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      I’m Dairy Free—Here Are the Delicious Alternatives I Swear By

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      Several years ago, it would’ve been a cold day in hell before I gave up my beloved bagels and cream cheese, Alfredo sauce, and grilled cheese sandwiches. I had suspected dairy to be the cause of my digestive woes for some time, but it wasn’t until after becoming immediately sick from a single bite of milk and cereal that I decided to get tested for an allergy. Sadly, my suspicions were right—my body had other plans for me—and I could no longer ignore what had been staring me in the face for months: I’m allergic to dairy. Luckily, we live in a world where dairy alternatives are aplenty.
      Immediately after receiving the official news, I dove headfirst into research. I was shocked to learn that not only was there a world of options at my fingertips, several of the dairy alternatives didn’t just taste the same as my tried-and-true—some tasted even better.
      If you have a dairy allergy, are lactose intolerant, or simply want to swap your dairy staples for some ever-so-slightly healthier options, here are some products I love and wholeheartedly recommend. And if you haven’t seen these exact products at your grocery store of choice, I encourage you to take a closer look on your next trip. You may just find they’ve had their own dairy substitutes all along.

      1. Simple Truth Organic Plant Based Sour Cream

      Sour cream was the first thing on my list to find a suitable substitute for. Chipotle-style burrito bowls are a staple recipe of mine, and I would’ve been absolutely devastated if I had to give them up. To my surprise, this Simple Truth Organic Plant-Based Sour Cream was hiding right next to the Daisy and Knudsen brands at my nearest Ralphs; I’d just never needed to look for it. While it doesn’t have quite the same consistency as the kind you’re probably used to, the difference in taste is pretty much indiscernible. 

      2. The Honest Stand Nacho Plant Based Dip

      I had pretty much given up all hope of having a good plate of nachos ever again (vegan cheese just doesn’t melt the same), but this spicy nacho cheese dip is a real game changer. Maybe I just can’t remember exactly what real nacho cheese tastes like, but to me, this truly tastes the same.
       
      3. Primal Kitchen Avocado Alfredo Sauce

      I have been loyal to Alfredo sauce since I was a kid making Pasta Roni for myself several nights a week (I thought it was cool that I cooked). Even after I grew out of Pasta Roni, I made pasta with Alfredo sauce all the time. Needless to say, losing Alfredo was a shock to my system. 
      I’ve tried switching to marinara (but I don’t love it), homemade varieties (the taste is never right), and foregoing sauce altogether in favor of olive oil (fine, but boring). When I saw the Primal Kitchen Alfredo Sauce on the shelf at Whole Foods, I knew I had to try it, even though it costs $8 a jar. It’s not a perfect substitute (it’s lighter, less creamy), but it is very good. While I hate the price point, I find myself buying two or three of these every time I go to the store. I use it with pasta or Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi (a favorite of mine) whenever I want a tasty, easy, and quick meal.
       
      4. Kite Hill Cream Cheese

      I know I’ve described every dairy loss as a heartbreak like none I’ve ever felt before, but bagels were another regular dairy-centric part of my routine. I was extremely determined to prevent them from completely disappearing from my life, so I tried every cream cheese alternative I could get my hands on. The Kite Hill options are really the best; they certainly do the trick whenever I’m in the mood for bagels (which is often).

      5. Daiya Provolone Style Slices

      I’m seriously underwhelmed by the vegan cheese offerings of the world. They’re fine, they work, but they’ll never be a like-for-like substitute. I use Daiya shreds as a topping for my burrito bowls (though I’ll get whatever vegan shreds are available at the store I happen to be shopping at), but I found the Daiya slices to be a great option for dairy-free grilled cheese sandwiches. When cooked in a pan on the stove, the cheese actually melts really well. 

      6. Country Crock Olive Oil Butter

      Every time I have to remind my grandma of my allergy, she says, without fail, “so, you can’t have butter?” To her, it’s the end of the world. I’ve explained countless times that right next to her favorite tub of butter at the grocery store is usually a dairy-free alternative. I use the Country Crock avocado or olive oil butter and they’re perfect for all of my cooking needs. But honestly, a spread on some toast? I’d pass on this and make an avocado spread instead.

