Latest news with #Solidcore
USA Today
24-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- USA Today
RFK Jr. works out in jeans. We tried it. It didn't go well.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. seems to really love wearing jeans. Who doesn't, really? Whether they're skinny or baggy, dark- or light-wash, denim jeans are a fashion staple. But RFK Jr. seems to also love wearing jeans to ... exercise? The Health and Human Services Secretary has been spotted donning jeans at the gym. Most recently, on a hike in blistering heat. Many on social media were quick to question the behavior: "It's really weird to me that this guy seems to always be exercising in jeans." Others were less skeptical: "RFK Jr is single-handedly showing the nation that 'activewear' is a myth. You can train, hike, run, cycle in normal clothing." OK, let's play along here. Some experts tout the benefits of hot yoga. Many people lead active lifestyles outdoors in jeans every day. Maybe working out in jeans is no different? Here at USA TODAY, we couldn't help but wonder: Would we be happy breaking a denim-soaked sweat? With Finn atop Camelback in Phoenix this morning. So we tried it out ourselves, to mixed results. Wearing jeans on a run The second I stepped outside in my light-wash, baby blue jeans to go for a run a July morning in Washington, D.C., I regretted the choice. The humidity seeped into my pores, and beads of sweat pooled all across my body. Including my denim-covered legs. I typically run in shorts, a running tank top and a sweatband. That day, I channeled RFK Jr. and ran like the wind, or something like that. The breezy rush of air that usually whispers at my legs never materialized. The denim laced heat onto them instead. I wanted to shout at each runner and dog-walker I ran by: "This is for work! I promise! I don't like this!" One mile passed, then two and then a third. I took my usual route, though nothing about the run felt particularly usual. I felt constricted. Contained. Confounded. How could anyone enjoy this? But then it clicked. Just because this didn't work for me didn't mean it couldn't work for others. Maybe some are self-conscious about their legs, and find jeans a comfortable solution for their exercise routines over athleisure. Maybe some like the heat the denim brings. Maybe others just like breaking the status quo. Will I be running in jeans again? No. But I'm glad I tried it – even if a friend saw me and won't let me live it down. –– David Oliver, Deputy Wellness Editor In case you need: Running is great exercise, but many struggle with how to get started. Here are some tips. Wearing jeans during Solidcore Even in sweat-wicking fabric, Solidcore is no walk in the park. The pilates-inspired reformer workout has a cult following among New York City 20-somethings for packing a core and oblique focused challenge into 50 EDM-filled minutes. Each station on the studio floor is marked with a motivational phrase. Mine read 'Make someday today.' I don't think they meant the 'someday' you attend a workout class in jeans, I thought as I lunged and crunched to the chorus of 'Harlem Shake.' Even with the lights dimmed, I couldn't help but feel self-conscious in a sea of matching Alo yoga sets and Lululemon leggings. When I dropped into the first Bulgarian split squat of class, flashbacks of the time I split my pants during a high school PE class raced through my mind. But truth be told, it wasn't as bad as I expected. I got a few confused looks, but once I realized everyone in the room was more concerned with surviving the plank section than with my choice of attire, the class moved on as normal, albeit with more sweat. If you forget your workout clothes, jeans can work in a pinch. (It likely helps if they're 94% cotton and bootcut like mine were). Still, I wouldn't test the limits by trying it out in a more sweat-inducing class like SoulCycle or CorePower. –– Rachel Hale, Youth Mental Health Reporting Fellow More details: RFK Jr. hiked 'extremely difficult' Phoenix trail in July heat – while wearing jeans Wearing jeans during a gym session My dark-wash denims were made to move – well, really more to suck it up and keep it tight. They pack "tighter tummy technology," with 77% cotton, 21% polyester and the hardworking 2% Spandex. So when I set my position to bang out 15 squats at the start of my workout, I expected them to feel like a second skin. And, to a degree, they did. Not too long into my second set, it was like a skin I was desperate to shed – now, now, NOW! While I didn't tap out of my workout, I did have to abandon my jeans. It was not my favorite experience knowing exactly where sweat was gathering and soaking into my pants that grew just a little heavier. That might seem like a perk in a workout, but I assure you it was not. That said, if I did feel like spontaneously smacking the battle ropes in the backyard, being in jeans wouldn't deter me. –– Michelle Maltais, Executive Editor for Lifestyles & Financial Wellbeing The bottom line? We are glad we tried RFK Jr.'s jeans workout (hey, it makes for a good conversation starter) but none of us can say we'd readily repeat it. Maybe the Make America Health Again guru knows something we don't. We can't be sure – he didn't return our request for comment on the subject. Feel free to send us your "hot" takes on working out in jeans by emailing David at doliver@ And for anyone wanting to jump on the trend, please keep in mind jeans may not be safe to work out in, depending on the activity and your individual health needs; please consult a health care provider if you have any concerns about it and remember to follow the rules of your gym. Some institutions don't allow working out in jeans (and we now understand why).
