Category: Wellness

Physical, mental, emotional

Categories
Beauty Health Lifestyle Wellness

MEN’S GROOMING LOUNGE

Andrea Piacquadio-pexels

When it comes to men’s grooming…

It’s almost 2022, we’ve gone from luxury highrise, private offices to home -offices, dining out to becoming gourmet home chefs, and dining in, from text message dating to online video dating, and a pandemic that does not want to go away!

Let’s make some major changes in 2022. Men have become more aware of self-grooming, body image, and hygiene, and for this we applaud you. Ladies, let’s admit that when a great smelling man walks by we quickly turn around and want to follow, or better yet get his number.

Here are some tips for men to start off on the right foot.

1. Brush and floss your teeth daily – you only get one real set of teeth. Then pucker up for a night of smooching
2. Trim the eyebrows – look in the mirror if they look bushy they are. Don’t let those bushy eyebrows get in the way of our loving gaze
3. Keep your ears and neck hair-free – just ask your hairstylist or barber to keep you manscaped. The hair on your ears and neck is not attractive. Would you want to see your girl with a mustache or ear hair?
4. Less is more with your fragrance, women love the scent of a man, that’s why we steal your shirts
5. Trim the nose hairs – yes, it sounds trivial and basic but it can make difference whether you get a second date 
6. Tailor your clothes -we don’t want to think you’re wearing your father or uncle’s hand-me-downs. The right fit is sexy, no matter your size
7. Take the time to match your belt to your shoes – if you have a pair of black and brown dress shoes and a black and brown belt you are on the right track.
8. Hands, keep your nails grooming and short – if you cannot clip them then book an appointment with the nearest spa, you may even meet the one
9. Good facial cleansing is a must – good products can make your cleansing routine exciting

For some help and advice visit, The Grooming Lounge a source for men’s grooming solutions. They provide solutions on their website, Barbershops + Men’s Spa. 

Check out their barber-formulated Grooming Lounge products

The Grooming Lounge’s mission is to arm Men with confidence through their grooming products and services.

 

 

 

 

The Grooming Lounge was founded back in 1999 by men with just the right experience in the men’s grooming and fashion industry. After serving as the “un-official grooming gurus/suppliers” to their male friends they decided to make it official by creating a grooming brand incorporating shops, and an informative website. Giving men or women, the opportunity to purchase their male custom blended products.

 

Shaving

The one important grooming habit ever a man should know. Even if you have a beard shaving is still required. The best shaving products and proper shaving techniques can make it a simple, enjoyable, and luxurious ritual. Enjoy feeling smooth, refreshed. Try new men’s shaving supplies or be sure to stock up on your favorite essentials,

 

 

 

 

Hair Care Shampoo and Conditioner 

Just because 2021 brought casual to the forefront of our fashion and grooming, it’s still important to take care of yourself.

One of the best ways to get yourself mentally and physically into the work mindset is to continue with your morning routine, shower, get fully dressed, have a healthy breakfast, start a skincare routine and hygiene routine.

Every man wants to have a great head of hair

 

Grooming Lounge has everything you need, from their own special formulas of men’s hair care products to leading brands to maintain a brilliant head of hair.

 

 

The best beard and mustache

Grooming Lounger has the best products for men to grow, maintain and style their facial hair. Beards have made their way back, and it looks like they are here to stay. Purchase all your men’s beard grooming products for a perfectly groomed beard. From beard oils, wash, balms, brushes, and all-around beard kits, find your favorite at the Grooming Lounge.

 

 

Skin and Body Care 

If you’re a guy who truly cares about the way you look, you’re not going to the supermarket to buy your grooming supplies. Healthy skin starts with a daily skincare regimen. Men, remember the importance of having a fresh and clean, smelling face and body, and don’t neglect your hands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Gifts for Him

 

Don’t know what to get him for the holiday’s here are some of our favorites for 2021!

