12 Fitness Instagrammers That’ll Inspire You to Shape Up

1. Nep Cafe by Kei Concepts

Vietnamese

Located in Irvine, California, Nep Cafe by Kei Concepts serves up some seriously satisfying Vietnamese dishes. From filet mignon to garlic noodles, each of their specialties is presented to perfection. The inside of the restaurant is just as stunning as the food, though you may have a wait – this spot is one of Orange County's busiest restaurants!

2. Juqi

Chinese

Juqi brings a true Beijing influence to their first-ever US location in Flushing, New York with a wide range of Chinese dishes. Their Peking duck is hailed as one of the most-photographed meals, since it's carved tableside. They have even more traditional bites to indulge in, like kung pao chicken and mapo tofu.

3. Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen

American

Vegas is the place to be if you're a foodie, and Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen is not one to miss. Of course, the celebrity factor is a huge draw to this Las Vegas-based restaurant, but signature dishes like the succulent beef wellington and tasty lobster risotto will really steal the show. The interior of the restaurant is modern, lively, and vibey.

4. X-FISH Izakaya

Sushi

Landing the #4 spot is X-FISH Izakaya, located in Buena Park, California. You really can't ever go wrong with sushi, as it's always stunning on the plate. This spot's $55 all-you-can-eat omakase is an absolute staple on their menu, offering a delicious array of sushi, sashimi, and 14 pieces of high-quality nigiri. The inside of the restaurant is clean and minimalistic, mirroring the flawless presentation of the food.

5. Bacchanal Buffet

Buffet-style

This decadent buffet located in Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada is insane. They've got all kinds of crab: crab legs (pictured above), king crab, snow crab, and steamed crab. Surf and turf is the name of the game here, as they also serve lobster, pork belly, Korean fried chicken, and lamb chops among other things. Every buffet selection is thoughtfully presented to enhance the whole dining experience. Plus, you'll be surrounded by the classic hustle-and-bustle of Las Vegas since it's located right in the casino-hotel!

6. La Grande Boucherie

French

Every aspect of La Grande Boucherie in Chicago, Illinois is picturesque. The stained glass art, mosaic floors, and stacked center bar will steal your attention – that is, until you scan the menu. This restaurant serves up a mean steak tartare, Wagyu burger, Macaroni au Gratin, and even more fancy foods that arrive on elegant plates. Don't even get us started on the cocktails!

7. Chubby Cattle BBQ Rowland Heights

Korean BBQ

Korean barbecue is naturally photogenic, as you prepare each bite yourself atop a personal grill. The ritual is super fun in itself, and the cozy interior of Chubby Cattle BBQ in Rowland Heights, California only enhances it. This location is furnished with intimate seating, cozy low light, and even a free gaming arcade to enjoy post-meal. Korean BBQ is something we think everyone should experience at least once!

8. Mama’s Fish House

Hawaiian

If you ever find yourself in Paia, Hawaii, Mama's Fish House is a must. Their fish dishes are caught fresh daily by local fishermen, so you know you're getting the good stuff. Fans of the restaurant have fallen in love with the Tristan Island Lobster Tails for dinner, and the Polynesian Black Pearl (pictured above) for dessert. Yum. The main selling point of this island dining experience is that it sits right along the shore, offering some really serene ocean views.

9. Konban

Izakaya

This Japanese-Korean fusion joint in New York, New York dishes up some super high-quality and authentic bites, from katsu to udon noodles. The interior of the restaurant is designed with warmth and simplicity in mind, amping up the comfort food to a tee. Devoted diners love the corn ice cream (pictured above), which is cleverly shaped like a corn on the cob and made with oven-roasted corn and white chocolate.

10. Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House

Japanese Hot Pot

You can choose from three tiers of all-you-can-eat hot pot at this chic spot in Santa Clara, California. Like Korean barbecue, hot pot is really ritualistic and interactive, as you cook your own meats in a simmering pot of flavorful broth right at your table. Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House offers a wide array of Wagyu meats to indulge in, among other decadent dishes like beef tartare, shrimp sashimi, and scallops.

