Home//Shape/April 2016/In This Issue
Shape|April 2016beauty right nowSCAN TO SHOP! DOWNLOAD THE FREE LOVE MY SHAPE APP AND SCAN THE PAGE.THE NEW BALM–SHELLS!Lip slick, frizz fighter, highlighter—there are few things Vaseline can’t do. Now the classic petroleum jelly is actually portable, thanks to these adorable new Lip Therapy Tins ($4 each, drugstores). The silver-dollar-size canisters let you pop the multitasking formula into your bag or even your pocket, so you’ll never be empty-handed when it’s time for a touch-up.Pick your spring flingThis season’s most tempting treat? Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipsticks ($26 each, sephora.com) in 34 dreamy shades, ranging from muted nude to ebony. Each tube is packed with 12 good-for-you hydrating oils and a delicious citrusy scent, so you get jaw-dropping color with some sweet lip benefits, too.You’ll C the DIFFERENCEA potent antioxidant that keeps your…1 min
Shape|April 2016health right nowTry a whiff of hand sanitizer.Yes, weird, but nauseated patients who smelled pads soaked in the distracting scent of isopropyl alcohol, the main ingredient in many germ-fighting gels, felt half as sick 10 minutes later than a placebo group did, a new study in the Annals of Emergency Medicine reports. “Other strong smells, such as peppermint oil and especially ginger, can also work,” says study author Antonia Helbling, M.D.A STRONG SIPCoffee may boost brain power, pain tolerance, and liver function.More big perks in your coffeeHave three to five cups a day of the stuff, caffeinated or decaf, and compared with nondrinkers, you’ll lower your risk of premature death by 15 percent, the latest research found. Coffee contains healthy compounds—chlorogenic acid, lignans, quinides, magnesium, and trigonelline— that reduce your odds of…1 min
Shape|April 2016Dip into spring’s hottest polishesScan for more online.7 fresh ways to wear colorSCAN TO SHOP! DOWNLOAD THE FREE LOVE MY SHAPE APP AND SCAN THE PAGE.Daring OPAQUESA bright raspberry, an energetic orange, and an eye-popping royal blue are refreshing alternatives to the classic pastel options. “With shades this vibrant, you’ll want to keep your nails fingertip length,” says Gina Viviano, a celebrity manicurist for Chanel. “Also, nicks and chips will be obvious, so make sure your nails are entirely clean and dry before you paint, otherwise the polish won’t adhere properly.” Then apply two coats of color. For an understated finish, try a matte topcoat like Revlon Transforming Effects Top Coat, Matte ($5, drugstores). Or keep nails bare except for a single stripe of one bold color up one side of each nail. “Clean…2 min
Shape|April 2016The new body buildingYour hair’s get-tough guideTo maintain your hair’s strength, you need to work on it as you would your body. That means avoiding damaging vices, giving it the right nutrients, and committing to weekly conditioning sessions.The perfect strand of hair is built tough: The outer layer, known as the cuticle, protects the inner structural column, or the cortex. But over time, heat styling, sun exposure, and even shampoo can wear down the cuticle, exposing the center to damage. To rebuild your hair’s va-va-oomph, take these fitness tests—meant to measure its elasticity, porosity, and volume— then adopt the strength-training moves that follow.The Stretch TestYou want your hair to have the bounce of a slinky. Pluck a wet strand from your head and gently tug it at both ends. “If the hair stretches…4 min
Shape|April 2016Leap over any rutScan for more online.Low on motivation to move? When you find yourself regularly skipping or slacking off on your workouts, there’s usually something deeper going on than just a lack of energy. As the hosts of ABC’s Extreme Weight Loss, trainers Chris and Heidi Powell know well the psychological obstacles that many people get hung up on. “If the mental side of getting in shape is not addressed, then most of us see the effort as a chore and, inevitably, we quit,” says Chris, whose new diet and exercise book, Extreme Transformation, coauthored with Heidi, explores the emotional component of sticking to a routine. Here, the surprising reasons that could be behind why you bail or fail—and how to turn your mind on to exercise again.You need a simple endgameBeware…4 min
