Letting go is hard to do, but it can really make the most of your time on the elliptical! Although the elliptical is a great way to work your arms and legs while getting your heart rate up, it can also be used to work your core and improve your balance. If this machine is a favourite of yours, then consider making the most of it by not using your hands — the benefits are many!

1. Improves balance: Balance is key if you're looking for better posture, body awareness, and muscle control. Because the elliptical uses shifting pedals on an incline, stability is needed, especially without the handles. Little steps toward improving your balance not only make the workout challenging, but will also help other forms of fitness, like your yoga practice! The next time you are on the elliptical, spend part of the workout going hands-free; make sure to engage the core, which will stabilise you in this position.
2. Works the core: Because you're challenging your sense of balance, you're working your core, too! Once you let go of the handles, just make sure not to sway from side to side. Place your hands on your hips to monitor your posture, and keep your abs engaged throughout the entire workout.
3. Strengthens legs: It's simple — by not using your arms, you let your legs do all the work. Try directing the focus to your feet. Pressing more with your heels will work your hamstrings and butt, while pressing more with your toes will tone your quads on the front of your thighs. Crank up the incline and resistance and feel the burn!

Finding the perfect running shoe isn't always an easy task but finding the right pair is important to help prevent injury. But where to start? Because there are several styles and options to choose from, we've created a go-to glossary to help you find your sole mate. Once you've determined your arch and gait type (a running store or your running partner can help) turn to this guide that explains the different styles of shoes available. From a barefoot fit to extra stability, it comes down to what works best for you and your workout.

• Barefoot: Barefoot running shoes have become increasingly popular over the last few years and are the closest you'll get to actually running barefoot. Most styles look like gloves for your feet, providing minimal protection and cushioning. Barefoot shoes, with a "zero drop" from heel to toe, encourage a more natural mid-foot strike. This style of sneakers is thought to engage all the muscles of the feet, encourage good posture, and help train you to land correctly. But, you shouldn't try these shoes blindly; it will take your body time to adjust to avoid injury. Prep yourself first with these tips, then consider our favorites.
• Minimalist: Minimalist running shoes are the happy medium between barefoot shoes and traditional kicks; they are also a great way to ease into barefoot running. Always lightweight, they have little to no arch support but still offer some cushion and flexibility. If you are used to tons of cushion, adjusting to minimalist shoes can take time.

See which shoes offer more stability and cushioning after the break!

If you're looking to get your friends together and celebrate Mom in style, then do it with a brunch! Aside from good company, brunch is the perfect way to toast to your leading lady. Knowing that no two moms are alike, we've created three tablescapes — casual, elegant, and outdoors — to make Mother's Day special. Find the one that's right for you (and Mom) below!

The Elegant Brunch

An elegant brunch will set this Mother's Day apart from the rest. Keeping the bright colors mute, we chose a neutral palette of golds and creams beginning with the tablecloth ($70-$80). Metallic touches are key; incorporated through gold-rimmed butter plates ($50), bamboo spreaders ($145), and napkin rings ($48). Since we're going all out, monogrammed glasses ($50) seemed fitting, as well as a crystal vase ($59) filled with tulips or her favorite flower.

The Casual Brunch

Think of the casual brunch as one step above breakfast in bed. For this type of tablescape, it has to be something where guests feel comfortable and Mom feels special. Make any table fit for a special occasion by covering it with a bright, patterned tablecloth ($40-$50). Then, add complementary pops of color through paper placemats ($15) and simple yellow plates ($5). Continue to layer with touches of yellow through gingham napkins ($20) and vintage tumblers ($8). A bright pink pitcher ($40) will showcase mimosas perfectly, and pink utensils ($22) give plastic forks a run for their money. Lastly, ditch the stuffy flowers and scatter these tiny succulents ($30) around to complete your tablescape.

