More stories

  • in

    2022’s Biggest Fitness Trends To Start RN, According to This Viral Expert

    Let me introduce you to a fitness icon, wellness expert, founder of The Sculpt Society, and my personal #fitspo: Megan Roup. Roup is a professional dancer-turned-workout pro (#goals), and after listening to her expertise on a podcast interview, I knew she was the right person to help us all get out of the fitness rut that typically comes this time of year: It’s cold outside, we’re more tired than usual, and motivation is lacking. But exercise does not have to be a chore to check off the to-do list or a boring habit we keep up with for the sake of routine; it should always be enjoyable, challenging, and exciting, no matter the time of year (or weather outside). So to put us all out of our fitness rut misery, I grilled Roup on the trends we can expect to transform our fitness routines this year. Read on for her 2022 predictions that you can start trying right now.

    Meet the expert
    Megan Roup
    Founder of The Sculpt Society
    After a successful career as a professional dancer, Roup combined her passion for dance and love of fitness to create The Sculpt Society, a workout method designed to empower women through movement.

    1. Shorter, quicker workouts
    So long, 90-minute workouts! 2022 is all about ditching extensive training if you only have time to fit in quick workouts, whether that means a few five minute spurts of yoga flows throughout the day, a 15-minute walk, or 30 minutes of an online class. “There will be a big emphasis on quick, effective workouts (i.e The Sculpt Society “quickie” workouts). My affirmation is to commit less so you can show up more,” Roup explained. “Small chunks of movement each day adds up to big wins, and consistency is the key to the success of any fitness journey.” Shorter spurts of exercise is not just a trend; it makes perfect sense. Committing to shorter workouts is way more realistic and sustainable, since you’re setting yourself up for success when you’re busy, traveling, or just don’t feel like spending an hour exercising (which, let’s be honest, happens a lot). 

    2. Gyms are coming back, but digital fitness isn’t going anywhere
    In 2020, we learned to break our gym addiction and exercise at home. But even though our favorite yoga studios and fitness centers are opening back up, digital fitness isn’t going anywhere. “When it comes to gym memberships or digital fitness, it is and, not or,” Roup said. “Many people will have a gym membership and a membership to an app.” If you think about it, having both offers the perfect workout routine.
    With digital fitness, you have the flexibility of exercising anywhere for any amount of time. But boutique fitness classes or a gym membership offers a different environment, type of workout, or equipment from you could do virtually. With both, you have the best of both worlds. Roup said that she’s even seeing more members using The Sculpt Society at the gym so they have more space and equipment for their favorite workouts they can also do at home. Don’t have a budget for both? Switch it up by trying a drop-in class every couple of months to challenge yourself and get out of your routine or check out free YouTube videos at home on the days where you don’t have time to get to the gym.

    3. More focus on pelvic floor muscles
    You know to work your ab muscles and glute muscles, but what about your pelvic floor muscles? In the next year, Roup predicted this important (and overlooked) area will become more of a priority, and for good reason. “In 2022, there will be more conversations around the pelvic floor and fitness, especially as it relates to pregnancy.” She explained that just like other muscle groups in the body, the pelvic floor muscles can be strengthened and lengthened, and focusing on these muscles help support pregnancy as well as help with recovery after labor. Pregnancy not in your plans? Pelvic floor exercises as part of a well-rounded workout routine will continue to grow in popularity since they have been connected to everything from better sex to ab definition. To start, try The Sculpt Society’s 360 Breathing classes or try exercises from a pelvic floor expert like Courtney Virden.

    4. Less equipment
    Good news for those of us who hate going to the gym or live in studio apartments: Bulky equipment and even weights are getting less important for fitness. “Workout equipment can be a limiting factor for a lot of people who are traveling, working with a budget, have limited space, or are on the go,” Roup said. “Workouts that require no equipment or light equipment that’s easy to travel with will make the entry point easier and more cost-effective to get started.” In other words, fitness is way more accessible in 2022. While weight lifting has amazing benefits or machines can be a great way to challenge yourself, you don’t need any equipment to reach your fitness goals. Body weight is good enough. And if you like having something to guide your workouts, leave the weights at home (we need to reserve all the weight in our suitcases for curling irons and shoes!) and pack a light jump rope or resistance band instead. 

    5. Prioritizing fun workouts
    And now for my personal favorite 2022 trend: having a lot more fun. Gone are the days of intimidating fitness classes where the instructor scares you into running faster, accountability coaches who get you to the gym by bullying disguised as “motivation,” or forcing yourself into a boring run on the treadmill or lift at the gym because you think that’s what’s good for you. Let’s all agree to ditch fear-based fitness and instead opt for what feels good. Feeling more confident, proud, motivated, and excited isn’t some woo-woo self-help advice; it’s the most powerful fitness hack to actually stay consistent. “The more fun and enjoyment we find in workouts, the more consistent we will be with them,” Roup agreed. “People are looking to exercise to find positivity and be uplifted.” And in 2022, we could all use a little more uplifting. 