Shape|April 2016Ask JacQ “I want to exercise at home more. What equipment should I get?”Jill, 25, ChattanoogaYou want stuff that does double duty, starting with a kettlebell. (Get one that you can do 10 to 15 reps of many moves with; try Rogue kettlebells, $22 and up, roguefitness.com.) It’s like a better dumbbell, says Patrick Frost, a Nike+ trainer in New York City. You can do all the lifts you would with a dumbbell, plus heart-pumping dynamic moves, including swinging. “Those types of exercises help you torch calories and build endurance, strength, and explosive power,” Frost says. You’ll also want a TRX Home Gym suspension training system ($200, trxtraining.com). “This is an entire gym in itself,” he says. You use the holds on the hanging straps, which attach to a door frame,…3 min
Shape|April 2016Shake things up!Carrots, beets, and matcha add color.Scan for more online.They seem like the ultimate indulgence, but add vegetables, spices, and fresh juice and you’ll pack your shakes with vitamins and minerals as well as unique flavors, says chef George Morris of Black Iron Kitchen and Bar at Madeline Hotel and Residences in Telluride, Colorado. Turn the page for his creative blend, plus two more from top chefs.Matcha-Maca Milk ShakeChef: Dreux Ellis of Café Gratitude in Los Angeles6 ounces plain almond milk2 scoops coconut milk ice cream2 teaspoons matcha powder1 teaspoon moringa powder (available at healthand natural-food stores)1 teaspoon maca powder (available at health- and natural-food stores)1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 pinch sea saltPlace ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.(Serves 2)Carrot-Vanilla Milk ShakeChef: Tony Nassif of Mile End in New York…2 min
Shape|April 2016Eat bagels and lox for lunchYogurt dressing adds extra protein.Breakfast burritosWarm 2 tortillas in a microwave. Top onethird of each tortilla with black beans, cooked rice, scrambled eggs, salsa, and cheese ; fold in the sides and roll tightly. Wrap each burrito in plastic wrap or foil . Keep refrigerated; when ready to eat, unwrap and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. Tip: Make a big batch of burritos and store them in the freezer for a healthy lunch whenever you want.Bagel-and-lox saladFlatten 1 slice pumpernickel bread with a rolling pin and brush both sides with olive oil. Season with dried oregano, basil, and thyme; garlic powder; salt; and pepper and bake in a 425° oven until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Break bread apart over a salad of arugula, red onion, and cucumber topped…1 min
Shape|April 2016How much protein do you really need?It’s no big secret that protein is crucial for fit women. “It contains essential amino acids that help create muscle, maintain bone health, and keep blood pressure in check,” says Nancy Rodriguez, Ph.D., R.D.N., a professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Connecticut. The nutrient can also help keep you slim. Protein is slower to digest than carbohydrates, so a relatively small amount will keep you full for hours, plus your body actually burns calories in order to digest and use it.There seems to be a clear-cut case for the benefits of protein, but here’s where things get complicated: A growing body of evidence indicates that you can have too much of a good thing. “High amounts of protein can increase your level of growth hormone, insulin, and TOR,…6 min
Shape|April 2016AshleyGreene is taking her body to a higher level. And that’s a literal statement. The actress and fitness fanatic, best known for playing Alice Cullen in the Twilight movies, and who now stars in the DirecTV crime drama Rogue, is hooked on an intense climbing routine that she credits with making her stronger than she has ever been. “It’s an insane full-body workout that gets your cardiovascular levels very high very quickly,” Ashley, 29, says. “It really pushes you, but it’s so fun that it’s addictive.” Ashley’s not exaggerating—she just completed a challenge in which she did the workout every day for 31 days straight. “I wanted to increase my strength and endurance and prove to myself that I could do it,” she explains. Three philosophies guided Ashley to her…4 min