      7. Silk Almond Dairy-Free Yogurt

      At this point, I don’t know why I’m surprised to find dairy-free products hiding amongst your everyday grocery items. But when I found the Silk Almond Yogurt, I was so excited to try it, I threw caution to the wind and immediately bought five. I used to have yogurt, granola, and fruit in my breakfast rotation, and this option from Silk was the perfect way to bring it back. More

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      I Tried All of the Most Popular Lulu Align Dupes—Here are the Best Ones

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      I am always (seriously, ALWAYS) keeping an eye out for a great dupe. Although I love fashion, shopping, and clothes more than many other things in this world, I do not have an unlimited budget. Therefore, even though I’d love to, I simply cannot spend $100 on every pair of leggings I own. Luckily, we live in a world where Lululemon dupes are aplenty. 
      The famous Lululemon Align Pant is a favorite of our editors, our readers, our friends, and seemingly every single person on the internet. I love them just as much as the next gal—and I of course believe in treating yourself every now and then, as well as in investing in quality pieces that will last a long time. However, sometimes a girl just needs a pair that won’t break the bank.
      I searched the internet, saved every Lulu dupe TikTok I saw, and read reviews until my eyes hurt to find the absolute best and most popular Align dupes out there. Then I ordered them all and tried them out, so that I could share my new found expertise with all of you. And let me tell you, I definitely found my new favorite (keep reading to find out which one 😉). 
      In an effort to keep things consistent I ordered everything in a 7/8 length or 25″ inseam—but I am 5’3″, so that’s why they all look pretty much full-length on me. I wear a size 10 in Lululemon leggings, and I ordered every other pair in a size large (apart from the Aerie ones, which are a medium). 
      Keep reading to find out which of these Lulu Align dupes are worth the purchase, and which are not:

      These leggings are so popular for a reason: they truly are buttery soft, they fit well and do not slide down, and the waistband is supportive enough that they are always flattering. A few of our editors even swear that no other leggings come close to being as good. I definitely love how they feel, but I’ll be honest—I think they’re a tiiiny bit overhyped. For the price point, I just think that there are other leggings out there that are just as great. However, I do appreciate the selection of colors, patterns, and lengths, as well as the brand’s warranty policy.

      You guys, I am telling you, these are THE. ONES. They feel exactly like Aligns, down to the point where I think they could be made from the exact same material. The texture is identical: truly buttery soft, with the same level of thickness. They also have the same seams (style and placement), and a circular logo on the back of the waistband. So if someone saw you on the street, they would have no idea these weren’t the real thing. The ONLY tiny difference is that the hidden pocket in the front of the waistband is on the opposite side (which doesn’t matter, I am just letting you know). The one downfall is that there aren’t a ton of colors, but catch me ordering the rest and wearing them all summer long.

      These are also pretty close to the real thing, but the material is a tiny (emphasis on tiny) bit different. They are slightly more slick feeling and a little bit less buttery. However, they still feel thick enough to be supportive and not slide down. They also have the second seam detail on the waistband, which I actually think is kind of cute! This pair has the most color options by far, so if you’re looking to try something out of your comfort zone for summer, these are a great affordable option. 

      Our editors love the Colorfulkoala brand for affordable leggings, and I’ve personally owned this pair for a little while now. I love that they are supportive enough to work out in, but comfortable enough to lounge around in or wear while working from home. Although they are not an exact dupe, they definitely can hang with Lulu Aligns and for the price point, are a great option. They stay up, and the waistband is thick and comfortable. This particular style does not come in a ton of colors, but the options they do come in are all cute!

      OK, so I wouldn’t really say these are a dupe for Aligns, but they are definitely a comparable option. The material is a little different: this Aerie pair is more slick than buttery, and they are slightly more lightweight. They also have a different style of seam, going for more of a seamless and less structured look. I love and own three pairs of these, and I will say that they are more of a lounge legging than one you can workout in. They are soooo comfortable, but they sometimes slide down slightly because of the lightweight material. This is an especially great option if you’re looking for a non-Amazon pair at a reasonable price (they are also on sale more often than not!). 

      This is the only pair that I was disappointed in. The material is not very close at all: these are more slick feeling, feel a little cheap, and I would not call them “buttery.” However, I do have to disclaim that I ordered a pair in a color called “Black Lux” so that I could get a 25″ pair, so I am wondering if that means that they have a different feel than the rest of the colors that do not have “Lux” in the title. They do have a lot of positive reviews, so I think it’s either that or that the material has recently changed. But I will also say that I liked the fit of these the least. They are definitely less high-waisted, and something about them just made me feel like they were unflattering.  More

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      6 Unexpected Ways Your Body Changes After 25

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      If you grew up female in the early 2000s, chances are you owned a copy of The Care and Keeping of You, or some other equally awkward, illustration-filled body manual. These prepubescent bibles warned us of all the changes to come as a teenager, and seemed to promise that after seven years of embarrassing acne and the daily, crippling fear our periods would start (was anything scarier?), the rest would be history! We’d be WOMEN, and by then our undoubtedly sexy woman bodies would be in working order!
      Well, I’m here to tell you we’ve been duped.
      If you’ve reached the milestone-no-one-said-was-a-milestone—AKA the age of 25—you’ll likely know what I’m talking about. Changes you’d never prepared for have begun to sneak up on you. The following are just a few examples of bodily weirdness that awaits us at after a quarter century.

