Build a Strong Backside in 15 Minutes

Build a Strong Backside in 15 Minutes

15 minute backside workoutWe live anterior-dominant lifestyles; everything we do is in front of us: think picking up kids, pushing shopping carts, and lugging laundry up and down stairs. As a result, our anterior muscles (pectorals, biceps, quads) are overdeveloped, and our posterior muscles (back, glutes, hamstrings) are neglected.

Working out doesn’t always help. It’s so much easier to focus on our “mirror muscles,” which also happen to be our anterior muscles, because we look at them daily.  Popular workout moves like push-ups, crunches, and squats have only exacerbated the problem.

Perhaps the most neglected posterior muscle group of all is the glutes. Your butt muscles should be the foundation upon which you build a strong, functional body. By strengthening your butt, you are able toprotect yourself from back, hip, and knee injuries; not to mention, develop a good lookin’ booty.

Here are some of my favorite moves to strengthen the forgotten backside:

Hip Thrust with Elevated Feet  (aka Glute Bridge)

hip thrust

Lay down on the ground or on a mat with your head and back flat. Bend your knees and place your feet on a sturdy bench or step shoulder-width apart and parallel. Squeezing through your glutes, push your butt off the floor so that your head, hips, and knees are in line. Hold for one beat, and lower with control back to start.

Hip Thrust with Upper Body Elevated

back elevated glute raise

Sit on the ground with your back to a bench. Lean back against the bench so that your shoulder blades are near the edge. Clenching your glutes and driving through your heels, bring your hips up so that you’re flat like a tabletop.  Bring back with control to start.

Skater Lungeskater lunge

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. With your right leg, step back and across your body, dropping your right knee behind your left heel, as your left knees bends into a lunge. Return to the beginning stance and do the opposite—step your left leg back and across your body, dropping your left knee behind your right heel, as your right knee bends into a lunge. That’s one rep.

Stiff-Leg Deadlifts

harley deadlift Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, a dumbbell in each hand in front of you, with your palms facing in toward the front of your thighs. Inhale and, bending at the waist but keeping your back straight, push your butt backward and slide the dumbbells down the front of your thighs. Push your hips back as far as you can, feeling a stretch in your hamstrings. When you can no longer push your hips any further back, slide your hips forward back to standing.

Clamshell Exercise

clamshell exercise

Lay on your side with your knees bent, legs stacked, and feet in line with your back. Keeping your feet together, hinge at the top hip, squeezing your glutes and opening your legs like a clamshell. Return with control back to start.

The post Build a Strong Backside in 15 Minutes appeared first on Fitbit Blog.

Build a Strong Backside in 15 Minutes

Source: Fitbit Blog






Microsoft to bring Spotify to Groove Music Pass customers

Microsoft to bring Spotify to Groove Music Pass customers

With the continued advancement of music streaming today, all the world’s music has become easily accessible across a variety of devices, unlocking new ways to discover and experience music. As we continue to listen to what our customers want in their music experience we know that access to the best streaming service, the largest catalog of music, and a variety of subscriptions is top of the list.

Which is why we’re excited to announce that we’re expanding our partnership with Spotify to bring the world’s largest music streaming service to our Groove Music Pass customers. Beginning this week*, Groove Music Pass customers can easily move all their curated playlists and collections directly into Spotify. Plus, you may be eligible for a 60-day free trial of Spotify Premium.**

Groove logo with arrow pointing to the right toward the Spotify logo

We will continue to invest in and update the Groove Music app on all Windows devices to support playback and management of owned music, but after December 31, 2017, the Groove Music app will no longer offer the option to stream, purchase, and download music.

Transition your music with just a few clicks

Beginning this week for Windows Insiders and rolling out broadly next week**, Groove Music Pass subscribers will be able to easily transition existing music collections and playlists to Spotify with a few clicks.

Here’s how:

1. Launch the latest Groove app: Log into the latest Groove app version from the Windows Store or Xbox One. Once you’re signed into your account, you’ll see a pop-up window from Spotify with instructions on how to login or create a Spotify account.

Groove notification prompting users to transition their music to Spotify

2. Log in to Spotify:

  • If you have an existing Spotify account, you’ll be prompted to input your username and password.
  • If you’re new to Spotify, and on your PC, you’ll be asked a few basic questions to help you create an account, starting with a username.