Shape|April 2016How to do a sugar detoxEven if you generally stay away from sweets and choose water over juice or soda, you’re still probably consuming way too much sugar. “Our diets are loaded with hidden sources of it,” says Mark Hyman, M.D., the director of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and the author of Eat Fat, Get Thin. Americans consume 22 teaspoons of added sweetener a day on average, which is more than three times the recommended limit of six teaspoons. “All that sugar is making us tired, overweight, and sick,” Dr. Hyman says. But there’s a simple fix: Cutting back has real benefits, namely that it makes you feel rejuvenated and helps you drop pounds. So worth it!YOUR BODY ON SUGAR“Sugar triggers a spike in your blood sugar level, which is followed by…5 min
Shape|April 2016Runners, hi!I’m not a runner, at least not for any distance (long story involving some black ice, a broken ankle, and a tedious and lengthy recovery). But I often wish I were, for so many reasons.There’s the convenience (lace up and go!), the calorie burning, the endurance building, the glute firming. These are what motivate more than 70 percent of Shape readers to run regularly for exercise, a huge population that inspired us to launch our Run Into Shape column, on page 84, which is geared to helping you run faster, longer, and happier. That running enthusiasm is also why this month we’re debuting an e-book, also called Run Into Shape, written by our very own fitness director, Jaclyn Emerick (scan here for purchase details). And of course, there’s the More/Shape…2 min
Shape|April 2016nutrition right nowZero-sugar chocolate: yay or nay?We say yay! The latest cocoa craze, überdark bars, have such an intense, nutty flavor that we didn’t miss a single granule of sugar. Plus, the darker the bar, the bigger the dose of antioxidants. For a strictly chocolate experience, try a Dandelion Chocolate 100% bar, which has a bold taste and a texture that’s a bit like almond butter, or try something smoother, like Pure7 Chocolate 100% Pure Dark. But if you want to ease into the trend without going cold turkey on sweetness, sample Antidote Raw 100% with dates or EatingEvolved Primal Chocolate 100% Cacao, which comes in coconut and fig-and-almond varieties.The spice of lifeSome like it hot, and as it turns out, those folks live longer. Researchers in China surveyed people about their…2 min
Shape|April 2016fitness right nowDreamy workout blingBehold the designer dumbbell. Crafted by the luxe exercise-toolmaker Hock, these oiled walnut– and–stainless steel beauties will set you back $1,400 (not a typo!) for an eight-kilogram pair. Alas. We mostly recommend posting them on Pinterest for a hit of sweat-spiration and picking up a sleek chrome set that gets you the same muscle molding per rep for a steal. (Try Cap Barbells, from $10, amazon.com.)6Number of weekly miles you need to log to reap the maximum cardiovascular benefits of running. (Namely, lower blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease.) Plus, statistics show you’ll weigh less than people who don’t run at all.SOURCE: Mayo Clinic ProceedingsTHE UN-GYM MEMBERSHIPForget the check-in desk and the contract ball and chain. The latest fitness services let you class- or trainer-hop without…2 min
Shape|April 2016Wash this wayFor years, the conventional wisdom about washing your face was that the process was so quick, its impact on your skin was inconsequential. Turns out, that’s just not true. Experts now know that cleansing is the key to a healthy, radiant, youthful complexion. The grime you come into contact with daily inflames the skin, which can damage collagen and lead to premature aging. “Proper cleansing not only gets rid of that gunk, but it also makes the things you apply to help your skin, like serums, more effective,” says Mona Gohara, M.D., an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine. In fact, new research suggests that cleansing may be all you need to manage your skin problems: A Japanese study found that simply washing your face…2 min