      1. Cool, guess I have acne now
      I was one of the lucky few who managed to escape high school and college without experiencing any major breakouts. I was even once told in high school that I had “angel skin.” Angel skin! Well, either angels struggle with cystic acne, or my skin has fully rebelled against me. Keeping a clear complexion has become a struggle I never expected to have, let alone in my mid-20s. With changes in hormones and progesterone, many women will experience acne for the very first time post-teens. Go ahead and DIY that facial; you’ll thank me later.

      2. Hangovers: 1, Me: 0
      At 21 years old, I could pound a bottle of Goldschläger at midnight and wake up ready to take a midterm, rescue a puppy, and run a 5k before noon. Now? I can hardly eat bread without gagging. Hangovers take on an epic level of strength in your mid-twenties. Let’s just say before a heavy drinking night out these days, I ask myself, “am I prepared to do nothing but binge watch Netflix tomorrow?” (The answer needs to be “yes”). FYI, if a hangover hits you like it hits me, here’s how you can save your skin. 

      3. Sleep, I miss you
      Ah yes, speaking of hangovers: remember the days of sleeping in until 1 p.m.? Those were cute. Now my body rockets me wide awake at 8 a.m., regardless of the time I went to bed. Forget about the “recommended eight hours.” Try as I might, insomnia has become a new routine, constantly challenging my ability to switch off my brain. You’ll try herbal teas and essential oils, but mostly will long for the days your mother had to bang on the bedroom door to get you conscious.

      4. My vagina hates me
      I will never forget waking up with my first UTI. It was painful, it was burning, and it led to a subsequent three more in the following year. Yeast infection? Been there too! And if you’re really looking for a party, try bacterial vaginosis. That’ll cling to you longer than Dylan from Tinder. Reminder: if you have a vagina, it needs (and deserves!) some serious TLC. For a quick refresher, check out five things you’re doing to your vagina that you shouldn’t be. 

      5. Where did this booty come from?
      Despite it all, not every change you’ll face in your mid-twenties is negative. Whether you’ve been rocking curves since puberty or have noticed more curves as of late, the body will likely go through some visible changes around this age–and yes, that’s a good thing. It was an exciting moment when I packed up my low-rise Hollister shorts I was questionably still wearing and embraced my new Kim K booty! No matter how your body is changing, embrace all the wonderful curves and features that come with being a full grown woman. Can I get an “amen!?”

      6. I just had sex, and it feels so good
      Perhaps it’s the shifting hormones or your new-found confidence (or both), but sex sounds and feels better than ever at this point in your twenties. Think about it: you’ve gotten past the mediocre romps on dorm room futons, and your G-spot has officially been located. You probably feel more confident telling partners what you want, but you also know that you don’t need a partner to reach the big “O.” By this age, you’ve spent years growing more confident in your body, and your body knows what it likes a little bit better (and no, it’s not you, Dylan). More

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      Everything You’re Going To Want for Outdoor Workouts

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      If the warmer weather and a constant itch to get outside affects how you want to work out, it might also affect your outdoor workout equipment. The barre socks and Bluetooth speaker that you use indoors won’t help, and outdoor workouts come with new challenges like how to protect yourself from the sun and where to put your phone (like seriously, where??). Whether you’re taking your jogs from the treadmill to the sidewalks, laying out a yoga mat in the park, or taking some outdoor classes, bring your workouts outdoor this summer. Thanks to these convenient, smart, and cooling products, exercising in the sun will feel like a breeze (pun intended).

      Equilibria
      Relief Balm
      Whether you’re going on a run or opting for an outdoor HIIT circuit, it’s likely that your muscles will be worked a little harder because of the uneven terrain or unstable ground. Ease sore muscles with our favorite relief balm (we swear by this to relieve shin splints!). Use code “theeverygirl” for 20% off the first order!

      Supergoop!
      PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 with Sunflower Extract
      Sun damage doesn’t just happen at the pool or the beach. SPF is an absolute must, no matter where your outdoor workout is. This fast-absorbing formula won’t stick (no uncomfortable feeling on your skin), is non-toxic (double health points!), and protects from UVA, UVB and IRA. Did I mention it’s sweat-resistant and extremely hydrating?

