Saturday, August 30, 2014

11 Ways To Maintain Healthy Erections

11 Ways To Maintain Healthy Erections

Ways To avoid erectile dysfunction and safeguard sexual potency.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) gets to be more normal as men age. Anyhow it is not so much an ordinary piece of maturing. In what manner would you be able to dodge ED?

1. Lookout What You Eat

An eating methodology that is terrible for a man's heart is likewise not useful for his capacity to have erections. Research has demonstrated that the same consuming examples that can result in heart assaults because of limited blood stream in the coronary supply routes can likewise obstruct blood stream to and inside the penis. The blood stream is required for the p enis to end up erect. Eats less carbs that incorporate not very many foods grown from the ground alongside bunches of greasy, fricasseed, and prepared meal can help diminished blood dissemination all through the body. Anything that is awful for a man's heart is likewise terrible for his penis, says Andrew Mccullough, MD, partner educator of clinical urology and chief of the male sexual wellbeing system at New York University Langone Medical Center. Late studies demonstrate that ED is moderately unprecedented among men who consume a conventional Mediterranean diet, which incorporates foods grown from the ground, vegetables, entire grains, heart-sound fats including nuts and olive oil, fish, and wine, especially red. "The connection between the Mediterranean slim down and enhanced sexual capacity has been experimentally settled," says Irwin Goldstein, MD, executive of sexual drug at Alvarado Hospital in San Diego.

2. Maintaining Healthy Body Weight

Being overweight can bring numerous wellbeing issues, along with Type 2 diabetes, which can result in nerve harm all through the body. In the event that the diabetes influences the nerves that supply the penis, ED can come about.

3. Try To Avoid High Cholesterol & High Blood Pressure

Elevated cholesterol or hypertension can harm veins, including those that bring blood to the penis. In the long run, this may prompt ED. Verify your specialist checks your cholesterol levels and pulse. You may likewise need to check your circulatory strain between specialist visits. A few stores and blaze stations offer free screenings. Pulse screens are additionally sold for home utilization. On the off chance that your cholesterol or pulse is lopsided, get it treated. Circulatory strain medications can make it hard to get an erection. At the same time specialists say numerous instances of ED that get faulted for these m edications are really brought on by blood vessel harm coming about because of hypertension (additionally called hypertension).

4. Say No To Alcohol Or Moderate Your Drink

There is no proof that mellow or even direct liquor utilization is terrible for erectile capacity, says Ira Sharlip, MD, a urology teacher at the University Of California San Francisco School Of Medicine. However perpetual overwhelming drinking can result in liver harm, nerve harm, and different conditions -, for example, meddling with the typical parity of male sex hormone levels - that can prompt ED.

5. Exercise On A Regular Basis

Solid proof connections a stationary lifestyle to erectile dysfunction. Running, swimming, and different types of vigorous activity have been indicated to help anticipate ED. Watch out for any manifestation of practice that puts over the top weight on the perineum, which is the range bet ween the scrotums and rear-end. Both the veins and the nerves that supply the penis might be antagonistically influenced from exorbitant weight here. Goldstein says bike riding, specifically, can result in ED. An intermittent short ride is unrealistic to cause inconvenience. However men who invest a great deal of time biking ought to verify their bicycle fits them legitimately, wear cushioned cycling jeans, and remained up regularly while accelerating. "No-nose" bicycle seats ensure against genital deadness and sexual dysfunction, as indicated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

6. Don't Completely Rely On Kegels

One manifestation of practice that doesn't appear supportive is Kegel exercises, which include over and over contracting and unwinding the muscles in the pelvis. Kegels could be useful for men and ladies experiencing incontinence. However there's no proof that they anticipate erectile dysfunct ion.

7. Keep Eye On Your Testosterone Level

Indeed in solid men, testosterone levels regularly start falling pointedly around age 50. Consistently after age 40, a man's testosterone level regularly falls around 1.3%. Indications like a low sex drive, surliness, absence of stamina, or inconvenience settling on choices recommend a testosterone lack, as do dull erections. Your specialist can keep an eye on that.

8. Say No Anabolic Steroids

These medications, which are regularly mishandled by players and jocks, can recoil the testicles and sap their capacity to make testosterone.

9. Stop Smoking

Smoking cigarettes can mischief veins and control blood stream to the penis. Also nicotine makes veins contract, which can hamper blood stream to the penis.

10. Dodge The Risky Sex

Accept it or not, a few instances of erectile dysfunction stem from penile wounds that happen amid sex. Taking as much time as required and dodging certain positions can offer assistance. It might be uncomfortable, however consider conversing with your specialist about what to do and, all the more critically, what not to do.

11. Curb Down The Stress

Mental anxiety helps levels of the hormone adrenaline, which makes veins contract. That might be awful news for an erection. Anything a man can do to straightforwardness pressure and feel better candidly is liable to give his sex life a huge help.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Weight-Loss Success Story: "I Feel Stronger Than I Ever Have Before!"

Weight-Loss Success Story: "I Feel Stronger Than I Ever Have Before!"

Once Cindy Santa Ana transformed her body, she changed her entire life.

Before: 180 pounds
After: 128 pounds

The Lifestyle
Virginia resident Cindy Santa Ana, 45, remembers exactly what she used to eat growing up: lots of canned soups, toaster pastries, frozen meals, and fast food. "I wasn't getting nutrient-dense, real food," she says. "It was more packaged, convenience items." When she had her two girls and decided to become a stay-at-home mom, Cindy became less active, which made her weight start to seriously creep up. "I didn't feel comfortable in a swimsuit or any of my regular clothes," says Cindy. "I had to keep buying [bigger] sizes until I got up to a size 16." She estimates that, although she is 5'4", she must've weighed about 180 pounds by the end of 2009.

The Change
Cindy's health suffered as her weight grew. She got regular sinus infections, dealt with hip and leg pain, and came down with lots of migraines, all of which she blamed on her size. Eventually, her doctor diagnosed her Hashimoto thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that caused inflammation in her body. Cindy was constantly taking different medications to reduce the symptoms of this disease and her other problems. But the worst part was that she lacked energy to keep up with her kids. "I would look forward to naptime every day so that I could nap, too," says Cindy. She'd sleep for two hours in the middle of the day just because she was so wiped out. "I woke up one day and realized I didn’t want to live like that anymore," she says.

When Cindy was ready to make a change, she sought the help of a friend who worked as a health coach. It was especially groundbreaking for Cindy to discover how to shop for local foods, read nutrition labels, and cook meals from scratch. Her favorite powerhouse food: kale. Now she throws it in her omelets, juices, salads—"I love me some kale," says Cindy.

Of course, she had to include more exercise into her routine, but she looked at it more as a stress-reliever than a weight-loss tool. "I notice when I don't exercise, I can't think as well," says Cindy. "I get grumpy or irritated during the day. It's like my Zen time."