Shape|April 2016Sheer magicMaster the barefaced look.SCAN TO SHOP! DOWNLOAD THE FREE LOVE MY SHAPE APP AND SCAN THE PAGE.If you pine for an “unmakeup” foundation that melts into your skin for a creamy, high-beam complexion, your foundation wish has been granted. Thanks to breakthrough technologies like soft-focus powders and light-reflecting prisms, these weightless formulas completely conceal your imperfections while leaving the appearance of being nearly naked . “Women these days work really hard on their skin,” says Dell Ashley, the director of makeup artistry for YSL Beauty, “so they want to show it off, not cover it up.” Wear one of these liquids to look like the best version of yourself—smooth and natural yet expertly retouched.…1 min
Shape|April 2016Turn and burn15-minute express workoutIt’s an old-school tool, but a jump rope torches more calories—up to 762 per hour—than just about any other exercise equipment. “When you jump rope, every leg muscle has to chip in to propel your weight into the air, which shoots your heart rate and calorie burn way up,” says Marc Santa Maria, the national group fitness director for Crunch gym. “Your core turns on to stabilize you, while your biceps and forearms fire to rotate the rope,” Santa Maria says. That total-body payoff per revolution is the reason he created Rope Burn, a high-octane cardio-strength class that was just launched at Crunch gyms nationwide. To give you a taste of the big benefits, he has condensed the 45-minute class into a power-packed 15 minutes that alternate rope…4 min
Shape|April 2016Try it now . . . RadishesThink beyond the familiar red globe— there are so many types of radishes out there right now, with a full range of peppery bite, says Travis Swikard, the executive chef of Boulud Sud in New York City. Two of his favorites: extracrunchy, sweet French breakfast and mild, juicy watermelon. The low-cal veggie works in a wide variety of dishes, including salads, soups, and mains; tastes as delicious cooked as it does raw; and is packed with vitamin C. Try Swikard’s signature dish, which uses the leaves too, and the two other chef creations below.Grill them and toss with pestoTravis SwikardRemove and reserve the greens from 1 pound each black, daikon, and watermelon radishes. Slice radishes into ⅓-inch-thick pieces. Then slice 1½ pounds red potatoes to the same thickness. Toss radishes,…2 min
Shape|April 2016Light and brightPork-Stuffed-Cucumber SoupServes: 8Active time: 20 minutesTotal time: 1 hour1 pound ground pork¼ cup light soy sauce10 garlic cloves, minced¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper5 large cucumbers, peeled (ends untrimmed)12 cups water3 chicken bouillon cubes1 bunch hon-shimeji or brown beech mushrooms, trimmed and separated (Available at Asian markets; you can substitute clamshell or thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms.)¼ cup thinly sliced scallions1 In a medium bowl, mix together pork, soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper. Halve cucumbers crosswise. Using a measuring spoon or a pineapple corer, hollow out each half so cucumber pieces are tubes with solid ends. Pack each tube with pork mixture.2 In a large Dutch oven or a soup pot over high heat, bring water and bouillon cubes to a boil. Add stuffed cucumbers, reduce heat to low, and…1 min
Shape|April 2016Room with a viewWhat’s the first thing you do when you walk into a hotel room? If you’re like many people, you make a beeline for the window. With good reason: A view of nature can actually improve your vacation, says Ann Sloan Devlin, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Connecticut College and an expert in environmental psychology. “Nature is inherently fascinating to look at and restorative,” she says. And a glittering city skyline can energize you, motivating you to get out and explore. We scoped out five destinations boasting the most phenomenal panoramas you’ve ever laid eyes on.Mountain sceneryFairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta, CanadaLocated within Banff National Park, the Fairmont Chateau was built more than 100 years ago as a base for mountain climbers, making it an ideal spot for outdoor adventures…3 min