      Sweaty Betty
      Swiftie Running Cap
      Whether you think of hats as a fashion faux pas or consider yourself a die-hard hat girl (fedoras, beanies, and bucket hats, oh my!), consider adding a cap to your outdoor workouts to give your skin, eyes, and scalp added protection from the sun’s harmful rays. But a regular old baseball cap won’t do: this one is meant for training, so its lightweight, quick-drying, secure, and offers optimal visibility.

      Fast and Free Run Belt
      In the past, the word “fanny pack” might have been more of a music festival must-have instead of a workout accessory to you, but the latest high-tech belt bags won’t hold you down, even during a crazy fast sprint. Designed for running with lightweight, sweat-wicking fabric, and a low-bounce waistband, you’ll be able to hang on to your wallet, keys, phone, snacks, or mini water bottle without it impacting your performance. 5 colors available

      High-Waisted Pocket Legging
      If a belt bag isn’t your thing and you just need a place for your phone (AKA the device that plays Lizzo), why not opt for a pair of leggings that’ll do the work for you? The built-in storage on these buttery-soft leggings means you’ll look good, feel good, and finally have your hands free for the best workouts. 10+ colors available.

      iPhone Armband
      If both a leggings pocket and belt bag aren’t for you, a useful and convenient armband will solve the problem without slipping, sagging, or taking up space. Keep your phone and house key in this nifty accessory that also happens to be water-resistant and has cutouts for headphones (you know, for all that Lizzo). 4 colors available.

      Juice Beauty
      SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen
      Because one sunscreen wasn’t enough to get our point across (yes, you do need SPF, even for a 20-minute run), here’s another great one. This sport sunscreen from Juice Beauty is a favorite for the face because it nourishes the skin while shielding it from harmful rays and free radicals. It also absorbs quickly, doesn’t leave a white residue, and is totally sweat-proof.

      Reflective Cropped Top
      On the flip side of SPF is the other kind of summer exercise: evening workouts. If you only have time to jog after the day is over or just love taking a walk in the warm evening air (when it’s a little more bearable than peak heat hours), combine safety with style, thanks to a reflective sports bra. It’s breathable, quick-drying, and reflective so you can be seen in the dark.

      AirPods
      If you have yet to make the switch from headphones to wireless, consider this your sign. Besides the many other reasons AirPods have become a cult-classic, not having a cord makes any workout way easier. Just remember to keep music or podcasts on low volume so you can stay aware of your surroundings when outdoors.

      Outdoor Non-Stick Yoga Mat
      How much better would a sun salutation be when you’re actually in the sun? Take advantage of the nice weather by bringing your yoga practice onto your front yard or at a nearby park. This mat is non-slip and made of 100% rubber so it’s easy to clean, whether it’s grass, dirt, or sweat. 7 colors available.

      No-Slip No-Bounce Sunglasses
      Important PSA: do not leave for a run with your expensive, trendy sunglasses. Even if you don’t drop and break them, you’ll still regret taking them with you because of how much they bounce around. These sunglasses are meant for exercise, so they use no-slip and no-bounce technology for you to focus on how much further you have to run instead of worrying about your sunglasses falling off. 3 colors available.

      Cellphone Armband
      If you couldn’t tell, phone (and key) placement is the #1 biggest problem when it comes to an outdoor workout. Thanks to the products available online, it’s not hard to find the method that works for you. This armband is made with a less sturdy, more sweat-wicking material that might feel more comfortable on you. It also has a reflective detail for added safety in the dark.

      Lipfuel Lip Balm
      No, this isn’t your average Chapstick. The wild mint scent is intended to stimulate the senses to boost motivation, while the konjac root creates a protective barrier between lips and the environment. The ultra healing and hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin E are just a bonus to keep lips smooth, plump, and hydrated. In other words, this is the one lip balm that might improve your athletic performance while also improving your glow. 3 tints available.

      Run Flyknit Running Shoe
      No matter your style, a pair of shoes with a thick sole (perfect for even tough terrain) and a light fabric (so your feet won’t sweat) is the only shoe you’ll want to be wearing all summer (besides flip-flops, of course, but who can do 100 squats in those?). 10 colors available.

      Smartwatch
      Besides all the things you know and love about a Fitbit (tracking steps, identifying heart rate—need I say more?), this one is perfect for an outdoor workout because it tracks which areas lifted your heart rate the most. You can also use the GPS to ensure you don’t get lost when you’re out jogging or bike riding. Oh, and if you prefer a backstroke to a bike? It’s also swim-proof.

