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      This Quick Workout Works Your Entire Body

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      If you’re a beginner to working out and are not sure where to start, this quick all-over body burner is for you. Pressed for time? Try this. Got excuses? This is the workout! If you’re sensing a theme here, it’s one that Johannesburg-based personal trainer Sherneal Joseph wants you to pick out. No excuses – just get your workout done in 15 minutes, and you’ll be better for it. “I’ve chosen this workout because it invalidates the most common excuses I hear for people skipping a workout or not training at all,” says Sherneal.

      And you’ll work all your most important muscles, from the core to your quads and back. “Apart from challenging you, torching calories and getting those endorphins flowing,” says Sherneal, “This quick workout will promote strength and muscular endurance in all major muscle groups while elevating the heart rate for cardiovascular benefits.”

      Want in? Perform each exercise for 45 seconds with 15 seconds of rest. Rest for 1 minute at the end of each complete round. Repeat for 3 rounds. Try it again the following week and see how long it takes you. You’ll up your endurance the more you go.

      15-minute quick workout

      Lunge to overhead press

      Start in a standing position, with your weights held at shoulder length. Lunge backwards, then step forward, simultaneously lifting the weights overhead. That’s one rep.

      Gorilla renegade rows

      Get onto all fours, with weight evenly distributed throughout. Now raise your knees off the ground and feel your core engage. Grip your dumbbells and lift one into a row. Switch hands and lift the other weight. That’s one rep.

      Push-up to burpee

      With your weights in your hands, get into a push-up position, legs hip-width apart. Bend into a push-up, then straighten all the way up to standing, holding your weights as you do. That’s one rep.

      Dumbbell snatch

      Let your weights be at your feet and start in the standing position. Bend down and snatch and grab one weight, then, in one fluid motion, raise the weight overhead, being sure to brace your core and keeping feet on the ground. Lower the weight back to the floor. That’s one rep.

      Overhead Russian twist

      Start in a seated position, with your legs in front of you and knees slightly bent. Pick up one weight and lift it overhead to lower on your opposite side, like a rainbow. That’s one rep.

      Watch Sherneal perform the moves here:

      [embedded content] More

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      in fitness and body

      One Dumbbell, Six Moves: The Ultimate Beginner-Friendly Full-Body Workout

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      Load shedding putting your fitness goals on pause lately? Well, worry no more! We’ve got the perfect dumbbell workout to keep you in shape even when the lights go out. Best part: it’s also beginner-friendly.

      Designed by local Sport Scientist and personal trainer, Andile Peyi, this routine is guaranteed to get your heart pumping and your muscles working, no matter how dimly lit the room is. With just six moves, you’ll be targeting all major muscle groups while torching those stubborn calories.

      So, grab that trusty dumbbell, put on your gear and let’s make the most out of those load shedding hours. It’s time to turn darkness into an opportunity for a killer workout. Or at least give you something to do till the lights come back on!

      Meet The Expert: Andile Peyi is a qualified Sport Scientist and personal trainer at FitFreak Training.

      “My workout videos are mostly for beginners starting their fitness journey. There is no excuse not to get it done with the videos I make. You can do it anywhere!” says Andile. And as for her favourite fitness quote? It’s obviously this one: “You have to put the work in for it to work out”. Let’s get to it then!

      Equipment: Dumbbell | Good For: Total Body

      Try This Full-Body Dumbbell Workout

      Goblet Squat

      10 reps | 3 Sets

      How to: Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and then hold a weight against your chest. Always keep your core engaged and pelvis tucked in, avoiding an arched back. Lower your body by bending your hips and knees while keeping your chest tall. Avoid rounding your back as you descend. Pause briefly at the bottom of the squat, then push through your heels to raise back up.

      Static Lunge

      10 reps | 3 Sets

      How to: Begin in a split squat position with one foot forward and the other foot back. Hold a weight under your chin. Then raise your back knee up and squeeze your glutes as you come up. Ensure that your core is engaged and your body is in an upright position.

      Curl + Press

      10 reps | 3 Sets

      How to: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in both hands. Keep your core engaged and your back straight. Start by curling the weight towards your chest while keeping your body stationary. From the curl position, slightly dip your knees to generate momentum and press the dumbbell overhead, fully extending your arms and elbows. Slowly lower the dumbbell back to the curl position, then return to the starting position.

      READ MORE: Try This Tough-ish Workout To Really Build Your Strength

      Shoulder Taps

      12 reps | 3 Sets

      How to: Begin in a push-up position with your core engaged and your back straight. Then tap your left hand to your right shoulder and your right hand to your left shoulder.

      In + Out

      12 reps | 3 Sets

      How to: Place the weight in front of you. Start with your hands behind you, facing forward. Then slightly lean back. Bring your legs toward your chest and then push them out to each side of the weight.

      Plank Jack

      20 reps | 3 Sets

      How to: Start in a low plank position with your elbows on the ground. Ensure your core is engaged. Then jump your legs in and out without allowing your lower back to drop.

      Work Out With Andile

      Smashed this workout? Then follow Andile on Instagram for more beginner-friendly workout routines and advice. More

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      in fitness and body

      Boost Your Morning Routine With This Easy 15-Minute Yoga Flow

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      If you ask me, there’s no better way to start the day than with a morning yoga routine. Whether I need to ground down or feel more energized, the right flow of poses always helps me tune into my breath and body.

