Blog Posts by TheDailyZeel

By: StacyAtZeel

So by now, you've probably put away your swimsuits and sandals. But rather than lamenting the loss of summer (guilty as charged), get excited for winter by unpacking your sporty snow gear.

Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and yes, sledding, aren't just fun; they also offer a great way to stay in shape through the season better known for baggy sweaters and hot chocolate. Find out how many calories you can burn spending an hour on the mountain, in the rink, or in your neighborhood park.

Skiing: A 130-pound woman burns about 370 calories during an hour of downhill skiing. And let's be honest; no one goes back to the cabin after a mere hour on the mountain.

Ice Skating: Ice skating is another efficient way to blast calories. Circle the ring for a full hour, and a 130-pound woman can expect to burn nearly 440 calories.

Snowboarding: Ladies who weigh 130 pounds can burn roughly 370 calories after snowboarding at a moderate intensity for an hour. Hit the

By: StacyAtZeel

So here's a no brainer. We asked strength and conditioning coach Frank Baptiste whether pregnant women should work out under the supervision of a personal trainer. His answer?

"Absolutely," says Frank. "The number one thing you want to think about with any pregnant client is the safety of the baby. If a woman decides to exercise through her pregnancy, there should be a team of three: the mom-to-be, her doctor and her trainer."

While many of you are familiar with the types of questions a personal trainer will ask a pregnant client (like how does this feel, are you in pain, and what does your doctor recommend), what you may not know is why these issues are so important to consider.

Frank, a Zeel Expert, explains the science behind prenatal training in the simplest of terms.

Hormonal changes. During pregnancy, women produce higher levels of the hormones progesterone and relaxin. Progesterone causes a decrease in the activity of the blood vessel walls, which can lead to

By: StacyAtZeel

As a health, wellness and beauty-obsessed website, it would be criminal for us to ignore Hope Solo's stunning debut on the cover of ESPN Magazine's The Body Issue. Not only is the soccer star a powerful and successful female athlete; she's also remarkably down to earth, realistic and a role model to revere. (She doesn't consider herself a sex symbol, but have you seen the muscular definition in her shoulders and abs?)

At 5'9″, about 154 pounds and, from the looks of it, a very, very low body fat percentage, Hope's Olympian physique is proof that a strong figure can be as beautiful as a skinny one. "It shows how far our country has come from the stick thin models, from what you see in most magazines," Hope recently told reporters on Access Hollywood.

There is much to love about this kick-butt goalie and Dancing with the Stars contestant with a girl-next-door attitude and a tremendous personal drive. But since we can't go on all day, here are six of our favorites.

Yoga

By: StacyAtZeel

I felt super-impressive while running my first half marathon. Then a fellow racer jogged up next to me without shoes, and I immediately tumbled off my high horse.

In awe of this shoeless competitor, I kept pace with her for about five miles, ogling her feet the entire time. After all, we weren't running on a soft track, sandy beach or other foot-friendly surface; we were pounding pavement in the heart of Queens!

Apparently, I can expect to see more shoe-free runners. As celebrity personal trainer and Zeel Expert Stefan Aschan explains, barefoot running is increasing in popularity on a global scale, attracting running enthusiasts like South African track star Zola Budd-Pieterse and Academy Award winner Jake Gyllenhaal.

Why the sudden abandonment of athletic footwear? It's not a fashion statement or money-saving move. Rather, barefoot running-if done properly-may actually enhance your performance. Stefan explains how.

Fewer ankle sprains. Running sans sneakers can

By: StacyAtZeel

Just last weekend, New York native Amber Miller gave birth to her second child a mere seven hours after crossing the finish line at the Chicago marathon-a decision that was unsurprisingly met with mixed reactions. Amber completed the famous 26.2 mile course in 6:25:50, plugging away with a slow but steady run/walk combo.

Whether you do or don't approve of this one determined mommy's decision to push on during the race while pushing through her contractions, many would agree that Amber made smart decisions about her training along the way. She maintained close contact with the physician who approved her marathon plan, and despite her growing belly, she was conscious of red flags like cramping or bleeding.

As it turns out, Amber isn't the only woman concerned with maintaining a healthy exercise regimen from one trimester to the next. Many of you, dear readers, have also asked whether it's acceptable for a naturally active woman to continue huffing and puffing while

By: StacyAtZeel

It seems like only yesterday my skin was perfectly smooth and glowing, my hair silky and strong. But since the onset of autumn, both my complexion and tresses have turned dry and lifeless along with the changing leaves, and I've found myself in search of the perfect moisturizing product.

Enter Barneys resident makeup artist Jason Ascher-a beauty wiz and a skin and hair-care expert. (Jason regularly works with socialites and celebrities; and you can make an appointment with him here.)

Jason is particularly fond of oil-based products for hydrating your body, face and hair. Here, he reveals which beauty buys you won't want to be without this fall.

Eve Lom Cleanser. Once touted by Vogue as the "best cleanser in the world," Jason describes Eve Lom Cleanser ($75) as a rich balm with a deliciously bracing camphor scent. The daily cleanser boasts a combination of eucalyptus oil and cocoa butter that purifies, tones and exfoliates the skin. Gently apply with a specially woven

By: StacyAtZeel

How's this for dedication? When Kru Delon Nelson wanted to perfect his Muay Thai technique, this celebrated strength and conditioning specialist packed his bags and headed off to Thailand to work one-on-one with the legendary Master Toddy. Fortunately, you don't have to travel as far as Delon to test your skills in this pugilistic sport. You don't even need a passport.
When he's not training a star studded roster of clients like Chris Fowler and Vanessa Minnillo, Delon teaches Muay Thai at D&I Fitness, his household studio in Manhattan and a brand new facility in South Orange, New Jersey.

As Delon explains, Muay Thai is quickly moving into the spotlight alongside increasingly popular mixed martial art forms like UFC fighting. If you're tempted to hop on this badass bandwagon too, here's what you'll need to know.

How does Muay Thai differ from cardio kickboxing?

At the end of the day, both Muay Thai and cardio kickboxing are similar martial arts styles. Muay Thai is

By: StacyAtZeel

I've never met a bar I didn't like. Then last night, I came face to face with my biggest fear: my first attempt at a popular class based on the barre. Ballet? That's for the graceful and twiggy. (No really, there was an actual Rockette present.)


Figure 4 is a barre-inspired class designed to complement the body lengthening and strengthening benefits of yoga. Offered exclusively at Pure Yoga in Manhattan, it's the brainchild of former professional ballet dancer Kate Albarelli and involves a blissful blend of classic dance training, Pilates, yoga and light free weights-think one to five pounders.

If not for the uptown vibes that define Pure's studios or the promise of a plié-worthy physique, then check out my 10 other reasons to try out Figure 4, which I bring to you after grunting through a session of my own. After all, what've you got to lose besides an hour of your night and inches from your abs, arms, glutes and thighs?

1. Safe strength training. Figure 4 uses your