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    5 simple lifestyle changes that will help balance your cortisol level

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    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    56 seconds ago

    Feeling frazzled? You’re not alone. Daily pressures can send cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, into overdrive.
    For women, chronically high cortisol can disrupt sleep, worsen PMS symptoms, and even contribute to weight gain. But don’t despair! Here are 5 science-backed strategies to keep your cortisol levels in check and your well-being soaring:
    Power Down for Power Up

    Sleep is the ultimate stress soother. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, including winding down electronics at least an hour before bed.
    Why it Works: According to a study published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, just one night of short sleep can significantly elevate cortisol levels.
    Breathe Deeply, De-Stress Completely

    Deep breathing activates the relaxation response, a natural antidote to cortisol’s fight-or-flight effects. Practice belly breathing for just 5 minutes daily. Inhale slowly through your nose, feeling your belly expand. Exhale slowly through pursed lips.
    Science Says So: A review published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology highlights the effectiveness of deep breathing in reducing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.
    Nourish Your Body, Tame Your Stress

    A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides sustained energy and minimizes blood sugar fluctuations that can trigger cortisol spikes. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive caffeine, which can worsen anxiety and stress.
    Move It or Lose It (the Stress, That Is!)

    Exercise is a potent stress reliever. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Physical activity helps burn off stress hormones and promotes the production of feel-good endorphins.
    The Science of Sweat: A meta-analysis published in the journal Sports Medicine concluded that regular exercise is an effective strategy for reducing cortisol levels and improving stress management.
    Connect and Be Kind

    Social connection is a powerful buffer against stress. Nurture relationships with loved ones, engage in activities you enjoy, and consider volunteering. Acts of kindness boost both your mood and the well-being of others, creating a positive feedback loop.
    By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can effectively manage your cortisol levels and cultivate a calmer, healthier you. Remember, consistency is key. Be patient, celebrate your progress, and enjoy the journey to a more balanced and stress-free life!
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Unsplash, Pexel & feature image: @xun1020 More

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      Get Fit Anywhere With This Resistance Band Workout

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      You know you’re winning when working out feels less like a task and more like just another part of your day – like grabbing a coffee or taking a shower. That kind of consistency doesn’t just happen; it’s something you’ve built up over time. So, as the holidays start to roll in, don’t stress about perfection. It’s about keeping the momentum going and not letting a holiday pause get in your way. You’ve come this far – keep it going!Gym In Your Beach BagYou may not be able to go to the gym when you’re hitting the seaside in Scottburgh on the South Coast, but you can take the gym circuit along with you wherever you’re headed these holidays. All you need are two totally affordable, uber-packable pieces of equipment and this workout from Joburg-based trainer Inge Bezuidenhout (pictured). “The resistance band is very small and can easily fit into your luggage,” says Inge. “You also don’t need a lot of space to perform exercises with a resistance band and it can be used for training almost every muscle in your body. Plus, the intensity can be adjusted, the same as with any machine.” When choosing a resistance band, you get a variety of thicknesses. The thicker the band, the higher the intensity – just like adding more bricks to your weight stack increases resistance on a cable machine.READ MORE: This 15-Minute Full-Body Workout Is Perfect For BeginnersIf you’re new to exercise or typically set your circuit machines to just one or two bricks, Inge recommends using the thinnest band you can find, which will be the easiest to train with. “Also, don’t place too much resistance on the band,” she advises. You can adjust the resistance by altering the band’s length – hold a short section or fold it over and you have high resistance; use it at its full length for lowest resistance. “I use a resistance band with all my clients because it can adjust to various fitness and strength levels,” says Inge, who specialises in training women at their homes. “It’s also so versatile – it can be used as is, in a loop format or you can tie it to a pole or pillar for pulling exercises. Alternatively, you can use it with a partner or connected to a door to perform various exercises.”How It WorksThe workout is divided into two sets, each consisting of three exercises. Starting with Set 1, do the three exercises in order for the prescribed number of reps, then go back and repeat twice more for a total of three rounds. Once you’ve done three rounds of Set 1, move on to Set 2, following the same pattern.Set 1Rounds: 3- start each round with 60 seconds of skippingMovesBand pushups: Beginner | 10 reps

