Let These Celebrities Inspire Your Next Workout Session

Some days it's easy, but other times keeping up with your healthy lifestyle can feel like a serious struggle - and we'll take whatever healthy inspiration we can get! If you're in need of a push out the door and into the gym, check out the awesome Instagram action that some of our favorite healthy celebrities recently shared. From Ellie Goulding doing press ups to Lea Michele sweating it out in an indoor cycling class, these snaps will motivate you to exercise and stay healthy in a fresh, fun way this weekend.

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Moms, If You Feel Like Skipping the Gym, Watch This

Moms, it's important to know that working out is not selfish. Yes, you do it for you, but it may be even more important to do it for your kids. Staying healthy shows your children how essential it is to take time each day to care for yourself, to challenge your fears, to push through your struggles, and to prove to yourself how many amazing things you're capable of when you put your mind to it. This video is an empowering reminder of how much children notice every push-up, squat, and burpee you make time for.

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The Healthy Change Target Is Making to Checkout Lines

If you always fall victim to the chips, candy, and soda on display by the cash register, you'll be thrilled to learn that Target is moving in a more healthy direction. Next month, there will be 30 stores that swap out junk food offerings in the checkout line with lighter options like Kind Bars and Target's own Simply Balanced brand of healthy snacks. While Target won't be totally eliminating unhealthy items from the checkout line - just cutting down on its volume - it's hoping that having healthier picks handy will make the smart snacking on the go easier for shoppers.

This is just one of the new initiatives Target recently rolled out to support the health and wellness of its customers and employees. In addition to heavily discounting its C9 clothing and offering healthier cafeteria options to workers, Target will also be outfitting all 365,000 of its employees with a Fitbit - talk about work perks!

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Basic Yet Brilliant Vegan Pancakes

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Time to 'Fess Up: Which of These 12 Types of Runners Are You?

It's one of the most popular forms of exercise for a reason, but we all rock the sport in different ways. Tell us: which type of runner are you?

The Running-Is-My-Therapy Runner

Source: New Line Cinema

Goes in pissed, comes out blissed.

The Sweating-Buckets Runner

Source: Paramount Pictures

It feels like I got caught in a thunderstorm! But wait - I'm inside!

The Loving-Life Runner

Source: Disney

Hooray for running! Running is the best! I feel like I could run another 12 miles and still be smiling. Yay!

The Singer

Source: Screen Gems

Might as well turn your music down since I'll sing you my entire playlist.

The Hating-Life Runner

Source: Cartoon Network

Ugh, every step hurts. It hurts to breathe. Can I be done already?

The Loner

Source: NBC

If I run, I run alone.

The Parkour Runner

Source: New Line Cinema

Watch me leap over this bench, spin around this stroller, and jet between this crowd. Just. For. Fun.

The On-a-Mission Runner

Source: National Geographic

Like a cheetah chasing prey, I run like it's my job.

The Runs-Like-Nobody's-Watching Runner

Source: DreamWorks

I'm doing my thing, not a care in the world, not worrying what anyone thinks.

The All-About-My-Gear Runner

Source: Fox Searchlight Pictures

All decked out in the latest running gear, I definitely look the part, even when I'm not running.

The Morning Person

Source: Fox

I'm psyched to get in five miles before most people are even awake.

The Something's-Chasing-Me Runner

Source: Giphy

I'm running fast just to get this over with (or maybe I've got a postrun glass of wine waiting for me!).

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Slimmer, Stronger, Longer: 5-Minute Leg Workout

Toned legs aren't just for show. Aside from helping you feel proud when wearing thigh-hugging pants, strong legs will make your favorite form of exercise feel easier, and building muscle mass also keeps your metabolism going strong. All these moves require no equipment - just you and five minutes. Repeat this five-move circuit two or three times, and you'll feel your inner and outer thighs, hamstrings, and calves burning.

Switch Jump

Begin in a lunge position with the right knee forward. Jump the feet, and switch them so the left leg is in the front. Continue jumping for one minute. Love this thigh and cardio move!

Temple With Toners

From a Goddess (Temple) wide-squat position, raise your right heel, and pulse the hips up and down for 30 seconds. Then lift the left heel for another 30. You'll feel this in your outer thighs and calves.

Scissor Kick

Lie on your back with your legs in the air, toes pointed out. Cross the right shin over the left, and pulse for two, then cross the left over the right, and pulse for two. Continue for one minute to work the inner thighs.

Thigh Dancing

Sit on the shins, and lift your tush two inches above your heels. Shift your hips from side to side, punching the arms in the air for one minute. You feel this in your quads and hamstrings.

