July 02, 2019 at 05:00AM by CWC Very few sob stories begin with, “I moved to Paris.” Mine doesn’t either, but when I arrived in the city’s 11th arrondissement (aka, neighborhood) as an 18-year-old college freshman, I’d never felt more lonely. While unpacking the contents of my childhood life into my new adult (!) apartment, I could practically feel the miles of ocean separating me from my family and the only life I’d ever known. Over the first few weeks, I learned the ins and outs of the metropolis. Paris was gorgeous and enchanting; it somehow outshone its own dazzling reputation. Still, I spent that first August like a stranger in a strange land. When I wasn’t in class learning how to conjugate French verbs, I would explore Paris’ tangled streets—wondering how to connect who I’d been in my hometown (Charleston, South Carolina) with the person who had packed her suitcases and moved to the romantic epicenter of the world. ad_intervals[‘402209_div-gpt-ad-6934292-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘402209_div-gpt-ad-6934292-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-6934292-3’);}); } }, 100); My answer arrived one evening while I was eating dinner in my itty-bitty Parisian kitchen. Both my windows were open, my building’s resident opera singer had taken up her nightly tune, and I was googling “American meet-ups in Paris” with the hope that my future friends were doing the same in their own neighborhoods. I scrolled past potlucks and philosophy clubs, group outings to the Seine river and fromage (cheese) parties and then, finally, one activity caught
Category: Yoga
This just in: Sitting at your desk all day could be the reason your hamstrings are so tight
July 02, 2019 at 04:00AM by CWC If there’s one part of my body that is literally sore 24/7, no matter how good I am about stretching and foam rolling, it’s definitely my hamstrings. It’s pretty unfortunate, considering how large the muscle is and how often you use it (which is basically… always). You know what I’m talking about if you’ve ever let out a big groan or sigh of pain while doing the most minor of things, such as leaning down or walking upstairs, or even standing up (amirite?). “It’s extremely common to have tight hamstrings,” says Kit Rich, celebrity trainer and founder of KICHGO. “Tight hamstrings, for the most part, are genetic—I’d say that’s the number one reason.” Ahem, thanks mom and dad. But muscle imbalances are also play a role “Your hamstrings will tighten when you work them out. They’ll also tighten if other parts of your body are weak and your hamstrings tighten in response to ‘help’—so, for instance, if you’re weak in the hips or lower back, your hamstrings will tighten more.” ad_intervals[‘401938_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘401938_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’);}); } }, 100); If you’re moving with your pelvis tucked or your weight shifted forward on your feet, Bloom points out that you’re probably “working your hamstrings overtime.” Or if your back is weak, your hamstrings will tighten up to compensate for that. “And not teaching the hamstrings to work eccentrically and at length or not properly supporting with your core and other
How I (finally) got myself to stay hydrated, even though I hate drinking water
July 01, 2019 at 06:30PM by CWC As a self-proclaimed water snob, staying hydrated is like a waterlogged version of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” Tap water has a hint of something. Bottled water is a mixed bag. Pretty much the only type of water I will drink is whatever’s handy when I’m absolutely parched, like after a hot yoga flow. Being so plain-water averse (for real, even with a migraine I avoid the stuff) has not exactly set me up for success on the wellness front. “Every cell in your body needs water to function,” Chelsea Amer, MS, RDN says. Hydration addresses a long list of problems, from the inside (like digestion) to the outside (take a sip every time someone says their skin-care secret is drinking water). “Even being a little dehydrated can impact your energy levels during the day,” Amer says. That explains why I often feel extra moody, tired, and achey—basically the human version of a plant I forgot to water. ad_intervals[‘402287_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘402287_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’);}); } }, 100); Amer says the amount of water you need a day varies based on factors like weight, activity level, diet, and even climate, but it’s recommended women shoot for around 11 cups. I was nowhere near that, so I set out to change my ways for a healthier pep in my step. From adding True Lemon Fruit Infusions™ into my hydration routine to stocking up on water-rich foods, here’s what I’m doing to stay hydrated
Use your moon sign to pinpoint your specific Cancer zodiac traits
