4 Ways to Keep Your Hair and Skin From Drying Out This Winter

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Winter doesn’t just suck the life out of you emotionally—it can also suck the life (and water) out of your skin and hair. While staying hydrated is super important, your skin and hair need extra protection against the elements.

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We reached out to a few beauty experts to get their top tips for keeping skin and hair hydrated and healthy all the way to spring.

1. Prep your skin differently in the winter than you do in the summer.

It might seem counterintuitive, but you actually want to use a gentle exfoliator in the winter months, says Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets From a Top New York Dermatologist. "Taking the dead skin off the surface helps your moisturizer penetrate better," she explains.

Jaliman also recommends using a water spray before moisturizing, which helps bind water molecules to your skin, creating a long-lasting, ultra-moisturized effect. Different skin types do best with different water spray solutions, but all skin will benefit from a moisturizer packed with hyaluronic acid. It's one of the best ingredients for skin hydration: A single hyaluronic acid molecule can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water and acts as a carrier, holding in H2O and delivering it to the skin.

2. Hydrating masks can keep both your hair and face from freaking out.

In cold, dry months, treating your hair with a deep-conditioning mask every couple of weeks is a good idea, says Stephanie Johnson, a cosmetologist and colorist specialist in Dallas, Texas. She recommends looking for a mask with shea butter or a nut oil. "Both are loaded with vitamin E and fatty acids that will nourish your hair," she says.

For African-American hair, Deycke Heidorn, a stylist in New York, recommends argan oil and coconut oil. "African-American hair is typically very porous and requires extra hydration and moisture," Heidorn says. "Coconut oil is a heavy sealant that locks in moisture, while argan oil is rich in vitamin E, which helps hydrate the scalp and hair shafts."

Another way to help your hair retain moisture: After conditioning, spray your hair with a leave-in conditioner before styling. "Heat and mechanical damage strips out moisture, so your locks will be thankful for the extra protection," says Johnson. But if you have fine hair, don’t slather on conditioner from scalp to ends. Instead, apply midshaft to ends only, to avoid weighing down hair and losing volume. This rule applies to both traditional rinse-out and leave-in conditioners.

For skin, Jaliman recommends honey. Honey naturally contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties—making it a great fit if your dry skin is also prone to breakouts. For ultra-dry skin, throw on a hydrating sheet mask for fifteen minutes in the evening, as well. Your face will thank you.

3. Get serious about beauty sleep and buy that silk pillowcase you’ve always wanted.

Traditional cotton pillowcases soak up more moisture from your hair and skin than their silky-smooth counterparts. If you sleep on a silk pillowcase, you’ll have fewer hair issues like flyaways and frizz, and wake up with dewier, creaseless skin. Silk also makes a lot of hairstyles—including blowouts—last longer, so you won’t have to fry your hair (or drain your bank account) as frequently.

4. Avoid sulfates.

Hair products are often loaded down with drying, stripping sulfates, a detergent chemical used to create foam in beauty and cleaning products. Sulfates act as "surfactants," molecules that attach themselves to oil and water, emulsify the surface tension of water, and wash away both simultaneously. While clean hair is happy hair, sulfates don’t always completely wash away and can irritate the scalp and hair in the end, causing more harm than good.

This is especially true if you have curly, fine, or chemically treated hair. "These folks tend to have less cuticle layer to protect the hair," Johnson says. "They have a hard enough time retaining moisture because their cuticle layer is often compromised. Drying sulfates are not going to help that at all."

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November 30, 2017 at 07:52AM

6 Easy Ways to Do Your Hair for Holiday Parties

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Let’s be real: The holidays are chaotic. There are always a million things going on, and sometimes (read: always) it’s hard to take time for yourself. But if you can gift yourself a few minutes to create a quick hairstyle, it’s sure to boost your confidence.

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Stylist Devin Toth at Salon SCK gave us six holiday party hairstyles for different hair types. These styles are truly low-maintenance, so you don’t have to be a stylist yourself to do them—or spend time you don’t have getting ready.