11. Zippy’s Las Vegas

Hawaiian

Zippy's Hawaiian cuisine touched down in the mainland in Las Vegas, Nevada last year, and it's been loved ever since. The fast-casual spot serves up classic Hawaiian dishes with a Korean twist, such as Korean fried chicken, chili rice, and their signature Zip Pac that includes a little bit of everything: golden fried chicken, a breaded white flaky hoki fish filet, a tender slice of teriyaki marinated beef, and a slice of Spam over rice.

12. Marugame Udon

Japanese

This noodle joint in Honolulu, Hawaii allows you to watch as your hearty udon bowl is made. The separate tempura station is totally picture-worthy, too. The Curry Nikutama Udon is Marugame Udon's best-selling dish, which is served with sweet beef and a soft-boiled egg.

13. Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant

Mexican

This Mexican spot in Las Vegas, Nevada serves up dishes inspired by the Mexican coast. It's a real surf and turf show, with offerings that range from lobster enchiladas to birria tacos. The inside is colorful and energetic – you'll find a skeleton mariachi man, neon light art pieces, and intricate chandeliers as you dine.

14. Prince Dumpling

Dim Sum

Prince Dumpling, located in Rosemead, California, is filled with picture-perfect dishes like these pan-fried pork buns, soup dumplings, and dan dan noodles. Though you wouldn't expect it from the outside, the inside is super roomy and boasts a clean, minimalistic design. You'll have tons of fun here, especially because the bustling dumpling kitchen is visible through glass.

15. Olio e Più

Italian

Your next elegant date night is calling! Italian joint Olio e Più is seated in Chicago, Illinos, and offers up some truly unforgettable meals. The interior is rustic yet polished, plus the lighting is romantically dim. You can order from a large list of different pastas, like this Chitarra Alla Carbonara topped with an egg yolk, Gnocchi Pesto E Pistacchio, and Ravioli Di Carciofi, just to name a few.

16. Honolulu Seafood Restaurant

Dim Sum

This Chinese seafood spot in Honolulu, Hawaii is all about large portions and high-quality food. The dim dum selection is vast and oh-so tasty, but you can also order heartier classics like chow mein noodles, Peking duck, and plenty of plump stuffed buns. The interior is uniquely decorated, plus the seating layout encourages communal eating – bring your friends!

17. Summer House on the Lake

Pizza

You'll find a little bit of everything at Summer House on the Lake, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. They've got pizza, sandwiches, pasta, tacos, and more for the main event, then plenty of sweet treats to pick from once dessert o' clock rolls around. This restaurant's Californian influence is undoubtedly seen through not only their dishes, but the inside of the dining room as well. The space is breezy and light, dotted with palm trees, greenery, woven chairs and light fixtures, and striped walls. They even have a whole cookie bar!

18. Straits Honolulu

Asian Fusion

Straits in Honolulu, Hawaii specializes in Southeast Asian cuisine, from katsu platters to noodle dishes. Diners especially love the Crab Garlic Noodles, which are served with a whole crab on a bed of flavorful wok-fried egg noodles. Their unique cocktails are not to be missed, either.

19. VIDA Cocina & Tequila

Mexican

This vibey cocina in Altamonte Springs, Florida has tons of delicious Mexican dishes to choose from, like birria tacos and chimichangas. They also have some playful riffs on other cuisines, demonstrated through their fresh Culichi Sushi! The interior of this restaurant is colorful and bold, playing up the greatness of their food. When it's time for a treat, VIDA has quite the selection of tequila and mezcal cocktails, as well as desserts like churros and tres leches cake.

20. Terry Black’s Barbecue

Barbecue

Terry Black's Barbecue has been a staple in the Austin, Texas area for years, and with over 10,000 photos and 7,000 reviews on Yelp, it's clear to see why. This is true Southern comfort food. Each cut of expertly-cooked pork, beef, and sausage can be paired with a platter of creamy mac and cheese, greens, cream corn, and coleslaw. The interior is fairly no-frills, which only speaks to the sheer greatness of their meats.