Single-Leg Bridge

From a bridge position on the hands and feet, raise the right leg in the air. Lower the hips, and raise them again for 30 seconds, then switch legs for 30 more. A total hamstring and butt burn!

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Sip Away PMS Symptoms With This Chocolate Cashew Smoothie

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Jessica Alba's Piece of Advice For People Who Hate to Work Out

Jessica Alba looks like the ultimate beach goddess, showing off her toned abs, in the September issue of SELF magazine. The entrepreneur is not only running a successful $1.7 billion dollar company but also busy raising her two little girls, so with her hectic schedule, how exactly does she fit in a workout?

The answer lies in her 5:15 a.m. wakeup calls for hot yoga sessions a couple times a week. If you think that's super early, Jessica completely agrees, saying, "I need an alarm and a really strong coffee." Although she admits she's not a fan of going to the gym, like most of us, it does give her the energy to jump-start her day. "There's something nice about me time. My most productive thinking often happens during or after a workout."

Aside from working out, however, Jessica also revealed part of her secret to staying fit and healthy is through her diet. The health-conscious mom shared that she is cutting down on meat because of its impact on the environment and is trying a more plant-based diet. Though not many of us would be willing to cut out meat or wake up early for a workout, we would probably try another alternative called The Mindfulness App. "You can do a 3- or 5- or 15-minute meditation . . . and just disconnect," Jessica said. Now, this app sounds like something we can get on board with!

Read the full interview in the September 2015 issue of SELF magazine and hear more about Jessica's fitness routine below.

Watch this on The Scene.

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Flat-Belly Challenge Day 19: Take a Rest With a Healthy Happy Hour

Ready, reset, go: Our Flat-Belly Challenge has 21 days of belly-blasting workouts, tips, and recipes to help you start a new season on a fresh note.

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Maria Del Rio

Today it's time to pull back a bit and allow your body the rest it needs to recharge itself. As any trainer will tell you, a rest day is just as important as a workout, and you deserve some well-deserved time away from the gym!

With that said, it's important to remember that a day of rest doesn't always have to equal inactivity. Opt for some light cardio like a walk around the neighborhood, which will help get the blood flowing to tired muscles. If that doesn't appeal to you, give your body the stretch it needs by flowing through our restorative yoga sequence or just enjoy a relaxing night in. And why not enjoy a fresh and tasty cocktail while you're at it?

A Boozy Sip

Image Source: Flickr user HannahWebb

For anyone craving a fruity cocktail minus the calories, this variation of a classic bramble makes a great choice. The recipe doesn't contain any store-bought mixers or fruit juice but relies on fresh, seasonal belly-fat-blasting blackberries and a hint of agave syrup for its sweetness. In the end, it's a refreshing Summer cocktail that clocks in under 200 calories.

Bonus tip: Slimming down takes time and dedication, but a few quick debloating tricks can help you feel a little bit lighter in just one day. You can feel less bloated and puffy - and having a flatter belly - by the end of today.

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Healthy Ginger Ale

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Compare Before You Wear: The Most Popular Fitness Trackers

Lately, it seems like no outfit is complete without a wearable fitness tracker. With sleek designs and bright colors, the latest and greatest in self-quantifying technology are making their presence known on arms everywhere. Interested in joining the fitness-tracking pack? We've rounded up some of the most popular fitness trackers - including the Jawbone UP4, the Garmin Vivofit 2, and the Fitbit Charge HR - to help you compare features and prices. Read on to find the right fit for you, then check out which trackers are the most accurate here!

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Everything You Need to Know About Learning to Do the Splits

If you've always wanted to do a split, you need flexible hips and hamstrings. Practice these nine stretches, and you'll soon be on your way.

For more stretching options, do check out our video with yoga poses that will help you master the splits.

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How to Lose Weight Without Even Trying

Losing weight takes a lot of sweat and discipline, but even when you're not powering through a treadmill interval workout or counting calories, there are a lot of simpler ways to see those pounds drop on the scale. Employing these 10 little tricks daily will help you lose weight, no gym or diet required.

