December 02, 2019 at 12:00PM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNAFwRSCydg] Tis the season of jingle bells, sleigh bells, and our personal favorite: Kettlebells. If you’ve heard the term “kettlebell” in your workouts before, chances are it was immediately followed by the word “swing.” While these moves are great for building strength in your entire body and spiking your heart rate, it’s time that they move over to give other moves their time to shine, because there are a whole lot of things that you can do with a kettlebell that don’t involve slinging it forward and back. In fact, as our December Trainer of the Month Roxie Jones proves, you can use a kettlebell to get an abs-quaking workout at home. It only takes five minutes, so it’s great to add to the end of your cardio routine (Jones likes to do it after a long run) or do as a quick hit on its own. To make it more challenging, you can repeat the entire sequence three times… just be ready for it to hurt the next day. Grab a 10-pound kettlebell (or lighter, if you need, because as Jones says, “a heavier weight doesn’t make a better workout—it’s form that makes your workout better”), and follow along with the video above. Don’t forget to check back next week for an all new kettlebell workout, care of Roxie Jones. The kettlebell abs workout to try now 1. Russian twists x 12: Holding one kettlebell in both hands, sit in a
Category: Fashion
Why you keep having nightmares and what to do about it, according to a dream analyst
December 01, 2019 at 04:00PM by CWC Even if you’re a fully grown adult, having a nightmare can be a truly disturbing experience. The vivid imagery your mind dreams up while you are snoozing can often feel far too real. So much so that it creates a major adrenaline rush—complete with a racing heartbeat and a puddle of sweat. While it’s normal to have one from time to time, if you’re finding that the nightmares are robbing you of your beauty sleep on the reg, it might be something that’s worth looking into. Here, Lauri Quinn Loewenberg, dream analyst and author of Dream on It: Unlock Your Dreams, Change Your Life, explains some possible causes and treatment tips you can try to put an end to the dreadful dreams. 1. There’s an issue you’re not dealing with Although wearing your blue-light blocking glasses and going to bed early are great sleep rituals to practice, according to Loewenberg, one of the most common causes for nightmares has nothing to do with your actual sleep hygiene. “In my practice and research, I have found that nightmares are typically caused by difficult, ignored, or miss handled issues,” she says. “A nightmare is disturbing because it is connected to and trying to help you with an unpleasant situation in your life.” Therefore, if the nightmares are recurring, chances are they’re connected to an ongoing unresolved issue, behavior, or pattern. This gives you something to think about. “For example, if you keep getting yourself into relationships
I still refuse to leave home without this $7 cure-all salve I discovered at age 13
November 30, 2019 at 12:00PM by CWC At age 13, going to Urban Outfitters was the highlight of my weekend. My friends and I would stuff our shopping bags with trucker hats, graphic baby T-shirts to wear on “dates” to the mall, and thongs that we had to hide from our parents until we graduated from high school. It’s been 15 years since those legendary Saturdays, and while my “Everyone Loves a Jewish Girl” T-shirt is long gone (RIP), there’s one item from my UO glory days that has remained in my permanent collection: Smith’s Rosebud Salve ($7). I discovered the iconic balm as in impulse purchase in the checkout line, it’s still the only one that I never, ever leave home without. Considering the stuff has been around since 1985, I’m clearly not the only one who’s realized how great it is. I initially bought it as a lip balm, and there’s no doubt that it’s one of the best of the best there is in that category. It’s intensely hydrating but not so thick that I don’t want to use it when it’s hot outside, and leaves behind the most perfect pink-tinted sheen that gives the subtlest glossy look you’ve ever seen. I usually have a weird thing about sticking my fingers into any sort of potted product, but am weirdly ok doing it with Rosebud Salve because the texture isn’t goopy or greasy. It comes in a squeezable tube, but I hate change so have only ever
A germ expert explains exactly how gross it is not to shower after a flight