      Advanced | 15 reps

      Band pelvic lifts and pull: Beginner and Advanced | 15 reps + hold at hips for 10 seconds

      Band side steps: Beginner | 15 reps each side

      Advanced | 20 reps each sideSet 2Rounds: 3- start each set with 20 jumping jacks (for an extra challenge, use a band to make them harder)MovesBand hamstring kickbacks: Beginner |15 reps each leg

      Advanced | 20 reps each leg

      Band double-arm core pulls: Beginner | 10 reps each side

      Advanced | 15 reps each side

      Band squat and press: Beginner | 15 reps

      Advanced | 20 repsREAD MORE: The Ultimate Core Workout For Abs Of Steel – From A TrainerThe Workout MovesBand Push-UpsFold the band and place it around your shoulders, holding one end in each hand, then get into the top of a push-up, tummy tight and bum squeezed (A). Keeping your spine straight, lower your body until your chest is a few centimetres above the ground.  (B), then push back to start.Band Pelvic Lifts and PullTie the band to a pole about 30cm from the floor, then lie on your back, holding the band with both hands, shoulder width apart and extended above your head (A). As you lift your hips so that you form a straight line from your knees to your shoulders, pull the band to your hips with straight arms, squeezing your bum (B). Lower back to start. That’s one rep.Band Side StepsStand on a band, feet shoulder-width apart, then cross the ends of the band and hold one in each hand (A). Step your right leg to the right and then your left leg to the left (B). Return to start. That’s one repBand Jumping JacksStart by holding the band in both hands, with your hands above your head and your feet together (A). As you jump your legs apart, pull the band open in front of your face (B) then hop back to start. That’s one rep.Band Hamstring KickbacksTie the band at the bottom of a sturdy pole. Put one foot inside the loop and lift your heel to put the band underneath your foot (A). Stand upright, holding onto a wall for balance, and slowly kick your foot backwards by straightening your leg (B). Control the movement back to start. That’s one repBand Double-Arm Core PullsTie the band to a sturdy pole at shoulder height and stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding the band with both hands together towards the pole (A). Use both arms to pull the band in front of you (B). Control the movement back to start. That’s one rep.Band Squat and Press Stand on the band with feet hip-width apart, holding the ends in both hands. Your hands should be shoulder-width apart in line with your chest, palms facing upwards (A). Sit back into a squat (B) and as you come up, press with both hands overhead (C). That’s one rep. Immediately lower back into another squat for your next rep.   More

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      15 CrossFit Workouts You Can Do At Home

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      When you think of CrossFit, you probably picture people throwing around heavy barbells, swinging kettlebells all over the place, and jumping up onto impossibly high boxes. Turns out, though, you don’t need any of these things to channel CrossFit’s famously badass vibes. And, even better: home CrossFit workouts do the work, are tough as nails and require minimal equipment.Yep, there are plenty of daily CrossFit workouts (known as WODs, or workouts of the day) that require only your body weight. (Well, that and the desire to #werk.) “No-equipment workouts force you to master key movement patterns, which lays down a foundation for long-term success,” says CrossFit Games athlete and coach Ian Berger CF-L2.They’re also much more accessible (and safer!) for beginners curious about — but intimidated by — CrossFit and its hardcore rep. While working out in your living room or garage might not have the same feel as a CrossFit box (read: gym), you’ll still score the same great sweat.Need proof? Give one of these bodyweight home CrossFit workouts a go — and know that you can always up the intensity with a pullup bar, jump rope, or kettlebell if you’re feelin’ it.1. Murph

      Best for: a full-body challenging workout

      Arguably the most famous CrossFit workout, Murph isn’t for the faint of heart. Every Memorial Day weekend in the U.S., CrossFitters everywhere sweat through this workout in tribute to U.S. Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who was killed in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005.

