More stories

  • in

    Hotel Café Royal in London delivers style, sophistication, and unparalleled service

    News

    by Amy Sessions
    10 hours ago

    The Stay
    Designed with an incredible ability to seamlessly blend tradition with the modern technology comforts you’d expect from a hotel at this level, you will fully relax and enjoy your stay from a breakfast that caters to every taste to a turndown service that warms the bath towels. Both rooms and suites feel spacious and accommodate bathrooms with a bathtub and separate walk-in shower, so your simple nightly rituals feel like extravagant downtime.

    Hotel Café Royal
    The unwind
    One of the most tranquil spas you will ever visit – the underground Askasha spa boasts a large pool, spacious sauna and relaxation rooms where you can practise Yoga and Pilates, a welcome respite from the business of the city centre. Book in for a well-earned Aromatherapy Associates massage and be transformed back to the freshest version of yourself.

    Hotel Café Royal
    The Dining
    With a menu inspired by the iconic and storied Parisian neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, home to Hotel Café Royal’s sister hotel Lutetia Paris, Brasserie Saint Germain delivers on taste and service alike. The menu created by Eliano Crespi and his culinary team offers up the best of seasonal produce in a cosy semi-formal setting, the Sole Meunière and Salade Juliette are not to be missed. More

  • in

    Ozen Bolifushi in Maldives is the perfect secluded slice of paradise for slow living

    Lifestyle

    by Ruman Baig
    2 hours ago

    While luxurious resorts in The Maldives are hardly scarce – here you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything other than smart island retreats – Ozen Bolifushi is simply put, a cut above, taking barefoot luxury to an entirely new level.
    The Arrival
    Step off the plane and onto the resort’s private catamaran, a smart charter outfitted with cream sofas, an espresso bar and panoramic windows. The convenient 30-minute ride to Ozen Bolifushi relieves the hassle of connecting seaplanes, a true sanity-saver when travelling with children. As you near the island, the resort zooms into focus – all swaying palm trees and powdery sunbleached sands surrounded by the brightest blue water. You’ll be met with traditional Maldivian drumming, a fresh coconut water and a mist of Avène’s thermal spring water, before heading straight to your villa in one of the island’s elegant Rolls Royce buggies along with your personal butler.
    The Vibe
    The island is smaller than some, lending an intimate feel where faces become familiar after just a day. You’ll find there is a sleepy sense of stillness and privacy to Ozen, withonly the sweeping waves, paradise-perfect beaches and occasional guest on a bike within eyesight. Days can be spent lounging, swimming, snorkelling and scuba-diving, or browse the island’s boutiques, charter a yacht, feed the stingrays at sunset and simply wander the maze of palm tree-lined pathways dotted with crochet hammocks and swings. And while adults settle poolside, children of all ages will be kept entertained with daily activities, such as treasure hunts, pizza making, water polo and ice hockey on the resort’s open-air ice rink, a first in The Maldives. With Ozen’s Reserve Plan, guests will not be required to sign throughout their stay, allowing for complete self-indulgence on the free-flowing premium bottles and culinary experiences.

    The Stay
    No stone has been left unturned when it comes to furnishing the villas, where spacious suites offer floor-to-ceiling windows with unobstructed ocean views, walk-in wardrobes, private pools, outdoor dining verandas, spa-inspired bathrooms and a fully-stocked private bar. Perched above the sea, the water villas stand out and are perhaps what springs tomind when envisioning the Maldives. Accessed by bike or buggy along a boardwalk, these villas offer a sprawling outdoor deck with several seating areas and sunken sofas, from which you can spot shoals of fluorescent fish swirl by. A number of the villas also feature a water slide into the sea which makes for a playful way to wake up on your morning swim. For the ultimate in seclusion and splendour, the Royal Reserve is a sprawling threebedroom beachfront home (along with separate spaces for staff) complete with an open-air jacuzzi, a gym, pool, an overwater bar, plus a dedicated Teppanyaki restaurant as well as a kitchen and grape cellar.
    Wellness
    When not racking up steps strolling the island, guests can take to the ocean-facing treadmills at the gym or book in for a group class and sunrise flow on the yoga pavilion. Further unwind at Ozen’s spa, an idyllic garden sanctuary where expert facials and knot-banishing massages in the overwater treatment suites will soothe you into a mediative state. Guests can also book a consultation with the island’s resident Ayurveda doctor, who after checking your pulse will recommend holistic healing remedies to work into your daily regime.