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Yes, You Can Build Muscle in Group Fitness Classes—As Long As You Follow These 5 Tips
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." More and more guys are embracing group fitness. Why? Because group classes deliver science-backed muscle-building and cardio-enhancing tactics. Not sure how to get the most out of the new group fitness scene? We've got everything you need right MY FIVE years of teaching group fitness, I've taught over 1,500 classes—and thousands of people. With a fascination for exercise science and a knack for public speaking, it was only a matter of time before I fell into the realm of group fitness. And the first few months (years, even), I was locked into newlywed bliss: the energy of the room captivated me every single time I stepped out onto the floor, and watching my clients progress fulfilled me. But the more classes I taught, the more I realized group fitness had (many!) flaws. One-size-fits-all programming just couldn't serve my clients as well as truly customized workouts did. Sloppy programming prioritized getting sweatier instead of getting stronger. And class sizes ballooned, going from around 25 when I started to nearly 40 just a few weeks ago, which, at times, has left me feeling overwhelmed. But those growing class sizes have taught me a lesson, too: Tons of people get inspired to move thanks to group fitness every single day. So there are plenty of benefits here, too. Classes like Solidcore, Burn Bootcamp, and F45 Training deliver some serious positives that solo training could never mimic. The energy can push you to try harder on days you're just not feeling it, and the community you build just might get you excited to fitness more and more (like more challenging weights or sneak in that extra rep you didn't know you had in you) for years to come. And here's the good news: group fitness keeps getting better. Programs are getting smarter with their programming (Life Time's Alpha classes have you do three-month strength blocks, just like I program for my one-on-one clients), and trainers are getting more and more helpful continuing education to better serve members. So if you're a longtime boutique fitness studio member or ClassPass subscriber, stick with it. And get this: With a few small tweaks, you can get even more mileage out of your group fitness habit. Just make these 5 changes—and watch the gains really pile up. And if you're ever in New York City, maybe I'll catch you in one of my classes. Because no, I haven't left. All those positives keep me coming back for more, too. Be Vocal With Your Coach It might feel nice to blend in with the crowd, but you're missing out on a ton by not introducing yourself to your coach. Show up to a new class 15 to 20-minutes early, and have a discussion about your fitness journey, and what your fitness goals are with your new coach. They'll be able to help adjust the workout to your needs. For example, if you landed in my class and told me you've never picked up a barbell in your life, I'll take the time to give you a better break down of those barbell front squats we're doing in class—something I might breeze over for everyone else for sake of time. If you don't tell me until we're mid-class, I might have to give you an abridged version of that talk so I can continue helping others who might need it. Progress Yourself The long-term issue with group fitness: You never know when to pick up a heavier load. I'll see the same client pick up the same set of 30s for a dumbbell bench press for three months in a row, even though every single time they pick them up they cruise through the set, form unbroken. Your trainer might give some insight as to when you should go up, they also have 20+ other people in the class to worry about, so they might not clock it every single time. Your move: track progressions yourself. If you can do all your reps of an exercise without breaking form two weeks in a row (or survive an entire interval without feeling fatigued until the final 5 seconds), go up 2 to 5 pounds for an upper-body move, like biceps curls or overhead presses, or 5 to 10 pounds for lower body moves, like goblet