

Roller-Skating Needs To Be Your Next Fitness Move
At two years old, my mother introduced me to roller-skating and it has been something special that we share together ever since. Growing up, our ritual was to go skating every Friday night at "The Rink" on 87th on Chicago's South Side.
I'm considered a JB skater, which is a Chicago-style of skating. The term originates from the Godfather of Soul James Brown. Growing up, I roller-skated to James Brown music, JB tracks (also known as skate remixes), hip-hop, rock & roll, funk, house and R&B. Throughout college, I started traveling for roller-skating events which is the highlight of my skate-life. I get to wear dope outfits with my friends, thrive off of the crowd's energy, and skate all night until my legs are sore. Even though I've done so many great things with roller-skating, like class projects, performances, and videos, there is still nothing like going back home to Chicago and skating to a combination of old-school and new school music.
What some people might not realize is that roller-skating is a great workout and is partially a huge reason why I've been able to maintain my weight. It keeps my energy flowing and it's my magical getaway. The roller-skating rink not only serves as a space where you can get a full body workout but you can also become a part of a community as well. I can't go in depth about all aspects of roller-skating but here are a few reasons you should consider picking up some skates yourself.
It's a vibe year-round.
Whether you're looking for a fun way to soak up some sun, a girls' night out, date night or quality time with family, there is always a skate session available. Roller-skating is affordable and could be your next cool idea to switch-up the scenery and your routine. You can roller-skate indoors at your local rink or in the park during the summer. If you are looking for a recreational sport that allows you to clear your mind, listen to good music, and fitness, skating is for you. You can plan your next girls' trip by visiting the skategroove.com website for more details for upcoming roller-skating events.
It's a full body workout.
Courtesy of writer Sydney Blaylock
Not only is roller-skating a fun activity but it is also a good full body workout. Roller-skating helps with the reduction of body fat and calories. Skating can improve your balance, coordination and strengthen your leg muscles. It's one of the many sports that works out your entire body from head to toe. Skating helps with your heart rate which is a good method for getting healthy. If you're a beginner, there are skate lessons and workout sessions that you can attend. Skating overall is just a cute and fun way to stay in shape internally and externally. Let's strengthen your core and have a good time while doing it!
It pours back into the community.
One of the best parts about being a part of the roller-skating culture is the community outreach. The black skating community celebrates together and supports each other in many ways. There have been roller-skating events that have derived from supporting causes such as breast cancer, autism, fighting against police brutality, and keeping skating rinks open in black urban areas. Unfortunately, roller-skating rinks are closing around the world and the black urban communities are suffering from the lack of recreational sports. So support your local skating rink, get yourself a full body workout and rejuvenate your soul through music.
It's a stress-reliever.
Courtesy of writer Sydney Blaylock
Once you enter the skating rink, you leave all comparisons, expectations, and judgments at the door. It is a space for you to have fun, challenge yourself, and let things go. There are no age, sex, or body limitations.The social dynamics within the rink is also good for your mood and mental health. Skating makes you happy while helping you reduce your stress levels. Tune into your inner balance and get ya' roll on!
Featured image by Tenor
Smile, Sis! These Five Improvements Can Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Instantly
This article is in partnership with Sensodyne.
Our teeth are connected to so many things - our nutrition, our confidence, and our overall mood. We often take for granted how important healthy teeth are, until issues like tooth sensitivity or gum recession come to remind us. Like most things related to our bodies, prevention is the best medicine. Here are five things you can do immediately to improve your oral hygiene, prevent tooth sensitivity, and avoid dental issues down the road.
1) Go Easy On the Rough Brushing: Brushing your teeth is and always will be priority number one in the oral hygiene department. No surprises there! However, there is such a thing as applying too much pressure when brushing…and that can lead to problems over time. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush in smooth, circular motions. It may seem counterintuitive, but a gentle approach to brushing is the most effective way to clean those pearly whites without wearing away enamel and exposing sensitive areas of the teeth.
2) Use A Desensitizing Toothpaste: As everyone knows, mouth pain can be highly uncomfortable; but tooth sensitivity is a whole different beast. Hot weather favorites like ice cream and popsicles have the ability to trigger tooth sensitivity, which might make you want to stay away from icy foods altogether. But as always, prevention is the best medicine here. Switching to a toothpaste like Sensodyne’s Sensitivity & Gum toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth will help build a protective layer over sensitive areas of the tooth. Over time, those sharp sensations that occur with extremely cold foods will subside, and you’ll be back to treating yourself to your icy faves like this one!
3) Floss, Rinse, Brush. (And In That Order!): Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s not what you do, but how you do it”? Well, the same thing applies to taking care of your teeth. Even if you are flossing and brushing religiously, you could be missing out on some of the benefits simply because you aren’t doing so in the right order. Flossing is best to do before brushing because it removes food particles and plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. After a proper flossing sesh, it is important to rinse out your mouth with water after. Finally, you can whip out your toothbrush and get to brushing. Though many of us commonly rinse with water after brushing to remove excess toothpaste, it may not be the best thing for our teeth. That’s because fluoride, the active ingredient in toothpaste that protects your enamel, works best when it gets to sit on the teeth and continue working its magic. Rinsing with water after brushing doesn’t let the toothpaste go to work like it really can. Changing up your order may take some getting used to, but over time, you’ll see the difference.
4) Stay Hydrated: Upping your water supply is a no-fail way to level up your health overall, and your teeth are no exception to this rule. Drinking water not only helps maintain a healthy pH balance in your mouth, but it also washes away residue and acids that can cause enamel erosion. It also helps you steer clear of dry mouth, which is a gateway to bad breath. And who needs that?
5) Show Your Gums Some Love: When it comes to improving your smile, you may be laser-focused on getting your teeth whiter, straighter, and overall healthier. Rightfully so, as these are all attributes of a megawatt smile; but you certainly don’t want to leave gum health out of the equation. If you neglect your gums, you’ll start to notice the effects of plaque buildup, which can irritate the gums and cause gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Seeing blood while brushing and flossing is a tell-tale sign that your gums are suffering. You may also experience gum recession — a condition where the gum tissue surrounding your teeth pulls back, exposing more of your tooth. Brushing at least twice a day with a gum-protecting toothpaste like Sensodyne Sensitivity and Gum, coupled with regular dentist visits, will keep your gums shining as bright as those pearly whites.
Though it is a year-long must for many, coffee hits different as the seasons change and the weather grows cooler. Similarly, a fall nail trend you're bound to see everywhere this season is latte nails. Just like sipping on a warm, comforting latte during the crisp autumn days, latte nails are all about providing those cozy vibes. Think earthy tones like creamy beige, caramel, and deep and soft browns or nudes with a touch of warmth.
Versatile and complementary of the warmer tones typical of the turn of the season, latte nails are a fabulous choice to embrace the sweater weather.
Latte Nail Design Ideas
Keep scrolling for different ways to rock latte nails this season.
Vanilla Latte Nails
Fall Brown Latte Nail Ideas
Coffee Latte Nails for Fall
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