    Why 2022 Should Be the Year You Start Weightlifting More

  • in

    A Lunchtime Workout Session Could Cure Burnout

    Whether you’re still working from home or have returned to the office by now, the 3pm slump is inevitable. In the morning, we’re efficient, making calls and organising team catch-ups and meetings, sending emails with speed and the kind of sign-off that demands a thoughtful and considered response.
    But slowly, as the day progresses, our energy wanes. And regardless of what we eat for lunch or the number of caffeinated beverages we choose to consume, 3pm comes around it suddenly feels like we’ve aged a decade. Unable to focus, time moves at a glacial pace for those remaining hours of the day and it’s all we can do to drag ourselves home and into bed.
    READ MORE: This 4-Week Bodyweight Challenge Is The Ultimate New Year Workout Plan
    This mental exhaustion is a common feeling for many but in some good news, it appears exercise might be the cure. As anyone who has been in the slump can attest, getting into some activewear and breaking a sweat is often the last thing on your mind. However, it might just be the thing you need. As a newly-published study by German researchers suggests, exercise can reverse this mental fatigue in just 30 minutes.
    For the study, subjects with cognitive fatigue were grouped into three interventions: 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, 30 minutes of easy stretching and 30 minutes of watching the TV sitcom The Big Bang Theory. The group that cycled for 30 minutes on an exercise bike reported feeling less mentally tired, had improved mood and better perception of their mental capability, and also showed improved ability to take on new tasks. Ultimately, the 30 minutes was seen to restore higher-order executive functions, helping workers to get back online and ready for action.
    As the researchers found, exercise during lunchtime does wonders – not just in the short-term, but for the long-term too. Aside from feeling refreshed post-exercise, you can also combat long-term negative alterations in the brain structure and function that can come with chronic, persistent mental fatigue. The study found that the more fatigued someone felt, the more the 30-minute exercise cycle made them feel refreshed.
    READ MORE: 24 Motivational Quotes To Help You Push Through The Tough Days On Your Weight Loss Journey
    It’s worthing noting, though, that the study only looked at 30 minutes of easy aerobic exercise so it’s not exactly clear what the impact of doing, say, an hour’s run might be on mental stress, or a higher intensity exercise. As Women’s Running suggests, “Since we know that mental stress and physical stress build off each other, it’s likely that if a too long or too intense exercise session puts additional strain on the body, it could contribute to fatigue and not help you recover from it.”
    But despite exercise being an effective mood-boosting tool to overcome mental fatigue and the dreaded feeling of an afternoon slump, studies also show that people often blow off a workout when feeling overwhelmed because they feel the long-term benefits aren’t as important as their immediate need to chill. If this is something you’re guilty of, we’d suggest scheduling in 30-minutes of exercise just as you would a meeting or Zoom call, to hold yourself accountable and ensure you take that time. Because while your mind might be telling you to lounge and chill, exercise is exactly what your body needs to come back feeling energised and invigorated.
    And as the recent study suggests, you don’t need to push yourself. This isn’t a time for analysing metrics on your smartwatch or looking at data, it’s simply about connecting to your body through movement and allowing the tension you’ve built up in the day to release.
    READ MORE: 5 Workouts To Help You Tone, Trim, and Build Muscle This Summer
    Cape Town-based Jessica Naylor, a seasoned fitness trainer (group exercise) best known for her optimistic, high impact energy workouts has compiled a few fun, effective, equipment-free and lunch break friendly exercises. “All these workouts can be done anywhere, provided there is a bit of space. Prepare to tone and burn all in one,” she says.
    Move: Soccer Drill ​Nail it: Tap your foot, then the other foot, knee and then the other knee. Pick up the pace and double the time!
    Move: High KneesNail it: Keep your knees high and the power going, on the spot, in a sprinting motion.​
    Move: Arms For DaysNail it: Stand tall, keep your shoulders behind and tummy tight. Place your arms out horizontally. Palm open and thumb facing the roof. Pulse your arms back and forth. Make small movements and feel the burn!
    Move: Explosive Star ​Nail it: Slightly bend your knees. In one movement make your self into a star shape. Shoot arms and legs out and quickly bring yourself back to the starting position. Repeat this movement 20 times. Hello cardio!
    Move: Jump For Joy ​Nail it: Point on your toes. Arms stretched up above your head and bounce away!​
     Move: Quick FeetNail it: Make sure your feet are directly under your shoulders. Bend your knees slightly and run on the spot!
    The article Why A Lunchtime Sweat Session Could Be The Cure For Burnout was originally published on the Women’s Health Australia website. 