1. Natural Hair

To get a natural hairstyle that’s quick yet gorgeous, go for playful braided pigtail buns, Toth says. "Create a center part and tightly pull your hair into two high ponytails located at the outer left and right edges of your crown," Toth explains. After tying each ponytail with an elastic, braid them and secure the ends with another elastic, then simply twist each braid into a bun and secure with bobby pins.

2. Long, Straight Hair

In partnership with Garnier

Long hair can seem impossible to manage, but we found a sophisticated, quick style that totally works—and no, it isn’t just "go get a blowout." Start by creating a super-deep, clean side part, then spray the part with a strong-hold hairspray, like Garnier Fructis Style Sleek and Shine Anti-Humidity Hairspray ($2.99, amazon.com) to keep it in place. Then, on the side with less hair, brush hair back into a tight ponytail and secure at the nape of your neck, hidden underneath the length of the rest of your hair.

"This is a fun, dramatic look that will last all evening," Toth says. To ensure hair is soft and fresh (key for nailing this look), spray with Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Dry Shampoo ($4.99, amazon.com), which absorbs oil immediately and doesn't leave white residue.

3. Wavy, Textured Hair

Put down that straightening iron—textured hair should be shown off. But it also needs to be reined in just a little, which makes the classic half-up, half-down style perfect. Toth recommends putting a new spin on this classic by braiding the small, front pieces of hair. "Once both sides meet at the back of the crown, twist them together, then secure the twist to your hair with some bobby pins," Toth explains.

4. Shoulder-Length Hair

Go old Hollywood with some stunning S waves. Bear with us: This may sound difficult, but it’s a lot easier than you’d think, especially for this length. Start with a deep side part and spray into place, then curl one-inch sections using a small curling iron. After, brush through using a boar-bristle brush until hair falls into a S shape. "It’s the easiest style to recreate," Toth says.

5. Curly Hair

When you’re in a rush, there’s no need to waste time trying to get your curls in shape. Instead, embrace an undone texture with a messy updo. Toth recommends using your fingers to gather hair into a bun on the crown of your head. Keep the whole thing loose and free by securing with bobby pins instead of an elastic. To spice it up for the holidays, add a pretty hairpin to the side of the bun—we love Ban.do's Sun Up hair pin ($70, bando.com).

6. Pixie Cut

Even though the holidays are packed with glitter and dazzle, sometimes the simpler the look, the better. "A short pixie cut looks extra festive with an understated headband," says Toth. Give your pixie a little shape using Shu Uemura Shape Paste ($26.76, amazon.com). Then, slide on a solid, silk headband like this L. Erickson silk scarf headband ($38, nordstrom.com) for a look that’s classic and elegant—and takes three minutes to put together.

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November 30, 2017 at 07:52AM

How to Find the Best Face Mask for Your Skin Type

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Few experiences feel more like an act of true #selfcare than kicking back with a good face mask at home. Face masks are all about taking a much-needed time-out—and of course, they make your skin feel amazing, which doesn’t exactly hurt. The whole process is one of my favorite things in the entire world, and I indulge in it regularly.

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I understand some people go to spas for these treatments, but frankly, that sounds both expensive and stressful to me. I don’t want to worry about the cost of a destressing treatment while I’m trying to destress, and I definitely don’t want a stranger who works in beauty for a living to see me with a face mask on. I barely want my dog to see me with a face mask on.

I love the process of blending ingredients in my kitchen, unscrewing the lid off a pot of store-bought mask, or even just ripping open a sheet mask. In fact, my favorite thing about sheet masks is they're pretty gunkless, which means you don’t have to spend 20 minutes sleepily scrubbing out your bedsheets in the bathroom sink after you inevitably fall asleep watching The Deuce (ask me how I know). They’re also so low effort, you’ll actually do them on a weeknight.

Anyway, whether you want to scoop your mask from a jar or tidily unfold a sheet mask from a packet, here's how to find the best one to manage your skin concerns.

1. Shiny, Oily Skin

In partnership with Garnier

When your skin becomes more reflective than a Mylar balloon, you need help mattifying. "I suggest hyaluronic acid for oily skin, as it’s noncomedogenic," says Michele Green, M.D., a New York-based board-certified cosmetic dermatologist. "Individuals with oily skin tend to overwash or use products that are too drying. When the skin is overdry, it tends to produce more oil."

