Many moons ago, long before the existence of the Internet, no one thought much about cardio.

We were too busy fetching water down by the stream, hunting down our next meal, and worrying about whether the pony express would deliver the Sears catalogue in time for the holiday rush.

(I realize I mixed several different timelines in that sentence but bear with me for the sake of argument.)

In short, we didn’t give much thought to cardio because we were too busy running around doing cardio as part of our daily lives.

Today, every one of those things can be done in the comfort of our homes by simply shouting to Alexa, sending out a drone, or going online.

Problem is, all of the latter activities burn a total of maybe two calories.

When you get your heart rate up running from a wild boar, cardio becomes a do or die proposition. You either stepped up or got left behind to perish with the rest of the lazy hunter-gatherers.

My Take on Cardio

My theory is, if evolution runs its course in this current direction, eventually we’ll have no use for our legs and will simply bob around like buoys in an ocean, waiting for the next wave to bring us a fish, an iPhone2087, or the latest political disaster.

So, before we evolve beyond the need for legs, it’s a good idea to use them while we still can. They come in handy for pumping blood through our systems and keeping our heart healthy.

And yes, you burn calories.

This, my friend, nicely segues into my topic du jour: cardio myths. By definition, cardio or aerobic exercise includes any exercise that raises your heart rate and sustains it for a length of time, such as walking, running, biking, swimming, rowing, elliptical training, circuit training, etc.

As with so many other fitness topics, fake news abounds.

Here are the top cardio myths and the real deal truth behind them.

Myth #1: You Should Work Out in the Fat-Burning Zone for Greatest Weight Loss

Some myths never seem to go away, and this is one of them. Apparently, many believe a magical “fat-burning zone” exists, like the Land of Oz, where thighs get thinner, tummies flatten out, and everything becomes smaller and firmer.

If only.

Truth is, this zone refers to a low level of heart rate activity that burns a higher percentage of fat, not a greater number of calories. When you’re striving to lose weight, you want to burn more calories, and the fat burning follows.

It’s simple math: In order to burn off 1 lb. of fat, you need to create a calorie deficit of 3,500 calories. So, you can eat 500 fewer calories a day for a week, burn off that same number of calories – or both cut back on calories and increase your activity.

The percentage of fat you burn is less important than the total number of calories.

Make sense?

Myth #2: Walking – Running, If You Can Do It – Is the Best Cardio for Burning Calories

The best exercise is the one you will actually DO. Walking and running burn calories, sure, but if you’d rather wrestle a great white shark on Facebook Live than run a single step, you’re likely not going to stick with it.

Pick an activity where you enjoy at least something about it, even if it’s meeting up with friends at a coffee shop afterward.

And whatever you choose, be sure to vary your routine.

Mix it up by alternating longer (30+ minutes) endurance workouts with shorter interval workouts where you alternate bouts of higher intensity effort with lower intensity. This prevents boredom and also helps you keep seeing results by regularly upping the ante.

Myth #3: Cardio on an Empty Stomach Burns More Calories

In total transparency, I often break this rule and work out on an empty stomach mainly because I get up at 4 a.m. The idea of food at this hour of the morning is less than appealing.

I have a cup of coffee (which has been shown to help workout performance) and hit the gym. But research shows this approach does not enable me to burn more calories than someone who eats a small snack before they exercise.

In fact, if you’re low on fuel, it could compromise your ability to make it through your workout. More than once, I’ve seen people faint at the gym due to low blood sugar.

Trust me, nothing does more to squash motivation than seeing someone carted off on a stretcher in the middle of your workout.

Bottom line: Know thyself. If you can stomach a little food (toast with peanut butter, half a yogurt, or protein and carb drink) about an hour before your workout, try it and see how you feel. You’ll likely be able to keep going longer.

Either way, be sure to refuel afterward with a carb-protein snack.

What’s your favorite cardio workout and why? What other cardio myths have you heard? Do any of them stop you from going at it? Let’s chat!

Twice a year, Bath & Body Works pulls out all the stops and discounts holiday and everyday favorites up to 75 percent off, which new discounts throughout the week. The Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual sale for holiday 2020 is no different—actually, it might be even better. We’ve got the details on all the goods so you can game-plan your shopping trip.

Of course, deals will be online as well as in-store so if you feel safer shopping from your couch, you can still stock up on Bath & Body Works favorites. Now’s the chance to score the beloved holiday fragrances before they’re gone (until next year), as well as throwbacks including Secret Wonderland, Honeysuckle and Sensual Amber brought back just for this sale. Christmas body care will be just $4.95 and select Christmas 3-Wick Candles will be $11.95.

Source: Instagram

For the best of the best deals, you’ll want to dig for those 75 percent off products. These include body care, candles, hand soaps and tons of non-holiday items you’ll want to use all-year round. You’ll even be able to find some best-selling fall body scare scents and ones you haven’t smelled for months. It’s basically like a rummage sale where you never know exactly what you’ll find.

The sale begins Saturday, December 26. If you’re shopping in store, don’t forget your face mask and hand sanitizer and maybe even consider going on off hours to avoid the crowds. Or, there’s always delivery! As much as we want to shop and treat ourselves this year (we deserve it), we also have to stay safe too. Set your iCal and get ready to get your haul on. Then, have big New Year zoom with friends to share exactly what you got.