21. Coqodaq

Korean Chicken

Caviar fiends are gonna love this restaurant located in New York, New York. Their signature dish is none other than the Golden Nugget – a breaded chicken nugget topped with a generous serving of caviar. Coqodaq's entire menu is influenced by the art of Korean fried chicken, so you'll be able to find offerings like fried chicken, chicken nuggets, and soy garlic chicken amongst fresh salads and noodle dishes.

22. Cafe Du Monde

French Cafe

Cafe Du Monde might have a limited menu (it's literally just beignets and coffee), but the New Orleans, Louisiana stop is so worth it. The restaurant's open-air seating arrangement in the French Quarter offers an amazing atmosphere while you chow down on the famous fried pastries (with plenty of powdered sugar, of course).

23. Southeast Impression

Thai

This Thai food joint in Fairfax, Virginia serves up a multitude of hearty noodles, soups, and salads. The vibe of the restaurant's interior is nothing short of classy and cool, which only heightens the experience. Diners love the Drunken Noodles, Pineapple Fried Rice, and Hainanese Chicken.

24. Anchovies & Salt

Vietnamese

This Renton, Washington restaurant has it goin' on. Anchovies & Salt delivers Vietnamese dishes that go way beyond your typical bowl of pho. Banh Mi, crab rolls, and doughy beef-stuffed pillows await you inside a cozy interior.

25. Nami Kaze

Japanese

Asian fusion is the name of the game at Nami Kaze in Honolulu, Hawaii. Many of their dishes are brunch-worthy, like the Honey Walnut Shrimp Waffles, Shrimp Eggs Benedict, and Custard French Toast, offering a really unique take on classic brunch fare.

Why Your Flexibility Stalls

As though going through puberty weren’t enough of a struggle, it’s also the time when you start to lose your natural flexibility. “No one is more flexible in their life than they are as a child,” says Dr. Leython Williams, a doctor of physical therapy at Athletico Physical Therapy. “However, during puberty, children often become temporarily less flexible. Some children have slow growth spurts, while others grow very quickly. This temporary decrease in muscle length/flexibility is a result of their bones growing faster than their muscles and tendons can stretch.”

Note that Dr. Williams refers to this particular loss of flexibility as temporary — meaning we can’t blame puberty for the fact our toes seem to be getting farther away every time we try to touch them.

“There is no specific age when we wake up and our flexibility has ‘officially declined.’ However, it is a fact that as we age our flexibility decreases, which leads to decreased functional ability and mobility,” he explains. “As our bodies get older, we lose a small amount of flexibility as a result of the normal aging processes. There is loss of water in our tissues and intervertebral discs, increased stiffness in our joints, and a loss of elasticity in muscles and tendons. In our 20s and 30s, it is important that we develop a consistent static and dynamic stretching regimen to establish and maintain flexibility and range of motion more easily into our older years.”

That’s right: What you do now matters later. And this isn’t just about keeping up in yoga, Dr. Williams cautions. “It becomes imperative that we stretch regularly to decrease our likelihood of various injuries.” Jill Belland, co-founder of Barre Belle, agrees. “It’s easy to feel invincible if you’re young and injury free! Flexibility will reduce your risk of injury: What doesn’t bend will break. Increased range of motion, balance, and mobility are all linked to flexibility and contribute to overall strength and fitness.”

How to Get It Back

When you’re a kid, flexibility comes naturally; when you’re an adult, you have to take responsibility for improving and maintaining it. “Peak flexibility age for adults can differ person to person and depends largely on their physical activity habits,” says Dr. Rachelle Reed, PhD, Pure Barre’s manager of training development and barre kinesiologist. “Notably, flexibility can be improved at any age when flexibility training is incorporated into a regular exercise routine. It’s important for adults to be strategic about including flexibility training into their workouts, because maintaining flexibility and physical function as we move into middle and older adulthood is associated with better quality of life and independent living.”