And get this: Cindy never hit a gym. Instead, she turned her basement into her own workout center. She bought a $75 stationary bike off of Craigslist and got free weights to help her strength train. But Cindy also needed an exercise she absolutely loved doing, and for her, that was dance. "I'll put on some fun music and just dance around silly like no one's watching me," says Cindy, "which nobody is—so I can do whatever I want!"

Cindy couldn't be prouder of her accomplishments. "It was exciting—exhilarating—to see the changes in the medicines I didn't need anymore," says Cindy. "My migraines went away, and my energy kicked up." Now, Cindy weighs 128 pounds, a weight she's maintained for two years.

The Reward
For the first time in 20 years, Cindy feels comfortable in a bikini—but she's also incredibly proud of how much stronger she is. "I have abs and shoulder definition, which I've never had before," says Cindy. "It's sort of empowering to be strong." She even gets a kick out of being able to lift her own carryon luggage onto planes. "I don't need anybody to help me do that," she says. "I can swing my kids around and feel stronger than I ever have before." And with all of this added confidence, Cindy has followed in her friend's footsteps to become a health coach, too!

Cindy's Tips
Plan to work out. "Set workout clothes out at night so that they're the first things you put on in the morning. That way you're ready and don’t have to think twice about it."
Know what you're going to eat. "If you haven't planned a meal [ahead of time], you might reach for an [unhealthy] one instead."
Find an exercise you love. "When you commit an exercise you enjoy, it doesn't feel like a chore."

Check Out This Puppy Lifting Weights!

Check Out This Puppy Lifting Weights!

'You're welcome,' says #FitnessFriday

If gyms came with puppies, we're pretty sure people would get crazy-excited to go to the gym. Since that doesn't seem like it will be a reality any time soon, we'll have to stick to whipping out this #FitnessFriday post when we need some extra motivation to work out this weekend:

Thanks, #FitnessFriday!

For even more fitspiration, check out these motivating workout tips and the awesome Instagrammers below. (Sorry in advance that there are no more puppy pictures involved.)

Study: You May Be Able to Monitor Your Blood Pressure Better Than Your Doc

Study: You May Be Able to Monitor Your Blood Pressure Better Than Your Doc

New research suggests adjusting your own blood pressure meds might be part of an effective treatment plan

Sometimes, your own insights might be better than your doc’s—at least, that’s what new research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found about patients with hypertension who monitored their own blood pressure readings. According to the study, those who tracked their blood pressure on their own and adjusted their medication accordingly were able to achieve lower readings over the course of 12 months when compared to those who received usual doctor care.

Researchers divided 450 patients currently on hypertension medication into two groups, with an initial average blood pressure reading of roughly the same—143.1/80.5 mm Hg—in the intervention group and the control group. Here, the top number or systolic blood pressure is considered high (the normal is 120/80). The control group was given routine care by their physician, where doctors gave checkups and adjusted medication at their own discretion, while the intervention group was taught to monitor their own blood pressure readings with a recommended cuff (Microlife WatchBP Home) and administer adjustments in blood pressure medication based on a personalized plan previously OK’d by their docs.

MORE: What Most Women DON'T Know About Their Heart Disease Risk

During the first week of each month, the patients took a reading twice per morning. If four readings during that week clocked in higher than the desired goal for two months in a row, the patient was told to adjust the medication dose according to their personalized plan’s recommendation, which was unique for each person. If a person made a self-adjustment, they simply sent documentation to their physician without having to consult her about the change.

The results were pretty impressive. Over the course of 12 months, blood pressure readings dropped to 128.2/73.8 mm Hg in the intervention group and 137.8/76.3 mm Hg in the control group, which means self-monitoring led to a 9.2 mm Hg improvement in systolic blood pressure (the number researchers were hoping to improve with this self-management method). And if those trial numbers held, researchers think self-management could decrease odds of a stroke by 30 percent overall. But the big takeaway here is that monitoring their own blood pressure readings at home led to an even better outcome than regularly checking in with their doctors about it.

MORE: The Super Food That Can Lower Blood Pressure

More good news: There didn't seem to be any problematic symptoms as a result of the home-monitoring method. More studies need to be conducted to determine factors like how safe it is for different patients and if nurses might be able to train people to track their own readings. However, this study is a promising first step for those at high-risk of heart issues who want to stay on top of their blood pressure. And with blood pressure monitors selling at just $25, it could be a low-cost, effective way to save lives.

MORE: Is Your Job Giving You High Blood Pressure?

These Lingerie Ads Are Causing a Ton of Controversyâ€”and Not for the Reason You Think

These Lingerie Ads Are Causing a Ton of Controversyâ€"and Not for the Reason You Think

Do you think they’re empowering—or demeaning?

Real-women ads are totally en vogue. From Under Armour to Dove, companies are increasingly featuring athletes, businesswomen, and other real women, instead of Photoshopped models, in their advertisements.

Now, the latest set of real-woman ads, this time for underwear company Dear Kate’s Ada collection—which is named after the world’s first computer programmer, Ada Lovelace—is really stirring up controversy.

But it’s not for promoting girl power: Critics say that the ads, which feature images of female founders and CEOs of tech companies clicking away on laptops and tablets while wearing only bras and underwear, perpetuate sexism in Silicon Valley.

MORE: Men and Women Face a Double Standard in the Workplace—and This Gutsy Commercial Calls Us Out on It

Dear Kate’s founder, Julie Sygiel, told Fortune that the ad is intended to do the opposite: to empower women in tech.

“We started last November featuring women in our campaigns who we admire because of who they are and what they do, not because of what they look like. I like to look at our [campaigns] as a platform to showcase women we admire...The thought behind the campaign was to bring attention to the fact that there are women in tech and they are killing it. We wanted to highlight the fact that they are there because, to some degree, the media doesn’t often feature women in tech.”

MORE: 12 Ways to Become the Office Superstar

She was apparently pretty shocked to find out the ads were being critiqued by some as sexist. “It says something about our society, and it’s sad in some ways because posing in your underwear doesn’t say anything about your capability or intelligence,” she told Fortune. “You should be able to wear whatever you want without people making assumptions about what’s going on inside.”

So what do you think: Are the photos empowering or demeaning? Share your thoughts in the comments!

MORE: Why You Should Be PROUD to Do Things 'Like a Girl'

The 10 Stages of Learning That Brangelina ACTUALLY Tied the Knot

The 10 Stages of Learning That Brangelina ACTUALLY Tied the Knot

Brad and Angie are hitched, and the world will never be the same.

While Brad and Angelina were off basking in the joy of their marriage, you were riding a seriously emotional rollercoaster. Here, the 10 stages of hearing the news of their nuptials:

1. Laughter. 'Yeah, right, Twitter,' you say as the tweets about their wedding start pouring in. You've heard that one before. You will not be fooled this time.

2. Denial. Nope. No way. This would be too much to hope for. Better to keep expectations low.

3. Surprise. Wait, they actually did tie the knot? Is this real life? This is real life. This is real life. This is real life!

