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Bikini Yoga, Body Confidence and Running in Pain - Links We Love

Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Motivation

We at That's Fit and AOL Health know you've got a lot going on in your lives besides staying in great shape, and we realize that more than just diet and exercise goes into feeling your best every day. That's why we're sharing some of the exciting reporting going on at AOL Health.

There's always time to tone up for a trip to the beach. Give this bikini-body yoga routine a try.

When a stomachache or muscle cramp hits you mid-­race, should you go on or go home? Find out more from "Running With Pain" on AOL Health.

Are you in need of a good confidence boost about your body? This week on AOL Health, Sabine Wilhem, Ph.D., author of "Feeling Good about the Way You Look" serves up some esteem-boosting tips. Plus, a humorous slide show about our body insecurities will get you smiling again!

Exercise Your Way to a Better Sex Life

Fitness

couple kissing
Photo: Macnolete/Flickr
Who wouldn't want a better sex life? Even if life between the sheets is already pretty good, there's always room for improvement. Building a better sex life is a win-win situation; some of the things you can do to improve your desire and (ahem) performance, will also benefit your overall health:

  • Want to want it more? Let's face it. As completely unsexy as it is to admit, there are times when we'd all just rather roll over and go to sleep. After busy days at work and running from here to there taking care of all of life's responsibilities, a little late night loving might be the last thing on your mind. But if not wanting it is more of a rule than an exception, it's probably time to take care of your libido. An active lifestyle where fitness is a priority can help boost your libido. In addition, a fit and healthy body can help you feel more sexy which, in turn, will make you crave sex more.
  • Need more energy? Exercise energizes many people; in fact, it's recommended that you don't exercise too close to bedtime if you have trouble sleeping. The opposite principle holds true if you want to stay awake a little longer. Try exercising closer to bedtime -- you might be able to take advantage of an extra boost in energy.

Eating healthfully also plays a roll in your energy level, and in your sex drive. And remember, there's nothing sexier than confidence in yourself. No matter what your body type, no matter how good or bad of a hair day you're having, be confident in who you are -- your inner sexiness will shine through!

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Posture - Change It and Change Your Life

Fitness

Poor posture can drag down your energy, emotions and self esteem. Yoga expert Stacy McCarthy provides simple instructions in this video for relieving pain, removing strain and boosting your confidence.

For yoga tips, innovative training videos and cooking demos from a welllness chef, visit SportsHealthExercise.org.

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Bob Greene - Questions He Wants You To Ask Yourself

Celebs & Entertainment, Motivation


Did anyone catch yesterday's Oprah? The queen of Daytime (and pretty much everything else) was talking about her recent weight gain and how she was going to undo all of the extra pounds in the upcoming year. Of course, Oprah's own fitness and diet guru Bob Greene was on the show, and he challenged viewers to figure out the real reasons they're overweight -- love of food not included.

So, be honest with yourself and take some time to thoughtfully answer these questions:

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Heidi Klum Isn't Afraid to Bare It All

Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment

Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum isn't afraid to show what she's got ... and not just on the Victoria's Secret Runway either. Klum says that in her house, the human body isn't something to be hidden. Klum credits her openness to her German upbringing. "People are pretty open with their bodies in Germany, and the children see you naked or in lingerie all the time so it's not a big deal for us."

Of course, having a body like Klum's certainly helps with confidence. And Klum doesn't come across her great figure without effort.
"You have to work out to be sexy," says Klum. "People always ask me how I stay in shape," continues Klum. "What really makes me do it is because I have a hot man waiting at home for me."

Motivation certainly is important for exercise. While the rest of us may not have Seal waiting at home, we all need motivation, too. What inspires you to exercise?

Victoria's Secret Runway Show, November 2008(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Adriana LimaMarissa MillerSelita EbanksAlessandra AmbrosioMiranda Kerr

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Self-Esteem and Exercise - More Important Together Than You Think

Fitness

sad womanAre you having trouble sticking to your exercise routine? Don't feel bad -- seriously. It might just be the reason you can't follow through.

A relationship between exercise and self-confidence has been proven -- Diet Blog cites a recent study, which "showed self-efficacy alone boosted exercise adherence by 139 percent over the course of a year." That's a major increase!

So, if you're looking to boost your fitness level, maybe you should work on boosting your confidence, too. Check out the gallery for seven tips to boost your self-esteem.

Boost Your Self-Esteem, Boost Your Fitness(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Don't put yourself down.Don't compare yourself to othersUse positive affirmationsHang out with positive people.Acknowledge your strengths.

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You Told Us ... If You Would Change Your Body

Your Turn


Last week, I asked you the question if you could change something about your body, would you? It's a question that requires some careful thinking, if you ask me. Here's what you had to say:

  • 72% of you would change your body in a heartbeat.
  • 17% might consider it -- depending on the situation, of course.
  • 9% of you admit your body isn't perfect, but it makes you who you are and you love it anyway.

Personally, I'm in the last category -- I'm not perfect, but I like my body. The only kind of change I'd take is the kind that takes hard work through diet and exercise. Reader Kevin agrees; He says, "[I've already changed my body] through diet and exercise. No, I wouldn't take and "instant" change. But I think if your reading this blog, your already changing you're eating habits and activity levels to make an effect on what you don't like."

Thanks for sharing! Have your voice heard -- cast your vote in other Your Turn polls.

I would feel better about my body if ...

Your Turn


Over at Fit Celeb, they're talking about Hills star Heidi Montag. Apparently, Ms. Montag feels a lot more confident about her figure since having a boob job a few years ago. If that's what she needed to feel good about herself, then good for her, I guess. What about you?