November 29, 2019 at 11:00PM by CWC After a long flight, before you kick off your shoes and crawl into your cozy bed, you might want to take a quick detour to the bathroom for a shower to wash away the airplane germs. According to microbiologist Jason Tetro, author of The Germ Files, airplanes are pretty gross. “Airplanes have their own microbiome and the most common types are those from human skin, which isn’t surprising considering we’re all constantly shedding bacteria,” he says. “As for the germiest place? It’s the headrest, where you’ll not only find bacteria, but also yeasts and molds.” So much for falling asleep with ease. “If it’s a short haul, you may not have to worry about it, as you’ll have the same exposure as you might in an office building. But as the flights get longer, the microbes on your skin can grow and that can get a bit smelly,” says Tetro. “If you do happen to pick up bacteria or fungi that’s not your own, this may lead to itchiness and bumps on the skin and scalp. Showering after flights is probably a good thing—regardless of the length!—if only to have that clean feel after being cooped up in a cabin.” If you don’t shower and bacteria and fungi do catch a ride back to your hotel with you, Tetro says you may end up depositing germs that aren’t your own into your new space—particularly your bed. “But showering with soap—and shampoo for the hair—removes any
The top 10 Black Friday deals Well+Good’s staff is psyched to ‘add to cart’
November 27, 2019 at 03:00PM by CWC It’s time to grab your wallet and kiss your last paycheck goodbye: we’re just days away from Black Friday. This year, the Well+Good staff had many wellness items on their wishlists—and many of them will go on sale in a mere 48 hours if they aren’t already. From cozy sweatsuits to oh-so-soft duvet covers to life-changing kitchen accessories, here are the 2019 Black Friday deals that have us saying “Take all my money!” The 2019 Black Friday deals not to miss this year Photo: Nordstrom 1. Superga “Cotu” Sneaker, $51 (originally $65) “As Kate Middleton has proved over and over, these chic white sneakers go with anything, from jeans to midi skirts. They’re my spring and summer wardrobe staple—and you can’t argue with that price. —Jessie Van Amburg, senior health and food editor Photo: Yummie 2. Yummie Slub Knit Midi Robe, $43 (originally $62) “This robe is the best thing I’ve ever put on my body.” —Zoe Weiner, Associate Beauty and Fitness Editor Photo: Brooklinen 3. Brooklinen Classic Core Sheet Set, $79 (originally $99) “Every year or so I treat myself to new sheets (and sometimes a new duvet). The Brooklinen core ones are my absolute favorite, and I love the way they feel. Add the duvet cover and shams (I like the stripes!) and tell me your life hasn’t just gotten an upgrade. Go ahead, tell me. (You can’t.)” —Samantha Leal, Managing Editor Photo: Andie 4. The Catalina Swimsuit, $29 (originally $95)
All the very best Black Friday and Cyber Monday fitness and activewear deals
November 26, 2019 at 03:15PM by CWC It definitely takes more motivation to work out during the winter months. Your alarm clock goes off when it’s still dark outside, making it that much harder to pull yourself out of your warm bed and make it to the gym in the morning. You know what helps? Some sweet new fitness swag. Make all your athleisure, fit tech, and home gym dreams come true by taking advantage of the deals happening this Black Friday and Cyber Monday. (Okay, fine you can buy gifts for all your favorite people, too.) Scroll down to see where to get the best deals on gym equipment, apparel, and fit tech this Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Photo: Getty Images/mapodile Apparel and sneakers Adidas: If all day long you dream about new Adidas sneaks, get ready: JCPenny is offering 25 percent off starting November 27 online and November 28 starting at 2pm in stores. Outdoor Voices: You can get 25 percent off Outdoor Voices—both in-stores and online by using the code THANKS25—from November 29 to December 2. Carbon38: You don’t need to wait until Black Friday to take advantage of Carbon38’s sale. You can currently get 30 percent off site-wide with the code THANKS30. Kohl’s: Starting November 25 online and November 28 at 5pm in stores, Kohl’s will have Nike products marked up to 30 percent off, Adidas products up to 40 percent off, and Under Armour products up to 35 percent off. The deals go until December
Adidas and Prada have teamed up to create the chicest dang sneakers we’ve ever seen
November 25, 2019 at 10:00PM by CWC Raise your hand if you’ve ever stayed up late at night to wonder, “what would the chicest sneaker of all time look like” (… maybe that’s just me?). Well, Adidas and Prada have teamed up to give you the answer, which is: all white, and hella stylish. The Internet has been abuzz with news of the partnership for weeks, and on Tuesday the brands gave sneaker-heads a sneak peak of the shoes they’ll be able to shop. And, holy moly—they are gorgeous (as if we expected anything less). The two iconic brands joined together to create an all-white take on the Adidas Superstar, dubbed the Prada Superstar (price has yet to be confirmed but is rumored to be around $350), which is being described by the duo as “evolved from its sports and subcultural roots into modern luxury.” The drool-worthy sneakers are made with Prada’s full-grain leather, and emblazoned with the word “Prada” across the back quadrant. For an added element of “holy shit these sneakers are cool,” there are only going to be 700 of them produced—and each pair is stamped with the edition number. They look like the Rolls Royce of stylish sneakers, and are equally as rare and wonderful. Basically, they’re the kind of sneakers you can only wear if you’ve got a car service to take you everywhere (… because these pearly whites definitely do not mix with New York City street sludge), and deserve a nightly cleaning with a