One great option for carefully rehydrating skin that needs some help becoming grease free: Garnier's SkinActive Moisture Bomb Super-Mattifying Sheet Mask ($12.70 for six, amazon.com). It hydrates and soothes skin with both hyaluronic acid and a green tea extract, leaving it soft, hydrated, and radiant. "Green tea is an excellent antioxidant for sensitive skin; it contains catechins, which reduce inflammation," Green says.

2. Breakout Skin

We’ve been seeing tons of those seemingly magical charcoal peel-off masks, which strip blockages straight out of your pores like some kind of fairy. But can ripping stuff out of your face actually be good for your skin? According to Green, the answer is nopenopenope. "Those masks are dangerous," she says. "They strip the skin of natural oils, and most of them are made with glue. When applied to the skin and left to harden, this can cause severe damage to the skin’s protective layer."

But it's not charcoal that's the issue. In fact, charcoal may help strip away impurities by bonding to dirt and oil, leaving your face extra clean. Just look for the kind of mask that washes off, rather than peels off.

What else is good for breakout-prone skin? Products that contain benzoyl peroxide, according to Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. "Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin, which promote inflammation and acne breakouts," he says.

3. Visibly Annoyed-With-Everything, Ultra-Sensitive Skin

If you have skin that’s just clearly mad at you about every product you’ve ever tried to put on it, the weather, allergies, our political climate, whatever, opt for a soothing oatmeal mask.

"Oatmeal has both skin-protecting and calming effects," Zeichner explains. "It provides a seal over the skin to allow the skin to heal itself. Anti-inflammatory ingredients in oatmeal called ‘avenanthramides’ also help reduce inflammation."

Green agrees. "Oatmeal is excellent for sensitive skin, as well as for dry, itchy skin and eczema sufferers," she says. "Grind one cup of oats in a food processor to a fine powder to create your own colloidal oatmeal." This can be added to a bath for a full-body soak or combined with yogurt and Manuka honey for a super-soothing, sensitive-skin face mask.

4. The Skin of a Person Who's Been Pulling a Lot of All-Nighters

We’ve all been there: You ended up taking on more than you can handle (or more than you could handle jumped into your lap and stayed there), getting human amounts of sleep has just not been an option lately, and your skin is reflecting your new lifestyle in ways that are profoundly unappealing.

"Antioxidants like green tea or vitamin C help brighten a dull, tired complexion," Zeichner says. "They’re like fire extinguishers that reduce inflammation caused by free radicals in the skin. They also help lighten dark spots caused by sun exposure." One mask that Zeichner recommends: Peter Thomas Roth Camu Camu Power C x 30 Vitamin C Brightening Sleeping Mask ($42.50, amazon.com). This is absolutely made for the exhausted: You can literally fall asleep in it and wake up looking far more refreshed than you’d ever thought possible.

5. Combination Skin

If you have the Chex Mix of skin—a little bit of this, a little bit of that, shake in some peanuts because why not—then you need a mask that works multiple ways. "A mask containing salicylic acid is great for combination skin," Green says. "This ingredient helps control excess sebum and minimize pore size." One great mask for this skin type is Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial ($80, sephora.com), which, while pricey, packs five different acid types (including salicylic)—and has a drunk elephant drawn on the packaging, for obvious added value.

6. Dull-As-Dry-Toast Skin

While it’s uncomfortable if your skin feels as shiny as a factory-new Tesla, you do want a certain healthy, yes-I’m-still-breathing glow.

If your skin is feeling dull, consider a mask containing aloe vera, Green says. One good option: TonyMoly's Daily Fresh Aloe Mask Sheet ($8.50 for 10, ulta.com), which can restore brightness to dry, damaged skin.

7. Fine Lines

If they haven’t started for you yet, just memorize this section (time comes for us all, y'all). "Retinols, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin A all reduce the appearance of fine lines," Green says. You've probably seen that ultra-trendy Hanacure mask ($29, hanacure.com) making the social media rounds (and allegedly tightening up the faces of celebrities far and wide), but does it work? Yes, according to Zeichner. "The Hanacure mask has skin brightening, exfoliating, and tightening properties," he says. "It’s best for those with aging skin [who have] early signs of pigmentation and crepiness."