      Yoga can be an especially powerful practice for anyone dealing with anxiety and depression — and I find that turning to yoga before busy or stressful days goes a long way toward feeling more balanced and centred.

      Plus, mind-body therapies like yoga have been shown to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system, according to research published in Plos One.

      And, yes, in case you’re wondering, a morning yoga routine also challenges your body (chair pose is no joke!), so you can move through your day feeling mentally and physically strong — and more flexible. It starts out with some warm-up poses, moves through a vinyasa sequence that you’ll repeat on each side, and then winds down.

      Time: 15 minutes

      Equipment needed: Yoga mat

      Instructions: Flow from pose to pose listed below, holding and breathing as noted. After completing poses five through 12 on the right side, repeat on the left before moving on. Make this practice about moving intuitively. If you want to feel serene throughout the day, keep your movement slow and gentle. If you want to feel energized, build up to a quicker, more heated pace as you progress. The beauty of yoga is that it can be whatever you need it to be!

      Cat-Cow

      How to: Start on all fours with hands directly under shoulders and knees under hips. Inhale and arch spine so belly sinks down while face and tailbone lift upwards. (This is cow pose.) Then, exhale and push into hands and knees to hollow belly, round spine, and tuck chin towards chest. (This is cat pose.) Repeat for five slow breaths, or about one minute.

      Feel the pose: Close your eyes and try to make your movements more dramatic with each round. Feel the collarbones spread wide in cow pose, and the back of the neck lengthen in cat pose. This one is all about finding a nice rhythm for your spine!

      Downward-Facing Dog

      How to: Start in a plank position. Lift hips up and back, sinking heels toward floor, until body forms an upside down “V” shape. Press shoulders away from ears and relax neck. Spread fingers wide on mat, with palms pressed against the floor. Hold for five slow breaths.

      Feel the pose: Breathe loudly through your nose to tune into yourself and deepen the posture.

      READ MORE: 10 Insanely Challenging Yoga Poses That Will Build Serious Strength

      Side Bends

      How to: Start standing with feet hip-distance apart and parallel, arms extended up overhead with hands interlaced. Inhale and lean up and over from waist to left side. Hold for a few breaths, then push through feet to return to standing and repeat on other side. Perform three rounds on each side.

      Feel the pose: As you create space and length in the sides of the body, feel your ribs separating away from your waist.

      Chair Pose

      How to: Start standing with feet together and arms at sides. At the same time, raise hands overhead, palms facing in, until biceps are by ears while bending knees and sitting back as if lowering into a chair. Hold for five breaths.

      Feel the pose: Challenge yourself and build heat in the body by staying here a little longer than you want to. Find ease in the neck as you breathe deep and feel energy extending out from your fingertips.

      Interlaced Forward Fold

      This pose begins your vinyasa sequence. Flow from this pose through pose number 12 (lizard pose) on the right side, then repeat on the left side.

      How to: Start standing with feet hip-distance apart and hands interlaced behind back, arms straight. Lift fists back away from body, gaze toward ceiling, spread collarbones wide, and then hinge at hips to fold torso over legs and stretch arms overhead. Relax head down and shift weight towards balls of feet. Hold for three long breaths, then release and return to standing.

      Feel the pose: Allow your head and neck to hang heavy and feel your spine decompress.

      Low Lunge Twist

      How to: Start in a low lunge with right foot forward between hands and left leg extended straight back. Draw right hand straight up overhead toward ceiling and rotate torso from waist to gaze up at it. Hold for three breaths.

      Feel the pose: Twist from your belly and upper back while keeping your legs and core strong. Engage your back leg and lift up out of hand on the floor.

      Warrior II

      How to: Start with legs almost as wide as mat, right foot forward, toes facing straight ahead, left foot back, outside of foot parallel to back of mat (right heel lined up with middle of left inner arch), torse facing left side, and arms at sides. Keep left leg straight while deeply bending right knee until thigh is parallel to mat, then extend arms out to the sides at shoulder height. Gaze should be over front fingers. Hold for three to five breaths.

      Feel the pose: Stretch through front and back fingertips equally and keep shoulders over hips.

      Wide Forward Fold

      How to: Start standing with feet wider than shoulders and parallel. Hinge at hips to bring torso in front of thighs, allowing head to relax and shifting weight toward balls of feet to open up backs of legs. Hold for three to five breaths, then return to standing.

      Feel the pose: This pose invites us to literally face inward. Let it draw you into a space of calm introspection as it energizes the body and increases blood flow to the brain.

      Fallen Triangle

      How to: Start in high plank. Then, pull right knee toward chest and slide right foot outside of left hand until both legs are extended to straight (entire left foot and outside of right foot are both on the floor). Draw left hand up toward ceiling and rotate torso to face extended leg. Hold for five breaths, then reverse the movement to return to plank position.

      Feel the pose: Lift hips high and raise gaze to look at top hand.

      READ MORE: Banesa Tseki On How Yoga Gave Her A New Lease On Life

      Low Plank

      How to: Start in a high plank position. Keep elbows in close to sides, bend arms, and lower entire body as one unit on an exhale, stopping when biceps are parallel to mat. As you start to inhale, immediately flow to the next pose.

      Up Dog

      How to: From a low plank position, untuck toes, but keep thighs and shins off the floor. Push through palms to straighten arms and lift upper body until perpendicular to mat. Hold for one breath.