    READ MORE ON: burnout Cognitive Fatigue Fatigue Fitness Advice Health wellness More

  • in

    I Worked Out Over 250 Times Last Year—Here’s How I Kept It Interesting

    A year ago today, I had just finished an eight-week workout challenge that involved a short 30-minute workout three days a week. I noticed a big improvement in my strength and endurance, and three days a week felt easy. I was crushing those workouts, using heavier weights, and feeling great. So it felt like the perfect time to up my workout routine—and that’s when things got interesting. The next thing I knew, it was June 2021, and I had successfully completed five to six workouts a week every single week. Before I knew it, it was December, and I had logged over 250 workouts in my activity tracker. And I’ll be honest, it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be.
    Obviously, developing the habit of working out made a huge difference in my ability to keep it up this year, but finding ways to keep my workouts interesting and enjoyable made me stick with it on the days I’d really rather keep watching TV on the couch. The first thing I relied on was Obé Fitness. Obé is my favorite streaming fitness app because the classes are so fun and varied, the energy of the instructors is infectious, and it’s pretty inexpensive. Here’s a peek at my workout routine and how I used Obé to get in the best shape of my life. 

    My Workout Routine
    Over the last year, building a routine took some time, but now that I’m ahead of it, I’d say that’s what kept me accountable the most. In a typical week, I’d weight train at the gym three times a week, do one other strength workout at home, one cardio workout a week (like a short HIIT class, dance, or a long walk), and one yoga class a week. 
    Earlier in the year when we were still in lockdown, obviously, I was doing all of my workouts at home. I utilized Obé’s live class feature and took five classes a week. I’d start my week with a pilates class, then do strength on Tuesdays and Fridays, sculpt on Wednesdays, dance cardio on Thursdays, and yoga on Sundays. And when I could, I’d take a long walk on Saturdays. 

    Source: Colorjoy Stock

    How I Kept It Interesting
    1. Tried New Classes
    Unlike prior attempts at developing a workout routine, I had variety already built into my routine. I wasn’t expecting that I would go lift weights at the gym five days a week and never get bored. Instead, I made a point to constantly try new workouts. Obé offers a plethora of different classes and is always adding new ones (they recently added stationary bike Ride classes as well as Jump!), and I made it my mission to try every single one. 
    Some, like pilates, became staples in my routine. Pilates was so hard, but it made me feel strong in a way that no class ever has (and it made my abs sore every single time). Others, I only did once or twice (looking at you, Bounce—the mini trampoline class that kicked my butt). 
    Classes weren’t the only change I made. I definitely get in the habit of thinking that my workouts have to be a 30-minute class or gym session to “count,” entirely forgetting all the exercise I do just living in a city and walking everywhere. I like to go for a long walk at least once a week, and I started thinking of that as an opportunity to work out. This made me pause and remember to rest more because I realized I was active so often, but it also became a standard workout in my routine. I look forward to my Saturday morning walks around the neighborhood. 

    2. Leveled Up When Necessary
    After a few months of working out at home, I was starting to feel a little bored. Instead of giving up, I realized that I was probably ready to level up the intensity. Immediately, I went up in weights and felt an immediate difference. My workout was challenging again, leaving me sweaty and sore (in the best way). 
    But I also found other ways to level up. I added ankle weights to my sculpt classes and wore them on my walks. And I started modifying in classes. Obé’s instructors give great ideas for making your workouts a bit more manageable or more challenging, and I’d always leaned somewhere in the middle. I started occasionally opting for the modifications, whether it was to make it easier on my wrists or to engage my core more. This made my workouts feel more exciting and interesting because I was always trying new things. 

    3. Switched Up the Music
    I pretty much always listen to the same music during my workouts, or I’ll just listen to whatever is playing in the background of a class. But after a while, this stops being fun and motivating. After a yoga class with Beth C. on Obé during which she has you stand up and dance around to ’90s punk rock, I knew that I needed to change it up. I opted for a slew of different workout playlists that ranged in genre. I’ll always go back to my rap/hip hop, but having some options made me excited on the way to the gym. 
    I also started working out to podcasts. I never thought I could possibly feel motivated working out while people were talking, but somehow, it works. Instead of motivating me to push harder and further, it gets my mind off of it. I’m too busy paying attention to the pod that I’m not thinking about how much longer the workout will be and when it’s over. This works best for long sessions on the treadmill or stairmaster, 12-3-30, and setting your own yoga flow. 

    4. Invested in New Workout Gear
    Because I would be working out from home, I had to give myself a studio-apartment-sized at-home gym. I invested in a good mat that I could do everything from planks and Russian twists to Warrior 2 on. Then, I added a few dumbbells to my repertoire. As time went on, I added a few more: a small set for pilates and cardio boxing, a higher weight as I got stronger, and a kettlebell. As I started doing more classes, I got excited for new items to make workouts even more enjoyable, like getting a barre ball, resistance bands, and ankle weights. Before I knew it, I had a whole at-home workout station that I was actually excited to use.

