Category Archives: Fitness

Fitness

Jessica Biel x Gaiam Just Launched a New Collection—and I’m Obsessed With These Leggings

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My leggings drawer is *so* stuffed, I can barely close it at this point. From tights with mesh inserts to pops of neon, I'm always on the lookout for the latest trends to add to my growing collection. And yet, I somehow find myself reaching for just a few tried-and-true pairs for workouts and weekend adventures. It's rare that a new legging comes along that convinces me to push my favorites aside, but that's exactly what happened when I was recently gifted the Gaiam x Jessica Biel Chelsea Pieced Hi Rise 7/8 Legging ($110, gaiam.com).

It was seriously love at first tight (okay, sight—you know what I was trying to do there). The leggings were mostly black with dark blue accents down the leg, making them the perfect neutral and still more fun than my go-to black pair. ICYMI, actress and style icon Jessica Biel designed these leggings with Gaiam as part of the fall 2019 collection (which debuted last week), so it's not surprising that they are so chic. But comfort and function are also at the top of my checklist when it comes to a solid pair of leggings—they can't rely on looks alone.

At first touch, I noticed that the fabric was thick, which made me nervous that they might be bulky or not be flexible enough. However, my worries instantly faded when I slipped them on, because they were the perfect combination of smooth, soft, and durable. They felt like they would keep me warm on my way to the gym and still support me through an intense workout. Plus, the tights were 100% comfortable enough to wear during one of my favorite activities: a hardcore Nextflix binge. What surprised me the most, was the fact that the length was so flattering. For reference, I'm petite and the leggings hit right below my ankles, which means they don't awkwardly bunch at my ankles.

RELATED: Kourtney Kardashian's Favorite Leggings Are So Good, Everyone Should Own A Pair

To buy: Gaiam x Jessica Biel Chelsea Pieced Hi Rise 7/8 Legging ($110, gaiam.com), Gaiam x Jessica Biel Chelsea Pieced Bra ($75, gaiam.com)

Now that I've been wearing them, the high waist is another major plus for me, although I've found with some leggings that this doesn't always guarantee they'll stay in place. I've had waistbands slip down before and, even worse, waistbands that stay in place while the crotch sags. *Sigh.* Luckily, that's not the case with the Chelsea Pieced Hi Rise 7/8 Legging. No matter how much I stretch in yoga or barre class, they don't budge.

Biel is known to take her squats to the next level, so it makes sense that these would have gone through a rigorous testing phase to ensure they didn't slide down. The fitness queen also knows the importance of using moisture-wicking fabric, so these tights will keep you cool and dry even during your sweatiest workout. While Biel previously told Health her capsule collection with Gaiam was perfect for yogis of all levels, I would definitely rock these for more intense cardio sessions too. 

My one complaint? There's extra stitching around the blue accents, which makes those sections feel a bit more snug, particularly right above my knees. Thankfully, the stitching does stretch as I wear them (it's not totally constricting), so I would still recommend selecting your normal size.

RELATED: I Tried Jennifer Aniston’s Favorite Leggings, and I’m Officially Obsessed 

To buy: Gaiam x Jessica Biel Tribeca 7/8 Hi Rise Legging ($110, gaiam.com), Gaiam x Jessica Biel Lexington 7/8 Hi Rise Legging ($95, gaiam.com), Gaiam x Jessica Biel Lafeyette 7/8 Legging ($110, gaiam.com) 

While I wholeheartedly stand by my new favorite pair of leggings, the Gaiam x Jessica Biel capsule has a few others that are just as cute! Choose from classic black (with breathable mesh inserts), a dark graphic print, and a black, beige, and red colorblock—you really can't go wrong.

I could sing my new leggings praises all day, but I also want to point out that the matching sports bra is clutch! The Chelsea Pieced Bra ($75, gaiam.com) and Soho Pieced Long Sleeve Crop Top ($85, gaiam.com) create the ultimate athleisure look when paired with my tights. The set not only offers an easy put-together look for the gym that I don't have to think twice about, but it also looks cute and effortless topped with a bomber or jean jacket for casual weekend wear. The sports bra and legging are so versatile, I can wear them together or mix them up with the other activewear pieces in my rotation.

If you're loving the look of Biel's newest collab with Gaiam, check out a few of my other favorite pieces below. And get shopping, because they won't stay in stock for long!