    Dining
    Food at Ozen draws on a “garden-to-table” concept where chefs plate dishes using herbs, seasonal vegetables, microgreens and tropical fruits freshly picked from island soil. Breezy lunches will be spent on the beach at Vista Del Mar where the varied buffet includes a spread of salads, grilled meats, seafood, sushi and homemade pastas to rival that in Rome. Come evening, feast on mezze and tagines at Sangu or sample Saffron’s mouth-watering curries through their concept dining experience. While fine dining restaurant ORIGINE, delivers an elegant culinary journey along with grape tasting sessions held by the resort’s enthusiastic sommelier – an experience well worth booking ahead for.
    theozencollection.com
    March’s – The Style Issue – Download Now 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • in

    Taylor Swift’s Diet and Fitness Routine on Tour

    Life on tour is grueling (or so I’ve heard), but Taylor Swift could’ve fooled us with her seemingly effortless stamina throughout her 3-hour “Eras Tour” show (complete with seamless outfit changes on stage, might I add). It got me wondering how she performs her way through 44 hits from her 10 studio albums without so much as breaking a sweat or popping one of the sequins off her red-and-sequined-snaked Reputation look. So naturally, I scoured the internet for every tidbit I could find about her wellness routine (you’re welcome, Swifties). How does she sweat it out? What does she eat in a day? Is she just like us when it comes to self-care? Read on for a breakdown of T-Swift’s health and wellness standbys. Alexa, play the Midnights album.

    For fitness: She dances it out (on and off stage)
    According to an article in Marie Claire, pounding the pavement and dance-based workouts from New York-based studio Body By Simone are the singer-songwriter’s secret weapons to keeping up endurance and strength to perform dozens of shows while on tour. Body by Simone classes (which are also offered on their digital studio so you can sweat it on-the-go) combine a unique fusion of dance, Pilates, and functional strength training (think: high-intensity dance cardio, bodyweight moves, and light dumbbell exercises) that create “a safe space where women can feel inspired and motivated to become the best version of themselves,” said Simone de la Rue, Body by Simone’s Founder. To give Swift’s fitness regimen a whirl, try this 20-minute full-body Body by Simone workout. You’ll jump lunge, push up shoulder tap, crunch as you side plank, and jump squat your way to Swift fitness status.
    But dancing (on and off the stage) isn’t the only exercise she swears by. “For me, running is about blasting a whole bunch of new songs and running to the beat,” Swift told WebMD. “It’s also good because it makes me find a gym wherever I am…I love exploring the places we go when we tour.” If running isn’t your jam (same), give the Taylor Swift treadmill workout a whirl (it’s way better, IMO).

    For diet: She follows intuitive eating habits 
    Show biz is not without its fad diets, cleanses, and quick fixes, but don’t count Swift as part of that crowd. Rather, she takes a balanced approach to her diet. Translation: Taylor follows a wholesome menu during the week while letting loose with her food choices on the weekends. “…I try to keep it lighter, but it’s nothing too regimented or crazy,” Swift conveyed to WebMD. “I don’t like to create too many rules where I don’t need them. We know what’s good for us, thanks to common sense.” Case in point: She told WebMD she passes on sugary drinks and sticks to salads, yogurt, and sandwiches Monday through Friday, but enjoys a burger and fries, ice cream, or cookies on weekends (a girl after my own heart). 
    We could all take a page from Swift’s book on mindful eating—that goes for sweets too. If you’re a Swiftie, you probably already know she’s no stranger to baking up a storm of desserts. “I bake pumpkin bread for everyone I know and make ginger molasses cookies and hot chocolate and chai,” she expressed to Bon Appétit. As for her go-to drinks? Skinny vanilla lattes on weekdays and PSLs on weekends. “The point is I’m never cutting out what I love,” Swift informed WebMD. She is just like us!
     
    For hydration: She always has a water bottle with her
    Swift can’t live without her Starbucks like the rest of us, but she knows water does a body good and makes it a point to load up on water, tour or no tour. “I have so much water in my dressing room because I drink, like, ten bottles of water a day,” Swift revealed to Bon Appétit. “I drink so much water my friends call me an alien.” She never leaves home without a water bottle and even keeps a case in her car for good measure. While you don’t have to guzzle ten bottles in a day (assuming you’re not a pop star performing night after night), a general rule of thumb is to aim for about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day. When we stay sufficiently hydrated, our cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems work more efficiently. So do as Taylor does and hit your hydration goal for the day. Step 1: Start with a glass of water first thing in the AM. Your skin will reap the benefits, too. 

