When you go to the gym, you expect to burn some calories, get lean, and build muscle. But what if you could do so much more than just get closer to achieving your fitness goals – what if you could help save the planet while trying to get fit, too?! Human-powered gyms are popping up all over the world and aim to do their part in reducing their carbon emissions.

What is a Human-Powered Gym?

A human-powered gym relies on specially configured exercise equipment that capture energy people create while getting fit – pedaling, running, crunching, and so on. This energy is converted into electricity and channeled into power outlets and voilà!: a human-powered gym.

People exercising can now reach their fitness goals while doing something positive for the environment. Win, Win.

Where Are They?

Partially and fully human-powered gyms are popping up everywhere, but it will still take time for the concept and technology to take hold.

California Fitness in Hong Kong is perhaps the first to mainstream the human-powered gym concept. Since 2007, it has integrated “Powered by YOU” cross-trainer machines and stair steppers into its locations. These machines connect to individual light fixtures and batteries. When a person begins to exercise on these machines, electrical energy is captured and diverted to the light fixture above the machine. Any additional energy created is stored in a battery.

In Portland, Oregon, Green Microgym is a pioneer in the USA’s human-powered gym segment. The gym uses about 85% less electricity and has a carbon footprint that is only 10% of that of a traditional gym. Each member can expect to save about one-fourth of a ton of carbon by working out at Green Microgym than they would at any other regular gym.

In England, The Great Outdoor Gym Company has launched four outdoor gym pieces that offer a cardiac workout and generate electricity at the same time. You can get fit while you charge your phone, iPad, or other devices.

ReRev is a Florida-based company that retrofits cardio equipment to reroute the energy they emit as a heat by-product. Instead, this energy is delivered to a central processing unit that converts the human power to utility grade electricity. A regularly used elliptical machine can generate about one kilowatt-hour of electricity every two days. That is enough to power a laptop for 24 hours or use a vacuum cleaner for 45 minutes. ReRev has been retrofitting machines at university campus gyms across the country. Such universities include Drexel, Howard, James Madison, Texas State, and Oregon State.

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The post Human-Powered Gyms: Get Fit and Save the Planet! appeared first on EcoSalon.

How well do you know your favorite Instagram personality? I recently sat down with Instagram influencer Tim Moore, better known these days to his 183,000 followers as the Vegan Fat Kid, for a simple day-in-the-life profile story. I expected a quick, lighthearted conversation about epic burritos and workout routines, and perhaps a tip as to where to find the best vegan doughnut in Los Angeles. To my surprise, we launched into a two-hour conversation on body image, survival, activism, and self discipline. Read on for an unfiltered exclusive with Moore.

Humble Beginnings

Moore grew up in South Auckland, New Zealand, dreaming of the day he would get to take his Oversees Experience, or “OE.” The OE is a right of passage for islanders; it is typically a one month excursion to a mainland taken around the age of twenty-one. Moore flew straight to Chicago, but quickly realized it did not fit his idealized image of America, shaped by his favorite childhood films. A 2 a.m. conversation with a stranger in a bar convinced him to fly to Los Angeles with twenty dollars in his pocket. He ended up in Venice Beach living in a hostel, setting up trinket stands on the boardwalk and eventually washing dishes. Moore credits this as the most eye-opening and exciting time of his life.

“Successes in life don’t come from what you want to do, they come from what you have to do.”

He put his head down and worked with a goal to pursue his passion of making music. Over a period of ten years, Moore purchased enough audio equipment to set up his own recording studio. York Recordings in LA’s hipster neighborhood of Highland Park remains his full-time occupation to this day.

Going Vegan

Five years ago, a knee injury landed Moore in the ER, waiting twelve hours for an MRI. To pass the time, he watched people. He noticed their reoccurring trips to the vending machines and crumpled up bags of fast food, and came to the realization that most had eaten their way into their current situation. After Googling the Standard American Diet and learning about what goes into meat and dairy, he decided to go vegan the next day. “Health is wealth,” Moore explained.   

Living in Los Angeles, the transition to a plant-based diet wasn’t difficult. “Its not that you miss meat; you want the experience of meat.” The burger from Sage Vegan Bistro cemented this idea for him. He distinctly recalled taking a bite, watching a piece of mango “cheese” fall out, eating it, and being hit by a wave of nostalgia that took him back to eating an animal-based burger. Although no stranger to sacrifice, he was relieved to discover he did not have relinquish the simple pleasures of food on a vegan diet. Vegans don’t have to compromise their comfort for the sake of compassion and health.

Becoming the Vegan Fat Kid

Moore never cooks at home. Ever. The only item in his fridge is almond milk in order to supplement his “coffee addiction.” Five years ago, he did not have a problem finding vegan options, but he kept forgetting where he had his favorite meals (he admits to having an awful memory). Per his friend’s suggestion, Moore created an Instagram account to create “digital breadcrumbs so I could remember where these things were.” His first post was a quinoa porridge bowl from Four Cafe in Highland Park. He is now is just shy of five thousand posts and one hundred and eighty-three thousand followers.

