Latest news with #Scouted
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scouted: This All-In-One Weightlifting Machine Will Replace Your Gym Membership
Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. The Gym Monster 2 is probably not for people like me, but it should be. The target audience for a $3,000+ all-in-one weightlifting machine is, I'd imagine, people who are so dedicated to getting their daily reps in that they're willing (and able) to drop big bucks on a device that replaces all your barbells and hand weights with one surprisingly compact device. But for someone like me, someone whose experience with weight training was largely limited to bicep curls and resistance bands, this device gave me the confidence to approach weight lifting outside of a high-pressure gym environment. The weight section at every gym I've been a member of always seems intimidating. Most of the machines seem wildly unintuitive, the popular machines always have a line, and I feel self-conscious bench pressing without any weight plates loaded on (but isn't the bar alone, like, 45 pounds?). The Gym Monster 2 replaces a whole gym's worth of machines with an adjustable device that uses resistance to provide counterweight of up to 220 pounds. It's got a large touch screen for picking guided routines (either with a coach or AI), seeing demonstrations, and checking progress. The whole device easily folds up when not in use, with roughly the footprint of a floor mirror. Each workout automatically counts your weight, reps, and rest times. The first few times I needed to adjust the position and accessories between exercises, it took me longer than the provided rest times. Even with the ability to extend the rest for 15 seconds, I hit a point where the timer would not increase and I was warned that resting too long would impact my performance. After a few swaps, I got better at understanding how the machine functions, and switching between positions was super easy. Every exercise has an on-screen video and written instructions, so you can try to mirror your form to the example you're seeing and you get… moderately helpful feedback from a robotic-sounding AI coach. If you're unbalanced and pulling harder with one arm or resting too long between reps, it will tell you. At the end of a set, you'll get a suggested weight for the next set, which you can choose to implement or not. And unlike traditional weights and weight plates that can require increments of five or 10 pounds to add on, you can select single pound increments all the way up to the device's max. These adjustments are easy, thanks to the Bluetooth-connected ring that you wear on your index finger. You can easily increase weight by scrolling with your thumb and start and stop workouts. This is an especially helpful safety measure for bench-pressing and other exercises where a spotter is traditionally recommended: if you hit the button to stop, the machine will remove all additional weight. At one point during hip thrusts, I was positioned so my feet were not perpendicular with the ground, and I ended up pushing the mat and my feet off the device's base. Since your own body weight on the mat is what helps keep the device stable, the Gym Monster 2 began to tilt as I pushed the bar up with my hips. I clicked the ring, and the weight instantly cut, stabilizing the device. As a weightlifting novice, I appreciated how much hand-holding existed. Exercises are labeled as beginner, intermediate, or advanced, and the demo videos and instructions made me feel more confident than I ever have approaching a weight machine at a gym. And the stats provided are super motivating—you can track your progress and see an aggregate of how much weight you've lifted that week. For cardio days, the add-on rowing machine bench turns the Gym Monster 2 into a sweat machine. As with most screen-equipped fitness machines, there are also many workouts that you can follow that don't even utilize the machine's features, from HIIT to yoga to stretching. Be warned: while the Gym Monster 2 requires minimal assembly, it's delivered in an absolutely giant box (the weightlifting and rowing benches come in separate boxes). It's about 200 pounds, so especially if you'll need to get it up or down stairs, it's best to go in with a plan (and maybe some extra hands). Once out of the box, set-up is super easy. Plug it in, connect to the internet, and you're set. The rowing bench requires some additional assembly, but nothing anyone who has put together Ikea furniture would struggle with. The amount of trash and recyclables generated by the packing was eye-popping (three large contractor bags filled with plastic and pounds of cardboard), but perhaps that's the trade-off for everything coming incredibly well insulated from shipping damage. Additionally, Speediance's manufacturing origins in China are sometimes pretty evident, with oddly translated text and generic soundtracks. Ultimately, the price tag means this device is best suited for someone with a serious commitment to weightlifting, but if you're looking for a machine that delivers a ton of utility in a small space (and have a budget that can support it), the Gym Monster 2 delivers.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Scouted: This Year, Fire Relief Dominates Gifting for Oscar Nominees
Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Oscar nominees aren't just famous for lauded roles. They're also famous for regifting. Lash Fary, founder of Distinctive Assets and the man responsible for the most elaborate of awards season swag, will be the first to tell you that A-listers like Jennifer Lawrence will parlay gifts (like $5000 designer bags) into hookups for family. In the case of this year's 'Everyone Wins' swag—offered to the Academy Awards host Conan O'Brien and Oscar nominees in the best actor, best actress, best supporting actor, best supporting actress, and best director categories—a penchant for sharing the spoils is a good thing. Because aside from the $25,000 in services at a Floridian plastic surgery clinic, this year's gifts include big-ticket items meant for providing much-needed relief to those affected by the Los Angeles fires. Most notably, $1 million in Bright Harbor personalized disaster recovery support (ranging from help with insurance and government assistance paperwork to vetting vendors for remediation and rebuilding) is included and will be shared among 300 families. 'This isn't one of those things that's non-transferable or is just giving a month or two,' Fary says. 'The company gave to each of the nominees a full year's membership worth more than $3,500, so someone who lost their home, like Adrien Brody, can certainly take advantage of having a team of professionals helping walk them through this process.' What's more, each recipient will receive 10 one-year memberships to give to others who lost homes in the fires. 'It's a true gift that these celebrities can actually share with anybody that they want, and we all want it to reach as many people as possible,' he says. Additionally, Maison Construction, a firm headed by a born-and-bred Angeleno, is offering complimentary project management services and a 50 percent discount on construction services, which can be used by the recipient or passed on to someone who lost their home in the L.A. fires. For some nominees, this year's focus on supporting those in need while also celebrating the moment may take the sting off an Oscar loss (which for actors, can also mean missing out on six-figure cash bonuses contracted by distribution studios and/or producers or a 20 to 60 percent pay bump for subsequent roles). For the rest of us, the thoughtful, give-back component helps rationalize the idea of well-heeled celebs getting $216,191 in freebies (including more than $37,000 in vacations that have been hand-selected by a private concierge who caters to high-net-worth individuals). We're talking about a four-night stay at two Joali Maldives resorts known for villas-only accommodations and dedicated butler service, five nights at Santani, a wellness retreat in the hills of Sri Lanka, and a three-night stay at Barcelona's tony Cotton House Hotel. See what Timothée Chalamet, Cynthia Erivo, Demi Moore, Kieran Culkin, Zoe Saldaña, and others will find in awards season's biggest gift bag ahead.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Scouted: Reformation Just Moved Pete Davidson Out of the Friendzone
Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. In a move that could only be described as a match made in heaven, Reformation just updated its latest dating status to 'in a relationship' with none other than Pete Davidson. Yes, you read that right: the comedian is now the brand's official boyfriend, and he just gets it. In a new campaign video, Reformation makes it clear: the brand is not interested in anyone who questions your need for another high-quality and sustainable basic (because, let's be real, it's a necessity). Ref is also cutting ties with those who can only muster a fleeting, disinterested glance at your jeans. Instead, they're looking for the ultimate cheerleader-slash-boyfriend, someone like Davidson, who's right there to hype you up as you debate between the Val Mid-Rise Jeans or the Abby Low-Rise Jeans. And hey, sometimes you just need someone to tell you how good you look, the SNL alum has got that covered, too. 'You've seen regular boyfriends on shopping trips–uninspired, bored, playing chess on their phone. Our boyfriend is different,' Reformation says in a press release for the new campaign. 'He supports your decisions. He's invested in your happiness. That's enough to make us love Pete, but we also have a ton in common. Like reliability. Flattery. Sexiness.' OK. We're swooning. This collaboration puts a new spin on the notion of 'boyfriend material,' as the brand has curated a collection of limited-edition cozy essentials that are as practical as they are playful. Picture super-soft sweatshirts and boxer briefs that double as the ultimate binge-watching gear for at-home date nights. Just in time for Valentine's Day, the launch is all about celebrating you, whether you're spending it with a partner or solo. Every piece in this lineup is designed with love in the details and sustainability at the forefront. Shop the collection below.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scouted: I Tried Prolon's 5-Day ‘Fasting-Mimicking' Program and Lived to Tell the Tale
Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Like many food lovers, the word 'fasting' has always intimidated me—especially since I've committed to exercising consistently in 2025. When I saw a food influencer post about Prolon's 'Fasting Mimicking' Nutrition program last year, I was instantly intrigued—particularly because she said she felt amazing during the entire five-day program. At the start of the new year, I was looking for a reset, but juice cleanses, and caffeine-free programs were a hard pass for me. Prolon's program promises to deliver the benefits of fasting (we'll get into that later) while still allowing you to eat a small amount of solids and liquids. Essentially, the low-calorie diet tricks your body into thinking it's fasting, letting you reap the benefits without severe caloric restriction. Dr. Valter Longo, founder of L-Nutra and creator of the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), developed the nutrition program to help patients lose weight and, more importantly, reduce cholesterol, lower age-related disease risk, boost metabolic health, and promote longevity. Prolon's program has also been clinically tested by the laboratory of Dr. Longo and Keck Hospital at the University of Southern California, which is a big deal—something many other fasting programs and cleanses can't claim. The super-structured program comes in one-day and five-day options. After the indulgent holiday season, I opted for the five-day reset. Proponents of the five-day diet (and the brand) say that in addition to helping you shed a few pounds, the FMD may support longevity by stimulating autophagy (inner cellular rejuvenation). Opponents argue there isn't enough data to support these claims and suggest that sending your body into starvation mode may not be as effective for long-term health as consistently eating whole foods. As a neutral observer, I decided to test the five-day program to see what happened. When I opened the box, I was pleasantly surprised by the organization. It contains five separate boxes for each day, each filled with your 'meals' and supplements. The meals come in the form of plant-based soups, bars, snacks, specific drinks, and supplements. You're also allowed unlimited water and one cup of black coffee (minus the creamer) per day. Personally, I wouldn't give up caffeine for anything, so this was a huge plus for me. Each day, you're consuming around 700 to 1,000 calories, depending on the day. The box also includes a 'menu' that outlines everything you'll eat (and are allowed to drink) for each day. Day one was the easiest since I hadn't fasted the day before, and the program kicked off with a higher-calorie day. Days three and five were definitely the hardest—and based on other reviews, I wasn't alone—because you're only getting about 700 calories, and you don't get your end-of-day 'treat,' the Choco Crisp L-Bar. Each day starts with a nut-forward bar, which is pretty satisfying and helps keep you full. Lunch is usually a soup of some sort, and in the afternoon, on three of the days, you get either kale and almond crackers or a pack of olives. Dinner is another soup, and on days one and two, you get a small 'dessert.' You're also given a glycerin liquid to mix with water, which 'provides the body with an alternate energy source to use instead of lean body mass during days 2-5 of the fast,' as well as several herbal tea bags. Again, the unlimited water and tea, plus one cup of black coffee, were my saving grace. It's not the best food I've ever had, but I didn't expect it to be. I was surprised by how good some of the soups, crackers, and olives were. I expected to feel famished and repulsed by the soups' flavor (or lack thereof). While I definitely wouldn't choose the Carrot Ginger soup again, I really enjoyed the Green Pea and Chives and Lentil Curry soups and would eat them even if I wasn't on the FMD diet. The kale and almond crackers and olive packs were also delicious. I'm already hunting for alternatives on Amazon and Costco so I can enjoy them every day. I was also impressed by the creamy consistency of the soups. I had imagined they'd be chalky (like some powdered greens supplements), but they weren't at all. In theory, yes. In fact, the brand suggests you maintain your normal lifestyle as much as possible while on the program. However, I kept my workouts