    5. Changed My Scenery
    I would be remiss to say that I did start attending the gym halfway through the year, which was an investment in my journey as well. This made me ultra-motivated to work out after such a long time of being inside. I’d walk in and be excited to try a new machine or station every single time. Then, I started attending a few studios once or twice a month. 
    But it wasn’t all the gym and in-person classes. When I wasn’t feeling a typical workout on my bedroom floor, I’d go to the living room and take a dance class from the TV. I’d take a walk around the neighborhood. In the summer, I even went and did yoga on my rooftop a few times. One of the biggest ways to keep working out interesting is to make it a fun activity rather than a chore. The one constant of my workout routine has been Obé classes because I can easily make it work for me and my needs. I can take a class from my bedroom, my rooftop, my parents’ backyard, a hotel—you name it. 

    Ready to try Obé for yourself? Use code TEG2for2 for two months of Obé for just $2—offer valid this month only!

    The Unexpected Workout That I Actually Enjoy (and You Might Too)

    The Crucial Thing Missing From Your Workout Routine

    This post is sponsored by Obé Fitness, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

  • in

    I Achieved My Health Resolutions in 2021—Here Are The Habits That Helped Me Do It

    The past five Januarys of my life feel like they were full of the same blind optimism, followed by feeling like I was a failure for not achieving the health resolutions I had my heart set on during those first hopeful days of the year—until 2021.
    While I never planned to be someone who worked remotely, having a full calendar year of working from home freed up time in my schedule that used to be spent commuting and at the office, and it left me with the opportunity to prioritize the things I previously hadn’t. No longer were dinners whatever would be the quickest to eat because I was so ravenous when I rushed in the door at night. Now, I had time and energy to give to my health that I just didn’t before—and for the first time, I felt like I ended a year healthier than when I started it.
    Looking back, I wish I hadn’t been so hard on myself about resolutions that—let’s face it—nobody really keeps and would have prioritized small, tangible steps instead. But now that I’m on the other side, I’m keeping up with the things I learned that helped me and dropping the things that didn’t. These are the five habits that got me there and that I’m sticking with in 2022:

    1. I prepped ingredients, not meals
    I always thought that the quickest way to eating healthy was to meal prep, but after years of being on and off about it, I realized that for me, it was the quickest way to dread meals.
    Rather than eating the same thing every day and having a four-day-old meal that needs to be eaten on Thursday, I started planning what I’d eat and prepping ingredients instead. If I knew I’d be making a stir fry, on Sunday after I grocery shopped, I’d take the time to pre-chop the ingredients I needed and then would make the meal right before I wanted to eat it. Not only does this make my cooking take half the time, but it also allows me to actually enjoy what I’m eating.

    2. I snacked more consciously
    One of my biggest pitfalls when it comes to health is that I’m a huge snacker, and those snacks aren’t usually healthy. When I was busy and didn’t have time to sit down for a meal, I’d grab whatever was easiest and get on with my day. While I absolutely still snack, I’ve changed what I eat when I snack, and it’s made all the difference.
    Rather than following my instinct of reaching for carbs, I’ve made it a priority that when I snack, it’s on fruit, protein, or fats, so I’m left actually feeling full. I always keep cheddar cheese sticks and single-serve guac packets to dip carrots and celery into that I actually look forward to eating when I need to reach for something, and I’ve found that they’re the things that keep me fullest. Being more strategic about what I snack on rather than trying to cut it out altogether (which wouldn’t be realistic for me) has completely changed how I feel throughout the day in ways I didn’t expect it to.

    3. I was easier on myself
    I promise this is something I rolled my eyes at prior to last year, but by practicing it (often not by choice), I’ve been left a believer.
    I’ve always been consistent about working out—I tend to feel anxious and jittery when I don’t, which is enough to get me moving—but often times, I’d be too consistent. I’d exercise on days that my body was aching and sore and would force myself to get up and run on mornings I was hungover (which, you guessed it, usually makes for a pretty terrible run). 
    The thing was, even when I was doing that, I wasn’t seeing progress. Rather than focusing so intensely on getting a workout in every single day no matter what, I’ve given my body days to recover and been easier on myself on days that I just don’t feel like going to the gym. As a result, the workouts I do do are higher quality and more strategic, and I actually find myself looking forward to them more.
    When I stopped looking at it as something I had to do and instead looked at it as something I got to do, it completely changed how I felt. My body performs so much better now that it has time to rest and recover, and dropping the pressure I used to put on myself has left me healthier than ever.

