10 Fitness Classes You and Your Kids Will Love

Nora Landis-Shack
Jan 22, 2015

We spend a lot of time discussing ways to achieve your fitness goals, but what about getting the family involved? Sure, your partner can probably take care of their own fitness needs, and if you’re cooking healthy meals for one it’s easy enough to expand that out to two (or three or four). That only leaves out one small thing — your kids’ chance to have a little fun and become more active. We know that starting a new fitness routine is much easier when you have a buddy, but rather than finding classes for you and your gal pals, we decided to look at healthy, safe and, most importantly, fun fitness classes and activities to try with your kids.

1. Yoga: Yoga is great for the growing body. All those stretches can help aid development and tone new muscles. Pick a kid-friendly class for some easier poses to get your kiddos started. A good downward dog at the end of the day will do you both some good. (via Yoga Vibes)

2. Trapeze: We doubt you’ll get any resistance if you tell your offspring that their gym class this year will be trapeze. Swinging through the air, you’ll build trust and some serious muscle. (via Washingtonian)

3. Tennis: It’s easy to start youngsters on this fast-paced sport, especially if you’ve already been hitting the courts yourself. Sign up for a parent-child doubles match to test both of your newfound skills. (via Optimum Tennis)

4. Zumba: Dancing, aerobics, loud and fast music plus bright neon clothes? How could kids (and adults) not love this class? (via NKDC)

5. Kickboxing: Does your little tyke have a TON of energy? Let them sweat it out with a kids’ kickboxing class while you take on some more advanced moves with your trainer or cardio kickboxing instructor. (via Ao8 Training)

6. Pilates: A strong core is the best way to support your child’s back, shoulders and legs, especially when they’re lugging around a heavy book bag all day. (via Time Out Dubai)

7. Rock-Climbing: Shimmy up that wall! Take a class together to learn the basics and torch some major calories. (via Sneezy Wheezy)

8. Cross-Fit: Even though the cross-fit craze has been called too intense by some, this kid-friendly course takes special care to protect muscles and joints while teaching proper fitness techniques. Psst, don’t tell anyone, but this is secretly the best way to get a taste of cross-fit before committing to the big leagues. (via Cross-Fit Goliath)

9. Bootcamp: Just like your own bootcamp classes, this outdoor training sesh will have little cadets running around, doing jumping jacks and pushing (mini) tires. A full body workout is just the thing to tucker out a particularly energetic tot. (via Bootcamp Ideas)

10. Dance: Let your kid’s inner ballerina — or hip-hop dancer, or tap dancer, or modern dancer — break free with some beginner’s classes. You can watch from the sidelines or practice the moves with them at home: We promise you’ll still get a good workout. (via Magnuson Athletic Club)

Are you and your family excited to try out some of these classes? Which ones are you most interested in exploring? Let us know below!

8 Lucky Foods to Eat During the Lunar New Year

While in America we may toast to the new year with Champagne and eat black-eyed peas for good luck, those who celebrate the Lunar New Year have a host of food traditions that symbolize wealth, health, and family unity. At a Lunar New Year celebration dinner at Hakkasan in San Francisco hosted by Tiger Beer, we learned about the eight items that have been served each year on the Lunar Near Year for centuries. Why eight? In Chinese, the number eight (huat), translates to “get wealthy.”

Scroll to see the 8 lucky Lunar New Year foods you should eat this year!

China Sichuan Food

1. Dumplings

Steamed dumplings are shaped like the ancient Chinese gold currency, called ingot, and represent wealth. According to legend, the number of dumplings you eat during the new year corresponds to the amount of money you’ll make that year. That’s reason enough to eat an extra dumpling (or five). (via China Sichuan Food)

The Woks of Life

2. Whole Steamed Fish

Yu means both fish and prosperity in Chinese. Dining on a whole fish during the Lunar New Year embodies family unity. (via The Woks of Life)

Woks of Life

3. Longevity Noodles

Here’s your reason to slurp noodles and not break them — the longer the noodles, the longer the life of the person who consumes them, legend has it. If you can, splurge on Longevity Noodles, a large portion of noodles that contains just one long strand that is not cut, which is why it tends to be on the pricier side. (via Woks of Life)

The Hong Kong Cookery

4. Rice

The stickiness of steamed jasmine rice is another symbol of a family “sticking” together. Some families celebrate with an “Eight Treasures Rice Pudding,” a stunning rice dessert that stars glutinous rice and eight toppings: candied lotus, green raisins, pine nuts, black raisins, dried dates, dried wolfberries, dried apricots, and red maraschino cherries (for luck!). (viaThe Hong Kong Cookery)