squats or kettlebell reverse lunges. Finding a great gym buddy helps this too. Find a friend who goes to the same class you do most days, and keep each other accountable for leveling up. Sometimes peer pressure is a good thing. Un-Complicate Things Group fitness classes are notorious for pointless combo moves (think squats to curls to overhead presses). These might make you sweat, but they don't build strength—or forge good form. Your play here: Ditch the combo (yes, really. Your coach will get over it. Trust me). Instead, focus on the most challenging exercise in the combo and just do reps of that. If you really want to work on your overhead presses, nix the squat and curl—and tell your instructor you just want to focus on one thing at a time. Trust me, your coach gets it too (and probably didn't want to program that silly combo move anyway. It probably came from someone in corporate who doesn't know you, and is trying to program for everyone.) Mix it Up, But Not Too Much If you're a regular at your local CrossFit box, or have been hitting pilates five days a week, it's worth picking up something else once or twice a week to supplement. Why? Because the key to an effective program is to mix up the way you move. Variety allows you to move your body in all the ways it can. A Crossfitter can always benefit from once a week yoga, and a Pilates connoisseur can always benefit from some OrangeTheory or Cyclebar cardio. Then again, too much variety means you'll never be able to progress anything. So, if you're a serial class jumper, find a class you enjoy and do it twice or three times a week. My recommendation: Aim for at least two classes a week focused on strength, one focused on cardio. Prioritizing strength will benefit your movement long-term, preventing injury and promoting function as you get older. And sure, I understand that having enough group memberships to make this happen can be pricey. But services like ClassPass can help. Even big box gyms like Life Time have a ton of classes they might be included in your membership. Think Beyond What's 'Hot' Yes, bumping speakers and fancy lighting can get you hyped -- but don't let those things distract you from what really matters to your fitness goals. If a class has 40 people in a room and just one trainer, especially if you're just starting your fitness journey, you won't truly get the instruction you need to max out your gains. Allow yourself to be picky. Read class descriptions online and snoop Instagrams to gauge programming and size. (Pro tip: dig into a class's IG stories, too. That's where you'll get more of the uncurated IRL scenes from classes to understand how it truly works). And never forget: A single visit isn't a commitment. Didn't get the instruction you needed? Even if it is the hottest trend in fitness, you don't need to go back. There are some really great, useful classes out there. Focus your energies there. You Might Also Like The Best Hair Growth Shampoos for Men to Buy Now 25 Vegetables That Are Surprising Sources of Protein
Buzz Feed
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
29 Cute And Affordable Summer Accessories
Some dainty starfish studs that are hypoallergenic and nickel-free, so your sensitive ears won't reject them or go green! If only your ears knew how much REAL gold cost... maybe they'd chill out a bit. A pair of $15 oval sunnies reviewers say may or may not look like a $500+ Celine pair 👀 and I'm right there with them. A satin scarf you can wear SO many ways. Use it as a headband or scrunchie, tie it around your purse handle for extra oomph, wear it around your neck, style it as a top, or buy a matching set for you and your pet to wear. An adjustable western-inspired belt if you're still not over Cowboycore and would love a way to highlight your *also on-trend* low-waist bottoms. Some faux-pearl statement earrings that look like they were bought from a boutique in Tahiti, but really, all you did was click "Buy Now" on Amazon and they showed up at your door in 24 hours. A stacking ring set you can wear together or space out so several fingers can get in on the fun. Friends will thing you sourced them individually but really, the work