When it came to naming his account, there was no hesitation. As a child, Moore attended an all-boys Catholic Samoan school, and he was the “chubby kid.” He unashamedly recalled a physical education class where he was mocked by his middle school peers as he hung to a pull-up bar, the only student unable to do a single pull-up. Being the “fat kid” is a part of him, but instead of letting this bring him down, he works to use it to his advantage.

Dealing with Body Image

Despite Moore’s impressively muscular physique, he still has to work to overcome his insecurities, just like everyone else. He is fully aware of the negative influences around him.

“LA tells you that you are not enough all the time. Its a tough place to be alright about being alright. I see that as a massive challenge.” To combat the barrage of “you are not enough,” Moore actively pursues the best version of himself, not that guy with the washboard abs on the Equinox billboard.

“Being the best me, and being alright with me, is a life’s pursuit.” He believes that taking an objective look at his physical self through his VFK 90 day challenge gives him “an active role in changing [his] physique instead of an emotional ‘I suck’.”

Thoughts on Social Media

“Social media can be as deep as meaningful as you want, or as shallow and Kardashian as you want. You get to control your feed on Instagram. If you don’t want to see some stuff unfollow that shit. I don’t want to feel like the victim of anything. I believe the universe is on our side; you’re either winning or learning. There’s no losing, only learning.”

So what has Tim learned?

“The enemy of your life is not somebody else’s life. The enemy of my song is not somebody else’s song. The enemy of your taco is not someone else’s taco. If you’re feeling that it is, its saying more about you than its saying about that. Its a hard realization to come to terms with, but as much as I think I am looking at Instagram, Instagram is really looking into me. You think you’re looking into people’s lives, but you’re really learning about your own.”

Personally, he sees Instagram as a net positive, because he has curated a feed that enriches his life for the better. So what’s on his feed? Food, politics, and fitness. We steered clear of the political rabbit hole, but in regard to fitness, Moore is inspired by bodybuilders, especially Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Rock. “Everyone should follow The Rock,” he says.

A Day in the Life

“I believe in repetition; I believe in routine. You get good at what you practice.”

Every day, Moore wakes before 5 a.m. for his first cup of coffee and a quick scan of the news. After a pre-workout shake, he’s in the gym by 6:30 a.m, and lifts weights for an hour. After a pit stop to load up on his “veggie reps,” he heads to his recording studio for a good portion of the day, followed by a hefty vegan meal at a restaurant. His go-to? A burrito; he is “one-hundred-percent addicted.” He wraps up his day with a session of planks, then gets to bed early.

At the end of the day, Moore says he is “trying to help people and change people’s lives for the better.” Vegan Fat Kid has evolved far beyond its digital breadcrumbs origins, and even beyond “vegan Yelp” as he called it. Although he is committed to posting food photos, he has shifted his focus to his workout routine.

“I use the gym to plant seeds. Everyone has to go on their own vegan journey, because that’s how it sticks.”

He leads by example, which is why you will always see in him a pro-vegan t-shirt at the gym. He’s a strong believer in t-shirt activism. Recently, a regular at his gym approached him. He told Moore that he had been vegan for the past two months, because Moore’s impressive workouts and vegan t-shirts sparked his curiosity. He did his research and came to the conclusion that plant-based was the way to go. Moore didn’t have to preach a word. You don’t need a pedestal or a bullhorn to influence people, its consistency and results that count.

To encourage others to practice this t-shirt activism, Moore launched his Train Vegan apparel line last Tuesday, August 15th, in collaboration with another vegan Instagram influencer, Vegetaryn. The Classic Line is now available and includes sweatpants, hoodies, and tees for men and women. This is his second project with Vegetaryn; the first was the “#Vegan AF” collection, which is still one of the brand’s top sellers.

According to Moore, Train Vegan has a more focused message:

“Not only can you be the guy that is vegan that is built really well, you can actually build muscle on a vegan diet. I don’t care if you have big arms, bro. If it costs an animal their life, it ain’t worth it. If it costs you your life it isn’t worth it. Its not enough for you get big muscles. Its how you get big muscles thats important for your health and longevity and for the longevity of the planet.”

Looks like the Vegan Fat Kid has more on his mind than where he is going to get his next burrito.

Find Tanya on Instagram and The Vegan Potluck Podcast. 

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All images courtesy of @veganfatkid

The post Beyond the Filter: Instagram Star @VeganFatKid Gets Candid IRL appeared first on EcoSalon.

In case you haven’t heard the news, Richard Simmons is missing. Not missing in that no one knows of his whereabouts, but more like he is missing from public life–and has been for several years now.

A longtime mainstay of late night TV and shock jock radio, the lovable Simmons has been missing from radio and television airwaves for three years. The exercise guru’s home was a perpetual stop on the Hollywood celeb bus tours, and Simmons could be counted on to entertain the tourists regularly. He also taught a weekly exercise class at his studio, Slimmons, and was actively in contact with friends and fans around the world–and then he wasn’t. Simmons suddenly, without any warning, retreated to his Hollywood mansion. What is disturbing to some is not that he retreated from his fame, but that he retreated from those to whom he was close.