      Lizard Pose

      How to: Start in a low lunge with right foot outside right hand and left leg extended straight back. Keep spine long and core engaged, then slowly lower onto forearms. Hold for five to eight deep breaths, allowing hips to relax and open with each exhale. Push up through hands to return to low lunge. Then, return to pose number five (interlaced forward fold) and repeat this sequence on the left side.

      Feel the pose: To modify, lower back knee to the ground.

      Airplane

      How to: Start lying facedown with legs straight and arms at sides, palms facing down. Inhale, draw shoulders back and down, and lift chest, arms, and legs up as high as comfortable, keeping neck long. Exhale, then lower back down with control. Repeat for five to eight breaths.

      Feel the pose: Reach fingertips back to open up chest and heart.

      Bridge

      How to: Start lying on back with arms at sides and legs bent, feet flat on the floor. Squeeze glutes and lift hips into air. Pull shoulder blades together and bring hands to clasp under body on mat. Hold for three to five breaths, then repeat three times.

      Feel the pose: Think about stretching knees over toes and energetically pulling heels toward glutes to create length in body at top of bridge.

      Happy Baby

      How to: Start lying on back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor, and arms at sides. Draw knees toward chest outside of ribs with legs bent and soles facing ceiling. Bring arms inside of legs and grab big toes with first two fingers and thumb of same hand. Gently pull knees toward floor. Hold for five to eight breaths.

      Feel the pose: Enjoy this juicy position as you start to slow down your heart rate and draw your practice to a close.

      Savasana

      How to: Start lying on back with knees bent, feet flat on the floor, left hand on heart, and right hand on stomach. Extend legs and arms to straight on floor. Relax for one to two minutes.

      Feel the pose: Let the body and mind restore after your hard work!

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

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      in health and weelbeing

      8 Sneaky Ways To Get More Movement In Your Day

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      If you’re mostly sedentary, know that you’re not alone. Worldwide, rates of physical inactivity are skyrocketing, despite the rise of wellness and fitness trends. Need to get more movement in your day? Welcome to the club.

      Globally, we’re moving less

      A new policy toolkit, published by The Global Wellness Institute, shows that around the world, physical inactivity is on the rise. Per the press release, “The GWI’s new Wellness Policy Research Series was born out of a profound problem: The hyper-commercial wellness and fitness market cannot solve our skyrocketing health crises or bring exercise to all.” GWI research finds that only about one-third of the world’s population participates in recreational/leisure physical activities on a regular basis. The reason? Lack of time is cited, along with access and money. In a stunning finding, the GWI found that only 3-4% of the world’s population taps into the commercial fitness industry.

      Getting more movement in your day is essential

      But if your gym is too far away or you’re hard-up to pay for boutique gyms, there are other clever ways to get more movement in your day. Adding more movement is essential. Per the GWI, “Physical inactivity is now the fourth leading cause of death and the pandemic only increased our sedentary behaviour. The WHO estimates that physical inactivity will cause 500 million new cases of preventable diseases, and $300 billion in treatment costs, from 2020-2030, if things do not change.” Plus, the University of South Australia researchers found that exercise is 1.5 times better at helping depression than meditation and therapy.  Adding more movement is also a clever way of losing weight, since the more you move, the more calories you’d burn.

      In SA, we’re blessed with parks, beaches and tons of natural resources begging us to get outside and enjoy them. But you don’t always need to go far to move more. We’ve picked the brains of trainer Kirsten Johnson, who regularly advocates for adding more movement, for tips.

      Go for walks

      It’s age-old advice that stands the test of time. You just gotta walk more. “Going for a 20-minute walk first thing in the morning can start your day off right while avoiding all hurdles,” says Johnson. You don’t even need a sports bra. “Keep your pj’s on, pop on shoes and a hoodie and get out the door,” she adds.

      Park further away

      Most of us are prone to parking as close to the entrance as possible, but here’s an ace way to get more steps in. “Simply parking further from the shop you’re heading into will make you walk a few extra hundred steps every time you do it,” says Johnson.

      Time your movement

      Per the University of Michigan, you should move for three minutes every 30 to 60 minutes. That means getting up and walking around, grabbing a coffee, or anything that keeps you going for three minutes. Plus, those three minutes help boost your energy levels, so you’re better at the next task. Set up a timer on your phone or computer if you’re struggling.

      Leverage waiting time

      “There are tons of times during the day we spend waiting. While the kettle boils, food in the microwave, brushing teeth – use the time to do something small, it all adds up,” says Johnson. Instead of checking your phone, Johnson suggests slow squats, calf raises and arm circles. “All of this is movement, which might seem small, but they add up!” she says.

      Be less lazy

      “My mom has always been the person who will get up and fetch things for others, often upstairs or in another room,” says Johnson. “When I asked her about it she said it’s about serving others and in return you serve yourself with more movement. Truly inspiring, and I carry this mentality throughout my day. No movement is gone unrecognised by your body.”

      Try standing

      When you’re standing, you’re more likely to move your body. Plus, working while standing improves executive function, or the ability to break down tasks, per the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

      Show up for yourself

      Johnson’s workout app, FBK, costs just R85 and uses only your own body weight. Carve out time in your day to move, she says. “Plan movement into your routine as a non-negotiable. This doesn’t mean one hour in the gym. Eliminate hurdles; workout at home,” Johnson says.