I would feel better about my body if ...

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Weight matters - scales, even in hospitals, are rarely accurate

Diet & Weight Loss, Motivation

Whether the scale is our friend or enemy, there's one role it certainly plays in most of our lives: Trusted confidant, the one thing that always tells the truth about our weight. Or does it?

Recent statistics out of Britain revealed some alarming facts about scales -- specifically, that a third of them are inaccurate, even in hospitals, where obtaining a proper scale reading could mean the difference between life and death.

Obviously, the need to get an accurate reading on our bathroom scales isn't as dire, but most of us know that a scale reading can make or break our days. It can mean the difference between feeling confident and attractive versus feeling frumpy and fat. Remember to calibrate your home scale, or chuck it all together and gage your weight on how your clothes fit.

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Sex - size really doesn't matter

Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Motivation

red high heelsOverweight women are having more sex than women of a normal weight. Are you surprised?

Researchers who conducted the study are surprised. "These results were unexpected and we don't really know why this is the case," said one of the study's authors.

What's really unexpected here, I think, is their reaction. Have those persuasive media images that tell us what's "beautiful" influenced even people who should be above such things?

12 Benefits of Sex(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Weight LossPain ManagementStres ReliefBoosted ImmunityBetter Heart Health

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Mirrors don't lie ... or do they?

Motivation

woman trying on clothesHave you ever been in a house of mirrors with all those wacky, warped things that make you look twisted, short and squat, or long and skinny? It turns out those distorting mirrors aren't reserved for festivals and amusement parks ... many clothing stores use subtle mirror tricks to make you look longer and leaner.

It can be a disappointment when, while shopping, you find clothes that look good on you -- only to find that they don't look so great when you get home. According to one Seattle boutique owner, creating a "skinny mirror" is as easy as tilting it slightly back. Your best bet is to know your own body type and dress accordingly. And maybe bring a friend shopping with you to be a reliable judge of how you look.

For many people, it's hard enough to look in the mirror and have a positive body image. Harder still when the mirrors in stores are playing tricks on you. Learning to love the reflection in the mirror starts with a healthy lifestyle. When you make a habit of exercising and eating healthfully, you know you're doing right by your body -- and that's a positive stepping stone toward confidence in your appearance.

[via FitSugar]

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Happy Love Your Body Day!

Healthy Events, Fitness, Motivation

Whether hitting the gym every day or once in a blue moon, there's one thing we all need to do -- love our bodies! You don't have to be completely content with the size of your waist, and maybe you wish your arms were a little more toned, but today, for Love Your Body Day, I want you to take a minute and appreciate what your body does for you.

Your legs and feet take you where you need to go. Do they run? Do they walk well in heels? Can they kick a soccer ball? Your arms lift all kinds of important things -- food and drink to nourish your body, books so you can read, and your children when they need to be held. And, don't forget -- your arms can give great hugs!

To celebrate Love Your Body Day, I have a couple of suggestions. First, do something good for your body -- take a long walk, do some strength training, complete 20 push-ups, whatever works for you. And second, keep reading here at That's Fit, because we'll be telling you all day long what we love about our bodies because we want to inspire you!

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The exercise that improves your sex life, driving skills and more

Fitness, Motivation

Traditional exercise has a number of wicked benefits -- not only for your body but for your mind too. But there's one exercise in particular that can have a positive impact on your marriage, relationships ... and driving record. Give up? It's yoga.

According to our friends over at Lemondrop, practicing yoga can:
  • Increase your flexibility and body awareness, making you better at sex ... and more confident about your body
  • Improve your reaction times by helping you build concentration skills
  • Reduce rage by increasing your tolerance for difficult situations
A yogi for a few years now, I can attest to all of these. What about you?

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We Love To Gawk At Fit Celebs Weekly Round-up: September 6, 2008

We Love To Gawk At Fit Celebs Weekly Roundup, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment

How much will Kim Kardashian dare to bare on Dancing With The Stars? That all depends on how the show's rigorous training affects her booty.

Ashley Jensen of Ugly Betty doesn't think she's all that pretty, but she doesn't think she's unattractive, either. She's confident in who she is, and has a problem with the way so many women bend over backward to achieve the Hollywood standard of ideal beauty. Don't expect to see her at the plastic surgeon anytime soon!

Movie stars often are required to gain weight for a role, as Beyonce did recently in order to portray Etta James. While she enjoyed packing on the pounds (and being paid to do so), she was a little less thrilled when filming was over.

Brooke Shields has body issues, too

Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Motivation

It's hard to believe that the girl who claimed nothing came between her and her Calvins has anything to worry about body-wise, isn't it? But 20+ years and two kids later, Brooke Shields admits that she has insecurities... just like most of us do. The Lipstick Jungle actress dishes about fitness, confidence, and happiness in the October issue of Shape Magazine.

Body image can affect your health both physically and emotionally. When you strive for an unrealistic goal -- a size your body isn't meant to be or to imitate some picture in a magazine -- you can set yourself up for disappointment. Letting your body image come from any external source is looking at yourself from the wrong perspective. Instead of focusing on any perceived flaws and aiming for unnatural goals, look to fitness and nutrition for one purpose and one purpose only. Health.

When you keep your body fit and strong and nourished with healthful foods, you'll feel the difference in your mood and your energy. Learn to love your body for all the amazing things it does.

Brooke Shields -- happy, healthy, and confident(click thumbnails to view gallery)

43 and fabulousLipstick JunglePost-partum depressionAdmitting insecuritiesHappy, healthy, and confident

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