Enter “Missing Richard Simmons,” a new podcast called the “next cult audio obsession” by The New York Times. Filmmaker Dan Taberski was a Slimmons regular and a friend of Richard’s. Before Simmons disappeared from public life, he and Taberski had been in talks about a documentary featuring Simmons. “Missing Richard Simmons” is a continuation of that work and is Dan’s search for Richard–the deeper he digs, the stranger it gets. Simmons was last seen in public on February 2014, and the podcast premiered three years later almost to the day.

The show has not debuted without criticism, though. Wired magazine’s headline on the story sums up the disparagement best, “’Missing Richard Simmons’ is gripping. And also kinda icky.” Taberski is at the center of the of it all with critics claiming that the podcast is less the work of a friend and more the work of self-serving exploitation. I say, it’s a lot more complicated than that.

For many, Simmons might have been thought of as a has-been, a caricature, a wacky figure to ignore, but through Taberski’s storytelling, a much more complex and layered picture of Simmons emerges. While the exploration of someone’s life (and retreat from public life) without their consent seems wrong, the humanizing of a figure many have easily dismissed has merit. The podcast, just like the man it seeks to find (or more accurately to lure out of seclusion), is much more complicated than it first appears to be.

There are many theories behind the disappearance of Simmons, and for more on those you will need to listen to “Missing Richard Simmons.” The podcast will feature just six episodes, and you can catch each one on iTunes, GooglePlay, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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The post ‘Missing Richard Simmons’ is Our Latest Podcast Obsession appeared first on EcoSalon.

You exercise to relieve stress, stay fit, and maybe even because you like your workout. Did you know exercise can even help to improve skin tone? It’s true! What works and how to fake it ‘til you make it.

As we age, skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity, resulting in loose looking skin. Since we’d all like to avoid flabby calves and bat wings for as long as possible, let’s see what we can do to ward off the droop.

Research shows that regular exercise can not only keep you in rockin’ shape, but help to de-age skin too. The reason? When working out, our muscles release proteins. One protein in particular, called IL-15, is responsible for stimulating skin cells, boosting collagen production and cell turnover which makes the skin look and feel younger.

Yes, the only way to get these IL-15 proteins to help you out is through exercise. But there are certain ways to make your skin look more toned along with a good workout routine.

5 Tips on How to Tone Skin

1. Get your cardio on. Yep, exercise is the protein booster that makes skin look younger and research has found that it is cardio, not weight training, that gives the anti-aging effects. Jogging, running, swimming, and cycling are all obvious choices. Not feeling any of those? Try something new and different, like treading water or cardio Pilates.

2. Up the H2O. Dehydrated skin is saggy skin. Follow up your cardio with a big drink of water and aim for eight 8-ounce glasses per day.

3. Lube up. You know how your face seems to liven up after applying moisturizer? Well, the bod needs to stay hydrated too. Caffeine tightens skin and creates a toned effect. Try One Love Organics Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum.

4. Protect yourself. This falls under the prevention category, but is so super important. Properly protecting skin from UV damage will help to ward off wrinkles, sagginess, and spots. Choose a healthy sunscreen that works for you.

5. Body contouring. So you don’t have a regular exercise regimen. Yet. Fake it ‘til you make it with body contouring. You don’t have to go crazy with Kardashian-worthy enhancement. A little nontoxic self tanner works wonders for covering flaws and making skin look firmer.

There you have it. Your plan to firmer, toned, more youthful looking skin. Bottom line? You’re going to need your runners.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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Image of woman running via Shutterstock

The post How To Tone Skin: Workouts and Body Products That Actually Work! appeared first on EcoSalon.

Is it humanly possible to stay healthy and fit during a Vegas Vacation?

My name is Sarah and I’m a fit mom. That’s what I call myself for work, This Fit Mom. I’m a group exercise instructor, personal trainer, fitness blogger, and fitness writer. So I basically eat, sleep, and breathe fitness. All day, every day. Also, like I said, I’m a mom. And I have two little boys. They’re busy. All day, every day. Also, I have a husband. And he has some parents. Those are my in-laws. And this past weekend we all went to Vegas. Together.

I’ve only been to Vegas once before, when I was younger. I didn’t like it much because my husband (he was just my b-friend then) and I were poor and liked Radiohead a lot, if you know what I mean. So, we mocked stuff and sat around sadly, like only 22 year-olds can. My memories of it were mostly just being really hot and dirty. And not in a sexy way.

So when my in-laws suggested we drive up from Los Angeles with our two boys, I wasn’t super psyched on the idea at first. But my MIL (they were in town for a business convention) thoughtfully arranged a beautiful suite for us in a swanky hotel (The Cosmopolitan), and planned several fun kid activities (visit to a shark reef and seeing some dolphins and stuff). Plus, the pool was gorgeous and there was the promise of a lot of free babysitting. So, slowly but surely, I got very on board.