8. Pretty Darn Happy Skin

If your skin is looking great, feeling great, and problem free (a situation that I hear occurs but have never actually experienced myself), you can still treat yo’self to a vitamin C mask, which is an investment in future skin health.

"Vitamin C is excellent—it fights free radical damage from the winter and brightens the skin," Green says. For this option, consider going for Tatcha’s Violet-C Radiant Mask ($68, sephora.com) offers two types of vitamin C—one water soluble and one oil soluble—to increase absorption effectiveness.

Jess Novak is the Greatist lifestyle and beauty editor. She doesn't really fall asleep wearing face masks that often. Follow her misadventures on Instagram @jtothenovak.

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November 30, 2017 at 07:52AM

You'll Want to Spread This Chocolate Hummus on Everything

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The phrase "chocolate hummus" may make you do a double take, but the taste definitely delivers. Your hummus just went from your favorite appetizer to a decadent dessert. This smooth and rich dip will satisfy your sweet cravings while filling you up with protein and healthy fats. Find the full recipe here.

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November 30, 2017 at 06:59AM

14 Gifts for the Host(ess) That Aren't Just Another Bottle of Wine

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This year, you’re cordially invited to get a little more creative when it comes to your hostess gifts. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with showing up with a classic Cab, but there’s also nothing exciting about it. So if you’re really trying to dazzle the hostess with the mostest, we recommend thinking outside the bottle.

Now you’re probably thinking—if not wine, then what?! Fret not. We’ve got a full range of gift options, ordered from least to most expensive, so whether you’re attending your best friend’s party or showing up at the house of a kind stranger, you’ll know the right thing to bring.

1. Himalayan Salt and Grater

From salt lamps to neti pot cleanses, healing Himalayan salt is popping up in all sorts of unlikely places. But one great way to absorb the many health benefits of this mineral-rich salt is to eat it. Simply grate over any dish that needs a little seasoning for a healthier, hipper dining experience.

($9-$35; uncommongoods.com)

2. Wine-O's

Every host knows that losing track of your wine glass can be catastrophic. With these colorful felt Wine-o’s, you no longer have to walk around cradling your wine glass like it’s your firstborn child.

($13.50; wildfang.com)

3. Mason Jar Shot Glasses (Set of 4)

It’s like you’re at a coffee shop but you’re drinking tequila. That’s what’s so beautiful about these mason jar shot glasses: They look lovely, but they’re really just here to party. Bring a set of 4—or to really bring the hipster hype, pair with a liquor of your choice.

($12.95; homewetbar.com)

4. Slivered Geode Coaster

TBH, these might be the first coasters that have made us consider using coasters. Gold-rimmed, elegant, and useful for any party where libations are flowing, these hidden gems are the ideal gift to bring to any party.

($14 each; anthropologie.com)

5. Slow Brew Sloth Tea Infuser

Usually, finding a sloth in your mug is reason to panic... but this slow-brew kit will help your host take it slow. Needless to say, we love this sloth tea infuser almost as much as Kristen Bell loves actual sloths.

($16.48; amazon.com)

6. Dottie Honey Pot

With a little wooden stirrer to boot, this ceramic bear honey pot from Anthropologie is the perfect way to add something a little sweet to your host’s kitchen.

($20; anthropologie.com)

7. Cow Wine Stopper

Leftover wine from the party? Nothing a few cows can’t handle! This hand-carved wine stopper fits snugly in the top of your bottle with a leak-proof seal. So you can party until the cows come home... and save some of the fun for later.

($20; dotandbo.com)

8. Avocado and Peppermint Hand, Cuticle, and Foot Balm

Give the gift of well-deserved relaxation after a long day of hosting with Captain Blankenship’s Avocado and Peppermint Balm. With cocoa butter, calendula extract, and essential oils, it keeps hands and feet smelling sweet and feeling soft.

