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      7 Little Things You Can Do for a Better Workout, According to Research

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      Exercise is polarizing—some people love it, some simply tolerate it, and some dread it. But one thing we can all agree on is that optimizing our workouts sounds pretty good. Whether you can’t live without your early morning spin classes or you have to force yourself to go on those bi-weekly runs, you can benefit from giving your workout a little boost. If you don’t believe us, we have the research to back us up. And here’s the best part: these handy tips and tricks won’t make your go-to workout anymore expensive than it is right now. (And most of them won’t add any time to your workout—some will even save you time!). Keep reading for seven things you can do for a better workout.
      1. Stretch it out
      When you’re rushing to squeeze in a workout, stopping to stretch before and after is easy to skip. (Kind of like flossing. Oops.) Stretching is imperative for maintaining muscle health, strength, and flexibility. A few 30-second stretches can help you get ready for a workout, and you should try to stretch again after an aerobic or weight-training workout.

      2. Snack right
      It seems there are two types of pre-workout foods people reach for: some choose to carbo load and others rely on protein-packed shakes to get the job done. It turns out that both groups are right, but there’s no need to choose one or the other. In fact, an expert panel report in Nutrition Today reminded readers that carbs, proteins, and fats are important energy sources for workouts. Protein is especially important for strength training athletes, carbohydrates are a necessary energy source for high-intensity performances, and fats are key for sustaining active people during lower-intensity training bouts. That’s right, a well-rounded diet will do more good for those looking to improve their performances than loading up on just protein or carb heavy meals. No more playing favorites.

      Source: Livvyland

      3. Drink water
      When you sweat, your body loses water, which can lead to dehydration and workout struggles. Let’s say you lose just 2 percent of your body weight in fluids: a study from the University of North Carolina found that will make your workout feel harder, make recovery post-workout more challenging, and will reduce exercise performance. Here’s the real kicker: their study found that gym-goers typically sweat out a whopping 6-10 percent of body weight in fluids. Chances are, some of us are dehydrated before we even hit the gym. Be careful and drink some water before, during, and after your next workout.

      4. Get balanced
      It’s all about the core strength. According to a study in Current Sports Medicine, exercising in a way that incorporates balance can stimulate more core muscles than if you did the exact same exercise in a stable position. In turn, having a strong core improves your overall balance and stability, which is a benefit you will feel outside the gym as well. Planks, sit ups, and fitness ball exercises are all easy examples of how you can give your core a little love. Did we mention that having a strong core can lead to rock hard abs and make physical activities easier in general?

      5. Mix it up with high intensity
      For all you busy gals out there—aka all of us—it’s time to speed up your workout a bit. No need to cut corners though—high-intensity exercises are harder to do, but are done for a shorter amount of time than similar workout methods. If you’re short on time but are willing to give it your all, you might just be able to wrap up your workout early.

      Source: The Rustic Foodie

      6. Head outdoors
      Let’s give a shout out to the journal of Environmental Science and Technology for pointing out that heading outside for a workout can lead to the exerciser feeling more energetic than it does to those who work indoors. Next time you need to blow off some steam, blow it off outside.

      7. Enjoy a cup of joe
      Last, but not least, this may just be our favorite finding. If you’ve been looking for a justification for that second—OK third—cup of coffee, then incentivize yourself with a nice pre-workout caffeine buzz. As you know, caffeine boosts your energy, and it turns out caffeine is as helpful during a workout as when you’re about to fall asleep during that 3pm meeting. A study in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that drinking a cup of coffee before a workout can improve performance and energy expenditure. If you really need help in the motivation department, a study in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that simply drinking a cup of coffee pre-workout can actually make your workout feel more enjoyable. Bottoms up! More

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      These Free, 10-Minute Workouts Are Perfect for Days When You’re Short on Time

