Words From My Yogini: "Take a Cold Shower"

I’ve been having a really hard time waking up lately. Regardless of what I eat, how many hours I sleep, or my activity level, I can’t seem to wake up. After noticing how sluggish I was in class, my yoga instructor suggested that I start taking cold showers to wake up. “Well duh,” I thought. I mean sure, spraying cold water on my face is bound to shock my system, but is it really gonna help me stay awake all day? My yogini said to take a shower like I normally do except that I should use only cold water for the last five minutes. The sudden change in temperature helps to “shock” your body awake while also increasing blood flow. It’s the unexpected jolt of temperature and your body’s reaction to it that help relieve fatigue, she says. Disclaimer: my yoga instructor is NOT a doctor. But she does know a thing or two about the body, and since I trust her, I thought I’d give it a try. And guess what? It totally worked. Admittedly, it did not feel good. In fact, it kind of sucked to end my shower in the freezing cold. The payoff was that it definitely woke me up and I stayed that way throughout the day. It also looks like my yogini’s theory may have some science behind it: researchers found that cold water therapy has some success in treating chronic fatigue syndrome .

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Words From My Yogini: "Take a Cold Shower"

Lea Michele Covers Women’s Health: "I’m the Only Girl in My High School Class Not to Get a Nose Job"

If you’re like me then you can’t wait to tune in to tomorrow’s episode of Glee , “Theatricality,” to see Rachel (played by Lea Michele ) do her best Gaga impersonation. In real life, Lea looks amazing on the June 2010 cover of Women’s Health - she even goes indoor rock climbing during her interview! Inside, Lea opens up about her career, family, and what it’s like to be a part of such a widely successful show. Here are the highlights: On loving herself and still feeling insecure : “[I'm] the only girl in my high school class not to get a nose job [but] I love myself, the way I look, my body but sometimes I can’t help but feel insecure here. It plays with your head.” On always being on the go : “I have to remember to rest, because I have a natural energy and I don’t want to burn out.” On eating responsibly : “It’s [ The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone] about being good to your body and the planet. I’m a foodie, but I think it’s much more fun to find things on the menu that are good for me.”

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Lea Michele Covers Women’s Health: "I’m the Only Girl in My High School Class Not to Get a Nose Job"

7 Fitness Tips From Olympian Dara Torres

Swimmer Dara Torres is one woman who’s inspired me to stay active and healthy for years to come. At 41, she won three silver medals swimming in Beijing, so she’s living proof that you only get fitter with age. Here are some tips from a Self magazine exclusive interview with Dara Torres, to help you stay healthy as you age. Set a fun fitness goal. Dara says, “Even if you don’t quite believe in yourself yet, if you set a goal that’s not too tough to reach, then meet it, that will motivate you to set another one and continue that cycle.” Triple your warmup time. Instead of the recommended five minutes of warming up, Dara does at least 15. She says it “helps prevent aches” and make her feel “as spry as she did when she was 17.” Warming up gives your muscles a chance to ease into your workout, which will reduce your chance of sustaining an injury. The longer you warm up, the better. There are five more tips, so keep reading

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7 Fitness Tips From Olympian Dara Torres

Lifting Tip: Warm Up With 10 Minutes of Cardio

If you have a regular fitness routine, you may prefer alternating between days of cardio and days of strength training. On your strength training days, don’t just jump right into your squats and lateral raises . Do a little cardio before you lift. Warm up for five minutes of easy cardio such as speed walking or jogging, and ramp up your pace for another five minutes with running, biking, or jumping rope. It’s just enough to get your blood flowing and your heart rate up, and will also warm your muscles and tendons. This increases your muscles’ elasticity, allowing you to endure a longer workout, and prevent injury.

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Lifting Tip: Warm Up With 10 Minutes of Cardio

How to Eat to Fuel Your Brain

Feeling mentally hazy in the lazy days of Summer? You need to feed your brain. Fuel it with the right foods and it will run smoothly and consistently. Although eating one single food will not make you a genius, here is some food for thought. View Slideshow ›

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How to Eat to Fuel Your Brain