Since our immediate futures are one big question mark with the COVID-19 pandemic right now, many of us are clinging onto small moments of joy. The meticulous, meditative quality of chopping vegetables. The oddly scientific methodology of making pour-over coffee and sourdough starter. And for the active set: running.
That sense of community has been thwarted, no doubt, but we urge you to embrace the oddities of running in the age of COVID-19. Charge through the streets at night. Make the once-crowded hot spots your playground. Take advantage of the downpours and eerily quiet dawn hours to minimize contact with people. Getting out once a day doesn’t just ease the doldrums of self-isolation, it’s a godsend for your mental and physical health—the salve for an ever-growing itch you can’t seem to scratch. If you’re someone who likes to get miles on your legs, a personal best on your watch, and could use a new pair of kicks on your feet, we’ve got a strong recommendation from Hoka One One: the Carbon X.
Courtesy Image
What It Is
The Hoka One One Carbon X sits pretty squarely between a racing shoe and trainer. The aggressive, springy carbon plate extends through the length of the shoe, wrapping under the outermost toes to make your gait feel more fluid and effortless. That’s the whole appeal of carbon-plated running shoes: They make running feel less taxing by reducing energy lost during toe-off—or so the theory goes. Coupled with the fluid nature of the Meta-Rocker, a rounded sole shape with a low heel-to-toe drop, this shoe is seriously fun to run in.
Unlike the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% and New Balance FuelCell 5280, which require lightning-fast mile times to reap the benefits, the Carbon X is a more forgiving option. The forefoot platform is wider and more merciful because it lends greater stability—a major plus if your running mechanics aren’t elite-level perfect and you get a little sloppy at the end.
At just 8.8 ounces (lighter than Nike’s comparable 9.6-ounce Zoom X), it strikes that perfect balance between light and supportive. The upper is an airy engineered mesh, not a knit, so it won’t get soaked or bogged down in rainy conditions. While there’s a medley of foams running along the mid and forefoot, there’s not a substantial amount in the heel to dampen and smooth out the rocker’s rolling momentum. Because of this, the Carbon X is best suited to midfoot strikers than heel strikers, who might find the experience a little jarring.
Why We Like It
I have sprinter tendencies from my track & field days, so I’m afflicted by what I like to call dog-off-leash syndrome—a feeling of unbridled joy when I start a run accompanied by an inability to pace or taper speed. And the Carbon X really lets me fly. The feel underfoot is bouncy and propulsive, with an exaggerated rocking sensation. I’m not a fan of minimalist running shoes, because my body takes a beating with endurance work, but these feel well-cushioned and don’t leave my legs feeling trashed after a hard effort. It’s not an everyday trainer, but it’s absolutely the shoe I gravitate toward when I want to do speed work or bump up the intensity and do some threshold training.
Nitpick
I have narrow feet and don’t often have an issue with irritation, but do experience rubbing along my pinky toes after a couple of miles. If you have wide feet, beware; there’s no wide option available… yet. The laces are also particularly slippery and tend to come undone mid-run. I’d suggest swapping them out, because once you take off, there’s nothing more soul-sucking than stopping your joyride to re-tie your shoes.
Here at Men’s Journal, we constantly test the latest gear to find the best new products you should know about to take your next adventure, workout, wardrobe, and every other part of your life to the next level. That includes everything from the best new adventure gear like a kayak that can double as a fishing boat to the absolute coolest gadgets and innovative tech you should own like a must-have soundbar to upgrade your home theater setup or a pair of bookshelf speakers. Here, check out our editors’ favorite picks for Gear of the Week.
[Editor’s Note: Check back each week to see an updated list of our favorite new products, along with all the previous weeks’ gear picks.]
You’ve tried feeding your sourdough starter over and over again, and the damn thing won’t rise. You’ve put together so many jigsaw puzzles you’re starting to assemble them in your dreams. Perhaps you’re “experimenting with cocktails” and keep waking up with a hangover. Maybe it’s time to try something new.
Fresh from Finland, this creative ski edit is one of the best things we’ve seen come out of quarantine. The funky Fins aren’t new to skiing on grass and slush, but usually there’s a crew cheering each other on. Not so for Juho Kilkki, the water jug gimble-god of the great white north. If you’ve ever wanted to see a combination of a Rube-Goldberg Machine and a 270 disaster, look no further.
This article original appeared on Powder.com and was republished with permission.