    For mental health: She journals 
    “Health is a big part of being happy,” Swift shared with WebMD, which to her means being in great shape both physically and mentally. It turns out she’s a journaling stan (that instantly gets her the Everygirl stamp of approval, BTW): “From a young age, any time I would feel pain I would think, ‘It’s OK, I can write about this after school.’ As a young kid, I learned to process my emotions by writing.” Swift was onto something at an early age, because putting pen to paper has a bevy of benefits, including reducing stress, creating space from negative thoughts, and deepening self-discovery. 
    And it’s no surprise that Swift also takes to her songwriting and music to feel all her feels: “…anytime something hurts, like rejection or sadness or loneliness, or I feel joy or I fall in love, I ask myself, ‘Can I write a song about this so I know how I feel?’” she said. Even if your journal entries about your feelings don’t become a platinum hit, journaling can provide an effective way to process emotions. Think of it like a therapy session with yourself.

    For self-care: She has a routine to feel at home while traveling
    In her interview with WebMD, Swift didn’t sugarcoat life on tour: riding hours on a bus, giving it her all on stage, and not sleeping in her own bed can feel draining. Her key to staying balanced through it all? Following a comforting routine and packing certain travel essentials. Her first order of business when settling into her hotel room is unpacking. “I do it everywhere I go,” Swift said. “I really like the way it feels to have my clothes put away in drawers and my shoes in the closet.” According to WebMD, Swift also always brings candles with her to her destinations. 
    If you caught Swift’s Netflix documentary Taylor Swift: Miss Americana, you know that her squad includes her feline companions—Olivia, Meredith, and Benjamin—and she has personalized bags and cat backpacks for them for travel on her private jet, according to Parade Pets (they’re practically just as famous as their mom, thanks to their many cameos on IG and TikTok). What’s more, Swift brings them to events and music video shoots alike every chance she gets (as evidenced here and here). As a fellow four-legged animal mama (sorry, I’m partial to dogs), I can relate (minus the Gulfstream, of course). 

    I Tried the Taylor Swift Treadmill Workout for a Week—Here’s What Happened More

  • in

    Wall Pilates: The Low-Impact Workout Everyone Is Obsessed With

    You’d be hard-pressed to find a workout that boasts low-impact exercises that benefit both physical and mental health (hello, mind-body connection) like Pilates does. Before you brush the fitness modality aside because reformer Pilates classes are out of your budget or you think you don’t have what it takes to become a Pilates girl from home, TikTokers stan the new version of the workout (the 6.6 billion views say it all) that you don’t want to sleep on. Enter: Wall Pilates, FitTok’s latest obsession.
    Forget any large, expensive equipment—all you need is that bare wall you’ve been meaning to dress up in order to work up a sweat. The best part? It won’t make a dent in your wallet. Whether you use it as added support or a way to level up your mat practice, consider the four walls in your home office or living room the only accessory you need to get your Pilates on. Let’s dive into what Wall Pilates is and six no-equipment-necessary workouts that’ll leave you feeling better and stronger. 

    What exactly is Wall Pilates?
    If you’ve gotten a taste of any form of Pilates, you’ve likely powered through glute bridges and the classic Pilates move that is the hundred. Well, replace the ball, band, or reformer machine with a wall as your prop to perform the exercises, and voila, you’re a Wall Pilates girlie. Translation: Wall Pilates is a variation of mat Pilates that entails pressing one or more body parts (mainly your feet) against a wall while you carry out movements like the hundred, wall squats, or plank. The wall is there to not only provide balance and stability, but also add resistance. And while your glutes and core will feel most out of the burn in Wall Pilates routines, with standing exercises that target your arms and chest (think: wall push-ups and planks), your upper body won’t get left out of the sweat sessions. 

    @blissedhappiness
    Use the wall as your Pilates prop 😁 #pilates #pilatesinstructor #pilatesworkout #abs #bodytransformation #abschallange
    ♬ Vegas (From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack ELVIS) – Doja Cat

    How to try it for yourself
    Ready to give Wall Pilates a go? Start with these six workouts courtesy of YouTube to check off a week of movement. 

    If you’re looking to a get taste of what Wall Pilates is…
    [embedded content]
    Just starting out on your Pilates journey? Look no further than this 10-minute, beginner-friendly workout with certified Pilates and Barre instructor Callie Jardine. Expect a glute-bridge burner, leg lifts, crunches, and some stretches to round it out. 

