Markus Andrews

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    Ultraboost Light Unveiled As The Latest Innovation From adidas Running

    The South African Marathon season is approaching fast. With the Two Oceans Ultra and Half Marathon scheduled for Saturday, 15 April and Sunday, 16 April 2023 respectively.

    Running is booming in our country, and, along with a huge increase in runners – by more than 10% since the 2020 lockdown, the tech in running shoes is forging ahead.

    One of the heroes of the new evolution of running-specific shoes is the BOOST cushioning from adidas. This month adidas unveiled the latest member of its most iconic running shoe franchise – the Ultraboost Light. Testament to their constant strive to take innovation to the next level, and in response to consumer feedback, the new Ultraboost Light has a ground-breaking new material at its core – Light BOOST.

    Marking a decade since the introduction of BOOST technology, the new and improved Ultraboost Light benefits from 30% lighter BOOST material. Resulting in a performance running shoe designed to offer epic energy, plush cushioning, comfort and responsiveness.

    Taking runners’ experiences to the next level, the all-new Ultraboost Light also includes:  

    A redesigned Linear Energy Point (LEP) found on the sole of the shoe reworked to optimise responsiveness and work in harmony with the new Light BOOST material. 

    PRIMEKNIT+ upper for an adapted fit that provides breathability and comfort.

    Continental™ natural performance rubber instils confidence in traction for all weather conditions.  

    A 10% lower carbon footprint* compared to previous versions.

    The new Ultraboost Light launches in a white colourway, featuring solar red and core black detailing. It is now available from adidas concept stores countrywide, online at adidas.co.za and on the adidas app.

    To celebrate the 10th anniversary of BOOST technology, adidas is also revealing a special edition version of the adidas Ultraboost Light with a dedicated colourway. The 10th-anniversary edition comes in a primarily black colourway, with black and yellow detailing. The same design that was found on the first-ever adidas silhouette with BOOST technology, the Energy Boost.

    Follow the @adidasZA #ULTRABOOST conversation on Instagram for more information. More

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    in diet and nutrition

    8 Foods With High Water Content, For Maximum Hydration

    Hydration is key, so it stands to reason that you chug tons of water all day, right? Wrong. While maximising your water intake is important, you can also take in foods with high water content. Per one study, it’s not just hydration that’s a boon when eating your water. “In the last years, several investigations have suggested that water intake and retention could have important implications for both weight management and body composition,” the authors note. The study found that there’s a positive correlation between having a healthy body composition and adequate water intake. “The improvement of water intake and water balance could be useful for overweight and obesity prevention,” the study says.

    If you’re looking at upping your water intake, look to foods with high water content. Not only do these deliver an extra dose of nutrients and electrolytes, they’ll go a long way toward getting more water in your system. Plus, chugging bottle upon bottle of water isn’t for all of us. Here, the foods with high water content.

    Cucumber

    Ok, this one is obvious. Cucumber is so great in green juices because it’s mostly water and contains only 8 calories in a 52g serving. They’re also high in nutrients like vitamin K, potassium and magnesium. Cucumber sandwich, anyone?

    Strawberries

    91% of the weight of a strawberry is made of water. Plus, they’re incredibly high in vitamin C, folate and manganese. Eat them as they are, or blend them up and add to smoothies (even more water).

    Tomatoes

    These juicy red dudes are far more than just tart goodness. Not only are they high in vitamin C and lycopene (key for good oral health, bone health, and blood pressure), but they’re over 90% water. Eat cherry tomatoes as they are, or add them to your meals, roasted and flavoured with garlic. Yum.

    Cauliflower

    100 grams of cauliflower gets you more than 59 ml of water (that’s more than half!), as well as 3 grams of fibre. Not only is cauliflower the new low-carb darling (clutch for low-carb pizza bases, cauli rice and more), but it’s also home to a variety of nutrients.

    Cottage cheese

    Surprise, surprise! Not only is cottage cheese an amazing source of protein and healthy fats, but about 80% of its weight is also water. Stock up on this and spread over crackers, sandwiches or eat it with cucumber as a snack.

    Plain yoghurt

    Standing at 75% water, plain yoghurt also delivers important nutrients like calcium, potassium and protein. It’s also clutch at reducing your hunger pangs, because of its high water and protein content.