Ankeny, Iowa, March 19, 2020 — During National Soyfoods Month in April, The Soyfoods Council invites you to discover the culinary and nutrition advantages of enjoying fermented soyfoods. Fermented foods—including miso and tempeh—are the number one superfood trend this year, according to the Pollock PR “What’s Trending in Nutrition” 2020 survey. Similarly, Japanese umami flavors, including miso and natto, are also among the year’s hottest culinary trends listed in the National Restaurant Association “What’s Hot” 2020 survey. Fermented soy foods such as miso, tempeh, and natto offer a satisfying complexity of flavor as well as potential health benefits.
Miso is a fermented soybean paste that adds salty, savory umami flavor notes to everything from salad dressings to meat marinades. It is available in American supermarkets and comes in white, yellow and red varieties that offer a range of flavor intensity. Tempeh also is widely available in supermarkets across the U.S. It is made from fermented soybeans, and combines a firm meaty texture with a mild, nutty flavor. Creative tempeh dishes in restaurants include tempeh Reuben sandwiches, tempeh Caesar salads, and one-bowl meals. Tempeh provides approximately 15 grams of protein and five grams of fiber per serving. Natto, with its sticky texture and cheese-like flavor, appeals to adventurous eaters who like to experiment with global condiments. Made with fermented soybeans, natto is served as a traditional accompaniment for rice in Japan, and also is used as a flavoring in recipes. You can find it in grocery stores that sell Asian ingredients, or make your own natto in an electric pressure cooker by following instructions in YouTube videos. Brands such as NYrture New York Natto also are available online (www.nyrture.com/order-natto.
Fermented soyfoods contain probiotics (live organisms) that can offer potential digestive health benefits when eaten on a regular basis. And, if the benefits of fermented foods are already on your radar, two new studies suggest that fermented soyfoods may offer other protective benefits as well.
Eating fermented soyfoods is related to lower mortality rates. A recent study in Japan involved more than 90,000 men and women between the ages of 45 and 74. Participants filled out food frequency questionnaires every five years to assess the types and amounts of soyfoods they consumed. When investigators compared individuals in the top fifth of those consuming fermented soyfoods with participants in the bottom fifth, they found those who ate the most fermented soyfoods were 10 percent less likely to die from all causes during the study period.
Eating natto may contribute to bone health. Those who take bone health into consideration when making food choices will be interested in a recent study suggesting that eating natto is related to a reduced risk of fractures. A Japanese population-based osteoporosis cohort study was based on 1,417 postmenopausal women who were followed for approximately 15 years. Their consumption of natto, tofu, and other soyfoods was surveyed. Women who ate about a serving of natto per day were shown to be only half as likely to suffer a fracture, in comparison to the women who ate natto infrequently.
During National Soyfoods Month in April, embark on a culinary adventure to explore new ways to add miso and tempeh to your everyday meals. If you’re an adventurous eater, experiment with natto, too. For details about research studies related to fermented soyfoods, and a wide range of family-friendly recipes, visit The Soyfoods Council website: www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com.
About the Soyfoods Council: The Soyfoods Council is a non-profit organization, created and funded by Iowa soybean farmers, providing a complete resource to increase awareness of soyfoods, educate and inform media, healthcare professionals, consumers and the retail and foodservice market about the many benefits of soyfoods. Iowa is the country’s number one grower of soybeans and is the Soyfoods Capital of the world.
About the Role of Soyfoods in a Healthful Diet: Soyfoods have played an important role in Asian cuisines for centuries. In recent years they have become popular in Western countries because of their nutrition and health properties. Soyfoods are excellent sources of high-quality protein and provide a healthy mix of polyunsaturated fat. In addition, independent of their nutrient content, there is very intriguing evidence indicating soyfoods reduce the risk of several chronic diseases including coronary heart disease, osteoporosis and certain forms of cancer. All individuals are well-advised to eat a couple of servings of soyfoods every day.
Tempeh Rice Bowl
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced carrot
1 tablespoon white miso
1 8-ounce package tempeh
1 cup of brown rice
1 3/4 cup water
2 cups tightly packed leafy greens, such as baby spinach, Swiss chard and/or arugula
Crushed peanuts, for garnish
Splash of tamari or soy sauce, for serving (optional)
Set the Instant Pot on the sauté function, using the adjust button to increase to more heat. Add the sesame oil, onion, and carrot and sauté for about three minutes. Add the miso and continue sautéing until the miso becomes creamy and mixed well with the vegetables. Add the tempeh, crumbling with your fingers as you remove it from the package. Using a spoon crumble the tempeh while sautéing. Do this for about 8 minutes. The tempeh should begin to resemble small beans (or meat crumbles). Add the brown rice and water. Turn the sauté function off. Cover the Instant Pot, move the steam valve to seal, press manual (high pressure) and adjust the time to 22 minutes. Allow for a natural release.