($24; captainblankenship.com)

9. Veggie Lover's Tea Towels

We don’t always condone food puns (orange you glad we use them sparingly?), but we can’t get enough of these decorative dish towels. This set of three will be perfect for hosts who love veggies, food puns, and/or Rick Ross.

($25.46; etsy.com)

10. Compartes Chocolate Truffles (10 pieces)

If you’ve never seen chocolate that looks like it should be behind a frame rather than on a plate, you’ve never met a Compartes truffle. The only downside to these colorful chocolates is that they’re almost too pretty to eat... almost...

($26.95; compartes.com)

11. Mama and Baby Champagne Gummy Bears

OK, so we’re giving you the go-ahead to bring champagne, but only in its most adorable form! These mama- and baby-size champagne-infused gummy bears come in Brut and Rosé. Festive and non-alcoholic, they’re perfect for any occasion.

($28.50; sugarfina.com)

12. Pyramid Geometric Hanging Terrarium

Headed to a housewarming? This hanging terrarium is the perfect gift for the host who’s new in town. Pair it with an air plant or a small succulent of your choice, and the pyramid glass terrarium will add a stylish, contemporary touch to any living space.

($34.99; 46spruce.com)

13. Dona Chai and Turmeric Latte Combo Pack

We’re obsessed with Dona Chai, and we think everyone else should be too. Brewed with whole spices ground fresh for each batch, these full-bodied chai and turmeric concentrates make flavorful lattes that are as easy to make as they are to enjoy—just add milk.

($36; donachai-sales.com)

14. Matcha Brewing Kit

After a busy night of hosting, there’s probably nothing better than a hot cup of matcha in the morning. Complete with Matsu matcha powder, a glass chawan, and a mixing brush, Matchaeologist’s brewing kit comes with everything you need to craft your own artisan matcha latte right from your kitchen.

($69; freepeople.com)

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November 30, 2017 at 05:51AM

27 Yoga Gifts Under $25 That Will Thrill Even the Most Zen Yogi

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Just about everyone has at least one yoga-loving friend in their life, if not a whole gaggle. If you're worried about what to get your yogi friends this holiday season or if you're stressed about spending a fortune on the squad, don't sweat it (save that for Bikram class). We've got you covered with our selection of the best yoga gifts out there for under $25. Whether they're yoga beginners, seasoned practitioners, or certifiable gurus, click through and find something for all your bendy pals.

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November 29, 2017 at 08:31PM

How the Heck Do You Use Nutritional Yeast Anyway?! Here's Your Answer

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Out of all the staples in my kitchen, the one that people ask me about the most is nutritional yeast, an inactive yeast strain that's packed with vitamin B12, which is predominantly found in seafood, and which even contains a couple grams of protein per serving. You can usually find it in the health food aisle of your local grocery store, and it looks like a pile of weird, orange flakes. Weird, but totally delicious and useful for just about anyone's diet.

But if you don't know what to do with nutritional yeast, which is sometimes affectionately referred to as nooch, it can seem like a scary thing. As an amateur vegan cook, I've had a lot of experience with nutritional yeast, so I know what it's good for - and what it's not (it does not, I repeat, does not belong in anything that's meant to taste sweet). These are the four primary ways I use nooch on the regular. Time to get cooking!

Make a Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce

Vegan mac and cheese would be nothing without nooch. Whether the base for your dairy-free cheese sauce is soaked cashews, cooked pumpkin, or roasted butternut squash, nutritional yeast lends a cheesy flavor (and natural orange color) that is absolutely necessary in this classic comfort food.

For example, this recipe for vegan pumpkin mac and cheese calls for two tablespoons of nutritional yeast, which may not sound like a lot, but it's the perfect amount to get the creamy cheesiness you're looking for in mac and cheese.

Sprinkle It on Savory Snacks and Side Dishes

Every time I make popcorn, I sprinkle on some nooch, along with my favorite spices like chipotle chili, paprika, and salt. Any other salty snack or side dish could benefit from a little nutritional yeast as well, like roasted potatoes, bean dips, french fries, and kale chips. Sometimes I'll even sprinkle it on my tempeh or seitan sandwiches for an extra kick of flavor; it's kind of like having a slice of cheese on there (only without the gassy consequences of eating dairy).