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      “Petting as many dogs as humanely possible” is one of my most significant life goals.I’ve never met a dog that I didn’t like. I am the CEO of stopping on the Chicago Lakefront mid-run to pet all of the good doggos that proudly and happily trot past me. While I’m not in a place to own a dog of my own, this small fact does not stop me from getting my canine fix any time the opportunity presents itself.
      It has become very important for me to streamline my life to allow for as much time to provide belly rubs and compliments to dogs as possible. It is crucial to me that no matter what I accomplish in life, I never lose sight of prioritizing activities that I love most. Maybe for you, that joy comes from cooking, hanging out with family/friends, reading, watching Netflix, pouring a large glass of wine, or journaling. Regardless of what gets your heart pumping, I think we can all agree that making more time for the things we love is a good thing.
      So on days where I’m slammed with work, drowning in laundry, or itching to prioritize the petting of the dogs, I simply don’t have time to head to my gym and spend an hour on the treadmill (note: I have never actually spent one whole hour on a treadmill). I have always been a firm believer that quality is better than quantity (in this case, quantity being the amount of time spent working out) and have found that doing an effective, 10-minute workout is better than doing nothing at all. On the days where you don’t have time or are just looking for a quick way to move, these 13 free 10-minute workouts will have your back:

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      What are your favorite ways to workout at home? Let us know in the comments below! More

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      25 Pieces of Breathable Workout Gear Because We Can’t With This Heat

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      Whether you’re generally an outdoor workout person or not, the past few months have probably forced you to be one. Gone are the days of freezing-cold gyms and cool towels being placed on our foreheads by a yoga instructor after a brutal yoga class—these days, our exercise options are limited, and usually, that means taking them outside.Lately in Chicago, it’s been 90-something degrees every day (with a typically high dose of humidity), which means we’re sweating through everything on our bodies quicker than we can complain about it being hot out. Thick leggings and workout tanks are no longer an option—we want our workouts to be as enjoyable as possible, and that means wearing lightweight, breathable clothes.
      Ditch the days of finishing your workout with dripping wet clothes stuck to your body—these pieces are made for the heat.

        More

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      A Trainer Explains What Cardio Actually Is And What Workouts Rev Your Heart Enough To Count

