Fitness
28 Mother’s Day Gifts for Every Leading Lady
Published
3 years agoon
By
Terry Power
Not that you need a holiday to treat Mom, but Mother’s Day is a time to pause and show how appreciative you are for all she does. Sure, you could send flowers, but you’ll really win son, brother, or husband points with any of these standout Mother’s Day gifts. From tech innovations to stress relievers, fitness finds to home decor wins, there’s something for everyone. (And maybe even yourself, too.)
28 Mother’s Day Gifts for Every Leading Lady
1. Stitch Fix Gift Card
Give your mom or wife the gift of a personal stylist, and let her upgrade her wardrobe based on her taste and fit preferences under the guidance of a professional. FYI: There’s a $20 styling fee applied toward the cost of any items kept.
[Gift cards available from $20 to $1,000; stitchfix.com]
2. Hatch Restore
The gift of sleep is the gift that keeps giving. This sleep assistant lets the user personalize a sleep and wake-up routine, read with a soft-glow light, awake with a gentle sunrise alarm that gradually brightens, listen to a library of soothing sleep sounds, and more. Purchasing a membership (you can cancel at any time) gets you a Restore device and free access to Hatch Sleep, a growing content library of meditations, stories, music, and more.
[$15/month membership; hatch.co]
3. Furtuna Skin Rituale Luminoso Transformation Set
If you’re shopping for a woman who’s all about clean beauty, this kit is a must. The products are sourced from nutrient-dense plants that grow wildly on La Furtuna Estate in Sicily. Because they grow abundantly, farmers are able to ensure sustainable wild foraging; what’s more, the company uses sound bath—a process in which sound waves extract the nutrients from the plants, rather than harsh chemicals—to keep from damaging them. The Acqua Serena Micellar Cleansing Essence is a three-in-one cleanser, toner, and essence that gently preps the skin; the Porte Per La Vitalità Face and Eye Serum is like a vitamin bath for skin, safely brightening, tightening, and lending antioxidant benefits; and the Due Alberi Biphase Moisturizing Oil nourishes and hydrates with its blend of olive leaf water, olive oil, and magnolia extract. Together, they block free radical damage and defend against environmental skin stressors. Because these are plant-based, the play well with other skincare products, too.
[$225 for travel size, $398 for full size; furtunaskin.com]
4. Cuzen Matcha Maker Starter Kit
Matcha mamas will rejoice in this sleek machine that brews freshly ground matcha to enjoy in the comfort of home. The starter kit includes the Matcha Maker, two different types of organic matcha leaves, a whisking cup, and an adapter.
[$369; cuzenmatcha.com]
5. Tombo Towels 3-Piece Towel Set
This organic cotton towel set includes a hand, face, and bath towel in white, grey, or blue. Woven on manually operated shuttle looms in the Senshu region of Osaka, Japan, these ultra-absorbent towels are a daily indulgence she’ll come to look forward to.
[$95; tombotowel.com]
6. The DB Method Machine
Moms don’t always have a lot of time to spare (read: any), but this full-body workout machine helps tone muscles effectively, even if she only has 10 minutes to squeeze in a sweat session. She can target arms, abs, and glutes; strengthen knee joints; and reduce stiffness with one low-impact machine that folds up and rolls out of the way when not in use.
[$329; thedbmethod.com]
7. Kohler Moxie Showerhead with Bluetooth Speaker
Upgrade her experience with this upmarket Harman Kardon-powered speaker that’s combined with a showerhead. Thanks to a magnetic docking system, she can also take this speaker out to the yard, pool, beach, and beyond.
[$99; kohler.com]
8. Haus Sampler Kit
The versatility of Haus’ apéritif flavors is only paralleled by its chic packaging. Opt among four bottles in one of the company’s two sampler kits, which include bottles like Rose Rosé, Ginger Yuzu, and Grapefruit Jalapeño. Straying from convention, Haus sources real fruits and botanicals, not artificial flavors, to concoct modern, low-ABV apéritifs that “have the flavor complexity of a cocktail, but are low enough in alcohol—stronger than wine, lighter than whiskey—that you can enjoy them all evening (or afternoon).” This is a brilliant gift for moms who enjoy family gatherings and entertaining friends.