Now, when I plan on traveling anywhere I have a fair amount of anxiety due to my lifestyle. I exercise for 1-2 hours almost every day. This requires space, equipment, time, and child care. When you’re on the road, these things can be hard to come by. Additionally, I eat in a somewhat restrictive and particular manner. I do my best not to eat any grains, dairy, or processed food. I care about where my meat comes from and I prefer my fruit and veggies to be organic. (Are you annoyed with me yet?) Last, but not least, I eat one blended meal a day. That means if I don’t have my Vitamix, I feel somewhat…bereft. So, traveling poses some difficulties there for me as well.

But in a an attempt to be less Type A than I usually am and show my husband and his family how fun and flexible I could be, I told myself that it was going to be fine. FINE. Firstly, there would be a gym at the hotel. A very nice and well stocked one, if the pics on the website were any indication. And there would be three adults around who could watch the kids while I “got ma sweat on.” It might even be like a treat!

Secondly, we were going to be eating out for every meal during our entire Vegas vacation. I could always just order a plain salad with a protein. NBD! For breakfast there would be eggs. Greens, veggies, and protein. Maybe not the most varied or satisfying menu, but totally acceptable for four days. And just for extra back up, I would bring six Quest Bars. You can always depend on a Quest Bar in a food emergency.

Maybe I would even come away from this Vegas vacation more fit than I already was! Maybe it was like a gorgeous chance to step away from all of my usual duties and responsibilities so I could get some monster workouts in while relaxing and not rushing around like a maniac. Also, my husband and I would finally have some well deserved time alone. We could even go on a date! FYI, the last time we went somewhere alone together it was a different calendar year.

Day 1

The drive through the desert was hot but beautiful and fast and when we got to The Cosmopolitan I was knocked out by how nice it was. The in-laws had stocked our bar with ingredients for Negronis and Rye Whiskey and we mixed up drinks while the kids climbed over all the furniture like wired cats and the grandparents plied them with gifts. Heaven. It was kind of late and the kids were hungry, so we headed right out to the Rainforest Cafe.

My kids are insane for animals so they were beyond wowed by the animatronic beasts, festive decor, and extensive kids menu at the RC. But perusing the chef’s offerings, I could see that right away my salad plan wasn’t going to hold water. All of the salads sounded dismal and I could just picture the watery iceberg and wilted spinach. My wonderful husband, sensing my distress, whispered that we could just get a small appetizer and have something better later-BY OURSELVES. Eating without children is a pleasure as rare to us as a nun playing craps.

So, we ordered nachos. No one had really eaten anything substantial since breakfast and we were all famished. And although I meant to just have a chip or two, this is what happened to the nacho plate.

After that, the kids headed to Grandma and Grandpa’s room for a slumber party and we were left to our own devices. We both felt full from the grody nachos and tired from the travel day, so we stupidly decided to stay in to relax and enjoy the view. To our credit, this was our unbelievable view.

Day 2

To combat the effect of the nachos, I got up early the next morning and hit the gym pretty hardcore. It was a great gym. Tons of equipment, mostly empty, and a killer view. I ended up hanging around for almost two hours and and doing cardio, glutes, squats, shoulders, and some core work. Here’s my Instagram selfie:

Then we all hit the pool. Because there was no time for breakfast I housed two Quest Bars to keep from fainting in the heat. Have I mentioned there was a heat wave while we were there? The temps soared up past the 100s erry damn day. It was as hot as a sack o’ nuts.

We did some lunch before we ventured out into the baking oven of the filthy metropolis. This time we went to a proper restaurant, Holsteins, and I was able to snag a super salad with ahi tuna. It was delicious and filling. Things were looking up for sure. It’s possible at this point I felt a little smug, like what’s the big deal? Anyone can do this healthy-in-Vegas thing.

During most people’s stories, it’s always at the smug point that things turn to shit. And my story is no different.

After the kid friendly activities (Shark Reef, they went bonkers), my husband and I had some free time before bedtime. So we decided to go on an early-evening date to get some sushi in the casino. And get sushi we did! We went to Blue Ribbon Sushi, and it was incredible. Here’s my dinner. JUST MINE. Not to share or anything. And it might be that I had some, or a lot, of sake. But here’s the most beautiful damn dinner you’ve ever seen.

uhhhhhhhh. It was so good.

After that, things went downhill. My younger son, who is 3, got sad and wanted to sleep with us. So, I ended up in bed at 7:30 with a cranky toddler who kept kicking me in my very full belly and poking my face with his meaty little fingers and calling me a, “poo poo ghost face” and then giggling like someone on Molly. Needless to say, I wasn’t able to get up early and do the gym the next day.