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      By now, you probably know that cardio training is something you should be doing on the regular. Experts recommend getting in at least 150 minutes a week of moderate cardio exercise (or 75 minutes of more vigorous cardio). But if you find yourself wondering: What is cardio, exactly? As in, which workouts will get your blood pumping enough to count toward your goals, you’ve come to the right place.
      Here’s the short answer: Cardio — short for cardiorespiratory training — refers to any exercise that creates such an energy demand on your system that it elevates your heart rate and gets your blood pumping faster.
      The result? “Cardio makes your body, specifically your heart, able to deliver more oxygen to your muscles,” says Austin Martin, an exercise physiologist. Your bod’s capacity to consume oxygen is called its VO2 Max, and cardio training can increase this number and your overall cardio fitness level.
      Danielle Keita-Taguchi, a certified trainer, says that a good way to figure out your cardio fitness baseline is by comparing your resting heart rate to the average resting heart rate for adults, which is 60 to 100 beats per minute.
      How to find your resting heart rate: First, find your pulse, then count how many times your heart beats in 15 second, and multiply that number by four, according to the Mayo Clinic.
      The lower your resting heart rate, the higher your cardio fitness level is — FYI, athletes can have resting heart rates that dip into 40 bpm territory. Your resting heart rate depends on a lot of factors like your age, medical history, and physical activity level. “A nurse, who is running around a hospital for a 12 hour shift, is burning way more energy than someone who has a desk job,” Keita-Taguchi explains. “She likely needs less weekly cardio than the person who is mostly sedentary.”
      To learn more about what qualifies as cardio and just how it helps your body stay healthy read on.
      What are the benefits of cardio?
      In terms of long-term benefits, Martin says that cardiovascular exercise reduces your overall risk of death and disease. “It makes you effectively younger,” he says. “Many people who have exercised [throughout] their lifetime will have a physiologic age way less than their actual age.” In fact, one study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that marathon training, which requires you to regularly run, can reduce four years’ worth of blood pressure and stiffness to your arteries.
      It’s especially beneficial to people on a weight loss journey. “It’s a great way to supplement strength training to help reduce body fat,” says Keita-Taguchi. When you combine cardio training with strength training, you create an opportunity for your body to burn calories and an elevated rate even after you’re done exercising as your body works to recover and repair its muscles. This fitness phenomenon is formally known as EPOC.
      Not only does cardio have physical benefits, but it can also have an effect on your mental health. There are studies linking cardio training specifically to a lower risk of depression. A study published in the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health and Fitness Journal found that even modest levels of exercise can contribute to the improvement of symptoms in people with depression.
      Aside from improving your mental health, cardiovascular training also has a positive effect on cognitive function, since it increases overall blood flow to the brain, says Keita-Taguchi. Aerobic exercise improves the brain’s ability to reason, plan, and problem-solve, according to a study by Columbia University”s Irving Medical Center.
      What are the best types of cardio exercises?
      While cardio may instantly make you think of running, Keita-Taguchi says that really any exercise which stimulates an increased heart rate can really be considered cardio, though your workouts should fall in line with your goals.
      If you’re looking for moderate cardio, stick to workouts that feel like a six or seven out of 10 in terms of effort, if 10 is your all-out max. Anything that feels like an eight or above is considered vigorous exercise.
      Swimming: This is perfect for people who don’t want to put too much pressure on their joints. “Swimming is great because it’s low-impact and builds great cardiorespiratory health. If you have knee issues or jumping is not for you, swimming can be a great alternative,” says Keita-TaGuchi.
      Hiking: Not only does hiking promote physical activity, but spending time in nature is restorative for mental and emotional health, too. It actually quiets the part of the brain associated with overthinking, according to research published by PNAS.
      Running: Steady-state jogging is arguably the form of exercises most people think of when it comes to cardio. If you’re looking for ways to become a runner, here’s where to start.
      Bodyweight HIIT Exercises: Working on explosive, high-intensity exercises for about 30-45 seconds bursts is an easy way to create a challenging and sweaty exercise, says Keita-TaGuchi. Here are five HIIT workouts for women who want to get fit fast.
      Kickboxing: With kickboxing, you may just be able to burn between 582 and 864 calories an hour. Spar for 90 seconds at a time and then rest for 30 to create a serious burn.
      Stairs: Martin says climbing stairs is a demanding exercise that also builds leg strength. This can be a steady state workout, or you can do it in interval format, where you alternate between one minute of low and moderate-to high-intensity climbing, playing with the length of your intervals and rests.
      Rowing Machine: Though it’s a low-impact exercise, rowing workouts are really high-intensity. What’s more, they activate all the major muscles in your legs, arms, back, and core.
      Kettlebell Circuit: Adding kettlebells to your circuit training can keep you burning calories for up to 36 hours after you’re done working out, according to Noam Tamir. In just one hour, you can burn between 554 and 822 calories.
      Biking: “Cycling is an awesome steady-state and HIIT option that is also low impact,” Martin says. “With an indoor bike, you can try 30 seconds on hard, followed by 30 seconds easy for an amazing burn.” He also says it’s a great option for people who want to achieve a sprint, but aren’t necessarily in the best physical condition to run.
      Jump rope: Not only is jumping rope one of Halle Berry’s fav forms of cardio, but it’s super effective at burning major calories too.
      Bottom line: Cardiovascular training is a great way to burn calories, improve your heart’s ability to pump blood, and a complement to any weight loss journey. Its benefits include better cognitive function and mental health in addition to maintaining physical health and strength. A ton of exercises including skipping rope, swimming and biking all qualify as cardiovascular training.
      This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com

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      5 Exercises to Strengthen Your Core at Home