      Pick movement dates

      “I think this idea has become more popular over the last few years but it’s worth mentioning. Meeting a friend over a cup of coffee does not have to be a static venture,” says Johnson. “Meet for a walk with coffee, catch up on each other’s lives and get your movement in. Win-win.” More

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      in diet and nutrition

      Race Fuel: Exactly What You Should Eat And Drink For A Better Race

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      When it comes to race fuel, it’s easy to think just your training should take you over the finish line. But for endurance feats, you need a little food to give your tank more power.

      Raeesa Solwa Mehtar, a biokineticist and running coach, has run multiple marathons, ultra-marathons and several half marathons. Here’s her advice on race fuel; what to eat and drink during the race — plus, what to avoid.

      “Personally, I’d say ditch the gels,” says Raeesa. “Do you feel that energy gels make you feel nauseous, sick or give you stomach issues? I know I do. I’ve run four marathons (all under four hours), one ultra (under six hours) and a couple half marathons and did not use any form of energy gels.” Instead, Raeesa fuels up on real food. “Whole food solubles can easily provide the nutrition and electrolytes needed for long-distance endurance efforts,” she says. Here are her go-to strategies for race fuel that’ll get you across the finish line feeling strong. 

      1. Drink lots of water leading up to race day.

      Your body needs to be thoroughly hydrated on the day of the race. “I usually have small sips of water during the race,” says Raeesa. Per experts, you should drink about two cups of water two hours before your run, then stay hydrated during the run, too. Go with your sweat as an indicator. Sweat is water loss from the body that needs to be replaced, so keep hydrating along with the rate at which you sweat.

      2. Eat a good race-day brekkie.

      “On the morning of the race, I have the same type of meal that I would normally have for breakfast, which is a smoothie,” says Raeesa. “You need to practise your pre-race meal strategy during training. The stomach needs to be trained to handle food during a long run.”

      One Co Ready-To-Drink Smoothie Box

      This selection of healthy, ready-to-go smoothies offers three different flavours in a compact bottle that you can stash in your bike kit or have before and after the race to fuel up.

      3. Replace your body’s electrolytes. 

      After the first 10 kilometres in a race, you need to start replacing electrolytes. “I sip on any form of energy drink, but you could also opt for coconut water, which will provide natural energy, potassium and magnesium,” says Raeesa. Electrolytes could also come from small amounts of food containing salt and sugars, like nuts.

      4. Go bananas!

      Bananas are one of the best energy sources you can have as a runner. They’re a good source of carbs and help prevent cramps. Supporters usually hand out bananas on the side of the road, so grab one.

      5. Pack some padkos.

      “Dates are easy to chew and are higher in sugar and carbs compared to other dried fruit – they’re one of my favourite pre-race snacks,” says Raeesa. “Though certainly not an all-natural, real food, gummy bears or jelly beans contain fast-digesting simple sugars, which will reach the bloodstream quickly, giving you a boost when you need it. Honey may just be nature’s version of a sports gel.”

      You can also make little oat balls as snacks and carry them for homemade, healthy fuel.

      Tropical Mix Snacking Bundle

      Combine these into a delish snack mix or pick and choose the ones you’d like to much on.

      Nanuki Boom Bar Seismic Crunch

      This bar, loaded with sunflower seeds and healthy cornflakes, makes for great race fuel.

      OhMega Macadamia Butter

      Choc-o-block with micronutrients and healthy fats, this delicious snack will keep you going for longer.

      Check out Raeesa’s running woman’s workout for killer abs:

      [embedded content]

      6. Don’t skip the taters.

      A baked potato wedges stand during a marathon or ultra race is like approaching an all-you-can-eat candy stand in the running world. They’re not the easiest things to carry (ew…mashed potato pocket!) but if you come across a stand along the road, grab some munchies for a hit of minerals and sustained energy.

      7. No surprises. 

      Be sure to test these new foods on training runs instead of during a race – just in case your stomach doesn’t react well to them while exercising (#totesawks). If gels do work for you, then, by all means, use them properly: drink enough water, train with gels months before, try different brands to see what suits you best and wash them down with water. More

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      in fitness and body

      This Full-Body Bodyweight Workout Builds All The Muscle

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      If you ask me, bodyweight training doesn’t get the credit it deserves. People think you can’t burn tons of calories or build muscle without any equipment — but I’m here to tell you that you can. This full-body bodyweight workout will prove it.

      First of all, bodyweight workouts give you the opportunity to really develop an awareness of your body and perfect your form, which are MUSTS if you do want to work out with weights or resistance bands at some point (and don’t want to get injured).

      The fact that you can score a full-body bodyweight workout without any equipment means that you can boost your fitness and see *very* real results whether you’re at a gym or in your bedroom. (Home workouts FTW.)

      Plus, since bodyweight workouts are easy to modify or progress, you can make little tweaks to increase every exercise’s difficulty, so you continue to sculpt and get stronger. It can be as simple as adding a jump to your split squats or switching from incline pushups to full pushups.

      I promise: As long as you feel challenged, you are building muscle.

      Need I say more? With the 20 exercise options below, you can build your perfect full-body bodyweight workout circuit — whether you want to keep it low-impact and beginner-friendly or crank up the heat and spike your heart rate with some high-intensity moves. Just make sure to incorporate upper- and lower-body movements in order to reap full-body benefits.