    Broths

    Since broths are just savoury bowls of water, it’s about 92% water, but depending on what you put in it, a broth can become a super-hydrating and healing meal. Consider boosting your broth with chilli, ginger and garlic for its anti-inflammatory properties. Also, drinking broth regularly won’t only fill you up but could also help your weight loss since it’s so low in calories.

    Watermelon

    Not only is this a low-calorie summer staple, but it’s also nutrient-dense, containing vitamin C, vitamin A, magnesium and lycopene. It’s also about 92% water, so blend it up and drink fresh watermelon juice to stay hydrated. More

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    Is This Really The World’s Most Comfortable Running Shoe?

    Earlier this year, Asics launched the Gel-Nimbus™ 25 – the latest iteration of their Gel-Nimbus running shoe series – with a bold claim: “the most comfortable running shoe, as tested by runners”. That got our attention.

    What Asics Had To Say

    The Gel-Nimbus™ 25 contains PureGEL™ technology, which is designed to absorb shock and, according to Asics, creates the softest landing to date. Other notable features are the addition of Asics’s FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning foam, which is made using 20% bio-based material from renewable sources, and the stretchy, breathable knit tongue and collar.

    Independently Tested

    It took the Asics design team 18 months to come up with a running shoe that they believed could be called the “most comfortable”. They then handed it over to Dr Chris Bishop, a podiatrist and biomechanist at The Biomechanics Lab in Australia for testing. He designed a test to pit to the Gel-Nimbus 25 against three competitor shoes, as well as the Asics Gel-Nimbus 24. He recruited 100 runners – 52 men; 48 women – to take part in the eight-week study, which involved running on a treadmill for three minutes.

    All the shoes were disguised, so study participants had no idea which shoes they were wearing. After reviewing the study participants’ ratings across various categories, Dr Bishop concluded that, “Comfort is a perception factor which is not a biomechanical variable and it’s not the same for every individual. However, the results of this study were conclusive: the GEL-NIMBUS™ 25 was statistically the most comfortable running shoe tested.”

    WH Tests The Asics Gel-Nimbus™ 25 Running Shoe

    Intrigued by the lab results, Wanita Nicol took the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 for a test-run under less lab-controlled, more plot-twisty conditions: South Africa’s roads.

    First Impressions

    The first thing I noticed, out of the box, was that the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25s felt a lot lighter than they looked. They’re actually quite broad and chunky looking, but this doesn’t translate into added weight. The next thing that jumped out at me was the tongue – it’s stretchy, perforated and a lot spongier than I’m used to. I find that running shoes sometimes squash the bridge of my foot and this tongue design prevents that from happening. When I read up about the shoe, I saw this was a key design feature – and the perforations I noticed are for ventilation.

    Fit

    The toe box is not as wide as I was expecting from the look of the running shoe, but it also wasn’t cramped – my toes had plenty of space to flex and move. (That said, I have narrow feet.) This snug fit also meant that my foot didn’t slip inside the running shoe, which can cause blisters. There’s a really nice, cushioned collar that prevents chafing and the laces – which are long and also have a good stretch, preventing them from digging into the top of your foot – have extra eyelets that you can use to create even more stability.

    Stability

    Speaking of which, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 has a broad base for a running shoe, making it feel really stable. That higher collar that wraps around your ankle also made me feel more secure.

    Grip

    The sole felt nice and grippy on the road and gravelly pavements, although I haven’t tested it in wet conditions.

    Versatility

    When you’re forking out a lot of money on a running shoe you may want to use it for different things. The shoe looks really good – on the run and with jeans. In fact, walking around the mall, I had a random stranger say, “I like your shoes!” and when a sports shoe passes the random-stranger test you must know it’s giving style! But as for other sports, this shoe feels, to me, like a road running shoe, end of story. I would not take it offroad – even just running over small stones, I could feel them right through all that cushioning (of course, I could just be long-forgotten royalty ala The Princess and the Pea). And while the base is broad and stable, I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing a functional workout in them with all that cushioning.

    Speed

    Sometimes you put on a running shoe and you feel like you just want to run as fast as you can. This is not that shoe. However, I felt like I wanted to keep going. I did my usual loop around the neighbourhood and as I neared the end, I still felt fresh and like I could go around again. I found it very easy to maintain a steady pace.

