Workout Gear That Makes It Look Like You Workout

By Liana Schaffner, Allure Magazine

Whenever I put on workout pants, I'd like to run a mile—in the opposite direction of the gym, yoga studio, and any other place filled with earnest fitness types and full-length mirrors. Why? That clingy, stretchy fabric shrink-wraps every inch of my legs, but stops right at the waist, producing a lumpy, dumpy midsection that only a strategically placed gym bag can conceal.

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That's why I'm kind of giddy over a new breed of activewear that streamlines your core as effectively as a couple hundred crunches—or a pair of Spanx. It's called Apifeni (like, "epiphany") and it's the brainchild of attorney-turned entrepreneur Danielle Dobin, who developed the idea after the birth of her son, James. "I wanted to get back in shape, but I felt self-conscious about my body, and my workout clothes only exacerbated my problem areas," says Dobin. "Plus, they just weren't functional. Every time I did a downward dog, I had to pull up my pants." Dobin went home and began designing high performance gear with an even higher waist that supports (read: sucks in) your stomach. The response was encouraging and immediate. "Women kept approaching me to find out where I got my leggings. I realized this was something worth developing and sharing."

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The tummy-tightening, slip-resistant results have taken off like a marathoner, winning fans as far across the spectrum as former White House press secretary Dana Perino and former Playboy bunny Kendra Wilkinson. And now, Allure readers can get in on the action, too—with a discount. Log on to apifeni.com and enter the promotion code alluresummer to get 20 percent off and free shipping on Apifeni apparel from now until August 30!

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3 things I hate about being bipolar

Did I make the right choice sacrificing emotional turmoil for a numbed existence?Credit: Summer Banks, Summer Banks

Nearly 10 years ago I decided to stop taking all bipolar medications. At the time, I was trying to have a baby and medications prescribed for bipolar disorder are not safe during pregnancy. After my babies were born, I chose to stay medication-free so I could live a more "normal" life. Medications for bipolar disorder even out emotions, but that means the high emotions and low emotions are numbed. I wanted a life of laughter, crying and emotions that varied from one day to the next; one event to the next. What I ended up with was a roller coaster ride of ups and downs that took me places I never wanted to go.

I bottle up emotions until I explode. It may appear that I am on an even keel most of the time, but that is just a mirage. I bottle up emotions "normal" people vent in an effort to make people around me happy and reduce the chance of arguments, fussing and fights. At the time it seems like the right idea, until my emotional storage space gets so full that some emotions start to leak out. I cry when I am supposed to laugh and I laugh when I am supposed to cry and then I feel the pain. Usually it starts as a small pain in my chest or head that grows slowly over a few days. Once the pain starts, I have to let out all the emotions and I hurt people in the process.

I think about suicide nearly every day. When I was 10 I told my parents I wouldn't live beyond 27. I have no idea where that thought originated, but it stuck with me well past 27. Without medication, I think about suicide often. Suicide is like a fireball. At first, the thought is hot and you can old toss it around in your mind for a little while before forcing it out. Then, over time, the fireball cools down and you can keep it around for a little while longer. I am lucky, however, because my mother committed suicide so I see what happens after the fact and that knowledge is what keeps me alive every day.

I hurt the people I love and they stick around for more. This is the side effect of living drug-free with bipolar disorder that I hate the most. My husband takes everything I throw at him and he comes back for more time and time again. I often wonder about the strength it must take to put up with severe mood swings and wish I had that same strength. My children see mommy crying and they immediately start drawing pictures of happy things like flowers and hearts. I get more hugs than loud words and more support than I feel I am entitled to.

Will I live the rest of my life drug-free with bipolar disorder? Chances are the disease will not allow that to happen. I can control my mood swings most of the time, but I cannot control the feelings, thoughts, emotions and pain associated with the disease. After nearly a decade I have learned that human kindness is stronger than mental illness, love is more powerful than hate and life is worth living even when it hurts so bad you can hardly breathe.

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4 Ways Exercise Can Help Your Social Life

• Source: Score a Date and Go on Vacation: 4 Ways Exercise Can Help Your Social Life
  
  The benefits of exercise go way beyond a killer bod and healthy heart; it can also help boost a sagging social life. From working on existing friendships to making new ones, find out how keeping active may score you the love of your life, your dream vacation, and more!
  