1. Always start a meal with a glass of water: You'll stay hydrated and feel fuller instantly, which can help you from overeating.
2. Make a few simple swaps at every meal: Going for a vinaigrette dressing instead of a Green Goddess dressing at lunch can save you 80 calories, while opting for fresh fruit instead of dried can save you dozens as well. Get a list of simple swaps to save calories here.
3. Have a piece of dark chocolate for dessert: Instead of opting for the cookies in the break room, quiet your sugar cravings with a piece of dark chocolate. It may not feel quite as satisfying the first few times, but as you wean yourself off your sugar addiction, you'll be glad you're saving calories while having a healthy yet decadent treat.
4. Be diligent with portion control: If you want to lose weight, sticking to the right portions at every meal is important. Measure out snacks beforehand instead of eating from the bag, use smaller plates to visually signal that your meal will satisfy, and put away leftovers, so you're not tempted to go back for seconds.
5. Move more: Even if you're not dedicating an entire chunk of time to a workout, you can burn a few extra calories by making an effort to move a little more during the day. Taking breaks to walk around the office, opting for the stairs instead of the escalator, and parking a little farther from the office entrance are all simple ways to up your calorie burn.
6. Don't drink your calories: It's a common reason why you're not seeing results - those empty calories from a daily soda, morning juice, or large glass of wine at dinner can really add up. Stick to water flavored with a fresh ingredients like cucumber, lemon, or mint in order to save on important calories.
7. Don't go hungry too long: A little hunger can be good for you, but starving yourself all day in order to "splurge" on dessert at night is both unhealthy and diet sabotage. Eat well-timed meals and snacks in order to avoid low blood sugar levels that cause you to crash.
8. Snack on high-protein, high-fiber foods: When it's time to snack, make your food work for you. Steer clear of the empty, high-calorie options like chips and crackers, and go for protein- and fiber-rich foods that taste good and fill you up too. You'll be able to eat fewer calories while still feeling satisfied. One of these 150-calorie snacks will surely hit the spot.
9. Eat a light, early dinner. Try to keep your dinner to about 25 percent of your daily calories, and have it at least two to three hours before going to bed. Eating too much too late can cause digestion and sleep issues that make it hard to stick to a healthy routine.
10. Get more sleep. Lack of sleep can cause you to eat more throughout the day and not have enough energy for your workouts, so aim for seven to nine hours of sleep every night. It's an easy and effective way to keep your weight-loss goals on the right track.

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3 Science-Backed Reasons to Eat This New Superfood

Moringa has been revered among Ayurvedic circles for hundreds of years, but it's currently having its moment as a hot new superfood. Nearly every part of the moringa oleifera, or drumstick tree, is edible and packed with nutrition, but if you can't enjoy it fresh in its native Africa or Southeast Asia, you can readily take a supplement or toss this powdered version into a smoothie to reap its benefits. Here's why it's worth a try:

It's a nutritional powerhouse: Moringa has been named a superfood for good reason. It has three times the potassium of a banana and two times the protein of yogurt - three grams per tablespoon! Any vegan eaters who have a tough time getting enough protein can benefit from the introduction of moringa into their diet.

It supports breastfeeding: In one study, researchers found mothers of premature babies increase their volume of breastmilk after ingesting morigna capsules. While the study was small, the results are promising.

It may be used to fight cancer: In addition to being potent in antioxidants, one study found that both the leaf and bark of the moringa plant have antimalignant properties that could be beneficial when developing new cancer drugs.

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Work Your Whole Body With This Easy-to-Follow Circuit

The following post was originally featured on Peanut Butter Fingers and written by Julie Fagan, who is part of POPSUGAR Select Fitness.

I am gravitating toward strength and barre workouts right now and Thursday's circuit workout incorporated supersets for a fast-paced and efficient total body workout.

This workout targets the whole body and incorporates a bonus of core work and cardio in between each superset. Once you've completed the first superset, hop on the floor for a 45-second plank, then follow it with five minutes of cardio of your choice. I opted for incline walking (Ryan's mom gave us her old treadmill!), but you can run, jump on the stair mill, or even complete a quick five-minute cardio circuit like this one, if you're at home and don't have access to any cardio equipment.

And, as always, listen to your body and rest as needed!

To learn more about each of these moves and this workout, check out Peanut Butter Fingers.

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Change the Way You Do the Plank For a Six-Pack, Fast

You've probably done an elbow plank so many times by now that you know the drill by heart: straight back, belly button pulled in, and palms flat on your mat (trying not to clasp them in prayer pose if possible). But Cassandra Bodlak, group exercise manager at Equinox Sports Club, recommends her clients do a slight modification that's a little more challenging: when in elbow plank, flip your hands over so your palms are facing up.

Pressing through an elbow plank with palms facing down will help keep back muscles engaged and clasping hands together in a fist will enlist your chest muscles to help stabilize you, but flipping your hands over will make your plank even more about the core, Cassandra explains. "Performing a plank with palms up [will] disengage some of the support from the muscles of the hand and forearm," she says. In other words, simply moving your hands will help you get on the fast track to bikini-ready abs.