Use It in an Asian Sauce

Cheddar cheese isn't the only flavor that nutritional yeast can replicate. It also has a naturally savory, yeasty (duh) taste that goes really well in Asian dishes. Sometimes I'll put it in the blender when I make a peanut sauce or I sprinkle it into my homemade Korean BBQ sauce. It enhances the delicious umami flavors that thrive in Asian food.

Toss It in Marinades

Nooch goes well in just about any marinade and with just about any flavors, whether it's Italian, Mexican, or Asian. Even if I'm following a recipe that doesn't call for nutritional yeast, if I feel like it could use some extra flavor, I toss it in there anyway. It's the ultimate thing to incorporate in your cooking if you want to impress your dinner guests!

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November 29, 2017 at 07:59PM

Why You - Yes, You - and Everyone Else Need to Be Doing Pilates

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There are so many workouts we love, but one in particular offers a bevy of benefits that are absolutely invaluable: Pilates. Honestly, everyone can benefit from doing it, and we're not exaggerating. Addicted to group fitness? This needs to be part of your routine. Never had a personal training session? Get to a Pilates studio. Injury? Jump on that reformer.

While group fitness is awesome (it's encouraging, welcoming, inspiring, and seriously fun!), more often than not, a group fitness class doesn't take the time to teach you proper form and functional movement in necessary depth, leaving you potentially injury-prone. A Pilates class is the exception to that rule, rendering it the necessary addition to your weekly routine.

Let's take a look at what makes this workout so special.

It's an All-in-One Package

In Pilates, what you're paying for is far more than just a great workout for 40 to 60 minutes; you're getting a bit of physical therapy and a whole lot of education on how to properly move your body well beyond the carriage, chair, and box.

While I still love my group fitness classes, more than ever I've come to recognize the importance of supplementing my boot-camp-and-cycling routine with reformer Pilates - the ultimate hybrid of low-impact exercise, strength training, physical therapy, and physical education.

And you're still getting a kickass workout! "Some folks think that Pilates is an 'easy' workout because it can be easy on your joints," said Cricket Wardein, founder of Mighty Pilates. But it's far from the case. "[These classes are] intense and focus on building long, lean muscles and a strong core."

You Get More Specialized Attention Than You Would in Most Other Group Fitness Classes

Pilates is still a group fitness class, but you actually get specialized attention in Pilates that you don't normally see in other sessions.

Similar to personal training, if you have an instructor who knows their stuff, you're not only getting an excellent strength-training session, but you'll be learning a better mind-body connection that you can take with you into other workouts. "Pilates is about gaining an awareness of your alignment while creating a balanced muscular structure," said Rachel Reis, a Balanced Body Pilates trainer at EHS Pilates in San Francisco. "It is also about connecting your breath to movement and activating your core, which can translate to any sport or movement-based practice."

Diana Guerci, Pilates instructor at Mighty Pilates, agreed but noted it's not just limited to workouts and sports. "The cues that your teacher is giving you during a Pilates exercise are also cues that you should bring with you in your day-to-day life - from driving to washing the dishes to walking to holding your kid, etc."

You'll Learn a Lot About Your Body

That breath-to-movement idea is just one part of the body awareness you'll gain in Pilates classes. You'll also probably pick up a few anatomy terms that'll help you better understand how your body moves and functions ("cervical spine" and "transverse abdominis" are sure to impress at parties).

The body awareness you gain from a class like this is "the key" to staying safe in all other workouts, according to injury prevention expert and personal trainer Liz Letchford, MS, ATC. In her one-on-one sessions, Liz says, "The first thing I teach my clients is postural awareness." A Pilates session creates space for the instructor to teach "proper body position while guiding you on what sensations you should be feeling in each exercise and position," which can bridge the gap between group fitness and personal training. Liz also noted she is "a huge fan of Pilates's emphasis on core stability and control," which impacts all other areas of functional movement.