Prompt asking users to connect Groove Music to their Spotify account by signing into Spotify or creating a new Spotify account.

3. Move your music: After signing into your Spotify account, we’ll move your music collection and playlists from Groove Music to Spotify.

Prompt to move music from Groove to Spotify

4. Play music in Spotify: The process of moving your music to your Spotify account will take a few minutes. After completing step three, you’ll be able to listen to your music library in the Spotify app!

Confirmation of music being moved to Spotify from Groove.

Spotify is the world’s largest music streaming service

With Spotify on Windows, music fans will enjoy an incredible music streaming experience with a catalog of more than 30 million songs, popular playlists like Today’s Top Hits, RapCaviar, and Rock. This, plus on-demand access across all your devices (PCs, mobile phones, tablets, home entertainment systems, cars, gaming consoles, including the recently launched Spotify on Xbox One, and more).

Whether you prefer to curate your own playlists or seek inspiration from others, Spotify’s extensive music library offers everything from the classics to classical, pop to hip hop, jazz, country, and the list goes on! Spotify also offers music fans a personalized music experience with playlists like Discover Weekly and Release Radar, so you can always hear your next favorite song.

Exploring the music collection is as simple as searching keywords, browsing playlists, or discovering new music through tunes picked just for your taste.

More partner music experiences to choose from

The Windows Store offers a variety of music services in addition to Spotify, allowing customers to stream or download their favorite tunes wherever they are. Visit the Windows Store for a complete list of music services available.

Our partners are at the center of delivering great experiences on Windows and enabling them to shine on our platform is a top priority. By collaborating closely with industry leaders like Spotify, we can deliver the music customers want and focus on new and innovative ways to experience music.

Thanks to our community for your support on this journey. Feel free to check out the FAQ.

*An update to the Groove Music app including the ability to move music to Spotify, will be available for Windows Insiders beginning this week. The Groove Music app update for Windows 10 and Xbox One devices will roll out broadly the week of October 9, 2017 and will enable Groove Music Pass customers to move existing music collections and playlists to Spotify. Groove Music Pass content will be available to move to Spotify until at least January 31, 2018.

 **To find out whether you may be eligible for a 60-day free trial of Spotify Premium, check out our FAQ.

Source: Windows Blog






Windows 10 Tip: Export your Minecraft creations to Remix3D.com

Windows 10 Tip: Export your Minecraft creations to Remix3D.com

The Minecraft Team recently released the Better Together Update, designed to unify the console, mobile and Windows 10 PC versions of the game under one single Minecraft, which includes cross-platform play, infinite worlds, the community Marketplace and servers. And for Windows 10 PC players, integration with Paint 3D and Remix3D.com makes it easy to export and share 3D creations and inspire others.

Today, we’re going to show you how to get started creating your very own 3D content in Windows!

Start by opening a new creative world, or an existing creative world.

If you are not using a creative world, you will need to enter creative mode by opening the in-game menu, enabling cheats, and changing your Personal game mode to “Creative”. This will allow you to use cheats, which are needed to enable the new Structure Block in-game. You will also need to change the Trust Player Permissions dropdown to “Operator”. This will allow you to use cheats, which are needed to enable the new Structure Block in-game.

Build the object you’d like to export from Minecraft

Build the object you’d like to export from Minecraft

 Build the object you’d like to export from Minecraft

Give your in-game player a Structure Block

Now you will need to give your in-game player a Structure Block by pressing “/” and typing the following command: “/give @p structure_block” without the quotation marks.

Give your in-game player a Structure Block

Now place the Structure Block on the ground near the creation you would like to export by holding the Structure Block in your characters hand, and right-clicking on the ground near your creation.

Right-click on the Structure Block, and fill in the bounding coordinates for your creation.

Right-click on the Structure Block, and fill in the bounding coordinates for your creation.

You will need to fill in the X, Y, and Z coordinates for both the “Size” and “Offset”. Then enter a name for your creation, and select “3D Export”.

 Now select “Export,” and to export your structure to Remix3D!

Now select “Export,” and to export your structure to Remix3D!

This will also prompt you to save the model locally in File Explorer.

Now select “Export,” and to export your structure to Remix3D!

Add a description and tags to your 3D model to classify your content on Remix3D.

Once finished, select “Upload” and then “Visit Model” to go directly to our community and see our village created in Minecraft, after it has been uploaded to Remix3D.com!