      If you can’t do a pull-up (or don’t have access to a pull-up bar), try chair-pulls instead, suggest Berger. And, remember, you can always drop to your knees for push-ups.2. Cindy

      Best for: upper and lower body endurance

      Set a timer, then cycle through as many rounds of these three exercises as you can in 20 minutes. “It’s not complicated, but it’s effective at working your upper body and lower body,” says CrossFit Games competitor and coach Brooke Ence CF-L2.READ MORE: 7 Proven Pilates Benefits And The Best Apps To Download3. Annie

      Best for: cardio conditioning

      For this one, you’ll perform 50 reps of each move, then 40, then 30, then 20, then 10. Double-unders (which involve swinging a jump rope around your body twice during every jump) are a fire way to get your heart pumping, says Ence. Can’t do ’em? That’s A-OK. Just count regular jump rope skips or hop completely rope-free.

      Pro tip: Pop a pillow, towel or yoga mat beneath your tailbone for the endless sit-ups.4. Death By Burpee

      Best for: conditioning, cardio, all-over strength

      For this WOD, start a timer and perform the designated number of burpees at the top of every minute. Continue adding a burpee each minute until you can’t burpee anymore.

      “Death by burpees is one of my favourite full-body workouts,” says Ence. “It sneaks up on you. The first six to eight minutes you think the workout is easy, and then all of a sudden you’re out of breath.” Like, really out of breath.

      Plus, it’s fast! The longest you’ll likely last if you’re absolutely c-r-u-s-h-i-n-g it, is 20 minutes. Hanging on ’til somewhere between 13 and 16 minutes is a good goal, though.READ MORE: How Many Carbs Should I Eat If I’m Trying To Lose Weight?5. Karen

      Best for: full-body endurance burn

      This six- to 10-minute workout sounds simple: All you do is stand arm-distance from a sturdy wall or column holding a medicine ball (opt for 3–4kg for beginners or 5-6kg for advanced) in front of your chest, elbows bent and close to body. Then, lower into a squat, and as you rise back up, bounce the ball off the wall slightly above your head. Catch it and lower into another squat. That’s 1 rep. Simple, right?

      Well, don’t be deceived: “Karen is a really great full-body burner,” says Ence. Don’t have a medicine ball to throw around? Do thrusters with a textbook, milk jug, or backpack instead. Or, churn out 150 bodyweight squats.6. CrossFit Open Workout 12.1

      Best for: all-over strength and cardio

      If you’re really short on time and need a short, snappy, and sweaty workout, this is it.

      Berger recommends trying to hold a pace of 10 to 15 burpees per minute (that’s 70 to 90 burpees total).READ MORE: Consider This Yoga HIIT Workout A Total-Body Shred7. JT

      Best for: upper-body strength

      Need a quick upper-body burn? “JT is the perfect recipe for not being able to lift your arms up overhead tomorrow,” says Berger.

      If handstand push-ups aren’t your thing, swap them for pike push-ups (essentially a push-up to downward-facing dog) instead, he suggests. For the dips, just make sure to plant your hands on a stable surface like a bench, table, or step.8. Chad

      Best for: lower-body strength

      Got a ledge, step, or super-sturdy table? That’s all you need for this WOD. “Be sure to switch your leading leg every step,” says Berger. “Don’t worry about whether or not it’s faster to lead with one leg than the other, prioritise symmetry over speed.”