I’m a yoga teacher, and these are the best back stretches for your spine
November 25, 2019 at 09:27PM by CWC If there’s one part of your body that you’re kind of a bully to without even realizing it, it’s your spine. All that slouching eventually causes pain and increases your risk for injury. Perhaps more so than other parts of your body, taking the time to stretch your spine makes a big difference in how you feel now and in the future. In short, the best back stretches help get your back… back on track. “Regularly stretching your spine can decrease your risk of injuries, improve range of motion, and enable your muscles to work more effectively,” says Katherine Parker, yoga instructor and co-founder of Yomassage. “It can also help prevent joint stiffness.” To make sure you’re stretching your spine as safely and effectively as possible, Parker and yoga teacher Stacy Dockins recommend sticking to a few easy back stretches. The best back stretches for your spine 1. Locust pose How it helps: “Locust pose is a backward bend that requires an active range of motion. It will strengthen the backside of the body while encouraging the release of the anterior shoulders, chest, and hip flexors,” says Dockins. Begin lying face down with your arms reaching back in airplane wing position and your palms facing down. With your feet about hip-width distance apart, lift your chest and legs off the ground. Keep your neck long and actively squeeze your shoulder blades together and down toward your back pockets. Hold for five slow breaths.
3 feels-so-good exercises that’ll decompress your spine for a happy back
November 21, 2019 at 02:00AM by CWC I hate to say it, but my back probably spends the majority of the day in a not-so-good posture. From slouching at my desk to being sprawled out on my couch watching reality TV, you could say my spine isn’t the picture of perfect health… and that’s mainly due to all of that compressing that I do to it. Compressing your spine is like crumpling damp clothes into a ball—it makes a mess, and throws proper alignment all out of whack. “Oftentimes, back pain sufferers simply feel crunched—as if the weight of the world is hanging from their shoulders, causing immense pressure upon their spines,” says Chris Tomshack, DC, founder and CEO of HealthSource. “In a way, they’re not wrong. Gravity is one of the factors of disc degeneration, herniated, bulging, and slipped discs, as well as sciatica, and the debilitating pain that often comes as a result.” Your answer to preventing these crunched-up woes? Decompression, which involves doing stretches and exercises that elongate your spine. “If you feel like something could ease the pressure simply by helping you stretch and pull, there are simple spinal decompression exercises you can do at home,” says Tomshack. Here are his go-to spinal exercises you can do anytime, anywhere to decompress your back for a healthier posture. 1. Cat stretch: This basic yoga move is so good for your spine. “The cat stretch helps to increase circulation in the spine while strengthening the muscles surrounding it,” says
The official USA Gymnastics stretching sequence is a full-body workout on its own
November 20, 2019 at 11:00PM by CWC For the U.S. women’s gymnastics team, stretching is as effortless as breathing. At the beginning of each training session, competitors complete a 20-minute warm-up to prepare them to take on the beam, the vault, the uneven bars, the rings, and the floor. And according to some of the world’s foremost coaches, gymnastics stretching is indispensable. “Most gymnastics coaches would agree that flexibility is an essential aspect of gymnastics training and performance,” wrote William Sands, PhD, USA Gymnastics director of research and development, and Jeni McNeal, MS, of the United States Elite Coaches Association for Women’s Gymnastics (USECA). “Flexibility is frequently included in talent identification and screening measures for gymnasts, divers, and dancers.” To find their balance, gymnasts spend a great detail of time strengthening in the warm-up as well. In fact, some people might consider the stretching sequence a workout in and of itself. Ready to try it? The USA Gymnastics stretching sequence the team does before every practice To follow the full warm-up of gymnastics stretching routine, visit USA Gymnastics. Round 1: Prep This section includes five minutes of either jumping rope or jumping to get your heart rate up at the start. The right way to jump rope: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3zgHI8QnqE] Round 2: Walk around the mat While you’re walking around the mat (or, you know, some other surface), you’ll complete mobility movements like toe stretches, shoulder circles, and trunk twists to get all your muscles warmed up. round 3: Cardio In