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      Are you missing your typical workout routine as much as we are? We know it’s been months since you’ve gotten to clip into a bike at a spin studio, had a Body Pump instructor barking at you to squat lower, or blazed a trail on the treadmill. We’ve been stuck working out from home, which isn’t as exciting as exercising in a fancy gym or club-esque boutique studio, but the work itself remains important—especially when it comes to your core muscles. Your core is the epicenter of your body’s success, helping you with everything from stabilization to breathing.The best part of core exercises is that they can be executed without any added weight—your body alone can add resistance to crank up the intensity of the exercise and continue to challenge you. The number of core exercises and variations are seemingly endless, but let’s face it: the motivation to actually complete an ab workout solo or at the end of the rest of your workout can be low. These five exercises in particular are ideal; they’re going to attack all parts of your core, can be done from the comfort of your living room carpet, and will keep you from the mundane routine of crunching yourself into oblivion.

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      Planks are the most classic core move there is, but despite its constant presence in ab routines and group fitness classes, it never gets easy. Starting out on your forearms, extend your legs back behind you and come onto your toes, making yourself flat as a board. Now, it’s time to hold for as long as you can, or to do sets of 30-second rounds. The challenge here comes from ensuring your butt is down and your back is flat. Plank intensity can be increased by raising a leg, an arm, or both to add some instability. This exercise not only has a ton of options for variation, including side planks or raised planks, but it works all the muscles in your core at once.

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      Bird dogs will help strengthen the core through both contraction and balance. This move will help to train your whole core, and will help strengthen your lower back. Start out in a tabletop position on your hands and knees. Extend one arm out and at the same time, extend the opposite leg out. Then, bring both the extended arm and leg in underneath your stomach and squeeze. You can do a certain number of reps on one side and then switch sides, or do alternating reps. The element of balance comes in when the arm and leg are extended, and the other arm and leg are responsible for keeping you stable.

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      You’ll be channeling your inner superhero with this one. Contrary to popular belief, your lower back muscles are a part of your core—it’s not just about the washboard stomach up front. Start out lying on your stomach, and to execute one rep, contract your arms and legs up off the floor. After holding for a second, you’ll drop back down. Supermans work as a good counter-exercise to all of the other abdominal work you’re doing.

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      The tricky part about core work is that there are so many different muscles to train. Flutter kicks are an effective way to strengthen your lower abdominal muscles. Start out by lying on the floor and put your hands underneath your glutes or lower back. Next, raise your legs, shoulders, and head off the floor, and from there, you’ll begin to flutter your legs up and down, alternating which leg goes up while the other is coming down. This exercise can be done for time or for a number of reps. It’s important that you keep your legs, shoulders, and head raised off the ground the entire time. You may feel your neck and shoulders becoming tense, and if that’s the case, you can lower your head and shoulders to the floor and just focus on the leg motion. This won’t alter the results or benefit from the movement, but will help you to avoid injury. Once you become more comfortable with the movement itself, you can add back in the challenge of lifting your neck and shoulders off of the ground. 

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      Russian twists will help to burn out the main part of your core, and also turn up the heat on your obliques. Start out on the ground in a seated position, and raise your feet up off the ground. Next, you’ll literally twist from side-to-side, touching the floor beside your legs while keeping your feet raised. To increase the intensity, you can lean back further with your upper body creating a more difficult angle. This exercise is plenty tough without weight, but adding a dumbbell, heavy book, or detergent bottle will give an extra challenge. More

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      5 Workout Shoes That Are Perfect For Training At Home

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      Here’s the thing about working out at home. When you’re at the gym, you’re in a controlled environment. The flooring has been specifically selected with exercise in mind. The only obstacles in your path are the weights you didn’t pack away (tsk, tsk). But at home you may find the terrain less than ideal. Were you thinking of broad jumps when you laid down those shiny porcelain tiles in your dining room? And does your dog / cat / toddler keep a respectable distance during your weekly Zoom Zumba class? Didn’t think so. That’s why your choice of workout shoes matters more than ever now that you’re training at home. Here are the WH team’s tried-and-tested staff picks.
      Reebok NanoX

