Blog Posts by Refinery29

By Tara Rasmus, Refinery29

If you thought spinning with ceiling-weighted arm bands or yoga moves was crazy (whatever happened to a good old-fashioned bike ride?), Allure reports that brand-new TriBeCa spin emporium Aqua Studio has debuted the latest trend in indoor cycling: bringing it underwater.

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Aqua Studio classes include many elements of a typical spin class (dim lighting, loud music, and high-octane instruction), but the bikes are actually submerged inside of a pool, which, according to Allure, makes the class slightly less difficult (their editor describes it a bit like "having a little dance party on a bike").

It might be less of a high than you're used to if you're a total adrenaline junkie, but if you'd prefer a slightly less intense workout (and don't mind donning a pair of truly fashionable jelly shoes), you might want to take underwater cycling for - wait for

Read More »from The Next Big Thing in Exercise? Spinning Underwater

By Tara Rasmus, Refinery29

.Bloating, headaches, low energy, tension - the stress and constant immobility that many of us experience during long work days can take a major toll on our bodies and sense of well-being. While we all know that exercise, adaquate sleep, and a healthy diet can make a big difference in how we feel over the course of the day, there is something you can do to perk up quickly (other than seeking out a constant stream of caffeine): stretching.

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If you're thinking that you might feel a little bit self-conscious stretching in the office, let us assure you - there are a multitude of easy, quick stretches that you can do quickly in the ladies' room, an abandoned conference room, or even at your desk, that will make a huge difference with your energy, digestion, and tension. To get schooled in stretching 101, we reached out to Lauren Imparato, Founder of

Read More »from Here's Your Ultimate Solution to Those Workday Woes

By Lexi Nisita, Refinery29

The conversations surrounding equal marriage and gay rights - and the ensuing homophobia - has become vital to our nation's identity, even for those opposed to it. But how deeply do most people think about the issue, on a regular basis? This short, titled Love Is All You Need, is not perfect. But, at heart, it's asking us to step out of the politically fraught climate, where this discussion is currently taking place, and remember to see homophobia and homosexuality for what they are: human issues.

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From the government to the church, right on down to mothers and fathers, prejudice has become all too familiar in our day-to-day lives. This film is uncomfortable and meaningful to watch, no matter how you define your sexuality. Turning the tables on our current world, and presenting one where straight people are the "disgusting"

Read More »from This Video Might Change the Way You Think About Gay Rights

By Tara Rasmus, Refinery29

After leaving the world waiting with bated breath for months, Kate Middleton has finally emerged with her baby bump front and center, and we're thrilled to see that the Duchess seems fully recovered from her bout with hyperemesis gravidarum. She's just so adorable, no? Duchess Kate always looks beautiful and charming, but we've never seen her look so downright giddy and glowing.

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Now, if you're as excited for the arrival of the royal munchkin, you can show it - with Butter London's new royal-inspired polish, Pitter Patter (so named for the inevitable mum-in-law question: "Will we hear the pitter-patter of little feet soon?"), an opaque, metallic aubergine shade launched in celebrating of the royal tot-to-be. Whether Wills and Kate have a boy or a girl, we will be sporting this chic shade and counting down the days 'til we get to

Read More »from It was Only a Matter of Time...The Royal Baby (Nail Polish) is Born!

By Tara Rasmus, Refinery29

Polka dots: super-cute on clothes, not so cute on your face. Sadly, when acne pops up, it's not just the zit itself that can be a bummer - acne blemishes are wounds, so just like any other time that your skin is inflamed, a scar can be left behind for weeks. To figure out how to prevent and treat acne scarring, we reached out to dermatologist Dr. Ronald Moy, who gave us the low-down on how to de-spot our visages.

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To keep your skin clear, the key is to start with prevention - and since acne is technically a skin infection, it should be treated as such. "One of the most effective ways to address acne is by targeting it at its root cause: bacteria," says Dr. Moy. "You can kill bacteria with prescription antibiotics, but there are natural options - such as sandalwood oil - which kills acne bacteria on contact."

When acne does crop

Read More »from 6 Treatments that Will Get Rid of Your Acne Scars for Good

By Nicole Catanese, Refinery29

.The term 'pH' is thrown around a lot in the health world, yet knowing exactly what it is referring to can be confusing. Well, let's clear that up: pH refers to how acidic (0), or alkaline (14), or neutral (7) we are. "The pH of the body generally refers to the pH of blood, which is always slightly alkaline - falling in the number range of about 7.35-7.45," says Marjorie Nolan Cohn, R.D., spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Thankfully, you don't really have to do anything to get a stellar and healthy blood pH, other than eat a healthy diet. Although, yes, sometimes that's easier said than done. "When your body is functioning at its best, your cells are able to maintain a healthy blood pH easily," explains Cohn. "But when your body has to work harder to filter the foods you eat to maintain blood pH, then you could be more susceptible to illness or disease."

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Read More »from Eating for Your PH: Here's the Scoop on Alkaline Foods

By Leila Brillson, Refinery29

.True! And sure, all of those guys may be happier, but that's not the case with butchers. According to CareerCast.com, fashion designers are a pretty unhappy lot who are saddled with rather unfortunate career paths. Those who happen to have the best jobs include software engineers, dental hygienists, and actuaries (according to Wikipedia, that's a role that helps businesses manage risk and uncertainty).

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Using a set criteria that takes into consideration factors like workplace stress levels, competition, occupational hazards, and income-growth potential, CareerCast ranked 200 jobs from best to worst - with fashion designer coming in at 182 (jewellers fared better, at 141).

Of course, different work environments yield different experiences, even within the same line of work, but the real issue here was how dated the positions surveyed appeared to be. Titles like typists/word processors, disc

Read More »from True or False? Exterminators and Funeral Directors Are Happier Than Designers

By Erika Stalder, Refinery29

.You're stranded on a desert island and were able to smuggle one item of contraband. Did you take your favorite jams? Bubbly and caviar? Nope. If you're being honest, most of us will have brought an internet-connected mobile device.

Seem harsh? Our attachment to our gadgets is stronger than we realize. On average, mobile users check their cell phone every six and a half minutes, according to findings from Nokia. Research also shows that a vast majority of us experience phantom vibration syndrome: a below-the-belt buzzing sensation we think we feel when there's nary a cell phone (nor sex toy) on our person.

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We post meal pictures to Instagram while real-life companions sit, ignored. On planes, we desperately fondle our phones in anticipation checking messages the moment we hit the ground. This compulsive, anxious behavior is affecting

Read More »from The Average Person Checks Their Cell Phone HOW Often??