Dumpling Sisters

5. Garlic

The word for garlic in Chinese is suan, which translates to “counting.” Tradition has it that those who celebrate the Lunar New Year eat lots of garlic to count all of the money they will make in the new year. It’s found in almost every dish, including stir-fried prawns. (via Dumpling Sisters)

The Woks of Life

6. Red Foods

Red is the prominent color used in the Lunar New Year and is found in the decor, food, and most notably, the red envelopes filled with money gifted to loved ones during this time. The color red is associated with good luck, fortune, and joy. A table during the Lunar New Year will be filled with red foods like crab, peking duck, shrimp, barbecue pork, and more. (via The Woks of Life)

Chinese Healthy Cooking

7. Glutinous Rice Balls

Dinner ends with sweet, round glutinous rice balls filled with red bean paste. The round shape supposedly indicates a smooth year ahead, family reunion, and good luck! (via Chinese Healthy Cooking)

garysoup/Flicker

8. Mandarin Oranges

The official fruit of the new year, mandarin oranges, ju in Chinese, sounds like the word for lucky, ji. They are abundantly gifted throughout the New Year celebration.

If you want to learn more about the foods eaten around the world, and about the Lunar New Year, check out Brit + Co’s recipes on Pinterest.

This post has been updated.

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11 “Super Chic” Plus-Size Spring Dresses From Nordstrom

Spring is finally here, and thus, spring fashion is in full swing! Pulling our favorite dresses back out is undoubtedly one of our favorite things to do once it starts warming up, but it also doesn’t hurt to snag a few new ones! Nordstrom just dropped their freshest spring dresses, including tons of plus-size styles that flatter every curve. Whether you're looking for a bold floral print, a classic slip dress, or something in between, these 11 Nordstrom plus-size spring dresses are perfect for every occasion.

Stylishly step into the season with these 11 super chic plus-size spring dresses from Nordstrom!

Nordstrom

Eloquii Knit Maxi Dress

Knit dresses aren't just for winter – this springy number looks just as stylish. The tiered design helps shape your waist in the most flattering way, too.

Nordstrom

City Chic Floral Print Faux Wrap Dress

These colors, though! The wrapped waistline on this floral frock draws you in for a stunning look every time. Style it with your favorite heels for a more formal event, or just rock it with some ballet flats for a laidback weekend vibe.

Nordstrom

City Chic Frill Ruffle Maxi Dress

We adore the ruffles on this maxi moment. The squared neckline is undeniably flattering and femme for springtime!

Nordstrom

Land's End Dobby Smocked Dress

You'll be lookin' like a beautiful blooming spring garden the second you slip this smocked dress on. While fitted up top, it flows down into a breezy midi-length skirt that'll look great with Mary Janes and tall boots alike!

Nordstrom

City Chic Destiny Eyelet Dress

Everyone needs a comfy white cotton dress to sport during spring – it goes with everything! This mini is made with tons of tiny, cute eyelets to keep your outfit breezy and oh-so easy.

Nordstrom

Melloday Printed Shirred Waist Tiered Maxi Sundress

This playful abstract pattern will definitely get heads turning your way this spring. More importantly, this dress' v-neckline and shirred waist flatters your body to a tee!

Nordstrom

Loveappella A-Line Maxi Dress

This bright slip dress makes a great base to layer with the denim jackets and vintage cardigans you want to pull out this season. Don't be afraid of a little color!

Nordstrom

City Chic Pinafore Maxi Dress

Perfect for a daytime picnic, this denim pinafore dress is the ultimate comfy, no-fuss spring 'fit, whether you layer it atop a tank or t-shirt.

Nordstrom

Eloquii Off The Shoulder Dress

Smooth and serene, the cool brown shade of this dress is flattering on every body. The off-shoulder design adds a pinch of sexy energy, while the feel-good fabric hugs your waist perfectly!

Nordstrom

Estelle Mezzanine Cactus Print Long Sleeve Mesh Midi Dress

This mesh midi dress comes complete with a slip lining, so you can ensure full coverage no matter where you're headed this spring! The mock neck and long sleeves make it so sophisticated for the office, happy hour, and beyond.