    Comfort

    And now for the big one – the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 feels like running on marshmallows. The landing is so soft and pillowy, I didn’t feel any of the jarring sensation I sometimes feel as I start getting fatigued and I had none of the pain in my joints that I sometimes feel as a result. The fit is correct to size, so I didn’t ever feel that my toes were knocking against the front of the shoe or that my heels were slipping out of it. There was no painful chafing and no annoying bite of a lace or any other part of the running shoe. The only bit of discomfort I felt was that my feet felt a bit toasty, which I suspect might be welcome in winter when they typically feel like ice blocks on early-morning runs.

    A Running Shoe For People Who Hate Running

    So, the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 is comfy. But who is it for?

    My take:

    I think it’s a good running shoe for people who hate running. From experience, I hated running until one day I put on a pair of shoes that cushioned my landing and took the pain out of the experience. I feel this shoe could be that gamechanger for other reluctant runners. It’s also good for recreational runners who just want to enjoy going for a jog and maybe run further but aren’t chasing a fast time.

    A more serious runner weighs in:

    While I – nowadays – enjoy running, I don’t run far and I don’t run particularly fast either. So, I asked my friend Amy (@‌amy_hoppy on Insta), a triathlete and half-marathoner, what she thought of the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25. Here’s what she had to say:

    “The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 shoes are a slightly wider iteration of the 24, meaning greater comfort in the toe box for wider feet like mine. I love the new stretchy tongue and really enjoyed the comfort of the new foam configuration. It’s a shoe you can comfortably wear all day (I’ve tested that) and is ideal for LSDs (Long, Slow, Distance – i.e. your long weekend runs). It’s not a speed shoe (for short, sharp distances), but a good 21km+ and marathon shoe and everyday runner’s training shoe. Their comfort means that two-hour+ long runs won’t feel as taxing on your body and feet.”

    Price

    The Gel-Nimbus™ 25 goes for R3 499 at asics.com. The women’s sizes start at UK3 and go up to UK10, with half sizes available up to size 9.

    Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 | Papaya

    Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 | Indigo Blue

    The Verdict

    The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 is a very comfortable running shoe. Is it the most comfortable in the world? I’d have to test a lot more shoes to make that call, but of the shoes I have tested, it’s certainly high on the list. Is it worth the price? If a jarring landing is holding you back from pursuing your running dreams, then I would say yes. And if you usually spend this amount of money on a running shoe, this one is worth checking out More

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    in diet and nutrition

    3 Delicious And Easy Recipes To Help Slash Your Sugar Intake

    South Africans just can’t get enough of hoovering up the white stuff for a boost of energy, but while we know that sugar (what else would we be talking about?) can be detrimental to your teeth, waistline and gut, little attention is paid to the knock-on effects that can pose for your vital organs.

    South Africans are estimated to consume up to 24 teaspoons of sugar per day—double the daily WHO recommendation.

    According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health report:

    Excess sugar intake, from sugar added to food products and especially sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), is considered a major contributor to excess weight and obesity in adults and children [1,2]. Excess weight and obesity are associated with the steady rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes, and various cancers.

    Local Ingredients We Recommend

    Ideal for baking and cooking, we’ve sourced a few local products to elevate your recipe.

    Nomu Cocoa Powder

    Buttanutt 100% Peanut Butter

    70 % Cocoa Dark Chocolate Drops 200 g

    Here are 3 delish recipes to help you reduce your sugar intake:

    Double-Chocolate Zucchini Bread

    All the sweet notes with hidden veggies. Let’s bake!

    Course Dessert

    Servings 12 people

    2 cups white whole-wheat flour 225g1/4 cup cocoa powder 25g2 tbsp ground flaxseeds1/2 tsp baking soda1/2 tsp baking powder1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon1/2 tsp ground nutmeg1/2 tsp salt1/2 cup plain Greek yoghurt 118ml1/3 cup coconut sugar 48g1/3 cup mild olive oil or canola oil 59ml1/4 cup maple syrup 59ml2 large eggs1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract2 cups grated zucchini 250g1/3 cup dark chocolate chips 60g
    Preheat oven to 180°C. Coat a 23 x 13cm loaf pan or a 20cm x 20cm baking pan with cooking spray. Set aside. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt into a large bowl.In another bowl, whisk together the coconut sugar, oil, yoghurt, maple syrup, eggs and extract. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until just combined (with a few traces of flour still present). Add the zucchini and chocolate chips and stir to combine.Spoon the batter into the prepared baking pan and flatten the top with a rubber spatula. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the bread comes out clean, about 45 minutes for a loaf pan and 30 minutes for a 20cm x 20cm baking pan. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the pan and invert onto a cooling rack. Wrap leftovers tightly and store at room temperature for up to four days.

