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What is Swype? How this all-in-one vape, phone and fitness tracker works – New York Post
Because youve only got two hands for scrolling, texting and vaping.
The Swype vape phone is an all-in-one nicotine vape, fitness tracker and phone thats designed to keep you connected and entertained while providing a premium vaping experience, according to its creators.
The interactive device costs around $20 and comes prefilled with a variety of flavors like Blue Raspberry, Gum Mint, Pina Colada, Pink Burst and F-cking Fab.
Its filled with 5% nicotine juice, has three strength levels and claims to last up to 30,000 puffs.
But the single-use and disposable product doesnt just appease your nicotine addiction, it will also satisfy your desire to stay connected.
The Swype vape phone can connect to several apps like X and get texts on its touch screen by connecting to your phone via Bluetooth and be personalized with different wallpapers.
One thing the phone cant do is make calls.
To connect the device to their phones, users need to download an app on their primary phone called WearinOS.
However, it doesnt seem to be the next hot commodity.
The Swype vape has been described as janky and very buggy by a Business Insider reporter who tested the product and complained that the technology and design didnt meet the requirements for a reliable cell phone.
The notifications did not come through reliably and some of the apps did not work at all for some users.
The Swype vape phone comes as many Gen Zers continue to be addicted to vaping and their cell phone devices so why not combine their vices?
However, while the Swype vape phone will likely help users maintain their vaping habit, some users hoped the product would help them to disconnect from their social media/ phone addictions.
Some Gen Zers are ditching smartphones and becoming obsessed with old-fashioned flip phones from the 2000s.
We dont take our regular phones out anymore. Everything that leads to us having a bad time stems from our phone, explained 18-year-old influencer Sammy Palazzolo in a now-viralTikTokvideo, which has snagged 13 million views and counting.
However, the Swype vape phone doesnt seem to be the best alternative.
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What is Swype? How this all-in-one vape, phone and fitness tracker works - New York Post
Bringing a Growth Mindset to the | Health & Fitness Association – Health & Fitness Association
CBI: Do you see HVLP 2.0 and beyond as a strong model for the industry?
Chris Smith: Traditional HVLP and more advanced HVLP 2.0 models are very successful right now, so I dont think theres any denying that they appeal to the consumer. But thats not to say other categories cant be as successful. The lifestyle luxury category is doing very well in its own right, as are many boutiques. Its less about what category youre in and more about how you execute your strategy and your tactics.
CBI: What are some of the differences between the U.S. and Canadian markets?
Chris Smith: I think the big difference is the FX rate. A Canadian dollar and a U.S. dollar are materially different and have been now for some years, and its impactful when you think about building new clubs and buying new equipment in terms of how you have to think about growth and CapEx. Then theres the difference in bi-weekly billing. In Canada, bi-weekly billing is very common, where in the U.S., monthly billing is still very much the norm. From a business standpoint, in Canada youre getting an additional months worth of dues. I think its something that more U.S. operators should look into, because it aligns with how most people get paid, and that creates a little bit more ebb and flow in peoples bank accounts.
We have a different set of labor laws. In British Columbia, for instance, our minimum wage is over $17 an hour, and most of the U.S. has nowhere near that kind of minimum wage. You have to think about how you deploy labor and how you leverage your tech stack to offset some labor costs, while still delivering on a world-class customer service experience that every operator is trying to maintain.
CBI: What made you want to seek the position of chair?
Chris Smith: My original intention on applying for the board was to be able to serve. I felt like I had accomplished enough, and Ive certainly accomplished even more since I began this journey on the board. But it was really about just a desire to give back and be part of something bigger than myself and my own businesses, so thats really where it began. In terms of becoming chair, I just believe that I was the best person at this time on the board to continue to partner with the HFA staff to deliver on all three pillars of advocacy, research, and education across the globe. And I say that with a lot of emphasis on across the globe.
Im hoping that we can continue to grow our international membership and influence. We need to be able to maintain existing relationships and build new ones. We just hired Sean Tan to represent Asia-Pacific, and that will be huge. We need to build our international platform with the vision that Liz and the team has.
CBI: What do you think is the best way to build the associations international footprint?
Chris Smith: I look at it as a relationship exercise more than anything else. We need to have dedicated staff to work with international companies and operators, while continuing to recruit international board members that have relationships across the globe. I also think partnering with the World Health Organization (WHO) is critical. I know many with a North American perspective may be indifferent to the work of WHO, but the reality is that WHO is very influential with a whole host of health ministers in dozens of countries. And the advocacy work, research, and education that we share with WHO will be important to how operators will be received across the globe. These are the kinds of relationships we cant overlook. We need to continue to work with them in any and every way possible. Thats how we can position the HFA to be the global leader for the industry.