    If you want to focus on core, glutes, and quads…
    [embedded content]
    Grab a mat and your favorite wall for a 20-minute routine from Pilates with Donna Finnie. You’ll ease into the flow with a round of slow plank walk-outs and work your way to the core of the workout with wall sits, bird dogs, and more. By the end of sweat sesh, your form will be *chef’s kiss*, thanks to Finnie’s detailed instruction throughout. 

    If you’re all about abs…
    [embedded content]
    In the mood for a total ab scorcher? Follow Rachel’s Fit Pilates‘ 15-minute workout for a variation of the hundred, bicycles, side planks, and much more core work on and off the wall. Talk about a quickie, but goodie. 

    If upper body is more your thing…
    [embedded content]
    Meet Pilates with Donna Finnie once again on the mat (and wall) to enhance mobility and increase strength. You’ll start with breathwork, followed by arm exercises like arm rotations, wall push-ups, and kneeling plank push-ups. This workout (just shy of 24 minutes) will highlight any imbalances you may have (i.e. having one arm or shoulder that feels stronger) and hone your awareness on how your body moves and feels.

    If you’re looking for a full-body workout…
    [embedded content]
    For a full-body training, join Trifecta Pilates in standing exercises (think: single-arm wall push-ups, leg lifts, and split squats) and floor work that includes a glute bridge variation that gives major Miley Cyrus vibes (see: her “Flowers” workout) and an ab series. By the end of the 40-minute class, you’ll feel it everywhere—I mean everywhere. 

    If you’re ready to take it up a notch…
    [embedded content]
    Wild Waves Yoga guides you through a 20-minute intermediate to advanced Wall Pilates yoga fusion workout in this video. After a proper warm-up, you’ll work the booty, legs, and core with exercises such as a bridge series, heel lifts, split squats, downward dog, finished off by a dolphin plank hold (spoiler: it’s no joke). But don’t worry—the last few minutes reward you with satisfying upper and lower body stretches. Ahh… More

  • in

    At-Home Test Kits: From Ovulation To STDs, Here’s How To Get Results At Home

    Ah, technology. We’ve come a super long way from sitting in stirrups for test results to now, where we can simply buy an at-home test kit to know our status. From finding your fertile window to knowing your STD status, these at-home test kits are well worth the purchase, especially when you’re feeling uncertain and don’t want to sit in a queue at the clinic.

    Zoie HPV Self-Test Kit

    HPV remains one of the biggest risks to women’s overall health since it’s a major precursor of cervical cancer. South Africa has really high rates of cervical cancer. Since testing can be tedious, get results at home without visiting the clinic.

    VIVOO V3 Advanced Urine Test

    Think of this as your all-in-one health test kit. It’ll measure your levels of Magnesium, water, vitamin C, calcium, pH levels (alkaline diet, anyone?), ketone, protein, oxidative stress and sodium. There’s also an app tie-in so you can make sense of the numbers and what it means for your body, right now.

    Easy@Home Ovulation Test Strips

    This test identifies your fertile window with a whopping six days of opportunity with 99% accuracy. A complementary app lets you compare all your test results, with interactive graphs that lets you track your menstrual cycle.

    Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test

    This test identifies your two most fertile days – and it works. The digital test gives you a cute smiley face when it’s ovulating. Plus, it gets to work in just five seconds.

    DNX Medical UTI-AID Test Strips

    With accurate results in just 60 seconds, this is the same kind of kit used by doctors. Use the colour chart provided to see how your urine holds up.

    Exacto Vaginal Infection Rapid Self Test

    Gets to work in seconds. Simply insert the test into the vagina, press it onto the vaginal walls for ten seconds, then remove. Compare your result to a colour chart and get your results. Easy peasy.

    ESO Test Syphilis Rapid Screen Test

    This is an antibody test, which tests for the presence of antibodies in the human body that are produced in response to the TP bacterium. Results are delivered in 15 minutes.

    INSTI – HIV Self-Test

    Keen to know your HIV status but scared to visit the clinic? Get yourself tested at home with this quick kit. The INSTI kit provides accurate results in 1 minute, and is used by healthcare professionals, too.

    ESO Test Herpes Rapid Screen Test

    You’ll need one to two drops of blood for this test, but that’s negligible. Results are delivered within 15 minutes – no lab testing required.