Remove the lid. Stir in two cups of leafy greens. Prop the lid on the top of the pot, without sealing, for just a few minutes to allow the greens to slightly wilt.
Serve in a bowl with crushed peanuts and a splash of tamari or soy sauce (if using).
Serves 4 to 6
Recipe by JL Fields for The Soyfoods Council
Miso Chicken Soup with Snow Peas and Tofu
This classic miso soup is adapted from a recipe in A Spoonful of Ginger by Nina Simonds. It’s a splendid way to spotlight tofu. Make sure to use the water-packed firm variety.
3 pounds chicken quarters
12 cups water
8 slices fresh ginger, smashed lightly with the flat side of a knife
1/2 cup miso paste
1 pound water-packed firm tofu, cut into cubes
3/4 pound snow or snap peas, strings removed
3 tablespoons minced green onion
1. Combine chicken and water and ginger in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce, heat, simmer 1 1/2 hours. Remove chicken and cool. Discard ginger. Scoop out and reserve 1/2 cup broth.
2. Remove the meat from the chicken, and shred. Discard skin and bones. Add chicken to broth. In a small bowl, combine reserved broth and the miso paste; stir until smooth.
3. Add tofu and snow peas to soup and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and add the miso mixture, and stir well. Ladle soup into serving bowls; top with green onions. Yield: 6 servings.
There is a spread of a novel coronavirus that is damaging the city of Wuhan located in the Hubei district of China. The episode of the virus began early in December of 2019 and also has actually continued to spread out. The people who were the first ones to end up being contaminated were all linked to the South China Seafood Wholesale Market which has been closed since.
Countless cases have actually been reported by health and wellness officials in China. There are also situations that have actually been determined in various other nations, mostly spread out by the individuals traveling out of China, consisting of Chinese individuals or the people returning from China to their respective countries. The infection can spread from a single person to another via contact or perhaps simply remaining in the distance of the contaminated person.
Over 20 nations have reported instances, including Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Germany, Vietnam, Australia, France, the USA, India, the UK, etc. and many various other countries have actually established screening centers for the people originating from China.
This is a big family member of infections that are jointly called the coronavirus. A lot of the known coronavirus signs and symptoms just have basic results on individuals such as giving them a mild breathing illness like the cold, yet there have actually been 2 such instances of the coronavirus that have revealed large results on the infected which are Extreme Severe Respiratory System Syndrome (SARS) coronavirus and Middle East Respiratory Disorder (MERS) coronavirus.
Symptoms:
Fever, coughing, and also trouble breathing are several of the symptoms and signs which have actually been observed in individuals contaminated. A few of the patients have also reported having a sore throat. There’s been some supposition about the serious disease-causing capacity of the novel coronavirus although these insurance claims are not sustained with proper evidence. People with chronic health problems and also aged patients might pose better opportunities of having a serious condition as a result of this virus.
Risk
The people who are living or traveling around the area where the infection is prevalent are at a high danger of infection according to the WHO. Presently, the virus is just present in China and all of the non-residents of China that have been infected have actually taken a trip to China just recently and also have actually touched with the infected individuals that are from China.
So, according to THAT, the threat to the people that are not staying in China is extremely low as long as you do not enter contact with the non-resident Chinese people that are contaminated. Additionally, the WHO mentions that straightforward disinfectants can conveniently take care of the infection if it is present on a surface area as well as also the survival time of the virus on any surface is pretty reduced.
Conclusion:
This write-up shares every one of the symptoms to look out for if you think that you may be impacted by the infection, however, if you’re a non-resident as well as have not touched with anybody traveling from China, you have no chance of catching the infection.
Coronavirus Precautions
Keep aware of the most up to date information on the COVID-19 episode, offered on the THAT web site as well as through your national and neighborhood public health authority. COVID-19 is still affecting most individuals in China with some outbreaks in various other countries. Many people that come to be infected experience light ailment and recoup, but it can be much more severe for others. Deal with your health and wellness and also secure others by doing the following:
Wash your hands regularly Regularly as well as completely tidy your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and also water. Why? Cleaning your hands with soap and also water or utilizing alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that might be on your hands.