    Keyword chocolate

    High-Protein Chicken Salad

    High in protein and a great option to meal prep for your family.

    Course Salad

    Servings 6 people

    450g cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, shredded  about 4 cups shredded1/2 cup diced red onion about 1/2 medium red onion or 60g1/2 cup diced apple about 1/2 small apple or 75g100g quartered or halved grapes 2/3 cup165g plain 2% fat Greek yoghurt 2/3 cup2 tbsp  freshly squeezed lemon juice, or more, to taste1/2 tsp garlic powderSalt and pepper, to taste12 slices slices of whole grain bread6 medium lettuce leaves
    In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, red onion, apple, grapes, Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.Using a 3/4 cup measuring scoop, portion out the chicken salad. Serve with a lettuce leaf and 2 slices of whole grain bread.

    Keyword chicken, salad

    5-Ingredient Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

    Ideal for that 3pm slum. These easy to make peanut butter cups are simply delicioys.

    85g  all-natural peanut butter, or nut butter of your choice 1/3 cup1 tbsp plain or vanilla collagen peptide powder1 1/2 tsp honey1 tsp vanilla extract255g 70% dark chocolate, chopped
    Line a 12-well muffin tin with paper liners and set aside In a small bowl combine the peanut butter, collagen powder, honey and vanilla, stirring until smooth. Set aside in the fridgePlace the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on 60% power in 1-minute increments, stirring between cooking times, until all the chocolate has melted, or 3–4 minutes. Alternatively, melt the chocolate in a metal bowl set over a pot with a few centimetres of simmering water on the stove, stirring until smooth. (Be sure not to get any steam or water in the chocolate or it will seize.)Spoon about 1 tsp of the chocolate into the paper liners, spreading the chocolate to the edges. Using a 1/2 tsp measure, put a heaping spoonful of the peanut butter mixture in the centre of each muffin cup. Spoon the remaining chocolate over the peanut butter, about 2 tsp per muffin cup.Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 4 hours.Remove the peanut butter cups (still in their liners) from the muffin tin and store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

    You can also read about What Happens When You Stop Eating Sugar, According To Nutritionists

    The post 3 Delicious Recipes To Help Slash Your Sugar Intake And Boost Your Heart Health appeared first on Women’s Health. More

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    in fitness and body

    You Need To Try This 45-Minute Stationary Bike Workout!

    If you’ve ever been to a spinning class, you know that the 45-minute interval ride will leave you high on endorphins and drenched with sweat, not to mention help you burn between 1,673 and 3,347 kilojoules (depending on how hard you ride, of course).

    But if you aren’t fortunate enough to get into one of the packed gym classes, you can still try this 45-minute spinning-inspired workout, designed by Flywheel Sports creative director Danielle Devine-Baum, to spin on your own. Just crank the playlist below—striving to pedal to the song’s BPM (beats per minute) unless otherwise indicated—and get riding.

    Spinning Class Necessities

    Ciovita Apex Cycling Shorts

    adidas Microfiber Towel

    Camelbak Podium Chill Race Edition

    Hey Siri, please play…

    Song #1: “Everybody Wants To Run The World,” Tears For Fears

    Flat road, time to warm up! Ride around 112 BPM. On a scale of one to 10, you’d be around a three. Once the song’s chorus hits, speed up each time. Halfway through the song, add a bit more resistance as your body starts to feel warmer and your muscles get ready to work.

    READ MORE: 5 Absolutely Insane Body Benefits Of A 40-Min Spin Class

    Song #2: “River,” Eminem [Feat. Ed Sheeran]

    You’re still warming up, but at this point, you’re getting into the ride. The speed is 90 BPM.  If you were running, you’d be at a jogging pace. On this song, alternate between second position (butt off the seat, hands on the front bar), third position (butt off the seat, hands on top of the side handles), and the saddle (butt in seat) while maintaining the speed. Two times during the song, increase your speed. Your resistance here is, on a scale of one to 10, around a four. By the end of this song, you should be sweating a bit!