4. Joy. Nine years, six children, and now marriage vows? What a lovely couple. What a wonderful life. You're just so happy for them. Beyond thrilled.

5. Sadness. But then the other shoe drops. "BUT WHAT ABOUT JEN?!" you scream aloud to the universe. "No, it's fine. She's doing awesome," you consolingly tell yourself. "This is all for the best for everyone!"

6. Mania. Speaking of the best, Brangelina must have had the best wedding EVER. You immediately start Google searching for details at warp speed. No food, no water, no bathroom breaks for you: Must. Know. More.

7. Dreaminess. The details reported by E! News: That Brangelina got hitched at Chateau Miraval in France. That all of the children were involved in the ceremony. That when Brad lifted Angie's veil, he gasped because of how freaking amazing she looked. Sigh.

8. Envy. It sounds like a dream, doesn't it? ...But a dream you will never experience. This is so unfair. HOW CAN ONE COUPLE HAVE IT ALL?!?!

9. Calm. You're breathing now. Deep, relaxing breaths. This is love. And Brangelina. You are happy for them. Really.

10. Exhaustion. Well that was emotionally draining—and you haven't even seen any photos yet.

All gifs courtesy of giphy.com

The Best Morning Skin-Care Routine

The Best Morning Skin-Care Routine

Start your day on the right beauty foot with these tips.

This article was written by Erika Stalder and repurposed with permission from Refinery29.

Forget freaks and vampires: When it comes to beauty rituals, it’s our inner princesses who come out at night. It’s then that we languidly soak in tubs of skin-nourishing oils and mind-quieting aromatics and casually delve into nine-step skin-care regimens. The mornings on the other hand? Well, in that our hour of groggy discontent, count us lucky if we can brush our teeth before getting out the door in time.

While most of us know that we should at least slap some SPF on our skin before heading out into the day, fewer of us are keyed into the idea that other airborne nanoparticles—like smog, cigarette smoke, soot, pollen, water droplets, and pollutants—contribute to aging skin. Research has shown that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) cling to these airborne nanoparticles, where they are converted to quinones—which can age the skin in the same ways that chronic exposure to UV light can. And, those who live in cities are more exposed to PAH. It’s a lot to consider—especially before coffee.

When we talk about a.m. skin care, SPF is only half the battle. We’ve got to clean our skin and arm it with antioxidants (then UV protection) to ensure we’re really ready to face the day. To figure out how to best protect our skin from UV rays and the harmful particles suspended in the air (many of which are generated during the combustion of fossil fuels), we spoke to Debra Jaliman, M.D., a New York-based dermatologist and author of Skin Rules, about the best way to handle our morning skin-care regimens. Regardless of your complexion, Jaliman advocates for cleansing, applying a serum, and, finally, SPF. Read on for her tips on how to tinker with the morning trifecta, no matter your skin type.

Dry Skin
Many people think, "If my skin doesn’t feel greasy, it must not be dirty." But even those with ultra-dry skin still need to cleanse in the morning, says Jaliman. “There’s oil and bacteria that’s accumulated on the skin while you’ve been sleeping all night," she says, "so it’s important to cleanse in the morning."

Those with dry skin should look for a cleanser that’s creamy in consistency and stocked with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, or other gentle moisturizers, recommends Jaliman. “The cleanser you choose is crucial in terms of not drying out your skin,” she says.

After cleansing, continue to moisturize with a serum stocked with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or antioxidants. Since many with dry skin need a no-nonsense moisturizer to lock in the hydration, try adding an SPF booster to be super hydrating, like the instant cult classic Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream ($116, Charlotte Tilbury).

Oily Skin
Everyone should wash the night’s bacteria and pillow gunk from their faces in the morning. But for those with oily skin, morning cleansing is a particularly important step. Jaliman suggests cleansing with a powder or glycolic- or salicylic-acid-spiked cleanser (rather than a cream) and toning the skin as well.

She also suggests exfoliating the skin, being careful to hit the eyebrow area—a spot on the face that’s often neglected. Although those with oily skin tend to shy away from “hydrating” products, the best way for this group to get hydrated skin in the day is via a serum, since a moisturizer will just up the grease factor, says Jaliman. “If you’re very oily, you may need a little moisturizer at night but not typically during the day,” she says. “Hyaluronic acid is a good moisturizer that doesn't break anyone out." We found Revision Skincare’s Hydrating Serum ($29, Amazon)—which is also oil-free—to perfectly hydrate our skin, no moisturizing cream needed.

What’s more, powder sunscreen not only provides grease-less protection in the morning, but it's the perfect tool to cover four o’clock shine.

Sensitive Skin
The best way to fight fussy skin? With a big dose of simple. Look for products with short ingredient lists—like Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser ($4, Drugstore.com)—and serums that calm and soothe.

Sunscreen is a major must for sensitive skin types, but many of them can irritate complexions further. That’s why Jaliman prefers physical sunscreens with zinc, especially for this group. “Zinc oxide is what’s used in diaper cream,” says Jaliman. “And, it’s unlikely that anyone will get a reaction to zinc oxide. If it’s good enough for a sensitive baby’s skin, it’s good enough for me.”

Click HERE to see the complete routine for the best morning skin care from Refinery29!

Junk Food Could Mess With What You're Craving

Junk Food Could Mess With What You're Craving

The weird way processed foods messes with your brain and body

You have access to tons of processed foods that are loaded with fat and sugar to make them more crave-able—and research has shown that the more junk food you eat, the more your body wants it and the less you're able to resist its allure. Now, new research published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology also reveals that a junk-filled diet may affect the way your brain experiences and regulates cravings.

Researchers say that past animal and human data indicates eating too many highly palatable, calorie-rich foods can alter how your brain perceives satiety and reward (this effect is has been observed across species). In this new study, rats were placed into two groups: The "chow" rats were given standard lab food to eat over the course of two weeks, while the "cafeteria" rats were given the chow in addition to commercially available processed foods like pies, cookies, and cakes. After eating junk food, researchers found the "cafeteria" rats no longer responded to satiety cues and no longer opted for variety in their diet. When they exposed the rats to only one of two flavored solutions and then gave them the option to drink either flavor, the rats on the "chow" diet consumed more of the flavor they hadn't yet had. (This is because, just as you might eat a piece of sweet fruit and no longer craving anything sugary, the rats no longer wanted the flavor that they'd alread y experienced.) On the other hand, after eating junk food, the "cafeteria" rats no longer responded to similar craving cues and drank the same amount of both solutions. This behavior was also seen a week after they took the rats off of the cafeteria diet, suggesting the effects of eating junk food may linger even after you've stopped consuming it.

This was an animal study, so it's unclear whether eating junk food would have the same effect on humans. Still, it's another potential item to add to the long list of reasons you should avoid junk food. Can't quite kick the habit? Check out these easy ways to control food cravings.