During a recent reformer class I took with Diana, I immediately noticed her knowledge of the human body; instead of calling out generic cues like "Keep going!" or "Go faster!", Diana coached with an educational style. "Articulate your thoracic and lumbar spine" and "You should feel this in your postural muscles" were a few standouts from class - not to mention how she quickly picked up on my naturally hyperextended knees and gave personalized tips and adjustments on how to protect my vulnerable, injury-prone joints. In my experience, this doesn't happen in your average group fitness class.

Pilates (Typically) Offers All-Star Trainers

Finding an excellent coach can be tough; while every studio is different, for the most part, Pilates instructors are able to provide expert-level advice because of their serious education - one that doesn't just end once a certificate is issued. "We offer ongoing training for our instructors," said Cricket, who referenced Mighty Pilates's advanced Pilates training with expert Courtney Miller. Diana described her own training program experience, which required almost one thousand hours of education. Needless to say, she knows her stuff - and chances are, your local instructor does as well.

It's Ideal For Working Out With an Injury or Special Need

Perhaps you're past the point of injury prevention and you're already injured. This is yet another reason to check out Pilates; it's one of the most modifiable exercises and is adjustable for all types of physical needs, whether it's an injury, a posture issue, or pregnancy. "My background in movement has helped me grasp the interconnectedness of the human body . . . this has helped me work with a variety of bodies with all kinds of history and be able to speak generally in a group class setting to assist and bring something to the table for every student in the class," said Diana (It's true - the aforementioned instance with my hyperextended knees and her eagle-eyed awareness is proof!). "With every Pilates class, we are working on reversing [injury and postural problems], starting from the alignment of your feet to the crown of your head," she said.

Whether you're preventing injury, currently injured, need special attention, or just want to have excellent form and get stronger, Pilates could provide you with priceless, absolutely essential tools and benefits. "Pilates is a great foundational practice for other workouts because it is rooted in moving with both precision and concentration," said Katie Warmuth, instructor at Pilates ProWorks. "Every exercise incorporates not just a movement, but a breath and an objective, making you more aware of what muscles you are working and for what benefit. Bringing this kind of mind-body awareness into your other workouts helps you better understand your strengths and weaknesses and modify exercises accordingly to avoid injury."

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November 29, 2017 at 07:31PM

These Are the Most Common STIs and Exactly When You Should Get Screened For Them

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You don't need another doctor telling you about the dangers of unprotected sex. If you're reading this, you've probably been primed: infections contracted through sex, if left untreated, can cause health problems ranging from infertility to chronic pain to cancer. But in many (if not most) circles, talking about sexually transmitted infections is still taboo, and so many women have no idea if, when, and how they should be screened.

First, let's straighten out some terminology. We're talking about infections - some asymptomatic, many curable, and virtually all treatable - so let's move away from the term "sexually transmitted diseases" and start calling them sexually transmitted infections, or STIs. Keep in mind, though, that the terms tend to be interchangeable and what you consider an STD may actually be an STI, so it's the more correct term we should actually be using.

Another clarification: I'm talking about screening, which by definition is a test performed in someone without evidence of disease. If you have any symptoms concerning a possible STI (things like changes in urination, bleeding, discharge, pelvic pain, or painful sex), then these rules don't apply to you - talk to your doctor right away. But if you're asymptomatic, the following is a rough guide for if and when you should get yourself checked for each major type of STI.

Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

Because these two are so common - over 1.5 million cases of chlamydia and half a million cases of gonorrhea were reported in the US last year - the CDC recommends that all women 25 and under get tested annually. If you're older than 25, how often you get tested will depend on your unique risk factors. Women at higher risk should also be tested every year. If you've recently had a new sexual partner, have multiple sexual partners, have a partner with a recently diagnosed STI, or have a partner with other concurrent partners, you fall into this high-risk category - especially if you don't use barrier protection consistently.

HIV

Everyone should be tested at least once for HIV during adolescence or adulthood. Although there are no formal guidelines on repeat screening for women, those who are higher risk based on the factors above should be tested more frequently. Some doctors will screen "highest-risk" women, including those who have multiple sexual partners who do not use barrier protection, every six months. Because it can take up to 12 weeks for the usual screening test for HIV to show as positive, if you're getting tested soon after having sex with a new partner, make sure to discuss alternative testing options or get retested after a few months.