July 01, 2019 at 06:00AM by CWC When I was in junior high and obsessed with reading my horoscope in Sassy magazine (RIP), I always secretly wished that I hadn’t been born a Cancer. Every zodiac sign has its requisite shadow traits, but I felt Cancer especially had a lacking reputation; Cancers are known for being moody homebodies with a hard shell—and who wants to hang out with that girl? (Cancer literally translates to “crab” in Latin.) But as I’ve learned more about astrology, I’ve made peace with my Cancer traits, because I know there’s so much more to the sign than its few unflattering stereotypes suggest. Astrologer and women’s empowerment coach Natalia Benson agrees there’s a lot to love about those born between June 21 and July 22. “Cancer is a very interesting, complex sign,” she says. “Cancers are protective, nurturing, and very emotionally intelligent. They have a strong intuition and are really good at making money and building it, because they are so focused on security.” And since Cancer is ruled by the moon, the sign is prone to experiencing lots of emotional highs and lows. “The moon represents our emotional, intimate nature, and it changes signs every one-and-a-half to two days,” says Benson. “If your ruling planetary body was shifting zodiac signs every other day, you’d probably be moody too.” This lunar link also means Cancers are deeply affected by their moon signs. ad_intervals[‘404885_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘404885_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); Your
If you’re a chronic procrastinator, this spirit animal needs to be your new BFF
June 30, 2019 at 01:00PM by CWC A bad case of couch-itis (as in, you’re having trouble getting off of it, metaphorically or literally) can be a serious drag on your productivity—and your life. If you’re ready to break free of procrastination, this is the month to do it, says “RockStar Shaman” Alyson Charles. Here’s everything you need to know about the spirit animal Charles sees coming in for July, the antelope—and how it can help you take action and reach for your dreams. Wow, June took us so many different places! Internally and externally, June showed us ways to explore and started to connect us more with our dear planet again. Here in the northern hemisphere, with the warmth of the sunshine and flowers fully blooming, it helps us to remember what a miracle Great Mother Earth truly is, always. As we head into July, there will be some very powerful and juicy feelings of stretching and expanding. When you are presented with situations that are taking you out of your comfort zone—that are requiring a version of you that’s a bit beyond what you usually do—embrace them and lean into them. ad_intervals[‘404968_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘404968_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); Antelope is more apt to align with you and your energies if you have a defined, clear goal—even more reason to take some meditation time right now and make some decisions you’ve put off making. The blessed spirit animal who is with us all
You’re probably not getting enough potassium, so make sure these 7 foods are on your grocery list
June 29, 2019 at 10:00AM by CWC If I were to compare the major minerals to members of a late-’90s boy band, magnesium would surely be the Nick Lachey or Ashley Parker Angel of the bunch—you know, the heartthrob who gets all the attention. Calcium strikes me as the mature, serious type, à la Kevin Richardson from Backstreet Boys. And then you’ve got potassium, which I’d liken to Lance Bass. Back in those days he may not have been center stage very often, but N’Sync wouldn’t have been the same without him and his perpetually frosted tips. (No disrespect, Lance—you were always my personal fave.) Similarly, our bodies need foods rich in potassium if we want them to perform like a tight piece of pop choreography. “Potassium is one of the seven essential minerals, also known as electrolytes, and plays a huge role in maintaining healthy fluid balance and kidney function,” says Brigitte Zeitlin, MPH, RD, and owner of BZ Nutrition in New York City. “It also controls the signals regulating muscle contractions and a healthy heart rhythm.” ad_intervals[‘402847_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘402847_div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8891272-3’);}); } }, 100); Although it’s super important, says Zeitlin, most people aren’t getting enough potassium. She points to data from the National Institutes of Health that shows most adults need around 4,700 mg of the mineral each day, but only about 2 percent of the population is reaching that goal. Complicating matters even more, she adds, is the fact that sweating can
5 Reasons All Runners (Or Anyone With Tight Muscles) Should Do Yoga
June 29, 2019 at 02:07AM How to add some flow to your running routine. Continue Reading… Author Meghan Kita | Life by Daily Burn Selected by CWC
Can working out at 52 degrees really dial up your workout?