 

Featured lead photo credit Andrea Piacquadio

Categories
Culture Fitness Health Lifestyle NYC Wellness

Sets in the City: Moving the Gym to your Home

By Lalaina “Lala” Duncan

WHEN NEW YORK LOCKED DOWN FOR THE COVID-19 pandemic last year, I was on vacation and figured I could improvise until things lifted — which had to be in a few weeks tops, right? “Workouts in the sand!” I decided, taking advantage of my surroundings. And honestly, why wasn’t I already doing this? Even though I was supposed to be on vacation, I was still taking meetings for the gym and frantically scouring the internet for fitness equipment I could have delivered and ready when I arrived back home. Back in New York, my clients were all one step ahead of me, transforming their living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens into home gyms. They consulted me in the process:

Client: “Should I get the 15s or 20s or both?”

Me: “Obviously, both.”

Client: “I can’t find 15s but they have kettlebells, should I get those?”

Me: “Absolutely. We can do a lot with kettlebells.”

Client: “Now the kettlebells are sold out but they have a barbell, what do think?”

Me: “You have room for a barbell? Yes, get the barbell — but good luck finding plates for it, because it’s sold out everywhere I looked. You got the bands right?”

Client: “Yeah, those are coming this week.”

Me: “Perfect! Get the barbell and if you can, buy a landmine attachment. You can borrow plates from the gym. You’ll be good!”

As we spoke and they continued to revamp their home gyms, It was becoming apparent that this was going to be longer than a few weeks. I started strategizing with clients on how they could continue to train at home, which led to Live Virtual Training sessions via FaceTime or Zoom. I’m not going to lie, there was something exciting about this new venture. I was able to maintain some normalcy during this time and do it out of the comfort of my own home. From a trainer’s perspective, I relished the challenge of trying to provide a good solid training session for my clients with minimal equipment. “Okay, so we’ve got two mini bands, one long red band, two 20 pound dumbbells, a 26-pound kettlebell, and a yoga mat. I’m going to murder your legs. Happy Monday!”

 

Lala Duncan and Walter Savage photo by Alice Teeple

 

By the middle of summer, the novelty of minimalist training was wearing thin, and many of my clients were starting to install full gyms in their homes. One of my clients in the Hamptons turned her basement into a full gym that would rival any boutique fitness studio, while another client moved to a slightly bigger apartment on the Lower East Side just so that she could have a squat rack in her living room. But our training program never changed. No matter what, in the gym or at home, on Mondays we squat. And as my client, Rachel, says to me, “No problem, let me move the chaise lounge to make room for my new squat rack.” As a strength coach and trainer, this can be better than hearing “I love you” for the first time from a new beau.

Now here we are a year later, and no one can predict what the future holds as the world starts to “open up.” What I can tell you is that in Manhattan and across the world, women are taking their health, fitness, and strength into their own hands. A lot of my clients have expressed to me that they now feel more comfortable strength training at home because there’s less intimidation than being in a crowded gym. And they feel confident that when gyms do fully re-open, they can walk up to the squat rack, adjust the height, load the plates themselves and lift like a boss. The conversations I used to have with my girlfriends and clients about handbags, clothes, and shoes have now turned into “Hey, what do you think if I bought a trap bar, do you think I’ll use it?” My answer? “Abso-freaking-lutely!”

Categories
Beauty Health Wellness

How to make your own aloe gel

As we begin to enjoy summer activities, we may also get something we don’t enjoy: sunburns. If you have an aloe vera plant, an easy way to relieve your sunburn is to use aloe gel on the burn.

Benefits of Aloe Gel

Aloe gel not only relieves sunburns, but it is also help moisturize skin. Aloe gel can also help with redness and irritated skin. For those of us who really want healthy skin this summer, aloe gel is a must have. It’s really easy to make your own!

All you need is:

  • A blender
  • A knife
  • A cup
  • A small spoon
  • Essential oils (optional)
  • A container to keep your gel in

First, cut the outermost leaf off of your aloe vera plant. Once you cut a leaf on an aloe vera plant, it will stop growing, so it is recommended that you cut the whole leaf off. Next, sit the leaf upright in a cup and leave for 15-20 minutes. This will drain out a yellow substance from the leaf called resin. 