    ESO Test Gonorrhoea Rapid Screen Test

    This is an antigen test, which tests directly for the presence of the gonorrhoea bacteria in the body, with high clinical accuracy. Expect results in less than 15 minutes. More

  • in

    Everything You Need to Do Lymphatic Drainage at Home

    Amongst the workout trends taking over FitTok are countless TikTokers massaging their way to de-puffing and sculpted bliss. ICYMI, I’m referring to the uber trendy concept known as lymphatic drainage massage, AKA the holy grail of naturally flushing out toxins, revving up the immune system, rejuvenating cellular function, and minimizing excess fluid retention and bloat.
    So how does it actually work? Think of the lymphatic system as the body’s “sewage system,” whose purpose is to help detoxify and get rid of damaged cells, bacteria, or toxins (read more about the lymphatic system here). With the helping hand of a gua sha, dry brush, or your literal hands, you can manually manipulate specific areas of your body to encourage the flow of (read: drain) lymphatic fluid toward the lymph nodes where it’s filtered and fed back into the bloodstream. Bottom line: You can take a DIY approach to boosting the health of your lymphatic system with simple tools. Read on for a mini tutorial on trying it for yourself—be it your face or body—products and all.
     
    Face
    Bye bye, swelling and puffiness. Hello there, cheekbones and defined jawline! Moving excess fluid out of the facial area translates to a de-puffing, swelling-reduction, dullness-combating effect (albeit temporary). Proponents of facial lymphatic drainage massages can’t get enough of the wellness trend thanks to the glowing, healthier-looking complexion it leaves (if it’s a J.Lo-worthy glow, consider me sold). Other benefits include aiding in improving blood circulation, bringing fresh nutrients to the skin through blood flow, supporting healthy cell production, and taking time for self-care. To give some TLC to your face, use the tips of your fingers or a massage tool to work your lymphatic system, starting in the middle of the face and working up and out towards the ears, before gently bringing it down the neck. 
     

    @yurileeeee
    I’m not a specialist in lymphatic drainage, I’ve seen this technique on TikTok, and internet how to open lymphatic nodes. I’ve recently started doing it, but i only do it when I have extra time🥰 #guasha #lymphaticdrainage #slimmerface #stayyoung #lookyounger #massage
    ♬ original sound – Skinfluencer

     
    Full body
    You’ve likely seen before-and-after pics of lymphatic drainage massage recipients (namely their abdomens) and that alone was enough to convince you to take a stab at it (I don’t blame you). The reasoning behind the contoured look? Lymphatic drainage may help reduce water retention and bloat, which may have a temporary visual slimming effect. And the perks don’t stop there: throw in enhancing the immune system, stimulating the digestive system, and potentially minimizing PMS symptoms like headaches and pelvic pains. 

     
    And if you don’t want to buy anything at all…
    Your hands and some body oil can get the job done too (a mirror might be helpful as well, especially if you’re new to the technique). When performing a lymphatic self-massage, using slow, gentle, and rhythmic strokes and applying them in the direction of the lymph node, or upward, are key. According to a Vogue interview with lymphatic massage expert Flavia Lanini, begin by pressing on the area just below your collarbones to get the drainage started, then press the armpit three times on both sides. Next, shift your focus to the arms and stroke from the elbow to the shoulder on both sides.
    To give it a go on your stomach, Rebecca Faria, a licensed lymphatic drainage specialist and founder of Detox By Rebecca, gave a how-to in an interview with InStyle: Start by opening your lymph nodes with light presses, then make circular, clockwise movements around your navel, followed by consecutive up-and-down movements, from your stomach to your lymph nodes. “Then, turn to one side of your body and, using both hands, make pushing movements from the side towards the lymph nodes,” she explained. Don’t forget about the other side!
    Finally, to massage the legs, lay the palm of your hands right at the crease of one thigh, and move upwards toward the navel in a wave-like motion. Repeat on the other leg. 
    And because nothing is more satisfying than sweating it out, give your lymphatic system a leg up by using an infrared sauna blanket before your hands-on treatment. By stimulating your lymphatic system first to detox through sweat, your body is better able to remove toxins at a cellular level while preparing your lymph nodes for more effective drainage. 
     