      Time: 20 Minutes | Equipment: Bodyweight | Good For: Total Body

      Instructions: Select four of the exercises below, including a balance of upper-body and lower-body moves. Perform each for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue onto the next, resting only as needed. When you’ve completed all four exercises, rest for 30 seconds to one minute, then repeat for three to four total rounds.

      Beginner-Friendly, Low-Intensity Moves

      1. Plank

      How to: Start kneeling at back of mat with toes tucked and butt resting on heels. Walk hands forward to an all fours position with knees under hips and wrists under shoulders. Lift knees to form one straight line from heels to head. Keep hips high and abs engaged. 

      Hold for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      Remember, you’re doing four total moves and showing your upper and lower body equal love.) When you’ve completed all four moves, rest for 30 to 60 seconds, then repeat for three to four total rounds.

      2. Deadbug

      How to: Start lying on back with arms extended straight over chest and legs lifted in the air and bent at 90-degree angles. Maintaining contact between low back and floor, brace core, then slowly and simultaneously straighten and lower right leg until heel nearly touches floor and left arm until hand nearly touches floor overhead. Pause, then return to start and repeat on the opposite side. That’s one rep. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      3. Incline Pushup

      How to: Start in a plank position with hands on a chair, bench or step and feet on floor. Lower down, with elbows pointing 45 degrees away from body, until arms bend to 90 degrees. Then press back up. That’s one rep. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      4. Squat to Lunge

      How to: Start start standing with feet slightly wider than shoulders, toes facing forward or slightly turned out, hands clasped in front of chest. Lower down into a squat, making sure to keep your knees from passing your toes. Rise back to stand, and then take a large step forward with your left foot and lower down into a lunge, stopping when both legs form 90-degree angles. Keep right heel high. Return to start, then repeat on the other leg. That’s one rep. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      5. Glute Bridge

      How to: Start lying on back with legs bent, feet flat on floor, and arms by sides. Engage abs, squeeze glutes, press into heels, and raise hips toward the ceiling until body forms one line from shoulders to knees. Hold the position for two seconds before lowering to start. That’s one rep. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      6. Step Up

      How to: Start standing facing a box or step. (You can skip the dumbbells!) Place left foot on the bench and right foot on the floor. Pushing through left foot, lift body up until you’re standing on top of the bench. Drive right knee up until it forms a 90-degree angle. Pause, then return to start and repeat on the other leg. That’s one rep. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      7. Tempo Squat

      How to: Start standing with feet parallel and shoulder-width apart, arms at sides. Engage core push hips back, and bring arms forward to clasp at chest height. Begin to lower down slowly to the count of five, stopping when thighs are parallel with the floor. Press through feet to reverse the movement in one count and return to start. That’s one rep. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      8. Military Press

      How to: Start standing with feet shoulder-width apart, hands extended straight overhead, palms facing forward, with biceps by ears. (Note: You can use dumbbells for an added challenge.) Keeping back straight and core engaged, slowly lower arms by sides until elbows are bent at 90 degrees. Be sure to squeeze shoulder blades together at the bottom of this movement. Return to starting position. That’s one rep. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      9. Pushup Plus

      How to: Start lying on stomach, with legs straight, toes tucked, arms bent, elbows pointed toward the ceiling, and palms close to body in line with ribs. Engage abs, then exhale and push the floor away until arms are straight. Next, continue to push palms into the floor, spread shoulder blades wide and lift upper back toward the ceiling. Reverse movement to return to start. That’s one rep. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      10. Around the World

      How to: Start lying on stomach, arms extended forward, legs straight behind body, feet pointed, all four limbs, plus head and chest lifted to hover off floor. Then, circle arms out wide and back by sides, squeezing shoulder blades together. Reverse movement to return to start. That’s one rep. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      Advanced, High-Intensity Moves

      1. Burpee 180 Jump

      How to: Start standing in middle of mat with feet shoulder-width apart and arms by sides. Complete a burpee by squatting down to place palms flat on mat in front of toes, hopping feet back into a high plank position and lowering body down to floor, then pushing through palms to reverse the movement. As you rise to stand, hop around to face the opposite direction and then perform another burpee. Hop back around to start position. That’s one rep. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      2. Plank Up-Down

      How to: Come down into a forearm plank with toes tucked, elbows under shoulders, and hips at the same height as shoulders. Pick up one arm and press hand into the ground toward a high, straight-arm plank; repeat the same action with the other hand to complete the transition from low plank to high. With the lead arm, lower back to forearm, then follow with the other hand. Try to keep hips still. That’s one rep. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      3. Bulgarian Split Squat

      How to: Start standing about two feet in front of a step. (You can skip the dumbbells!) Extend left leg back and place left foot on step. Bend knees to lower body as far as you can (or until knee hovers right above the ground), keeping shoulders back and chest up. Pause, then press through right heel to return to start and repeat on other side. That’s one rep. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      4. Single-Leg Glute Bridge

      How to: Lie on back with arms out to the side, knees bent, and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Keeping thighs aligned, straighten one leg so that toes point up. Squeeze glutes to lift hips evenly off the floor, then lower and repeat on other side. That’s one rep. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      5. Hand-Release Pushups

      How to: Place hands shoulder-width apart on floor, then extend legs with feet about hip-width apart, forming a straight line from head to heels. Keeping core tight, bend elbows to lower body all the way down to the floor. At the bottom, allow torso to rest on the ground and briefly lift hands a couple centimetres off floor. Push back up to high plank. That’s one rep.

