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People are often surprised when I call myself “disabled.” Over the years, society has shifted toward person-first language (i.e. person with a disability) to describe disability. However, many people within the disabled community prefer identity-first language (i.e. disabled person). Much of this confusion comes from the unconscious but prevalent understanding of disability as inherently negative. Disabled people rail against this narrative, insisting that disability is just another part of the human condition. I, too, rail against this narrative because my disability is integral to my identity.

As a child with cerebral palsy, I tried to distance myself from my disability. I was the only visibly disabled student at my public elementary school. The administration did everything it could to prevent me from going there. When I was in kindergarten, I was taken to my designated elementary school on one of the short buses and made to walk the entire school — which included multiple floors and heavy doors that I had to open myself — to show them that I could. None of my nondisabled classmates had to complete this tour, but as a disabled kid, I had to prove that I was fit to attend my elementary school. Luckily, in that instance, I passed the test and was permitted to go to the same school as my sister and neighbors.

However, the elementary school tribulations didn’t end there. When I was in first grade, a physical therapist and teacher tried to have me removed from school. They argued that I had ADHD, and when I struggled to learn how to read, the teacher said I was “too disabled” to attend mainstream school. I was able to finish elementary school there (thanks to my mom, who fought against the school), but the experience had lasting effects.

For years, I struggled with impostor syndrome over whether I belonged in school or not. And more than that, I wrestled with my disability. All I wanted was to be normal and not have to worry about how others perceived me. It wasn’t until college that I felt truly comfortable with my disability. After years of only being immersed in the disabled community for the three weeks I attended summer camp, I discovered the online disabled community. Activists in this community who are more eloquent and knowledgeable than I could ever hope to be make a point to use identity-first language because they see their disability as an integral part of their identity.

When I started calling myself disabled, I received some pushback from nondisabled people, mainly those who work with disabled folks or are studying to work with disabled folks. They told me I was “wrong” for saying I was disabled instead of a person with a disability. When I asked them to elaborate, they explained that their professors in speech pathology or special education classes taught them that person-first language is more correct because it emphasizes that the disabled person is a person first and foremost, and that their disability shouldn’t define them. But my disability does define me, and acknowledging that helps me feel seen in a world that tries to erase me.

I cannot separate myself from my disability because I’ve been disabled my entire life. The only lens that I’ve seen the world through is that of a disabled cisgender white woman. My worldview is shaped by the identities I hold, both privileged and marginalized. Like many people, I’m an enigma. While my disability and womanhood put me at a societal disadvantage, I’m shielded from experiencing racism and transphobia by my skin color and gender identity. In this way, my perspective and who I am are shaped by all aspects of my identity, including my disability.

This is why I urge others to use identity-first language. Because disability doesn’t negate my personhood, there’s no reason to emphasize that I am a person before my disability. Of course I’m a person. But I’m also disabled, and I want that part of my identity to be acknowledged, too.

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I am a leggings expert; between working out and working from home, they are my uniform, and I love them. Plus, I’ve done my research. I can tell you which leggings make your butt look good, which ones are soft and comfortable, and which ones have pockets. Though my legging drawer is full, I had a quiet favorite, until they were discontinued. I had to go back to the drawing board and find a legging that I thought was flattering, breathable, and easy to move in, whether I was taking a class on my spin bike, going for a hike, or doing a yoga flow. I now own the Alo 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging ($114) in three colors, and it’s taken the top spot in my drawer.

First of all, the material is perfect. The Airlift fabric manages to be breathable and easy to move in, but has a slight amount of compression to keep you held in. It’s also a little bit shiny, which is flattering, but not distracting. It feels silky smooth. I can grab these leggings for any kind of workout and be happy with my choice; they’re sweat-wicking enough for HIIT but don’t budge during pilates. I’m 5 ft. 7, and the 7/8 legging hits me perfectly above my ankle, but if you want something longer, there’s also a full-length version. Plus, I’m not the only one who loves them, Kendall Jenner is also a fan. If you’re looking for a new go-to legging, these are the ones to shop. I’m eyeing my fourth pair right this second.