CBI: Are you going to be on the road a lot to meet with international stakeholders?
Chris Smith: I dont know how much Ill travel, but as chair, Ill certainly make an effort to meet with more operators and connect with them both in person and through email and phone calls. That process has already begun. Im in Chicago now and Im going to meet with a couple of people while Im here, look at their operation, break some bread, and chat with them a little bit. Ill work with Liz to see how she thinks I can best help her and her staff. If Im a resource that they want to deploy, then Im happy to do so. I do intend to attend the European Congress in Spain this year, and Im very much looking forward to meeting our colleagues over there.
CBI: It sounds like youre excited about the opportunity to get more involved in the global industry.
Chris Smith: Im certainly excited about it. Chris Craytor did a phenomenal job over the last couple of years. Same with Liz and the staff and the job they did navigating us through the recovery period and building what weve built so far. Now its time to think about growth. Most operators are no longer talking about the pandemic and recovery, and the association has a similar focus. Its definitely time to seize the moment and look for opportunities to grow our association and our industry. Thats where my head is at, and I think thats where the staffs head is at as well.
CBI: Youve started a communications company, which hosts the show All Things Fitness and Wellness (ATFW), hosted by Krissy Vann. Whats your strategy behind this venture?
Chris Smith: Ive always been challenged by mentors and people Ive worked with to fill a void in the market when I notice one. Over a decade ago, that was personal training. Thats when I started the British Columbia Personal Training Institute, which has been very successful. My partner challenged me to look at other spaces where there was an opportunity, and that was in media. Thats not to say that there werent podcasts or people reporting within the fitness space, but the vast majority of them are what I would call operator driven and/or narrowly focused on specific agendas. Weve got some great partners and sponsors that are starting to get behind the platform in terms of storytelling, so I think the future is really bright for ATFW.
CBI: Can you talk a bit about what the fitness lifestyle means to you?
Chris Smith: Ive always really enjoyed lifting weights. Somebody I was joking with the other day told me they were taller than me, and I said, listen, Im not trying to be the tallest CEO, Im trying to be the strongest. So, I still lift pretty heavy and intensely. And its a big part of what I do. It gives me a great sense of focus and release. It has certainly impacted my life and my familys life in a positive way.
CBI: As you look toward the future, what are your hopes for the association and the global industry, including your own ventures?
Chris Smith: The one word I would say is growth. I believe the association is growing, but I want to think about how we can intelligently grow bigger. We need to be hyper-focused on the work that the staff is currently doing on the strategic plan to make sure that all stakeholders are appropriately represented. And we need to make sure the right amount of intensity is placed behind appropriate initiatives.
Its really not that different from how I focus on my own ventures when were looking to grow our business. Weve got a lot of plans were working on, and were excited about what we can go out and accomplish as a team for Fitness World Canada and the Health & Fitness Association.
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Bringing a Growth Mindset to the | Health & Fitness Association - Health & Fitness Association
3 ways to cut your workout time without sacrificing gains, according to a fitness expert – Yahoo Life
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Many of us dont have time for an hour in the gym, let alone two. Work, family, life stresses, these are all factors that can make trying to fit in a workout session a bit of a squeeze. But, just because youre pushed for time doesnt mean you have to put your workouts completely on the back burner and wave bye-bye to all your hard-earned gains. You can still train, you just need to be a little smarter in your approach.
Jeff Nippard, an internationally qualified powerlifter, and pro-bodybuilder who regularly shares science-based training methods via his YouTube channel, has shared a new video with three simple tips that can help reduce your workout time by 30 minutes, that also won't lose you any muscle. Here's how you can do it...
We can all relate to this. How many times have you done a set of light reps on the bench press and then taken a two-minute break, whether that be to check your phone or have a chat with someone? Probably a few times.
But, as Nippard rightly points out theyre just warm-up sets. They shouldn't have you anywhere close to failure, he says in his Instagram video. Your muscles therefore wont need a rest so Nippard says you can just go from one warm-up set to another, then rest before your first working set. This should save you 10 minutes across the whole workout, he says.
Supersets are a great training method for those days you cant commit to a long workout session, as they allow you to pack more into your training, but in a shorter time frame. Antagonistic supersets are what Nippard suggests, which is where you pair two exercises together that train different muscle groups, such as a bicep curl and tricep extension. This means while youre working one, the other is resting and vice versa.
In the video, Nippard also references this 2024 study by SportRixiv which looks at the different outcome of traditional rep/set resistance training versus supersets. The results showed that both training groups experienced the same increase in muscle thickness, strength, power and muscle endurance, despite the supersets reducing workout time by 36% less time (Nippard says it saved them 25 minutes!).