[$60 for 4 bottles; drink.haus]
9. The Plush Mat by Jollie
For the yoga mom, there’s no such thing as too many yoga mats. Especially if they’re decorated with a host of hand-drawn prints like these mats. Each one features a microsuede top for enhanced grip (no harsh chemicals, dyes, PVC, or thermoplastic rubbers). Created by two mothers and trained children’s yoga teachers, Jollie partners with pediatric cancer hospitals across the country to build and bolster their yoga therapy programs. With every mat purchased, one is donated to a pediatric cancer patient.
[$92; bejollie.com]
10. Away The Bigger Carry-On
Get her wanderlust wheels turning with this sleek, functional carry-on that has room for all her essentials. The bag features an ejectable battery that charges a phone and other portable devices, a TSA-approved combination lock, and 360-degree spinner wheels.
[$295; awaytravel.com]
11. Omnom Chocolates
Iceland’s renowned bean-to-bar chocolatier makes damn good chocolate, but you don’t have to book a trip across the ocean to score some. Order a few bars—they come in fantastic flavors like Sea Salted Toffee and Lakkris (Liquorice) + Raspberry—and wrap ’em up for Mother’s Day. They pair well with wine and a babysitter.
[Starting at $9; omnomchocolate.com]
12. Overland Sheepskin Co. Single-Pelt Premium Australian Sheepskin Rug
This gorgeous sheepskin rug will complement any room in the house—whether as a warming foot rest or fluffed over the couch—and add chic coziness in an instant. The premium-grade Australian sheepskin is available in 13 colors, so you’re sure to find something that matches her decor.
[$99; overland.com]
13. Yeti Camino 35 Carryall
Some of the best Mother’s Day gifts are the ones she’ll use every day, and we have a sneaking suspicion she’ll love this premium tote from Yeti. It’s serious upgrade from your average fabric tote: It’s made with waterproof, puncture-resistant ThickSkin material for exceptional durability, the molded EVA bottom keeps it upright and easy to load, and multiple interior zippers and dividers will keep all her gear organized.
[$150; yeti.com]
14. Comma Home Bamboo Weighted Blanket
Treat her to this ultra-comfy weighted blanket, available in 15- or 20-pound versions. Each one is made with a naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial fabric, and it’s an especially good choice for hot sleepers—the material is highly breathable, too.
[From $149; commahome.com]
15. NURVV Run
For the mom who’s serious about running, NURVV Run will help her take her skills to the next level. These smart insoles feature a pace coach function to help her build faster paces, give her intel on her cadence and stride length, and provide real-time coaching data. The system even links to an Apple or Garmin watches and integrates with the Strava app.
[$300; bestbuy.com]
16. Designed Life Delivered Home Decor Box
Dazzle her with a seasonally inspired home decor gift box that includes up to seven goodies like serving boards, candles, blankets, marble bowls, vases, and more. Choose from either a quarterly subscription ($99 per box) or a yearly subscription of four boxes ($368 per year).
[From $99; designedlifedelivered.com]
17. California Cowboy La Sirena Robe
If only all robes came with a champagne bottle-sized back pocket. (Word to the wise: Place a bottle of bubbly there). This standout also comes with an integrated bottle opener, super-soft terry lining, a loop for sunglasses for pool days, and a water-resistant dry pocket.
[$148; californiacowboy.com]
18. SoulCycle At-Home Bike
Does Mom miss her SoulCycle classes? Surprise her with this sleek, matte black workout bike; the 21-inch touchscreen will teleport her right back into pack life at the studio. SoulCycle classes—both live and on-demand—stream on the Equinox+ app (from $40 a month, if she’s not already a member), which also includes classes from Rumble, Pure Yoga, Precision Run, and more.
[$1,900; equinoxplus.com]
19. Life Elements CBD Bath Bomb
Turn bath time into a deeply restorative experience with these relaxing bath bombs handcrafted with organically grown, hemp-derived CBD and essential oils like ylang ylang and eucalyptus. Perfect for sore muscles or to soften dry skin, choose from 50mg, 100mg, or 200mg CBD per fizzy bath bomb (or grab a bundle with all three). Subscriptions are available as well.