    4. I fit in movement where I could
    The pandemic has taught me nothing if not the power that a good walk can have, and it’s made me have a complete 180 on my mindset about movement.
    Since I live alone and work from my apartment, I have to stay conscious about making sure I’m moving and getting out as much as I possibly can. On days when I don’t want to go for a run or head to the gym, I’ve learned to prioritize walking as much as I can. It’s easy for me since I have a dog that has to go out multiple times a day anyway, but I’ve turned my walks around the block into 20 or 30-minute ones where I listen to a podcast, and I’m always left feeling better—and it’s become a part of my routine I look forward to. Even on days I do go to the gym, I make sure I take my dog for a long walk at night to get fresh air and clear my head.
    Switching my mentality from requiring myself to do a hard workout in order to check exercise off my list to prioritizing movement when I can has made me enjoy it in ways that I never did before—and it has led to me moving more in the long run.

    5. I listened to my body
    In a past life, I exclusively worked out in the morning. In a lot of ways, it was great—I started off my day on the right foot and followed it up by showering and getting ready, and I loved the peace and quiet of exercising in the morning. But you know who didn’t love it? My body.
    When I didn’t work out in the morning, I would on my lunch break, and I noticed that when I exercised around that time instead, my body felt completely different. I’d run faster and longer and felt like I had the energy of 1,000 burning suns. I realized that when I started off my day with work, after a couple of hours, I felt so excited to move my body, I and was itching to get out and get a workout in. Finally, I wondered why I was abiding by my notion that working out in the morning was best for me and switched to lunch break workouts instead.
    Maybe you do work out your best in the morning, or maybe you love to work out at night after it’s dark, but figuring out the time that you’re the most motivated and feel your strongest is worth the effort. You shouldn’t be doing what you think you should be doing—you should be doing what works best for you and your body.

    How to Upgrade Your Wellness Routine for Winter More

  • in

    Why 2022 Should Be the Year You Start Weightlifting

    Let me tell you my personal story with weightlifting. When I first began as a personal trainer in 2015, I had one goal for all of my clients: Get sweaty. Sweat, it seemed, was the ultimate sign of an effective workout, and I needed my clients to feel like they were getting plenty of bang for their buck. Every workout included a treadmill warmup, lots of jumping, bodyweight exercises, light weights (for things like “weighted jump squats” and “ultimate dumbbell burpees”), and a finisher that left a puddle on the floor. The same was true for my own workouts, which consisted almost entirely of cardio intervals and plyometrics.
    In 2017, I left the world of personal training to be a full-time indoor cycling instructor, which only further supported my bias toward cardio-heavy workouts. It wasn’t until 2020, after five long years of nothing but sweat-focused, repetitive fitness, I noticed that nothing was changing, so I took a new approach: heavy weights. Over the past couple of years, I prioritized weightlifting, and it has changed my life (and the lives of my clients). Here’s why I think 2022 should be the year that you lift heavy (yes, you!) and how to get started. 

    What are the benefits of weightlifting?

    1. Boost your confidence
    Before this year, I never thought I’d be capable of barbell cleans, 200-pound deadlifts, or heavy push presses. However, now that I know I have so much strength, things like calling the doctor’s office to make an appointment (ugh!) or lugging groceries home from Trader Joe’s to my small NYC apartment don’t seem nearly as difficult. Even seeing small improvements will make you feel like a badass, and those feelings spill over into the rest of your life. Just starting out? Remember that “heavy” is relative—there’s no one true definition of what’s heavy and what’s not, so if it’s challenging you, it’s heavy. Find weights that feel challenging yet doable and watch them feel lighter and lighter with each workout. By strengthening the body, you’re also strengthening the mind and gaining more confidence.

    2. Feel more toned in your body
    While we all know that exercise should be all about internal mindset, the reality is that we all want to be confident in our bodies. We’ve seen fitness fads come and go over the years, but one thing has remained tried and true: Strength training helps strengthen and tone the body. Afraid of looking “bulky?” Don’t be. In order to achieve a bodybuilder’s physique, women need to work more than twice as hard as men because they lack the testosterone required to achieve that level of musculature. Ask any female bodybuilder how many hours a day she trains and how much she eats, and you’ll be relieved to know that most of us aren’t even coming close. Weight training can help you tone muscles and burn fat, but it won’t make you “bulky.”

    3. Take up more space
    Speaking of “bulky,” what’s with the fear of getting bigger? Here’s my call to women everywhere: Let’s be done with aiming to feel small and squeezing ourselves into close-quartered definitions of what we should be, look like, and do. It’s time to take up some space in this world, both physically and emotionally: Claim your spot in the weight room and occupy it proudly, grow your muscles and show them off to the world, and strengthen your body and confidence by asserting yourself into what you may have been previously intimidated by. Nothing says “This is my year!” more than existing unapologetically in a space that you once shied away from. Whether you’re new to the weight room, haven’t been in a while, or simply haven’t considered what your presence might mean for another woman who’s still a little intimidated, start taking up your rightful space and watch how it changes your life and the lives of those around you.