Supersets will, of course, increase the demands placed on your body so, while it probably isn't wise to be doing them all the time, they're good for when you're up against the clock.
Before you immediately start thinking Nippard is trying to break you and the bench press up, he isnt. But, what he is saying is that barbells and machines arent the most time-sensitive pieces of equipment, which is true. You can pick up a dumbbell a lot faster than you can set up a barbell or pick a machine, adjust it for your height, and then load it up with weight, he explains.
Using a pair of dumbbells also offers other benefits, such as training unilaterally and they often require greater stabilisation, meaning they can activate more muscle fibres. While Nippard does say they may not be as optimal as some machines in some cases, they will save you precious time.
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3 ways to cut your workout time without sacrificing gains, according to a fitness expert - Yahoo Life
Katie Ledecky Shares Her Favorite Activewear Essentials to Kick Off the Olympics – POPSUGAR
While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.
Gold medals are so synonymous with Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky, it's almost jarring to see her in a setting without the shiny hardware draped around her neck. Over the last two decades, no athlete has had a greater impact on women's competitive swimming than Ledecky, who with 10 Olympic medals, 21 World Championship titles, countless world records, and three (soon-to-be four) appearances at the Olympic Games has transcended the sport entirely.
The internet might throw the "G.O.A.T." label around haphazardly, but with Ledecky, it's no exaggeration she embodies it.
In the coming weeks, Ledecky will compete on behalf of Team USA Swimming once again as she sets her sights on gold, with a focus on the 800- and 1500-meter races, where she's favored. But for the superstar athlete, this year's Games also offer an opportunity for reflection on the history of women's sports, its evolution, and more importantly, where it still has to go.
"As I look forward to this summer, the Olympics in Paris is really a full-circle moment. The 1900 Olympic Games in Paris were the first Olympic games where women could compete; swimming was not one of those events," Ledecky says.
The swimmer's efforts to support the next generation of female athletes goes far beyond her own success in the pool. Earlier this year, Ledecky joined Athleta's Power of She Collective, a dynamic community of elite athletes (which also includes Simone Biles and Katie Zaferes) that aims to empower women and girls by building confidence and strength through movement.
Through the program, collective members are able to provide personal and professional mentorship opportunities for up-and-coming athletes, participate in Athleta's Power of Impact programs, and even influence the development of certain performance products and styles.
"Power of She evokes a feeling of pride for me. The camaraderie we share as female athletes goes beyond the field of play. Whether we're competing or cheering each other on from the stands, the support and positive energy from my teammates is invaluable. Those little moments of encouragement and unity make a huge difference and create a strong sense of belonging it really is the Power of She in action," Ledecky says.
Ledecky shared a few of her favorite activewear essentials from Athleta with PS, including a supportive sports bra, cozy half zip, and mesh workout short that's equal parts stylish and breathable. To learn more about her work with the brand, visit Athleta.com.
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Katie Ledecky Shares Her Favorite Activewear Essentials to Kick Off the Olympics - POPSUGAR
Zumba Partners With Samsung Health in Latest DTC Move – Athletech News
The collaboration will bring Zumbas energizing dance-fitness workouts to an even wider audience
Zumba and Samsung Health have partnered to elevate global fitness and wellbeing by offering Samsung Health users exclusive access to a variety of Zumba classes led by its expert instructors.
Zumba is an iconic brand with decades of experience in the fitness industry, Samsung Healths Joonil Choi said. By integrating their dynamic workouts into our app, we will be giving our users more diverse and engaging ways to improve their well-being.
Alberto Perlman, Zumbas co-founder and CEO, remarked that the dance fitness company is ecstatic to partner with Samsung Health and extend Zumbas reach to a wider audience.
Our mission has always been to help people achieve happier and healthier lives through dance and fitness, and this collaboration allows us to leverage Samsungs intelligent health platform to reach millions more, Perlman said.
The deal with the digital health solutions platform is Zumbas latest direct-to-consumer move and follows the dance fitness brands partnership with the virtual reality workout platform FitXR, announced last fall. The collaboration referred to as a game changer by FitXR co-founder and CEO Sam Cole was inspired by FitXRs survey findings, which revealed users desired more dance class options.
At the start of 2024, Zumba unveiled an app, making it easier for Zumba fans to find and book in-person classes as well as access on-demand fitness content for all levels, including HIIT, strength training, and mobility and flexibility classes.
In an interview with Athletech News last year, Perlman hinted at Zumbas then-upcoming DTC initiatives, adding that for the dance-fitness brand, the primary goal of going to direct to consumer is to get more people familiar with the Zumba brand, ultimately driving them to in-person classes at gyms and clubs.
The high-energy Zumba brand remains one of the most popular group fitness classes at gyms and health clubs worldwide.