Well, what a year it has been! Everyone is looking forward to 2021. So, let the celebrations begin! Let’s welcome in 2021 with hope, good health, and a positive outlook on life.

How do you spend your New Year’s Eve?

In our travels, we have witnessed various different traditions around the world. Some are interesting, others funny, and still others – strange! Let’s explore them together!

Colombia

Colombians who wish for a travel-filled year carry an empty suitcase around with them on the 31^st December.

Denmark

If you are spending New Year’s in Denmark, don’t be surprised to see crockery being smashed on your next door neighbour’s doorstep. The more crockery the more good luck!

Greece

The New Year’s Eve tradition in Greece is hanging an onion on their front doors that symbolises rebirth for the forthcoming year. Greek children are awaken the next morning by their parents tapping their heads with the onion.

Italy

To bring in good luck, prosperity, and love for the forthcoming year, Italians wear red underwear on New Year’s Eve.

Japan

Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times to herald in the New Year. Buddhists believe that there are 108 human sins, and ringing the bells cleanses the sins from the Japanese people from the previous year.

Peru

Peru’s tradition is held on the 25^th December in the village of Takanakuy in the Andes Mountains. The community celebrates with drinking, dancing, and eating before heading into the local sporting arena to fight it all out and air their grievances of the year with those concerned.

Participants can be any age – from children through to the elderly who want to resolve their conflicts and move into the new year with a clean slate.

Romania

Don’t be surprised to see Romanian farmers speaking to their animals on New Year’s Eve in search of good luck. If they are successful in communicating with the animals, they will have good luck for the forthcoming year.

Russia

The Russian people welcome in the new year by making a wish, then burning it and throwing it into a glass of champagne which they drink.

Scotland

If you reside in Scotland, you will want a dark haired male crossing your doorstep with a piece of coal on New Year’s Eve – or Hogmanay as it is known – as he will bring you luck for the year.

Happy New Year!

How do you spend New Year’s Eve? Do you practice an unusual tradition? Please share it with the community!

Usually, we look to Black Friday for a brand’s biggest sale of the year but Lush does things differently. On Black Friday, the retailer rolls out new products as part of the Green Friday campaign. The UK-based company’s big sale is on Boxing Day instead, which starts the day after Christmas. Lush’s Boxing Day sale for 2020 is its only big sale of the year and trust us—it’s worth the wait. 

Get 50 percent off on selected items (look for the items with the ’50 percent off’ tag online or in-store). As products fly off the shelves—and virtual shelves—Lush will continue to restock so you’ll want to check back. Holiday products and gift sets are included in the half-off sale, of course, as well as non-seasonal items like soap, shower goodies, fragrance, skincare and haircare.

Need some last-minute gifts? Here’s your chance to grab them at a discount. But don’t forget to pick up some self-care items for yourself, too. The holidays might look a little different this year but that doesn’t mean you can’t have your own celebration.

The Lush Boxing Day sale starts on December 26. Check out a few must-haves, below.

Lush.

Show Showers Gift Set

Be set with shower gel for the year, with yummy Sleepy, Yog Nog and Roasting Chestnuts on an Open Fire scents.

Lush.

Veganese Conditioner

This lightweight vegan conditioner is perfect for anyone with fine hair, including curls.

Lush.

Clean & Calm Hand Care Kit

Get your dry hands in check with hydrating 13 Soap Unlucky For Dirt and Sleepy soap, Dream Cream lotion, Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter and Tiny Hands Hands Serum.

Lush.

Jingle Bells Bath Bomb

This festive bath bomb has a gentle orange-patchouli scent.

Lush.

Once Upon a Time Body Lotion

Hydrate your body with murumuru butter and jojoba oil.

Usually, we look to Black Friday for a brand’s biggest sale of the year but Lush does things differently. On Black Friday, the retailer rolls out new products as part of the Green Friday campaign. The UK-based company’s big sale is on Boxing Day instead, which starts the day after Christmas. Lush’s Boxing Day sale for 2020 is its only big sale of the year and trust us—it’s worth the wait. 

Get 50 percent off on selected items (look for the items with the ’50 percent off’ tag online or in-store). As products fly off the shelves—and virtual shelves—Lush will continue to restock so you’ll want to check back. Holiday products and gift sets are included in the half-off sale, of course, as well as non-seasonal items like soap, shower goodies, fragrance, skincare and haircare.

Need some last-minute gifts? Here’s your chance to grab them at a discount. But don’t forget to pick up some self-care items for yourself, too. The holidays might look a little different this year but that doesn’t mean you can’t have your own celebration.

The Lush Boxing Day sale starts on December 26. Check out a few must-haves, below.

Lush.

Show Showers Gift Set

Be set with shower gel for the year, with yummy Sleepy, Yog Nog and Roasting Chestnuts on an Open Fire scents.

Lush.

Veganese Conditioner

This lightweight vegan conditioner is perfect for anyone with fine hair, including curls.

Lush.

Clean & Calm Hand Care Kit

Get your dry hands in check with hydrating 13 Soap Unlucky For Dirt and Sleepy soap, Dream Cream lotion, Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter and Tiny Hands Hands Serum.

Lush.

Jingle Bells Bath Bomb

This festive bath bomb has a gentle orange-patchouli scent.

Lush.

Once Upon a Time Body Lotion

Hydrate your body with murumuru butter and jojoba oil.