    Song #3: “Walking In Memphis,” Marc Cohn

    You’re on a hill. On a scale of one to 10, your resistance is around a six. Your speed is 65 BPM. Each time the chorus hits, speed up your pace. You should feel slightly breathless on these intervals. On the first two, use third position when you push. On the last one, challenge yourself to push as hard as you can in the saddle.

    Song #4: “Work R3hab Extended Mix,” Rihanna [Feat. Drake]

    This is a slow, flat incline ride. Your speed is a 100 BPM. On a scale of one to 10, even though it is a rather flat road, you’re around a five on the resistance. Start in the saddle and then hit second position, focusing on stabilising the core. When you hit the saddle, speed up. Repeat this four times during the course of this song.

    Song #5: “Fallen Empires,” Snow Patrol

    This is a light hill. Your speed is a 74 BPM. On a scale of one to 10, start lighter than you want to at about a four on the resistance. Every 30 seconds, add a bit more resistance. By the end of the song, you should barely be able to hold your pace at 74 BPM. Alternate saddle and third position with every resistance change.

    Song #6: “Changes,” 2PAC

    Now you’re on a heavy hill. Your speed is a 55 BPM. Start in third position. Leaving the resistance high from the previous song, slow your legs down. You should be at around an eight on your scale of one to 10 resistance. It’s going to get really heavy. Each time the chorus hits, speed up as fast as you can through the resistance. If you find that your legs want to go faster than 55 BPM when you’re not on the chorus, add more resistance right away. This should be thick and challenging. Sit when you feel you need, then come out. Your power is in third!

    Song #7: “Gold Dust (Extended Mix),” Galantis

    This is a flat to a hill. Your speed is whatever you want! Take the resistance down while you’re in the saddle. The speed of the music is 128 BPM, but take a moment to ride lighter and hydrate. Once you feel ready, start to speed up as close as you can to the rhythm. Toward the end of the song, take the resistance to a five out of 10, come to third and ride the hill at 65 BPM.

    Song #8: “Silver Springs,” Fleetwood Mac

    Now you jog. Your speed is 88 BMP. Starting in the saddle, close your eyes, take a moment, and just ride. You’re riding at about a six on your scale of one to 10. Find third position when you’re ready. When the chorus hits, hit the saddle and go all out. Push as hard as you can. Repeat until the song ends.

    Song #9: “O.P.P. (Re-Recorded),” Naughty By Nature

    This is a light flat. Your speed is 98 BPM. On your scale of one to 10, you’re at a four. Starting in the saddle, just ride and find your breath. This song is about big changes in resistance. When the chorus hits, add as much resistance as you can while still holding your speed. When the chorus ends, take it off. Feel free to use second position when it feels good to come up.

    READ MORE: 5 Workouts That Burn More Kilojoules Than A Spin Class

    Song #10: “Thunder Road,” Bruce Springsteen

    Last song, last hill! Your speed is 70 BPM. Out of your 10, find a seven. Take the first half of the song to ride in third and notice how your body feels; energized and strong. As the second half of the song approaches, take a seat and start to remove resistance little by little. Take the last 60 seconds of the song to put your head down and push as hard as possible right to the finish line!

    You might also like Which Cardio Is Better for Your Body: Cycling or Elliptical Training?

    This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com More

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    in fitness and body

    Try This Quick And Effective Workout When You’re Seriously Busy

    At loggerheads with your busy schedule? Like many women today, trainer Stacie Clark is juggling a career, family and social life, all of which doesn’t leave much time for working out! So, in keeping with her mantra – “burn kilojoules, not time” – she creates quick and effective workout routines that are pretty much excuse-proof and work like a charm.

    Can you believe she’s forty-something with two kids?! Also, Stacie can’t be bothered with fitness and diet fads; instead, her approach focuses on functional strength training, which uses exercises that mimic real-life movements (think squatting down to pick up a washing basket or hoisting hand luggage into an overhead compartment on a plane) and engages multiple muscle groups at once to maximise results.

    The seven moves here in this quick and effective workout are a taste of her method for scoring an amazing lean, toned, fit body.