      To keep things interesting, feel free to alternate between side step-ups and standard ones.READ MORE: Sculpt A Great Butt With This Home Booty Workout9. Bounce

      Best for: combined cardio and strength

      Already a master of burpees? Give burpee tuck jumps a try. This plyometric move will jack up your heart rate while working your legs, Berger says. Combine it with running and dips and you’ve got yourself a quality, all-around workout.10. Active Rest Day

      Best for: rest days, sore muscles

      If you don’t have much gas in the tank, this restorative workout will get the blood flowing so you can get sweaty tomorrow. “Our bodies need time to recover in order to actually reap the benefits of all our workouts,” says Berger.

      Wondering what a couch stretch is? Open up your hip flexors by standing facing away from your couch with one foot planted on the floor and the other leg bent so your knee rests on a seat cushion and the top of your foot rests on the back cushion behind it. You should feel the stretch along the front of your bent leg from hip to knee.11. Angie

      Best for: full-body strength

      Fancy a full-body workout? Annie is just that. “With a push, pull, squat, and hinge movement, Annie is a muscular endurance workout that challenges you head to toe,” says Libby Landry, CF-L3 coach at CrossFit Invictus and member of the CrossFit Headquarters Seminar Staff.

      As with other workouts, swap in chair-pulls if pull-ups aren’t happening.READ MORE: Build Killer Abs With This Quick Core Workout12. 5K Run

      Best for: cardio

      Yep, one of the most-used CrossFit WODs ever is a classic 5k run. “It’s a great test of cardiovascular endurance, even if you need to intersperse walking throughout the 5K,” says Landry.13. Dealer’s Choice

      Best for: all-over conditioning

      For this one, break up the moves however you like until you work through all of the reps. If you can’t do pistol squats (understandable, they’re darn hard), swap in skater squats instead, Berger says.READ MORE: This Do-Anywhere Workout Will Have You Sweating Up A Storm14. 3-Part Press Blast

      Best for: cardio and conditioning

      This three-part AMRAP gets your cardio up with plenty of quick runs — and though it’s a little more complicated than other workouts on the list, you definitely won’t get bored.

      The gist of it: Set a timer to complete each AMRAP, resting for two minutes between them.15. 15-Minute EMOM

      Best for: cardio

      Next time you’re feeling meh about working out, Berger recommends EMOM (every minute, on the minute) workouts, which require you to jump back into action when a new 60-second interval starts.

      For this one, you’ll work through five, three-minute rounds, focusing on one of three exercises for 40 seconds out of every minute.

      “If you don’t have a kettlebell, put a few books in a tote bag or use a 5-litre jug of water,” Landry says.This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com More

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      The Ultimate No-Gym Required Workout

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      This 6-move total-body workout will get you shredded in record time with just a few home gym essentials. To be the best you’ve been, train with Trojan.No-Gym Total-Body Workout Do the circuit at least three times a week, with only 30 seconds of rest in between each move. To really move things into high gear, you can aim for two or three circuits (we’d only recommend this for advanced athletes). Select equipment with the right weight for your strength level. Let’s get those gains!
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      1. Deep Push-UpReps: Do 8 to 12 reps

      Equipment: Trojan Extreme Door Gym Adopt a modified plank position (knees on the ground) with your hands gripping both sides of the Trojan Extreme Door Gym. Lower your chest, keeping your elbows close to your sides. See how far down you can go before pushing back up to the start. 2. Sandbag LungesReps: Do 10 reps with each leg

      Equipment: Trojan 10kg Fitness Sandbag Stand holding a sandbag across your shoulders and behind your head. Step forward with your right leg and lower yourself into a lunge position, while keeping your torso upright and looking straight ahead. Don’t let your front knee go beyond your toes, and try to let your back knee touch the ground softly. Press back up to a standing position and then do the other leg.READ MORE: The 15-Minute Tone Up Workout3. Speed DeadliftsReps: Use a barbell (total weight of 25kg) and aim for 20 reps