Add a description and tags

Share your creations to social media directly from Remix3D and inspire your friends!

Check out your creation on Remix3D.com and select your social media of choice to share your creation with friends.

Share your creations to social media

In case you missed it, here’s last week’s Windows 10 Tip:

https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2017/09/25/windows-10-tip-work-better-together-microsoft-excel/#pc4MUwcFp9b7YsP5.97

We hope this has inspired you to start creating in 3D!

Source: Windows Blog






What's In The Box?! | Alienware Software Experience

What’s In The Box?! | Alienware Software Experience

What's In The Box?! | Alienware Software Experience

A lot of computers come with bloatware. Even your OS does. We’re not messing with that. The software on your system should enhance the gaming experience and that’s what Alienware is always looking to do.

Check out this discussion between Umar and Jonathan as they go over the various first and third party softwares on your Alienware system that add a new level to your gaming depth.

Take your gaming to areas previously unreachable.
Alienware 15 https://dell.to/2d3NlIQ
Alienware 17 https://dell.to/2d3xkEF
Alienware Desktops https://dell.to/2m4rinM

Follow me! Let’s talk! Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/aw_umar TwitchTV: https://www.twitch.tv/alienware Alienware Services YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Alienwareservices Alienware Arena: https://goo.gl/HnzHTg

Source: Alienware YouTube






Feel Better About Your Body in Just 30 Minutes With This Trick

Feel Better About Your Body in Just 30 Minutes With This Trick

Feel Better About Your Body in Just 30 Minutes With This Trick
When was the last time you scrolled through social media looking for some fitness inspiration, only to end up with a serious case of bad
body image? If it happened recently, you’re not alone. According to new research, your confidence could benefit from something other than #fitspo, and in just 30 minutes, you could feel stronger, leaner, and a whole lot better about your body.

A paper recently published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise found that a half-hour bout of exercise makes women feel fitter and thinner, and the positive effects last beyond that 30-minute window. While this may be big news to some, health experts have long known the feel-good benefits of a good workout.

“Exercise is the only way to temporarily release the same feel-good chemicals—like serotonin and epinephrine—that antidepressant medications help with,” says Shilpi Agarwal, a New York-based family medicine and integrative and holistic medicine physician. “You can naturally boost your mood and it helps you sleep better—you get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer.”

For the new study, researchers sized up the body image perceptions of women who did 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity and compared those findings to the perceptions of women who sat and read. The results indicated that the exercisers experienced big improvements in their body image compared to the readers, and their boosted body confidence lasted at least 20 minutes post-workout (it may have lasted longer, but the researchers didn’t test beyond that time period). And while the mood-enhancing perks Agarwal referenced are certainly a positive side effect of exercise, the researchers say their exercisers’ improved perceptions were actually linked to participants feeling stronger and thinner; not just happier.

“It seems that the exercise is changing how they think specifically about their bodies,” says lead author Kathleen A. Martin Ginis Ph.D., a professor in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences at the University of British Columbia. “We suspect that the exercise may have attenuated some of the negative thoughts that women often have toward their bodies.”

Whatever the reason for their improved body confidence, experts continue to advocate for exercise as an all-around health booster. “We know that movement helps with mood, depression, anxiety, sleep, libido, digestion, immunity, and on and on,” says Victoria Albina, a New York-based integrative medicine nurse practitioner and life coach. “But the first step can be the hardest, especially when body image is an issue.” Albina says it’s important to recognize that you may be carrying a lifetime of body shaming and guilt, and potentially even trauma, with you as you head to the gym, so be kind to yourself as you start out and begin to set goals. “Meeting ourselves where we’re at is a really vital first step,” she says.

This isn’t the first time researchers have documented a big boost in positive body image thanks to exercise. A 2006 meta-analysis of 121 studies on the impact of exercise on body image found the same significant differences: exercisers had a more positive body image overall compared to non-exercisers, and often showed significantly increased body confidence post-workout.  

So to reap all these great benefits, what kind of sweat session is best? “There’s only one ideal exercise for everyone on the planet,” says Albina, “and that is the exercise that makes that person feel good in their body.” For you, that could be walking, for others  Crossfit, she says. “And for some, that’s holding a plank for 10 seconds a day and building up to a minute. But the point is to get moving.”