Courtney Rehfeldt has worked in the broadcasting media industry since 2007 and has freelanced since 2012. Her work has been featured in Age of Awareness, Times Beacon Record, The New York Times, and she has an upcoming piece in Slate. She studied yoga & meditation under Beryl Bender Birch at The Hard & The Soft Yoga Institute. She enjoys hiking, being outdoors, and is an avid reader. Courtney has a BA in Media & Communications studies.
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Zumba Partners With Samsung Health in Latest DTC Move - Athletech News
Thick Thighs Run Club is breaking down barriers in a fitness-obsessed city – Denverite
On a warm Wednesday afternoon in July, Gladys Santiago stood in an empty parking lot in RiNo, waiting.
One by one, people arrived and gathered around her. Theres some chatter, a little bit of small talk, a few introductions.
Then Santiagos Thick Thighs Run Club was off for a jog.
For most of the 18 runners, the evening was filled with a lot of firsts. The first time meeting each other. The first time joining any sort of run club. And for many, their first time putting on running shoes in years.
For Kali Bechtold, a first-time Thick Thighs runner, joining the group is a way to get back into running after having two kids.
I think that it's hard and intimidating to go to a place in a community and be like, it's fine if I just show up the way I am and there's no judgment, or expectations, or competition, said the mom of two. It seems like the perfect group to start in a no-judgment zone and meet new people too.
That same sentiment was shared by many others.
I feel like in Colorado there's not a lot of inclusive running groups, so this allows for different levels of different runners, said Layla Ramos, another first-time Thick Thighs runner. And I'm not a fast runner, so I was really excited to join this group It can be really intimidating going to some of these [run clubs], some of them are called endurance run groups and I'm like, that's not for me.
In a city that is renowned for its active lifestyle culture and vibrant fitness scene from biking around Sloans Lake to scaling a nearby 14er to investing in a membership at one of the many fitness studios its no secret that Denverites take physical fitness seriously.
For the last few years, Denver has consistently ranked among the top 10 most active cities around the country.
But for Thick Thigh Run Club goers like Bechtold and Ramos, this can feel like a daunting barrier to re-entering the fitness world.
That's exactly why Santiago decided to start Thick Thigh Run Club earlier this month.
As somebody who grew up overweight I was a chubby kid, an overweight adult I've always felt ostracized, said the run club founder. But even after I lost weight, I felt like I still couldnt join a gym because they were just so intimidating for me and it was anxiety-inducing. I felt like I would be judged and I couldn't see myself there because it's kind of like you feel like all eyes are on you.
And this is not Santiagos first time creating an inclusive fitness space.
Santiago, along with her wife, Emily Stork, co-founded Worth The Fight Boxing and Fitness Studio a few years ago, shortly after the couple first moved to Denver from New York City.
While Santiago's own weight loss journey is what led her to discover her love for boxing and the fitness industry as whole, Santiago said she was inspired to open Worth The Fight after struggling to find an inclusive fitness space in Denver.
Often, Santiago found herself as the only person of color, queer-identifying, and person with a certain body type.
I want to fight against this notion that you have to look a certain way to even step foot in a gym or workout place to find your fitness, she said. I think a lot of people feel this way.
But after two years of owning and running the boxing studio, she wanted to take it a step further.
I would say our fitness studio is inclusive, but there is a barrier to entry, especially if cost is an issue.
So Santiago started brainstorming: how could she make fitness accessible and inclusive? Enter: Thick Thighs Run Club.
The club has no joining fees or commitments attached.
Every week, the club meets in a different neighborhood around Denver which is posted on the clubs Instagram. At the meeting spot, Santiago explains to the runners they can join one of three different paces: the run/jog group, the speed walk/jog group, and finally, the walking group.
And then, after introductions and running through a few stretching drills, the groups set off.
On this night, Santiago and her wife, Stork, led the two walking groups, while a Thick Thighs Run Club volunteer led the runners.
And for many of the first-time runners, one of the best parts was that the different paces were not only doable, but they could actually spark up a conversation with their fellow runners.
That's something Emmy Herland says she was not able to easily do in more intense, and faster-paced run clubs.
I'm not an intense runner necessarily, but I do try to run a few days a week, Herland said. But nice and slow. I'm not winning any races or anything I am just always nervous about going to running groups because they'll say, Any pace is welcome, but I'm worried that I'll be that person running back by myself. And then it's like, if I'm doing that, why am I running with the club?
The runners jogged down a narrow sidewalk along Blake Street.
They weave between breweries and the front patios of restaurants on Larimer, pausing every now and then for walking breaks.
Whenever a runner lagged behind, someone called out to the lead pacer, and the group slowed waiting for the runner to catch up. Theres no competition here.