There’s no one flexibility standard everyone has to meet, Belland reassures: “There is no golden rule for what perfect flexibility is person to person, but there are simple markers such as touching your toes from a forward fold for hamstrings/lower back, or reaching for your hands behind your back, with one hand behind the head and the other behind the waist, for shoulder mobility. You don’t need to be a contortionist; moving around with fluidity in your everyday life and having good range of motion in your favorite activities without feeling pain or tension is a better way to gauge your own personal goals.”

But where do you start if you want to improve your flexibility? Dr. Reed explains, “There are two main types of flexibility training that you should aim to incorporate into your routine: Dynamic stretching, where a stretch is performed by moving through a challenging but attainable range of motion several times in a row, and static stretching, where a stretch is held in a challenging but attainable position for a longer period of time (at least 10-30 seconds).”

How do you know how far to go? “Our muscles have a natural stretch reflex that prevents us from going too far into a stretch, which can also cause injury,” Belland tells us. “Aim to gently stretch through this reflex. The key to increasing flexibility is about time under tension: It takes around 20 seconds to ease through the stretch reflex. Reintroduce the stretch and hold it for 10 seconds longer, working up to one minute. The second time you introduce a stretch, the stretch reflex will diminish, allowing your body to get deeper into your stretch and also building better muscle memory.”

If you’re still worried about injuring yourself — especially if you’ve been injured in the past — Dr. Williams recommends seeing a physical therapist for guided stretches. Belland reminds us that you don’t have to go to the gym or spend hours on stretching. “Stretch a little bit every day when you can fit it in after a workout or in front of the TV. If you just don’t think you’ll stretch on your own, getting to a yoga or a barre class is helpful if you need the accountability of a dedicated time and space.”

Speaking of the gym, just as your phys ed teacher told you, stretching is especially important before and after a workout. “Far too often active individuals begin their workouts without a dynamic stretch,” Dr. Williams says. “Dynamic stretching increases one’s range of movement and blood flow to soft tissues prior to physical exertion and/or sport performance. This type of stretching is vital in improving performance and reducing the risk for injury.”

But you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit — in fact, stretching is an important antidote to all that sitting those of us with desk-based jobs tend to do. “Sitting at your desk all day can lead to decreased flexibility in hip flexors and hamstrings by keeping them in a shortened position for a prolonged period of time,” Dr. Williams warns. “Consider a standing desk or work station or taking several breaks throughout your work day to stand up and stretch.”

Elle remembers "sobbing" during one particularly emotional Dakota Fanning movie.

“When Elle’s in anything, it makes me feel it deeper,” Dakota Fanning said at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit on December 3. “She never can fully disappear into a character totally for me as her sister. She obviously does an amazing job, but I’m always gonna see my little sister a little bit.”

And Elle is just as touched by Dakota's roles, and remembers "uncontrollably sobbing" after seeing Now Is Good, a movie where Dakota's character was dying of cancer. “Because it was my sister, I had a real traumatic reaction after that premiere and the screening,” Elle says. “Obviously the acting, but it was something felt on a deeper level.”

“I’m doing this job, I’m an actor because my sister started before me and I watched her,” Elle continues. “I wanted to do exactly what my big sister wanted to do.”

And their movies have also made an impact on everyone who watches them.

When Brit + Co caught up with Dakota Fanning at the world premiere of The Watchers, I had to ask about one of her most iconic movies: Uptown Girls. "I love it," she says of TikTok memes and edits giving the movie new life. "It's nostalgic for people who are kind of around my age, who grew up watching that movie, I think it's like a comfort movie for people. And so I love that people are still revisiting it and loving it. And maybe now that everyone's older [they're] understanding different things about it."

Dakota starred opposite Brittany Murphy, who also had roles in movies like Clueless, 8 Mile, and Girl, Interrupted. Brittany passed away in 2009 when Dakota was 15. "I loved Brittany so much and I still miss her," she says. "So anytime that she has, you know, a moment where people think about her is also nice."