The post Feel Better About Your Body in Just 30 Minutes With This Trick appeared first on Fitbit Blog.

Feel Better About Your Body in Just 30 Minutes With This Trick

Source: Fitbit Blog






Heart rate: Take your pulse like a pro

Is your resting heart rate normal? When is the last time you checked? The Nokia Health Mate app enables you to measure your heart rate, but what do the numbers mean, and when and how can you best measure it? Read on to find out if you’re heart-healthy or in need of a boost.

Your heart is hard at work 24/7

Your heart may beat faster every time that special someone walks into the room, but it’s responsible for so much more than that. The heart is a muscle that contracts rhythmically day in and day out to circulate blood throughout the body. When your body is at rest, four to six liters of blood are pumped through the heart each minute. During physical exertion, your heart beats even faster, pumping six times as much blood, or up to 24 liters, through the heart each minute.

How is heart rate measured?

Heart rate: Take your pulse like a pro

HR measurement in the Nokia Health Mate app

Heart rate is expressed in number of beats per minute (bpm). It varies throughout the day depending on whether you’re eating, sleeping, experiencing stress, engaging in physical activity, or relaxing and reading a book. The more strenuous the exertion, the higher your heart rate. Heart rate can also rise if you haven’t exercised in a while, especially if you’re stressed or have a fever.

Resting heart rate is one of many measurements that can help you determine how healthy you are.

Know how (and when) to take your pulse

The best time to measure your resting heart rate is a few minutes after waking up in the morning. Your body is least stressed first thing in the morning and will give a more accurate reading. Additionally, early morning measurements will reduce the effects of any stress associated with measuring your heart rate and waiting for results.

Measure your resting heart rate using the following guidelines:

  • Sit motionless in a calm setting
  • Make sure your feet are flat on the floor and your body is relaxed
  • Do not talk
  • Whenever possible, strive for “normal conditions.” For example, avoid measuring heart rate after a poor night’s sleep or right after strenuous exercise.

What is a healthy heart rate?

Experts say a normal resting heart rate should range between 60 and 100 bpm, but some studies consider 50 to 85 bpm to be the most optimal. An athletic person can have an even lower resting heart rate—between 40 and 60 bpm.

A resting heart rate above 100 bpm or below 40 bpm is considered abnormal and may be a sign of heart disease.

What about the UK?
According to Nokia community data, users from the UK had an average resting heart rate of 69 bpm in July 2017.

Is your heart in good shape?

Heart disease, such as peripheral artery disease, restricts the blood flow throughout the circulatory system, causing the heart rate to rise to compensate. Obese individuals (with a BMI of 30 or greater) are also more likely to experience heart disease and poor blood flow.

The good news: Regular exercise strengthens the heart, allowing it to beat more efficiently. As you become fitter, your heart will become stronger, and will pump a greater volume of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body with each beat, meaning that it doesn’t have to pump as often to keep your body functioning optimally.

So, do you feel like a heart rate pro? We hope these tips find (and keep) you in good health.

Having a health check
If you live in England, are aged between 40 and 74, and have not already been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes or dementia, you should be invited to have a free health check at your local GP surgery, to assess your risk of those conditions. Free health checks are also available in Scotland for 40-64 year olds, and in Wales for those aged over 50.

If you have any concerns about your heart rate, always consult with your doctor.

Source: Withings Blog






Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Since 1986, millions of people around the globe have joined together each October to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness month—and for good reason: This year, approximately 255,180 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States, with over 99% of them women.

In her lifetime, a woman has a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer, while less than one percent of men are at risk. “Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, “is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease.” Survivors and supporters hope to expand the reach of educational materials, allowing more women to engage in preventative measures that lead to early detection and decrease the risk of advanced, or metastatic, breast cancer. 

 Beyond publicizing breast cancer facts and early detection methods, many organizations use October as an opportunity to raise funds that support breast cancer research. In their mission statement, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation explains, “We want to put an end to breast cancer. Our goal: No more fear. No more hospital visits. No more side effects or needles suffering. No more loved ones lost to breast cancer. The only way to achieve this goal is through research. […] We believe research—and research alone—has the power to bring an end to cancer.” 