To buy: Gaiam x Jessica Biel Tribeca Longline Bomber Jacket ($155, gaiam.com), Gaiam x Jessica Biel Tribeca Bra ($65, gaiam.com), Gaiam x Jessica Biel Gramercy 3D Jacquard Bra ($75, gaiam.com), Gaiam x Jessica Biel Tribeca Sweatshirt ($95, gaiam.com)

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Lady Gaga Shares Nude Photo in an Ice Bath for Her ‘Post-Show Routine’—But Can That Really Help Recovery?

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There's no denying that Lady Gaga is an icon—so whatever she does, the world pays attention; and her latest Instagram post is no different. 

In a series of pictures shared late Thursday night, Gaga documented how she unwinds after a show. (FYI: She's currently in residency in Las Vegas, with her show, Enigma.) "Post show routine," she wrote, captioning the pictures. "Ice bath for 5-10 min, hot bath for 20, then compression suit packed with ice packs for 20." Oh, and PS: Gaga looks totally nude in the first two photos. 

It’s not clear whether Gaga does this after every show or if she needed the extra rehabilitation due to a tumble off stage Thursday. As reported by Entertainment Tonight, fan footage shared to social media shows Gaga in the arms of a male fan she invited onto the stage to dance with her. When he stumbles and falls off the stage into the pit, he takes Gaga with him. Naturally, as a true pro, she got right back onto the stage and carried on with her performance. 

RELATED: Lady Gaga Postponed Her Tour Because of Her Fibromyalgia—Here’s What to Know About the Painful Disorder

So wait, why is Lady Gaga in an ice bath—and then a hot bath?

While, again, Gaga doesn't go into specifics about her post-show routine, there is a bit of science behind using an ice bath for recovery.

Ice baths, also known as cold water immersion therapy, can lower the temperature of the muscles after a strenuous bout of exercise, Lauren Lobert, DPT, CSCS, physical therapist and owner of APEX Physical Therapy in Brighton, Michigan, tells Health. “One theory is that ice baths decrease muscle temperature and blood flow to the muscles so the chemicals and inflammation that your body makes during and after strenuous exercise is less,” Lobert added. “These chemicals are part of why you feel sore after exercise, and by decreasing their production you may be less sore.” 

Then, when Gaga switches to a hot bath, that's called contrast therapy, Mandy Johnson, DPT, physical thearpist and owner of Renegade Wellness in Cheyenne, Wyoming, tells Health. “Here, the theory is that by dilating and constricting the blood vessels you are able to stimulate reduced swelling with the cold bath and then increased blood flow with the hot bath in order to reduce swelling in your muscles,” shes says, adding that this can also help repair any small muscle damaged that happens through exercise.

While the science is still jury’s out on both ice baths and contrast therapy (there's not a ton of evidene to validate either), both are common practice among elite athletes, which is likely why Gaga is doing it. “It definitely won't hurt her recovery," says Lobert. "And the idea is to prime her body to perform like an athlete's night in and night out. She is trying to decrease inflammation and muscle soreness, and accelerate recovery."

RELATED: The Exact Vitamin C Serum That Gives Lady Gaga Her Incredible Glow

Okay, well what about that compression suit? What's up with that?

So, Gaga's wearing a recovery garment from NormaTec, which, according to the website, "enhances blood flow and speeds recovery." Those recovery suits (while pricey—NormaTec suits can start at nearly $1,300) can aid in recovery, says Johnson, but people should be cautious to use them in conjunction with ice packs. "Extreme caution should be used as ice packs can get below 32 degrees and stay cold, unlike ice, which starts to melt the moment it comes into contact with your body,” Johnson warned.

But overall, Johnson says "if Gaga's routine makes her feel like she is ready to deliver an amazing show the very next day, then more power to her." Still, Johnson suggests Lady Gaga skip the hot bath and try out the ice bath alone—maybe in conjunction with a compression suit (but not ice packs). Are you listening, Gaga?

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Your Walking Speed Can Tell You How Fast You’re Aging

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If your stride has slowed down in your forties, you may be aging faster than you realize. That's the result of a new study, which found that your walking speed at age 45 can be an indicator of your physical and neurological aging.

While previous research has already found a link between an older person's gait and their health, the new study, published this week in JAMA Network Open, specifically looked at hundreds of 45-year-olds to get a much deeper sense of what walking speed reveals about aging.