Another reason to go palms up? You'll help unround those hunched-over shoulders. "It takes the pronator teres (one of the major forearm muscles) and positions it in what is called the 'anatomical position' (palms forward when standing, palms up when prone in a plank), which is the most desirable position in which to function," Cassandra explains. "We are all busy typing on keyboards these days, encouraging a particular position of the forearm: palms down. Simply repositioning the forearms in your plank helps to create a balance."

Sculpted abs and looking taller are two great Spring-ready reasons to try the "palms up" modification the next time you're in an elbow plank, but don't worry if making this change has you collapsing into Child's Pose sooner than you're used to. Cassandra offers this encouragement: "When you perform a plank, perform it to the best of your ability in the moment you're in - palms in prayer, palms flat, or palms up, it's probably one more plank than you did yesterday, right? Keep it up!"

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Cheers to the Health Benefits of Beer!

By the end of the week, we don't blame you for wanting to kick back with a cold one. Enjoying a beer not only relieves stress from your busy life, but it also offers some physical health benefits.

• It reduces risk of heart attack: A recent Swedish study showed that women who drank one or two beers a week (no more) had a 30 percent lower risk of having a heart attack as compared to heavy drinkers or those who didn't drink beer at all. That's worth ordering a bottle!
• It strengthens bones: Beer has also been shown to strengthen bones. Just be mindful that more than two beers a day can have the opposite effect. Most of us aren't thinking about osteoporosis, but if drinking a beer can decrease your chances of hip fractures later in life, your older self will thank you for popping open a can.
• It protects against diabetes: If you're worried about type 2 diabetes, moderate alcohol consumption (no more than one a day) can protect you against this disease.
• It offers antioxidants: If you've heard that Guinness is good for you, you'd be right! It contains immune-boosting antioxidants and can also improve your memory. Dark beers also offer a small dose of iron.
• It's great for recovery: Those of you who've done longer races like half or full marathons have probably been psyched if there's a beer tent waiting at the finish line. While a beer is definitely cold and refreshing when you're hot and sweaty, the alcohol can have dehydrating effects, but when formulated differently, beer can be a great post-workout recovery drink.

This of course isn't a license to inhale a six-pack. Moderate and responsible drinking should always be on your mind so you can avoid a nasty hangover. And if you're worried about weight gain, check out this list to see which beer has the fewest calories.

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Why Customers Are Outraged Over Kate Hudson's Athleticwear Brand

JustFab, the parent company that owns both Kate Hudson's Fabletics and Kim Kardashian's ShoeDazzle, is making headlines for its questionable business practices and poor customer service. An investigative piece by BuzzFeed reports that the $1 billion company not only made unauthorized credit card charges to its customers but also has an ambiguous cancellation policy.

For those not familiar with JustFab, the online shoe and clothing retailer works by offering a service where members can purchase special items for $39.95 every month. The trick, however, is when you decide not to buy anything for that month, you have to remember to hit "skip" on your account, otherwise your credit card will still be billed. And if you decide to cancel your subscription, well, that is a whole other story.

As a past member of JustFab, I once forgot to hit "skip month" and ended up with a charge. When I called to end my subscription, it took me about 30 minutes just to go through the cancellation process. Many users, who have experienced a similar situation, have complained not only about JustFab but also about Fabletics, which sells activewear and is co-owned by Kate Hudson. Users like Beth Daboll even took to Twitter to say:

@Fabletics is a joke canceled months ago they asked for alternate e-mail and then continued to bill throughout that e-mail!!!!! #scam

— Beth Daboll (@BethDaboll) September 24, 2015

The BuzzFeed investigation found that between August 2012 and the middle of last month, JustFab had more than 1,400 Better Business Bureau complaints and there are thousands more across social media.

A JustFab spokesperson responded to these allegations and said, "As a fashion company, our flexible-subscription business model makes it possible to pass along the substantial savings we realize to our customers."

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18 Moves to Terrifically Toned Inner Thighs

A toned inner thigh is a healthy inner thigh - attractive and strong. Show yours some love with these 18 inner-thigh exercises that will keep you feeling confident in those leggings and skinny jeans once Fall comes along.

- Additional reporting by Leta Shy

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Sculpt Your Lower Body With the Sumo Squat Crunch

If you want to work your legs, butt, and hips in one move, try this squat and crunch combination ASAP. It's one multitasking move we can't get enough of! Add it to your regular strength-training routine for big results.

• Start in a wide stance with your toes pointed out; bring your hands behind your head with your elbows wide.
• Bend your knees over your toes, coming into a squat with your thighs almost parallel to the floor.
• As you straighten your knees to stand, lift your right knee while bending to the right to bring your right elbow and knee together, doing a side crunch.
• Straighten your spine as you bring your right foot to the floor, and bend both knees, coming into a sumo squat. This completes one rep.

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