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      6. Prone Pull

      How to: Start lying face-down on floor with legs extended straight, forehead resting on a folded mat or towel, and arms bent with palms flat on floor close to ribs and elbows pointed toward ceiling. Lift palms off the floor, squeezing shoulder blades together, then extend arms straight overhead until biceps are by ears. Bend arms to bring palms back in line with chest. That’s one rep. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      7. Bear Crawl

      How to: Start in tabletop position at the back of mat with wrists under shoulders, knees under hips, and neck neutral. Keeping elbows slightly bent and back flat, raise hips slightly to lift knees off the floor. Slowly walk hands and feet forward in an alternating pattern to the top of mat, then reverse the movement. That’s one rep. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      8. Walk-Up Squat

      How to: Start in a kneeling position, toes tucked under, knees hip-distance apart. Bring right foot forward to a half-kneeling position. Bring left foot forward, into a low squat. Come up to standing. Return to start by lowering down to a squat and bringing right knee down first. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      9. Tricep Pushup

      How to: Start in a plank position. Lower body down a few inches, with elbows pointing toward feet and biceps close to ribs. Then press back up. That’s one rep. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

      10. Jumping Split Squat

      How to: Start in split squat with torso upright, right leg forward and left leg back (both bent at 90 degrees), left arm bent in front of chest, and right arm extended behind body. Engage abs and drive through right heel to jump up into the air with straight legs, switching arms and leg positions to land softly back into a split squat with left leg and right arm forward. Reverse movement to return to start. That’s one rep. 

      Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute, then continue immediately to your next exercise, resting only as needed.

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

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      in fitness and body

      The Exact Science Behind Dancing Workouts – And How To Do Them

      by

      TikTok has taught us many things: how salads can become more popular than celebrities, the historical accuracy of Bridgerton costumes and that nothing catches on faster than a dance. There’s something about watching people move joyfully to some juicy tune that just makes you want to get off your butt and do the same dancing workouts. What’s uncanny is how long you’re bouncing around before you realise your quads hurt. “You don’t even notice that you are doing jumping jacks and jump squats and whatever it might be because you’re so focused on the enjoyment of the song,” says Kirsten Johnson, former dancer and founder of the Find Balance Kindly workout app, a series of dance-inspired functional workouts. 

      And right there lies the beauty of dancing workouts: you’ll be working hard without even knowing it, all while having the time of your life. 

      If joy – and sticking to a workout, any workout – is what you’re after, dancing could be the key. But there’s a caveat: just swaying along for hours like a dandelion in the wind isn’t going to cut it. Not least because swaying around indicates that you’re not having much fun at all. We’ve dug around to find what you should be doing instead. 

      Dance ‘till you drop 

      As a teenager, professional dancer Kelly Ernstzen danced constantly. In the hallways between classes, in the bathroom, while chatting to friends. It’s no wonder, then, that she was incredibly fit and slim. “You enjoy it so much that you don’t think about how tired you’re getting,” she says. Now that she’s in her thirties and dancing professionally, she’s realised just how fit her dancing has kept her fit for so long. Science backs it up: a Los Angeles study found that just 20 minutes of hard dancing is also the equivalent of running for 20 minutes but is a more balanced workout, engaging the core, upper and lower body all at once. 

      “A Los Angeles study found that just 20 minutes of hard dancing is also the equivalent of running for 20 minutes but is a more balanced workout, engaging the core, upper and lower body all at once.”  

      But in order or gain the benefits, you’d need to be going hard. That means dancing to a faster song and using more vigorous movements than say, simply bobbing your head. While you can take your pick of the kinds of dances you’d like to try (there are many), know that each kind affects your body in different ways. 

      Ballerinas have long, slim lines because they’re lifting their legs and arms constantly, working against gravity. As a student, Kelly needed to study various forms of dancing – and felt the different muscle groups from class to class. “African dancing is much more grounded, so I felt like my legs – or the bottom half of my body – were developing much faster,” she says. “My upper body and my core were developing much more when I was doing contemporary [dance]. And with hip-hop, it’s more cardio-based, fast, keeping with the rhythm and the tempo.” 

      Boost your brain  

      A study in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise found that when dance class participants were at just 60% of their maximum heart rate, cognitive function improved. That’s because dance class is a little more than jumping up and down to Drake on a Friday night – there’s choreography to learn. And since dancing incorporates your entire body, you need to pay attention to cross-body movements, coordinating the left side of your body to move in sync with your right (like rubbing your tummy and patting your head at the same time). Research has found that dance promotes brain plasticity – that is, it’s as much a workout for your brain as it is for your body. The results are exciting: because of the cross-body movement, the connection between the hemispheres of your brain is strengthened. Think: improved balance, memory and attention.

      “Research has found that dance promotes brain plasticity – that is, it’s as much a workout for your brain as it is for your body.”

      There’s more. Grooving can even ward off dementia by as much as 76% – greater than the effects of doing crossword puzzles four days a week, according to a study of seniors by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. 