The Outdoor Brunch

Aside from stylish, an outdoor brunch has to be functional — after all, it is outside! Simplicity is key and starts with a texture like linen placemats ($38) and napkins ($32). Add color and pattern with plates ($36) that are anything but boring and glasses ($5) fit for homemade Bloody Marys. A large tray ($24) makes bringing food from the kitchen easy, and we consider gold utensils ($40) essential. Lastly, complete the look with a rustic flower box ($18) and roses.

Aside from making you look instantly thinner, posture is important to a healthy body. Before you get worried stiff that your slouching is irreversible, we found an app, sports bra, and handy belt to help. Because posture affects everything from digestion to achieving flat abs, consider one of these three helpful reminders for work or workout.

• LUMOback: The LUMOback ($149) is perfect for anyone who spends long hours at a desk. A small belt that you can wear anywhere, LUMOback will gently vibrate when you slouch from your lower back, reminding you to sit or stand straight. It then uses Bluetooth to track your progress and give you feedback over time. Not only will you start to feel better, reversing the negative effects of poor posture, but you'll look better too!
• IntelliSkin: When it comes to fitness, good posture can prevent injury and improve performance. IntelliSkin makes garments like tops and sports bras to cue your muscles to work together for better postural awareness. Many athletes, like surfers and volleyball players, use IntelliSkin during practice, but you can also wear them as undergarments at work. Could these possibly be considered an athletic version of Spanx?
• Upright: Yes, your smartphone can help you stand taller! Upright ($3) is an app that helps to improve your posture by alerting you every time you slouch. Once it's calibrated, keep your phone in your pocket, and you'll be altered every time you begin to hunch. You can even start with baby steps, configuring the time period and "slouch-sensitivity."

Letting go is hard to do, but it can really make the most of your time on the elliptical! Although the elliptical is a great way to work your arms and legs while getting your heart rate up, it can also be used to work your core and improve your balance. If this machine is a favorite of yours, then consider making the most of it by not using your hands — the benefits are many!

1. Improves balance: Balance is key if you're looking for better posture, body awareness, and muscle control. Because the elliptical uses shifting pedals on an incline, stability is needed, especially without the handles. Little steps toward improving your balance not only make the workout challenging, but will also help other forms of fitness, like your yoga practice! The next time you are on the elliptical, spend part of the workout going hands-free; make sure to engage the core, which will stabilize you in this position.
2. Works the core: Because you're challenging your sense of balance, you're working your core, too! Once you let go of the handles, just make sure not to sway from side to side. Place your hands on your hips to monitor your posture, and keep your abs engaged throughout the entire workout.
3. Strengthens legs: It's simple — by not using your arms, you let your legs do all the work. Try directing the focus to your feet. Pressing more with your heels will work your hamstrings and butt, while pressing more with your toes will tone your quads on the front of your thighs. Crank up the incline and resistance and feel the burn!

We know it's taboo to embrace the midnight munchies, but there are some foods that can help you sleep better at night. If you're having trouble hitting the hay, foods like cherries and dairy can be great company to a healthy bedtime routine. What makes these foods after-hours worthy is that they have or help to produce melatonin, a hormone necessary for a healthy sleep cycle. So, although sleep aids can be a quick fix (it's OK, admit it), consider these healthy bites before you turn down the sheets tonight.

• Cherries: Finish each night with a cherry on top! Several studies have shown that cherry juice can help you sleep. Because cherries contain the magic of melatonin, participants in one study saved an average of 17 minutes of wake time after going to sleep when drinking cherry juice daily. If you're not a fan of tart cherry juice, fresh and dried cherries will have a similar effect.
• Oats: Truth is, about 20 bowls of oatmeal contain enough melatonin as a supplement, but that doesn't mean a little won't help. Between the melatonin and the rise in blood sugar, which in turn triggers insulin production, having a (healthy) oatmeal cookie won't hurt. Wash it down with a glass of milk (we'll soon explain why), and you should be on your way to sweet dreams.
• Dairy products: Speaking of milk, dairy products contain high amounts of tryptophan that produce melatonin and calcium that helps that process take place. Have a cup of yogurt or sip on a warm glass of milk before bed to help you unwind and get a good night's sleep.
• Rice: Rice is bedtime gold because it contains both melatonin and tryptophan. Try eating a meal that includes rice like a stir-fry or casserole, but don't overindulge too close before bed, as a heavy meal could interfere with sleep.

