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This Home Workout Will Prevent Low Back Pain and Open Up Your Hips
You know that moment when life starts to feel like a pain in the back? Well, that moment is probably now, considering 31 million Americans experience low back pain at any given time. The best way to avoid ever having to deal with low back pain is with exercise like this back pain prevention workout.
You might also like READThis 30-minute, yoga-inspired routine will help you stretch and strengthen the muscles around your pelvis to prevent low back pain flare-ups. You'll move through a series of hip stretches, core-stability exercises, and moves that strengthen your low back. Of course, always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. Once clear, if any of these moves cause pain, listen to your body and modify accordingly. You will need a yoga strap (or belt) and a block (or thick book) for this one.
To recap: For this class, you will need a yoga strap (or belt) and a block (or thick book).
Looking for more short and effective at-home workouts? Grokker has thousands of routines, so you’ll never get bored. Bonus: For a limited time, Greatist readers get 40 percent off Grokker Premium (just $9 per month) and the first 14 days free. Sign up now!
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WTH Is Ashwagandha, and Why Have I Been Taking It for a Month?
The first time I heard about ashwagandha was when Gwyneth Paltrow’s daily smoothie broke the internet. Spending close to $200 on ingredients made me cringe, but the thought of getting Gwyneth’s glow piqued my interest, as did the notion that this magical smoothie could help me get her toned physique too. (It didn’t.)
I skimmed the list of ingredients and nearly went cross-eyed. Coconut oil and almond butter I knew, but the dusts and exotic tinctures I did not—and I wasn’t sure I wanted to. As someone who loves drinking the wellness Kool-Aid—golden milks, probiotic tonics, collagen boosters, butter coffees, you name it—I was surprised to find myself skeptical and unenthused. Perhaps it was the media backlash from the recipe release (haters gonna hate), or perhaps it was that I was sick of investing in cure-all ingredients that did seemingly nothing aside from eat my savings account and momentarily boost my sense of self-worth.
Within minutes, I’d given up on the Goop life and forgotten all about ashwagandha. But then it started haunting me.
First it came up at a dinner with health-minded friends, then at a yoga workshop, then in my Instagram feed, and then I got this text: “Do you like ashwagandha? It’s so disgusting, but I’m obsessed with it.” Upon reading it, my face wrinkled up in equal parts concern and alarm—and, to be honest, a bit of disgust too. What the heck was it about this ashwa-what?
WTH Is Ashwagandha?
Someone wise once said, “Don’t knock it till you try it.” So I decided to give ashwagandha a chance and do some digging (a.k.a. research). Here’s the need-to-know:
- Ashwaghanda is an herb believed to offer rejuvenating properties that promote physical and emotional well-being and longevity (maybe why it’s commonly referred to as “Indian ginseng”).
- It means "horse smell"—literally. It’s a combination of the Sanskrit words ashva (meaning "horse") and gandha (meaning "smell"). So yes, it’s named for its horse-like smell (yummy) but also for the strength of the herb, which is akin to a stallion.
- Don’t worry: Despite the name, you don’t have to swallow horse-size pills. Instead, it’s often taken in powder form, which looks like cinnamon. If only it tasted like cinnamon...
- It’s an adaptogen. A what? If you had to guess, you’d probably assume the word is related to adapt. Bingo. An adaptogen is believed to help the body adapt to stress and to exert a normalizing effect on bodily processes. To put it simply: If something feels out of whack, adaptogens might help. Evidence-based efficacy of adaptogens in fatigue, and molecular mechanisms related to their stress-protective activity. Panossian A, Wikman G. Current clinical pharmacology, 2009, Sep.;4(3):2212-3938.
- While, yes, it is super trendy, it’s hardly new. The herb has been used for thousands of years to treat stress, increase energy, and improve focus. Steroidal lactones from Withania somnifera, an ancient plant for novel medicine. Mirjalili MH, Moyano E, Bonfill M. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 2009, Jul.;14(7):1420-3049.
Why Do People Take It?
When I asked my friend why she loved ashwagandha, she didn’t respond. A few hours later she sent me a link that claims it’s “an excellent tonic for immune health, sexual vitality, and harmonized mood.” When I asked if it worked, she said yes. When I asked how long she’d been taking it, she said she’d only tried it once. Hrmph.
Unsatisfied, I took my search elsewhere. I asked everyone who seemed remotely interested in health and even strangers I met at smoothie shops. The response from most was the same: They didn’t really know! But they heard it was awesome.