      Equipment: Trojan 1.8m Barbell Bar; Trojan 2.5kg Barbell DiscStart with the barbell on the floor, close to your shins (A). Use an overhand or mixed grip and hold it slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Push through your heels to lift the barbell off the floor, and don’t stop until your legs are fully straight (B). Don’t use your back to lift the weights – keep a natural curve and your core contracted throughout.4. Clean and PressReps: Do 10 reps with the bar alone or add barbell discs for extra weight

      Equipment: Trojan 1.8m Barbell BarStart in the deadlift position. Pull the bar upwards by extending your knees and moving your hips forward, while keeping your back straight and the bar close to you. Get under the bar in a squat position once it passes shoulder level. Rotate your elbows around and under the bar and rack the bar across your shoulders. Exhale as you press the bar up until your arms are straight overhead. 5. Kettlebell SwingsReps: Do 10 to 20 swings with a challenging weight

      Equipment: Trojan 8kg KettlebellHold the kettlebell in both hands (overhand grip) in between your legs, knees bent. Swing the kettlebell overhead, use a strong hip extension and drive down with your heels. Don’t stop until the kettlebell is above your head, arms extended straight upwards. 6. Burpees With Medicine Ball SlamsReps: Do 10 reps

      Equipment: Trojan 7kg Medicine BallStand while holding a medicine ball overhead. Then throw it down onto the ground as quickly as possible. When the ball lands, get into a push-up position with your chest over the medicine ball. Do one push-up (your chest needs to touch the ball) before jumping back into the start position in one explosive movement. Trojan – for health and fitness equipment that delivers on its promises. Trojan is exclusively available in Makro and Game stores countrywide, or on their websites. More

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      3 Kilojoule-Obliterating Swimming Workouts

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      Usually when you say the word “swimming” your knee-jerk reaction is to imagine all the reasons you typically avoid pool workouts: chlorine-tinted hair, soggy towels in gym bags… However, water provides 12 to 14 percent more resistance than air, so swimming has the potential to blow your current dry-land routine out of the water when it comes to cardio conditioning and total-body toning!The real key to a strong swimming workout: move past your sea turtle pace and into a fast, kilojoule-obliterating one.How? By maximising your strokes for more power and efficiency. Once you get stronger and faster in the pool, you’ll wind up a lot leaner when you get out.FreestyleGreat for core, glutes and shouldersBurns 860kJ in 30 minutes at a moderate pace (based on a 60kg woman)DO IT Think of your arms as a windmill. As you pull your front arm down into the water (the pull phase, in water-rat speak), bring your back arm out of the water behind you, over your body and slice it back into the water (the catch phase). Visualise your body’s “long axis”: a line running from the top of your head to the tips of your pedicure. It remains stable while your body tilts side to side. To flutter kick: “Point your toes and kick from your hips and glutes without bending your knees much,” says swimming coach and Ironman triathlete Desirée Ficker.HONE IT Freestyle’s power is in the catch phase. To grab the water instead of slicing back in with a straight arm, bend it into an “L” shape, elbow slightly up, hand pointed towards the pool bottom. Hold your hands flat, like paddles, says physiologist Deb Whitney, who’s worked with the American Olympic swimming team.DRILL IT Practise rolling your shoulders and hips at the same time. Get into a sidestroke position, right arm extended in the water in line with your head, left arm resting along your hip, and do six to 12 slow flutter kicks. Then do one regular freestyle stroke (left arm/right arm). Next, roll onto your left side and repeat the six to 12 kicks. Drill for a couple of laps.BREATHE EASY Resist the urge to turn and lift your head above the surface to grab air. Instead, rotate it in line with your body, inhaling when your face is halfway out of the water. (When you take a breath, keep one eye in the water, the other above it.)READ MORE: This Do-Anywhere Workout Will Have You Sweating Up A StormBackstrokeGreat for obliques and lower abs Burns 860kJ in 30 minutes at a moderate paceDO IT Think windmill again, but on your back. Bring your right arm out of the water at your waist, arc it over your head (elbow slightly bent) and slice it back into the water, leading with your pinkie (catch phase). Pull it down beneath your body (pull phase) and repeat with your left arm. As you stroke, pivot at the waist. And flutter kick with straight, not rigid, legs.HONE IT The key to supine floating is tilting your head back so it’s in line with your spine (your impulse is to look at where you’ve been – or who you’re about to smack into – but that makes your hips and butt sink). As you arc your arm back to the water, “point your palms away from your body with your pinkie facing down, so you catch, hold and pull the water as your hand goes back in,” Whitney says.DRILL IT Improve the side-to-side pivoting motion. Assume the sidestroke position, right arm extended in the water in line with your head, left arm resting along your hip. Do six to 12 flutter kicks, then turn onto your back for one backstroke (left arm/right arm). Flip to the opposite side for six to 12 more kicks. Drill for a lap or two.BREATHE EASY Keep it rhythmic. Experiment to figure out what you’re comfortable with, such as inhaling on every right arm pull, exhaling on every left arm pull.READ MORE: Top Hacks To Summer-Proof Your SkinBreaststrokeGreat for glutes, hamstrings and quads Burns 1200kJ in 30 minutes at a moderate paceDO IT Pull your knees to your chest and hold your palms together in a prayer position. Kick out and apart with your legs (think frog), then squeeze them together straight behind you. Next, push your arms out in front of you. Glide for a moment, then turn your palms down and push outward (catch phase) and down (pull phase) in a circular motion. Keep your head steady and chin forward, gazing forward as you breathe and slightly down towards the bottom of the pool at the pull phase.HONE IT Finish each kick with your ankles relaxed and your toes pointing to the bottom of the pool so your insteps can clap together. “Take advantage of the power of each kick by gliding as long as you can, your body in an arrow shape,” Whitney says. Rushing into your next stroke will slow you down by creating drag, compromising your form and making you less efficient in the water.DRILL IT Exaggerate the glide with two frog kicks, then one arm pull. On the second kick, keep your arms out in front and let yourself glide. Drill for a couple of laps.BREATHE EASY Exhale underwater; inhale as your face comes out.Looking for more? Try these swim-ready moves if you want to strengthen and tone all over. More

