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Online Wellness Trends You'll Be Seeing More of in 2021

A year into the pandemic, wellness is a growing industry and we need it now more than ever.

Photo by madison lavern on Unsplash

Well, we're approaching a year since the Covid-19 pandemic picked us all up and body-slammed us against the empty shells of our old lives.

For most of us, this has come with some sort of lockdown — which has not been great for our physical nor our mental health.

But whether you started lockdown with a yoga mat and a plan to get in shape but quickly fell off, deduced by the wiles of sweatsuits and banana bread, or whether you had no such intentions but are worried your muscles may be atrophying and your stress headache has not gone away for days, it might be time for a change.

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How I Took My Health To The Next Level With Eight Sleep & Peloton

After 2020, I knew I needed to start focusing more on my health.

I've never been unhealthy, I like to think, but this year has been the laziest of my entire life, and things needed to change. The first step was my fitness.

Halfway through the year, I noticed I didn't have as much stamina as I used to. Before the stay at home order, I would cycle a lot, so I decided to get an at-home exercise bike. Not just that, I decided to get the Peloton. After some research and reading many reviews it was the obvious choice.

I struggled to get into the groove of exercising from home so I looked up some tips, and I discovered how vital sleep was when it comes to exercise and performance. I've been struggling to get a full night's sleep this entire year.

I remembered reading about a smart mattress by a company called Eight Sleep that was listed with the Peloton as one of the "best tech inventions of the year" so I decided to look into it.

The Pod Pro by Eight Sleep is a cooling mattress that incorporates cutting edge technology to give you the most comfortable and effective sleep. One issue I had with my sleep was feeling too warm. When I read that the Pod Pro allows you to control the temperature of either side of the mattress separately, I was even more interested.

The Pod Pro creates a microclimate anywhere between 55 to 110℉. You just set the mattress to whatever temperature suits you best, and the intelligent Pod sensors will adjust to your ideal temperature whenever you need it. My partner and I are always fighting over the AC at night, so it didn't take much convincing.

Our Pod Pro was delivered and we couldn't wait to put it to the test. It was super quick and easy to set up, and the cooling feature was just the beginning. Eight Sleep also has its own app that connects to your mattress where you can track all your sleep metrics.

The Active Grid tracks your vitals such as heart rate, breathing, sleep cycles, and HRV, but also environmental factors like humidity and temperature. All this biometric data is fed into an algorithm so that the Pod continually calibrates exactly what your body needs to stay asleep all night.

First night in the Pod Pro and I couldn't believe how comfortable it was. Not just temperature-wise, but the mattress itself molded perfectly to my back. Turns out, it's a 5-layer premium foam mattress that provides the ideal comfort and support.

It has Comfort Blend™ technology that integrates with the Active Grid water-cooling system for enhanced comfort and pressure-point relief. I fell asleep super quickly that night and actually stayed asleep. My partner was the exact same. We didn't think this was actually possible for us, it had been so long since we had an undisturbed sleep.

We both woke up super refreshed, the first night in a long time we didn't have to fight over the AC remote. Not to mention, this mattress is much quieter than the AC, and even uses up less energy so it saves us money on bills.

A cool thing about the Pod Pro by Eight Sleep is that you don't need a loud alarm anymore. The mattress can wake you up naturally by gradually reducing the temperature. This wasn't something I thought would work but it really does and it's a much nicer way to wake up. We even have it connected to our smart coffee machine so our coffee is already being made when we wake up!

After a few weeks on the Pod Pro by Eight Sleep, I noticed something; I had much more energy and was able to burn more calories on the Peloton. Looking at my sleep metrics on the EightSleep app, it all made sense. Sleep is really important for fitness and health, and the better sleep I get the more energetic and fit I am.

If you're starting to exercise more then you need to start off by getting better sleep. I'd highly recommend the Pod Pro by Eight Sleep for the best night sleep ever. Check it out, you won't regret it.