I wish I was surprised, but more often than not, health trends explode with the majority of consumers knowing little to nothing about what they’re imbibing—except that it’s “awesome.” And I’m no different. My cupboard contains several untouched superfoods and supertonics. I can tell you what I think they’re good for, but the honest truth is I don’t really know and can’t remember why I bought them in the first place.
Fortunately, I have a trusted advisor who's always there to help when I’m in need: the internet. A quick search for “the benefits of ashwagandha” will lead you into a treasure trove of supposed benefits. It boosts immunity, improves stamina, promotes mental clarity, prevents aging, treats fertility, lowers cholesterol… the list goes on and on and on some more. I’m honestly surprised that when you Google “miracle pill” and “secret to world peace," ashwagandha isn’t the first result. Because according to said internet, it can even treat cancer.
But wait one second before throwing horse powder into your daily routine. Because as much as I love me some internet, health fads are often just that: fads. Let’s talk science.
The Benefits, According to Science
Unlike many trendy herbs and tinctures, ashwagandha (known as Withania somnifera in the science world) seems to actually live up to the hype. Here are some of its purported powers:
- Let it go, let it go: It may help the body cope with stress, boost immunity, and improve focus and mental clarity.
- Bye bye bye: Studies show ashwaghanda may help reduce the signs of aging.
- He's going the distance: When scientists tested the swimming performance of adult rats, the rats who were given ashwagandha swam twice as long as those who weren’t, proving the herb may help increase stamina.
- Ooo baby baby: Ashwagandha is used to treat fertility problems in men and to increase sexual desire in women—and may help balance hormones overall.
- Beat it: It may help treat adrenal fatigue and fight diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer’s, Huntington's, arthritis, diabetes, and hypertension.
- Hit me with your best shot: Some even use it topically to heal wounds, backaches, and paralysis, while others claim it can reduce depression and brain cell degeneration, stabilize blood sugar, decrease inflammation, lower cholesterol, and help prevent and treat cancer.
The Takeaway
I’m not going to tell you how to live your life. And I’m definitely not going to tell you to start guzzling horse tonics and trust in a single herb. But I am saying I was wrong: Ashwagandha is pretty darn awesome—and might just live up to its reputation. Since taking it, I’ve been sleeping like a champ (even with a hyperactive puppy in the bed), my menstrual cramps have subsided (glory hallelujah), and I’ve reconnected with the laid-back California vibe I came to New York with (so long, stress case).
That said, it also lives up to its flavor reputation—and a rather unpleasant one at that. To make it a bit tastier, try adding a teaspoon to morning matchas, coffees, or smoothies or nighttime golden milks and teas. If you’re feeling extra bold and are already on the apple cider vinegar train, try mixing a few droplets of liquid ashwagandha with two tablespoons of ACV and 8 ounces of water. Chug; don’t sip. It may not go down smoothly at first, but if it’s really a medicinal miracle like some of these studies claim, then it may be worth adapting to its funky flavor.
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That Day I Learnt a Great Thing About House Call Doctors and That's How It Started
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I Found Plus-Size Sports Bras That Don't Suck
I’ve always been busty, but thanks to some recent weight gain, my boobs have nearly tripled in size. This means all the bras I own have been rendered useless, which, in turn, means "not owning an adequate bra" has recently shot to the top of my list of excuses to avoid working out. Let’s be honest: Exercise can be no fun, and it’s even less fun when you can’t find a sports bra to exercise in because you have tig ol’ bitties.
You might also like READBut I’ve decided to embark on a wellness journey that will require low- to high-impact activity, and that means I need a sports bra that fits. It’s no secret the fitness industry isn’t exactly inclusive of bustier babes—let alone fat bodies—so despite some companies making an effort to accommodate bigger breasts, finding a sports bra that can effectively minimize bounce is more stressful than it should be for women with bigger boobs.
So I set out in search of the perfect activewear. There were times I wanted to give up the hunt and justify staying firmly secured to my couch—it would be easier than the task at hand, after all. But in the end, I found several brands that actually work and knew I had to share.
Target
The first, and perhaps most obvious, answer to the question, "Where do I find a bra that fits my gigantic bosom?!" is Target. The answer is nearly always Target. But sizing at Target is weird.
The store has some flimsier sports bras that include built-in cup sizes, and these suck because the cups aren't made to fit everyone. The label indicated the bra was in my size, but the pseudo cups made for an awkward fit (when I tried one on, I ended up spilling out the sides).
Online shoppers, beware: These bras are medium-impact with an elastic underboob band, and while they look sturdy on the site, they're made from thin fabric and have very little support.