You've heard about, witnessed, or maybe even watched remarkable athletes, but have you read about them? Searching for an inspiring story, we found three memoirs that have to be shared. From coach Pat Summitt's perspective on life to Olympian Amanda Beard's journey to find herself, it's clear that the podium is just a small piece of the overall journey. These books are honest and open accounts of three women who have fought their way to the top and will motivate you well beyond your next workout!

A Life Without Limits: A World Champion's Journey
A must read for anyone passionate about triathlons, A Life Without Limits ($15) is the firsthand account of Chrissie Wellington. In 2007, Chrissie won the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii — as a newcomer. But there's more to her than shaking up the sport and shocking the press. In this book, she opens up about a journey that has taken her around the world and the challenges she had to overcome, like anorexia and near-drowning. Bonus material: Chrissie includes a few diet, training, and motivational techniques that have helped fuel her through one of the world's most grueling events.

Sum It Up: 1,098 Victories, a Couple of Irrelevant Losses, and a Life in Perspective
Simply put, Pat Summitt can handle anything that comes her way; after reading Sum It Up ($28), you'll know why. The all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history, Pat opens up about her victories and challenges, the biggest being early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Despite her devastating diagnosis in 2011, she continues to turn setbacks into success — all with a sense of humor!

In the Water They Can't See You Cry: A Memoir

Amanda Beard is more than the little girl holding her teddy bear at the 1996 Olympic Games. Not only did she go on to compete in three more Olympic games, winning a total of seven medals, but she also has an incredible story to go along with it. Beyond her smile, success, and cover spreads, she is honest about her struggles with depression, an eating disorder, and unhealthy relationships. Her story is real and inspiring. After all, In the Water They Can't See You Cry ($16).

With warmer weather heating things up around the country, we've got our eyes on one of Summer's most refreshing beverages. Few things in life come close to a nice cold glass of lemonade, but we've got five ways to make it better. Although it's often not a good idea to mess with a classic, let us assure you we have five versions your kids will love. Kicking up the good stuff with a twist like sparkling soda or strawberries, you're in for a treat and a little extra profit for their lemonade stand! Check out our five creative additions below:

1. Have fun with fruit: Seriously, go to town adding all the fruit you please! From strawberries to blueberries, you'll be able to sneak in an extra serving of fruit without the little ones realizing it (win!). Try adding frozen fruit too. Not only will it add flavor, they act as ice cubes, keeping your drink nice and chill.
2. Add a spritz: Make lemonade fizzy with soda water or all natural soda. This will bump up the fun factor, who doesn't love that?
3. Accessorize: If you have the recipe down and want to keep with the classic, accent it with fun straws or cool cups.
4. Go blue: Re-brand lemonade into slime! This recipe uses blueberry-flavored gelatin for a fun treat both big and little kids will like.
5. Pop it: Turn lemonade into pops! Take your favorite recipe or mix and prepare as usual. Then, pour it into ice trays, add popsicle sticks, and freeze. Voilà!

The next time you put on your headphones, take a break from the Billboard Top 100 and turn the dial to podcasts. Beyond a passing fad, this form of digital media offers audio and video episodes delivered to your device, often free of charge.

Whether you are new to the world of podcasts or an old pro, it can be both overwhelming and exciting to find a consistent favorite. Some podcasts are simply electronic companions to popular shows (NPR favorites, The Soup, etc.) while others exist only in the podcast medium, with cult-like followings. Follow these tips and tricks to navigate the sea of podcasts and uncover a treasure.

Your guide to podcasts after the break!