Day 3

After a responsible breakfast of eggs, we headed back to the extremely fabulous pool. While squatting down to give my older son something, I stood up wrong and my hip twanged like a freaking banjo. After that, it was all I could do to keep the screams inside while I limped around and felt cursed. It might be that felt very sorry for myself and had a few too many frozen margaritas (the waitress brings them to you while you’re floating in the pool!!!), skipped lunch altogether, and took a lot of selfies while my lovely MIL and husband watched the kiddos.

After more fun kid activities (the Secret Garden, they loved it) everyone wanted pizza for dinner and I said what the fuck. I ate some damn pizza. My hip was still hurting and I was starving for some carbs.

My sweet husband had planned for us to go see a movie and have another fab dinner, so I was pretty excited. Even though I was kind of full of pizza and a little hungover from the shitty margaritas, I rallied and got all dolled up.

We got all the way downstairs and halfway through the casino when the text came through. “Both boys want Mom. So sorry.”  The message was like finding out the new expensive sweater you love so much is woven from a homeless man’s pubes. Very very disappointing, but not anyone’s fault and just something you have to find a way to accept. Defeated, we slumped back upstairs and collected our heinous spawn. As a consolation prize, I got to watch the Miss America Pageant on mute while my older son snored old pizza breath into my face. I was so sad, I got up and ate another Quest bar because it had chocolate in it. I gloomily noticed it was the last one. Not even my Quest bars had lasted.

Day 4

I meant to get get up early and at least do 200 burpees in the hotel room, but I accidentally slept in. Damn you, blackout curtains! That morning was our departure day. My hip felt better, but I was broken. We hit up the incredible Cosmopolitan buffet and I went a little nuts. I had smoked salmon, chocolate mousse, sushi, gelato, caesar salad with a glistening white anchovy on top, bacon, pork belly, more sushi, three cups of coffee, raspberry rice krispie treats, pho, roasted potatoes, eggs, orange juice, chocolate tart, and more sushi.

We took the leftover pizza from the night before home with us and I ate it all in the car while blasting the air conditioning in my face to keep the carb and guilt sweats down to a slow drip.

Here’s what I learned:

1. Bring a sound machine. Here’s my pick, it works gooooood and is small and portable. Surprise! People are partying in Las Vegas. They will play extremely loud music in the room right next to yours. If you are adults who are alone, this can just be annoying. With kids = Disaster. The sound machine truly cancels the noise out and lets you (and your babies) have a decent night’s rest.

2. Go all in or all out. No wish-washy crap.

• All In: If you’re going to be good in Vegas, plan ahead. Prep chicken. Buy canned salmon or packaged tuna. Blend tons of greens into smoothies. Gather responsible carbs. Buy 24 Quest Bars. Freeze it, pack it, put it in your mini fridge. Then you’re not at the mercy of when other people want to eat or what there is on a menu. You can down your fuel whenever you need to and not inconvenience anyone. Insist on getting time to spend in the gym to just slip away. Don’t care about the fun you’re missing. Find a way to be accountable. Strut around the pool marinating in the glory of your superior hotness. Sip only water. Feel smug on the car ride home.
• All Out: Just take a break from your grueling schedule and have an incredible time. Don’t feel guilty about anything you’re doing and take advantage of every minute that’s available to you to indulge, get crazy, and do things you normally wouldn’t do. Stay out too late and don’t think about the next day. Smile all the way home remembering the fun you had.

Follow Sarah on Facebook: This Fit Mom

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Images: Shutterstock Vegas Photo and Sarah Olive Bergson

The post I Tried to Live a Fit Life During A Vegas Vacation: A Survivor’s Story appeared first on EcoSalon.

Bored with your workout? Your body may be too. Here’s what’s hot in fitness trends for 2015.

If you are no longer seeing the same results from your workout, you’ve most likely plateaued. Performing the same exercise over and over means your body gets used to it and has to expend less energy. Muscles stop responding like they used to and you just aren’t feeling that same burn. Time to switch things up.

Variety is said to be the spice of life and that works with fitness too. Not only will revving up your routine be better for your bod, but doing something new is, let’s face it, a lot more fun.

So what’s it going to be? Following are the 7 Top Fitness Trends for 2015.

#1 // Bodyweight Training. Not just one of the top fitness trends, but forecast as the workout for 2015 by American College of Sports Medicine (the folks who accurately predicted Zumba would be the it workout of 2012). It’s no secret this type of exercise is good for you. Getting back to basics offers hot results with little to no equipment. You already have what you need…your body. Added bonus, you can do this stuff anywhere. We are talking the exercises you learned in gym class: squats, planks, pushups, crunches.

#2 // HIIT. Clocking in at number two is HIIT workouts, or high intensity interval training. This one isn’t for sissies but is definitely the most efficient. You have your cardio and strength training all wrapped into one workout. Scared? Me too. The good news, these workouts are so effective they can be done in mini sessions and still get results. Start with these 10 minutes workouts to burn calories and tone up.

#3 // Treadmill. If this is the machine you’ve been avoiding for years, take a new look. Fitness trends for the year include dusting off the good ol’ treadmill. And it’s getting social. Look for treadmill studios in your area. Like spinning for runners, these classes offer that running group feel but done in the comfort of a gym. And set to music. Actually sounds fun.