After the 15-20 minutes are up, wash the leaf off to make sure there is not any dirt on the leaf. Next, cut the top part of the leaf off with a sharp knife and spoon the gel into the blender. Make sure that none of the green parts of the leaf make it into the mix. Finally blend the gel and move to a container. Mix in essential oils if you choose to do so. If you are not planning on using the gel right away, store in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

 

Categories
Featured Health Lifestyle NYC Wellness

VT Dogpound’s Head of Training and Development

Dogpound trainers run individualized Virtual Personal Training (VPT) via FaceTime, Zoom, Google Hangout, and more.

 

With the recent pandemic closures, our routines have switched from in-person to virtual. Without our NYC average of 8800 steps per day, our fitness needs to go virtual, too. We reached out to Dogpound’s Head of Training and Development Lala Duncan to get the scoop on their virtual training program.

Downtown Magazine: We see a lot of gyms selling pre-recorded VPT, what is the difference? Lala Duncan: Many gyms and fitness professionals started selling pre-recorded workout programs before the pandemic, given the low cost and ease of access of these programs. That market has grown with COVID.

 

Clients get to have access to a DP trainer with them whether they are at home, on vacation

 

Pre-recorded programs are great for people to stay active during uncertain times, but these are workout programs designed to appeal to a wide range of people. They are not designed for any one individual and, after a period of time, clients can become unmotivated and bored because of the lack of accountability or personal attention. Most people who purchase pre-recorded programs end up paying for programs they don’t use.

That is why Dogpound offers individualized VPT based on your goals and available equipment. Clients get to have access to a DP trainer with them whether they are at home, on vacation, or at a quarantine destination (Hawaii and St. Bart’s).

 

DTM: What does one need to prepare for VPT?

LD: Whether you are a current or new client, we ask each client to answer a short questionnaire about their fitness goals, time commitment and expectations as well as what type of equipment, if any, you have to train with at home. Once we have that information, the trainer can devise a long-term plan to keep their training and on track.

 

Clients with mild to moderate depression, sleep deprivation, and anxiety

DTM: Are clients staying motivated?

LD: In the beginning, there was the fear of “losing my gains.” People were rushing to buy dumbbells and weights or whatever they could get their hands on just to stay fit, not really knowing how long this would last. After a couple of months, I noticed that there was a slump in motivation with a lot of my clients. I had clients that were suffering from mild to moderate depression, sleep deprivation, and anxiety all brought on by the uncertainty of the pandemic. Some days my sessions would consist of talking and light stretching. Especially for New Yorkers, we were in the thick of it. For some of my clients, our VPT session would be the only interaction they had with anyone all day or week. Our amazing staff of trainers takes this responsibility very seriously. It’s not just about working out; it’s about health, longevity, and ultimately happiness.

“I now see clients more than I did in the actual gym”

DTM: Are clients getting the same results from virtual training?

LD: More, actually. Originally the goal was just to keep people moving and motivated. Now the goal is to keep progressing people forward in their long-term fitness goals. About 3/4 of my clients have set up some kind of home gym, whether it be some dumbbells and kettlebells or full gyms with squat racks and weights. Since we have started the VPT at Dogpound, I now see clients more than I did in the actual gym.

DTM: Do you think VPT here to stay?

LD: Absolutely! As the saying goes, it takes 30 days to create a habit, 60 days to make progress, and 90 days to see results. It’s not going anywhere; Virtual training is truly the new virtual reality.

If you are interested in signing up for virtual sessions with Lala Duncan or other Dogpound trainers, you can contact their NYC location at info@thedogpound.com or their LA location at lainfo@thedogpound.com

Categories
Education Health Lifestyle Wellness

My experience going to college during a pandemic

Marist College Photo Credit: Contributed

The pandemic has been a difficult time for everyone. From the loss of jobs, lack of opportunities to safely socialize, and more, people around the world felt the impact of the pandemic. As I finish up my junior year, I realize that I learned quite a bit from taking in-person classes at college during a pandemic.