low-impact (i.e., walking) and skipped my usual heated Pilates fusion classes and weight training. These classes are heated to 105°F and combine bursts of cardio and HIIT. I was worried about feeling faint, and they significantly increased my appetite. With brisk walks on an incline for three of the five days, I felt OK (I skipped days three and five because I was more tired and lightheaded). By day six, I had lost five pounds. While most of this was likely water weight, I haven't regained it yet. I attribute this to the transition diet (days six and seven), which is recommended after the program. The brand suggests slowly introducing easy-to-digest foods like beans, grains, and lean protein in the two days following completion. Despite the significant caloric reduction, I didn't feel as exhausted and malnourished as I'd anticipated. The third and fifth days were challenging, but that was mostly due to temptation from others around me who weren't doing the cleanse. If you follow a lot of food influencers or enjoy reading restaurant reviews, I recommend taking a break from this during the program. Trust me, watching TikToks of Mukbangs and food reviews will test your willpower. I learned this the hard way. Another concern I had was how the reduced calories would impact my sleep. I typically don't sleep well when I don't eat a good dinner, and I tend to eat later than most. I can't go to bed hungry and still function the next day, especially with only one cup of coffee. Fortunately, like many others, my sleep was OK. The fifth night was rough, and my Oura Ring called me out for my lack of 'readiness,' but I figured one night of subpar sleep was worth the other benefits. Plus, I didn't feel sluggish or zombified the next day, which I attribute to the FMD benefits. This was much more manageable than I expected, and I will definitely do another five-day program before summer. It's important to note that Prolon is not for everyone, especially athletes, those with eating disorders, or individuals with certain health conditions. It's always recommended to consult your physician or healthcare provider before starting a new diet or lifestyle shift.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scouted: I Tried Elastique's Lymphatic Drainage Leggings and Can Confirm They're Worth Every Penny
Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. I've been something of a self-designated test subject when it comes to lymphatic drainage; I've tried dozens of lymphatic drainage-boosting treatments over the years, running the gamut from DIY home solutions like dry brushing, compression boots and my trusty vibration plate to professional modalities, including the coveted in-office Icoone machine. I'm extremely prone to edema (the proper medical term for fluid retention), and thanks to my very sedentary professional lifestyle, my lymphatic system often needs a little extra TLC, to say the least. A couple of years ago, Instagram served me an ad for Elastique's lymphatic-boosting compression leggings, and I felt equal parts seen and downright called out. As someone who is often on the hunt for wellness shortcuts that do the work for me while I'm doing my actual work, these massaging leggings sounded like an absolute dream—especially since I was a few months away from my summer wedding. A pair of depuffing leggings promising to give me a lymph-moving micro-massage just by wearing them while I walk (OK, sit) around the house? It took three minutes before the brand's O.G. L'Original Legging was in my cart. Possible Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Modalities Our lymphatic system is critical to proper body processing and functioning—it operates as our body's built-in detoxifying center, helping to remove bacteria, toxins, and excess fat buildup. In some studies, techniques used to jumpstart the drainage process, including Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) performed by a licensed massage therapist and more invasive measures like nonsurgical complete decongestive therapy (CDT), have been shown to offer a slew of beauty and health benefits, including boosting immunity, increasing energy levels, combatting fatigue, and even decreasing cellulite. Unfortunately, getting these clinical-level benefits from lymphatic-supporting interventions requires consistency, time, and money to reap the results, which can be time-consuming and expensive, which is what led Elastique's founder and CEO, Emeline Kuhner-Stout to launch her brand as a new mother back in 2016. Inspired by the Vodder method of manual lymphatic drainage created in France during the early 1930s, Kuhner-Stout set out to offer 'cutting-edge compression garments that facilitate proper lymphatic flow, enabling our community to unleash their most potent built-in detox system while prioritizing their busy lifestyles.' How Elastique's Leggings Work I was already familiar with compression leggings (which are much more