    4. Improve your overall health
    This one goes without saying, but health is wealth. The best possible reason to move your body and do any kind of exercise is to improve the health of every part of your body (including the mind!). Weightlifting strengthens your bones, helps with weight management, improves mobility, protects joints from injuries, improves basal metabolic rate, and boosts heart health, all of which are extremely important for living a long and healthy life. If you’re going all in on cardio, you’re missing key opportunities to help prevent injuries while you’re training for a marathon or help slow bone loss that comes with aging. In other words, you know that any and all types of exercise is good for your health, but resistance training is crucial for so many important functions of the body and can help support all of your health goals.

    5. Feel more independent
    Personally, the biggest takeaway I’ve learned during my journey from cardio queen to strength-training stan is that nothing feels better than knowing you don’t need to rely on anyone or anything. That heavy box from UPS? Don’t worry, I got it. The elevator’s broken? Six flights of stairs are nothing. Moving across town? Well, I still might need some help for that one, but I can still lift even the heaviest boxes without waiting for someone to do it for me (it’s just a simple weighted squat!). If you’re anything like me, weightlifting will help you feel like your most confident, capable, and powerful self in 2022. 

    Where should you start with weight lifting?
    Whether you’re training at home, at the gym, or a little bit of both, you don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated plans to achieve your strongest body and start weightlifting. All you need are weights (dumbbells, kettlebells, and/or barbells) that are “medium” (doable for 6-8 reps) and “heavy” (doable for 4-6 reps) and a couple of basic movements for each muscle group (read below for ideas!). Also, remember that proper form is more important than how much you can lift, so talk to a trainer or fitness instructor to ensure you have the right form, and don’t lift too heavy that you’ll risk injury. Choose weights that feel challenging but won’t sacrifice form, and stop immediately if you feel your muscles fatiguing to the point that form starts to go. 

    Chest:

    Back:

    Shoulders:

    Legs:

    Glutes:

    Arms:

    Abs:

    The Crucial Thing Missing From Your Workout Routine More

  • in

    The Wellness Gift Guide: WH Editors’ Wish List Picks

    A wellness gift guide? That’s right. Okay, it’s been one long year and you deserve everything. You and yours have earned the right to some great wellness gifts this holiday season, just for making it through the year. And since wellness can take many forms, there’s gifts for everyone; adventurers and beauty junkies, athletes and techies. We’ve curated some of our favourite things. In this lil’ gift guide we’ve picked items that pamper and look out for your well-being. From our WH family to yours.
    Running shoe
    Adidas Ultraboost 22. Fact: more than 50 percent of runners are women, and yet most running shoes are created with the male form in mind.  Tapping into an online database of 1.2-million female foot scans, the Ultraboost has been refined and re-engineered to create a 360-degree female fit. “The UltraBoost 21 was one of the most comfortable running shoes I’ve worn. The UltraBoost 22 tops that. This is such a cool motivation to lace up and go for a run. I’d recommend these to any female runner looking for a comfortable way to get in or get back to running. Plus, the sustainable aspect of this shoe really makes me feel good. Designed with our oceans in mind, it includes a natural rubber outsole and an upper made with yarn containing 50% Parley Ocean Plastic.” – Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini

    READ MORE: 16 Super-Stylish Stocking Fillers & Gifts Under R150 – That Aren’t Socks
    Smartwatch
    Garmin Lily Smartwatch. It wouldn’t be the perfect WH list without a smart watch, and this one takes the cake. “I’ve spent a few weeks reading and getting to know the Garmin Lily and found out it’s got major features in such svelte form.” It tracks your heart rate, stress, hydration and your menstruation cycle. When you want to relax or focus, you can start a breath work activity, and this watch will track your stress and respiration to help you get a better understanding of how you’re breathing.- Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini

    Garmin Lily SmartwatchR 5049BUY NOW

    A good book
    Vibrate Higher Daily Live Your Power by Lalah Delia. “I’m learning to sift through what should and shouldn’t bother me, while keeping my energy consistent at all times. I have been eyeing this book for a while, and think it will be such a great addition to this new journey.” – Kemong Mopedi

    Bike
    A Raleigh 26″ Comfort Cruiser Bicycle. Like the name says, this is an easy-cruising laid-back comfort bike. You get a truly comfortable bicycle thanks to the thick padded saddle with memory foam. You’ll hardly feel any bumps. “I’m finally ready to get over my fear of riding — don’t ask! [chuckles]” – Kemong Mopedi

    Raleigh Comfort Cruiser R 2499BUY NOW

    Pocket knife
    Victorinox Classic Swiss Army Pocket Knife. The Swiss Army Knife is still an icon of sleek functionality. It has 7 functions — including scissors, a nail file and a screwdriver. Victorinox is famous for their high-carbon stainless steel blades, which hold exceptionally good edges and can easily be resharpened. “Great for cutting bagels on the beach or zip ties when travelling. Essential and multifunctional.” – Pia Hammond