How Dolce Vita and a New Charity are Helping Cancer Patients

How Dolce Vita and a New Charity are Helping Cancer Patients

Fabulous and Fighting uses clothing to lift the spirits of women undergoing treatment.

We love a cool fashion collab! But this time around, it's not about a designer partnering with a big box store to create stylish yet affordable clothing—it's for an amazing cause. Fabulous and Fighting is a brand-new New York City-based charity that gathers clothing donated from brands like Dolce Vita and uses them to set up popup shops in hospitals where everything is free for cancer patients. The organization's mission is to empower patients with the beauty and self-confidence to maintain a positive outlook during treatment, as well as to alleviate some of the financial burden associated with cancer.

Courtesy of Fabulous and Fighting

Women's Health chatted with executive director and co-founder Bethany Heinrich to find out more about the amazing charity.

WH: Why did you decide to start Fabulous and Fighting?
Bethany: I was inspired by another organization that provides hair-care and cosmetic products [to women] going through treatment and saw there was an opportunity for the fashion industry to help out in this area through the donation of clothing. Not only is it necessary since treatment can cause extreme weight fluctuations, thus creating another out-of-pocket cost, but there is a certain joy that comes with receiving something new—especially a new outfit. So if you narrow it down further, our mission is really about bringing happiness, even if just for a moment, during what is probably one of the most trying times in a person’s life.

MORE: My Pregnancy Gave Me Cancer

How did you get fashion brands to sign on to help?
We were very lucky to find our main supporter, Dolce Vita, through a great friend of mine from high school, Amy Safranek. She lost a loved one to cancer a few years ago, and so she had been helping to raise awareness for Fabulous and Fighting. On a whim, she mentioned it to her friend, who is one of the founders of Dolce Vita, and he and his wife expressed interest in collaborating. Their team has been absolutely incredible and beyond generous in their support of Fabulous and Fighting. There have been so many wonderful supporters in New York, like Blank Rome LLP, The Hedaya Capital Group, Candela, MOGUL and Grassroots Films, so I am ex tremely grateful.

MORE: Christina Applegate Talks Breast Cancer

You just had your first clothing distribution event; how did it go?
It was just amazing and a very moving experience for all involved. Patients and survivors of all ages were there, and each person was able to find at least one outfit that made them feel and look absolutely stunning. The fashion house Candela donated beautiful clothing, and it was great to see how the patients connected with one another during the process, sharing laughter and just enjoying a light-hearted, fun, uplifting moment.

What is your next goal in terms of expanding the reach of your charity?
Our next step is the launch party next Wednesday, September 3, at the Puck Building in Soho. Dolce Vita is hosting the event at their gorgeous showroom, and it will serve as a way to not only celebrate the kickoff of the organization, but also to raise operating funds. In the winter, we’d like to hold our second clothing distribution event on a larger scale in a hospital such as Beth Israel, hopefully with contributions from more fashion houses that are interested in coming on-board for this cause.

What can Women's Health readers do to help?
If you are in the New York area, we’d love for you to attend our launch party on September 3 [tickets are $50]. It's going to be an amazing time, and the more, the merrier. If you aren't in the area and would like to donate, you can do so at fabulousandfighting.org.

MORE: Shop to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

This Machine Works Your Whole Body—and You Aren't Using It Enough

This Machine Works Your Whole Body—and You Aren't Using It Enough

Four reasons to tune into the cable machine

Many trainers (myself included) tend to steer people away from the machines in favor of free weights. There are a bunch of reasons machines aren’t the best, but the main objection of pros is that they provide too much structure, cheating your core and other stabilizer muscles out of a much-needed workout. There’s one major exception to the “no-machines” rule, though, and that’s the cable machine. Here’s why:

It’s Functional
“The cable machine allows you to recreate all of your bodies’ basic functional movements with added weight: push, pull, squat, twist, bend,” says Mike Clausen, fitness and performance exercise specialist and owner at DIAKADI: Fitness Performance Life in San Francisco. “It allows you to do both isolation exercises focusing on one body part, and create compound exercises involving multiple body parts.” However, because movement can be so fluid, having good form is essential. Start light and practice getting a full range of motion, with good posture, before loading up the weight. The cables also have a tendency to yank you back, so it’s essential to build up good control before you go heavy.

MORE: 8 Kettlebell Exercises That Sculpt Your Entire Body

It Defies Gravity
When using free weights, the resistance on your muscles is always in the direction of gravity, which is why you need to bend over to row properly or lie on your back to do a chest press. But with cables, the resistance is in the direction of the cable pull. “With the variations of settings and variable adjustments, you can target any muscle at any angle and you can move through all planes of movement: sagittal, frontal, and transverse,” says Clausen. You also get resistance throughout the entire range of motion—during the pull or push and during the release—which help you build muscle even faster. Pretty cool, right?

It’s Crazy-Versatile
With a few speedy changes to the height, handle type, and weight stack, it’s a cinch to change up the cable machine. “This allows you to quickly move from one exercise/body part to the next, thereby making your workouts more efficient,” says Clausen. You can also do exercises bilaterally (using both sides at the same time), unilaterally (one side at a time), and alternatingly, which are increasingly more challenging. Not only that, a simple adjustment to the cable height can target muscles differently. For example, in a chest press, pushing from a low angle works the upper chest, while pushing from a high setting works the lower chest.

MORE: 7 Reasons to Try High-Intensity Interval Training

It Works the Back Muscles
The action of pulling is par for the course with a cable machine, and it’s one of the most important movements for strengthening the back. “By using the cable machines, desk jockeys can find and fire up their back muscles—lats, traps, rhomboids—that are being stretched out during the day,” says Clausen. Translation: Using the cable machine can help reverse the shoulder slouch caused by too much sitting.

Never used the cables before? Try this move:

Thomas MacDonald

Cable Squat to Row
An awesome compound, multi-joint exercise, this move works both your upper and lower body. Start with two standard handles aligned at sternum height. Hold the cables with hands facing each other and sit back into a deep squat (A). As you stand, row the handles in so your elbows graze your sides (B). “The great thing about this is people can go slow, or they can power through the movement for strength or cardio benefits,” says Clausen.

And if you want even more cable machine action, have a go at our 15-minute, total-body cable workout.

MORE: How to Work Your Back When You Don't Have Gym Equipment

—
Amy Roberts is a certified personal trainer.

Jennifer Aniston Makes a Great Point About Being Engaged

Jennifer Aniston Makes a Great Point About Being Engaged

Apply her pre-wedding wisdom and you’ll probably be a whole lot happier.

Jennifer Aniston is constantly asked when she and fiancé Justin Theroux are going to get married. But it sounds like Jen is way more zen about her eventual nuptials than we are.

When E! News recently asked her about wedding planning during a press event for her upcoming film Life of Crime, she gave the verbal equivalent of a super-content shrug. "There's something to enjoying the engagement period, I have to say,” she said. “Whether it's three months, one year, two, three, four, five years, who knows. Whatever it is…enjoy it. There's no rush."