The post My Favorite Leggings Got Discontinued, and After Lots of Searching, I Found a New Winner appeared first on Easy At Home Workouts.

The CDC released a new set of COVID-19 guidelines for vaccinated and unvaccinated people, and one of the biggest changes has to do with group gatherings. According to the CDC, fully-vaccinated people are defined as people who have been vaccinated with both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, for two weeks. And under the new guidelines, those fully vaccinated people can:

• gather indoors with other fully-vaccinated people without wearing a mask.
• gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household (for example, visiting family members who all live together) without masks, as long as none of those people or anyone they live with is at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Underlying conditions that put you at high risk include serious heart conditions, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease.

That’s positive news for obvious reasons. It means that, as the New York Times pointed out, fully-vaccinated grandparents or parents can now safely visit unvaccinated, healthy children or grandchildren (as long as the children and grandchildren are of one household), without having to wear masks or social distance. It’s a big step toward reuniting friends and family, but before we go any further, we should point out that that the new guidelines do come with some caveats. Fully-vaccinated people and unvaccinated people should still wear a mask, stay six feet apart, and avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces when:

• they gather with unvaccinated people from more than one household.
• they’re in public.
• they visit with an unvaccinated person who’s at increased risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19, or who lives with someone at increased risk.

The CDC also recommended avoiding “medium or large-sized gatherings” and travel, even if you’re fully vaccinated.

Why Did the CDC Change Guidance on Group Gatherings?

Experts still haven’t definitively proven that vaccinated people can’t be asymptomatic carriers of the virus, which is one reason why they’re still recommended to continue wearing masks and social distancing in public. However, the CDC noted that “a growing body of evidence suggests that full vaccinated people are less likely to have asymptomatic infection and potentially less likely to transmit SARS-CoV-2 to others.” Investigation is ongoing, the agency said.

So why lift some of the restrictions on social gatherings now? Richard Besser, MD, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and a former acting director of the CDC, said in a statement to the Associated Press that he hoped the new guidance would provide “momentum for everyone to get vaccinated when they can,” while giving states “the patience to follow the public health roadmap needed to reopen their economies and communities safely.”

CDC director Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH, echoed that sentiment in her press briefing earlier today, calling the new guidance a “first step toward returning to everyday activities in our communities.”

Can I Gather in Groups Under the CDC’s New Guidelines?

If you’re fully vaccinated, this guidance means you can spend time indoors with unvaccinated people, as long as they’re from a single household and not at high risk of severe COVID-19. If you’re unvaccinated and not at high risk of severe COVID-19, same thing: you can gather with fully-vaccinated people, as long as you’re not including other unvaccinated people not in your household. Regardless of your vaccination status, you should still avoid medium or large-sized groups and any unnecessary travel.

Data and new evidence might cause these guidelines to be changed and, as Dr. Walensky said, this is not “our final destination.” But with more Americans getting vaccinated, “a growing body of evidence now tells us that there are some activities that fully vaccinated people can resume at low risk to themselves,” she explained It’s great news, and even more of a reason to continue taking all the CDC’s recommended precautions (wearing a face mask, social distancing, washing your hands thoroughly and frequently, and getting the vaccine when it’s your turn) to keep us moving in the right direction.

POPSUGAR aims to give you the most accurate and up-to-date information about the COVID-19, but details and recommendations about this pandemic may have changed since publication. For the latest information on COVID-19, please check out resources from the WHO, CDC, and local public health departments.

The post The CDC Dropped New Guidelines For Gathering in Groups — Here’s What It Means For You appeared first on Easy At Home Workouts.

On March 5, LSU sophomore Kiya Johnson received her second perfect 10 on floor this season — her first was garnered at the season opener back in January — and it was the fourth of her career overall (last year she scored a 10.00 on vault and beam). Johnson and team won the meet against the University of Missouri; it was their last regular-season competition before the SEC Championships on March 20.

Despite a slight slide while landing her first tumbling pass, a full-twisting double backflip, Johnson ended with a rock-solid double pike. Her presence on the floor is undeniable, and the electronic music vibes bring an added spark to the performance. “To close the meet out like that felt really good,” she said during a post-competition press conference, noting that the team still has more to give going into the championship later this month.

