Chris Hemsworth’s Wife Elsa Pataky Just Invented a Genius Stroller Workout

Jan 22, 2016

Working out after you’ve had a baby is tough. Not only because of that pregnancy weight, but because there is now a tiny human who demands your attention just as much as (jk, way more than) that set of dumbells. So what’s a fitness-loving celebrity couple to do? Work out with their kids, of course. As a follow up to Chris Hemsworth’s first ever Instagram, Chris shared an adorable pic of him running on the treadmill with one of his three kids over his shoulder a few months back. Now, his wife (Spanish model Elsa Pataky) just debuted another epic workout you can do with your kid.

A video posted by Elsa Pataky (@elsapatakyconfidential) on Jan 17, 2016 at 6:51pm PST

In a video Elsa posted to her Instagram she’s seen out in grass with her baby and his stroller. While he works on his sea legs, Elsa uses the stroller for a couple of killer ab workouts. Similar to what you might do at the gym with an ab roller, Elsa rolls the stroller away and pulls it back in with both her arms and feet.

While she’s busy working on her six-pack, her little one seems to be a great job spotting his mom and making sure her form is on point.

How do you get creative while working out with a kid? Share with us on Twitter @britandco.

(Photo via Jamie McCarthy/Getty)

This Is the Best Time to Stretch During Your Workout

Between work commitments, grocery runs, and coffee dates, it feels like we barely have time to even make it to the gym. So when we do actually get our gear and go amid all these responsibilities (hello, 2024 New Year’s resolution), who can blame us for simply wanting to skip straight to cardio, burn as many calories as we can in 30 minutes, and then bounce? Unfortunately, this is a super ill-advised way to exercise, because it means you’re skimping on an essential part of the workout routine: stretching. Although adding a warmupmight mean tacking an extra 20 minutes onto your workout (you can do it!), the numerous benefits should make integrating stretching into your gym time a no-brainer. Nichole Tipps — lead trainer for V Shred, a virtual fitness training program — offers us some insight about the importance of stretching.

Everything You Need To Know About Stretching During A Workout

1. Why to Stretch: It’s not just for gym rats. According to Tipps, all of us, no matter how athletically inclined, should be incorporating stretching into our schedules.

“Many people ignore stretching when working out or just as a daily routine,” she says. “Stretching has an array of health benefits that serve as building blocks for longevity and physical well-being.”

Stretching increases flexibility, which improves range of motion in addition to improving workouts, and it delays the effects of atrophy later in life. It also aids posture and relieves stress. In terms of exercising, stretching has advantages both pre- and post-workout.

“Stretching increases blood flow to the muscles and improves your circulation,” explains Tipps. Because of this, failing to stretch beforehand can result in injury, and neglecting to do it afterward can lead to enhanced soreness and a longer recovery period. You’re also making yourself more susceptible to pain, inflammation, and tension in general, Tipps warns.

2. When to Stretch: Most people are at least vaguely aware of the benefits of stretching, but a lot of confusion surrounds when to actually do it during a workout. Contrary to popular belief, the heavy-duty stretching should be reserved for when you’ve finished exercising.

“After your workout is a better time to stretch with more dedication,” Tipps confirms. “Your muscles are tense, and they are tired and stressed in a good way. So stretching can help relieve that tension and reduce the soreness that results from working a muscle.”

Allot 10-15 minutes for these post-sweat stretches. Before your workout, simply stretch lightly, keeping the time to less than 10 minutes.

“Ease your muscles into the idea that you will be challenging them to perform,” Tipps instructs.

3. What to Stretch: Both of these stretch seshes should always address your arms, legs, and back, regardless of what areas that workout focuses on.

“There are different parts to each of these areas, so concentrate on those that your workout calls for that day, but don’t neglect everything else altogether either,” advises Tipps. “Remember, a lot of workout routines include compound exercises, which are multi-joint movements that work several muscles at one time.”

Although stretching might initially seem like yet another chore to add to your to-do list, its benefits are invaluable enough to no longer ignore. As Tipps encourages, “Stretch regularly, and over time you will reap the benefits and maintain your mobility.”

How do you stretch when working out?

There are quite a few stretches you can do when working out depending on what your body needs. No matter what you end up going with, remember not to force it — stretching should, well, stretch your muscles, but it shouldn't be painful! Check out these Pro Tips To Reach Your 2024 Fitness Goals, The Best At-Home Workouts, and 9 Easy Stretches You Can Do To Exercise At Your Desk for more ideas!

Is it better to stretch during or after a workout?

Nichole Tipps recommends saving your more intense stretches for after a workout. But don't be afraid to do a few easy stretches beforehand!

What’s your favorite stretch during a workout? Let us know on social media!

This article has been updated.

All images via Brit + Co

This Is My Dream Sydney Sweeney & Billie Eilish Sister Movie

When Sydney Sweeney showed up to the Met Gala red carpet rocking a jet black bob, the entire Brit + Co team thought she was Billie Eilish — and I immediately started daydreaming about these incredible women playing sisters! We know from Anyone But You and SNL that both Sydney and Billie can balance humor and heart, and I am convinced they need to headline a sister comedy, like, right now. I asked AI to write the plot of a (very hypothetical, unconfirmed) Billie Eilish and Sydney Sweeney movie so, for now, we can daydream even more!