Two and half miles later at a 14-minute-per-mile pace, the group made it back to the same empty parking lot where they first gathered just under an hour before. But this time, instead of awkward small talk and nervous laughter, the runners and walkers shared sweaty high-fives and hugs.
For Cully Byrum, joining Thick Thighs Run Club was more than just trying to get back into running.
I recently lost my dad, who was an avid runner, she said. I would love to train for some sort of short race to run in his memory this year.
Byrum decided to join the club after her friend, Bechtold, told her about it. She said she hopes joining the run club will not only help her train for a future race, but also process her grief.
And like Bechtold, she feels grateful to have found a running club that prioritizes community over competition.
Thick Thighs Run Club will next meet on Aug. 3 for a picnic and a run around City Park. Runners and walkers are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and food to share.
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Thick Thighs Run Club is breaking down barriers in a fitness-obsessed city - Denverite
Mental Health Was a Hot Topic During the Last Olympics. Has Anything Changed Since Then? – POPSUGAR
Three years ago, Simone Biles dropped out of the Tokyo 2021 Olympics after experiencing a mental block known as "the twisties." Biles was faced with a fair amount of criticism for that move. But she also got a lot of support for publicly and openly taking care of her mental well-being, even at the expense of her ability to compete in the largest sporting event in the world.
Just a few months prior, tennis star Naomi Osaka had withdrawn from the 2021 French Open, citing struggles with depression and anxiety. And together, these two athletes launched what became an international conversation about mental health in sports.
In many ways in 2021, in the midst of the global pandemic, mental health was at the forefront of every conversation. So it's not surprising that the world of professional sports was contending with its own mental health reckoning. At the time, officials seemed to be listening and eager to do better. But now, on the cusp of the next Paris 2024 Olympics, many people are wondering: has anything actually changed?
Dominique Dawes is a three-time Olympian and the first Black gymnast to win an Olympic gold medal.
Natasha Trujillo, PhD, is a licensed counseling and sport psychologist.
Until well-known athletes began speaking openly about the mental health demands of their careers, many people hadn't necessarily considered the stresses they're often under.
"I think people look at athletes and they see a $100 million contract, or that they've broken all these records and have all [these markers of success], and they're thinking, 'They can't be dealing with mental health [issues],'" Dominique Dawes, a three-time Olympian and the first Black gymnast to win an Olympic gold medal, tells PS. But, she adds, "It's a myth that the world's idea of success leads to fulfillment and happiness."
Even setting aside external success, athletes are often lauded for their resilience and grit, which can create an environment where they don't feel able to reach out and ask for help.
Looking back on her time competing at the Olympics in 1992, 1996, and 2000, Dawes wishes leaders had made space for athletes to be able to speak up about struggles without fear of losing opportunities.
"It was all about medals and money for the organization and less focused on the individual athletes," Dawes says. "The mindset back then was all about winning and being champions. And I think that's something that does need to change in some capacity. You want to bring home the gold medal, especially if you're capable of winning gold. But there also needs to be a listening ear for these athletes to say, 'Hey, I'm not OK.'"
To that end, Biles's decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics was incredibly brave. She was walking away from an opportunity many of the most talented athletes spend their entire careers hoping to get. Someone who was newer to their sport, or not as dominant, or with fewer (or no) sponsorships might not have been able to take the risk of prioritizing their own mental health, or to speak frankly about what they were going through.
This is one reason why Biles's and Osaka's decisions were so groundbreaking: not just to step back, but to be honest about why they were stepping back. In doing so, they opened the door to more productive conversations about athletes' mental health. And hopefully, as a result, all athletes' will enjoy better mental health-care.
Biles and Osaka weren't the first athletes to ever talk about mental health, of course. Tennis alum Mardy Fish became a mental health advocate after an anxiety attack forced him to withdraw from a U.S. Open match against Roger Federer more than a decade ago. Swimmer Michael Phelps, the most decorated athlete in Olympic history, opened up in 2015 about dealing with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts after each of his Olympic games ended. The 2020 documentary "The Weight of Gold" features several Olympians speaking up about the mental health challenges of competing at the highest levels in one's sport.
But Biles and Osaka happened to be speaking at a time when more people were finally listening. And against public scrutiny and potential career ramifications, these trailblazers have helped remind the public that their international renown doesn't negate their personal struggles.
"We really are seeing a fundamental shift," in how professional athletes and their support teams treat mental health, licensed counseling and sport psychologist Natasha Trujillo, PhD, tells PS.
In 2020, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) vowed to delegate resources to athletes for their mental health. As of May of this year, the USOPC employed 14 full-time licensed mental health staffers, according to Forbes. To cast a wider net, it offers a mental health registry, an online database that helps link athletes with more than 300 licensed, vetted mental health professionals.