Photo by Charlotte May from Pexels

1. Teamwork is extremely important

As expected, there were a few outbreaks on campus throughout the semester. However, COVID-19 cases almost always spiked as a result of students failing to follow safety guidelines. Even when a majority of students follow the safety guidelines, the failure of a few students to do so will still lead to outbreaks on campus. It was essential for students to work together to prevent others from getting sick. We were able to effectively work together as a school to stop the spread, finishing the school year with two successful semesters in-person.

Photo by Charlotte May from Pexels

2. Planning your days helps you get a lot done

Being on campus always helped me focus more, but when the pandemic was factored in, I sometimes found it difficult to focus on my studies. In addition, since many of my classes were still virtual, the amount of work I had to do out of class was overwhelming. I realized that if I made deadlines for myself, I got work done in a more efficient manner. Planning your day really makes a difference in productivity.

Photo by Nicole Michalou from Pexels

3. It’s okay to give yourself a break

It’s frustrating when you’ve been working for a long time and get nothing done. This was something that I experienced often while at school. Due to the pandemic, there were a lot fewer activities to participate in. In addition, interaction with friends in other housing areas was occasionally not allowed depending on the number of cases on campus. As someone who relies on social interaction with friends as a refreshing break, this was very difficult for me. I found new ways to effectively give myself breaks such as cooking or baking, watching TV, and going on walks around campus.

 

Photo by Samantha Doria

4. Be thankful for what you have

Before the pandemic, I found myself living in the future instead of enjoying the present. Being at college during the pandemic taught me to enjoy every fun moment I had like it was my last. When I was able to safely spend time with my friends, I cherished these opportunities. Even if my junior year was not what I had hoped for, I am thankful for the experience I had.

Categories
Health Wellness

3 Ways to Consume Cannabis

https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-marijuana-edibles-on-dark-background-7667908/

Over the last few years, we’ve been able to harness the power of the cannabis plant into many different types of products. Most people are familiar with smoking cannabis to feel the effects of the plant, but in the past decade, it’s become quite popular to consume it in other ways. As legalization becomes more common in places around the world, more companies are discovering how they can be a part of this quickly growing industry.

Customers can choose from a wide variety of flowers, edibles, drinks, waxes, tinctures, oils, and many other products. There is something out there for everyone, and many different options to try. Check out the three main ways to consume cannabis to help decide which one is best for you.

Orally

The most common way to orally consume cannabis can be through smoking and inhaling, but there are other methods that are better for your lungs and overall health. There are numerous edible and beverage options that are available today on the market. They taste great and also provide the exact same benefits, so it’s a popular option.

You can also buy your own cannabis oil to use in your cooking. You can control how much you need to use with a few drops and it can be an economical way to consume it. CBD soft gels are also an edible option when it comes to mitigating pain or inflammation.

Sublingually


The many benefits of CBD can be found with only just a few drops of oil. You can use a few drops of CBD oil in foods or drinks, but you can also just put it under your tongue. What makes this method most effective is that the CBD is absorbed into your bloodstream. The Latin word sublingual translates to “under the tongue”, which was the pharmacological route of administering medicine. They discovered the soft tissues under our tongues absorb things more quickly with the help of our saliva. This method works best if you want quick results.

Topically

We’ve discovered the use of CBD oils and how they can help your pain, but did you know you can also use this compound topically? There are creams and oils infused with CBD that can help alleviate pain thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. There are products paired with other natural ingredients like peppermint or lavender that can help provide relief and comfort for various ailments like sore muscles or headaches.

If you’re curious about these options and what would work best for your needs, you should speak with your doctor, or check out your local cannabis store for advice on what products to start with. Everyone is different, so each of these methods of consuming cannabis can affect people in various ways. Some people find edibles to be the best option, while others opt for sublingual options or topical creams that can provide quick relief. Whether you’re looking for medical or recreational uses, you will find a variety of ways to enjoy the healing properties of this plant.