Readers will exclusively get $300 off the Pod and 20% off accessories for a limited time

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Why The Eight Sleep and Oura Ring Are A Perfect Match

My main focus for 2021 is to get my health in check.

If last year taught me anything it was that I need to stay in tune with my body. And do what I can to keep myself in the best shape I possibly can.

The main issue I wanted to tackle was my sleep. I can't remember the last time I didn't struggle to get to sleep and not wake up countless times throughout the night.

I bought the Oura ring thinking it would be a quick fix for my sleep but it only highlighted that I was a terrible sleeper. Tell me something I don't know. At least it was guiding me in the right direction. So, if I wanted to better my Oura score and improve my overall health I needed to improve my sleep.

First, I eliminated coffee after 4pm, going to bed earlier and earlier, and cracking a window for better airflow. I even adjusted my diet and upped my exercise. But Oura kept reminding me my sleep hadn't improved. It was still just awful. And with my hectic schedule, my body was feeling the effects.

The only thing I hadn't tried changing to a cooling mattress. I read loads about thermoregulation and how it can be key to getting the best night's sleep. The Pod Pro by Eight Sleep hands downs has the best reviews for a cooling mattress so I started there.

At first glance, I was super impressed, the Pod Pro has everything you'll ever want from a cooling mattress - and more.

The Pod Pro creates a microclimate between 55 to 110℉. Simply set the mattress to whatever temperature suits you best and the intelligent Pod sensors will adjust to your ideal temperature whenever you need it. Plus, the Pod has dual cooling zones so one side can be 55℉ while the other is 110℉!

The Active Grid tracks your vitals such as heart rate, breathing, sleep cycles, and HRV, but also environmental factors like humidity and temperature. All this biometric data is fed into an algorithm so that the Pod continually calibrates exactly what your body needs to stay asleep each night. The app even includes mediation features.

And unlike other temperature-regulated, smart mattresses, the Pod Pro's Active Grid uses a water-cooling system to effectively help you fall asleep and - most importantly - stay asleep.

My main issue was waking up during the night, therefore missing the critical deep sleep stage each night. Perhaps the Pod could come to my rescue.

After reading about how their 12-Inch, 5-layer premium foam mattress provides the ideal support and how the Comfort Blend™ technology integrates with the Active Grid for enhanced comfort and pressure-point relief, I'd made up my mind. The Pod Prohad to be my next mattress.

Once it arrived it was quick to set up and I was ready for my first night of satisfying sleep. I set my optimal temperature on the Pod Pro app along with the time I wanted to wake up and off to bed I went.

Opening my eyes without the dreaded buzzing of my alarm was blissful. The GentleRise Wake Up Technology worked an absolute treat. And as I made my way downstairs I felt fully rested for the first time in a long time.

One month into sleeping on my Pod Pro and it has delivered everything it promises and more. I fall asleep the minute my head hits the pillow, and I'm blissfully asleep until it's time to wake up - no more interruptions!

And the proof is not only in how I feel but in my Oura score, it just keeps getting more customized and accurate. My sleep is almost near perfect!

screenshot of oura app stats

And my body is really feeling the benefits of consistent high-quality sleep Thanks to my Eight Sleep Pod Pro.

If your 2021 health goal is to sleep through the night, every night, then I - and the other 30,000 Pod Pro lovers out there - highly recommend this next-generation mattress.

The Winter Sale Starts Tomorrow: Get $250 Off The Pod, or $100 Off The Pod Cover and 20% Off Accessories!

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I Used The Eight Sleep Mattress With Whoop To Get The Best Sleep

Lately, the collaboration between fitness and technology has reinvented the way we think of our health. We no longer just get on a scale, or go for a run - we want to see the stats. Thankfully, fitness trackers are more accessible than ever and not just for pro athletes.

Our editors have been using the WHOOP Strap 3.0 for a while and they love tracking all their health and activity. It's motivating to see the numbers day to day and work towards improvement. However, the sleep score just hasn't been budging and as a result progress in activity and recovery has stalled too.

