Shecky's » HEALTH & WELLNESS

Fun Fitness: Great Exercises If You Hate Exercising

Shecky's — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:03:14 +0000

Summer’s slowly creeping up on us and for some of us, so is our weight! But who said that our outlook on working out had to be a bad one? Sure, some of you may think of exercise as one of the most torturous and dreadfully boring activities you could ever participate in, but I’ve got some great news for you ladies! Recommit to those forgotten NYE weight-loss resolutions with fun workouts from Zumba to Hoopnotica to Strip Aerobics—you won’t even realize how hard your body is working because you’ll be too busy having a great time!

-Nicole Debari

Zumba

If you love going out dancing with your girls, you’re going to love Zumba! This Latin-inspired dance-cum-fitness class is easy to follow, will leave you feeling energized and will introduce you to some hot new dance moves. Typically, classes run for about an hour, so if you can find time in your schedule to designate to a fun, yet beneficial dance class, you definitely won’t regret it. So throw on those sneakers, loosen up those hips and be ready to shimmy and shake your way to shedding some pounds!

Image credit: www.examiner.com

The Pros & Cons of Being Busty

christinasheckys — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:10:59 +0000

In a few short weeks, everyone will be excitedly breaking out the bikinis for Memorial Day weekend, and I will be secretly harboring two not-so-small balls of dread. Yes, my friends, I’m talking ‘bout my boobs. The sunny months of spring and summer are simultaneously the best and worst times to be a well-endowed woman. Sure, you may be thinking “if you got it, flaunt it!” but when my D-sporting self flaunts it in a bikini top, I get mistaken for a flotation device. And obviously yes, there are perks to being, er, perky, but there are surprisingly just as many downfalls to touting bigger ta-tas. So here they are ladies—the pros and cons of being busty:

-Christina Izzo

PROS:

Men Love ‘Em: I will never understand the mystical magic these puppies have over men (is it nature or nurture?), but for some strange reason, men simply love breasts. To them, it’s the more, the merrier, and it’s definitely easy catching the eye of the hot guy across the room when he’s caught sight of your lovely lady lumps.

Free Stuff: From free drinks at the bar to complimentary extra schmear on my bagel at the deli, having junk in the front can randomly—and awesomely—gets you gratis gifts throughout the day.

Tops Look Terrific: You will never have a problem filling out any blouse or bust line. V-neck, boat neck, turtleneck—you name it, it’ll look fabulous filled out with your fuller chest.

They’re Sexy Even Covered Up: Just look at the ’60s-style outfits bodacious babe Christina Hendricks is always sporting in Mad Men. No cleavage is shown and yet she’s still serving up some serious va-va-voom!

They’re Fun And Functional: Sure, we all know breasts have a natural function to feed and all, but sometimes they’re just great to play with. They’re good vehicles for body shots, can hold your money or lipstick when you don’t feel like bringing out a purse, and they’re a great remote rest for when you’re laying in bed watching TV!

Cleavage Always: Wonderbras are simply not a word in our vocabulary. There’s no padding or pushing up needed here—Mother Nature bestowed us bustier babes with effortless cleavage primed and ready to be admired at all times.

Image Credit: cbsnews.com

10 Ways to De-Stress for National Stress Awareness Day

Shecky's — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:00:59 +0000

Life is full of hardships, obstacles and pressures—and I’m just talking about personal lives! Throw in work on top of that and you have a whole mess of problems! Stress affects your appearance, your mind and your health—ever wonder why you break out, forget things or why your immune system just isn’t what it used to be? Research shows those stressed out are more at risk of heart disease and even cancer, so take a chill pill and relax. In honor of National Stress Awareness Day, I’ve come up with some solutions to keep your stress level down at work and at home so you can live a longer, happier life. After all, you only live once!