It was a double-the-perfect night for the Tigers: LSU freshman Haleigh Bryant also scored a perfect 10.00 with a stuck vault. We love to see it!

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Meghan Markle opened up about how her mental health suffered as a senior member of the royal family. During a bombshell interview with Oprah on March 7, the Duchess of Sussex said she lived with suicidal thoughts during her first pregnancy and was afraid to tell her husband, Prince Harry. When she worked up the courage to vocalize her need for help, he supported her. The royal family as an institution, however, did not.

Meghan explained she thought ending her life would “solve everything for everyone.” She experienced criticism rooted in racism by the British press and felt “silenced” by her husband’s family, without protection. “I was ashamed to say it at the time and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry. But I knew that if I didn’t say it, then I would do it,” she said. “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore.”

Meghan recalled an event in 2019 that occurred shortly after she told Harry about her suicidal thoughts. “I remember him saying, ‘I don’t think you can go,’ and I said, ‘I can’t be left alone.'” Photos from the night at the Royal Albert Hall show the couple smiling and looking joyful, but Meghan can only see her hand clutching Harry’s. “We’re both just trying to hold on,” she remembered. As the theater lights went down, Meghan would weep.

Meghan sought help from “the institution,” the name given to senior officials who worked for the royal family. She was turned away. She then looked for support from the palace’s HR department; they sympathized with her feelings, but told her they couldn’t help because she wasn’t a paid staff member. Even Harry was doubtful Meghan could get any real assistance within the palace walls.

Despite the trauma of royal life and the relentless onslaught of attacks on her character, Meghan is closer to peace outside of her royal role. She and Harry moved to California with their 1-year-old son. She found solace in the friendship of one of Princess Diana’s closest confidants. (“Who else would understand what’s it’s like on the inside?”) As the couple get ready to welcome baby number two, she’s full of hope.

“I grieve a lot. I mean, I’ve lost my father. I lost a baby. I nearly lost my name. I mean, there’s the loss of identity. But I’m still standing, and my hope for people in the takeaway from this is to know that there’s another side,” Meghan said. “To know that life is worth living.”

If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal ideation or are at risk, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has several resources and a 24/7 lifeline at 1-800-273-8255

The post Meghan Markle Contemplated Suicide During Her First Pregnancy, Was Denied Royal Support appeared first on Easy At Home Workouts.

Nike wants to celebrate Black women, inside and outside of athletics, for the way they shape our world. The sports brand is well-known for its impactful ads, and on March 7, Nike released a video recognizing the tireless work of these women with an important reminder: “It’s not magic.”

Narrated by Judas and the Black Messiah‘s Dominique Fishback, the ad focuses on Black women’s resilience. “It’s organic. From the curl in our hair to the tip of our toes, from the sway in our hips to the joy in our smile,” Fishback recited. “We give our blood, sweat, and tears to be our very best even when the world tells us it’s never going to be enough.” As she speaks, the video shows flashes of some of the most talented (and most scrutinized) Black women athletes like Serena Williams, Caster Semenya, Naomi Osaka, and Sha’Carri Richardson.

“You thought history just made itself?” Fishback continued. “Nah, baby. This ain’t magic. This? This is the real thing.” Watch the full ad above, and appreciate the enduring power of Black women.

The post Nike Recognizes the Resilience of Black Women Can’t Be Reduced to “Magic” in Powerful Ad appeared first on Easy At Home Workouts.

My neck had gotten so stiff a few months ago that I was grimacing in pain just from tipping my head to one side or twisting around. All the neck stretches and foam-rolling in the world wasn’t making a lasting difference. I mentioned this to my doctor a few months ago, and she gave me an unexpected recommendation: taking a fish oil supplement every day, she said, would help with the soreness. I rummaged around in my medicine cabinet, found some fish oil pills gathering dust, and started taking them with dinner every night.

And it actually worked! My neck loosened up, and a few months since starting that regimen, I barely feel any kind of tightness. I get to twist and turn and roll my neck around to my heart’s content.