#4 // Cardio bars. Speaking of fun, you may be able to take your cardio to a different sort of group setting. Like, the bar. While the thought of cardio at the bar conjures a certain type of sweating, these locales are seriously healthy. Think juice-fueled dance parties, complete with DJ. Burn calories while shaking it with your friends.

#5 // Barre. This one has been creeping up on us for a while. Why hot now? Barre has become more mainstream. No longer the super exclusive, members only setting, Barre workouts are popping up in gyms everywhere. The benefits? Branded the “everywoman’s workout”, its ballet-inspired sculpting moves rival the best yoga practice.

#6 // Tech. Oh yes, workouts have gone digital too. There are tons of cool fitness apps that do everything from help you count calories or steps, to reminders to get moving. Like having a personal trainer in your pocket. Looking for a class but don’t have time to get to the gym? Search workouts online.

#7 // Recovery. Muscles need down time too. Recovery efforts are making a big splash in lots of gym workouts. Training hard is good, just be sure you aren’t setting yourself up for injury. Add in some stretching, massage, yoga, even complete days off from working out. It’s important to give days off to let your body recover, or take a down day when you are feeling under the weather or just worn out. The experts insist.

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The post The Top 7 Fitness Trends to Try in 2015 appeared first on EcoSalon.

If getting back to work after holiday break means spending most of your day at a desk, this doesn’t mean your new wellness plan has to take a back seat. You just need to learn how to burn calories fast with the right tools and targeted moves.

So you have a new wellness plan in place for the New Year. Or maybe you are looking to shed that holiday layer. Either way, getting back to routine may mean sitting at a desk for several hours each day. How does that figure into your fitness plan?

We know that sitting for many hours each day is linked to such health problems as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. But physical inactivity also makes it hard for us to focus, engage with others effectively, and utilize our creativity. It’s called brain drain and is your body’s way of telling you…it’s time to take a walk. Literally.

Your job doesn’t have to undo all of your hard work. Here are some simple and effective tips and tricks to help you stay on track with your health regimen while you work.

How to Burn Calories Fast and Whittle While You Work

First of all, good posture is key to performing any exercise properly and safely. Be sure you are sitting up straight in your desk chair with head balanced over your waist. Both feet should be flat on the floor. One way to make sure you don’t start to slump is by sitting on an activity seat or exercise ball while working. Try the Swopper spring chair or Gaiam Balance Ball Chair. Both are said to not only promote proper alignment, but tone core and improve circulation.

To burn real calories while you work there are several high tech desk options. Standing desks mean muscles stay engaged and staying on your feet helps to keep blood pumping. Take it one step further with a treadmill desk. Granted, you will need to be more coordinated to pull this off but think of the calories you’ll burn!

Alternative desk side calorie burners are under desk stair steppers or ellipticals. They also take up less space and are a less expensive option. There is even an under desk bike for those who like to cycle. You may need to be self employed to score one of these. Or maybe ask your boss about a wellness program and adding these to your workspace.

If you work near others you probably aren’t able to go into full on workout mode. There are exercises you can do while seated that are quick and practically unnoticeable. This mini workout will tone up the important areas and you don’t even have to stand up. Blast that new muffin top with this waist whittler. Tighten your abdominal muscles like you are bracing to get punched in the stomach. Hold for a few seconds and release. Repeat 10 times. Next up, let’s target that booty. Tighten your glute muscles, hold 5-10 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Finally, hold arms out to sides, parallel to floor. Rotate arms forward, as if you are holding a bottle of water and pouring it onto the floor, 20 times. Next, make tiny circles 20 times in each direction. May sound easy but you’ll definitely feel the burn. For more at your desk exercise ideas, check out Tracy Anderson’s Office Workout.

You’ve heard it before but we’ll say it again. Take the stairs! Walk to your coworkers desk rather than emailing her. Offer to run to the mailroom instead of letting them come to you. Step outside for a quick walk on break rather than standing at the coffee counter. Park your car at the outer edge of the parking lot rather than near the door. It all adds up to calories burned.

Related on EcoSalon

Exercise is the Best Heart Disease Prevention Tool

20 Foods to Give You Energy

11 Ways to Stay Focused and Get Things Done

Image by Viktor Hanacek at Picjumbo.com

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Hot yoga and other high-temp fitness classes are now a big thing – but do they produce big results?

If you’re looking to kick your fitness routine into high gear, consider upping the temperature. Many workout classes now have a hotter equivalent: from hot yoga (often called Bikram yoga) to hot Barre, hot Pilates to hot cycling, you’re sure to find a workout that strikes your fancy. But does the soggy clothing and damp hair really mean you’re burning more calories?

The Hot Yoga Verdict

When it comes to hot yoga and other high-temp workouts, more sweat doesn’t automatically equal more calories burned. “…it’s unlikely that hot yoga burns more calories just because it may raise your heart rate higher,” writes Martica Heaner for MSN Health & Fitness. “In reality, the huffing and puffing and heavy sweating found in many yoga rooms is due to the hot room, not the hot yoga.”