      The latest iteration of Reebok’s Nano trainer has the same great stability that previous versions were known for, but with even more support, thanks to extra reinforcement around the heel and a wider base at the back. These cool-looking workout shoes hold up well in lateral movements (speed skaters; avoiding the dog), jumping and one-legged moves like lunges and “Oh, sh-, Gemma, get out the way!” The woven upper allows your toes to flex freely but seems more durable than regular mesh. Rubber reinforcement in the front further reduces the chances of a toe breaking free during repetitive skipping or jumping.
      READ MORE: 7 Best Trail Running Shoes For Women In 2020, According To Athletes And Experts 
      Deputy editor Wanita Nicol says: “What makes these really great workout shoes for home is the seriously grippy outsole. I jumped around freely and never felt like I was in danger of slipping, even on parquet flooring. It’s roomy enough for broader feet — if yours are narrow, like mine, I’d recommend a thicker sock. The forefoot is springy, which is great for shuttle sprints, but I wouldn’t wear these to go for a run. For functional training, they’re awesome! And they look so hot with dark jeans.”

      Puma Provoke XT

      The WH team have worn many a Puma cross trainer into the ground, but the Provoke has to be the hottest one yet. We’re all a little obsessed with the geometric styling and hot pink details. Although the Provokes have more going for them than their flashy good looks. These are great home workout shoes if your house has hard floors or you’re training outside on, say, paving, as the soft, bouncy PROFOAM midsole offers excellent cushioning. They’re also super grippy and stable.
      READ MORE: 6 Exercise-Friendly Face Masks And What To Look For When Buying Them
      Digital editor Gina Beretta says: “First off, I really like the look of these ones! You can easily go from workout mat to coffee date in these — they have major street style vibes. I did a HIIT workout in them and I felt that they were really supportive and flexible. My foot didn’t move around inside the shoe at all and it didn’t feel like I was wearing a ‘sock’.”
      Senior copy editor Leigh Champanis-King says: “These shoes are so great for working out in. They give lots of support and are really stable during a high-intensity workout. My feet don’t slide around inside, but they’re roomy (no squished toes!), and the PROFOAM midsole is light and bouncy and so comfortable to jump around on.”
      Nike Metcon 5

      Nike has always made great workout shoes, but, dayumn, they’ve upped their game with the Metcon 5. If you’re familiar with the Metcon 4, the 5 has more cushioning, but doesn’t sacrifice grip. You can jump, sprint and change direction quickly without losing your footing. You could even do a short run, but not more than 5 kays max. They’re nice and pliable, so they move with your foot, but are still stable enough to prevent rolling an ankle. They also have a few bonus features: For starters, they’re available in UK size 2.5. through 9. Non-sample size women, rejoice! They also come with 6mm inner soles that you can slip into the shoes for an extra lift in workouts comprising moves like wall balls, snatches and thrusters.

      Key account manager Jeanine Kruger says: “The Metcon 5 is comfort in every way. They fitted like a glove from the moment I tried them on. I have had shoes which I had to replace in a month as the material is too soft for the hardcore exercises CrossFit demands, but the Metcons have a durable material which keeps all toes and feet well cushioned inside the shoe (no holes coming up or any material tearing loose from the soles). And if you hit your feet with a skipping rope doing double-unders, you will not feel a thing. Another great feature: The added 6mm inner soles. Definitely a money-saving technique, as I don’ t have to worry about buying extra lifting shoes for weightlifting activities. Doing single-leg squats has never felt better! The shoes are also easy to clean; you can literally just wipe off dust or any marks. It’s versatile, durable, and on top of its game.”