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      The Ultimate Core Workout For Abs Of Steel – From A Trainer

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      We get it: the ultimate way to show off your hard-earned gains in the gym is to have shimmering, chiselled abs of steel. Luckily, this ultimate core workout, made up of different abs workouts, is an intensive all-over toning routine to get you from A to Teyana Taylor hotness. Why are abs workouts important? We’re so glad you asked! Having a strong midsection is far more beneficial than an iconic crop top moment. It’s imperative for stellar posture, which supports the spine. A good posture is so much more than looking great in outfits and appearing slimmer, too. It prevents injury, aches and pains and even reduces wear and tear on your joints. Translation: you can push back purchasing a walking stick. That’s not all: doing this core workout will support your body in other ways. It naturally elevates every workout or sport, since the force you produce is far greater when your powerful midsection is behind it. A muscly midsection protects your internal organs, alleviates back pain, improves your running, burns fat… the list is endless. How to do this *ultimate* core workout Fitness Trainer and Owner of FIT BEST Training, Renché Seyffert, created this workout for all levels. Here’s how: When to do it Add this routine to the end of your regular workouts two to three times a week. This abs workout takes just 12 minutes to complete. Short on time? Pick just one or two combos and repeat for as much time as you have! How to time it For best results, try working for 50 seconds, then rest for 10 seconds between each move. But you can scale things, depending on your level. Beginners: Use the 40/20 principle. work for 40 seconds then rest for 20 seconds. Make it harder: Add extra weights to each move, either on your legs, weight plates (for advanced movers only) or use dumbbells. Ready, steady… work!READ MORE: What You Really Need To Know About Running For Weight Loss, According To ExpertsThe Ultimate Core Workout Combo 150 seconds – Shoulder taps (targeting the core and shoulders)10 seconds rest50 seconds – High plank knee circles (targeting the core and hip flexors)10 seconds rest50 seconds – Combination: 2x shoulder taps; 2x knee circles; repeat for time 10 seconds restCombo 250 seconds –  Commandos (targeting the core and arms)10 seconds rest50 seconds – Plank jacks  (targeting the core and legs, while increasing the heart rate)10 seconds rest50 seconds – Combination: 2x commandos and 2x jacks, repeat for time 10 seconds restREAD MORE: How To *Actually* Lose Belly Fat With Diet And ExerciseCombo 350 seconds – Tricep dips in bridge position (targeting the core and triceps)10 seconds rest50 seconds – Toe taps in bridge position  (targeting the core)10 seconds rest50 seconds – Combination: 1x tricep dip; 2x toe taps, repeat for time 10 seconds restREAD MORE: The 15-Minute Tone Up WorkoutCombo 450 seconds – High plank reaches (targeting the core and shoulders)10 seconds rest50 seconds – High plank leg lifts  (targeting the core and glutes)10 seconds rest50 seconds – Combination: 2x reaches; 2x leg lifts, repeat for time 10 seconds restCheck out the entire workout here:
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      The Best Yoga Flow For Relaxation

