Blog Posts by Self Magazine

by Amanda MacMillan


Courtesy of ClassivityIf you've spent any time in or around the New York City boutique fitness scene, you know that the options are endless -- and slightly overwhelming. It used to be that you went to class at your gym, or maybe that one local yoga studio; now, we've got cycling, boot camp, barre, CrossFit and countless other workout-specific studios that hone in on one particular niche. And now, the pay-per-class trend is catching on in cities all across the country, as well. But how do we keep track of what classes are offered when and where? Luckily, we've got options there now, too.

1. Classivity: This online directory contains class listings throughout your city (and currently covers eight major metro areas), for everything from photography and cooking to martial arts and yoga. The main draw, though, from Classivity, is it's signature "Passport" deal: For $40, you can book 10 classes that normally retail for $20 to $30 a piece. Score!

See more: 5 Simple Steps to

by Alexandra Samuel


courtesy of the brandsYou guys know I use dude's deodorant, right? Something about smelling like baby powder seems like a feminist nightmare to me, and I just can't do it. So, I switched to a less-manly dude's version several years ago and have never looked back. Ditto with shaving cream. Guys shaving cream is meant for super-sensitive facial skin. I have sensitive skin all over. Seems like a natural fit, right? And -- until recently -- I kind of drew the line there.

But now, I'm officially in I'm-stealing-all-my-boyfriend's-products mode because I found two new launches that -- no joke -- are better than anything in my bathroom cabinet. Plus, both of these are on the cheaper side than lady products usually are. Want in?

See more: 5 Simple Steps to Cellulite-Free Skin

Harry's, a so-cool-it-hurts new shaving line from one of the Warby Parker guys, has stolen my heart. Here's the deal: you get an amazingly well crafted razor handle, plus amaze three five-blade razor

by Andrea Bartz


JuanMonino/Getty Images You know nature didn't make the colors of those candy-hued foods. Skip 'em and this other...stuff.

* Sodium or Potassium Benzoate: Found in baked goods, they may break down into a carcinogen.

* Potassium Bromate: A flour additive banned in Europe and Canada for carcinogenic properties.

See more: Spring's 6 Hottest Beauty Trends

* Phosphate: It lurks in frozen food and soda. HIgh amounts may mess with pH and lead to calcium loss from your bones.

* Partially Hydrogenated Oil: You know it as trans fat. Found in some spreads, it clogs circulation.


Source: Susan Blum, M.D., assistant clinical professor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine

More from SELF:
Superfood Recipes for Weight Loss
Lose 2 Pounds in a Week!
The Ultimate Guide to Gym Hair
Top Secrets of the Beauty Pros
5 Simple Steps to Cellulite-Free Skin

Leave your club clean, gorgeous and glowing with the help of a smartly packed Dopp kit.

by Rachel Jacoby

You've got the tricked-out sneaks, super-supportive sports bra and the motivation to kick butt on your next cardio workout. (Or yoga. Whatever. You get the point.) You've gotten all sweaty, burned some serious calories, and are ready to hit the shower. Or are you?

While you may have your workout gear down pat, do you own your gym beauty bag? Like, have you ever gone to the gym and not forgotten some critical product, like a hairband or lip gloss. (For the record, I most definitely have. On multiple occasions.) But girl, #YouveGotThis! Check out our ten favorite musts for making your next trip to the club a gorgeous one.

More from SELF:

Superfood Recipes for Weight Loss

Lose 2 Pounds a Week!

6 Moves for a Great Butt

Top Secrets of Beauty Pros

by Alexandra Samuel


Oh my god you guys. Is it really spring today? Even though it SURE doesn't feel like it here in New York, I'm already dreaming of flirty little dresses that the warmer weather (and duh, the season) brings. But considering I also may have just booked a mystery vacay for my boyfriend and I, the idea of my pasty white legs seeing the light of day gives me nightmares. And even though I can't see all of y'alls sculpted gams, I'm pretty sure you guys could probably use these pale skin quick-fixes, too.

See more: The Flat-Abs-Fast Secret

The Gradual Glow: I am a gigantic fan of all things St. Tropez and their Gradual Tan Plus Firming 4-in-1 is no exception. The stuff is majorly moisturizing, adds just a touch of gradual glow and firms up saggy spots. I use this stuff as lotion all or summer--especially when I'm trying to stretch a spray. Need to amp up your facial glow? I've always adored the drugstore deal from Jergens. The label's Natural Glow Daily Facial Moisturizer

by Sara Angle


CN Digital Studio Get ready to shed some pounds with your pup--pun intended. Just in time for spring, Victoria Stilwell, author of Train Your Dog Positively, which hit shelves yesterday, gave us her top tips for exercising al fresco with your dog.

Don't torture your puppy with doga, says Stillwell. "The majority of dogs that I've seen do it, do not look happy," says Stilwell. Instead, she recommends hiking, running, swimming or simply playing in the backyard as the best way to workout with your dog, but says that walking is absolutely the most important thing.

See more: The Flat-Abs-Fast Secret

A good walk or hike outside allows dogs to use their innate senses to smell things around them that they miss out on when they're cooped up indoors. Did you know that a dog's sense of smell is up to 100,000 times stronger(!!!) than humans' sense? Those nostrils need to get worked. Being outside is not only beneficial for your pet, it can also do wonders for your own body.

If you're looking for

by Alyssa Longobucco

Load up on veg, then be a little careful with the stuff below. Think 450 cals total to keep it in salad world. Otherwise, you could just eat a pizza.

More from Self:

20 Superfoods for Weight Loss

Lose 2 Pounds a Week!

6 Moves for a Great Butt

Top Secrets of Beauty Pros

by Alex Samuel

Swap body products with mystery ingredients you can't pronounce for these naturals from Adina Grigore of S.W. Basics in Brooklyn.

More from Self:

20 Superfoods for Weight Loss

Lose 2 Pounds a Week!

6 Moves for a Great Butt

Top Secrets of Beauty Pros