    Time: 20 Minutes | Equipment: Dumbbells & Medicine Ball | Good For: Total Body

    1/ TRACK-START DEADLIFT

    Many women neglect the muscles on the back of their body. Get a brand-new rear view with this move, which concentrates on toning your hamstrings and glutes.DO IT: Place a dumbbell on the floor in front of you and stand with your right foot a few steps in front of your left. Bend both knees, keeping your right knee over your ankle. Lower to grab the dumbbell by both ends, keeping your chest lifted (A). Press through your right heel to straighten your leg, raising your left leg into the air behind you (forming a T shape with your body) and lifting the weight off the ground, arms straight and directly under your shoulders (B). Slowly lower your body back to start. That’s one rep. Do 10 to 12, then switch sides and repeat.

    2/ ROPE CLIMB

    Some ab moves don’t fully engage your obliques; others completely neglect them. This one recruits your entire core to cinch your waist with every reach.DO IT: Sit on the floor, knees slightly bent, and lean your torso back. In one motion, reach your left arm up and across your body while lifting your right foot and glute off the floor (A). Slowly repeat on the other side (B). That’s one rep. Do 12 to 15.

    3/ PLANK TO POP-UP SQUAT

    A twist on one of the most effective body-weight exercises there is: the burpee.DO IT: Start in push-up position, hands under your shoulders and legs extended, body forming a straight line from head to heels (A). Brace your core and jump your feet outside your hands, then quickly lift your chest and hands so that you’re upright (B). Reverse the movement to return to start. That’s one rep. Do as many as you can in 60 seconds.

    Quick tip: This move reinforces proper posture and form – something most women lose during quick, dynamic exercises. Focus on keeping the movement controlled.

    4/ REVERSE LUNGE WITH FRONT RAISE

    Reverse lunges activate your glutes, while raising your arms sculpts your abs. Doing them together makes it more challenging and effective.DO IT: Hold a pair of dumbbells at arm’s length at your sides (A). Keeping your chest tall and shoulders back, step one foot back and bend both knees to lower into a lunge, while simultaneously raising the weights in front of you to shoulder height, keeping your arms straight (B). Press through your front heel to return to start. Repeat on the other side. That’s one rep. Do eight to 10.

    5/ REACH-OUT PUSH-UP

    This subtle tweak on the classic push-up recruits more of your chest muscles with every rep.DO IT: Place your hands on the floor under your shoulders and extend your legs behind you, so your body forms a straight line (A). Reach one hand 30cm to the side and bend both elbows, lowering your chest towards the floor (B). Return to start; repeat on the other side. That’s one rep. Do eight to 10.

    Quick tip: Keep your core tight to prevent your hips sagging when you reach.

    6/ CHANGEUP SPLIT HOP

    Dynamic, multi-directional exercises like this build power and agility, improve balance and dial up the kilojoule-burning potential of any workout.DO IT: Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, knees bent and hands raised in front of your chest (A). In one motion, jump and rotate 90 degrees to the right, bending both knees into a lunge as you land (B). Jump back to start. That’s one rep. Do as many as you can in 30 seconds. Switch directions (rotate to the left) and repeat.

    7/ OBLIQUE CRUNCH WITH BALL

    No easy button here! Your shoulder blades have to stay lifted off the floor the entire time (which engages your abs fully throughout the move).DO IT: Grab a light medicine ball and lie on your back. Raise both knees over your hips and place the ball between them. Raise your right shoulder and bring your right elbow to the outside of the ball; hold it in place while extending your right leg out in front of you (A). Pause, then return to start and repeat on the other side (B). That’s one rep. Continue alternating for 10 to 12 reps.

    Quick tip: Concentrate on keeping your hands behind your head, with your elbows out wide, during the entire set. More

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    REVIEW: Under Armour Flow Dynamic Training Shoes — “New Workout Weapons”

    After the launch of Under Armour’s new training shoe, the UA Flow Dynamic, the Women’s Health staff got busy putting them to the test. We tried out some of our favourite disciplines in the shoe to see how versatile the new technology could be over a range of movements. These kicks did not disappoint. 

    WIN A PAIR! See our social media for this opportunity: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

    After the success of the UA running-specific shoe – the Velociti Flow – the UA Flow Dynamic has taken this same unique new technology to create a training shoe without an outsole. This means the midsole is responsible for its traditional cushioning and response duties, and now has the added responsibility of interacting effectively with your exercise surface to provide traction and protection. By removing the outsole the weight is able to be kept lower than most training shoes to give the overall light feeling that we all felt when testing. 