We did the research and no matter how early you go to bed that doesn't guarantee true quality sleep, a fundamental building block of your day. You're still tossing and turning throughout the night whether it's due to the room temperature, your body running hot, or general mattress discomfort.

We found a way to cut through all the noise and tackle all sleep issues at once: Eight Sleep's Pod Promattress. This is the Tesla of mattresses, taking your sleep to the next level.

It incorporates cutting edge technology to give you the most comfortable and effective rest. Never worry about overheating at night again thanks to its smart cooling system which you can control from the app and set either side of the bed, between 55 and 110 degrees. Now you can sleep soundly and without having to get up and adjust room temp.

Don't think that cooling means noisy, the Pod Pro runs as quiet as a computer fan. On top of that, it won't increase your energy bills (it's actually cheaper than keeping the A/C or Heater on all night!). Plus, you only need to refill the mattress' cooling Hub with water every 2-3 months so it's not a daily chore.

The smart mattress itself is designed for maximum comfort. They use 5 layers of premium foam to create the perfect balance of firmness and contouring, so you get support in all the right places. What's especially great for hot-sleepers is that the mattress comes in an amazing breathable cover.

Before making a mattress investment you want to know if it really works and thanks to Eight Sleep's research we do. They found that after 2 months people toss and turn 25% less, and after just 1 month see a 17% increase in periods of deep sleep, and fall asleep 15% faster. All of this information is gathered from sensors in the mattress that upload directly to the Eight Sleep app.

The app also tracks Heart Rate Variability, Respiratory Rate, Resting Heart Rate, and Sleep Time so you can get the data on your sleep straight from the source giving you a goodnight's rest. As you see your sleep improve with Eight Sleep its positive effect crosses over to your WHOOP Strap.

Staying fit involves taking care of yourself 24/7 and with the Pod Pro, you can guarantee just that. Boost your WHOOP scores with Eight Sleep and make sure you have the energy to get through your full, active day. A great night of rest will help improve recovery so that each day you can push the envelope with performance and reach your fitness goals.

Taking sleep to the next level is possible when you invest in the right mattress and the Pod Pro is available for as low as $78 a month and comes with a 100-night trial so you see if it works for you without ever stepping foot in a store.

Sleep and fitness go hand and hand so getting an Eight Sleep mattress was a game-changer for our WHOOP users. We recommend the Pod Pro to anyone looking for quality sleep but especially all the fitness and WHOOP fans out there — this is a must-have for your fitness journey.

The Winter Sale Starts Tomorrow: Get $250 Off The Pod, or $100 Off The Pod Cover and 20% Off Accessories!

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MadeFor_ Is The Easiest Way To Up Your Workout Game

I made it my mission this year to be one of those people who has a solid workout routine.

I've always wanted to be more toned, but I was never fully willing to put in the effort. My old exercise routine used to consist of walking to and from work. If I wanted to see the results I was hoping for, I knew I needed to step it up. Everyone talks about that "wall" you must breakthrough before you start to actually enjoy exercise, so I decided to enroll in a few classes a week to get me motivated. I even paid for a month of classes upfront so I'd have no excuse to miss them!

I thought my first spin class was the hardest thing I've ever done - oh boy, walking up a flight of stairs the next day was agony! But I pushed through the pain and felt pretty proud after I'd finished my third class in one week. I got chatting to the trainer afterward and told her about my muscle pain.

She advised that it's super important to take the right vitamins to ensure that your body has what it needs to recover. I'd been taking multivitamins for years and assumed they would suffice. But she insisted that I check out MadeFor_- a customized vitamin subscription.

They curate the perfect blend for you after you take a quiz and answer questions about your eating habits or fitness targets. They also have pre-packs that are tailored to support specific goals. I checked out the MadeFor_ site and saw that you can skip their quiz and select a Fitness Pack that was designed for people who are working out regularly and trying to lose weight.