      Shake it off   

      “We are too busy being active and enjoying ourselves to feel the aches and pains,” is the title of one Cape Town-based study on the effects of dancing. Investigating the effects of dancing on women between the ages of 60 to 80, researchers found that participants did not subscribe to the typical belief that mental capacity and physical endurance start to decline when a woman hits 60. They just didn’t see it that way. Makes sense, since dance is its own kind of therapy, capable of alleviating depression, increasing mindfulness and boosting self-esteem. 

      For Johnson, the biggest shift she’s seen is in her clients’ mindset. “My biggest objective with any client is that they change the way they see exercise,” she says. “On bad days in the past, clients would always say, ‘I’m having a bad day, I don’t feel well and therefore, I’m going to cancel my session,’ whereas now I notice they say, ‘I’ve had a really bad day, I really need to work out today.’” 

      “My biggest objective with any client is that they change the way they see exercise”
      Kirsten Johnson, dancer and instructor

      For Ernstzen, what’s great is seeing how her students start feeling more confident. “I think besides all the physical aspects of it, once you start dancing, you kind of get to learn about your body a bit more,” she says. “I think you just get a little bit more in tune with your body. And you start appreciating what your body can do more.” 

      So where to begin? Pick the right kind of music and start jamming. It can not only chisel your bod and mind, but make you feel so good, too. And when you’ve got only one body to work with, shouldn’t you appreciate it as joyfully as you can? 

      Dancing workout apps

      Steezy

      Steezy has a plethora of dance classes of different styles to choose from, including ballet, contemporary, hip hop and salsa.

      FitOn

      Try out something new with FitOn, which has not only regular workouts but dance routines, too.

      TikTok

      Why not try one of the many viral TikTok dances? Play the clip back at half-speed so you can learn slowly. More

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      in diet and nutrition

      Creatine Guide: What It Is, How It Works, Proven Benefits And The Truth On Side Effects

      by

      Fact of the day: creatine is one of the most-researched fitness supplements on the market. And practically all of that research is positive: after an analysis of several existing studies on creatine, the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) declared that ‘creatine monohydrate is the most effective ergogenic nutritional supplement currently available to athletes with the intent of increasing high-intensity exercise capacity and lean body mass during training.’

      It’s not just athletes that reap the rewards, either. You and I can both benefit from taking it, particularly as females. Women have naturally lower creatine stores than men. We respond better to creatine supplementation and could experience double the performance improvement than males. Besides performance and muscle growth, creatine can also work wonders for PMS symptoms, and feeling your fittest and healthiest self during pregnancy, postpartum and menopause.

      All that said, there’s a little more to it than popping some powder into your protein shake or taking a pill as a pre-workout, and none of you should ever consider putting anything into your body without knowing exactly how and when to take it, and whether what you’re taking is legit. So, we turned to some of the smartest minds in sports supplementation to talk you through the key facts, while breaking down the myths. Spoiler: it won’t cause weight gain, and your kidneys won’t crumble.

      What is creatine?

      In layman’s terms, it’s an ‘amino acid stored in your muscles, brain and gut, and is required for all of the body’s fast, high-energy and demanding activity,’ Dr Stacy Sims, a female physiologist and nutrition scientist, explains.

      ‘It’s a naturally-occurring compound and your body produces under 1g per day in your liver, after you eat protein.’

      It can be obtained through your diet via animal protein, especially red meat and fish, but you’d need to eat inhuman amounts to hit the level available in most supplements available to buy.

      What foods are high in creatine?

      Beef

      Pork

      Salmon

      Chicken

      Venison

      Cod

      Tuna

      What does it do?

      If you’re considering trying creatine, it can help to know how it actually works. Your body has three main energy systems: the aerobic, anaerobic and the APT-phosphagen system. All of these systems use a molecule called ATP (adenosine triphosphate) to carry and release energy.

      During intense bursts of activity, like HIIT workouts, the ATP-phosphagen system is activated and your body generates energy (in the form of ATP) from another molecule called phosphocreatine (PCr). ATP is broken down and energy is released. PCR is what your body needs to replenish ATP (i.e. energy) levels. But you only have a very small amount, which is where creatine supplementation comes in. Props to anyone who’s still with us; promise the next sections aren’t so science-based.

      What are the benefits?

      1. Creatine improves exercise performance

      In one study in 2016, female participants experienced a 15% increase in exercise performance after supplementing with creatine for 10 weeks, compared to just 6% in men – more than double the benefit. Dr Sims says various mechanisms are at play here:

      One is that you will have a greater energy availability through increased ATP turnover during exercise, but you’ll also have delayed neuromuscular fatigue.’

      You’ll get tired less quickly and be able to go for longer, basically.

      2. Creatine increases muscle mass and strength

      Another number for you: 95% of all creatine is stored in your skeletal muscles. So, it makes sense that supplementation can help you gain strength and increase muscle growth.

      How? As well as support for the ATP energy system mentioned above (meaning you’re capable of carrying out more intense workouts and lifting heavier), creatine has been shown to promote muscle gain by drawing water into the muscle, increasing levels of a hormone called IGF-1 (which increases muscle growth) and improving your performance ability and recovery. This has been so well proven that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) now recommends creatine supplementation alongside strength training for improving muscle growth in adults over the age of 55.

      3. Creatine improves mood and cognitive function

      Not only has creatine been shown to reduce mental fatigue, which could thereby help you to carry out more frequent/intense workouts, it has also been shown to aid with depressive disorders.