    The breathable fabric allows cool air to circulate while allowing humid air to escape. The upper is finished with a lacing system that helps secure the mid-foot for distraction-free strides. 

    [embedded content]

    Tanya’s Test

    My husband is constantly eyeballing my shoes when I head out to exercise. A tech and shoe fundi, he’ll be quick to advise whether I’m suitably equipped for my activity of the moment. I could not wait to get out with the new UA Flow Dynamic to see how versatile they are. I did four sessions in one week. A regular gym session, an outdoor Cross-Fit style workout, a gut-busting stairs mission, and three sets of Padel – my new favourite game. The shoes added to each and every session. Mostly it was the combination of being lightweight and yet still feeling supported that was the win factor for me. And I’ve schooled my husband, who is equally impressed with what he calls “your new weapons.” 

    Kelleigh’s Kicks

    My cupboard is bulging with shoes. I won’t lie, it can get quite intimidating with all the choices for all the different types of exercise options. My gym classes, pilates, and HIIT training are all covered by this versatile workout shoe though. It’s the flexibility combined with support that I love most. I often feel a shoe offering good stability ends up being too stiff and bulky. The UA Flow Dynamic is light and well-cushioned with great tech and innovation, and I’m loving how confident I feel in all my movements.  

    Tech Specs

    Light & comfortable; UA Intelliknit upper is stretchy, supportive and breathable

    UA Flow technology outsole creates a lightweight feel with increased ground traction on any surface

    Push heel collar for step-in comfort and a locked fit

    Internal shank for support during explosive movements

    Where Can I Get A Pair?

    The new UA Flow Dynamic will be available in both men and women sizes with a recommended retail price of R2 999, and will be available in stores and online. More

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    The Alkaline Diet: Can This Unusual Viral Method Seriously Help You Shed Kilos?

    By dietician Karen Ansel

    The Alkaline Diet, or so-called pee strip diet, is having a moment. According to the New York Post, celebs like Kate Hudson and Jennifer Aniston are fans of the plan, which requires you to monitor your pH levels by peeing on a strip of paper that tests your urine. Fun right? It’s also doing the rounds on TikTok, with advocates touting its many health benefits, from weight loss to more energy.

    The Alkaline Diet theory

    Certain foods (and not always obviously acidic ones like lemons and tomatoes) are said to produce acidic by-products when digested. These can throw off your pH balance and lead to weight gain, according to fans of the diet. There’s also the theory that these foods produce mucous in the body, which fuels disease by allowing them to thrive.

    Proponents of the diet say you should swap acid-forming eats like meat, eggs, dairy, processed foods and most grains. Instead, opt for high-alkaline fruits, vegetables, beans, tofu, nuts and seeds to correct your body’s pH and magically torch fat.

    In order to create an alkaline environment, you’d need to cut out acid-forming foods and introduce alkaline foods. In order to make sure your body is in an alkaline level, you’d need to pee on a strip to test.

    But does it work?

    While it’s a no-brainer that switching from fatty meats and processed carbs to a low-kilojoule produce-and-legume regimen will help you drop kilos, there’s zero evidence that your body’s pH has anything to do with it – or even that a certain diet can affect pH at all.

    “If our diets were able to drive the pH of our blood outside of the body’s normal range, people with lousy diets would be falling into comas and dropping dead left and right,” says nutritionist Tamara Duker Freuman, a registered dietician. Alkaline diets can be nutritionally sound but often lack many of the nutrients that vegan diets do. That’s not to say the alkaline diet hasn’t been praised by vegans on TikTok, since the diet focuses on raw foods, like cucumber noodles.

    Plus, while your pH in urine can be influenced by food, your blood should stay in a normal pH range, which is already slightly alkaline, with a pH of 7.36–7.44. Your stomach, on the other hand, should be acidic, which is key for digesting food. It could be fatal if your blood’s pH goes out of balance. This happens when you drink too much alcohol, are diabetic or during starvation.

    The Conclusion

    While the alkaline diet encourages you to focus on whole foods, leading to a healthier body overall, studies can’t guarantee specific health benefits. Any weight loss would result from cutting out whole food groups, leading to a calorie deficit. Since the science isn’t up to scratch, you’re better off focusing on whole, healthy foods, rather than trying to alkalise your body.

    This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com  More