  
• Ladies' Night — Whether it's hitting the gym after work or going on a weekend hike, exercise is an easy way to schedule in some girl (or guy) time. Just like celebs who work out with friends, my friends and I use side-by-side time on the treadmill to talk to each other about what's happening in our lives. Exercise is also an easy way to experience something new and fun together. Recently a bunch of us took a pole dancing class — something I would have never done on my own! Not only was the pole dancing class a fun workout, but it was also an easy way for us to let loose and laugh together. Instead of happy hour, get your friends together and try out a new fitness class, go on a bike ride, or schedule a camping weekend full of hiking, kayaking, and healthy campfire eats!
• Gain a Hobby and Make New Friends — Taking out your headphones and getting off the elliptical may open doors for you to an entire new life. Experiment with specialized forms of fitness like yoga, rock climbing, or running until you find one you fall in love with; not only have you found a new hobby, but chances are you'll also make friends along the way. Once you become a regular at a yoga studio or group fitness class, strike up a conversation with other regulars you recognize — they may be interested in taking another class together. Many outdoor fitness activities like cycling, running, or rock climbing have online community forums where you can find meet-ups, join workout groups, or pair off with a buddy. My boyfriend's closest friends are people he met through rock climbing; I also have a friend who now counts her yoga teacher as one of her personal friends.

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• Find Love (or at Least Increase Your Chances) — While some people don't like being bothered when working out, for others, the gym is another opportunity to meet that special someone. Whether it's the gym or a running group, the more visible you are, the more likely you'll be to meet someone. And what's great about meeting someone at a gym, fitness class, or outdoor activity is that you already know they care about staying fit and active, too. Here are our ideas for some of the best places to meet a fit guy — hint: always choose rock climbing over Pilates. Keep in mind, even if you don't meet any date prospects while working out, expanding your friend circle with people you do meet through fitness-related activities may give you access to their single friends.
• Save Money For Things That Count — It used to be that I'd accept almost any social invite, which wasn't good for my waistline or wallet. Nowadays I schedule time for working out, which gives me a good excuse to skip out on other things. Declining invites for exercise may seem like a point against a healthy social life, but instead of feeling pressured to do everything and anything, I am saving money, feel more rested, and am thoroughly enjoying the nights I do go out. With the money I'm saving, I've been able to do pricier things with my friends like weekend staycations, fancy dinners, or spa days. And saying no doesn't always equal being alone: the eight-mile hike my friend and I went on this weekend gave us time to catch up, burn calories, and avoid a pricey boozy brunch. Chances are you'll have a friend who'd love to hang out, work out, and save money in the process!

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Diet Rules That Are Meant to Be Broken

If you don't eat red meat or snack after 8 p.m., it's time to loosen up. The secret to losing weight is finding your happy medium (or medium rare). Get ready to break a few rules and lose weight, too.

Rule #1: Swear Off Red Meat to Cut Calories

Smarter strategy: Enjoy an occasional hamburger for the protein -- and yumminess -- it provides. "Protein takes longer to digest, so it keeps you full," says Jonny Bowden, PhD, a weight-loss coach and author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth. Red meat gets a bad rap because certain cuts (like those labeled "prime") are high in artery-clogging saturated fat. So keep it lean with "round" and "loin" options (as in top round, sirloin, and tenderloin) and ground beef that's 5 percent or less fat. Eat no more than two servings, or five ounces, of lean meat daily (a serving is about the size of a deck of cards) and no more than 18 ounces a week. Vary your options with other protein powerhouses, like fish, poultry, and beans.

Rule #2: Don't Eat After Dinner

Smarter strategy: Your body doesn't magically store more fat and calories after a certain hour, so if you work out in the evening or feel famished, there's no need to go to bed with a grumbling tummy. "You can slow your metabolism if you don't give your body fuel when it needs it," says Christine Mastrangelo, RD, founder of New England Nutrition Associates. The trick is to choose a healthy snack, such as whole wheat pita chips and hummus or three cups of air-popped popcorn. If you nibble at night, Mastrangelo suggests that you start each day by planning ahead for those calories. "You'll be less likely to reach for traditional late-night munchies, such as potato chips and ice cream, when you know you've allotted only a small number of calories for your evening snack," she explains.