Preserve social distancing Keep at the very least 1 meter (3 feet) distance in between yourself as well as any person who is coughing or sneezing. Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray tiny fluid beads from their nose or mouth which may consist of the infection. If you are as well close, you can breathe in the beads, consisting of the COVID-19 infection if the person coughing has the condition.
Stay clear of touching eyes, nose as well as mouth Why? Hands touch numerous surface areas and also can grab viruses. Once polluted, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and also can make you unwell.
Practice respiratory health Ensure you, and also individuals around you, follow excellent respiratory system hygiene. This suggests covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow joint or tissue when you cough or sneeze. After that take care of the made use of tissue immediately. Why? Beads spread the infection. By complying with excellent respiratory health you shield the people around you from infections such as chilly, flu and COVID-19.
If you have a high temperature, cough as well as trouble breathing, look for medical care early Stay at home if you really feel weak. If you have a fever, cough as well as trouble breathing, look for medical attention and also hire development. Comply with the instructions of your regional wellness authority. Why? National, as well as regional authorities, will have one of the most as much as day info on the scenario in your location. Calling in development will certainly enable your health care provider to promptly direct you to the ideal health facility. This will certainly additionally shield you and aid stop the spread of infections and various other infections.
Stay notified as well as follow the recommendations offered by your healthcare provider Stay informed on the most recent growths about COVID-19. Comply with the guidance offered by your healthcare provider, your nationwide as well as neighborhood public health authority or your company on exactly how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Why? National, as well as neighborhood authorities, will have one of the most up to date details on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your location. They are best placed to recommend on what individuals in your area ought to be doing to secure themselves.
Hair removal has been part of cosmetology for a long time. Whereas some methods of hair removal have been around for a long time, others continue to emerge and develop as technology develops.
IPL (intense pulsed light) is a hair removal method that works by directing light from a laser through the hair pigment. The light converts to heat which in turn damages the hair follicles and the hair bulb.
IPL has grown in popularity over the last couple of years. Before that, most people were used to waxing, which is also considered equally effective.
Is IPL better than waxing? Let’s explore the two methods in the discussion that follows.
Preparation: Grow the hair for a few weeks
IPL hair removal is considered a permanent removal method because one can expect extended periods of no growth between sessions. In preparation for IPL hair removal, a client is expected not to wax or pluck the hair for at least six weeks. IPL works better on hair that has grown for around six weeks. At that height, the hair has well-formed follicles to allow a more efficient procedure. Right before the procedure, hair is trimmed a little, cold gel applied to protect the outer most skin then the laser equipment is set according to the thickness and location of the hair.
Duration: IPL Process is faster
Time taken for the IPL process depends primarily on factors such as equipment being used and the size of the area being treated. Time may range from less than a minute for small areas, whereas large areas such as the legs can take up to one hour. Just like waxing, tools, area and the client response to process determines the time is taken.
This notwithstanding, the most important thing is to carry out a flawless process that leaves the client happy and satisfied. If you pick the right professional for laser hair removal Brisbane region, you will save on much needed time.
IPL Benefit Perks
With IPL, it has its own benefits that can help one enjoy the perks of being hair free and stress-free. It works better with clients seeking permanent hair removal and a patient can achieve long term hair removal, unlike waxing which is temporary and requires regular maintenance. IPL causes no damage to the dermis, so even the most sensitive skin can be treated.
Ever missed a spot when waxing? IPL hair removal is more effective in reaching out to areas left with annoying hairs and unwanted fuzz hence takes the stress and mess out of waxing by booking a more efficient IPL treatment.
IPL treatment will also save you a lot of time because it will leave you with longer-lasting results without having to find time to shave when you have a busy, hectic and demanding lifestyle.
Contraindications
Before undertaking IPL Hair Removal it would be vital to know whether it’s suitable. Some conditions may be made significantly worse and action needs to be taken prior to the start of the treatment. These include skin conditions such as vitiligo, medical conditions such as herpes and epilepsy, recent sun exposure, sunburns, and photosensitizing medication.
It may Cause Some Temporary Discomfort
The most noticeable effects after the IPL Hair removal are skin irritation; temporary discomfort, redness, and swelling, pigment changes; may darken or lighten the affected skin which is usually temporary and the skin feeling sunburned.
These effects are also noticeable with waxing which makes the skin get red after the procedure which is a normal reaction. It is advisable to use cold compresses to relieve the redness which would help reduce the redness.