On the other hand, this bra is the truth. It’s extremely sturdy and ranges from sizes 1x to 3x (for women who may not know their exact cup size and just rely on measurements for online ordering). It also runs true to size, which is a godsend for a curvy girl, since most bras I looked at ran small. Relying on measurements and sizing charts is a major key.
Torrid
The second stop came from an unlikely source. I asked around in a message board for plus-size women who work out, and the answer was unanimous: Torrid. The online shop sells plus-size clothing, but its cup sizes also go up to triple DDD.
Its selection is unique because some of the sports bras not only have a built-in underwire but also have additional fabric on the top to provide coverage, preventing any kind of nip slip. As an aspiring yogi, inversions can be super uncomfortable when I’m being smothered by my own boobs.
Inversions can be super uncomfortable when I’m being smothered by my own boobs.
Torrid does offer more stylish bras in line with the let’s-see-each-other’s-underwear workout fashion trend, but those bras tend to function more as fashion statements than bras to work out in. There’s a super adorable galaxy-print sports bra with a mesh upper neckline and cute print, but it doesn’t do much for support and my boobs wouldn’t stay in place. I wouldn't say these suck; they’re just more for aesthetics than actual exercise.
You might also like READThe bra that fit best was full price, but it's totally worth every single penny not to have to worry about distracting jiggling while I jog. It comes in an array of different colors with a price point of $55, which feels kind of steep for a sports bra, but it’s a great investment and made of quality fabric that won’t fall apart after one wash.
Glamorise
I also came across the Glamorise brand. This bra goes all the way up to cup size H, and although it's without an underwire, it has soft straps and a thick band under the breast to offer much-needed support. I can attest that Glamorise makes a sturdy piece of activewear.
However, the brand is also very hit or miss. You need to know your bra size and go up one or two sizes from that. I learned this the hard way when I used the size chart and my exact measurements to purchase the brand from Amazon. When the bra arrived, it barely covered my areola. It was super tiny and very sad.
The second time, however, I was much more successful. This one is made of a thick material, provides full coverage, and has an underwire and sturdier straps, earning it the name "no-bounce cami sports bra."
Genie
Lastly, I tried the Genie bra, which was all about comfort and ease. It’s kind of low budget but perfect for low-impact workouts such as light yoga or other low-impact workouts—or for when the restriction of a sports bra feels too heavy. A friend of mine with double-D implants recommended this one, and although I was very skeptical because this brand has an "As Seen on TV" label, I was pleasantly surprised. Although it’s not built for too much bounce, it also provides enough coverage in case there is any movement. The fabric is also super soft.
In the end, the search for the perfect bra was pretty imperfect, but I was extremely determined to not get discouraged about wanting to perform physical activity as a bigger body. It feels like the assumption is fat people have very little interest in exercise or wellness, so we are forgotten about when it come to sports bra design. Getting involved with fitness shouldn't be such a struggle. I hope this guide helps those who want to work out but don't feel supported (pun intended).
Jagger Blaec is a freelance professional journalist located in Portland, Oregon. You can keep up with her on Twitter @basicblaecgirl.
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If You're Taking Fish Oil for Your Heart, Stop
Everyone wants a healthier heart, and for a while now, we've been told that fish oil pills are the way to get it. But there's a problem with that. Actually, there are many problems with that. In this episode of What's Good, Greatist's founder Derek Flanzraich explains why fish oil pills aren't all they're cracked up to be and why you should stop taking them right now. (We know you secretly hate swallowing them anyway, so consider this good news.)
Sources:
- Omega-3s are tied to important body functions. Omega-3 fatty acids, inflammation and angiogenesis: basic mechanisms behind the cardioprotective effects of fish and fish oils. Massaro M, Scoditti E, Carluccio MA. Cellular and molecular biology (Noisy-le-Grand, France), 2010, Feb.;56(1):1165-158X.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and depression: a review of the evidence. Liperoti R, Landi F, Fusco O. Current pharmaceutical design, 2010, Mar.;15(36):1873-4286. - This is how fish oil pills are made.
- The link between fish oil and heart health is overestimated. n-3 fatty acids in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. , Roncaglioni MC, Tombesi M. The New England journal of medicine, 2013, May.;368(19):1533-4406.
Association between omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and risk of major cardiovascular disease events: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rizos EC, Ntzani EE, Bika E. JAMA, 2012, Sep.;308(10):1538-3598. - Doctors recommend two servings of fish per week.
Derek Flanzraich is Greatist's founder and CEO. What's Good is his take on the news, trends, and issues worth talking about in health and wellness. Sign up and get his column (plus puppy GIFs and other funsies) delivered every Sunday.
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