      Under Armour HOVR Apex

      The HOVR Apex features Under Armour’s Tribase technology in the sole, designed for extra stability, especially in workouts where you need to change direction very quickly. And stability should certainly be its middle name. It almost feels like you’re wearing a brace. If you struggle with ankle instability and are prone to twisting or spraining ligaments, this is a really good option. Because it’s not quite as grippy as some of the other shoes we’ve tested, it performs really well on carpets. There’s no chance of getting stuck as you jump around. Keep it in the workout space though – it’s a little heavy for running.

      Deputy editor Wanita Nicol says: “These are among the most stable workout shoes I’ve ever trained in. Thanks to clever lacing design and a reinforcement around the midfoot, my narrow feet felt supported, even wearing a thin sock. They are a little snug when you pull them on, but UA seems to have thought of that — there’s a loop on the heel that makes it easier. They also have good ventilation so my feet don’t get hot and sweaty when I train.”
      adidas Primeblue Ultraboost 20

      adidas Primeblue Ultraboost 20
      R 2999
      BUY NOW

      A recent worldwide study of internet search results across 40 countries by SportsShoes.com revealed that the Ultraboost is the most popular running shoe in both South Africa and the world: 32 out of 40 countries search it more than any other running shoe and it averages 327 000 searches a month! To be honest, we weren’t really surprised. It’s an awesome running shoe for any distance and a firm favourite of many of us here in the WH office. And despite technically being a running shoe, it can also handle a home workout. The upper hugs your foot snugly, but the Primeknit material prevents your feet from feeling squashed. The signature Boost foam in the midsole propels you forward with every step.

      Content creator Cally Silberbauer says: “I’ve used these shoes for road runs as well as HIIT workouts and they’ve delivered in every way. There’s a great ankle support system which is a winner for me as I do tend to roll my ankles when running (weak ankles!). The Ultraboost range always has a great energy return or bounce factor and the 20s are no exception. All-in-all, my feet are always happy working out in these beauts!”  

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      7 Reasons The New Fitbit Charge 4 Is The Perfect Tracker For Lockdown

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      Remember the beginning of lockdown, when we were all posting #homeworkout selfies with dogs and kids providing raucous comic relief? Or that first weekend of Level 4, when we donned masks and hit the streets in a glorious celebration of freedom? Personally, I thought I was going to emerge from lockdown like an action hero from a montage, all snatched and svelte and ready for the beach. Shame. Truth is, with each message from Uncle Cyril, my enthusiasm for exercise waned. The first winter cold front finished it off. And load shedding drove a nail through the coffin, making it sure it was dead. Then, one day, as I was shovelling down another spoonful of my feelings, a package arrived: the Fitbit Charge 4. And with it, renewed motivation. Because this nifty little tracker really is perfect for lockdown.
      Value For Money
      For most of us, 2020 is not going down as a year of balling. So if we’re going to splash out on something, it needs to be worthwhile. The main difference between a smartwatch and a fitness tracker is that a tracker’s main purpose is to gather data about your activity and feed it into an app for your viewing pleasure. A smartwatch, on the other hand, has a lot more functionality at the wrist and is more geared towards managing your life — receiving emails and notifications and so on. Smartwatches also tend to have more features. And you pay for all of these privileges. Coming in at R2 999, the Charge 4 has an impressive list of capabilities. You get a lot of the functionality of a smartwatch but at a fraction of the price.