That’s not to say that trying a high-temp workout won’t improve your health and vitality in other ways, of course.

Benefits of Hot Yoga and Other Hot Workouts

Working out in desert-like temperatures has both physical and psychological benefits, so don’t let the fat-burning realities stop you from trying these new fitness regimens.

• When you do hot yoga or other hot workouts, you perceive your workout sesssion as more successful because of the intensity level (i.e. oodles of sweat equals a higher sense of accomplishment).
• The heat relaxes your muscles, making it easier to properly bend and stretch your body. (Stiff muscles in cooler temperatures make you more prone to injury.)
• It’s a cardio and strengthening workout in one: The heat increases your pulse rate and metabolism, which improves circulation and blood flow while you (literally) tone your ass off.
• Whether or not the workout detoxes your body isn’t confirmed. Some experts say your body releases toxins through your pores, while others say your body only sweats to cool off.
• Making it through an intense workout sesh like hot yoga takes you outside of your comfort zone, delivering a confidence boost.
• It improves your discipline, focus and coordination – all the while relieving stress (the heat helps your body relax and improves your breathing).

Are Hot Yoga Workouts Safe?

Anyone wanting to try hot yoga or another hot workout class should master the workout routine in a cool environment first, then acclimate themselves to the heat afterward. Trying to adjust to both simultaneously will inevitably exhaust your body, which could lead to injury. This is especially true for those who are overweight or out of shape (you know, like me), because you’ll be putting added strain on your cardiovascular system.

Even if you are in shape, hot workouts might not be for everyone – there’s always the risk of nausea, headache, dizziness, weakness, and fainting, which go hand-in-hand with such high temperatures. The key is to stay hydrated and listen to your body: If you find the heat to be overwhelming, simply pace yourself, cool off, and stretch. Like with any new workout routine, remain consistent without overdoing it, and your body will strengthen and adjust.

Have you tried hot yoga or other hot workouts? Yay or nay?

Related on EcoSalon:

12 Workouts to Beat Fitness Burnout
4 Gadgets That Let You Workout While At Work
These Google-Powered Adidas Shoes Won’t Let You Skip a Workout

Image: Lynn Redmile

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You don’t have to be a corporate CEO or a rockstar to find strength in your own beauty. Here are five ways to feel strong and confident about your authentic, beautiful self.

“Marissa Mayer has many enemies,” blared a recent headline from Slate. Undeniably, the 38-year-old Yahoo CEO, engineer, wife, and mother is a formidable example of female power (as is Michelle Obama, above). Critics note that the former techie is “robotic” and “stuck-up” with the aforementioned enemies, while others point out that this just makes Mayer a regular Joe CEO. This character dissection might make some women melt.

But with a recent Vogue shoot, Mayer flaunted her powerful beauty, she didn’t hide it. In the piece, she poses like an inverted pin-up, flaxen hair splayed behind her, pale-blue eyes staring side-eyed at the camera, arm cocked to showcase her curves.

The Internet basically tripped over itself criticizing the CEO, called her a “tech princess” in “house-arrest stilettos.” Some even wondered if powerful women were even allowed to be beautiful, an idea as outdated as Diane Keaton’s shoulder pads in 1987’s “Baby Boom.”

That’s seriously outdated.

Lucky for the rest of us non-billionaire normals, you don’t have to be a corporate CEO, first lady (or anything else except you), to find your own power in beauty. Check out five real actions any woman can do to feel strong and confident about your beautiful selves.

1. Beautiful Body
Ultimately, there is nothing more beautiful than a strong woman who feels good in her own skin. Yoga is an outstanding way to improve circulation, digestion, and even brighten your skin—because what part of your body doesn’t look better when you’re breathing deeply and funneling oxygen straight to your organs?

If yoga isn’t your cup of kukicha, any exercise will do—Pilates, kickboxing, running, walking are all great ways to strengthen your body. Empowering your physical self—no matter your weight, height, age or skin color—can’t help but make you feel calmer and stronger (and what is more beautiful than relaxed power?).

2. Beautiful Soul

Does beauty really equal happiness in our world? Yes—but not exactly how you might think. A recent study from the University of Texas, Austin, showed that better-looking people are 10% happier than others. This was true of men and women in any country.

But the reason these people are happier is because they feel successful in what they do. At the same time, they are more successful because they project beauty. Beauty is confidence, and its confidence that will get you through life.

The so-called beautiful people instinctively tell the world they are confident and capable. People follow along and viola—a beautiful person is happier. How can anyone achieve this beauty? When we make an effort to feel good about the work, actions, and deeds we do, we’re improving our inner perceptions of ourselves—naturally, how we are perceived in the world follows, and we are seen as we see ourselves.

