Training to be a spin instructor is harder than it looks—here’s what happened when a W+G staffer tried it out

November 07, 2019 at 04:30AM by CWC https://content.jwplatform.com/players/CA3NOnD3-AjgxWzQ7.js Have you ever looked up at the instructor during a spin class and thought, “I could do that. All they’re really doing is sharing motivational platitudes and telling you when to pedal faster, right?” Well+Good social media manager (and indoor cycling enthusiast) Amanda Gaines has had that thought a time or two while clipped into the bike, so we had her put the theory to the test—by stepping out of her comfort zone and taking a crash course in what it actually takes to become a cycling instructor. To do it, she traded her laptop for a mic and a headset to spend a day out of office under the tutelage of Jenna Arndt, director of instructor operations at SWERVE Fitness, who condensed an eight-week training program into one day. One piece of insider intel Gaines discovered? You get sweaty while you’re up there dancing on the bike, so making time to refuel—with snacks like Smartfood® Smart50, air-popped, 100 percent whole-grain popcorn at 50 calories per cup or less—is a total must. For the rest of the behind-the-scenes lessons she learned from instructor training, watch the full video above. But spoiler alert: it was a lot more challenging—and a lot more fun—than expected. “Let me tell you: It is not easy,” Gaines says. “There is so much to consider when you’re up here on the podium, whether it’s the music, cueing the sprints, and giving off good energy to your class.” Watch

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Instant Pot vs Air Fryer: Which gadget gives you more bang for your buck?

November 07, 2019 at 03:00AM by CWC For the past year, an Instant Pot versus air fryer debate has been raging. While both small appliances offer big possibilities for home cooking, Jessie Van Amburg, Well+Good’s senior food editor, and I simply cannot agree which kitchen gadget reigns supreme. I have even argued my case publicly. To know where I stand, just read Ode to My Air Fryer, a 1,000-word essay of adoration. Meanwhile, Jessie feels strongly that the Instant Pot is a superior tool. In order to settle the score once and for all, we conducted a side-by-side comparison of the kitchen appliances, considering price, pros and cons, functionality, and plenty of unsolicited personal opinions. Hopefully, by the end you’ll be able to decide which device is right for you (or you just might decide to buy both). Instant Pot vs Air Fryer: Once and for all, which one is better? Instant Pot Price: $95 Functionality: It makes stews and soups, slow cooks meat, makes effortless casseroles, and prepares eggs. Pros: It holds large amounts of food for bulk batching and meal-prepping, can easily be cleaned, and can tackle any meal of the day from breakfast until dinner. It also gives at-home chefs the opportunity sharpen their cooking skills with more difficult recipes like desserts. Cons: It comes with a learning curve: you have to learn how to use it before you can really appreciate it. It requires understanding many settings and can be intimidating to use. Jessie says: “I think it

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Petroleum jelly is the best (and least expensive) skin moisturizer you can buy, according to derms

November 07, 2019 at 01:45AM by CWC The best skin moisturizing ingredient might be the one your mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother have known about all along. It only costs $4 to add it to your own collection—if it’s not a part of it already. Petroleum jelly, most well-known under the brand Vaseline, has many uses, and one of its best is fighting off dry skin. Petroleum jelly is thick like peanut butter, so it’s not something to slather all over your body like lotion, but it’s a great choice for areas that are dry or prone to dryness, says dermatologist Sandra Lee, MD, aka Dr. Pimple Popper and the founder of SLMD Skincare. “Petroleum jelly is very occlusive, meaning it works to keep moisture from leaving your skin by blocking exposure of the skin to air, because dryness in the air can really pull moisture from your skin,” says Dr. Lee. “In some ways, that’s wonderful, as this type of thick formula can strengthen the skin’s barrier, making it less likely for water to evaporate from your skin and dry it out. However, this isn’t true for all skin types.” If you have oily or acne-prone skin, Dr. Lee doesn’t recommend using petroleum jelly. “It can clog your pores and promote breakouts or the development of milia, which are really superficial tiny cysts,” she says. Other skin types really benefit from using it as a spot treatment for super-dry skin. “In the winter, many of us need to switch to

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Meet the energy-boosting herb that legitimately tastes delicious

November 07, 2019 at 01:00AM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2m0TnBMsKY] This herb has been associated with longevity *and* healthy energy levels? Sign us up. There’s a reason why Starbucks is just as busy in the afternoon as it is during the morning rush: having enough energy to get through the whole day is a struggle and a half. Thankfully herbalist, holistic health coach, and Supernatural founder Rachelle Robinett has an energy boosting solution that doesn’t involve a third latte: gynostemma. “Gynostemma is a plant that contains gypenocides,” Robinett says in the latest episode of Well+Good’s YouTube series, Plant-Based. They’re a type of saponin, aka plant compounds often associated with medicinal-type benefits. Why does this matter? Well, the herb’s gypenocides are very similar to those in ginseng, which has long been used for its adaptogenic, energy promoting powers. “That means that gynostemma acts like a fantastic adaptogen as well,” she says. As an adaptogen, gynostemma can either rev you up if you’re feeling sluggish, Robinett says, or calm you down if you’re a little keyed up. Incorporating it into your wellness routine could lead to more even, consistent energy levels—though eating fiber-rich foods low on the glycemic index for even blood sugar levels is still crucial, too. Most herbs, of course, taste…pretty funky. But Robinett says that gynostemma is surprisingly sweet and very easy to eat. To see how to incorporate gynostemma into a delicious, naturally sweet snack, check out the video above. That p.m. Starbucks line just got one person shorter.

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