MORE: 9 Ways to Survive Engagement Season

While so many couples begin to plan their weddings immediately after they get engaged, it’s refreshing to hear Jen voice the “just chill out and savor it” line of thinking. When you think about it, you two have your whole lives to be married. Why not simply take a timeout to celebrate that fact that you’ve decided to commit to forever together?

MORE: What Jennifer Aniston Says About All the Pressure on Her to Become a Mom

Plus, all that stress of wedding planning may get overwhelming, so remember to stop and enjoy the actual engagement before you start in on invitations, seating arrangements, and outrageous honeymoon costs. Take a cue from Jen and just enjoy it—for a week, a month, or however long you need.

MORE: 8 Ways to De-Stress Before You Say "I Do"

13 Sort-of-Crazy Things All Moms Do

13 Sort-of-Crazy Things All Moms Do

Warning: If you're not a mom yet but want to have kids down the road, this list may terrify you.

Motherhood is like a little club—once you’re in it, you get it. While it’s mostly full of cuddles and laughter, side effects include some totally weird habits that you never would have entertained before having a kid. Here are the things that moms think are normal…and everyone else thinks are just plain weird.

You Sniff Tushes
Fighting it is futile: The old pick-up-and-smell diaper inspection is practically a parental rite of passage. After a while, you can do it mid-conversation without pausing. Because…skills.

You Think Weird Food Issues Are Normal
If the sauce and pasta touch each other on your kid’s plate, the universe might actually implode. Everyone knows that.

You Pick Noses
Hey, goobers don’t get rid of themselves, and you will be judged by other parents based solely on the state of your kid’s schnoz. It’s also, um, ridiculously satisfying.

You Check for Breathing
You creep into your child’s room after bedtime to make sure he’s still alive, then hover and stare until you see some kind of movement. (Was that a breath? IT WAS!!!) You definitely plan to be doing this until he goes to college.

MORE: 15 Weird, Random, and Kind of Hilarious Things All Working Moms Go Through

You Carry a Mini-Grocery Store With You At All Times
Crackers? Check. Fruit? Check. Peanut butter sandwich cut into shapes reminiscent of the work of Henri Matisse? You know it!

You Rock Out to Cheeseball Music
Pre-parenthood, you swore you’d only play cool music for your kid—a good mix of Phoenix and Mazzy Star with a little Pearl Jam thrown in. Now you’re all like, "’The Wheels On the Bus’? That’s my jam!"

You Obsess Over No. 2
You track poop with the painstaking precision of a corporate accountant. You may even keep a poop chart at some point. Too much poop? You’ve got a problem. Too little poop? You’ve got another problem…and a baby enema in your future.

MORE: Watch the Full 9 Months of a Woman's Pregnancy in Just 6 Seconds

You’re Never Without Wipes
About two hours into motherhood, you realize that wipes have more range than Mariah Carey. That’s why you use them for everything from napkins to hair ties to makeup remover. Leave the house without them? Hahaha. Don’t even joke about that.

You Sneak Food
Your little shadow will have what you’re having, thank you very much—even if it’s your special $5 cookies that you can only buy at a gourmet store. And since “BACK OFF” might not go over well…munching on them in the pantry closet it is!

You Start Talking to Yourself
On the rare occasion that you go out in public sans child, you still catch yourself doing the usual narration. Unfortunately, saying, “Okay, let’s pay now…” at the store without your pint-sized accessory puts you in crazy cat lady territory as far as the rest of the world is concerned.

You Don’t Use Tissues
…At least, as much as you should. Of course, you always have wipes (please), but your hand is so much more convenient.

You Bust Out Animal Noises On the Regular
A few rounds of "Old McDonald" can cure pretty much anything—especially when you belt it out in the middle of a crowded restaurant. Hand gestures are required too, obviously.

Bodily Fluids No Longer Faze You
Remember when you used to wash your whole duvet after a little baby vomit landed on it? Yeah…what was that like again?

MORE: 14 Quotes About Kicking Butt and Taking Names from the Best Characters on TV

The Awesome Squat Variation for Your Shoulders, Legs, and Butt

The Awesome Squat Variation for Your Shoulders, Legs, and Butt

Try it for definition like whoa.

Join the Women's Health Weekend Challenge to help you meet your fitness goals fast and make your weekend workouts count. Thousands of women already have. Join them, and achieve your fitness goals faster!

Sumo Squat with Lateral Raise: This strengthening move targets your shoulders, lats, glutes, and legs. Fantastic, right? Make the movement explosive when you go up and controlled when you go down to get the best results.

SO... ARE YOU IN?!

Dater Diary: The One Thing I WON'T Settle for in Love

Dater Diary: The One Thing I WON'T Settle for in Love

And how our dating blogger’s most recent relationship fizzled

Right before I started writing this column, I broke up with Patrick. Doesn't seem like a big deal (and in the scheme of things, it’s not; it wasn't) but Patrick was the first guy in almost three years that I really (really) liked.

Or at least, I thought I did. In fact, I thought he could be a significant someone in my life, especially after our nearly 24-hour first date seemed to be a sign that there were really good things to come with this tall, handsome, stock-trading Greek. But like most plot lines in my dating life, I had to wear my rose-colored glasses long enough to get blinded, and finally see the truth.

I met him on Hinge and for our first meet-up, he suggested a fancy-shmancy cocktail bar downtown. After we made our way through three cocktails in less than two hours (sorry not sorry), he casually said, "I actually made dinner reservations at the place upstairs, if you’re interested."

"Were you just making sure I wasn’t crazy before confirming dinner?” I asked, feeling tipsy enough to flirt, but not bad enough to be a mess (yet). "Exactly," he replied, placing his hand on the small of my back as we headed out (swoon!).

After a lobster and steak meal that we barely touched because we were talking—and ahem making out too much—we went outside and just like in those stupid romantic comedies that I hate to admit I love, it was raining. We only had one umbrella, and it was his. He’s 6’3” (I’m 5’4” or ‘5’7” in those heels I was wearing). We didn’t fit, so we got all wet. And then we hung out under an awning that reeked something awful and he grabbed my boob over my dress. So romantic, right?

I didn’t sleep with him that night, but I wanted to. In fact, I made him wait six whole dates (and three weeks) to do the deed. And when we finally did, it was disappointing. The mechanics didn’t line up and though we continued to go at it, it took a few weeks for the party to get started and actually produce a good review...

...And that’s kind of how our relationship went for the next two months: Everything was seemingly smooth sailing and there would be short, indulging moments of passion but they would fizzle out as soon as they were ignited. I found myself holding back, afraid to put too much pressure on him and letting him call all of the shots. I was anxious all the time. I was so excited to have met someone that was really interested in me and great on paper that I didn't want to screw it up. I forgot to check in with myself and see if I was actually experiencing the butterflies and good vibes that I deserved. Big red flag.