Licensed clinical mental health providers and psychiatrists are listed along with contact information, states they're licensed to practice in, and which, if any insurance they accept. (The USOPC also offers a mental health fund to pay "outstanding costs from medically necessary or sports-related healthcare, per its website.)
The USOPC has also trained 800 coaches, staff, athletes and others in Mental Health First Aid.
A $10 million donation last year from the Rieschel Family Foundation is funding the USOPC's five-year plan to build Team USA's mental health program. Phase one involves expanding resources to ensure that every athlete has access to a licensed mental health provider. In the coming years, the USOPC also plans to develop new programming for athlete advocacy and sustain that programming through the 2028 Olympics.
A spokesperson for the USOPC was not available for further comment.
Outside of the USOPC's efforts, USA Gymnastics even brought therapy dogs to the Olympic trials last month. While petting a pup before a floor routine isn't curing any serious mental illnesses, some in the sports industry are hopeful that increased awareness will bring about positive change.
Additionally, this year the Olympics will also have a dedicated hub to promote athletes' mental health for the first time ever, being called the Athlete365 Mind Zone x Powerade.
It's a space within the Olympic Village fitness center that the Olympic Committee dubs a "safe and welcoming space for [athletes] to tune in to your emotional needs, prepare your mind for your next training session or event, and check in with a trained staff member for further support." Its staffers are all trained in mental health first aid, per the website. The soothing space is equipped with yoga mats, comfy chairs, a VR meditation zone and more.
And while experts applaud these steps forward, some say the work is far from over.
"Although I want to be optimistic and point out that we have definitely made strides and we're in a different place than we were, there really is still so much work to be done," Dr. Trujillo says.
While the USOPC's most recent annual impact report found that more than 1,000 athletes and 82 teams requested mental health services last year through that registry, Dr. Trujillo says that more can be done to ensure more athletes actually use the mental health resources being offered to them. "My perception as an individual is that [the USOPC registry] is underutilized and in talking with other colleagues I think we share that, but I do know that their team is working hard to make that more accessible," says Dr. Trujillo, one of the counselors on the registry. "It's just one of those things that they need to keep pushing."
While it may be tempting to interpret the lack of engagement with mental health resources as signs that athletes don't actually need them, the truth is that there's still a stigma around getting mental health help, Dr. Trujillo says. So to make the resources actually accessible requires creating an environment in which athletes feel comfortable using them.
"It's hard to get an athlete into an office like mine if they don't have support. And some of them will be very secretive and not tell anyone. But when you have people in your space encouraging mental well-being, athletes are so much more likely to reach out," Dr. Trujillo explains.
Dawes agrees, saying that making real strides involves ensuring that leaders and organizations surround athletes with the "right" people who will advocate for their physical and mental wellbeing on and off the field, court, or mat.
Mental health is becoming less stigmatized in general, and that acceptance is slowly but surely trickling down into the sports world. The proof is in the fact that more athletes are speaking up about how their prep routines involve mental work as well as physical. Sunny Choi, the first female breakdancer to represent the U.S. at the Olympics, has said talk therapy had the biggest improvement to her game. Runner Nikki Hiltz recently shared about their pre-Olympic Trials prep work, which included weekly therapy, journaling, and 100 straight days of meditation.
"Mental health is a part of training," Dr. Trujillo says. "When it's normal for your sports psych to be on the sidelines along with your physical therapist or your team doctor or your trainer, when that's normal and no one bats an eye, that tells you it's integrated."
Hannah Yasharoff is a journalist based in Washington DC specializing in entertainment, wellness, and lifestyle topics. Previously, she was an entertainment and wellness reporter at USA Today for more than five years before serving as a health and wellness reporter for The Messenger.
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Mental Health Was a Hot Topic During the Last Olympics. Has Anything Changed Since Then? - POPSUGAR
I Found the Elusive "Cool Socks" All the Trendy Kids Are Wearing – POPSUGAR
While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.
For the last several months, I've been having a sock problem. When it comes to fashion trends, I consider myself fairly "with it." So I've seen the chatter about the appropriate sock height. I know that no-show and ankle socks have been given the skinny jeans and side part treatment circa 2021. I'm on board with doing away with ankle socks, but as a short person (5'2"), I've struggled to a sock that hits the right height one that looks intentional instead of nerdy and doesn't make my legs look shorter.
Recently, though, the very source of my confusion (TikTok) may have delivered a solution: quarter socks. I first heard the term in the comments section of a TikTok begging for the scoop on where people were buying their "cute little white socks" that fell between ankle sock and calf socks. "They're called quarter socks!" the top comment reported. "Most brands sell them but a lot of people get them from Hanes or Aritzia." That comment had been liked over 53K times. Clearly, it was onto something.