    @gracie_norton
    lymphatic drainage stomach massages have made such a big difference in my swelling, water retention, & inflammation! I feel the best results when I do this lying down so that my stomach is completely relaxed 💛 I always make sure to drink plenty of water after this too! #wellnesstok #wellnesshabits #wellness #healthyhabits
    ♬ Storytelling – Adriel

    All About Detoxing: What It Really Is and How To Do It More

  • in

    Ditch Crunches: 9 Moves That Target Your Pelvic Floor and Seriously Tone Your Core

    Crunches may be the most basic ab workout, but it is not the most effective at getting results or building strength. With traditional crunches, you’re isolating only the muscles on the front and sides of your abdomen, but you’re leaving out the most critical part of the abs: the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles form the base of the group of muscles commonly called the “core.” These muscles work with the deep abdominal, back muscles, and the diaphragm (breathing muscle) to support the spine. When it comes to your workouts, targeting the pelvic floor may be the secret to actually seeing results. 
    That’s right: You can yoga-pose and Pilates-girl your way to better abs, and celebrity trainer Lia Bartha is going to show you how. Bartha, the founder of B The Method, has worked with supermodels and actresses alike to strengthen, restore, and protect their bodies through her own method that involves pilates-based, low-impact movements. Read on to get the 411 from Bartha on the moves she recommends to target your pelvic floor.

    Meet the expert
    Lia Bartha
    Celebrity Fitness Instructor and Founder of B The Method
    A former dancer with scoliosis and multiple injuries, Bartha created B The Method, a mix of highly unique pilates-based, low-impact movements—with inspiration from dance and swimming—to strengthen, restore, and protect her own body. Since becoming a fitness expert, she has trained celebrities such as Martha Hunt and Aubrey Plaza.

    Why is the pelvic floor so important?
    When your pelvic floor is either too tight or too weak, it can cause many symptoms from pain with sex to the inability to orgasm to a leaky bladder or constipation. People don’t put enough emphasis on caring for this muscle group because they don’t know what it is, where to find it, and why it matters. The pelvic floor is a hammock of muscles located between the tailbone and pubic bone in the pelvis, and your workouts can have a huge impact on the health of your pelvic floor.
    High-impact exercises, lifting heavy weights, jumping, clenching while working out, and not breathing properly can cause the pelvic floor to become too tight. This can lead to so many issues within the body. The same goes for not putting any care and emphasis on strengthening this muscle group. Therefore, you need to pay attention to both strengthening the pelvic floor (for many benefits, including toning those ab muscles) as well as stretching or lengthening the pelvic floor. Try these nine moves below that Bartha recommends for a variety of both toning and stretching the pelvic floor muscles. 

    Nine moves to target your pelvic floor

    1. Happy baby
    [embedded content]
    Lay down on your back with your knees bent and feet in the air. Hold your big toes with your fingers, and press your tailbone down to the floor in a neutral pelvis. This position will actively stretch your pelvic floor and force it to relax. 

    2. Open butterfly stretch on a ball
    [embedded content]
    Sit on top of a small stability ball, like this one, with your legs open wide. Lay your chest forward toward the ground with your arms straight on the floor. Rock your hips side to side on the ball. This position will actively stretch your pelvic floor while stimulating blood flow.

    3. Tabletop legs on your back
    [embedded content]
    The tabletop position is a go-to for working the deep layer of the abs in Pilates, and Bartha’s variation has an extra intense focus on the pelvic floor. Start laying on your back and lift your legs up at a 90-degree angle, one leg at a time. Follow the sequence (starting at around one minute into Bartha’s guided workout video, above) to work multiple muscles in the pelvic floor. 

    4. Circle gut massage
    [embedded content]
    Lay down on your stomach with the ball placed under your low abdominals and pelvis. It will fit right in that “v” muscle area. Circle your hips five times in one direction and then switch directions. This will stretch, massage, and reset the gut, hips, and lower abdominals.

    5. Bent leg circles
    [embedded content]
    Lay on your back in a neutral pelvis and spine. Lift your legs into a tabletop position. Either lying flat or lifting your neck and shoulders slightly with hands clasped behind your head, start to circle your legs in opposite directions from each other. Then, repeat in the other direction. This move will strengthen the pelvic floor and inner thigh muscles while loosening up the hips. 

    6. Moving frog plank
    [embedded content]
    Get into a child’s pose with your feet tucked underneath. Lift your knees and press out into a plank position with a slightly externally rotated hip. Your toes are apart, and your heels are squeezed together. Now, push back on your arms and into a child’s pose position, but keep the knees hovered. This move will both stretch and strengthen the pelvic floor in a single exercise.