“How fast people are walking in midlife tells us a lot about how much their bodies and brains have aged over time," lead author Line Jee Hartmann Rasmussen, a postdoctoral fellow who researches aging at Duke University, tells Health. Gait speed seems to be not only an indicator of aging, but also an indicator of lifelong brain health, adds Rasmussen.

RELATED: These Are the Best Walking Workouts, According to Fitness Experts

In the study, researchers examined more than 40 years of data collected from over 1,000 New Zealanders born between 1972 and 1973.

Starting at the age of three, each study participant was assessed by a pediatric neurologist, who measured everything from intelligence and language/motor skills to emotional and behavioral regulation. After that, each had their health regularly assessed and examined and underwent interviews every few years.

At the age of 45, researchers measure the gait speed of 904 participants using a simple test. The researchers also looked at how quickly they were aging, based on 19 health markers including body mass index, blood pressure, and cholesterol level. Additionally, they conducted the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV test, did a brain MRI, and rated facial aging.

After analyzing the data, they compared those participants with the slowest average gait—around 3.9 feet per second—to people with the highest, averaging at about 5.7 feet per second. The results led researchers to three important conclusions.

First, slow gait was associated with “poor physical function at midlife,” according to the study. Despite the fact that most of the midlife subjects walked faster than older adults who were part of the earlier study, researchers made the same associations between walking speed and physical performance that were previously found. 

RELATED: The Longevity Diet: What to Eat So You Live Longer and Healthier

Second, researchers determined that slow walking was associated with accelerated aging—which was not only represented through rapid deterioration of organ systems but by facial aging and structural brain changes as well. Basically, those who walked slower physically aged faster than their speedier peers, and it showed.

Third, the research team made a connection between slow gait and worsened neurocognitive functioning. Those who walked faster, had a higher IQ, and a reduced risk of dementia.

The link between intelligence and gait proved even stronger: Participants whose neurocognitive functioning was lower at the age of three subsequently had slower gait in their forties. Researchers were able to determine how fast a person would walk at 45 by their intelligence at the age of three. “Gait speed at midlife may be a summary index of lifelong aging with possible origins in childhood central nervous system deficits,” Rasmussen pointed out in the study.

RELATED: 10 Secrets of People Who Age Gracefully

So how should people be using this new information?

“Walking seems like such a simple thing, but walking actually requires the function and interplay of many different organ systems at the same time, including your bones, heart, lungs, muscles, vision, nervous systems, and so on,” says Rasmussen. Reduced walking speed can be a sign of advanced aging and deteriorating organ function.

“Keeping healthy and exercising your lungs, brain, heart etc., may improve your physical and cognitive health and thus your gait speed,” she says.

While measuring gait is a common practice with older adults, researchers suggest that incorporating such tests earlier in life may be beneficial. “Because gait speed shows meaningful aging-related variation already in midlife, it may prove to be a useful measure in aging trials aimed at preventing the onset of age-related disease,” Rasmussen pointed out in the study.

RELATED: This Is the Best Anti-Aging Workout, According to Science

She also points to the study’s supplementary invited commentary, provided by Stephanie Studenski, MD, a geriatrician at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. “Gait speed is a simple, inexpensive indicator of well-being across adulthood. Let’s pay attention and use it,” suggests Dr. Studenski in his commentary.

Carolyn Fredericks, MD, Yale Medicine neurologist and expert in Alzheimer’s disease and research (who was not involved in the study), also endorses the significance of the findings.

“We knew that these kinds of relationships existed in older people, but to show that they are already present—and very strong—in individuals in their 40s is surprising, and very exciting,” Dr. Fredericks tells Health.

RELATED: FaceApp Is Cool and All, but Can It Really Predict How You'll Age?

She adds that while the study doesn’t say for certain that improving physical fitness can reverse these changes, “it certainly adds to the overall picture in the literature suggesting that the time to start getting on a healthier track—in terms of our cardiovascular fitness, our diet, our blood pressure—is not when we are older and worried about our memory, but right now.”

How to measure your own gait

You don’t need an expert to calculate how many feet per second you can walk. There's a simple equation to figure it out:

Choose how many feet you are going to walk. This study opted for six meters, equivalent to about 20 feet. Get a measuring tape and mark the distance with tape or a piece of chalk.

Using a stopwatch, determine how many seconds it takes you to walk the distance without exerting yourself. Make sure to walk with your regular pace.

