We’re all for investing in our health, but saving a bit while doing so certainly doesn’t hurt things either. And Amazon Prime Day 2018 is the best time to stock up on some good-for-you items for a fraction of their original price. Which means you can maybe even splurge on a few extra things too. Take a look below — or browse the deals here — to see all the popular healthy items you can scoop up (for a limited time).
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.
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.”
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!
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
Growing up on the Outer Banks means I've gone through my fair share of swimsuits. All it takes is one summer of surfing wipeouts, sun bathing, swimming, and hitting up the shops (because you really do everything in a bathing suit on the OBX) to know exactly which bathing suit brands are worth buying — and which are cheap enough to avoid forever. I took to social media to ask real Outer Banks locals which bathing suit brands they can't get enough of. Keep reading for all the details!
Image via Target
I know y'all love Target just as much as I do — and along with their home decor, cute shoes, and comfy clothes, their bathing suit options are some of my friends' favorites. Target's got a ton of diverse and affordable swimwear options that is full of different styles, sizes, and prices. That means there's something for everyone! I'm obsessed with this Underwire Bralette Bikini Top and High Waist High Leg Extra Cheeky Bikini Bottom.
Image via Aerie
Aerie is perfect for Outer Banks fans because it's one of the most-used bathing suit brands on the show! This store balances style with comfort and casual, and TBH half the swimsuits are cute enough to be tank tops. Their bathing suits will make you feel confident and add a pop of color to your summer wardrobe! This Smiley® String Triangle Bikini Top and Cheekiest Tie Bikini Bottom are a great place to start ;).
Image via Old Navy
Old Navy is a great place to shop for affordable basics, and that definitely extends to swimsuit season. Their bathing suits come in a range sizes, and they're durable, classic, and super affordable (a lot of them are under $20!). They also have just enough Americana edge to live out your '00s rom-com dreams. I can't stop looking at the Zip-Front Bikini Swim Top and High-Waisted Bikini Swim Bottoms.
Image via Body Glove
Body Glove is one bathing suit brand that's just as functional as it is stylish, and it's also equal parts feminine and sporty for any gal who's always on the go. The Free Flow Eli One-Piece Swimsuitis one of my favorite suits because it's so colorful and it's also supportive, which you absolutely need when taking part in a treasure hunt.
Image via AlySwim
If you're looking for the true Outer Banks experience, then you should grab a suit made by someone who grew up there! AlySwim is totally customizable, and a lot of the suits are reversible so you get two looks for the price of one. With trendy patterns and vibrant colors, bathing suits like the Blue Hawaiian Eva Top and Bottoms will make a bold statement.
Image via Rey Swimwear
The bathing suits from Rey Swimwear are as classy as they come, and it feels like there are endless options for colors, patterns, and silhouettes. There are also options for longer torsos, which is such a blessing for us #TallGirls. Sarah Cameron would be all over this Marie bathing suit!
Image via Kenny Flowers
Maaji is the thing of our '90s dreams, and each bathing suit will make you feel the summer magic we crave all year long. I love the Hot Magenta Adhara V Wire Bralette Bikini Top and Sublimity Regular Rise Classic Bikini Bottoms!
Left on Friday is for the minimalists. But just because the swimsuits are simple and elegant doesn't mean they're boring — and the asymmetrical silhouette on the Shoreline Suit proves it.
Kenny Flowers immediately reminds me of Palm Royale every time I look on their site because of the old school vibe and bright colors. I NEED the Acapulco Underwire Bikini Top and High Waist Bikini Bottom!!
Lime Ricki is the place to go if you're looking for modest swimsuits that will also turn heads all summer long. The bold prints and bright colors are both nostalgic and playful, and it's also a really accessible brand. Celebrate your individuality in a suit like the Shell Stripe Ruffle-Strap One Piece.
Korni Jeane lets you mix and match different vibes to create a bathing suit that's unique to you and your personal aesthetic. I'm confident Kiara would love this Bandeau Top and All Ruffled Up Bottoms.
Every cute bathing suit needs equally cute accessories so check out The 5 Most Comfortable Walking Sandals For Summer, Ranked next!
Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Lead image via Kenny Flowers
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
Another one of my favorite coffee chains’ summer menus just dropped, and I am ready to sip away! Rumors about the Dunkin’ summer menu were introduced by foodie inside source, @markie_devo last month, and it appears they were right.
The Dunkin’ summer menu got released on May 1 (just six days prior to the rumored Starbucks summer menu drop), and it looks way too yummy. I’ll have a hard time not ordering these tasty drinks and food items! Based on the success of the Dunkin’ spring menu, the new summer menu doesn't miss.
So, as things begin to heat up, let’s take a look at the *official* Dunkin’ summer menu. Here's what to order today!
Image via Dunkin'
The Dunkin' summer menu came out on May 1, 2024.
You'd think that this green drink would be matcha – but nope, it's the all-new Kiwi Watermelon Refresher! Based on the name, this drink mixes kiwi and watermelon for a super fruity and fresh sip. Dunkin' Refreshers are caffeinated with green tea, too, so some of the tea brew could shine through in the flavor. This sounds too good to not order on a sunny summer's day.