was done for you. A beaded evening bag with *just* room for all of the important stuff (phone, keys, wallet) so you can collect compliments but not other people's stuff when you go out for the night and someone inevitably doesn't want to carry their own bag. A cherry bag charm if you're currently 'Jane Birkinifying' all of your bags — aka accessorizing your accessories — and fell in love with a particular $95 charm that's taken TikTok by storm. A set of gold-plated cartilage cuffs you can slip on for the look of two extra piercings. If you've been debating a conch but don't want to baby your ear for up to nine months (yes, that's how long it can take to heal!), try this on for size. A dazzling cubic zirconia ring that looks *just* like the one you've seen on the hand of many a celeb and influencer — but for $10. Just keep it away from water (and maybe don't wear it to Solidcore classes if you sweat a lot), and you'll get your money's worth. A pair of vintage-inspired aviators to add a bit of ~flair~ to your everyday look. You may even feel like a TikTok influencer when you wear them. A woven tote bag with such an arresting exterior, even the barista at the coffee shop will cut you some slack as you dig through it for five minutes to retrieve your debit card. A CZ tennis bracelet that — according to reviewers — can pass for real-deal diamonds, especially when incorporated in a sparkly stack. A layered initial and paperclip chain necklace for those who love the look of two+ pieces, but don't want to deal with sourcing them individually. I've been there, done that, and gotta say that this way, you don't have to deal with uneven lengths or unexpected tangles. A beaded shoulder bag you'll immediately treat as well as your firstborn child so it stays in the best condition imaginable. It's v similar to options from Staud if you love the look but simply can't afford the brand! A pair of safety pin earrings that look like the real thing, but won't infect your lobes or accidentally poke a new hole behind your ear. A true win-win, if you ask me! A simple herringbone chain you can wear alone or layer with 12 of your other fave necklaces because sometimes more *is* more. A stunning acrylic clutch with room for your keys, cards/cash, and Dior Lip Glow Oil 'cause TikTok has you in a chokehold and you *will* buy whatever the Gen Z influencers tell you to. A pair of polarized frames to protect your peepers as you drive to Starbucks for a grande vanilla iced latte even though you have a whole carafe of cold brew at home. 🤫 Some 18K gold-dipped twisted hoops that take ~literally~ no effort or know-how to style. While they're pretty substantial in size, they are unbelievably lightweight, so you don't have to worry about saggy lobes. A bold and protective headwrap so you can give your curls the attention they deserve — but sans heat or too much manipulation. An elegant stainless steel Timex watch with a petite oval face and stretchy design that makes it a cinch to slide on and off. Yay for no clasps!! A faux-leather bag that can straight up pass for Polène's Cyme. Despite its low price point, reviewers say the quality and detail — from the stitching to the hardware — is there. 👏 A pair of stylish teardrop earrings if you want the luxe look of Bottega Veneta but don't want to drop the equivalent of a month's rent on them — especially with how often you misplace things. A set of beaded bracelets with a stretchy elastic band so you don't have to spend 10 fruitless minutes trying and failing to secure multiple tiny clasps. A layered necklace so simple to style, it may just lay claim to your clavicle for good. And honestly, that's the best kind of piece — the one you never even take off. A pair of retro-inspired sunnies that'll run you less than $20, so if you're the type of person who throws them all willy-nilly in your bag, you won't be out serious dough if they get damaged. A pair of pavé huggie hoops sure to match whatever you're wearing since they rock all Roy G. Biv shades. And a genuine leather belt that'll literally tie your whole 'fit together and ensure you get ample wear out of all of your bottoms, even if you gain/lose a few pounds here and there.