    Victorinox Classic Swiss Army Pocket KnifeR 349BUY NOW
    Comfortable sneaker
    Nike Air VaporMax 360. Looking to add a fashion-forward bit of style to your look? This retro-inspired sneaker (yes, 2000s is retro now) gives remarkable and unquestionable underfoot comfort. It features a full-length foam midsole and VaporMax Air unit giving you remarkable underfoot comfort. “I’ve always loved VaporMax, they look like a soccer shoe hybrid, strong and good grip. And they just look badass.” – Pia Hammond

    NIKE women’s Air VaporMax R 3999BUY NOW
    Styler
    Dyson Airwrap styler. The price tag might make you hesitate but believe us, this is as good a hair tool as you can get. Dyson’s Airwrap was the most awarded hair tool in 2019. It comes with 6 attachments; a pre-styling dryer (goodbye hairdryer), a firm smoothing brush (goodbye straightener), a soft smoothing brush, a round volumising brush (goodbye 80’s curlers), 30mm barrels for voluminous curls or waves and 40mm barrels for loose curls or waves (goodbye curling iron). You’ll get hairdresser quality hair in no time and at home. Need to see it in action? Check out the blowout tutorial below. “Hello new BFF” – Kelleigh Korevaar

    Dyson Airwray styler R 11499BUY NOW

    READ MORE: Find Spring In A Bottle With These 6 Floral Fragrances
    Jewelry
    RVLRI Trust Gift Box. After being a “silver jewellery girl” for as long as I’ve adorned myself in metals, I’ve recently matured into a “gold jewellery girl”. Yes, very scandalous. That means I’m trying to find everyday gold staples that don’t break the bank. Enter RVLRI. Their Trust gift set contains a watch, circle of life pendant necklace and intricate circle earrings. That’s half your jewellery sorted in one beautiful box! And at a really great price, too! Who wouldn’t be stoked to receive this? – Kelleigh Korevaar

    READ MORE ON: Fitness gift Gift Guide Health wellness More

  • in

    Yoga Moves That Bonnie Mbuli Swears By

    “The quickest way to bring my mind and my soul into alignment is to discipline my body. If I discipline my body, I’m more likely to choose the right meal after I’ve worked out. I’m more likely to go and pray because I feel good. I’m more likely to make a better decision about something I need to do concerning work. I’m highly likely to have more energy to do the things I’m supposed to do. I’m more likely to look at the world in a positive way. So I use exercise as a tool for mastering myself,” enthuses the 42-year-old actress and author. The mom of two boys, who covers our Jan/Feb 2022 issue shares that she’s learnt that mind, body, soul and spirit are all aligned. She adds, “When one is out of whack, all of them get scattered!”
    Here are Bonnie’s go-to yoga moves. Get ready to feel calm, strong, and bendy.
    Downward Dog

    Bonnie’s Take: “It’s a superb hamstring stretcher – and mine are always tight! There’s also something about this position that forces me to fully face myself.” 
    Master It: Start in a high plank. 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.

    Headstand

    Bonnie: “It improves circulation and challenges my fears. I used to pull off headstands effortlessly as a child. Now, I can only master them against a wall! I think it’s fear though.”
    Master It: Begin by interlacing your fingers and placing your forearms on the mat, parallel, palms facing each other. Cup the back of your head in your hands, the top of your head on the floor. Take five breaths here. Then, pushing down through shoulders and forearms, lift one foot up into the air, knee bent. Using your core, lift the other to meet it. Brace abs and squeeze glutes and leg muscles, as you slowly straighten legs upwards, pointing toes. Your body should feel like a solid, secure cylinder, with minimal weight on head and neck. Hold for three breaths, then slowly lower legs back down.

    Humble Warrior 

    Bonnie’s Take: “It reminds me to strike a balance between being strong and vulnerable.”
    Master It: 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.

    Any Hip Openers 
    Bonnie’s Take: “Hips are where we house our trapped emotions and trauma. Hip stretchers remind me to keep my heart open.”
    Master It: Happy baby is a beginner-friendly pose. 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.

    READ MORE ON: Bonnie Mbuli Downward Dog Headstand Humble Warrior Yoga Yoga Workouts More

  • in

    Tips for Cold-Weather Running, According to a Personal Trainer

    Welcome to the off-season! With fall races behind us and spring races on the distant horizon, for most of us, cold-weather running can be easygoing, unstructured, and fun. However, there’s no way around it: Winter can be a challenge for doing anything outdoors, and if you don’t have your routine locked down, the cold weather can easily turn a fun run into a nightmare. Whether you struggle with ditching the weighted blanket for your running shoes, fighting the burning in your lungs, or simply don’t have the time to lace up in the limited daylight, this guide will help you get out the door safely and happily, no matter the temperature.