-Jinee Son

AT WORK

Plan Ahead:

If you have to be in the office by 9 a.m., don’t get there at 8:59. The snooze button is NOT your friend. After all, you know what they say—“you snooze, you lose!” Wake up a bit earlier than usual, eat a healthy breakfast and have a relaxing commute to work. If there’s less urgency to get to work on time, your stress-free morning will set the right tone for the rest of the day!

Image credit: marieclaire.com

Fashion-Fueled Fitness: Exercises for Every Style

Shecky's — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 04:00:34 +0000

With the temps warming up, it’s time to stop hiding underneath layers of sweaters and hoodies and start taking advantage of those body-baring spring styles. But if you’re like me, all those winter months spent indulging in yummy comfort foods and not keeping up diet resolutions (guilty!) have made us less-than-ready to show off the bod in the season’s hottest fashions. Well never fear—I’ve rounded up the best exercises to get you fit and ready to rock spring’s trendiest styles. Come on ladies, let’s cardio our way to cute new clothes!

-Kenia Mazariegos

Exercise Ball Crunches

One and two and three and four—now don’t forget to breath! After a few rounds of exercise ball crunches, you can relax those muscles and imagine sporting ASOS’s cute Mex Tex Embroidery ($79 on asos.com) crop top this spring. All those crunches will be totally worth it when your tummy’s looking tight and toned in the trendy midriff-baring top, plus the turquoise color will brighten up any ensemble. Now, back to work!

Image credit: running.competitor.com, asos.com

New Fruits to Update Your Daily Intake

Shecky's — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 04:00:57 +0000

“Tasting the rainbow” might make you think of Skittles, but these are the very words to think about when shopping for produce. Sure, it’s easy to reach for the same ol’ apples, oranges and bananas that mom always had in the house, but next time you’re replenishing the fruit bowl or looking for a grab ‘n’ go snack, pass over that Granny Smith and try a yellow Nashi Pear, fleshy-white Feijoa, burnt-red Jujube or spiny-green Cherimoya.

Nashi Pear

The Nashi Pear’s thick yellow skin is chock full of vitamins and once you bite through, the juicy flesh of the pear is a wonderful mix of tangy and sweet with tons of fiber. Be careful of dripping on yourself when biting in—these pears can be messy for those unprepared, so have a napkin handy!

Photo credit: Livestrong.com

-Star Varga from VegaStar Productions

Star Varga is the Producer at VegaStar Productions and GetUrMojo. GetUrMojo is a growing community-driven organization that’s founded in the primary belief that mojo is a necessary part of life. Job ruts, career changes, relocation or just the same old routine wear away at mojo.

GetUrMojo is a community dedicated to Rediscovering Passion, Growing from Giving, Getting Inspired and Shaking the Routine through quarterly events, activities and workshops that bring great minds together at fun events for healthy and invigorating refills of mojo.

Green Food Guaranteed to Make You Feel Good

Shecky's — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 05:00:04 +0000

While you may have had the best of intentions, it’s possible you may not have stuck to that “less brownies” resolution you made back in January. Since spring is marching closer—bringing us one step closer to bikini season—and St. Patrick’s Day is soon, it only seems appropriate to get healthy with good-for-ya green foods!

-Tai Nycole Harriss

Healthy eating doesn’t always have to be such a formal affair. KraftRecipes.com’s Chicken and Avocado Wraps are perfect for a laid-back lunch. To make it even more low-cal, try substituting ranch for your favorite low-fat dressing!

Photo credit: kraftrecipes.com

Activewear That Doubles for Everyday Use

Shecky's — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 05:00:32 +0000

Are you the type to pass up a trip to the gym just because you have way too much on your to-do list and don’t feel like running essential errands in your so-ratty treadmill sweats? Swear off old, fugly gym clothes for good and snap up pretty activewear that does double duty—you can sport these styles as relaxed weekend wear and to get your fitness on. Ah, multitasking!

Wear the So Low Layering Top ($39.50 on Shopbop.com) out on a Saturday shopping excursion, then to yoga class. The burnout design, tie-knot waist and scoop neck add some flair to your otherwise snore-worthy sweat style.