The Fitness Pack was designed by a team of expert nutritionists with a specific purpose in mind. It contains a bunch of vitamins with names that I'd never heard of, but MadeFor's site gave a great breakdown of what each component was for. I learned so much about what my body needs, both pre and post-workout: CLA, which aids fat loss and helps provide energy pre-workout as well as glucosamine for joint protection.


Meet CLA: The Supplement equivalent to 2 cups of espresso (with none of the negative side effects) --- Speeds up metabolism, Promotes fat loss, Protects joint health & Gives you plant-based energy


I never realized that magnesium is essential for muscle function, but its levels deplete when you sweat. So I was glad to see it was included. The Fitness Pack also includes Astaxanthin and Vegan Omega 3, which help support your immune system and heart health. It seemed like the ideal way to give my body the best chance at success. The dream team of vitamins is rounded out with B-Complex, which plays a vital role in organ function and energy production.

When my MadeFor_ box arrived, I loved that everything was broken into daily packs, so I knew exactly how much of each to take every day. It's so easy to grab a pack on my way out the door every morning! With my subscription, I never have to worry that I'll run out. I surprised myself when I finished my first month of keeping up a fitness routine.

Thanks to the CLA pill, I honestly noticed a huge spike in my energy levels. It's designed to help you maximize your workouts and contains caffeine, which speeds up your metabolism and gives you the energy you need to push yourself when you start to feel fatigued.

My muscles and seem to rebound much quicker post-workout, and my energy levels have massively improved. That's because my body has what it needs to recover. I never imagined that supplements could make my workouts less grueling, but MadeFor_'s perfect combo of vitamins helps me breakthrough that "wall" and keep going.

Even though working out still isn't my favorite thing to do, I've finally settled into a routine that works for me. And I'm finally I'm starting to see results! It costs under $2 a day when you sign up for the 6-month subscription. It helped keep get into the habit of taking a daily vitamin because I stocked up and always have it on hand, plus I saved 20%! The Fitness Mix has made staying on this new healthy path a lot easier and I feel better than ever. 10/10 recommend.

UPDATE: Madefor_ is extending a LIMITED TIME offer to get your first 3 Boxes For 30% OFF Today Using Code: GET30X3

It takes 3 months for the vitamins to have their full effect on your body so we'd recommend the 3 or 6 month plan.


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CULTURE

Is Britney OK?

Spears called out the paparazzi for the first time since the mid 2000s, raising eyebrows and possibly pointing to an unraveling icon.

Britney Spears

Pariente Jean-Philippe/Sipa/Shutterstock

Britney Spears has been hounded by the press and paparazzi for over two decades now.

Lately, her social media page is not only filled with typical mom quotes, but also more personal messages about her wellness and life. Her first Instagram story, however, diverged from these patterns.

After yachting with her boyfriend, Britney took to Instagram to introduce a "conspiracy theory" she's been working on:

"Hello, and please don't judge me, I look haggard right now. But my question to all of you is: a lot of fans in our world today, they always are subject to really criticize people and say that the pictures and videos that they're posting are either not on time or they're fake.

"But no one ever really asks: Are the paparazzi pictures fake, and do the paparazzi people do stuff to the pictures and is the news really real? It's a conspiracy theory that I'm actually interested in. Yesterday I went swimming. I look like I'm 40 pounds bigger [than I am today]. This is how I am right now, and I'm skinny as a needle. You tell me, what is real?"

While Spears is in fact "skinny as a needle" and toned like a goddess, angles were obviously a factor.

She tends to be sillier on her Instagram than some of her pop peers, but the pressure and refocused spotlight may be getting to her. With the #FreeBritney movement and on-going concern for Britney's mental health, it's difficult not to take note of the manic expression on the star's face in the video. The proud gym rat prioritizes her physique, but calling out the paparazzi for the first time since the mid 2000s raises eyebrows and possibly points to an unraveling icon. Spears' distrust of the media is understandable, as the traumatizing tabloid era and Britney frenzy would make anyone distrustful and full of disdain. Hopefully, the media can soon regain her trust to help drive the #FreeBritney movement forward.

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