Even though I saw those warnings waving (I do write about this stuff, after all), one date turned into another and soon we made things 'exclusive' (and I prematurely changed my Facebook status). I was holding on to the idea of what could be even though the truth was staring right at me: I was walking on eggshells all the time. I held myself back more than I let myself open up. I didn’t feel what I hoped I’d feel in the beginning stages of a relationship: a magical, sexy, all-encompassing rush of new vibes, new kisses, new sex positions, new moments shared together, new secrets… new everything.

Instead, it just reminded me of all of the lackluster relationships I've had over the years. It wasn’t satisfying. It wasn’t great. Patrick was a good guy for sure, but he wasn’t giving me butterflies. Not even a little bit.

MORE: 8 Stages Everyone Goes Through During a Breakup

I know, I know, so cliche. But his lack of affection (He only told me I was attractive twice in the entire time we knew each other/I almost always initiated sex or it was scheduled), his timid way of committing ("You’re my girlfriend but we don’t need to shout it from the rooftops"), and his careful way of warning me that shit could hit the fan at any moment ("Things are so stressful at work right now and there might come a time when I have to focus and I won’t be able to do this anymore.") were all things that I really didn’t want in a partner.

But it took me a while to admit it. The a-ha moment came while I was visiting my family in North Carolina for a long weekend. Patrick and I had decided to take the weekend to "think" and to "figure out what we wanted" and to "clear our heads." You know, because in a normal, healthy, budding relationship, you need space two months in. Ugh.

While I was there, I went through my old notebooks, and though I'm not that wide-eyed, naive 15-year-old that scribbled names with hearts anymore, I realized that I am still someone who wants some fireworks. If I don’t settle for ordinary in any other area, why in the world was I disappointing myself—and frankly, my 15-year-old self who would have turned her nose up at some guy who needed space after two months of knowing me?

MORE: What to Do if Your Date Stands You Up (I Would Know)

We met for drinks the day after I returned and the conversation was the same 'ole small talk you’d expect between strangers, not between people who had seen each other naked dozens of times and knew (some) intimate details about one another. In a way, we both saw it coming and we both agreed to go our separate ways. It was the most undramatic, unemotional breakup I’ve ever had. (Except he did say he "might be in a better place in six months" and that "he might call me,"—to which I responded, "I might not pick up.")

And yet, after I kissed him goodbye (literally) and turned around to meet my friend Jenn for drinks… I burst into tears. He didn’t see it and I put myself back together as quickly as I fell apart, hoping my make-up wasn’t all over my face in the summer heat. It wasn’t about Patrick and it wasn’t about our short-lived relationship—but just at the thought of having to get back out there again.

I’m not going to lie—it's hard as hell. Most of the time, especially after two-month-whatevers with a could-be-something guy, I get really disappointed and even more discouraged. But the cold hard facts remain: I'll probably break up with a million more Patricks before I meet whoever this "right guy" is, wherever he happens to be hiding.

But, there are worse things than dating, like being with (and worse, marrying!) someone that doesn’t give you butterflies. Not every day of course, and maybe not most of the time, but at least in the beginning. At least every once in a while.

I get that love can be hard and relationships take work. But those butterflies are worth waiting for.

MORE: How I Started Writing About Love (and the Lack Thereof)

Lindsay Tigar is a 25-year-old single writer, editor, and blogger living in New York City. She started her popular dating blog Confessions of a Love Addict after one too many terrible dates with tall, emotionally unavailable men (her personal weakness) and is now developing a book about it, represented by the James Fitzgerald Agency. You can find her running along the East River, drinking champagne with her dog Lucy (don’t judge), and constantly tweeting and instagramming. In addition to Dater Diary, Lindsay also writes for AskMen.com, eHarmony, Shape, Engagement 101 and more. Email her at lindsay@loveaddictnyc.com.

You Have to Hear About These New Fitness-Tracking SHIRTS

You Have to Hear About These New Fitness-Tracking SHIRTS

This new gear from Polo is a total game-changer.

Wearable technology is all the rage right now, from bracelets to necklaces to rings to glasses—but Ralph Lauren is about to take the trend to a whole new level. Earlier this week, Ralph Lauren unveiled a Polo Tech smart shirt that uses biometric technology from Canadian company OMSignal.

Sensors knitted into the fabric track your heart rate, breathing, activity levels and calories burned—and then they deliver all of this info to your phone via Bluetooth technology. The shirts are being tested at the U.S. Open and are, as of now, male-only (boo!). Luckily, female product are scheduled to be available Spring 2015 (yay!). Here's a preview of what the stats you get while wearing the shirt would look like:

Pretty awesome, right? Until it's available, check out these incredibly stylish fitness, health, and life trackers that look like jewelry.

8 Things No Woman Should Ever Wait For a Man To Do

8 Things No Woman Should Ever Wait For a Man To Do

Because you can get your own monogrammed towels...tomorrow!

This article was written by Sarah Jones and repurposed with permission from YourTango.

Can we all agree that we don't need to be in a relationship to be happy? Yes? Good. It's time to embrace life and show yourself a good time. To rev that life-lovin' engine up, we've compiled a list of very important things you should wait for no man, fellow, gentleman, or lad to do.

YourTango

Buy Expensive Jewelry
Everyone knows diamonds are a girl's best friend, but why wait around for a man to drop a knee? And here's the sweet part: There's a 100 percent success rate of you liking said diamond (or emerald or ruby) since, well, you purchased it.

YourTango

Book a Vacation
Vacationing solo is one of the most empowering things a girl can do for herself. So head to Bali, Greece, or Nepal ASAP. Your schedule, your pace, your budget. Plus, you don't have to fake being interested in that super-weird modern art structure just because your partner is. And that's what we call a TRUE vaca.

YourTango

Treat Yourself
Get all dressed up, hit the hottest new restaurant in town, and order whatever the hell you want without worrying about whether you're dribbling salad dressing on your skirt or that you ordered an entrée that was too expensive. When you're done with that, take yourself to the movies or eat ice cream and indulge in every last bite because you don't have to share with anyone.

YourTango

Up and Move (or Stay!)
Does San Francisco tickle your fancy? Or maybe you've always had an unexplainable pull toward Dallas? Wherever you want to go, just do it. This is your one and only life, and you shouldn't feel like you have to move (or stay put) just make to someone else happy.

YourTango

Mogram All of the Things!
If you're waiting around for your married initials to present themselves, stop. If want to tattoo your name or initials on your bathrobe, shower curtain, compact mirror, the pleasure's all yours. If and when you become a Mrs. and Mr., buy new towels. Pretty simple, people.

Click HERE to see three more things you shouldn't wait for someone to do from YourTango!

All photos courtesy of YourTango.

Do You NEED Strength-Training Shoes?

Do You NEED Strength-Training Shoes?

Find out if you should invest in a second pair of workout kicks.