      This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Equilibria, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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      I Used a Weighted Hula Hoop for 6 Weeks—Here Are My Thoughts

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      Of all of the things that TikTok made me buy, one of my most unpredictable purchases was my weighted hula hoop. As soon as I heard a Gen Z-er claiming it was her main form of exercise and it helped her shed a few inches off of her waist, I was all ears.
      Besides the fact that it looked super fun, there were two reasons why I was especially interested in a weighted hula hoop. The first was that, at the time when I saw that video, I was recovering from a minor hip injury I got from treadmill sprinting and weight lifting. The second was that, in just a few days, I was to have a nasal septum surgery that was going to keep me out of my workout routine for at least a month. The weighted hula hoop seemed like a perfect, low-impact way to get my heart rate up during recovery. So, I immediately went to Amazon and hit “add to cart.”

      About Weighted Hula Hooping:
      I took my newfound TikTok fascination to the internet to figure out 1) if weighted hula hooping was legit and 2) what the actual benefits of hula hooping were. And, to be honest, I was surprised to find that there was a lot of information on the topic.
      For a lot of us, the hula hooping we grew up with is already a bit of a challenge, but adding those extra pounds can really take things to the next level in terms of boosting aerobic health. If you’re not too familiar with what exactly that translates to, here’s the rundown: Known benefits of aerobic activity include a stronger, healthier heart, improved blood flow, lowered stress levels, and improved immunity. A strong case for hooping, if you ask me.
      In addition, hula hooping burns calories—specifically, 165 calories in 30 minutes, a number you’d see with other types of dancing. And in a randomized controlled study from 2019 that compared a group of individuals who walked approximately 10,000 steps a day to a group that did around 12 minutes of weighted hula hooping per day, the hula hooping group had better results in terms of abdominal fat loss, decreased waist circumference, and increased core strength. This made my near-impulsive weighted hula hoop purchase absolutely worth it in my eyes.

      Arrival and assembly:
      When it arrived, I had to put it together, which was a bit of a spectacle. Assembly took probably five minutes and, besides the near-tragic mishap that occurred when I didn’t fully lock one of the bendable poles into its adjacent piece (it slingshotted back at my face before I could even blink), I’d consider it fairly effortless to put together. After weeks of waiting, I finally had my weighted hula hoop in hand, and I was eager to take it for a spin. 

      Though I would consider myself a prodigy hula hooper (I won a contest at a backyard barbecue in third grade, no big deal), I definitely had to reorient myself on how to use it—especially with the added two pounds that were likely going to throw me for a bit of a loop. After six weeks of turning to my weighted hula hoop again and again, here are my unfiltered thoughts.

      The Pros:
      First, this thing will get your heart rate up pretty quickly. My typical hula hooping routine consists of hula hooping for six minutes clockwise and six minutes counterclockwise. Within three minutes, my heart is typically pumping at a speed walk or jog rate (for me, around 130 bpm), and I am sweating. After about 12 minutes of hula hooping, I would burn around 80 calories, which, for me, is similar to what I burn when I’m walking or jogging.

      Second, as I anticipated, this was the perfect low-impact workout to get my heart rate up without leaving the house. And since I could do it from the comfort of my living room in pretty much whatever attire I wanted, it was really easy to just grab it and start hooping without much effort or planning. 

      The Cons:
      As with all things, there are a few downsides to it that have kept me from abandoning my past workout methods completely. The first being that, if you’re doing it for long enough, it can be boring as hell. Sure it’s fun for the first few minutes, but if you’re going to do it long enough to see any sort of results—likeburnt calories or a shredded waist—you’ll have to commit more time to it than just 12 minutes. And for me, that’s just about as much as my brain could take before I was ready to jump to the next activity. Picking a playlist I love, watching TV, or listening to a podcast definitely helped to pass the time.
      Another big downside to hula hooping is that while you’re getting your heart rate up and activating your core, you’re missing out on opportunities to practice other functional movements. Sure, it’s good as a supplemental activity to get your heart rate up, but for the most part, your feet are staying in one place. I do use hula hooping as an additional way to get some cardio in, but I don’t use it as an excuse to skip other full-body movements like stretching, yoga, or HIIT workouts.