[Starting at $14; lifeelements.com]
20. Breeo X-Series Smokeless Fire Pit
If the backyard is her favorite place in the house, she’ll make good use of this fire pit, which marks the brand’s first foray into semi-customized builds (frame sizes range from 19 to 30 inches, and you can opt for a stainless steel or patina finish). As the name implies, this fire pit is engineered to reduce smoke output drastically, and you can grab accessories like a sear plate for open-flame cooking.
[From $349; breeo.com]
21. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX
Searching for Mother’s Day gifts for an audiophile? You can’t go wrong with these stylish and technically impressive noise-canceling headphones. The chic set—which launched this spring—offers up to 35 hours of play time and a super comfortable fit courtesy of an updated headband with a “center-relief zone” for extended use. Soft leather and polished aluminum make these headphones look as superb as they sound (and we’re talking two custom-designed 40mm speaker drivers with neodymium magnets and bass ports on that front).
[$499; bang-olufsen.com]
22. Intellibed Signature Grand Mattress
Are 90 percent of your wife’s complaints about your bed being uncomfortable? Consider Mother’s Day gifts that will address her concerns—like this super luxe mattress. It features Gel Matrix technology that provides overall spinal support while also offering localized pressure point relief. It’s made of naturally breathable materials to keep her cool, and comes with a 20-year warranty.
[From $7,499 for a queen; intellibed.com]
23. bellicon Go
Formally known as rebounding, working out on a mini trampoline is a great way for a busy mom to add in bursts of cardiovascular activity throughout her day—and pretty damn fun, too. Using the bellicon fitness platforms (subscription required), she can also enjoy a host of on-demand and live trampoline workouts.
[from $499; bellicon.com]
24. The Perfect Provenance Home Fragrance Collection
These hand-poured candles are offered in luxurious scents (Prospérité, Sunshine Limone, Fir Goodness Sake) and burn for approximately 65 hours. Made in America with soy-based wax and recycled cobalt blue glass, they arrive in a stylish box to spare you from gift-wrapping.
[$60; theperfectprovenance.com]
25. Oura
Beloved by celebs like Rosario Dawson, Arianna Huffington, and Cindy Crawford, this smart ring tracks biometric data around the clock to give Mom personalized insights into her sleep and health. The pros at the WNBA even use it for training and coronavirus safety measures, but all levels of wellness enthusiasts will enjoy tracking and learning from their three daily scores—readiness (a measurement of how well your body has recovered), activity, and sleep.
[From $299; ouraring.com]
26. BEABA Babycook Neo Baby Food Maker
There are lots of Mother’s Day gifts for new moms, but we like this four-in-one steamer, blender, warmer, and defroster. Gift it, and you’re giving her more time in her day to play or decompress. It takes all the manual labor out of cooking baby food from scratch; all she has to do is add vegetables, meat, or fish into the eco-friendly glass bowl and stainless steel steam basket, and the machine will cook it from raw to any stage (baby and toddler) in 15 minutes or less. Once steamed, the attached blender with blitz the food to the preferred consistency (fine to chunky puree). Best of all, she can do it all with just one hand.
[$250; beabausa.com]
27. Suunto 9 Peak
One of the brand’s flagship smartwatches, the Suunto 9 Peak should be on your shortlist of Mother’s Day gifts for any weekend warrior or serious athlete. It offers a deep range of workout features—over 80 sport modes, blood oxygen monitoring, and turn-by-turn navigation, to name a few—plus it integrates with third-party apps and can control music playback, too. Better yet, its streamlined design and array of strap options make it stylish and comfortable to wear.
[Starting at $569; suunto.com]
28. Bedrock Cairn 3D Adventure Sandals
Shopping for a mom who loves the outdoors? Treat her feet to these hardy, adventure-ready sandals from Bedrock. They’re available in several different colors, feature a supportive sculpted footbed, and ride on a Vibram outsole for maximum grip no matter where she takes them. They’re built to last, too: From trips to the grocery store to backcountry hikes, our gear writer has covered over a thousand miles in her pair.
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There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
[$10.99 for a six-pack; deschutesbrewery.com]
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Fitness
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Published
2 years agoon
9 November 2022By
Terry Power
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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Fitness
The Best Jump Ropes for a Killer Cardio Workout
Published
2 years agoon
9 November 2022By
Terry Power
If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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