Divide the total distance walked by the amount of time (in seconds) on your stopwatch. For example, if it took you five seconds to walk 20 feet your equation would be: 20 feet divided by 5 seconds equals 4 feet per second. To get a totally accurate read, you might want to try repeating the process a few times.

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Britney Spears Shows Off Her Abs While Doing the Splits to Share Her New Workout Routine

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Britney Spears is switching things up. The pop star recently revealed that she has altered her workout routine to incorporate more cardio and dancing into her exercise regimen—and that she's nixing the hot yoga. 

On Monday, Spears, 37, shared a shot of herself doing the splits on Instagram in a white sports bra, black shorts, and knee-high socks. While she didn't add a location tag to her post, Spears says she was working out in a yoga studio—but not necessarily doing yoga the entire time.

“So I found this adorable simple yoga studio in Maui,” she wrote in her caption. “I tried to start off by doing yoga but I danced the first 20 minutes and let go ….. I finished with stretching, splits and yoga!”

Spears explained that her previous workout routine included lots of hot yoga, but after a while, she says she took it a little too far. "I overdid it," she wrote. "I prefer cardio and dancing now." She noted that the studio she was visiting in Maui was lit up at night with “baby twinkle lights," adding that she "preferred nights" at the studio. "It was magical," she said.

RELATED: Britney Spears' Boyfriend Sam Asghari on How He Lost 100 Lbs. — and the Couple's Fun Workouts

This isn't the first time the singer has opened up about her workout routine. A quick scroll through her Instagram page shows that she regularly posts videos of herself dancing, stretching, or working out at the gym.

The pop superstar has also been upfront about other time she's taken it a bit too far in the gym. Back in 2018, Spears shared a selfie on Instagram in workout clothes talking about taking a break from the gym. "I love cardio and sweating, but over doing anything just isn’t good," she wrote, adding that in her spare time she'd started hanging out with her kids more often. 

Spears has a point—and while everyone's definitely interested in her workout routines, it's nice to see her taking some time for a break (and a little extra self-care) too. 

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Health and Shape Are Hosting a Women’s Half-Marathon! Here’s How to Register

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Health is proud to announce that we've joined our sister publication, Shape, as a sponsor of their annual women's half-marathon: the Shape + Health Half-Marathon. Next year's race will be held on Sunday, April 19 in New York City's Central Park, and registration opens today! 

In addition to our new partnership as co-sponsors, the event will feature a new 5.8 mile race. This race is a great option for runners who are looking for something shorter than the traditional 13.1 mile half-marathon. Both courses promise beautiful views of Central Park and a team of supporters cheering you on. 

Next year marks the 17th anniversary of the annual race, which attracts thousands of marathoners who cross the finish line and prove that #WomenRunTheWorld. Past years have even included appearances from runners like three-time Olympian Deena Kastor, who set new course records in 2014. NBC and MSNBC anchors Natalie Morales, Hoda Kotb, and Mika Brzezinski also hosted and participated in the race.

When it comes down to it, the Shape + Health Half-Marathon is really about bringing women of all ages and backgrounds together for a day of fun, fitness, and camaraderie. Whether you're coming from across the country or from around the corner, join us in Central Park for an unforgettable event.

Follow the event on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and news—and also follow Health and Shape for content about how to get your body ready for race day! 

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The $13 Amazon Yoga Mat Kourtney Kardashian Swears By

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Your days of staring idly at workout equipment in a crowded gym are officially over, thanks to Kourtney Kardashian. The resident health and wellness guru of the Kardashian family just revealed her standard HIIT workout routine on her website, Poosh, and gave us all major workout inspo. 

The workout, which can easily be knocked out in just 15 minutes, is comprised of four different sets of high-intensity moves repeated for 30 seconds each in three separate circuits. The routine kicks off with thirty seconds of jump squats paired with jumping lunges, followed by mountain climbers with push-ups.  Next, there’s a seriously intense combination of burpees and squat jumps, rounded out by jumping jacks into a jumping jack plank. 

RELATED: Kourtney Kardashian’s Favorite Leggings Are So Good, Everyone Should Own a Pair

Feeling confused? Same. Thankfully, Amanda Lee (Poosh’s *in-house* trainer) broke down the entire routine with four different videos demonstrating each cycle of moves. Considering we’re out of breath just watching these videos, it’s no surprise this routine is Kardashian’s go-to.

Another major reveal in the post was a photo of the oldest Kardashian laying on the ground in exhaustion after her workout (a whole mood), which gave us a quick peek at the workout gear and equipment she uses in the gym. Along with snake print leggings from Good American and a super chic Alo sports bra, the photo also shows a black yoga mat. 