      The Final Verdict:
      All in all, I love my weighted hula hoop the way that I use it. For 12 minutes a day, it gives me an excuse to have a bit of a dance party, helps me to tap into some aerobic activity for better heart health, immunity, and stress reduction, and is an easy way for me to incorporate activity into an otherwise stagnant day. While I was in recovery, it was the perfect, low-impact solution to make me feel less like a couch potato and give me a taste of being active. Now that I’m recovered, I use it as a tool to help me get moving on days where I’m feeling particularly unmotivated, as a way to make TV time more efficient, and as a warmup to other forms of working out like yoga, lifting, or running.
      Can I live without my weighted hula hoop? Sure. But do I want to? Not particularly. I’ve bought plenty of less useful items under the influence of the TikTok Gods, so, as far as I’m concerned, this solid addition to my workout routine is a 10/10 in my book.  More

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      Our Editors Share What Helps Them Stay Motivated To Workout

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      For a lot of us, there’s no better feeling than knowing you crushed a workout when you could’ve just as easily binge-watched six episodes of Schitt’s Creek. But motivating ourselves to get there is a different story and a struggle that always seems to rear its ugly head. And it’s in these moments that we rely on our go-to workout motivation tips to keep us going.
      There’s something about getting our sweat on, pumping up our endorphins, and feeling that “I can do anything I set my mind to” energy that makes working out an obvious addition to our to-do lists. But even though we know what’s good for us, it doesn’t make it easy to find the gusto to get moving, especially when tasks pile up, you’re feeling tired, or the couch is calling your name. Our editors know the struggle, but after plenty of trial and error, we pulled these workout motivation tips that keep us active and ready to be our best selves:

      1. Set specific, tangible goals
      “If I set a goal for myself, I’m pretty keen on sticking to it. And I’m not saying ‘run five days this week’ or ‘work out every day.’ Goals like that never motivate me. But having specific, tangible fitness goals that I know I can reach will. For all of 2021, my biggest fitness goal has been to do 10 push-ups (it’s my least favorite activity and my chest strength is basically non-existent), so every time I’m at the gym, I do a little work to get there. I have other goals, too, like walk 30,000 steps in a day or reach my personal best on the squat rack. Does it get me up on the days all I want to do is sleep? No, but having goals is what has kept me consistent.”
      — Beth, Beauty Content Manager & Associate Editor

      2. Track and share your workouts
      “I’m an elder millennial and thus, need constant validation and positive reinforcement (hello participation medals!). Anytime I do a run or Peloton, I upload my results in Strava, where my friends on the platform can give me ‘kudos’ for my workouts. When I need an extra hit of attention, I’ll take a screenshot from Strava and share it on my social channels. Am I digging for compliments when I do this? 100 percent. Is it an effective source of motivation? Absolutely.”
      — Elle, Chief Operating Officer

      3. View your gym sesh as an appointment
      “Recently, I saw this viral video on TikTok that resonated with me so much. The content creator was basically saying that if we wait to be in the mood to do something (especially if your goal is being more consistent), you’ll never do it. So instead, she suggested viewing your workout as an appointment. You wouldn’t miss a doctor’s appointment, pre-planned dinner and drinks with a friend, or a nail appointment that you’ve had scheduled, so what makes your appointment with yourself at the gym any different?
      If you commit to working out consistently, the odds are that you’re not always going to have the motivation to get there—and that is OK. So if you’re tired, do it tired. Because at the end of the day, the only bad workout is the one that never happened, and the endorphin rush that occurs when you get your body moving is oh-so-worth it.”
      — Ashley, Contributing Writer

      4. Reserve class spots and commit to certain gym times:
      “Having a set time for my classes or workouts keeps me accountable. Whether it’s a live fitness class on Obé or I reserve a spot at my apartment gym (or a fitness class in person one day—eep!), knowing that I have to be at a specific place at a specific time makes me basically never skip my workouts. I want to see what songs my favorite instructor will pick or get the good treadmill at the gym (you know the one), so I’ll stick with the time I set up for myself.”
      — Beth, Beauty Content Manager & Associate Editor

      5. Assemble the perfect pump-up playlist
      “One of my favorite ways to get myself in the mood to get to the gym is to listen to songs that make me want to run through walls and do backflips. Whether I’m listening to Olivia Rodrigo’s Good For You or Eminem’s ‘Til I Collapse (yeah, I have range), I’ve found that listening to my lineup of motivating hits before I even leave my apartment is key to getting me amped up and moving. My tried-and-true pump-up playlist serves as the perfect pregame dance session for any gym appointment and gets me ready to pick weights up and put them down with a little extra pizazz.” (Psst: try out our Workout Playlist!)
      — Ashley, Contributing Writer

      6. Exercise for the right reasons

      “I started feeling motivated to exercise most days of the week when I stopped working out because I’m ‘supposed to’ or to burn off the takeout I ate the night before. I work out consistently because it helps my anxiety and stress levels, and it is the one time of the day where my focus goes into my body instead of my mind. I didn’t always love working out, but I started to love it when I saw it as self-care instead of a punishment or chore. When you exercise for the right reasons, you find yourself craving it instead of dreading it. Rethink your ‘why’ and you’ll never have to ‘force yourself’ to get to the gym again.”
      — Josie, Associate Editor & Wellness Content Manager