popular in Kuhner-Stout's native country of France). They have been known to, or at least have claimed to, help reduce swelling and boost circulation. But Elastique's functional garments are uniquely engineered to go above and beyond its peers in the burgeoning wellness-wear category, thanks to the brand's proprietary MicroPerle technology. The leggings (and other garments in the MicroPerle collection) are designed with gradient compression (with an impressive compression range of 8-13 mmHg, which is tough to find in the States) and built-in MicroPerle massage beads strategically placed to align with your lymph nodes. As you move, the MicroPerles (built into the garments' inner lining) massage you and promote fluid release. I've been wearing Elastique's L'original MicroPerle leggings for well over a year now, and I can confirm that, while admittedly pricey, they're worth every penny. I've owned the brand's O.G. L'Original Leggings for almost two years and have found that I have basically never reached for any other leggings since I first tried them on. Doctor-endorsed and Editor-Approved Tech 'I love Elastique's products because they're actually backed by science and medicine,' says board-certified NYC-based internist Dr. Amanda Kahn, MD (who also serves on Elastique's medical advisory board). '[The brand] has done the clinical studies to prove its effectiveness, and I am really impressed by how well the MicroPerles work to help reduce lymphatic congestion.' The doctor, who specializes in longevity, anti-aging and weight management, is also a big fan of the Stirrup legging—for both herself and her weight loss patients because they not only help keep lymph movement in flow, but also help improve cellulite. Dr. Kahn also appreciates how the MicroPerle leggings offer both instant graduation and cumulative, gradual results with long-term use. 'I love that they make my skin look good after just wearing them for a day, but I find they really help reduce lymphatic congestion in the long term, which can help my patients struggling with post-weight-loss cellulite and loose skin,' she tells the Daily Beast. Pros and Cons Pros: Stylish and figure-flatting. Slimming effect courtesy of gradient compression tech. MicroPerles are not easily visible when worn. Soft, comfortable fabric that is snug but not overly restrictive. Clinically-tested. Cons: Relatively expensive. The MicroPerle beads leave behind slight 'micro-kisses,' or indentations on the skin after wearing them, which may set off airport, court, government, or some concert security sensors. My Overall Thoughts I try to wear my L'Original Stirrup Leggings as much as possible and I especially love to wear them when flying because they kind of serve as a gentler compression sock for your full legs (though, in my experience, they can also set off the TSA detectors in airport security!). I also wear them to walk around my house, to hot pilates classes, and just lounging, relaxing, and living. They not only make my legs look firmer and tighter during and after use, but they also feel good. It may be a placebo effect, but when I wear my Elastique leggings, I feel like my circulatory system is much happier and operating more smoothly. And, while it may be a dirty word these days, the gradient compression in Elastique's garments provides a serious slimming effect—and does it without the sausage-like suffocation I sometimes experience with other snatching shapewear and activewear brands. They're tight enough to feel snatched and tucked in yet sublimely comfortable—even in ever-compromising yoga positions! If the MicroPerle's potential downsides are giving you pause, the brand also offers plenty of options without that unique technology in the sculpting and circulation-boosting Lisse capsule. This collection is still powered with the brand's propriety gradient compression tech, which is strategically designed to fit more snugly in the ankle and looser at the upper leg to promote blood and fluid flow back up to the heart—the same upward motion you'd experience in an IRL lymphatic massage conducted by a pro. There's no denying that Elastique's leggings are expensive compared to inferior entries in this space, but unlike your usual basic athletic leggings, they feel more like an investment in your health than your activewear lineup. Personally, I would rather shell out an extra $50 or so dollars for performance apparel that benefits my body, reduces cellulite *and* makes me feel like a million bucks rather than a premium pair at a slightly lower price point that is cute but ultimately does nothing for my body other than covering it while I work out. In short, while Elastique's lavish leggings are supple, elevated, and chic, you're paying up for a piece (or two or three) of industry-disrupting wearable wellness with unparalleled performance, visible skin-enhancing benefits, and long-term lymphatic support. Worth. Every. Penny. MORE FROM SCOUTED:
