

Fitness took on a new face once COVID-19 struck at the top of the year. With fitness facilities closed down for months, many had to resort to building their own home gyms, while others struggled to remain active and focused on self-care and building their immunity through healthy eating.
Now that many of us have adjusted to our ever-changing new normal, increasingly focus has centered back on physical fitness. And with the new year right around the corner, we know most of the women in our lives will be looking to recommit themselves to physical fitness. That's why we've put together this list of fresh finds to sneak under your mom and bestie's Christmas tree -- and maybe even your own closet.
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Women's UA Multi Hair Cap
Under Armor
How many times has your puff been ruined by a hat, or you couldn't even wear a cap because it wouldn't fit over your curls? Under Armor has solved that problem with its new multi-hair cap that has an open back panel so you can wear your hair up and out in a ponytail without issue. The fabric cap also has a satin lining to protect your strands while the Iso-Chill sweatband helps keep you cool. You might want to grab one for you and your homegirls.
Fitbit Sense
Fitbit Sense
You can monitor everything from your heart rate, calories burned, and sleep score with the newest Fitbit, Sense. The smart watch has built-in GPS, Google Assistant, and Amazon Alexa. You can make calls, get texts and receive smartphone app notifications when your phone is nearby, plus make secure purchases.
Flurry Reflective Glove
Gap
Now that daylight saving's time has settled in, if you like running outdoors before or after work, chances are you're going to be doing so in the dark. These gloves from Athleta not only keep hands warm, they have reflective detailing to make sure runners are visible to passerby. They're also touchscreen compatible so you can change your songs with ease during your workout.
High-Waisted Elevate Powersoft Joggers
Old Navy
These pants are the perfect blend of lightweight compression and soft moisture-wicking fabric. Four-way super stretch makes them perfect for various types of workouts while the high waist and banded cuff allow you to keep it cute and casual as athletic wear.
Weighted Wrist Bangles
We're all a bit less active these days, so adding something as little as a 1-pound weight to your wrist or ankles can make a big difference as you take your dog on morning walks or even stretch and get your cardio in at home.
Lift and Lengthen Yoga Block
Lululemon
For those who are serious about their yoga practice but haven't quite felt comfortable enough to go back to a studio yet, a yoga block is a great gift. The three different heights of the block provide customized support while also allowing one to deepen their stretch and further develop their practice.
Reebok Professional Fitness Deck
Perfect for the woman who wants to step up the home gym she's been building over the past few months, this multi-use deck functions as a step for cardio and aerobic exercise as well as a bench for weight lifting. You can adjust the incline on the non-slip bobble surface to make workouts harder or easier and included clips allow you to attach resistance tubes.
Acupressure Mat Set
Harness the power of traditional Chinese medicine with this acupressure mat that massages various pressure points on the body and helps relieve stress and tension as you perform various stretches and breathing exercises.
UA Sportsmask
Under Armor
If you've been back to the gym since COVID restrictions let up, you know working out in a mask is far from easy. This Sportsmask from Under Armor makes it a bit easier because of its breathable spacer fabric and Polyurethane open-cell foam that lets air flow freely. Conversely, the material makes it hard for moisture and sweat to pass through, while the anti-microbial treatment on the inside layer of the mask helps keep it fresh.
Smoky Quartz Crystal-Infused Water Bottle
Hit your daily water quota while warding off negative vibes with this glass water bottle that's infused with Smoky Quartz. This crystal is known for anchoring the root chakra, amplifying good intentions, cultivating serenity, and protecting against bad vibes.
ProForm 3-Piece Kettlebell Kit
Kohl’s
Kettlebells are one of the most versatile pieces of workout equipment around and this set, which comes with a 5-pound, 10-pound, and 15-pound bell, makes it easy to increase the weight for various moves and progress your workouts.
Featured image by Shutterstock
From '106 & Park' To Prime Time, Rocsi Diaz Is Still That Girl
Rocsi Diaz is no stranger to the camera. From her iconic run on 106 & Park to interviewing Hollywood heavyweights on Entertainment Tonight, she’s been at the center of culture for years. Now, she’s back in the hosting chair alongside none other than Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders for We Got Time Today, a fresh talk show exclusive to Tubi.
The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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Feature image by Leon Bennett/Getty Images
I Took A Three-Week Solo Trip To Portugal & Learned The Art Of Slow Traveling
As I write this, I'm sitting by the pool at the Octant Douro, a swanky hotel reminiscent of the Kanye West minimalist aesthetic. I promise I'm not saying this as a flex. I'm sharing this because I want this for you, too. Hello. #BlackGirlLuxury. This week marks the second of my three-week solo trip to Portugal.
If you're wondering: "Why Portugal?" You're not alone. Most people in my world have asked the same question. After my first trip here earlier this year, I fell in love. I only visited Lisbon then, but that was enough for me to feel affection for the country.
As my birthday approached, I wanted to plan another trip, and oddly, the prices for hotels and flights in the States were double and triple the price of even the best accommodations in Portugal. So, I booked a Premium Select ticket with Delta (which was also very reasonable) and started to plan. But on this trip, I wanted to do things differently. Not only did I want to explore additional cities, I wanted to try my hand at slow travel.
So instead of taking flights from city to city, I am traveling by train and car.
So, What is Slow Travel?
Like many things, the definition of slow travel is different for everyone. For me, slow travel means swapping out planes to travel by train, car, or any other means that requires me to slow down and has less impact on the environment.
How Am I Traveling?
My first stop was in Lisbon, where I stayed for a day before I started my journey to the north of Portugal. Before I landed, I weighed the cost of a car ride versus a train ride to Porto, which is just about a three-hour ride. The car service cost was nearly four times the cost of the train. So, I opted to take the high-speed tilting train: the Alfa Pendular. The train can travel up to 220 km/h (140 mph). I paid 51 euros for the three-hour journey.
A flight would have been just under an hour, but the environmental impact of that quick trip was at the top of my mind. Train travel is proven to emit much less carbon dioxide (CO2) than air travel. And with global warming, everything we do counts. Additionally, on my three-hour train ride, I realized there is so much you miss when flying over the cities. The scenery was gorgeous, and the ride was relaxing even when we were tilting. There was even a cafe car that offered sandwiches, coffee, and snacks.
After exploring Porto for four days, I visited wine country in the Douro Valley. I booked a car service for that trip which was just under 200 euros for the two-hour journey. What I didn't account for was the twisty, cliff-bending ride. It was beautiful but terrifying. But, like most places in Europe, the train is available, which I learned from a couple at Quinta Nova—a hotel nestled right in the middle of a UNESCO heritage site (an area legally protected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and a vineyard—once I arrived.
Because I was too chicken to endure the cliffs when time to leave the mountainous terrain, I took the train from Ferrero to Penafiel, which only cost me 8 euros versus the 200 I'd spent on my trip there. Did the trip take double the time? Yep. But the ride was much less stressful and cheaper, and I got to travel like the locals. There was a little hiccup when I got to my stop. There were no Ubers. But luckily, there was a table of white-haired guys playing cards that happened to be taxi drivers.
This week, I'll take a six-hour train ride south to Algarve from Porto (a 30-minute car ride from where I am now), and then I'll take a car ride to Seville, Spain. It's a lengthy journey, but I'm still very excited about the experience.
If you're interested in traveling at a slower pace, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Give Up Scheduling Every Moment of Your Trip
I did tons of research before my trip, which set me up for success. But at the same time, things happen. For example, I missed my stop on the train and got lost. I also booked an Airbnb Experience way too far from my hotel, so I missed it. And it wasn't a cheap booking. So, unfortunately, money was wasted because I planned a little too far in advance without a full view of where things were. Sometimes you can only learn that as you travel.
2. Stay Present
Some travelers say to travel slowly, you must give up your technology. Well, that doesn't work for me because I'm still working even though I'm in Europe. But, I'm filming moments that I want to be able to reflect on, even though I'm not posting them. So, instead, I'm grabbing a little video and putting my phone down for the rest of the day.
3. Book Experiences that Support Local Makers and Artists
People always ask me how to get photos I love and plan tours as a solo traveler. Airbnb Experiences are my jam. I've used them since I planned my first solo trip to Cuba. Not only do you get a chance to make memories and learn new things, but you're supporting the local economy, which for me, is a big win.
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Featured image by Westend61/Getty Images
Originally published on September 6, 2022