Rule #3: Hold Your Ground Against Cravings

Smarter strategy: Indulge yourself -- in moderation. Sure, you can try to substitute your way out of a craving, first by noshing on an apple, then a couple of graham crackers, followed by a fat-free pudding. But you'll probably end up consuming more calories than if you had simply enjoyed a few squares of chocolate or whatever it is you really want, says weight-loss expert Kara Mohr, PhD, owner of the fitness and nutrition company Mohr Results, Inc. "Psychologically, we're tempted by what we can't have, which is why deprivation makes us desire 'forbidden' foods more than usual," she says. When you do give in, odds are good that you'll devour more than you should, according to a study in the International Journal of Eating Disorders. Researchers at the University of Toronto found that women who were deprived of chocolate for a week experienced more cravings and ate more of the sweet stuff than those who weren't denied it.


Rule #4: Bread is the Enemy

Smarter strategy: Despite what disciples of the low-carb craze profess, bread -- the whole-grain kind, of course -- is an ally in the battle of the bulge, because the complex carbohydrates it contains provide filling fiber. "It's the easily digested refined carbs -- the ones in white bread, crackers, and pastries -- that lead to weight gain. They don't fill you up, so you get hungry quickly and end up consuming more calories," Mohr says. And there's a good reason you crave carbs: They are your body's preferred source of energy. "A drastic cutback only sets you up to OD on mac and cheese or chips later," Mohr adds.

Rule #5: Be Afraid of Fat

Focus on healthy fats -- the unsaturated mono, poly, and omega-3s in fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. The real bad guys, saturated and trans fats, which clog your arteries and increase your risk for heart disease, are found in foods you shouldn't be eating a lot of anyway: chips, crackers, fried foods, butter, and fatty meats. "Healthy fats help your body break down and absorb nutrients like vitamins A and E and beta-carotene in fruits and vegetables," Mastrangelo says. In fact, one study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that you won't reap the full nutritional rewards of salads and raw veggies without a little healthy fat thrown into the mix. Try a handful of walnuts (that's about 12), a tablespoon of sunflower seeds, or a drizzle of olive oil-based salad dressing.

Rule #6: Avoid the Drive-Thru at All Costs

Smarter strategy: You only think an energy bar or protein shake is a better bet than a fast food fix; a real meal will more fully satisfy both your hunger and your need to feed your face, as well as provide protein, fiber, and nutrients. Thank­fully,most chains these days offer healthy options. "Skip the cheese, mayo, and creamy sauces; ask for grilled, not fried, dishes; and order the smallest size available -- a single hamburger, not a double, and nothing supersized," Mohr says. When you pull up to that window, request one of these three picks: a grilled chicken sandwich or a hamburger, either loaded with extra lettuce and tomato; or a salad with grilled chicken (get reduced-fat dressing and forgo croutons and cheese).

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London riots

Two nights of rioting in London's Tottenham neighborhood erupted following protests over the shooting death by police of a local man, Mark Duggan. Police were arresting him when the shooting occurred. Over 170 people were arrested over the two nights of rioting, and fires gutted several stores, buildings, and cars. The disorder spread to other neighborhoods as well, with shops being looted in the chaos. Collected here are images from the rioting and the aftermath. -- Lane Turner (26 photos total)

Fire fighters and riot police survey the area as fire rages through a building in Tottenham, north London on Aug. 7, 2011. A demonstration against the death of a local man turned violent and cars and shops were set ablaze. (Lewis Whyld/PA/AP)

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A rioter throws a burning wooden plank at police in Tottenham Aug. 7, 2011. (Lewis Whyld/PA/AP) #

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Mounted police officers chase rioters on the streets in Tottenham Aug. 7, 2011. (Lewis Whyld/PA/AP) #

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Riot police officers face off with protesters in Tottenham Aug. 7, 2011. (Lewis Whyld/PA/AP) #

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A masked protester hurls an object toward riot police officers in Tottenham Aug. 7, 2011. (Lewis Whyld/PA/AP) #

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A policeman in riot gear stands guard in Tottenham Aug. 7, 2011. (Lewis Whyld/PA/AP) #

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A double decker bus burns as riot police try to contain a large group of people on a main road in Tottenham on August 6, 2011. (Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images) #

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Police officers detain a man in Enfield, north London August 7, 2011. Police said they were called to Enfield, a few miles north of Tottenham, where youths had smashed two shop windows and damaged a police car. (Stefan Wermuth/Reuters) #