    Stay motivated
    There are so many compelling reasons to skip your run when it’s cold and dark, so finding motivation to lace up is key. Things like challenges (such as completing a set number of miles per week, committing to at least one mile per day, or competing in a competition with your friends), scheduling runs with a training partner, following a spring race training plan, or even treating yourself to something special once you hit a mileage goal for the season can really keep you on track. When the winter blues hit, remind yourself of how good you feel when the post-run endorphins kick in, and let those euphoric feelings be your motivation to hit the pavement. Finally, when you’re really having a hard time getting up and out, commit to something short, like 10 minutes or a trip around the block. Chances are, once you get out the door, you’ll likely keep going beyond the bare minimum (but even if you don’t, those 10 minutes still make a difference!). 

    Dress for success
    In most cases, when the temperatures drop, the solution is to bundle up. However, exercise raises your core body temperature and therefore can easily cause you to overheat when dressed too warmly. As a general rule of thumb, dress as if it’s 10 degrees warmer than it actually is to compensate for rising body temperature. For example, if it’s 30 degrees outside, dress as if it’s 40 degrees. This might mean ditching your thick sweatshirt for a sweat-wicking pullover or switching from fleece-lined leggings to your normal spandex. Once you get moving, you’ll be sweating in no time, so dress for how you’ll feel mid-run, not when you first step outside.

    Stay dry
    Speaking of sweating, you’ve got to be mindful in the winter of the moisture that builds up under your clothes and be sure to wear sweat-wicking fabric that pulls moisture away from the body. These fabrics (such as nylon, spandex, and polyester) keep you dry and ensure that you won’t be at risk for hypothermia. Dress in layers that can easily be removed and added back as necessary so you can adjust your wardrobe on the fly based on how you feel. Factors such as exercise intensity, sunlight, wind, and precipitation can change how you feel on a run without warning, so being able to add or remove layers is crucial. A waterproof shell jacket that can be tied around your waist can easily make all the difference in unpredictable winter weather.

    Avoid the dreaded lung burn
    Winter runners who experience burning lungs are usually suffering from discomfort due to how dry the air is. This sensation is more likely to occur when breathing in through the mouth instead of through the nose because the nasal passages and windpipe work together to warm and humidify the air before it reaches the lungs, so be sure to stay in control of the breath and inhale through the nose. Additionally, utilizing a muff, scarf, bandana or running mask can help warm the air before it’s inhaled to help keep the face warm and dry. For a bonus, add a drop of your favorite essential oil to the inside of the fabric to soothe the senses and create a more pleasant breathing experience. 

    Warm all the way up
    It’s not a stretch to suggest that most runners cheat their warmups by simply easing into their runs before sinking into their desired pace. While this might be an OK practice in the warmer weather, cold-weather running demands a much more thorough warmup process. By giving the lungs, muscles, and joints more time to adapt to the temperature, the body will perform better and be far less shocked by the cold.  
    Warming up inside before going outside can be an easy way to transition into the cold. Start your warmup with some core exercises, then increase the heart rate and body temperature with movements such as jumping jacks, jump rope, high knees, and mountain climbers. These exercises not only get blood pumping and the temperature up but also target the main muscles used while running. Once you feel warm, step outside and ease into those miles.

    Stay lit
    Winter months mean far less daylight, and that can put a real damper on your run schedule. No matter the season, safety should always be top priority for runners and joggers, so when winter running brings a whole lot more darkness, be sure to have plenty of lights, reflectors, and bright colors on at all times. Headlamps, reflective vests, neon apparel, and shoe lights are great for ensuring that cars can see you in the darkness, especially when running in areas that are poorly lit.  

    Double down on traction
    Ice, snow, and slush can all present issues for runners, so when the ground gets slippery, it’s time to invest in some shoes with extra grip and traction. You’re more likely to slip if your current running shoes have soles that are a little worn out, so ensure that your shoes are fresh and grippy by looking at the bottoms and checking for signs of smoothness. If your outsoles are smooth and worn out, it might be time for new, winter-specific traction-based running shoes, such as ones with bottoms that have pronounced spike-like features. The winter models of your favorite running shoes are also less likely to be made of thin mesh, and the thicker fabrics will keep moisture from snow and slush out. Staying warm and off your butt are two very important things to focus on in the snowy months!

    Take it to the treadmill
    Despite all the ways there are to outsmart the winter weather, sometimes snow, wind, darkness, or plain old inconvenience can easily derail even your best laid running plans. When something gets in the way of your outdoor run, pivot to the treadmill. While treadmill running isn’t quite the same as hitting the pavement, indoor miles are better than no miles at all, and staying safe is far more important than risking dangerous conditions. When in doubt, err on the side of caution by staying indoors and consider the treadmill a tool for motivation to get outside when you can. Winter running can be tricky, but with the right mindset, gear, and plans in place, there’s no season you can’t enjoy getting a few miles in.

    This Walking Workout Is Taking Over the Internet
    But is it worth the hype? More