      7. Wear your gym clothes long before your workout
      “I really, truly hate the thought of working out. But I know that when I do get past that mental block, put on my favorite leggings, and get to work, I feel phenomenal after. Any stress or anxiety I was feeling is vanquished by my newly released endorphins. I feel accomplished, strong, and healthy. My biggest hurdle has always been working up the courage to simply start a workout. In order to combat this, I exclusively wear workout clothes during the day so that I’m not held back by having to change after work. (I’m fortunate to work remotely and can do this pretty much every day.)
      When it actually comes time to do the thing, wearing workout clothes tricks my brain into thinking we’ve already overcome half the battle. This, coupled with the promise of burning off excess energy and anxiety, is enough to get me back on my bike or yoga mat 4-5 days a week.
      — Garri, Managing Editor

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      5 Reasons Why Your Career Does Not Define Your Identity

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      For as long as I can remember, I’ve always associated my self-worth in conjunction with my job. Whether it was because of how our society views certain positions or because of my pride, I made sure to work hard enough to get a job that I (and my mom) would be proud to identify with. To say “I work for [employer]…” or “I am a [job title]…” made my heart fill with excitement. So when I finally accepted my dream position that was far from the involvement of serving tables, I felt like I earned the right to let those words slip off my tongue to show the world that I did, I made it. But even when my dream scenario came to fruition, I eventually realized that I was no longer in love with the job, which thus resulted in a life-changing moment.
      I was eventually let go from the company that I was only holding onto because of its status. While I felt burnt out and lacked the enthusiasm to work for them, I didn’t listen to my gut and decided to hold onto the position because I loved how I felt accepted by others when I’d mention my position in conversations. It was an addiction I wasn’t willing to let go. I felt like my identity was closely tied to this job, and if I’d lose it, then I was a nobody and I would have no proof of all my hard work. However, when I was let go, a new high took over: relief. While one part of me wanted to hold on to something that wasn’t making me happy for prideful reasons, a weight was lifted off my shoulders because I was finally following my truth.
      For most people, this experience would tear them apart: if they’re let go from a job, it means they’re incompetent and their self-worth has taken a nosedive into the pools of hell (yes, I’m being dramatic). However, while it did hurt a little to receive the news, I was more hurt that I didn’t initially follow my heart and, instead, allowed someone else to control my fate. I soon realized that my self-worth isn’t defined by a nice-sounding job, it’s defined by my values, my truth, and what happens beyond the typical nine-to-five timeframe. Yes, it was nice to be associated with a well-known company and, not going to lie, sometimes I miss that “accepted” feeling. But deep down I know that my career doesn’t define my identity, because the only approval I need is my own.
      If you can relate to any of this, here are five reasons why you shouldn’t define yourself by your career or job — because, honestly, your self-love is totally worth way more than that paycheck or job title. 

      1. Because having a well-known job isn’t your only success.
      Working for a renowned company does look good on your resume, but it’s not the only thing that you should consider to be successful. Success can be rarely measured by someone’s job or wealth. The true definition of success derives from the ability to do something that you truly love, to be able to care for others, to overcome your greatest fears, or to find blissful happiness. One person’s definition of success could look completely different than someone else’s. And that’s totally okay. Because in the end, you should always aim to be yourself and not replicate what you believe to be considered successful just because of someone else’s journey.

      2. Because your truths and values are the only things you should be defined by.
      Wouldn’t it be lovely to not be judged based on your profession? Immediately when we meet someone new, we want to know their name and what they do for a living. Why? Isn’t there another way to define a person? Yes, it’s great to know what they’re passionate about, but shouldn’t we just ask them that upfront?
      Your identity should be defined by what you love, what you dream of, what you value, and who you cherish. Think about it: Your true friends and family don’t care about what kind of job you have or how much you make. All they care about is your happiness. Treat yourself as you would want your friends to treat you, because you should value your happiness before any job, paycheck, or boss. Period.

      3. Because most jobs are a temporary state and can change at any moment.
      While life is known to be filled with uncertainty, most of us believe we have complete control over our circumstances. Today you may identify yourself as a hardworking architect, but four years from now, you may want to be a dairy farmer, milking cows for a living. You just never know what kind of experiences you may go through and how they’ll change you. Essentially, nothing is permanent. Life is full of surprises, and there are more things that make an impact in your life than your career.