While I'd been looking into the pros and cons of ankle socks vs. crew socks, a little digging revealed that quarter socks sometimes called quarter-length socks or half-crew socks are, indeed, what I should have been looking for.
Ankle socks cover your ankles only just enough to keep pebbles out of your shoes or to prevent ankle chafing. These can be functional, but look off when you're wearing them for fashion (like you intended to buy a no-show sock and missed the mark somehow). Crew socks extend to the bottom of your calf muscle. These are definitely trendy right now and are cute with leggings or when scrunched down a little for a casual look. But they can also look cartoonishly long on my short frame, and they weren't the everyday socks I needed that could be paired with jeans, skirts, or dresses, and athleisure.
Quarter socks hit about midway between those two points, offering just enough coverage: you'll still see some bare skin if you're pairing them with a midi skirt, but none if you're wearing them with a pair of full-length leggings.
Once I learned the name of the genre of sock I wanted, I started my hunt for the best quarter socks on the market. I parsed through the most common recommendations on TikTok, the best-sellers on Amazon, and my own personal experiments to narrow the field down to this list of the best quarter socks available in 2024. I looked only for white, but there are several selections on this list that come in a variety of colors, in case you prefer to mix it up. There are options for working out and everyday wear, and a wide range of price points for every budget.
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I Found the Elusive "Cool Socks" All the Trendy Kids Are Wearing - POPSUGAR
RIT siblings explore the Mediterranean diet in Greece – Rochester Institute of Technology
RIT students David and Chloe Brassie experienced Greek culture this summer through an immersive program that focused on food as cultural heritage.
When David, a third-year exercise science major, heard about the study abroad program offered through RIT Global, he was determined to go and to take his sister with him. At the time, Chloe, now a fourth-year dietetics and nutrition BS/MS major and a former homebody, needed convincing, and David succeeded.
In June, the Brassies left for the six-week program at Perrotis College, where they would study the Mediterranean diet and Greek culture. They joined four other students from RITs College of Health Sciences and Technology, and peers from universities in Iowa, Texas, and Pennsylvania at the American farm school in Thessaloniki, Greece.
David Brassie visits a mussel farm.
The curriculum included food-related field trips, hikes through ruins on Mt. Olympus, and sailing on the Aegean Sea. They also learned traditional Greek dances and home-style cooking.
The Mediterranean diet class took a close look at the chemistry and interactions of the food that make it a healthy way of eating, David said. It covered what physically happens inside your body and why these foods are so good for you. We went in depth about olive oil and how Greeks use it in many different ways and how those fatty acids interact with your body systems.
They also learned about what the Mediterranean diet means in the 21st century.
The term, introduced in the 1960s, refers to traditional eating habits in the Mediterranean region that centered on fresh vegetables, seafood, nuts and legumes, and olive oil, and an active lifestyle.
The first thing that the Med diet teacher told us was, Youre all here to study the Mediterranean diet. It doesnt actually exist in Greece, David said. It is still prevalent in 2024, but to say that everyone in Greece eats the Med would not be true.
David was grateful for a trip to an inland village that had not seen a heavy influence of big corporations and contemporary lifestyle change, and he savored the experience. We traveled up a mountain to a secluded town on top of the mountain, and we ate food there and talked to the locals.
Chloe Brassie grills an eggplant during a cooking class.
The contrast between the Mediterranean diet from 50 years ago to today was prevalent in the Brassies classes and observations. They visited mussel farms to see traditional and new harvesting methods and compared different farmers markets.
The old market has a lot of fish on display, Chloe said. You can find almost any part of an animal, like liver or sheeps head. There is little waste.
The heart of the Mediterranean diet is about family and friends gathering together and lingering over simple food, Chloe said. Eating is a family activity that can take hours.
Eating and preparing traditional dishes cannot be rushed. For example, a popular cheese pie Chloe made in cooking class with phyllo dough and feta cheese required two hours to bake in an outdoor wood oven.
Chloe noted the tension between traditional and contemporary living. Its like here, she said. The younger generations are out and about, and its easier to grab food out. They do family style eating where you get a plate and order different things, and so that is a different concept from here.
The Brassies enjoyed the overall chill approach to life in Greece. They adopted the expression, halara, which means to relax or take it easy because there is always tomorrow, Chloe said. It resonated with them as a life lesson.
When we were saying goodbye to our professor, he made a comment that, I dont understand why you Americans are always so stressed out. There is always tomorrow, Chloe said.
Along with their new perspective, the Brassies gained confidence from traveling to Europe for the first time. Their time abroad has opened the door to new adventures.
Maybe I could do my whole graduate studies abroad, David said. I also really want to go back to Greece.
