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
Blog Posts by Self Magazine
3 Cool New Ways to Find Exercise Classes
By Self Magazine | Healthy Living – Wed, Mar 27, 2013 4:07 PM EDTThe Best New Men's Products for Women
By Self Magazine | Beauty on Shine – Wed, Mar 27, 2013 3:58 PM EDTby Alexandra Samuel
Read More »from The Best New Men's Products for Women
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 razorHealthy Detox: Eat Cleaner to Get One Step Closer to Feeling Awesome This Spring
By Self Magazine | Healthy Living – Wed, Mar 27, 2013 3:50 PM EDTby Andrea Bartz
Read More »from Healthy Detox: Eat Cleaner to Get One Step Closer to Feeling Awesome This Spring
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
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5 Simple Steps to Cellulite-Free SkinLeave 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.
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Superfood Recipes for Weight Loss
Read More »from Your Ultimate Gym Beauty BagEnough with the Tights--Bring on the Self-Tanner!
By Self Magazine | Beauty on Shine – Wed, Mar 20, 2013 2:56 PM EDTby Alexandra Samuel
Read More »from Enough with the Tights--Bring on the Self-Tanner!
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.
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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 Moisturizerby Sara Angle
Read More »from How to Work Out with Your Dog
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 forHow Many Calories Are in Your Salad?
By Self Magazine | Healthy Living – Wed, Mar 20, 2013 2:37 PM EDTby 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.
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Swap body products with mystery ingredients you can't pronounce for these naturals from Adina Grigore of S.W. Basics in Brooklyn.
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Read More »from DIY Bath ProductsWeight Loss: Can a Text Message Help?
By Self Magazine | Spring Shape Up Guide – Fri, Mar 15, 2013 3:24 PM EDTAmanda MacMillan
Remember a couple of weeks ago when I told you about the app that sends you daily texts from doctors? And remember how I said, "If I could only time them for those crucial moments when I'm thinking about skipping the gym or pigging out on a double chocolate muffin ... isn't there an app for that?" Well, guess what: There is, I've found it, and you can even test it out for for free. Boom.
See more: 20 Superfoods for Weight LossThis literal answer to my prayers is called Coach Alba, although technically it's not a mobile app -- it's a text-based program, so you can subscribe with any cell phone that has SMS capability. Coach Alba is designed to help you through those "crucial moments," or "CMs" as Coach Alba dubs 'em, during which you're regularly tempted to overeat or skip your workouts. (Yes, they even use the same language I used in my post a few weeks ago!)
Coach Alba gets to know you via an online questionnaire; here, you identify all of the CMs
Read More »from Weight Loss: Can a Text Message Help?Sarah-Jane Bedwell
Read More »from Superfood of the Week: Popcorn
Superfood of the week: popcornForget goji berries, chia or even quinoa: today's superfood is a true American classic. And we're NOT talking about movie theater popcorn, which is usually dripping with unhealthy-fat-laden butter. In its traditional form, popcorn is actually a whole-grain, chock full of satiating fiber to regulate your blood sugar and keep you fuller longer. What's even more fabulous is that the kernels are packed with antioxidants called polyphenols to ward off disease. Some recent research even shows that popcorn has higher levels of these disease-fighting polyphenols than some fruits and veggies! So say hello to your new snack staple and enjoy these three ways to chow down.
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Cinnamon-Spice Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn weighs in at a mere 31 calories per cup, so go ahead and indulge with several. All you need to make your own is a brown paper bag, so why not avoid the additives of the store-bought bags and do it yourself? Simply pour