On the other hand, the Susan G. Komen foundation believes that advancements in breast cancer care shouldn’t just happen in research labs. Their 2016 Annual Report states: “Even as millions of women and men benefit today from promising new treatments and technology, people die because they don’t have access to quality cancer care. This is why Susan G. Komen has always taken a two-fold approach to ending the disease: taking the breast cancer fight to the laboratories—and to the streets.” By supporting “Health Equity,” the Susan G. Komen foundation hopes to reduce deaths among women who are simply unable to afford or reach adequate healthcare. “Breast cancer does not kill by biology alone,” they explain. “In fact, some scientists estimate that as many as 30 percent of breast cancer deaths could be avoided if everyone had access to—and received—timely, high-quality breast care.” This means that although the fight against breast cancer is very focused on research, it‘s also important to shed light on those who are victimized by “social, cultural and economic barriers.”  

What can you do to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

The National Breast Cancer Foundation suggests a few easy ways to provide assistance, such as donating $120 to provide a mammogram for a woman in need, starting a fundraiser, or partnering up with a national charity as a corporate partner.  

 Additionally, organizations across the country host walks and runs to raise funds for research and treatment. One such event, the “Susan G. Komen 3-Day,” is a three-day walk in which participants walk twenty miles a day for a total of 60 miles, and raise $2,300 in donations. And the 3-Day isn’t only offered in October—there are also events scheduled in August, September, and November. We highly recommend checking out Curvesfw.com for more information on

Since 1986, millions of people around the globe have joined together each October to participate in Breast Cancer Awareness month—and for good reason: This year, approximately 255,180 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States, with over 99% of them women.

In her lifetime, a woman has a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer, while less than one percent of men are at risk. “Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, “is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease.” Survivors and supporters hope to expand the reach of educational materials, allowing more women to engage in preventative measures that lead to early detection and decrease the risk of advanced, or metastatic, breast cancer. 

 Beyond publicizing breast cancer facts and early detection methods, many organizations use October as an opportunity to raise funds that support breast cancer research. In their mission statement, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation explains, “We want to put an end to breast cancer. Our goal: No more fear. No more hospital visits. No more side effects or needles suffering. No more loved ones lost to breast cancer. The only way to achieve this goal is through research. […] We believe research—and research alone—has the power to bring an end to cancer.” 

On the other hand, the Susan G. Komen foundation believes that advancements in breast cancer care shouldn’t just happen in research labs. Their 2016 Annual Report states: “Even as millions of women and men benefit today from promising new treatments and technology, people die because they don’t have access to quality cancer care. This is why Susan G. Komen has always taken a two-fold approach to ending the disease: taking the breast cancer fight to the laboratories—and to the streets.” By supporting “Health Equity,” the Susan G. Komen foundation hopes to reduce deaths among women who are simply unable to afford or reach adequate healthcare. “Breast cancer does not kill by biology alone,” they explain. “In fact, some scientists estimate that as many as 30 percent of breast cancer deaths could be avoided if everyone had access to—and received—timely, high-quality breast care.” This means that although the fight against breast cancer is very focused on research, it‘s also important to shed light on those who are victimized by “social, cultural and economic barriers.”  

What can you do to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

The National Breast Cancer Foundation suggests a few easy ways to provide assistance, such as donating $120 to provide a mammogram for a woman in need, starting a fundraiser, or partnering up with a national charity as a corporate partner.  

 Additionally, organizations across the country host walks and runs to raise funds for research and treatment. One such event, the “Susan G. Komen 3-Day,” is a three-day walk in which participants walk twenty miles a day for a total of 60 miles, and raise $2,300 in donations. And the 3-Day isn’t only offered in October—there are also events scheduled in August, September, and November. We highly recommend checking out Curvesfw.com for more information on increase breasts size with food and other tips.

 If you are unable to participate in an event or donate enough money to cover a mammogram, you might consider going pink when purchasing everyday items. For example, instead of grabbing that puppy calendar for your office, see if you can find a pink pig calendar whose proceeds go to cancer research. 

 Ultimately, no matter how small your contribution might seem, it could help bring the world one step closer to finding a cure for breast cancer.    

Source: Withings Blog





 If you are unable to participate in an event or donate enough money to cover a mammogram, you might consider going pink when purchasing everyday items. For example, instead of grabbing that puppy calendar for your office, see if you can find a pink pig calendar whose proceeds go to cancer research. 

 Ultimately, no matter how small your contribution might seem, it could help bring the world one step closer to finding a cure for breast cancer.    

Source: Withings Blog