While we all want to live like a Kardashian, most of us (me!!) are on a budget, so I was happy to learn that the exercise mat she uses is just $13 on Amazon—the BalanceFrom GoYoga Exercise Mat ($13; amazon.com). Even better? Kourt’s mat of choice also happens to be the number one best-selling exercise mat on Amazon, so clearly she’s not the only fan. 

To buy: BalanceFrom GoYoga Exercise Mat, $13; amazon.com

The affordable Amazon find is made from a high-density foam that gently cushions your hands, knees, and spine during your workout—whether you’re moving through a yoga flow or following Kardashian’s super intense HIIT routine.

Despite a bargain price, the mat has plenty of features that ensure it’s long-lasting, including an integrated anti-tearing net to prevent rips, and moisture-resistant technology that makes its possible to hand wash the mat with soap and water between uses. Plus, there’s a two-year warranty that guarantees you’ll feel safe putting this equipment to the test. 

Not to mention, it’s a great pick for commuters. Despite the standard 68 inch by 28 inch sizing, the super light mat weighs less than two pounds and comes with a free carrying strap. You can also choose from seven different colors to match your personal style, including a bright red, a neon green, and a royal purple.

RELATED: Kourtney Kardashian’s Secret for White Teeth is This $4 Toothpaste from Amazon

While we love a good Kardashian seal of approval, this mat also has almost 3,000 perfect five-star reviews from customers who rave about the mat’s comfort, quality, and durability. Many reviewers also mentioned that it’s great for a variety of exercises, including hot yoga and strength conditioning routines. 

Unfortunately, bringing this budget-friendly mat to the gym won’t automatically make conquering Kardashian’s routine any easier. But it will bring you one step closer to channelling your inner KK—and what’s wrong with that? 

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I Tried the Apple Watch Series 5—and It Legit Made Tracking My Period *So* Much Easier

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I started wearing watches when I graduated from college (#adulting)—and by watches, I mean one gold, oversized Michael Kors timepiece (aka, the “it-girl” accessory of 2009) that I wouldn’t be caught dead without. After a long run, I retired the watch a few years ago, because my style evolved and the chunkiness started to feel *too* heavy. Plus, it didn’t play nice with my active lifestyle. When smartwatches began to crop up, I honestly wasn’t a fan, because I love the look of a classic timepiece and I was not 100% sure I constantly wanted to be connected. Everyone around me was buying Fitbits and Apple Watches and I refused to pull the trigger.

As you have probably heard, Apple just released a brand new watch two weeks ago, and it’s already making waves. In addition to streaming music, chatting with friends, tracking workouts, being able to measure your heart rhythm with an EKG or ECG test (and calling 9-1-1 if you’ve fallen down and aren’t able to get up within a minute), the Apple Watch Series 5 (from $384; amazon.com) now boasts a pretty amazing feature for women: cycle tracking. Yep, a watch can actually can help you keep track of your period, so you’re not scrambling to find a tampon at the last minute.

Even as a Health editor, I never thought sporting a smartwatch would be in my future, but I took Apple up on its offer to test their newest watch to see if it really was worth the hype.

RELATED: Your Apple Watch Series 4 Just Got Some Incredible New Health Features

First things first: The game-changing feature, by far, is the new app called Cycle Tracking. It allows you to conveniently record and track information about your period like timing, flow level, symptoms, spotting, and even the results from ovulation prediction kits. The watch uses your data to not only notify you when your period is coming—so you’re not caught off guard—but it also estimates when your fertility window is, which is helpful whether you’re trying to get pregnant or not get pregnant. 

While cycle tracking is nothing new in the app world (hello, Eve, Clue, and Flo), Apple’s newest app makes it easier than ever to keep track of your period. Sure, you don’t need a watch to enjoy the app (you can use it on your phone), but it does make it pretty convenient being able to access that information quickly on your wrist, especially during an appointment with your ob-gyn. 

RELATED: How the Latest Apple Watch Could Help Empower Women to Take Charge of Their Health

Even though I can expect the same exact questions at my annual from my doctor (I should really be prepared by now), I always seem to get the deer-in-the-headlights look when my gynecologist asks me, with clipboard in hand, for the first day of my last period. I frantically start digging in my purse for my phone, and then either have to scroll through my calendar and guess at a date or look through an insane amount of apps for my period tracker and pray that I remembered to log my period. Needless to say, being able to track my cycle, symptoms, and any irregularities easily from the watch will certainly help me have a much more informed and less awkward chat with my ob-gyn going forward.