    7. Core bridging
    [embedded content]
    Lay on your back with your feet and knees in parallel. Start to tuck your hips up into a bridge but make sure not to clench the glutes. Lead the exercise from the lower abdominals, pelvic floor, and inner thighs. You won’t be able to lift as high, but you will definitely understand why this is good for orgasms when you get into the position. You will feel the connection to that pelvic region. 

    8. Standing leg lifts
    [embedded content]
    When you engage your core while standing, you’re also able to work your balance, which is targeting your core on an even deeper level. Try bending your leg and bringing your knee as high as you can so you feel your core activate. You can go from a lunge position into a knee lift, or do a slow march in place (try Bartha’s routine starting at 15 minutes in the workout above). 

    9. Bear plank
    [embedded content]
    Start on your hands and knees with your wrists directly underneath your shoulders, your knees directly underneath your hips, and your spine in a neutral position. Engage your core and lift your knees one inch off the ground. Hold for a few breaths and then lower the knees, repeating a few times in a row.  More

  • in

    Are These “Bloat” Pills Worth the Hype? What I Learned on Arrae

    Editor’s Note: This article briefly discusses eating disorders and eating disorder recovery. Please take care of yourself if those topics could be triggering.
    What is five letters and on just about everyone’s lips? B-L-O-A-T, y’all. Everywhere I turn—socials, podcasts, and even text chats with friends—there’s talk of the persistent discomfort. We swap stories of leaving restaurants with our pants unbuttoned (I’m Team Elastic Waistband for life). We compare the foods that seem to set us off (cauliflower and I share a love-hate relationship). And perhaps much to older generations’ chagrin, discussing poop is no longer taboo (in fact, you can find the shortcode ‘BM’ thrown around as casually as a ‘lol’).
    Just as everyone’s talking about bloat, the convo is quickly followed by, “Have you tried Arrae?” When I first heard of the brand, I was quick to rope it in with other of-the-moment, social media-born brands. A quick spin around its website reveals a gradient of muted hues, buzzwords like “holistically,” “wellbeing,” and “filler-free.” My initial response? A mix of *rolls eyes* and intrigue. That’s probably why I pride myself on my approach to trending product deep dives: as a skeptic at heart, I love sorting through the BS to find the truth. And that’s exactly what I’m doing with Arrae today. Are their “Bloat” capsules really worth the hype? Let’s investigate.

    What are Arrae’s Bloat Capsules?
    Widely lauded by creators and trainers alike, it’s clear that Arrae is taking the wellness world by storm. Their bottles have even popped up at Erewhon (confirmation that a brand has truly made it, of course). “Bloat,” their hero product, is garnering fans including Melissa Wood, Molly Sims, and Hailey Bieber. This clinically-tested product is said to work in under an hour to decrease bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort, as well as optimize digestion. It achieves this through all-natural ingredients such as bromelain (for speeding up food breakdown), lemon balm (for gas prevention), and slippery elm (for digestive organ protection). It is said to reduce IBS symptoms (such as abdominal pain, acid reflux, and constipation) by 77%, and reduce bloating by 86%. The product has extremely impressive claims, so I wanted to see if there was any truth to it.

    Why I wanted to try them
    Because everyone’s experience with supplements varies, I’ll share a little insight as to where I’m kicking off my Arrae journey before diving into my experience. And because there’s no way around it, I’m going to get TMI with you. Based on conversations with my dietitian, it’s clear that my digestive issues are the result of a decades-long struggle with an eating disorder. However, I’m well into recovery and actively working to develop a kinder, healthier relationship with food. It did make me question, though, could the use of a bloat-reducing pill trigger symptoms of the disorder?
    After discussing this with my dietitian, it was clear that with my body image in a solid place, working with bloat-reducing pills was simply my desire to feel more comfortable and build up my confidence in eating foods my stomach didn’t agree with in the past (again, cauliflower). What’s more, there are a couple of key things to note about “Bloat” that made me feel confident in proceeding with the test:

    It’s designed to be used on an as-needed basis and is not habit-forming—the “Bloat” pills are not laxatives.
    “Bloat” is formulated with clean, natural ingredients that I could recognize, including ginger root, lemon balm, dandelion root, and peppermint.
    While it’s said to provide immediate relief within an hour, this was the kicker for me: it also supports your microbiome over time. And I knew my gut could use all the help it could get.