Nordstrom

Land's End V-Neck Wrap Midi Dress

This elegant floral number can easily be dressed up or down, depending on your mood. For a casual 'fit, rock it with some sleek sneakers or sandals. When you want to dress it up, pair it with some spring heels!

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more stunning plus-size fashion picks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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Finally, A Habit App That Delivers Results With Your Very Own Personal Coach

Ask anyone who’s found success in their career, hobby, or health – they’ll admit that they didn’t find it overnight. Instead, they’ll attribute their achievements to a simple concept: consistency.

Being consistent is way easier said than done, but it becomes less daunting when you’ve got someone by your side to keep you accountable.

Read on to learn more about Zabit, a new habit coaching app that empowers you to achieve your goals with the help of an expert personal coach.

Zabit

That’s why Roddy Lindsay founded Zabit, a new habit coaching service that relies on pairing clients with personal coaches – AKA the ultimate accountability buddies!

Whether you want to improve your workout plan, decrease your use of social media, limit your alcohol consumption, or get better sleep, Zabit coaches are there to motivate you toward your goals with one-on-one personalized messages, just like you're texting your best friend.

Zabit

“Zabit’s mission is to make accountability universal and affordable. Adding accountability to everyday habits to make them long-lasting should be as easy as ordering an Uber,” said Lindsay, founder and CEO of Zabit. “By combining the empathy of human coaches with the ubiquity of mobile technology, Zabit is forging a new paradigm for behavior change.”

Zabit

Zabit’s personal coaches are psychologists, wellness professionals, and advanced clinical psychology students with at least three years of training, so they’re equipped with all the right knowledge to help you stay on track with your goals, no matter what they are.

When it comes to your personal goals, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Pair with a Zabit coach today – you can get started now with a free 2-week trial. From there, plans start at just $8.99 per week.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more tips on achieving your goals!

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'The White Lotus' Star Aimee Lou Wood Just Addressed All Those Comments About Her Teeth

Everyone's favorite social satire series, The White Lotus, has returned for a new season on HBO. Set in Thailand, Season 3 is taking viewers on another dramatic (and sometimes uncomfortable) journey with a fresh group of affluent travelers.

Well, the cast does have two returning stars: Natasha Rothwell as Belinda Lindsey and Jon Gries as Greg. Then some of the newcomers include Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Michelle Monaghan, Jason Isaacs, Parker Posey, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook, Sam Nivola, Walton Goggins, Lisa Manobal, and Charlotte Le Bon.

One more star, Aimee Lou Wood, has especially stood out to fans. She plays Chelsea and has delivered a captivating performance thus far as Rick's younger girlfriend. Aside from her intriguing portrayal, many viewers have also been fascinated by her unique look — more specifically, her teeth. Aimee, who is British, has confirmed that her teeth are real, and her unique smile is actually something that's affected her career in Hollywood.

Scroll to see what The White Lotus star, Aimee Lou Wood said about all THOSE teeth comments...

The actress, who's 30 years old, detailed how, when it came to theater auditions, she always felt confident. Yet, she'd be "shocked" to get a call back after auditioning for a TV role.

It wasn't until 2009, when Georgia May Jagger, who also has a distinct smile with a gap, became the face of Rimmel London, that Aimee felt more secure in her look.

"All of a sudden, it went from me being goofy to, 'Oh, you're a bit of a model, aren't you?' So I want to thank Georgia May Jagger for representing the buck teeth," she shared with Stylist back in 2020.

Aimee has maintained her British accent on The White Lotus, which makes sense, given the show's premise is about entitled world travelers who encounter dark circumstances or fates. Interestingly, though, she recently discussed her belief that she wouldn't be able to convincingly portray an American character due to her teeth.

"It's the teeth. Like, no Americans have my teeth. They just don't. I'd have to get veneers. Because... I think that genuinely is like one of the things," she revealed to On Demand Entertainment.

But while many celebs have already gone the veneer route, Aimee is proud that she hasn't. It makes her feel "a bit rebellious." Plus, ever since landing her latest role on the show, she's reportedly received "hundreds of messages" from fans who've appreciated seeing unique smiles like theirs on-screen.

"People going, 'Oh my god, you've got teeth like mine. Now I go to school, and people think I'm cool because I look like Aimee.' Instead of it being 'Bugs Bunny' or whatever," Aimee explained.

So, while she battled insecurities about her teeth during childhood, she's definitely become a representation icon for girls and women everywhere.

To see what happens to Aimee's character next, as well as the rest of the cast, you can catch new episodes of The White Lotus on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and stream on Max.