Body Areas
For both IPL hair removal and waxing can be done on any body area but experts believe IPL is best not applied in the eyebrows to avoid damage to the eyes.
In addition, a client may choose which parts of the body would best give the desired result when the IPL method is used.
Skin Type
Light skin with dark is deemed more suitable for the IPL technique. However, laser treatments are now more advanced meaning a specialist can choose the type of laser light that will be most suitable for your skin color and type. Unlike waxing, where any skin type can benefit from it.
Cost
Costs vary depending on factors such as the machine in use, size of the area being treated and time required for treatment, number of treatments required, whether a doctor or someone else is performing the procedure, other attached cosmetology services.
It might also depend on the location where services are being offered.
Conclusion
Unwanted hair growth remains a therapeutic challenge and there is considerable need for an effective and safe treatment approach. Since IPL is now offered widely in many parts of the world, it is advisable that clients seek information before engaging a professional. Ensure that you dig information around all elements of the exercise including costs and possible side effects.
It is that time of year again: Valentine’s Day is only two weeks away. The countdown turns on the social pressure to find a timely, well-thought gift for your main squeeze. Consider though, if your main squeeze happens to be an adventurous gal; your best bet is not to give some disposable gesture.
Somewhere between practical and indulgent lies the perfect gift for those of us more oriented to the outdoors. We dread the thought of those millions of canned-line greeting cards and spent chocolate boxes ending up in the recycling bin—or worse yet, the trash. Rather, we prefer the idea of getting something special that we’ll end up using together and keeping forever—not unlike the love that the holiday is meant to celebrate.
Vail Resorts acquired Canyons first. The convoluted circumstances in which POWDR Corp sold PCMR to Vail culminated in the creation of the largest resort in the United States. Vail immediately spent $50 million in connecting the two and building a new lodge.
The gondola is quick and convenient. Free Park City buses go almost nonstop from one base area to the other, so why not use the whole hill?
Whether it stems as far back as the ParkWest days or is a more recent phenomenon, when asked “Are you a Canyons or a PCMR skier?” almost everybody picks a side. There does, however, remain some commonality. On the northern sides, both have pine and fir trees. Both south sides have what I call “the little scrubby trees.” These are the most durable shrubberies one could ever get tangled in. They’re not natural and I doubt they even burn.
But the terrain is wildly different. Canyons has the 9990 and 5 chairs as well as the Super Condor. Sticks and Stones, Yard Sale, Funnel Cloud, and Aftershock are frightening to look over with little to no snow—much less to drop in. PCMR sports more groomers of varying pitch, but also is justifiably proud of the Jupiter Bowl which is, at points, a cliff with trees on it. Having a preference for one resort makes sense. It depends what kind of skier you are.
These skiers and their respective spaces are as disparate as the resorts’ snow-capped peaks and the desert to the west of Salt Lake. The fervor seems a little silly, as neither resort lies in the Cottonwoods.
Don’t make me pull over and separate you two. We’ve got more sibling rivalries to come.
This article originally appeared on Powder.com and was republished with permission.
You might be asking yourself: “What on earth do motorbikes and surfing have to do with each another?” Fair question, but surprisingly more than you’d imagine.
Oddly enough, where you see the two cultures — bike and surf — colliding gracefully is in Canggu, Bali where surf-moto brand, Deus Ex Machina, has its flagship base there called the “Temple of Enthusiasm.”
An idea born from the vintage motorcycle and surf movements happening in Sydney, Australia, you can buy custom surfboards at Deus, custom motorbikes, coffee, art, clothing… even get a haircut.
But back to the initial query: What’s the connection between a café racer and sliding piece of foam and fiberglass? Some say it’s in the line you choose, whether on a wave or on the open road. Some say it’s in the craftsmanship, riding vessels made by human hands and hearts.
Ultimately, the pairing is in the travel. Motorbikes get us from “Point A” to “Wave B,” and if you’re lucky, happily lost along the way. Because some of the best discoveries happen by accident. The following are five routes across the globe that blend the two loves seamlessly.
One person’s powder ski could be another’s everyday downhill ski. It is all relative to your objectives. Back in the day, skis of the long and skinny variety were used for laborious turns in deep snow. But as powder hounds’ desire for chasing fresh, untracked snow grew, so did their need for better gear, thus the invention of wider, easier-turning skis that could float in the cold smoke.
If you are fortunate enough to get in a sufficient number powder days each season to constitute getting a pair of fatter sticks, or even if you just like having a pair for those few special snorkel days, these are the best powder performers that money can buy.