      There’s a walking mode.
      Even at peak fitness, I’m no triathlete. No marathon runner, either. I like to lift heavy things, run the odd 10-kay and torture myself in HIIT classes. Often the smartwatches I test seem geared towards serious endurance athletes. I feel a tad loserish when I set the watch for a Parkrun, knowing it was built to traverse deserts on a single charge. The Charge 4, however, is a great match for someone like me. There are 20 exercise modes available and you can programme six of them into the tracker at a time through the Fitbit app. I felt a twinge of sadness as I scrolled past gym-based options like swimming (it’s waterproof), spinning, treadmill (sob), elliptical and circuit training. But it was convenient to have lockdown-specific activities to choose from, such as yoga, Pilates and hiking. I added running; there was a time, four months ago, when I called myself a runner. But I also added walking; a more accurate reflection of my current reality.
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      You can leave your phone behind.
      If all of this is sounding so far, so mundane, here’s where the Charge 4 gets properly impressive: It has built-in GPS and integrated Fitbit Pay. That means, for the first time in a Fitbit tracker, you can leave your phone at home when you head out for a walk and still use GPS tracking. The battery will last five hours in full-GPS mode — that’s plenty of time to complete a 10-kay or even a 21, if you’re so inclined. And if you activate Fitbit Pay, you can stop for a coffee and pay with the device. So no need to carry a wallet, either.
      It helps you sleep.
      Anyone else struggling with really messed-up sleep schedules since lockdown started? You’d think that spending more time at home would be conducive to getting more sleep, but apparently you’d be wrong. Fitbit has always been a leader in sleep hygiene and the Charge 4 has a number of features designed to help you get more and better-quality shut-eye. If you set your preferred bedtime, it’ll prompt you to start winding down half an hour before. Set a Smart Wake alarm and it’ll monitor your sleep patterns and buzz you awake during a light sleep cycle for a gentler wake-up. In sleep mode you don’t get alerts and it doesn’t light up when you move your wrist — something that irritated me with previous Fitbits. You can also dim the screen.
      READ MORE: This Is The Effect Lockdown Is Having On Your Sleep, According to New Studies
      Charge 4 says, “Move your ass.”
      OK, not in so many words. But I’d forgotten how that little buzz on your wrist prompting you to move every hour gets you off your butt. Now there’s an added incentive: Active minutes are a new goal Fitbit has created to get your lazy lockdown self moving. It’s not necessarily structured exercise, but rather based on non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) i.e. you being active while just living your life (say, vacuuming the house; walking the dog; chasing the fleeing toddler). The tracker registers the activity automatically and it counts towards your daily goal of 150 minutes.
      READ MORE: What Is NEAT And How Can It Help Me Shed Lockdown Weight?
      It’s user-friendly.
      I’ve tested a few smartwatches that were so difficult to get the hang of, I would have thrown them on the ground in frustration had I not had to give them back a few weeks later. The Charge 4 is refreshingly simple. There’s one concealed button on the side that you need to find. Once you’ve made that discovery, it’s pretty straightforward to navigate using the touch screen and the app. As a small-boned woman, I also like that it’s light and discreet and not clunky on my little twig-wrist.
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      More cool stuff
      The Charge 4 has heart-rate tracking at the wrist, menstrual cycle tracking, integrated Spotify, you get call, text, calendar and other app notifications of your choosing and you can even send quick text replies on android.
      So is there anything not to love?
      Honestly, not much. The battery life is not what you’d get with a decent smartwatch. You’ll need to plug in your Charge 4 every four or five days, maybe sooner, depending on how much time it’s spent in GPS mode. If you haven’t used GPS much at all, it can last a week. But it charges fast, which is a bonus. Like previous Charge models, the 4 has the option of interchangeable wristbands, which is awesome for #fashun, but I found my previous model eventually came loose where the bands attach. Of course, this is something you’d probably only become aware of a couple years down the line. And by then, who knows what fun new toy you might have you eye on?

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      How To Boost Your Fitness By Tailoring Your Exercise Routine To Your Menstrual Cycle

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      Before the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) revealed that they planned their 2019 World Cup training (they won, btw!) around players’ periods, the topic of how fluctuating hormones could potentially impact workouts wasn’t talked about much, er, at all.
      But when you think about it, the idea makes so much sense that it’s shocking it’s not commonplace. “The way you move and breathe, how your heart beats, and your body’s reaction to exercise varies throughout your menstrual cycle,” says Dr. Georgie Bruinvels,  co-​creator of FitrWoman, the app the USWNT used.

      Any woman can maximise her workouts by learning to go with her flow.