Being able to record symptoms during my period—cramps, bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, acne, headaches—is also a great way to keep tabs on my health, so if I experience anything unusual, I can make a note of it and discuss it with my doctor. “Knowing more about your menstrual cycle gives you a window into your health, from simply ensuring you are prepared to understanding your personal patterns and regularities,” said Sumbul Desai, MD, Apple’s VP of Health, at the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference.

RELATED: 9 Waterproof Watches You Can Actually Wear in The Pool

What I also ended up loving about the new Apple Watch Series 5 is the always-on display, which makes it feel much more like a modern watch since the face is illuminated 24/7. I can discreetly glance at the watch and see information without having to raise my wrist in an obvious way. When I’m not looking at the watch, the display is dimly lit but still on—unlike the watch’s predecessors—so it’s not bothersome in meetings or blinding a stranger as I hold onto a subway pole. This feature also makes it a great companion for workouts, because I can view the timer without raising my wrist while holding a plank, or can subtly glance at my watch in downward dog to see how much time is left in my hot yoga class.

And I don’t have to worry about charging the watch during the day to compensate for it always being on. The Apple Watch Series 5 uses low-temperature poly-silicon and oxide (LTPO), which in plain-speak means the display can stay on all the time without killing the battery life. However, if I want to turn off the always-on mode, I can. As for being constantly connected at my wrist, I actually find it extremely convenient, since I don’t need to have my phone in my hand—I can skip through songs on my headphones by simply tapping my watch, reply to texts when connected to WiFi, and view my calendar, all hands-free. When I want to feel a little less connected, I just adjust my notifications in the settings so that I don’t get unnecessary alerts.

RELATED: Considering a Fitbit? Here’s How to Choose the Best One for Your Needs

Another cool update, the watch now has a built-in compass. Whether you’re outdoorsy and like to hike or if the closest you ever get to nature is on your commute to work, this feature really comes in handy. Once you launch the Maps app, a small needle shows you what direction you’re facing, as well as which way to walk once you enter your destination address, like on the iPhone. It’s also great for exploring and sightseeing in a new city, since it helps to keep you from getting lost. On top of the direction needle, there’s also a new Compass app, which provides your longitude, latitude, elevation, and more—which is great for hiking, camping, and skiing enthusiasts.

To buy: Apple Watch Series 5 with Sport Band (from $384; amazon.com), Apple Watch Series 5 with Milanese Loop Band (from $730; amazon.com)

Okay, confession: I had some serious concerns about the typical aesthetic of smartwatches, because a technical-looking watch with a velcro or silicone band is just going to clash with my outfit. There, I said it. But Apple pleasantly surprised me. When I took the watch out of its box the first time, I saw that it came with the chicest chain band. (Okay Apple, I see you!) The gold body and band made it much more of a sophisticated and versatile fashion accessory, rather than a typical smartwatch. A blue sport band was also included in the test kit, so that I could swap it for a workout. I was pleasantly surprised by how well-designed and minimal the silicone strap was—it was, honestly, very cute.

I rocked the watch with the gold band to the office and to post-work events, and got so many compliments. It was professional enough for my 9-5 and dressy enough for nighttime events. I then swapped the gold mesh band for the sport band to see if it could stand up in my workouts, and it didn’t disappoint. From cycling to boxing to yoga, the silicone band remained comfortable and secure, and never felt sweaty, slippery, or gross.

RELATED: Mandy Moore Is Obsessed With This Fossil Sport Smartwatch—and so Are We

What is *so* great about the new Apple Watch Series 5 is that it’s completely customizable. For the first time ever, you can combine any case (think: aluminum, stainless-steel, titanium, and ceramic) with any band—leather, metal, silicone, or a  two-toned canvas sport loop—as opposed to being limited to pre-selected combinations. Because switching out the watch bands is so seamless, you can also choose to invest in multiple so that you always have a stylish yet understated option, no matter the occasion.

I now totally understand why people like these types of watches: you have access to health and fitness features (and much more) at the flick of your wrist— literally. I may have not been a smartwatch person before, but after using the Apple Watch Series 5 for the last two weeks, I can honestly say that I can’t go back to wearing anything else.