Chloe agreed with her brother. The trip kick-started a travel bug for them. You know its possible. Youve traveled. The airplanes, the airportsnow you know how all that works. Now, lets go and travel and explore and see whats out there.
David and Chloe Brassie have a special relationship to RIT. Their mother, the late Kristen Pierce Brassie,99 (hospitality and service management) is an RIT womens hockey legend. In 1999, Pierce Brassie won the prestigious Hockey Humanitarian Award. In 2000, RIT retired Pierce Brassies jerseythe first such occurrenceand in 2007, inducted her into the RIT Athletics Hall of Fame. David and Chloe have early memories of attending RIT hockey games with their mother. Her legacy inspires David and Chloe as they prepare for careers in the health field.
Continued here:
RIT siblings explore the Mediterranean diet in Greece - Rochester Institute of Technology
Whats Trending in Vegan Diets in 2024 – Eye On Annapolis
Vegan diets continue evolving at a breakneck pace. As of mid-2024, the landscape is ripe with innovations, from advanced meat substitutes to high-tech meal deliveries.
Plant-based options now go far beyond tofu and tempeh. Think lab-grown meats and AI-driven nutritional plans. Tech has finally caught up with our culinary cravings.
Sustainability remains a huge focus as well. Companies are increasingly pushing for eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral production methods, making it easier than ever to eat green while staying green. Ready-made vegan meals deliver convenience without sacrificing taste or ethics right to your door.
Lets massage our palates with more of these incredible trends shaking the vegan diet space.
Meat substitutes have advanced far beyond the traditional soy and gluten products. Now, were seeing lab-grown meats making headlines. These cultured proteins offer the texture and flavor of animal meat without any of the ethical dilemmas.
Theyre produced by cultivating animal cells in a controlled environment, creating a product thats nearly indistinguishable from conventional meat. The result? A sustainable alternative thats set to revolutionize our plates and reduce our environmental footprint significantly.
AI is changing how we approach nutrition, especially for vegans. By analyzing individual dietary needs and preferences, AI-driven apps can craft personalized meal plans.
For example, platforms like Nutrify use algorithms to recommend foods that meet your specific nutritional requirements. Another standout is ELO Health, which adjusts plans based on real-time health data.
These intelligent systems ensure you get balanced nutrients without guesswork.
Meal delivery services have transformed how we access vegan cuisine. Companies now offer gourmet, ready-made vegan foods tailored to your nutritional requirements, delivered right to your doorstep.
In 2024,the best ready-made meals for your veggie dietcome from tech-savvy providers like Factor75. They ensure every dish is both nutritious and delicious, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.
Beyond convenience, these services help busy folks stick to their vegan commitments without sacrificing flavor or variety. They make eating right simpler than ever before, freeing up time for everything else life throws at you.
Sustainability has become a cornerstone of vegan food production. Companies strive to reduce their environmental impact through innovative practices.
Key efforts include:
These initiatives not only help the planet but also make it easier for consumers to choose environmentally responsible options, enhancing the overall appeal of a vegan lifestyle.
Plant-based cuisine is getting a major upgrade with exotic ingredients from around the globe. Traditional staples like tofu and lentils are now sharing the spotlight with lesser-known gems.
Think jackfruit, which mimics pulled porks texture perfectly, or moringa leaves packed with nutrients. These unique options offer exciting flavors and textures that keep meals interesting.
For thosemaking the switch to a vegan or plant-based diet, incorporating these diverse ingredients can transform ordinary dishes into culinary adventures. Its never been more enjoyable or easier to explore new tastes while sticking to your dietary goals.
Dairy alternatives are advancing rapidly, with cultivated products leading the charge. Think lab-grown milk and cheese that mirror their dairy counterparts in taste and texture.
These innovations offer a sustainable option without compromising on flavor or ethical standards. For vegans and lactose-intolerant individuals alike, these alternatives provide familiar tastes while aligning with dietary choices and environmental concerns.
In 2018, a Gallup Poll revealed approximately3% of adults in the United States identified as vegan. This number will most likely be higher by the end of 2024.
Why the surge? Health benefits play a big role. Many find plant-based diets help with weight management and in reducing the risks of chronic diseases.
Environmental concerns also drive this shift. People are more aware than ever of their carbon footprints and choose veganism to support sustainability efforts.
Lastly, ethical considerations around animal welfare continue motivating individuals to embrace compassionate eating habits, making vegan lifestyles more popular each year.
As veganism evolves, expect even more groundbreaking innovations. From lab-grown meats to AI-driven nutrition, the future looks bright for plant-based diets. Staying informed about these trends ensures youll always be ahead of the curve, enjoying delicious and sustainable choices that benefit both you and the planet.
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Whats Trending in Vegan Diets in 2024 - Eye On Annapolis