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Fire rages through a building in Tottenham on Aug. 7, 2011. (Lewis Whyld/PA/AP) #

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Riot police officers escort an injured man after arresting him in Tottenham on Aug. 7, 2011. (Lewis Whyld/PA/AP) #

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A protester faces off with riot police officers on the streets in Tottenham on Aug. 7, 2011. (Lewis Whyld/PA/AP) #

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Police officers make their way on the streets in Tottenham on Aug. 7, 2011. (Lewis Whyld/PA/AP) #

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Buildings burn on Tottenham High Road in London during protests on August 6, 2011. (Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images) #

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Protestors face off against riot police lines on Tottenham High Road on August 6, 2011 in London. (Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images) #

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Police officers detain a man in Tottenham on August 7, 2011. (Stefan Wermuth/Reuters) #

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Police officers in riot gear walk past a burning building in Tottenham on August 7, 2011. (Stefan Wermuth/Reuters) #

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A shop and police car burn as riot police try to contain a large group of people on a main road in Tottenham on August 6, 2011. (Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images) #

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A woman walks through the debris with two children as riot police try to contain a large group of people on a main road in Tottenham on August 6 2011. (Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images) #

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A policeman walks past a damaged jewelery shop in Enfield, north London on August 7, 2011. (Stefan Wermuth/Reuters) #

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A police officer patrols as firemen continue to dowse buildings set alight during riots in Tottenham on August 7, 2011. (Luke MacGregor/Reuters) #

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Police cordon off an area on August 7, 2011 during unrest in Enfield. (Karel Prinsloo/AP) #

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Animals are taken from a pet store after riots on Tottenham High Road on August 7, 2011. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) #

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Aaron Biber, 89, assesses the damage to his hairdressing salon after riots on Tottenham High Road on August 7, 2011. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) #

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Burnt out cars lie in the road after riots on Tottenham High Road on August 7, 2011. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) #

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A man stands next to a burnt out van after riots on Tottenham High Road on August 7, 2011 . (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) #

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Residents watch as a building burns after riots on Tottenham High Road on August 7, 2011. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) #

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Useful Sun Safety Tips

This is a matter of protecting your skin from the sun's damaging rays which is crucial for a number of important health reasons. From the personal point of view a lot of farm work involves working much longer hours outdoors when the sun is intense and if these are repeatedly done on a daily basis then after sometime your body will develop some health problems which including lip cancer, eye damage, skin cancer, aging, wrinkling, and drying out of the skin.

Mostly affected are light skinned people though the ultraviolet rays from the sun can also affect people who have dark hair and dark skin. And if you thought that it is only the sun that can affect you can skin then you should also put in mind that you can get sun burns even on a cloudy day. So for one to be on the safe side there are a few steps for you to take to protect even the little ones who mostly play in the sun.

Steps to protect you and your family are as follows:

The ultraviolet rays are immense during daytime around 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, these the time one has to protect his skin from the sun.

Always try to limit yourself from staying in the sun for longer time especially for those who work in the farm, but if it is a must for you to work the whole day and you really need to protect your body from the hostile climate then you will have to take some breaks indoors. You can try to get shade hourly this will help you a great deal and if not try to apply sunscreen lotion your body parts that are exposed directly to the sunlight like the face, hands and the other parts you think are. Since longer hours outdoors can affect your eye sight then before you leave your home put on the sunglasses that filter out at least 90% of the ultraviolet rays from the sun.

We should also have the right cloth to ware depending on the climate condition and be aware that light weight, tightly-woven shirts and long pants will actually reduce the amount of sun rays entering the body. Under hot summer conditions it is advisable to put on light colored cotton and something else you consider is the hat that covers the temples, ears, face and the back of your neck.

You should remember to teach your kids about the sun safety and keeping the newborn babies away from the sun to protect their future. Another step you can try is making sure you get right vitamin D for you and your family from green vegetables and carrots which have a lot of vitamins. That will be protecting them from the eye sight problem and other related diseases.

The step that you should know is learning or being able to scrutinize skin problems so that it can be handled at earlier stage before it materializes into something more serious like cancer. Know that following the above steps is protecting the skin and the eyes against the sun is one of the important things you can do to secure your future health and especially for the young ones.

 

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