWC The basic anatomy of my first date in my most recent relationship includes two basic components: The dress (black lace, long-sleeved, scoop-necked) and the restaurant (Mediterranean, with an inexpensive wine list, mood lighting, and a location a block and a half from my apartment). The reason I remember these details so crisply? Because in times when many are left scratching their heads wondering how to spice up a relationship, my partner and I leaned on history by re-creating that very first date. And based on the fact that at least two of my co-workers have done the same for their respective anniversaries, I’m left believing this nostalgic, old-is-new practice of happy-memory re-creation is a promising one for preserving and also perpetuating some romantic intimacy. But, why do so many harvest nostalgia for milestones, be it that first-year anniversary, a proposal, or even a random Tuesday night? According to licensed clinical psychologist and relationship therapist Alexandra Solomon, PhD, the research of prolific relationship therapist John Gottman, PhD, of the Gottman Institute, is helpful for understanding why couples tend to glamorize their landmark memories. Dr. Gottman’s research on divorce points to happy couples deriving a sense of meaning through rituals of connection. Whether the couple realizes it or not, these traditions of sorts can help to strengthen a relationship because they can add in meaning or significance. “So that ritual—that kind of intentional marking of the passage of time—helps couples feel connected to each other

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Yoga You and your body

You don’t even need to stand up to do this full-body Pilates workout

6 min read

September 09, 2019 at 12:00PM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vyRsb0lRzg] Welcome to Trainer of the Month Club, our brand-new fitness series, where we tap the coolest, most in-the-know fitness leaders to create a month-long fitness challenge. On Mondays, we have our “sweat drops” where you’ll get access to the week’s workout that you can follow along at home. This week, Kimmy Kellum from East River Pilates is taking us through a full-body Pilates workout. Oftentimes, I’ll joke that I wish I could crawl through my workouts. But that doesn’t really work. The next best thing (besides seated yoga or exercising while lying down)? A Pilates workout that you can do on all fours. I’m not kidding. Our Trainer of the Month, Kimmy Kellum—fitness goddess and founder of East River Pilates—is here to prove that, to reap the perks of Pilates, you don’t even need to stand up. So you can do this week’s Pilates workout while staying on your hands and knees. That’s not to say it’s going to be easy, though. “What I love about this workout is that it is deceivingly difficult,” says Kellum. “It looks really simple, but it’s really hard if it’s done well.” Oh, and another thing? It’ll help you out if you deal with lower back pain on the reg (read: me). All it takes is 13 moves, about nine minutes, and you’re going to feel a true burn without ever having to be on your feet. Keep scrolling to try it for yourself. Try Kellum’s

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Beauty You and your body

Here’s why the phrase ‘mutable square’ is on all your astro-savvy friends’ lips right now

8 min read

September 09, 2019 at 02:33AM by CWC Last week, I broke down the influence of Pluto and Saturn’s proximity to one another in Capricorn. Given the fact that both Pluto and Saturn make a trine to the sun, Mercury, Mars, and Venus this month, it’s essential to know how to leverage this opportunity to stabilize your momentum as you continue to move in the direction of your dreams. Doing so will help you make the most of this year’s Virgo season. Yet, this month brings another defining astrological event of 2019: the mutable square between Neptune and Jupiter. We experienced this square throughout the year; however, it perfected on January 13, 2019, June 16, 2019, and will for the third time, again, on September 21, 2019. We feel it building now. Everything you need to know about this week’s mutable square Neptune in Pisces—a transit that spans from Neptune’s initial entrance into Pisces in April of 2011 until it reaches Aries in March of 2025—brings with it an expanded focus on spiritual development. While traveling in its domain, Neptune beckons the exploration of what it means to be emotionally healthy and spiritually aligned, and in sync with your creative expression and intuitive prowess. This month brings another defining astrological event of 2019: the mutable square between Neptune and Jupiter. Jupiter, on the other hand, is a much quicker-moving planet. Jupiter has traveled in Sagittarius (a sign it also rules) since November 8, 2018. It will continue to travel in the

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City Fashion You and your body

The breakdown of the muscles you use during a spin class that you’ve been looking for

4 min read

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

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Vegetarians Yoga You and your body

15 gifts for every plant lover in your life, from your work wife to your woo-woo BFF

6 min read

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

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