    My experience using Arrae’s “Bloat” capsules
    When I’ve conducted similar product reviews, I’ve tested them over a seven-day period. However, because Arrae is designed to be used as needed, I’m reflecting on the benefits I’ve noticed and felt when using it as directed. And readers, I’ll tease my conclusion here with a zealous wow! Remember my initial eye roll? Well, I’ve been humbled by the magic that is Arrae “Bloat” capsules. Here are the main benefits I noticed over my trial period:

    I woke up feeling comfortable and energized after indulgent meals
    The first time I decided to use “Bloat,” it coincided with a particularly decadent meal made by my partner. He cooked two steaks perfectly medium-rare and topped each with a pan sauce that pulled out all the stops (butter, cream, and olive oil). We roasted rainbow carrots with a miso-maple syrup glaze. And to finish things off, a very full glass of red wine. As someone who prioritizes eating plant-based, I only eat meat a few times throughout the month. What’s more, I consider alcohol an occasional weekend beverage. Clearly, this meal was a bit out of the norm. As instructed by the bottle, I took two “Bloat” capsules right after eating.
    When they say that the relief is immediate—believe it. Within an hour, I had gone from feeling sluggish and beyond full to noticing an unfamiliar comfort settle in. What’s more, eating a rich meal so close to bed usually disrupts my sleep. But the next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed and without the I-swallowed-a-bowling-ball-last-night sensation. I may have turned away from these foods in the past, and turned down the opportunity to have a romantic dinner with my partner, but the experience—sans digestive drama—gave me a newfound sense of confidence around these once-triggering foods.

    I’m wearing my tight pants again
    That’s right, thanks to these “Bloat” capsules, I’m taking a sweats and leggings hiatus and actually wearing jeans again. While it may sound superficial or small, for someone who used to be afraid of that too-tight sensation after a meal, to comfortably and confidently wear jeans during the day is no small feat. A week ago, I went out for happy hour with a few friends. I was wearing a new favorite leather skirt that admittedly took a lot of hyping myself up to throw on. We ordered drinks and appetizers, and after a couple of hours, I realized I made it through the entire night without once wishing I could rip off my clothes. (Dramatic, but true.) 
    My secret weapon? In addition to the Bloat capsules, this was the occasion when I knew Arrae’s “Gut Boost” would come in clutch. As instructed, I mixed two dropperfuls into my water before our food and drinks came. In truth, it tasted a bit like an Aperol Spritz—a welcome surprise. The supplement is said to prime your digestive system, making it easier for your body to absorb nutrients and break down food faster. And while I don’t know all the scientific ins and outs behind it, I certainly felt them. Between the Gut Boost and Bloat capsules, I walked away from that happy hour standing up straight, feeling comfortable, and without the usual digestive drama I’d likely be feeling. 

    I’m—*ahem*—far more regular than before
    Now that I’ve had the experience of using both the “Bloat” capsules and “Gut Boost,” I’ve fallen into a comfortable rhythm that suits my digestion best. “Bloat” is still my go-to when I need it (read: after indulgent meals or foods like cauliflower I know will make me bloat), but I now take “Gut Boost” before every meal and have noticed a significant improvement in my digestion, reduced bloat, and yes—progress with my bowel movements. 
    If you’re a girlie who also understands the struggle of constipation, then you get me: there’s nothing more relieving than experiencing regularity. Nowadays, using the products in tandem, my digestion is the best it’s ever been. And honestly, there’s nothing better than feeling like my body is supported in doing exactly what it needs to help me feel my best.

    The takeaway
    Yes, my opinion of Arrae took a total 180 after trying its supplements. I’ll confirm (and scream it from the rooftops): I’m obsessed. Chronic bloat has set me back for much of my life, and in recovery from my eating disorder, it’s made it difficult to move forward. But with Arrae to lean on, I’m now comfortable with many of the foods and contexts that I once avoided.
    Of course, it needs to be noted: these products are expensive. I purchased the “Deep Digestion Duo” for $85, “Gut Boost” will run you $42, and the “Bloat” capsules are $48. (Note: Each is slightly less expensive if purchased as a subscription.) My dietitian suggested a cheaper alternative to sipping on digestion; supportive teas such as ginger or peppermint. For more accessible tips on beating bloat, consult this dietitian’s list.
    If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not to try Arrae, I’ll say this: for the comfort and relief I’ve experienced, I’ve found the products to be worth the price. However, if this is a barrier, by no means is it something you need to experience optimal health. After all, when it comes to wellness, simplicity reigns supreme. I encourage you to make empowered choices that come from a place of trusting what supports you best. For me, that’s Arrae.

    Our Wellness Editor’s Go-To Supplements for Every Health Goal or Symptom More