3. Beautiful Fashion

Shopping ethically results in feeling good about what you put on your body. EcoSalon fashion expert Rowena Ritchie weighs in: “Being curious about where your clothes come from, who makes them and the impact their production has on our environment can be empowering,” she shares. She points out that a thoughtful approach to style and looking at design from a position of interconnectedness is the heart of the ethical fashion movement.

But how does ethical fashion make us beautiful? “As the great Diane von Furstenberg said, ‘Confidence is beauty,’” Ritchie tells me. “And refining the art of the blend is what makes fashion fun. So pairing a vintage find with a piece from an under-the-radar local designer to create a look that’s all mine is a massive confidence booster.” Creating your own style that expresses who you are and works for your body and life means comfort in—and with—the world around you.

4. Beautiful Skin

There are as many ideas on achieving beautiful skin as there are beauty experts. Drink eight glasses of water a day. Moisturize with an organic, wholesome product. Wash your face with cleansers. Wash your face with water. Stay out of the sun. But get your vitamin D!

The most important? Accept the path and ditch the scalpel. If we’re lucky, we’re all aging, and nothing is more beautiful than a confident, powerful, and sexy woman who embraces the march of experience on her skin.

5. Beautiful Hair

Color us superficial, but there’s nothing like a good hair day to change the shade of your atmosphere. Think I’m wrong? Does Connie Britton’s amazing hair have its own Tumblr and Twitter? As with our skins, there’s a myriad of ways to treat your tresses.

Consider washing your hair at least every other day, as over-washing can strip important oils from your scalp. Invest in a shampoo made with clean ingredients—this one from Intelligent Nutrients is about as awesome as they come.

Want more great hair care tips? Check out several more ways to give your beautiful hair the care it deserves.

For further reading:
25 Inspirational Quotes on the Power of Women

American Beauty Redefined

Photos courtesy of WhiteHouse.gov, Vogue and MGM.

photo credit: Ivan McClellan Photography via photopin cc

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photo credit: Helga Weber via photopin cc

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photo credit: DioBurto via photopin cc

photo credit: Pauline♡ via photopin cc

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With most of us already wishing for extra hours in the day, exercise often gets pushed to the back burner. But what if you could get some reps in without leaving your desk?

Exercise is the best way to boost mental and physical wellness, but it takes time, and time is something of a precious commodity these days. Even worse, most jobs today require long hours seated in front of a computer screen, the physiological equivalent of a tranquilizer dart.

CNN reports that sitting for a living can literally take years of your life. They cite a 14-year American Cancer Society study that found women who sat for more than six hours a day were about 40 percent more likely to die during the course of the study than those who sat fewer than three hours per day. Men were about 20 percent more likely to die. Even if sitting doesn’t kill you, it could lead to serious illness. Recent research from the School of Public Health at the University of Sydney, Australia demonstrates that prolonged sitting at work raises the risk of dying from cardiac and metabolic diseases.

Frightened by the knowledge of what “taking a seat” is doing to us, a number of active workstation concepts have recently appeared on the market. Here are four gadgets that can help you burn calories and build muscle at work. Even if you’re a freelancer or just a busy parent, these devices could help you squeeze a little exercise into your hectic schedule.

1. Standing Desk

Some research suggests that even working out a few times a week won’t counteract the negative effects of sitting eight hours a day. Standing desks are professional workstations that can support your laptop and phone sans chair. Standing while engages your muscles and keeps your blood circulating well. This in turn keeps your blood sugar better regulated and lowers blood pressure. Even if it feels weird, using a standing desk will put you in some prestigious company. They’ve already been spotted at high profile companies like Google and Facebook.

2. Dumbbell Alarm Clock

They say getting up and moving around once an hour can do wonders to counteract the negative effects of sitting. But it can be hard to remember when you’re facing a deadline or on a long conference call. It may seem like a novelty toy, but this weight-shaped alarm clock by Neewer can help break up your day with a few much-needed reps. When the alarm sounds, only the upward swing of the 1.3 pound dumbbell shuts off the repeating buzz – 30 upward swings of the dumbbell that is – and you can watch your total count down from 30 in the LCD display. It’s not going to give you Michelle Obama arms overnight, but it’s a fun way to get your blood flowing throughout the day.

3. Balance Ball Chair

According to a 2008 study, performing clerical work at a desk while sitting on an exercise ball burns about four more calories an hour than the same activity in a chair, or roughly 30 extra calories in a typical workday. And that figure doesn’t include the additional burn that would come from bouncing or leg lifts, which many users say the balls inspire them to do. But no one wants to accidentally slide of the balance ball while on an important call with the boss, which is why we prefer this balance ball chair, complete with a topple-proof frame and back rest.

4. Mini Under-Desk Stair Stepper

We all love the stair stepper at the gym, but few of us could fathom buying one for our home or office. Now, mini stair stepping machines offer a portable and more affordable alternative. These small machines are ideal for combined use with a standing desk, but can still be used while seated. According to Prevention.com, you can burn around 91 calories with 20 minutes of stepping, and you don’t even have to leave your workspace.

Top image: e skene

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