Buzz Feed
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
28 Budget-Friendly Fashion Accessories
A set of gold-plated cartilage cuffs you can slip on for the look of two extra piercings. If you've been debating a conch but don't want to baby your ear for up to nine months (yes, that's how long it can take to heal!), try this on for size. An adjustable western-inspired belt if you're still not over Cowboycore and would love a way to highlight your *also on-trend* low-waist bottoms. A pair of $15 oval sunnies reviewers say may or may not look like a $500+ Celine pair 👀 and I'm right there with them. A faux-leather bag that can straight up pass for Polène's Cyme. Despite its low price point, reviewers say the quality and detail — from the stitching to the hardware — is there. 👏 A cherry bag charm if you're currently 'Jane Birkinifying' all of your bags — aka accessorizing your accessories — and fell in love with a particular $95 charm that's taken TikTok by storm. A CZ tennis bracelet that — according to reviewers — can pass for real-deal diamonds, especially when incorporated in a sparkly stack. A satin scarf you can wear SO many ways. Use it as a headband or scrunchie, tie it around your purse handle for extra oomph, wear it around your neck, style it as a top, or buy a matching set for you and your pet to wear. A beaded evening bag with *just* room for all of the important stuff (phone, keys, wallet) so you can collect compliments but not other people's stuff when you go out for the night and someone inevitably doesn't want to carry their own bag. Some faux-pearl statement earrings that look like they were bought from a boutique in Tahiti, but really, all you did was click "Buy Now" on Amazon and they showed up at your door in 24 hours. A stacking ring set you can wear together or space out so several fingers can get in on the fun. Friends will thing you sourced them individually but really, the work was done for you. A set of beaded bracelets with a stretchy elastic band so you don't have to spend 10 fruitless minutes trying and failing to secure multiple tiny clasps. A layered initial and paperclip chain necklace for those who love the look of two+ pieces, but don't want to deal with sourcing them individually. I've been there, done that, and gotta say that this way, you don't have to deal with uneven lengths or unexpected tangles. A dazzling cubic zirconia ring that looks *just* like the one you've seen on the hand of many a celeb and influencer — but for $10. Just keep it away from water (and maybe don't wear it to Solidcore classes if you sweat a lot), and you'll get your money's worth. A beaded shoulder bag you'll immediately treat as well as your firstborn child so it stays in the best condition imaginable. It's v similar to options from Staud if you love the look but simply can't afford the brand! A pair of stylish teardrop earrings if you want the luxe look of Bottega Veneta but don't want to drop the equivalent of a month's rent on them — especially with how often you misplace things. A pair of safety pin earrings that look like the real thing, but won't infect your lobes or accidentally poke a new hole behind your ear. A true win-win, if you ask me! A pair of vintage-inspired aviators to add a bit of ~flair~ to your everyday look. You may even feel like a TikTok influencer when you wear them. A woven tote bag with such an arresting exterior, even the barista at the coffee shop will cut you some slack as you dig through it for five minutes to retrieve your debit card. A pair of retro-inspired sunnies that'll run you less than $20, so if you're the type of person who throws them all willy-nilly in your bag, you won't be out serious dough if they get damaged. A simple herringbone chain you can wear alone or layer with 12 of your other fave necklaces because sometimes more *is* more. An elegant stainless steel Timex watch with a petite oval face and stretchy design that makes it a cinch to slide on and off. Yay for no clasps!! A genuine leather belt that'll literally tie your whole 'fit together and ensure you get ample wear out of all of your bottoms, even if you gain/lose a few pounds here and there. A bold and protective headwrap so you can give your curls the attention they deserve — but sans heat or too much manipulation. A stunning acrylic clutch with room for your keys, cards/cash, and Dior Lip Glow Oil 'cause TikTok has you in a chokehold and you *will* buy whatever the Gen Z influencers tell you to. A layered necklace so simple to style, it may just lay claim to your clavicle for good. And honestly, that's the best kind of piece — the one you never even take off. Some 18K gold-dipped twisted hoops that take ~literally~ no effort or know-how to style. While they're pretty substantial in size, they are unbelievably lightweight, so you don't have to worry about saggy lobes. A pair of polarized frames to protect your peepers as you drive to Starbucks for a grande vanilla iced latte even though you have a whole carafe of cold brew at home. 🤫 And a pair of pavé huggie hoops sure to match whatever you're wearing since they rock all Roy G. Biv shades.