Shape|April 2016The HOT new yoga“These moves will work your entire body, and the continuous pace makes you feel as if you’re doing a high-intensity workout,” says Brett Hoebel, the creator of Yoga Brazil.“It’s challenging, but there should be a little freedom in each flowing pose, which will make the workout feel more like play than exercise,” Hoebel says.Take the stretch-andstrengthen powers of yoga, then turn up its burn with the fluid, dance-like movements of the Brazilian martial art Capoeira, and you get Yoga Brazil, a body-sculpting, fat-melting workout created by the celebrity fitness pro Brett Hoebel. As you flow through the poses in a perma-crouch, your muscles are constantly contracted , leaving you tighter, lighter—and quivering—once the routine is over.So why pair yoga with Capoeira? “They complement each other,” Hoebel says. “Yoga is linear,…3 min
Shape|April 2016Comfort food, vegan stylePESTO MEATBALL SLIDERSYield: 16 slidersActive time: 30 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for brushing buns1 onion, finely chopped8 ounces sliced white button mushrooms2 garlic cloves, minced1½ cups cooked brown rice, cooled½ cup Italian bread crumbs¼ cup all-purpose flour1 teaspoon dried basil1½ teaspoons sea salt, plus more for seasoning1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)16 vegan slider buns or dinner rolls1 cup store-bought tomato sauce, heated1 cup store-bought tomato sauce, heated16 fresh basil leaves1 In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil; add onion and mushrooms and cook until soft and lightly browned. Add garlic and cook for a few minutes more. Transfer onionand-mushroom mixture to a food processor and set skillet aside.2 Add rice, bread…7 min
Shape|April 2016SHAPE ADVISORY BOARDFITNESSCedric X. BryantChief science officer, AmericanCouncil on ExerciseMichelle LovittTrainer working with celebrities,Olympians, and professional athletesJillian MichaelsCreator of Jillian Michaels BodyRevolutionMichele Olson, Ph.D.Professor of exercise science,lead researcher at the AuburnUniversity MontgomeryScharff-Olson Kinesiology LabAdam RosanteCreator of Reset 21, an online 21-dayfitness-and-lifestyle programHEALTH AND WELLNESSDavid E. Bank, M.D.Director of the Center for Dermatology,Cosmetic and Laser Surgery, MountKisco, New YorkRona BergAdvisory chair, Green SpaNetwork; AOL Wellness Coach;best-selling authorChristine Carter, Ph.D.Sociologist, Greater Good ScienceCenter at the University of California,BerkeleyLori Fields, LCSWWoman’s empowerment coachKeri Gans, R.D.N.Nutritionist, New York CityDawn Jackson Blatner, R.D.N.Nutritionist and author ofThe Flexitarian DietDavid L. Katz, M.D.Weight-loss expert, director of theYale-Griffin Prevention ResearchCenter at Yale UniversityBart Precourt, D.C.Holistic practitioner, Seagrove, FloridaMike Roussell, Ph.D.Director of nutrition, PeakPerformance, New York CityBruce Young, M.D.Obstetrician-gynecologist, director ofthe Pregnancy Loss Prevention Center,NYU Langone Medical CenterSTYLEGita BassCelebrity makeup artist…2 min
Shape|April 2016(Hash)tag— you’re fit!Log on, work out.DOUBLE YOUR CHANCES of getting that workout done. When people join a fitness social network, they exercise 100 percent more than those who work out without online buddies, according to new research from the University of Pennsylvania. Seeing how often others with the same goals are exercising and what they’re doing builds a competitive spirit that motivates you to exercise more, explains lead study author Damon Centola, Ph.D. Plus, Centola says, the “positive behavior signals,” like real-time updates on your pals’ progress, reinforce to you that exercise is the norm among your peers. Got a tracker like Fitbit or Jawbone? Tap into its built-in community. Or download a free app, such as ActiveX (iOS), which lets you join a group, or “pack,” of like-minded exercisers.…1 min
Shape|April 2016style right nowFIT FASHION’S BEST-KEPT SECRETIn the era of buzzy designer spandex brands, Old Navy’s active wear has been flying under the radar. No more— it’s time this insider-beloved line has its due moment. The spring collection incorporates all the current trends in color, print, and fit you would get from pricier labels. And like the sleek separates above, most pieces cost less than $40; sports bras start at just $15. We say run, don’t walk, to your nearest Old Navy outpost.Works like a charmEveryone has #fitnessgoals, and a daily reminder can pump up your commitment. To keep your eyes on the prize, dangle it from a chain: Iron Strong Jewelry by Tina Tang has turned popular sweaty pursuits into charms like this Weight Plate necklace($65 and up, ironstrongjewelry.com). CrossFitters, can you…1 min
Shape|April 2016love right nowAt the end of your roll?If you’re hoping your guy’s looks and charm will eclipse his inability to change the TP, we have news: Women tend to place more weight on partners’ negative characteristics than on their positive ones, according to a study at Western Sydney University. “Over time, the costs associated with bad mating choices outweigh the benefits of good ones,” says researcher Peter Jonason, Ph.D. Here, women’s top deal breakers:Laziness 72% of women say it’s a deal breaker.Disheveled appearance 71%Neediness 69%No sense of humor 58%Bad in bed 50%DO THE DISHES. DO THE DEED. REPEAT.Couples Couples who split chores fairly tend to have better and more frequent sex than those who don’t, research from the University of Alberta found. “Being left to pick up the slack on chores can…1 min
Shape|April 2016Your cleansing scheduleSCAN TO SHOP! DOWNLOAD THE FREE LOVE MY SHAPE APP AND SCAN THE PAGE.MorningYour goal here is to remove surface cells that have accumulated overnight and residue from your night cream, says Francesca Fusco, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. It doesn’t take much to accomplish that. If you have sensitive skin, simply wet your face with lukewarm water and massage it with your fingers so that you don’t remove too many lipids. If you do feel a lot of residue on your face, try a mild fragrance-free cleanser like (1) Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser ($14, drugstores). Normal to dry skin types can use a wipe or a gentle face wash such as (2) Neutrogena Healthy Skin Boosters Facial Cleanser ($8, drugstores). Those with oily skin will want a…3 min
Shape|April 2016I’m on a strict dietInsider’s picksSCAN TO SHOP! DOWNLOAD THE FREE LOVE MY SHAPE APP AND SCAN THE PAGE.Gluten, carbs, fat, and dairy are still on the menu. But for the past month, I’ve sworn off my usual antiaging, antiacne skin-care products, including prescription vitamin A cream, AHAs, and lightweight serums. Why? Because Sonya Dakar, a Beverly Hills–based aesthetician who counts Gwyneth Paltrow among her clients, told me to. Recently, Sonya examined my face, and in her powerful, Israeli-accented voice, declared my skin dry, red, and irritated. “Take whatever you’re using now and put it in a box,” she said. “Then throw the box away.” Instead, I was to use only the products Sonya recommended from her product line, which has active ingredients (retinol, lactic acid) similar to the ones I’ve been using, but…3 min
Shape|April 2016The Game changersSNEAKERS ARE DESIGNED to do specific jobs, so why wear a running shoe when your workout calls for lifting barbells and doing box jumps? It pays to have a few pairs, especially if you like to play the field with your routine, as we do. To cover your every move, we asked dozens of sporty women to put 85 of the latest styles to the test for a month of racing, lifting, dancing, jumping, hiking, and everything in between-ing. You know your get-fit goals; now flip the page to find the top performers that will make achieving them feel easier and more fun.LOVE STRENGTH TRAINING: Adidas Pure Boost X TrainerThe stretchy upper is completely detached from the outsole at the arch, allowing these cross-trainers to really mold to your foot.…7 min