The question: I've heard that you shouldn't wear running shoes when strength training, but do I really need special strength-training shoes if I'm not a hardcore weightlifter?

The expert: Tony Gentilcore, a certified personal trainer and strength and conditioning specialist, and co-founder of Cressey Performance in Hudson, Massachusetts

The answer: While wearing a strength-training shoe definitely has its advantages, it's not a must-have for your workout, says Gentilcore.

There are a few reasons why running shoes, which tend to have thicker cushioning than strength-training shoes, aren’t ideal for the weight room. First of all, wearing a running shoe with a one- to two-inch cushion can make it difficult to keep your body weight over your heels, he says. And when your weight shifts forward while you perform moves like squats, you don't engage your posterior muscles—mainly your hamstrings and glutes—as much as you would with flatter shoes, says Gentilcore.

MORE: Weight Lifting Tips for Women

Second, wearing cushion-y shoes means your weight won't be as close to the ground as if you were wearing flat shoes, and that isn't as beneficial for your posture and form, he says.

Another vital aspect of a good weight-lifting shoe is lateral support—that's what keeps your foot from sliding around in your shoe when you perform side-to-side movements like lateral lunges, says Gentilcore.

MORE: 5 Kettlebell Mistakes You’re Probably Making

With all that in mind, if you're not into the idea of lugging around another pair of gym shoes, know that you're not putting yourself at risk of injury by strength training in your running shoes, he says. If you are wearing your super-cushy running kicks or your cross-trainers, concentrate on keeping your weight in your heels when performing strength-training moves that utilize those posterior muscles so that your glutes and hamstrings are engaged as much as possible. And make sure your shoes are tied tightly enough that your foot isn't slipping from side to side when you do lateral moves.

MORE: 12 Reasons You Should Start Lifting Weights Today

The 3-Ingredient Healthy Cocktail You HAVE to Try

The 3-Ingredient Healthy Cocktail You HAVE to Try

Super-simple, refreshing, and low in calories—this cocktail is the total package.

If you've been on the hunt for a new low-calorie cocktail, look no further. This crazy-simple recipe requires only three ingredients: pear-flavored vodka, seltzer, and lime juice. That's it, folks. Keri Glassman, R.D., who helped contribute to the book Look Better Naked, shows you how to mix it up. Watch the video for her step-by-step instructions. (Full disclosure: This video is an oldie but a goodie. It features our former editor-in-chief Michele Promaulayko promoting Look Better Naked when it was new.)

Most used player for workouts, articles, and cover models

For more where that came from, buy the book Look Better Naked.

Thursday, August 28, 2014

#StyleCrave: Pretty, Punky Activewear

#StyleCrave: Pretty, Punky Activewear

Betsey Johnson gets serious about her fitness.

WHAT: #Betsey Johnson Activewear Collection

WHY: Could your gym look use a shot in the arm? Betsey Johnson, the forever-young designer renowned for her punky, frilly frocks (and closing out her fashion shows with a cartwheel) is applying her trademark style to an activewear collection that hits stores August 30th. Drawing from her fitness-oriented BJ Kicks A runway show, this collection combines technical elements (think: wicking fabrics, grip-tape finishes, and mesh ventilation) with her signature hot pink hues, leopard prints, and corset shapes. Now if she could only bottle that energy...

BUY: From $49 to $120, available this fall at better department stores and betseyjohnson.com

Courtesy of Betsey Johnson

Mesh-trim tank, $50, macys.com

Courtesy of Betsey Johnson

Mesh-trim woven run jacket, $80, betseyjohnson.com
Mesh-trim tank, $50, macys.com
Core leggings, $64, betseyjohnson.com

Courtesy of Betsey Johnson

Asymmetrical jacket, $72, betseyjohnson.com
Leopard-print crop leggings, $54, macys.com

Courtesy of Betsey Johnson

Raw-edge hoodie, $64, macys.com
Skinny jogger pants, $64, macys.com

Courtesy of Betsey Johnson

Mesh trim tank, $50, nordstrom.com for stores
Color block leggings, $54, nordstrom.com for stores

Eat Yogurt, Lose Weight

Eat Yogurt, Lose Weight

New research suggests this snack can help you drop pounds.

It's time to add probiotic-packed yogurt to your grocery list: The dairy product may help boost your weight loss results, per new research in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. "Probiotics are 'beneficial bacteria' that promote a healthy gut environment and obstruct the growth of 'bad bacteria,'" says Rania Batayneh, M.P.H., author of The One One One Diet. "Various studies show they help lower chronic inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity in both diabetic and healthy individuals, and lower cortisol levels, which are key players in belly fat," says Batayneh.

MORE: 7 Reasons You NEED to Eat Carbs

For the study, researchers assigned 75 overweight and obese participants to different eight-week diet groups: regular yogurt/low-calorie diet, probiotic yogurt/low-calorie diet, and probiotic yogurt with a diet that wasn't low-calorie. The participants who ate probiotic yogurt were instructed to eat 200 grams (the equivalent of one cup) per day of a yogurt enhanced with the probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus casei.

At the end of the eight weeks, researchers discovered that the group that combined the probiotic yogurt and the low-calorie diet saw the largest reduction in both body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage. They also had lower levels of leptin in their systems. "Leptin is the 'satiety hormone,' and when our levels aren't depleted we are able to better sense satiety and therefore not overeat," says Batayneh. Higher leptin is a common marker of being overweight, write the study authors.

MORE: 5 Foods High in Probiotics That Aren't Yogurt

Although the study found a correlation and doesn't prove causation, there's reason to think probiotics had something to do with the results, says Batayneh. "Those who ate regular yogurt were also on a low-calorie diet, but the ones who saw the desired effect were consuming probiotics," she says. "It's reasonable to suggest the probiotics were responsible for the results." A big factor is likely the probiotics' reduction of chronic low-grade inflammation, which is closely associated with obesity, write the researchers. Another reason? You're pairing probiotics with yogurt, which "has protein that can improve insulin sensitivity and increase satiety," says Batayneh.

The specific types of probiotics used in the study are found in most yogurts with the label "live and active cultures," says Batayneh—so double-check your yogurt container, and get snacking!

MORE: Can Probiotics Help You Lose Weight?

6 Gorgeous Hairstyles You Can Do in 10 Minutesâ€”Or Less!

6 Gorgeous Hairstyles You Can Do in 10 Minutesâ€"Or Less!

Go ahead and hit snooze—you'll still have time to make your hair look great.

If you find that you wake up every day with a mile-long to-do list, chances are your hairdos are suffering—but there's no need to sacrifice amazing style just because you’re crunched for time. We rounded up six of the prettiest styles that will change up your look in 10 minutes or less.

Hair Romance

Half-Up Hairknot
Freshen up your half-up, half-down with this nod to the '90s.

Get the tutorial at Hair Romance.