Buzz Feed
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
13 Reviewer-Loved Things From Lululemon
A pair of high-rise leggings available in four lengths, with or without pockets, and 10 hues ranging from crater blue and army green to my personal favorite — black. Promising review: "Align are my very favorite leggings. These are the best workout leggings as they are on the thinner side. Not too shiny, but a very nice subtle pattern. The pockets are a must!" —MelissaPrice: $128 (available in sizes 0–20 and in four lengths and 11 colors) A sleeved tee you'll wear to the gym, the coffee shop, and while rewatching Pretty Little Liars for the 90th time even though you're well past high school graduation and the plot — in hindsight — is pretty cringe. Promising review: "Perfect fit and very well-made. Have one in every color. I wear them as a layering piece." —LisaPrice: $68 (available in sizes 0–20 and in 12 colors) A medium support sports bra engineered to keep the girls in place (specifically B–D cups) throughout that overpriced group workout class. Promising review: "Great support. I love how this is so comfortable, but it still gives great support! My favorite bra!" —Lincoln LisaPrice: $52 (available in sizes 2–14 and in eight colors) A zip-up jacket that checks off all the boxes for a solid layer: second-skin silhouette, buttery soft fabric, and thumbholes for keeping your palms warm when it's frigid outside and the steering wheel of your car feels like ice. Promising review: "Best jacket! So soft, warm, and comfortable." —kay2434Price: $118+ (available in sizes 0–14 and in eight colors) A high-neck tank I'm officially dubbing my work-from-home and maybe-go-to-the-gym wardrobe. This is cozy and professional when layered with a cardigan or blazer. Promising review: "I usually hate built-in bras, but this was perfect for a low-intensity workout. I am a full C and this was great for Solidcore." —Crystal Price: $68 (available in sizes 0–20 and in four colors) An oversize half-zip hoodie that is the kind of garment I would have had to hide from my sisters growing up because there is zero chance it wouldn't have been stolen. Promising review: "I have several colors in the scuba sweatshirt style and with the Lululemon logo stitched on the front. Love them all! I live in Florida and it's the perfect weight for the temps here when you need that extra bit of fleece warmth." —sapo2129Price: $118 (available in sizes XS/S–XL/XXL and in eight colors) A pair of workout shoes designed for running and training because they're ultra lightweight and responsive — i.e., you'll feel a bounce with every step. Promising review: "LOVE THEM. I feel like I'm running on a cloud. I have flat feet and hip issues. These totally take the impact to a lesser intensity. Love them." —CoachDLM629Price: $148 (available in sizes 5–12 and in five colors) A cropped tank top designed with light compression and support for low-impact workouts — perfect for when you'd like to take a yoga class sans sports bra. Promising review: "This is my fave Lulu item EVER made. I love this tank. It's so cute and matches everything." —somerandomswiftiePrice: $68 (available in sizes 0–20 and in seven colors) A flared pant that should start negotiating for PTO now, considering you'll likely wear them every darn day. Promising review: "My favorite leggings! I've worn the aligns through two pregnancies and they've held up so well (not baggy after). I wanted this new flare style, and I love the look." —Monica G. Price: $118 (available in sizes 0–20 and in six colors) A pair of mid-rise cargo pants that are supposedly for dance workout classes which, fine, but also pair great with heeled booties for a night out. Promising review: "Comfortable and good fit. Very good quality, and the pockets are convenient. Best cargo pants ever!" —AgnesPrice: $128 (available in sizes XXXS–XL and in seven colors) A crossbody here to snatch the title of "travel bag" from the oversize purse you've been carrying around from terminal A to B. Hands-free convenience for travel and extra assurance that my important government IDs are literally on top of me? Bliss. Promising review: "Cute and functional. Love how it has two zipper compartments." —CassidyPrice: $78 (available in eight colors) A high-rise skirt I'll tell myself I'm buying to wear while playing tennis or golf, even though I am someone who will, in fact, never play tennis or golf. I will enjoy cosplaying as someone who plays sports on the weekends, though. Promising review: "The best thing I've ever put on my body. If you're debating getting this, just get it. So cute!" —haehPrice: $78 (available in sizes 0–14 and in 10 colors) A versatile long-sleeve bodysuit one can pair with pretty much everything in their closet: maxi skirts, wide-leg trousers, skinny jeans, and the list goes on. Promising review: "I normally don't wear bodysuits from anywhere, but this is perfect. So soft and can be worn with jeans, pants, sweatpants/joggers. It's very comfortable, even for a bodysuit." —miamiamee13Price: $88 (available in sizes XS–1X and in four colors)
