Social Workout

Scientific

Watch Out For Night Lights and 50-Somethings Without Condoms

Today in science:

• An Evil Glow. That freaky nightlight in the photo is a demon that makes everyone who comes in contact with it fat. Or, to put it in scientific terms, mice who spent eight weeks with a dim light on at night gained 50% more weight than mice who slept in the dark. So what, they were tired so they ate more and moved less? Not so simple! In fact, their physical activity and their food were held constant. So the real explanation is that sleep disruption messed with their metabolism. 
• Sex vs. Puking. Did you know German drug makers were working on a female viagra? It was called flibanserin, and the company just pulled the plug on it. Why?
  

Spirit Guides

The Beauty of Listening

I spent this past weekend in a meditation workshop with a small group of fellow yoga teachers with whom I’ve been studying asana and philosophy for many years. We engaged in multiple meditations with breaks to write notes and share information. The act of setting aside a weekend to do this created a space within which our minds were able to become quiet.

Scientific

Are Weight Loss Meals Worth It?

The dream of meal delivery is this: Perfectly balanced meals arrive at your doorstep. You consume these perfectly balanced meals, and only these perfectly balanced meals, and thus you're relieved from any food-related agony. You know exactly what to eat. You stick to the plan, and voila. You lose weight. Or you stay slim. Or whatever your goal is. Someone else does the thinking. You just do the eating.

But how does that work in real life? You can't just eat pre-prepared meals forever like some robot. What happens after you go back to eating regular food? A new study answers some of these questions. Summary: Most folks don't backslide as much as you'd expect.

Media Filter

And You Thought the Toe Sox Ads Were Scandalous...

In September, Yoga Journal started a brouhaha by saying they planned to cease and desist running ads that "exploit the sexuality of young women in order to sell products or more magazines." Naked lady yoga ad ringleader Toe Sox fired back saying their ads were inspiring, not offensive, and the conversation went back and forth from there. Well, apparently, ESPN has no such qualms. And, in fact, they're happy to exploit the sexuality of young women, young men, pretty much anyone, to sell magazines. Evidence, the ESPN Magazine "Body Issue," which should really be called the "Naked Issue." Toe Sox puts one naked lady in a photo. ESPN puts twelve! Back to that word, "exploit" — it's a little harsh. The athletes all seem pretty psyched about it. Video about the making of the "Body Issue," including lots of giggling, naked athletes, after the jump.

Wake Up Call

On Faith

Caber Toss

2010 Bute Highland Games

Noon Stretch

What Fun!

"So, we made hula hoops a week ago, and well, they pretty much rock. If you haven't made one yet, you should. Here's a link. We haven't gotten them all decorated yet, more like an understated black, but what fun. Keep them handy while you're doing other things. For instance, around here, it's been droughty and I've been trying to keep some young trees alive. So, I was hooping while watering the trees. Oh yeah. Count it." — Craig B., today, 6:30 A.M.

Work It Out

Rolfing Will Make You Cry And You'll Like It

Last month, we highlighted a Pilates and Rolfing retreat in the Philippines, but all we told you about Rolfing was that it was "holistic massage." Sorry about that. Having never been personally Rolfed, that's all I could say. But today, courtesy of the New York Times, we've got so much more to dish. Apparently, the big news is that Rolfing hurts. Let's start with the verbs. Among those thrown about in the article to describe Rolfing, there's "gouging," "contorting," and "kneading with fists." And then there are the descriptions from Rolfing enthusiasts. It's like "paying $150 an hour for an Indian burn," it's "not going to massage and lighting aromatherapy candles," and "it’s painful, very painful, emotionally and physically." Uh, wait, and people love this?

Health Lessons Of The Week: Open Communication Is The Cure And Love Makes You Eat Salad

If television is a cultural barometer, what can we learn about health and well-being from our regular viewing? von Hottie presents a totally unscientific sampling of the health and fitness "wisdom" she gleaned this week from a random selection of television shows. WARNING: spoiler alerts and perving out on Uncle Jesse ahead.

• Glee: Those Glee kids really are the hardest working people on television. All that singing and dancing while playing football and cheerleading! No, really, try belting Barbra Streisand while on the elliptical and see how you do.

Noon Stretch

Increasing My Energy and Boosting My Mood

"Though I haven't seen huge weight loss yet from my walking and lack of pop intake, I have seen an increase in my energy. Walking no longer seems like a chore, but a welcome part of my day. The time I have spent outside has also improved my mood greatly." — Robbie B., today, 9:50 A.M.