Barefoot Blonde

Hippie Braids
Boho braids are the epitome of summer style, and this look is so versatile, you can still wear it into fall, no problem. Best of all, it doesn't require any super-complicated braids—your skills definitely will suffice.

Get the tutorial at Barefoot Blonde.

MORE: 15 Incredible Celebrity Hair-Color Makeovers

Once Wed

DIY Messy French Twist
For all the elegance of a French twist with just the right amount of oh-so-modern undone-ness. Just twist and pin.

Get the tutorial at Once Wed.

Twist Me Pretty

Alternative Braid
Bored with the mainstream braids these days? It’s okay to be over strand-over-strand; this look uses a whole new technique to achieve its messy-chic style in no time at all.

Get the tutorial at Twist Me Pretty.

MORE: 5 Hairstyles That Are Perfect for Rainy Days

Promise Tangeman

Extra-Long Double Ponytail
Searching for instant length without the hassle of extensions? Look no further than this illusionary pony, which is actually two in one.

Get the tutorial at Promise Tangeman.

Hair and Makeup By Steph

Faux Undercut
Copy the shaved-head look without going under the razor. Instead of buzzing the side of your head like Rihanna, make a tiny twist on the short side of a deep part, and tuck it behind your ear.

Get the tutorial at Hair and Makeup by Steph.

MORE: 7 Tips for Getting the Best Haircut Ever

The Truth About That Scary Video That Shows What Smoking Does to Your Lungs

The Truth About That Scary Video That Shows What Smoking Does to Your Lungs

Smoking's clearly terrible, but is this really an accurate depiction?

The internet's buzzing about a Vine purported to show the difference in lung function between a smoker and non-smoker. Everyone's heard how awful smoking is for your body, but this new video, which was originally posted to Vine by Devon Arbelo and appears to be part of a school experiment, takes anti-smoking messages to a whole other level.

While this shocking visual is a pretty convincing argument against picking up the cigs, it isn't totally accurate, says Nicholas Vander Els, M.D., Director of the Pulmonary Function Lab at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

MORE: 4 Major Problems with "Social" Smoking

First, even though smoking irrefutably damages lungs, the unhealthy lung used in the video is slightly misleading. "It isn't a typical smoker's lung," says Vander Els. "That mass on the left looks like it could be a tumor or scarring from severe infection. It could be smoking-related, but it isn't just a regular smoker's lung." Besides that, the lungs could be coming from different-sized people, so there's a chance the smoker's lung would never have been able to get as big as the healthy person's in the first place. "One might have been from a man who's six feet as opposed to the other being from someone who's five feet," says Vander Els.

MORE: 8 Myths About Quitting Smoking

Another flaw in the video is that it's focusing on the least telling aspect of lung function. "This is showing lungs when air is being pumped in, but the key difference between the lungs of an actual smoker and non-smoker is when the air goes out," says Vander Els. That's due to emphysema, a condition that affects most smokers. Emphysema is the breakdown of the connective tissue in the lungs, making them unable to process oxygen and carbon dioxide as efficiently. "When a smoker has emphysema, their lungs actually get bigger and empty more slowly because they trap the air," says Vander Els. Since they can't release the air very well, a key sign of damage is really the lungs' inability to deflate fully rather than their inability to inflate all the way.

Although the video isn't completely correct in its portrayal of a smoker's lung vs. that of a non-smoker, it's still sending the right message: Smoking damages your body in so many ways, whether you have a social puff here and there or are going through a pack a day. Here are five ways to quit if you're hooked.

MORE: You Have to See This Graphic New Anti-Smoking Campaign

8 Detoxing Yoga Moves

8 Detoxing Yoga Moves

Fitness

8 Detoxing Yoga Moves

Skip the juice fast and the deprivation! This half-hour flow cleanses your body, leaving you calm, focused and glowing all day.

James Michelfelder

You Wonâ€™t Believe How Many MEN Have Faked an Orgasm

You Wonâ€™t Believe How Many MEN Have Faked an Orgasm

Plus, how to know if your guy is just being polite.

If you've ever faked it in bed, you're definitely not alone—and we're not just talking about other women. According to Time Out New York’s recently released Sex Survey, 30.6 percent of men have also faked a big finish.

For the survey, one brave reporter stopped 100 guys on the streets of NYC and asked them about their sex lives—including if they had ever put on an Oscar-worthy O-face. About three in 10 of them said they had.

While the survey was pretty small, and it only polled guys in NYC, it’s still a pretty shocking number—and one that just might be pretty accurate. In fact, a 2013 study from Australia found that 23 percent of guys admitted to the same thing.

We know what you're thinking: Um, how?! Well, according to men's health expert Abraham Morgentaler, M.D., author of the new book Why Men Fake It: The Totally Unexpected Truth About Men and Sex, this is a real thing. He actually told us that he's had male clients who faked orgasms for years. They would just dispose of the condom pretty quickly or their partner didn't notice if they weren't using one.

Feel like black is white and up is down? Before you have a real freak-out, check out why some men fake it—and what you should do if you don’t think his O was genuine.

The Habit Tons of Slim People Have In Common

The Habit Tons of Slim People Have In Common

You may want to hop on the bandwagon.

Earlier this year, we reported that thinking about the future may help prevent overeating. And a new study from Appetite journal serves up even more evidence that futurism is gaining traction in the diet world.

For the study, researchers interviewed 240 adults, some overweight, about their lifestyle habits. It turns out that healthy-weight adults are more likely to think about the future and read nutrition labels than overweight people are—and they’re also less likely to pay attention to health-related claims (think: "low-fat" or "a good source of fiber"). Overweight people, however, are just the opposite: They don’t pay as much attention to the future, they’re less likely to read labels—and they’re more likely to pay attention to health-related claims (which are often buzzy and misleading, anyway).

"When consumers are more future-oriented, they’re more prone to take healthy diet choices into account—and, thus more likely to have healthy BMI levels," they write in the study.

MORE: 8 Tips That Make It Easier to Stop Eating When You're Full

The fact that slim people are less likely to pay attention to health claims than overweight people is also rooted in futurism—but in a slightly different way. "A possible explanation for this finding may be the low self-perceived health status of overweight consumers," the study authors continue. See, overweight people obviously know they’re overweight—and as a result, they hear health claims and believe that they really could improve their health down the line. They’re often so overwhelmed with the prospect of slimming down that they’re just looking for something that could give them hope in what often feels like a hopeless mission. Nutritional labels, however, are a little more complicated—and don't promise the quick fix that health-related claims on food packaging often do.

Now, it's important to understand that this study was correlational, meaning people who thought about the future and read labels weighed less, but one didn't necessarily cause the other. That said, you can definitely emulate the slimmer people's habits—it certainly can't hurt. So try to think more about the future when you're making health-related decisions, and be sure to read your nutrition labels. These articles will help you get started:

Nutrition Labels: Read the Fine Print!

6 Food Labels That Don't Mean What You Think They Do

The Truth About Serving Sizes