I was shocked it was that effective, actually, because medications typically don’t do anything for my muscle pain. Ibuprofen, Advil, even a prescription anti-inflammatory I took for a foot injury last year — nothing made a difference until I tried fish oil. So what was happening here? Can fish oil actually soothe soreness, and how? I talked to Trisha VanDusseldorp, PhD, CSCS, assistant professor of exercise science at Kennesaw State University, to find out.

Does Fish Oil Help With Muscle Soreness?

Fish oil “absolutely” helps with muscle soreness, Dr. VanDusseldorp told POPSUGAR. That’s because it reduces inflammation, which is what causes the pain of sore muscles: your muscle cells are inflamed and pressing down on your pain receptors, she explained. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil actually reduces that inflammation and the feeling of pain and soreness that comes with it.

How Much Fish Oil Should I Take For Sore Muscles?

Take between two and four gram of fish oil every day for max effectiveness, Dr. VanDusseldorp said. She led a study last year to find the most effective dosage, and says that’s “the ultimate dose” for most of us. Elite athletes might see a slight boost from taking six grams, but there’s “no major, significant differences” between six and the lower dosages.

You can expect to see a difference in the long-term, Dr. VanDusseldorp added. In other words, taking fish oil for a week before a marathon, for example, won’t be effective at preventing soreness. “You have to load the body with it,” she explained. You’ll start to see the benefits after six weeks of supplementation. She said you can take fish oil in capsule form or liquid, or (if you don’t or can’t eat fish products), an algae-based form is available and “just as effective.”

Should Everyone Take Fish Oil Supplements?

If you don’t eat two to four servings of fish a week, Dr. VanDusseldorp highly recommended taking fish oil supplements, “not only for muscle soreness, but for other health benefits as well,” such as easing joint pain, improving heart health, and increasing good cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fish oil, can even help lower levels of depression.

If soothing soreness is what you’re after though, also note that it doesn’t have to be the intense, exercise-related soreness you get after a tough workout; fish oil can also help with soreness related to, say, sitting too long, sleeping weird, or you know, randomly getting neck pain. “It can reduce whole-body inflammation,” Dr. VanDusseldorp said, citing research that showed fish oil is just as effective as NSAIDs like ibuprofen and Advil for reducing chronic back pain.

So if soreness is an issue for you, no matter where it is on your body or how long you’ve been dealing with it, check in with your doctor and give fish oil a try. If you’re not getting fish in your diet, “There’s no argument against taking it,” Dr. VanDusseldorp said.

The post Fish Oil Helped My Stiff, Sore Neck Feel Better, So I Asked an Expert If There’s a Link appeared first on Easy At Home Workouts.

There are plenty of people in the world who love adding some color to their workout wardrobe, and then there are the rest of us. Wearing all black to work out is a lifestyle choice, and we genuinely can’t imagine putting on anything else. Black makes us feel strong, powerful, and ready to take on anything. So we scoured the internet for black leggings and found some really great picks on Amazon.

These 10 leggings are what we want to be wearing to work out, run errands, and just lounge around the house. They’re comfortable and made to perform, which is everything we could want in a workout pant. Whether you’re a serious yogi or someone who logs miles and miles on a run, we’ve got you covered. Just keep reading to shop our picks!

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Gallon-size water bottles are all over TikTok and Instagram, with fitness influencers and regular users alike relying on them to reach their hydration goals. It seems weird at first — these water bottles are seriously huge! — but when you think about it, they make so much sense. There’s no rationing your water while you work so you don’t have to break to refill your bottle again; there’s no drinking out of public water fountains; and there’s no math to figure out how many ounces of water to drink each day. Just drink until it’s empty and you’re good!

Did I mention that these 128-ounce water bottles also come in cute colors and patterns, with timed goals and motivational sayings? With one of these genius picks, drinking water will be so much fun, you’ll forget it used to be challenging. Shop some of the cutest, most colorful, and most inspirational gallon water bottles ahead.

The post With These Colorful Gallon-Size Water Bottles, You’ll Never Say, “I’m Thirsty!” Again appeared first on Easy At Home Workouts.