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I Tried Jennifer Aniston’s Favorite Leggings, and I’m Officially Obsessed

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My obsession with Friends started at the ripe age of 8 years old, when it was one of the few shows my family and I would watch together every week. Even though most of the jokes flew right over my head, I was obsessed with Rachel. I even begged my mom for the ‘Rachel’ haircut—and succeeded.

While my shaggy Rachel bob is a thing of the past, my adoration of Jennifer Aniston is not. In fact, when the actress shared her current must-haves with InStyle earlier this month, I immediately wanted to try every single recommendation.

The first item on the bucket list: Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Leggings ($108, was $135; sweatybetty.com). Along with Varley leggings and Outdoor Voices sports bras, they’re one of the fitness staples Aniston said she’s currently “loving.”

RELATED: The $20 Drugstore Product Jennifer Aniston Swears By for Glowing Skin at Age 50

Other than briefly walking through a Sweaty Betty store in New York to admire the selection, my interaction with the cult-favorite activewear has been pretty limited. I knew the company was British and made plenty of fun prints (part of the brand’s goal to create stylish activewear for women when it launched 20 years ago)—however, I had never worked out in a pair of Sweaty Betty’s Aniston-approved leggings or even tried them on.

My first impression of the so-called bum-sculpting leggings out of the package was that they felt like an unexpected cross between a windbreaker and spandex leggings. The super lightweight fabric made a strange crackling sound when I aggressively brushed my hand over the delightfully aesthetic black and maroon print. I couldn’t imagine the lightweight (and noisy) fabric offering any sort of compression, let alone squat coverage. I felt duped and immediately questioned everything Jennifer Aniston stood for.

Headed to a typically sweaty dance class, I meekly pulled on the high-waisted leggings prepared to sweat the night away while making subtle wooshing sounds with each cha-cha-cha. Despite my concerns, they were the *perfect* high-waisted fit.

And I stand corrected—the supportive fabric actually curved perfectly to my derriere and even gave a subtle lift that I spent a moment too long admiring as I entered my workout class (so this is what they meant by ‘bum-sculpting’). I didn’t understand how a fabric that felt barley-there could also offer the sculpting support I only expect from my thickest workout leggings.

RELATED: The 7 Best Leggings You Can Buy on Amazon

At the gym, my next mission was to determine if these leggings were squat-proof. The site advertises the Zero Gravity design at just 80% squat-proof, so I boldly asked a few fellow classmates to report whether they could see my underwear when I squatted or not. Every person adamantly replied they couldn’t see a thing. Even when I explained I was testing the leggings and needed the truth, their answers stayed the same.

I was also pleasantly surprised to discover the lightweight fabric made *zero* sound as I walked around. I can’t explain why this was such a strong fear, when I happily clomp around the office all day in booties. But the thought of rustling like the wind through a dance routine was almost enough for me to opt for a solo workout that night instead.

Relieved that these leggings were closer to 100% (than the advertised 80%) on the squat-proof spectrum and completely quiet, I proceeded to dance my heart out for the next 55 minutes.

To buy: Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Leggings, $108 (was $135); sweatybetty.com

Next came the sweat test. The lackluster air conditioning in my local gym combined with my workout (which, in this case, was a cardio-heavy dance sesh) almost always results in sweat-soaked fabric that clings to my body, and leggings that stay damp until I unceremoniously peel them off. But not this time! The material was like sweat-wicking magic on my skin. Believe it or not, by the time I left the gym, my sweaty (betty) leggings were already dry.

While the fabric isn’t magic, it is a brand-specific performance fabric that’s designed to be quick-drying. The elastane and polyamide blend is made from hydrophilic fibers that swiftly wick away moisture for an unbelievably speedy drying time post sweat sesh. Considering damp leggings are a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria—and just straight up uncomfortable—this single feature alone sold me on these leggings forever.

Of course, there’s plenty of other awesome design components that also stand out, including outer pockets large enough to fit an iPhone and an adjustable drawstring waistband that results in a super comfortable fit. But the sensation of riding the subway home completely dry after a workout isn’t something I’m ready to give up any time soon.

Best of all, they not only come in a plethora of fun prints to choose from for fall, but they also come in 7/8 length with a shorter inseam (a great option for short legs or increased air flow during your workout). Plus, the trendy leggings are 20% off on Sweaty Betty right now, knocking their total price down almost $30.