      Turns out, tailoring your routine to your cycle, a technique known as phase-based training, empowers you to take advantage of your physiology to look and feel your best and to perform at your fullest potential, according to Women’s Health advisory board member Dr. Stacy T. Sims, who’s been researching female athletes for 20 years.
      And it’s not just for fitness pros either. Any woman can maximize her workouts by learning to go with her flow. No matter your goals, the right training during specific times of the month will optimise outcomes, says Sims.
      The first step? Get to know — like, really know — your cycle. A period-tracking app (there are many; you’ll see) can help you understand each part of it—and how it impacts the body.
      From there, use this guide to tweak your get-sweaty routine. You’ll be amazed by how good you feel once things are truly, totally simpatico.
      Menstruation: Days 1–5
      Right about now (the start of your period), low levels of estrogen and progesterone (plus extra inflammation) may have you feeling pretty unmotivated to get moving, says Bruinvels (womp womp). But it’s actually prime time to build strength and muscle, thanks to relatively high testosterone, Sims notes.
      Do whatever workouts feel good.
      If you’re craving easy, restorative movement, focus on low-intensity workouts like yoga, Pilates, and stretching during your period, says Bruinvels.
      But…if you feel energised, hit the weights and lift heavy, says Sims. In fact, go for loads you can manage for only six reps, tops. (Try five sets of five reps at 80 percent of your one-rep max — i.e., the most weight you can lift for one rep.)
      Follicular Phase: Days 6–14
      Between the end of your period and about three days before ovulation, estrogen levels spike, which means you’ll have more energy to work out and recover faster. Woo! “Estrogen is associated with feeling happy, engaged, and strong,” says Bruinvels.
      Now’s the time to up your training intensity.
      If you feel next-level amazing, make the most of it by continuing to lean in to strength training, plus sprints and intense workouts. Now’s the time to bust out that jump rope or join a boot camp class and really push!
      READ MORE: “I Worked Out In Reusable Period Panties — Here’s What Happened”
      Ovulation: Days 15–23
      Things get a little wonky in this part of your cycle. Around ovulation, estrogen briefly drops while progesterone increases. FYI: Higher levels of progesterone can contribute to muscle breakdown, making proper recovery even more important than usual, says Bruinvels.
      Stick to steady-state cardio and strength training.
      Help your body bounce back by switching to moderate-intensity exercise, Sims says. Swap sprints for easy runs and stick to weights you can lift for eight to 10 reps. If you feel super sore, give yourself an extra day between workouts, Bruinvels adds.
      Luteal Phase: Days 24–28
      At this point, both estrogen and progesterone levels fall. As a result, PMS symptoms — like irritability and anxiety — start to creep up, while fluctuating blood-sugar levels and inflammation sap precious motivation.
      READ MORE: This Is Exactly How Your Period Affects Your Workout
      Start winding down your fitness routine.
      Since your body isn’t in peak performance condition right now (and you probs don’t have World Cup glory on the line to fire you up), use exercise to reduce stress. Opt for Pilates, yoga, or slow runs.
      When strength training, focus on form. Nailing it now will prepare you to load more weight when a new cycle starts, says Sims.
      The Best Cycle-Tracking Apps
      To create the best routine for your body, you gotta become BFFs with your cycle. These apps can help you log (and decode!) each phase.

      Complete with a cycle analysis tool and the ability to predict oncoming symptoms (like cramps), Clue offers an easy-to-digest but science-based view into your period.
      Clue

      One of the most popular period trackers in the game, this app helps you understand and predict your menstrual cycle, PMS symptoms, and even potential fertility.
      Flow

      This unique app pairs detailed cycle logging with expert-backed training, recovery, and nutrition advice for ultimate peak performance all month long.
      FitrWoman

      This first-of-its-kind app uses artificial intelligence to generate a personalised plan (exercise and eats included!) based on the sweat goals and cycle info you track.
      WILD.AI

      This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com 

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