June 28, 2019 at 02:01PM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH8wP9vqY00] Is Brrrn the coolest workout ever? Watch the video. Not gonna lie: I like to look cool while I’m working out. There’s something about mixing and matching my athletic wardrobe that makes any given workout *that* much more satisfying. I learned recently that there’s yet another way to add that cool factor to my workout. Just dial down the temperature to a chilly 50 degrees (no, seriously). On the latest episode of What the Wellness, Well+Good’s video series exploring all things weird and wonderful in the pursuit of well-being, we visited New York City’s Brrrn studio. The 50-minute, low-impact classes at Brrrn will leave you seriously sweaty. ad_intervals[‘404535_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘404535_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’);}); } }, 100); Brrrn co-founder Jimmy Martin says the reasons for working out in the cold are many. Ready to learn even more about it? Watch the video and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. The heat is great workouts, too! These 8 pairs of leggings will stand up to the sweat test and this mat won’t let you slip. Continue Reading… Author Kells McPhillips | Well and Good Selected by CWC
What’s the deal with DEET? (And why you might want to avoid it)
June 27, 2019 at 06:30PM by CWC Summer is synonymous with backyard barbecues, wine nights on the patio, and yoga in the park. Want to know how to instantly kill the vibe in any of those scenarios? Mosquitos (literal buzzkill, am I right?). But before you hose yourself down with bug spray, you might want to consider what ingredients you’re using to keep those stage-five clingers at bay—namely, DEET. The insect-repelling chemical is one of the most common ingredients in bug sprays, but about one-third of Americans avoid using products that contain it, according to a 2018 Consumer Reports study. So what’s the deal? We teamed up with Thermacell, a spray-free mosquito repeller, to get to the bottom of what exactly this mystery ingredient is and why so many people dislike using it on their skin. ad_intervals[‘401617_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘401617_div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-7435403-3’);}); } }, 100); Keep reading for the deets on DEET, plus tips for having a mosquito-free summer. What is DEET? First up, what exactly is this stuff? Its chemical name is N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (which explains the need for a nickname), and it works by making it difficult for mosquitos and other biting bugs to smell humans (hence the distinctive smell of most bug sprays). Think of it like a spray-on invisibility cloak—which sounds pretty cool, but also comes with downsides. According to Kyle Adelman, senior marketing manager at Thermacell, most DEET dissenters dislike its oily, sticky texture, the necessity of reapplying so often (in order
Beat-based workouts have moved beyond the spin studio—and we’re here for it
June 27, 2019 at 08:13AM by CWC Beat-based workouts aren’t anything new. Any time you go to SoulCycle or 305 Fitness, you’re grooving along to the music, whether you’re doing tap-backs on the bike or twerking under flashing disco lights. There’s a new trend on the horizon, though: Performing choreographed exercises to the beats of top tracks that keep you entertained throughout your entire sweat workout. If there’s any way to sum up this trend, it’s what any Blogilates fan knows Cassey Ho has been doing since the very beginning of her career. (She has a “What Makes You Bootyful” One Direction butt challenge that dates back to 2012.) Like all trends, this one is reemerging in the best way years later with more and more videos popping up of trainers choreographing their squats and push-ups to upbeat, mood-boosting tracks. Maddie of MadFit has built up an entire playlist of song-based workouts that include mountain climbers and plank taps to the beats of Ariana Grande, Post Malone, and Ed Sheeran. Even Amanda Bisk, exercise psychologist and yoga teacher, has started releasing beat-based workouts on her Instagram. To get in on the fun—because, seriously, they are actually fun—start with these six videos. ad_intervals[‘404258_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’] = setInterval(function () { if (ads_ready) { clearTimeout(ad_intervals[‘404258_div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’]); googletag.cmd.push(function(){googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-9261280-3’);}); } }, 100); 6 beat-based song workouts to try at home [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OAvN941PHw] 1. Full-body workout (“If I Can’t Have You” by Shawn Mendes) You barely stop moving for a second during this song that works your body from