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8 “Lucky” St. Patrick’s Day Traditions You Should Do On March 17

Every year on March 17, people around the globe celebrate St. Patrick's Day with festive parades, lively music, and, obviously, plenty of green. But beyond the usual partying, this holiday is also steeped in traditions that are believed to bring good fortune.

Whether you want to attract prosperity, ward off bad energy, or simply embrace the spirit of the holiday, here are some St. Patrick's Day traditions that might just bring a little extra luck your way.

Scroll to see the all the lucky St. Patrick's Day traditions that manifest a little extra fortune!

1. Wearing Green (And Pinching Those Who Aren't)

RDNE Stock project

One of the easiest ways to cash in on the luck of St. Patrick's Day is by wearing green. This hue has deep ties to Ireland, which is often called the "Emerald Isle" due to its lush, rolling landscapes. Beyond its natural beauty, green also carries historical significance and symbolizes Irish nationalism and cultural pride.

The best part? There's a mischievous side to this fun and festive tradition. More specifically, those who forget to wear the color might find themselves on the receiving end of a pinch.

This playful custom is more common in the U.S. than in Ireland and stems from the idea that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, who are known for their trickster ways. So, to avoid being "spotted" (or pinched), make sure you add a splash of green to your outfit.

2. Drowning A Shamrock In Whiskey

Jill Wellington

In Ireland, a well-known tradition is "drowning the shamrock," and it's believed to bring good luck. The shamrock has long been linked with Irish heritage and fortune. It's said to have been used by St. Patrick to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity.

So, on March 17, many celebrate by dropping a fresh shamrock into a glass of whiskey, drinking the beverage, and then tossing the shamrock over their left shoulder for good luck.

3. Doing An Irish Jig

Darlene Alderson

Get into the spirit of the holiday by learning an Irish jig! This energetic dance is a staple of Irish celebrations and is often performed in parades or festivals. It features quick footwork, pointed toes, and rhythmic hopping.

The Irish jig has deep roots in Celtic culture, possibly evolving from ancient clan marching tunes or early Celtic circle dances. Traditionally, Celts danced clockwise for joyous occasions and counterclockwise for mourning.

You can take a dance class, join in at a local event, or just work on some jig steps at home!

4. Searching For Four-Leaf Clovers

MH Shan

Hunting for a four-leaf clover is a classic St. Patty's Day pastime, and if you manage to find one, you should consider yourself super lucky.

While shamrocks typically have three leaves, the rare four-leaf clover is actually a genetic mutation, making it a real symbol of good fortune. In fact, experts estimate that only one in every 10,000 clovers has four leaves!

Test your luck this holiday by scanning a patch of clover quickly. Our brains are surprisingly good at spotting irregular patterns.

5. Release The "Devil" From Your Irish Soda Bread

Bijoux and Bits

Did you know that cutting a cross on top of Irish soda bread isn't just for aesthetics? According to Irish folklore, scoring a cross into the dough "lets the devil out" and ensures good luck and protection for your household.

This superstition, rooted in both Christian and pagan beliefs, was thought to ward off evil spirits. It also serves a practical purpose by allowing steam to escape, thus helping the bread bake evenly.

6. Run In A St. Patrick's Day Dash

Brett Sayles

Running a race might not be the first thing that comes to mind for March 17, but it's become a really fun tradition. St. Patrick's Day dashes can range from quick 5Ks to half marathons, with plenty of family-friendly walks for those who prefer a more leisurely pace.

Participants dress up in green, wear shamrocks, and sometimes even race while sporting leprechaun hats! It's a great way to stay active and possibly run your way into some good luck.

7. Chow Down On Corned Beef And Cabbage

Brit + Co

It's just not St. Patrick's Day without a plate of corned beef and cabbage. Even though many associated this dish with Ireland, it actually has Irish-American roots.

When Irish immigrants arrived in the U.S., they found corned beef to be a more affordable alternative to traditional bacon. Paired with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, it became a comforting and flavorful meal that stuck as a holiday staple.

8. Kiss Someone Who Is Irish

RDNE Stock project

Finally, you've definitely seen the phrase "Kiss me, I'm Irish" on T-shirts before. This fun saying is tied to the tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland, an act that's said to bring good luck.

However, not all of us have the ability to visit the Blarney Stone. So, kissing an Irish person is another way to honor the custom in the spirit of good fortune.

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