      4. Because this is something you do and not something you are.
      Whether you work as a cashier for a store or as an illustrator for an advertising company, these are things you do — they don’t define you as a person. There are plenty of ways to identify yourself, especially if you’re not in love with your job. For instance, in addition to your career, you could also be known as a mother, a lover of puppies, a video game enthusiast — anything you admire or hold value to is a part of you and your identity. At the end of the day, you should be known for the things you love to do and be, not for the type of positions you’ve held.

      5. Because other people won’t remember you by the job you have, but by how you make them feel.
      How you decide to treat others and express yourself is glued to your identity way more than your jobs ever will be. When other people talk or think about you, the thought of your career might come up, but your personality and character will resonate with them more. You’re on this earth for so many other reasons aside from having a job. Maybe you’re meant to help someone else through their own journey, or to make a difference in your town and inspire others to do the same. You’re doing yourself an injustice if you only identify yourself by your career. Try to open your world and help others to do the same. The more we realize we’re more than our jobs, the happier we all may be.

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      I’m a Fitness Trainer, and Here’s Why Rest Days are Crucial for Your Workout Routine

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      For many of us, rest days are like the forbidden fruit of fitness: something deviously tempting that we have been conditioned to avoid in order to protect our perfect routine, hit our goals, or stay on track. But just because “rest” is a four letter word doesn’t mean it’s something to be ashamed of.  In fact, as a fitness trainer and an athlete, I’ve found that weekly (or twice-weekly) rest days are one of the most effective ways that we improve our performance, fitness level, and relationship with exercise. So before you head out for that run, yoga class class, or gym session, check out why staying home today might be the better option.

      1. Rest days improve your performance
      When you work out, you’re essentially putting your body through stress and creating tiny, microscopic tears in your muscles so that they can repair themselves and be more difficult to tear next time (also known as becoming stronger.) However, if you don’t give those muscles the time they need to repair, you’ll just be creating more and more tears, which can lead to injury and poor performance. While not everyone is trying to be a competitive athlete, if you’re experiencing poor performance, you’ll also be experiencing diminishing returns on your efforts, meaning you will be getting less and less out of each workout. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, take a rest day and make sure that your body is ready to work to its fullest potential when you get back to it. 

      2. Rest days give you an opportunity to care for and nourish your body
      Foam rolling, stretching, yoga, meditation, walking through nature, meal prepping–these are all things that contribute to your health and fitness that often fall by the wayside when you don’t have the time to prioritize them. By scheduling one or two rest days each week, you give yourself the time to soothe and stretch tired muscles, focus on your mental health, prepare healthy food, and work on all of the other components of health and fitness. Many other factors besides exercise play an important role in keeping you fit, so give them the time that they deserve.  

      3. Rest days keep you excited about your workouts
      When they say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, I’m pretty sure they’re talking about absence from your favorite instructor. Fitness is a lifestyle component, which means that there’s no finish line or end point: it’s something to keep as part of your regular routine for your entire life. But just like any healthy relationship, space is good and very necessary. By taking a rest day, you’re allowing yourself a little time to appreciate that class, that trainer, or that part of your day. Taking a break every now and then will help you avoid burnout and pre-workout dread. 

      4. Rest days improve sleep quality
      Of all the things you need in your life–good friends, SPF moisturizer, how-to videos on TikTok–there’s simply nothing you need more than a good night’s sleep (especially when it comes to athletic performance, getting the most out of your workouts, and recovering well).  When you exercise, your body produces hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. In reasonable amounts, these hormones are great, but when you overdo it (AKA no rest days), your body overproduces them, and too much adrenaline and cortisol can lead to lack of (or poor) sleep. If you’ve been reaching for that 2 p.m. coffee or donut just to make it through the rest of the day, it might be time to give your adrenal glands a break and enjoy a rest day from your favorite workout. Try meditating, going for a walk, stretching, or spending the extra time pampering yourself.

      5. Rest days give you time to be a well-rounded person
      Working out is an excellent hobby, stress-reliever, and lifestyle component, but if your routine has started to get in the way of other parts of your life, it might be time to take a well-planned rest day in order to catch up on what else life has to offer.  While your body and sore muscles might dictate when you take a day off, there are plenty of opportunities to schedule your rest days around vacations, parties, events, and other things you don’t want to miss as well. Taking a guilt-free rest day to explore hobbies, passions, and relationships is an important part of life, and it will only make you a happier, more multifaceted person.  
      If you’re worried that stepping away from your workout routine is going to sabotage your efforts, fear not: rest days are an incredibly important part of your physical, mental and emotional health.  By taking at least one day off per week, you’ll allow your body time to reap the benefits of your workouts, avoid gym burnout, and improve other areas of your life.  Let’s normalize taking the day off when we’re tired, sore, or simply need a margarita:  it will only make us better in the long run.

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