Shape|April 2016Ace your raceDo a mental pregameBefore you walk out the door, spend a minute in front of a mirror. “Get into a power stance: chest lifted, head held high, and arms either on hips or crossed— whatever makes you feel as if you’re going to crush it,” says Joe Holder, a Nike+ Run Club coach in New York City. “It’s a fast way to fire up your confidence and calm prerace nerves.”Wear shadesYou’ll look flashy in your race photos and you’ll relax your upper body. Squinting contracts your face muscles, and that tension moves down your neck to your shoulders, says Andrew Kastor, the head coach of the ASICS Mammoth Track Club. “Even slight stiffness in your upper body messes with your form. You don’t stride as long or as powerfully,” he…3 min
Shape|April 2016Flat-belly fiestaSCAN TO SEE MORE! DOWNLOAD THE FREE LOVE MY SHAPE APP AND SCAN THE PAGE.From your own kitchen:EAT THIS!Strawberry, Avocado, and Chicken QuesadillaIn a small bowl, stir together ¼ cup chopped strawberries, ¼ cup chopped avocado, 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion, 1 tablespoon roughly chopped cilantro, the juice of 1 lime wedge, and a pinch of salt. Spread ½ cup shredded rotisserie chicken and 2 tablespoons shredded Jack cheese on one half of an 8-inch flour tortilla; fold and press firmly to close. Heat a large nonstick pan coated with cooking spray over medium heat and cook quesadilla for 4 to 8 minutes, turning once, until golden on both sides. Eat with salsa. Serves 1. (425 calories)When you’re at a Mexican restaurant:NOT THAT!On the Border Monterey Ranch Chicken Fajitas…2 min
Shape|April 2016The new rules of motivationScan for more online.To tap the true power of motivation, you need to ditch the strategies you’ve used in the past. “Many of the things people think will help them achieve a goal can backfire and make them less driven,” says David Gard, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at San Francisco State University, who has spent years researching what spurs us. Fortunately, Gard and other experts have discovered what does work. The six surprising tactics that follow may seem counterintuitive, but they’re scientifically proved to get you across the finish line.Don’t treat yourself after a job is doneBeing rewarded for healthy behavior—“I’ll buy myself a new pair of sneakers if I go to the gym three times a week for a month,” for instance—actually saps your mojo, findings in the…4 min
Shape|April 2016STEPPING UP HER GAMEStyling by Amy Berlin Dubin; hair by Richard Collins/Tracey Mattingly for Schwarzkopf; makeup by Beau Nelson/The Wall Group for Lancôme; manicure by Carla Kay/Cloutier Remix for Formula X, The Strengthening Prescription…1 min
Shape|April 2016How to get with the flowStart with pair 1. Then do pair 2. Next, do pair 1, then pair 2. Then do pair 3. After that, you’ll combine them, doing pair 1, then 2, then 3. You’ll repeat this process of introducing a new pair of moves and then combining all the pairs from the beginning until you’ve combined pairs 1 through 6.YOU’LL NEEDA yoga matPAIR 1A/BDOWN DOG INTO LOW LUNGEWORKS SHOULDERS, LOWER BACK, BUTT, QUADS, HAMSTRINGS, CALVESStart on floor in plank on palms. A Push hips up and back so that body forms an inverted V. Step left foot forward between hands, bending leg 90 degrees and lowering right knee toward floor. B Lower torso toward left knee, and keeping left palm planted, bring right forearm in front of chin with elbow bent. Replant…4 min
Shape|April 2016Under Armour’s Adrienne Lofton never missesAs a marketing guru for the hot sportswear brand, Adrienne Lofton pretty much has your dream job. (Yes, she works with all those pros you’ve seen in the ads, and yes, she gets her pick of spandex.) But for her, it’s not just about turning perspiration into profits—the former Division I volleyball player is passionate about rallying everyday exercisers. “I want to give all female athletes [she means us!] inspiring looks that make them feel strong and fit,” Lofton says. We asked how she pulls off the athletic aesthetic and walks the talk.RECIPE FOR EXERCISING AROUND YOUR 9-TO-5?I refuse to get bored with my workouts, so I mix it up among getting my butt kicked by my trainer in our company gym, boxing at a local studio, running, and a…2 min