If there’s anyway to live like Aniston, these high-quality leggings are as close as I’ll get. While stylish haircuts make come and go (RIP The Rachel), a good pair of leggings can last a lifetime.

To buy: Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Leggings ⅞ Running Leggings, $108 (was $135); sweatybetty.com

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The Goblet Squat Is the Move You Need to Tone Your Core and Lift Your Butt

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Breakfast for dinner. Outdoor showers. When the gauc *doesn’t* cost extra. These are some of life's underrated pleasures. Another to add to the list? Goblet squats.

Goblet squats are air squats that are performed with the addition of a dumbbell, kettlebell, medicine ball, or really anything else that’s heavy and compact, like a boulder, Keurig, lamp, massive crate of cheese puffs—hey, get creative! “Goblet squats require you to hold the weight in front of your chest, usually so that your hands are positioned as if you’re holding onto a goblet,” explains certified strength and conditioning specialist Shane Savoy, trainer at New York Health & Racquet Club.

But goblet squats are a little less about the fire and more about the burn. That whole-body burn. “Goblet squats are a full-body movement. They work your quads, calves, glutes, and entire core, and your arms and grip strength because you’re holding onto the weight,” says Savoy.

“They’re an awesome choice for people looking to tone their cores and increase their glute strength at the same time,” he adds. So, if you’re trying to save time in the gym while tightening your abs and lifting your bum, this move is your new go-to.

RELATED: 11 Celeb-Approved Workouts for a Toned, Sculpted Butt

How to do goblet squats

Hold a weight at your chest using both of your hands and stand with your feet about hip-width apart. If you’re using a kettlebell, Savoy says you can hold it with the handle facing up or down.

When you’re ready to begin, brace your core, then drop your butt back and down to lower into a squat while keeping your chest up. As you squat, sit back into your heels without shifting your weight forward onto the balls of your feet. Try to get as deep into the squat as possible to maximize glute activation. Then, driving through your heels, come back up to standing and give your glutes a squeeze at the top. That's one rep.

Savoy recommends warming up with two sets of 10 to 12 reps at a very low weight, and then doing three working sets of eight to 12 reps at a moderate (i.e. challenging, but manageable) weight. For example, if you want to use a 35-pound kettlebell in the workout, warm up with a 12- or 16-pound kettlebell first.

Want to make it harder? Either increase the weight or slow down your descent. Try a tempo of four seconds on the way down and one second on the way back up, followed by a one to two second pause at the top before your next rep.

“Slowing down the eccentric, or downward, portion of the squat increases the amount of time under tension, which increases calorie burn and muscle activation,” says Savoy.

If you need to make it a bit easier, either decrease the weight or find something to hang onto, like a column, TRX band, handle, or door frame.

“Holding onto something while you squat down will help counterbalance your weight, so it will keep you from falling over. This will help you get used to the squat motion while holding onto something,” says Savoy.

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The benefits of goblet squats

Once you get the hang of the goblet quat, you'll reap these four gains:

A booty pump. “The placement of the weight in the squat allows most people to sink lower into the squat, which means more glute activation than a typical squat,” says Savoy. One study, published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, found that when combined with other kettlebell movements, goblet squats helped athletes increase their overall strength and power over the course of six weeks.

A stronger core. “In a front squat, the load is shifted forward, which means the person doing it must maintain a strong and stable back and core to protect the spine,” says Savoy. Basically, the core must work double-time, he says.

Increased core strength means safer daily movements, heavier lifts, a more powerful trunk for your entire body, and a tighter, stronger mid-section. While having a toned or sculpted stomach also comes down to things like body fat percentage, genetics, eating habits, and where you are in your menstrual cycle, goblet squats can help build those six-pack muscles.

Increased mobility. “Because you’re able to sit lower into the squat, when done correctly, the goblet squat will help improve your hip and ankle mobility—two joints that tend to get stiff and tight from too much sitting,” says Savoy. “If your ankles are incredibly immobile, consider raising your heels up ½ to 2 inches with weight plates so that you can squat [more] comfortably. Then over time, reduce the height of the weight plates until you can do them on the flat ground,” he adds.

Fewer injuries. Sure, the exercise sounds otherworldly, but the goblet squat is actually a very natural position for most women because it’s the same position as picking up a heavy object, like a child or a box, which means it’s widely accessible. As an exercise, the goblet squat gives you the opportunity to perfect your form on this everyday position—which helps protect injury in day to day activities, says Savoy.