Syphilis

Even though it's on the rise, unlike HIV, screening for syphilis is only recommended if you fall into a higher-risk category based on your sexual history. Because syphilis is often found in the setting of other sexually transmitted infections, if you do get diagnosed with an STI, your doctor should test you for syphilis as well.

HPV

Screening for HPV, or human papillomavirus, is done with your pap smear starting at age 30. HPV is prevalent in sexually active women in their 20s, but the vast majority of cases are asymptomatic and cleared spontaneously, so it's not worth checking until you're a bit older. Many of us grew up in a time when pap smears were performed annually, but according to new guidelines, you actually only need one every three years. If you test positive for certain strains of HPV - those known to be associated with cervical cancer - your doctor may recommend more frequent paps.

Herpes

Doctors rarely screen for the herpes viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2 because they're so overwhelmingly common that it's probably not worth finding out if you have it unless you have symptoms. About half of women test positive for antibodies to HSV-1 or HSV-2 (indicating they've been exposed at some point), but unless you get hallmark breakouts of bothersome genital sores, there is no indication for treatment, so you're probably better off being blissfully ignorant.

Hepatitis B and C

All women born between 1945 and 1965 should have a one-time screening for Hepatitis C. Everyone else should be tested for Hepatitis B and C depending on risk factors. If you're at an elevated risk based on the factors mentioned above, you should be checked at least once and probably yearly for as long as you remain in a higher-risk category.

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November 29, 2017 at 07:31PM

Being Sore Doesn't Always Mean You Had a Great Workout - Here's Why

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"I'm ordering crutches on Amazon." Fellow fitness editor Gina Florio was joking (sort of) with me after a particularly punishing butt and legs day at Barry's Bootcamp. We all know that feeling of being so sore it hurts to walk down the stairs, sit on the toilet, or even take off your sweaty sports bra. After my own first Barry's class, my abs killed every time I laughed - it was awful. But it's par for the course in the fit life, as we're sure you're well aware. But should you be feeling that way every time you work out?

In short, no. But it's not a bad thing to be sore, either (hooray for muscle changes!). Let's get into some specifics and common questions, with insight from some of our favorite trainers.

Should You Try to Get Sore?

"Soreness doesn't define your workouts, and should not be what you strive for every workout session," said Sandy Liang, elite personal trainer at Crunch. "Continue to aim to challenge your body, but do not make it the goal to be sore always."

Caroline Jordan, health and wellness coach and Equinox agrees. "It's not necessary to be sore after every workout to experience results. Consistently leaving your body a sore wreck is a perfect way to eventually end up overtrained."

Does Feeling Sore Mean You Had a "Good" Workout?

All the trainers we talked to agreed: no. "While soreness is an indicator of a hard workout, it's not necessarily the best indicator of a good workout," said Caroline. And Sandy echoed that sentiment: "Feeling sore the days after your workout does not mean you had an effective workout."

If You're NOT Sore, Does That Mean You Didn't Have a Good Workout?

No. It probably just means your body has adjusted to the routine. "Your body will get conditioned as it builds strength and endurance," said Erica Stenz, trainer and VP at Barry's Bootcamp in San Francisco. "But if you continue the same workout regime for too long, you should switch things up so that your body doesn't plateau."

Why Do We Get Sore?

"Why we feel sore on some occasions and not others is due to change - you doing something differently or new to stress your body," said Sandy.

Have you tried a new workout lately, or worked a new muscle group you haven't used in a while? "After implementing a new workout routine or program, it's common to be sore for the first few workouts," said Caroline. "But the soreness shouldn't linger more than a few days. Soreness is your body's way of saying that it needs recovery before the next session."

Sandy wants you to "think back to when you first started working out." She reminded us of those early days when we were new to fitness and always trying something new: "you experienced soreness that probably lasted for even a week!" When you become slightly more experienced, "you may find that you do not get as sore or sore as often. That's because your body just got way better at adapting to stress being put on your body, and recovering from the stress. That is fine. That is just naturally how our bodies work - adapting to the environment."

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November 29, 2017 at 06:48PM