-Melissa McGraw of The Fashion Potential

Melissa McGraw is the CEO/Founder of the newly launched website The Fashion Potential. If you are serious about style and have a passion for fashion, why not find a way to get involved with the industry you love?

Valentine’s Day Chocolate Dos and Don’ts

Shecky's — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:00:27 +0000

Diamonds are supposed to be a girl’s best friend, right? On Valentine’s Day, sparkles can definitely send the heart aflutter.

Amazingly, another girl’s best friend that’s also synonymous with Valentine’s Day—chocolate—is a go-to gift with natural ingredients that can alleviate that bling-invoked fluttering heart from progressing to a very unsexy heart attack.

Yes, it’s hard to believe that what we call a “guilty pleasure” or blamed for the cause of acne is now recognized for having incredible health benefits. From its rich makeup of antioxidants (these prevent heart disease), to promoting chemistry in the brain that’s associated with pleasure, it’s no surprise that on a day of celebrating romance, chocolate is choice.

But not all cocoa is created equal. Before you reach for that milk chocolate truffle like it’s a Flintstones vitamin chew, you should know that most of the deliciousness in that 300-calorie morsel is in the butter and sugar used to make chocolate taste, well…good. With the Day of Chocolate taking place tomorrow, a.k.a. Valentine’s Day, which chocolate should you choose and which should you avoid?

-Star Varga from VegaStar Productions

Healthy & Easy Ways to Make Over Your Lunch Menu

Shecky's — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:00:05 +0000

You’ve probably heard the old adage, Eat breakfast like a King, lunch like a Merchant and dinner like a Pauper, but if you have time in the morning to make a spinach mushroom egg white omelet with toast and fresh fruit, then most of us don’t want to hear about it because: 1. We’re jealous and 2. We’re too busy applying mascara while mentally constructing an outfit for the day and wondering how long the line is at Starbucks and if the Starbucks across the street might be faster…to even think about stepping foot in the kitchen before leaving the house.

So if a skinny latte is your breakfast, lunch might be your first real meal of the day and the most important in setting your energy and health. Don’t fall into the lunch rut with foods that are just empty calories, and don’t get fooled by hidden calories. Check out the following suggestions for lunch dos and don’ts and you’ll feel like a king…all day!

Lose the Rut: Usually you have only a few choices of places to eat near work and limited time, so it’s easy to grab the usual. Not only is a lack of food diversity boring, but you might be inadvertently eating calories or unhealthy and processed foods that can lead to low energy and sub-optimal health.

If you routinely eat at diners or fast-food restaurants, take a look at their full menus and try a new dish based in vegetables and lean meats. Remember, simple adjustments like calorie-rich sauce on the side or whole fruit instead of coleslaw can often shave 600 calories off a meal! Also, many restaurants offer “heart healthy” or low-carb menu options, so check that part of the menu out first and don’t be afraid to try something new! Take a look at ehow.com for some specific heart-healthy menu items.

-Star Varga from VegaStar Productions

Star Varga is the Producer at VegaStar Productions. GetUrMojo is a growing community-driven organization that’s founded in the primary belief that mojo is a necessary part of life. Job ruts, career changes, relocation or just the same old routine wear away at mojo.

Free At-Home Exercise Routines

Shecky's — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:00:32 +0000

This time of year, everyone is focused on getting fit. But who wants to go outside for a run in freezing-cold weather, hit a crowded and overpriced gym, or have to show up at a class at a certain time? Work out for free and in the comfort of your own abode with these five exercise options!

-Jasmine Frazier

YouTube: There’s a ton of fitness freebies on YouTube…so which channels should you check out? Some companies like Diet.com, Livestrong and Start Fitness offer completely free YouTube videos encompassing everything from diet tips to military-training-type workouts. There are also a few interesting personalities with their own channels, like Deerunstoo’s log of exercise and nutrition advice (she’s a public health instructor). Check out ShapeUpAmerica.com’s top 30 YouTube exercise channels for more great channels!