Billie Eilish And Sydney Sweeney's Sister Roadtrip Comedy

Image via Andreas Rentz/Getty Images

Sister Vibes

In Sister Vibes, Sydney Sweeney would star as Ruby opposite Billie Eilish's Lily. These two sisters might have opposite personalities, but they're both at a crossroads in their lives. Ruby is a meticulous, Type-A oldest daughter who's always played it safe in the corporate job she hates. Lily is a free-spirited artist struggling to find her place in the world, and although she dreams of making it big, she's afraid of losing her authentic self.

Feeling totally stuck and unsure about their futures, the sisters decide to go on a big roadtrip to fulfill their desire for adventure. As they make their way across the country (snacks in-hand and roadtrip playlist at full volume), they learn more about their dreams, themselves, and each other than they could have hoped for. And it wouldn't be a comedy without a memorable cast of characters Ruby and Lily encounter along the way! Pedro Pascal? Ayo Edebiri? Lindsay Lohan? (It's a trick question because I want to see all of the above!)

In their journey, Ruby and Lily encounter mishaps, unexpected detours, and some seriously profound self-discovery. From mistaken identities and spontaneous dance parties to moments that take their breath away, Sister Vibes would capture the essence of what it's like to be a young woman in 2024 with authenticity and relatability.Through the ups and downs, Ruby and Lily's bond as sisters is tested, but it always comes out stronger on the other side.

Image via Amy Sussman/Getty Images

In this Billie Eilish and Sydney Sweeney movie, their characters discover that their greatest adventure is simply accepting who they truly are and supporting each other no matter what. As cheesy as that sounds — it's so important (and actually more difficult IRL than it sounds!).With its blend of comedy, heart, and vibrant wit, this contemporary comedy would celebrate the strength and resilience of women today. It explores themes of self-acceptance, authenticity, and the importance of meaningful connections in a digital age.

Would you see a movie starring Billie Eilish and Sydney Sweeney? Because I would be all over this! If you love daydreaming about your favorite stars in new movies, check out 5 Leading Ladies We'd Love To See In A Paul Mescal Rom-Com!

Lead images via Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue/JC Olivera/Getty Images

movies entertainment pop culture

The Ideal Number of Rest Days Per Week, According to Experts

If you’re one of those people who needs all the help you can get to enjoy your workouts, it can be hard to motivate yourself to work out twice a week, much less four or five times. By contrast, for some people, exercise addiction is a very real thing. But actually, there’s a pretty definitive number of days that you should be working out versus resting, at least once you’ve reached a higher level of fitness. Most new activity and fitness trackers even provide expert guidance on resting, like COROS watches and the new Apple Watch. Cue the ever-important rest day. It turns out, exercise experts agree on the number of rest days people who are in good shape and exercising regularly should take. On average, you should be taking two days per week for rest and active recovery.

Strength Training: 2-3 Days

Photo by Karolina Grabowska /Pexels

The magic formula, according to Noam Tamir, CSCS, founder of TS Fitness, is three days of strength training, two days of cardio, and two days of active rest per week.

Strength training days are absolutely crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. In addition to forming and shaping a strong, sexy bod, adding muscle mass increases your resting metabolism — meaning you'll burn more calories when you’re at home on your couch, enjoying a good Netflix binge. If you’re not looking to add any noticeable muscle, you can theoretically strength train twice a week and make use of that third day for cardio, but we wouldn’t recommend skipping it altogether.

You can strength train in a variety of ways, too. Lifting is an obvious option, but for those who are really looking for a leaner physique or who just hate lifting, pilates and intense vinyasa yoga are also fabulous. Functional training, like rock climbing or rowing, also qualifies.

Make sure to take a break between your strength training days. Most experts say that you need at least 48 hours for your muscles to recover. In the meantime, there’s cardio!

Cardio: 2-3 Days

Photo by Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

Cardio is undoubtedly important, not only for keeping your heart healthy, but also for burning fat. Without getting too technical, you should aim to hit 85-100 percent of your target heart rate for roughly 15 minutes. You can calculate your maximum heart rate by subtracting your age from 220. So, if you’re 27, your max heart rate would be 193, and 85 percent of that would be 164.

You can get there with high-intensity interval training, long-distance running, Zumba, cardio kickboxing — whatever floats your boat.

Active Rest: 2 Days

Photo by Maksim Goncharenok / PEXELS

Finally, one of the most important parts of your workout plan: active rest. Two days of your week should be fully focused on letting your muscles rebuild through gentle stretching, walking, restorative yoga, or foam rolling. By completing these kinds of workouts twice a week, you’ll be staying active and building flexibility all while chilling out!

The Dangers of Over-Exercising

Photo by Anna Shvets / PEXELS

It’s important to take time off from your workouts if health is your overall goal. For one thing, over-exercising can lead to adrenal fatigue and other disorders, as exercise is literally added stress for your body. Your adrenal glands respond to exercise by releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, and over time, not giving your adrenals a break can lead to tiredness, lethargy, and even thyroid problems.

And besides, it’s important to take a mental break from exercise. When you start to obsess about fitness, is when a healthy habit turns into something more sinister. Do yourself a favor and take at least two days a week for rest or active recovery. Your body will thank you!

What’s your current weekly workout schedule? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know!

Header image by Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

fitness healthy living workouts lifestyle

Nicole Kidman Is Officially Back For "Nine Perfect Strangers" Season 2

There's something appealing about an anthology show. You know, the ones where we get a new cast every season but the location or the themes remain the same (hello White Lotus and American Horror Story!). Your next TV show obsession is right around the corner because Hulu just announced the full lead cast for Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 and it's literally almost too good to be true. Keep reading for everything you need to know!