Available to order hot or iced, this next drink is totally new to the Dunkin' summer menu. Their 'signature' lattes are often super sweet and topped with whipped cream and drizzle. This one will take on the flavors of a classic frosted donut, with rainbow sprinkles to boot. I simply need it now!
Also available hot or iced, I expect the rumored Blueberry Donut Coffee to taste like a blueberry donut. Blueberry cake donuts are my absolute favorite kind, so it'll be interesting to see (and taste) how this sip lives up to the OG.
I find it a little odd that Dunkin' doesn't already serve lemonade, but summer seems like the perfect time to start doing so! Dunkin' will be making lemonade a permanent part of their menu on May 1. The last time they had lemonade was when they began serving the Dunkin’ Lemonade Refreshers in 2021, so it appears they're bringing it back for good.
You'll be able to order it on its own or inside their regular lineup of Refreshers (pictured above) – including the new Kiwi Watermelon one!
Now onto the food! The Dunkin' summer menu has three new snacks slated, and the first one is this wrap. The Green Goddess Dunkin' Wrap is made from scrambled egg whites, farro, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, crumbled feta cheese, green goddess sauce, and wrapped in a green lavash. It looks highly similar to the Spinach Feta wrap on the Starbucks breakfast menu! 👀
I'm not so sure about this one. Watermelon and donuts don't ever cross paths in my mind, but you never know, it could be delish! This donut is filled with a watermelon-flavored cream filling. I need it now!
Chocolate Chunk Cookie – looks like a classic! Like the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread on the Dunkin' spring menu, this rumored item looks like a conveniently pre-packaged easy snack to enjoy on the road or during your lunch break!
IG @markie_devo
Dunkin' fans sounded off in the comments of the summer menu rumors, sharing their thoughts about the new seasonal roster when it was leaked in April 2024.
Some Dunkin' diners aren't super thrilled with the snack selection on the leaked menu.
"Watermelon donut is wild," one person wrote. "They really need to do better with their food & snacks 😒," another said.
One user is disappointed that Dunkin' isn't doing anything overly innovative with their upcoming rumored summer menu.
"So basically blueberry and vanilla flavored coffees like they’ve had all along," they wrote. "Man they are really slacking on new flavors lately. So disappointing."
On the other hand, some Dunkin' sippers are interested in the more out-there flavors.
"Kiwi Watermelon refresher and Watermelon Burst donut both sound intriguing! Not going to lie!" one user said. "This menu isn’t bad at all I am glad they are bringing Lemonade back I love it," another echoed.
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Lead image via Dunkin'.
This post has been updated.
Simply put, Zoë Kravitz & Channing Tatum are just made for each other. The couple met while filming Blink Twice (Zoë directed, Channing starred), and after they went viral for that Brooklyn bike ride, the rest is history. Well, the trailer for Zoë's directorial debut is finally here and it looks absolutely INSANE. No matter how many times I watch the trailer I have no idea how it's going to end. Which, honestly, makes me more intrigued than ever. Whether you're a fan of crazy movies or you just want to bask in the glow of Zoë and Channing's love, here's everything you need to know about the new Channing Tatum movie. Read up on The 33 Most-Anticipated 2024 Movies to see what else is coming this year — it's a great lineup!
Image via Amazon MGM Studios
The latest addition to the Zoë Kravitz movies list is Blink Twice, but it's actually not a movie she's starring in — Zoë's serving as director! The movie, as well as Zoë and Channing's involvement, was announced in June of 2021 and I'm so excited that we finally have a trailer.
Image via Amazon MGM Studios
Amazon MGM Studios' Blink Twice follows Frida (played by Naomi Ackie), a cocktail waitress who gets whisked away by the wealthy and intoxicating Slater King (Channing Tatum). It doesn't take long for Frida to get into Slater's good graces — or his private island. The more breathtaking sights Frida sees, and the more bubbly she drinks, the more she falls in love with the island. That is, until she realizes just how much terror is boiling under its beautiful surface. The combo of danger and edge with the dreamy island backdrop is totally giving The White Lotus and I can't wait to see how the action unfolds!
Image via Amazon MGM Studios
Blink Twice hits theaters August 23, 2024. It's one of our most-anticipated summer movies for the year!
Image via Amazon MGM Studios
In addition to Channing Tatum and Naomi Ackie, Blink Twice stars Christian Slater, Alia Shawkat, Geena Davis, Adria Arjona, Haley Joel Osment, Liz Caribel Sierra, Levon Hawke, Trew Mullen, Saul Williams, Cris Costa, Simon Rex, and Kyle MacLachlan.
Each of these actors can balance a grounded presence with absolute insanity, and I can't wait to see who ends up being a good guy and who ends up being more of a mastermind — unless, of course, everyone has a little bit of both in them.
Image via Amazon MGM Studios
Zoë Kravitz and Channing Tatum met thanks to Blink Twice. However, they actually worked together before in 2017's The Lego Batman Movie (which is hilarious considering Zoë would later star opposite Robert Pattinson in 2022's The Batman). But since the movie was animated, they weren't actually onscreen together.
Are you excited for this new Channing Tatum movie? Check out our Facebook for more movie news and let us know what you're excited to see from Blink Twice in the comments.
Lead image via Amazon MGM Studios