      ‘One review in 2021 on brain health in women found that women with a major depressive disorder who augmented their daily antidepressant with 5g of creatine responded twice as fast and experienced remission of depression at twice the rate of women who took only their antidepressant,’ Dr Sims tells WH.

      4. Creatine counteracts menopausal muscle, bone and strength loss

      For menopausal women, creatine supplementation in combination with resistance training has been shown to counterbalance muscle, bone and strength loss, by ‘reducing inflammation, oxidative stress and bone resorption, while increasing bone formation,’ Dr Sims explains.

      ‘The research suggests that menopausal women taking high doses of creatine (0.3g per kg a day for at least 7 days) may increase muscle mass and function,’ she adds.

      What are the side effects?

      The most common misconceptions around creatine are that you’ll gain weight, or experience bloating or gut issues. Newsflash: not true. ‘This stems from the original “bodybuilding” methods of loading creatine and taking 5g, four times per day, with 1g per kg of bodyweight with carbs,’ Dr Sims explains.

      ‘This combination creates an increase in cellular hydration (i.e. water retention), which can be associated with weight gain and bloating, but taking this amount (over the recommended dosage) is to blame, and the side effects are proven unfounded in women.’

      Strength and conditioning coach Andy Vincent agrees that how you take the supplement is what will determine whether or not you get on with it: ‘Creatine doesn’t dissolve in water, which can cause some women to get an upset stomach, but by starting on a low dose, splitting the dose throughout a day or trying buffered forms of creatine, you rule out the risks.

      ‘Other supposed issues are weight gain and water retention. Weight gain could be aligned with increased muscle tissue, which is one of the best reasons to take creatine, and water retention is intracellular, meaning that it occurs within your cells, and you will not visibly notice it.’

      The supposed kidney troubles you may have heard about are also nothing to panic about. ‘This is a common misconception based on the misunderstanding of creatine’s effects on creatinine and its role in kidney damage,’ says Vincent.

      ‘Creatine is the single most-researched supplement on the planet and no existing studies have reported an effect on kidneys, even when using dosages eight times higher than the recommended.’ Phew.

      Can it cause hair loss?

      If you’ve heard on the grapevine that creatine could cause hair loss, fret not. It’s BS. Vincent sets the record straight: ‘One study in 2009 documented hair loss due to an increase in the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which could cause hair loss, but this was a study on men and was only done on men who had a specific gene that made baldness more prevalent. It is not a concern for women and has never been observed in any other research.’

      Dr Sims concurs: ‘There is no existing literature to show that hair loss is a side effect of creatine supplementation.’

      Does it affect your sleep?

      Research has shown that supplementing with creatine monohydrate can slightly increase the number of high-energy phosphates in the brain. This can buffer the accumulation of adenosine and ATP between brain cells during wakefulness, which should reduce sleep hunger (i.e. how much you want to sleep), but may also shorten your sleep duration and reduce the time you spend in deep sleep. This is exactly what a study of rats showed. After the researchers added creatine monohydrate to the animals’ food for four weeks, the rats:

      Had an increase in the amount of phosphocreatine in the brain regions important to sleep

      Had less ATP in some brain areas

      Slept 32% less, which was driven by less deep sleep

      Had less “rebound” sleep after sleep deprivation

      Of course, we are not rats, and something to note is that creatine supplementation probably increases brain creatine more in them (about 30% in rats) than in us as humans (5 to 10%). In turn, creatine supplementation is likely to affect sleep more in rats than it is in us. As it stands, there is no published research into the effect of creatine on human sleep, but going on the above, it makes sense that creatine may reduce sleep duration, albeit reducing your sleep ‘hunger’.

      What form of creatine is best?

      It’s a resounding recommendation from Dr Sims and Vincent on creatine monohydrate. Both experts tout it for its bioavailability, meaning you’ll absorb more of the nutrients.

      Best creatine to shop now

      USN Pure Creatine

      The micronised form of pure creatine monohydrate supports muscle performance, growth and power.

      Tip: Avoid blends and products with a long list of ingredients. The purer the better.

      When should you take creatine?

      Both Dr Sims and Vincent are keen to clarify that creatine is neither a post nor pre-workout supplement.

      ‘The aim is to saturate all of your body’s creatine stores, so as long as you take it every day (at any time), you will reap the rewards,’ says Vincent.

      How much should you take per day?

      3-5g per day. ‘This will vary a little depending on your fitness level and body weight,’ Vincent says. ‘Start on the lower end of the scale if you’re petite and go higher if you’re an advanced trainer. It’s also recommended that vegans and vegetarians start at the higher end of the dosage range to get the most performance benefits.’

      ‘This is the ideal dosage proven to improve performance, brain health, bioenergetics and gut health, without any risk of bloating or gut issues,’ Dr Sims reassures us.

      How often should you take creatine?

      Providing your body is A-OK with it, take your creatine supplementation daily. As mentioned, you can split your dosage across each day, if preferable.

      Is creatine bad for you?

      Providing you stick to the recommended dosages advised by Sims and Vincent above and steer clear of blended products or products with a big list of ingredients, it’s totally safe. Use sites such as examine.com or labdoor.com to check whether the creatine supplement you’re considering taking has been tested and cleared for consumption.

      One more thing: make sure you don’t overdo it. If you haven’t taken creatine before, try taking just one and giving yourself a few days to see how your body reacts. Then, if all is well, you can continue with your regular supplementation.

      This article was originally published on Women’s Health UK. More