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      Who’s ready for a quick 2-minute relaxation sesh? Pick me! It’s that time of year when burnout, stress and end-of-year blues creep in. If you’re struggling with focus or feeling overwhelmed, this yoga flow is exactly what you need to unwind. Woosah!Time: 2 minutesEquipment: Yoga matGood for: RelaxationInstructions: Flow from one pose to the next. Complete the yoga flow as many times as you’d like. You can also hold each pose for more than one breath, to make the flow a bit longer.Crocodile PoseHow to: Lie on your stomach with your legs extended and spread slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Fold your arms on the ground in front of you, and place your forehead on your arms. Stay here for one breath, then move to the next pose.Cat-Cow PoseHow to: Come onto all fours, into a tabletop position with your hands directly under your shoulders, knees below your hips. As you inhale, lift your head and your tailbone as you arch your spine down and open your chest up, coming into cow pose. Then exhale, tuck your tailbone, curl your spine, and lower your head into cat pose. Go back and forth three times, then continue to the next pose.Child’s PoseHow to: From all fours in a tabletop position, inhale and bend your knees, bringing your butt back onto your heels. Keep your arms extended in front of you. Stay here for one breath, then move to the next pose.READ MORE: Consider This Yoga HIIT Workout A Total-Body ShredCat-Cow PoseHow to: Come back onto all fours, into a tabletop position with your hands directly under your shoulders, knees below your hips. As you inhale, lift your head and your tailbone as you arch your spine down and open your chest up, coming into cow pose. Then exhale, tuck your tailbone, curl your spine, and lower your head into cat pose. Go back and forth three times, then continue to the next pose.Child’s PoseHow to: From all fours in a tabletop position, inhale and bend your knees, bringing your butt back onto your heels. Keep your arms extended in front of you. Stay here for one breath, then move to the next pose.Upward DogHow to: From a low hover position, extend your arms and lift your upper body, with an arch in your upper back, and your chest open and lifted. Your legs should be fully extended, the tops of your feet against your mat, and your thighs lifted a few inches off your mat. Stay here for one breath, then move to the next pose.READ MORE: Boost Your Morning Routine With This Easy 15-Minute Yoga FlowCrocodile PoseHow to: Lie on your stomach with your legs extended and spread slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Fold your arms on the ground in front of you, and place your forehead on your arms. Stay here for one breath. Complete the entire flow as many times as you’d like.This article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.com. More

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      The 15-Minute Tone Up Workout

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      “This workout is simple, but it’ll seriously crank your heart rate and metabolism,” says strength and conditioning specialist Jen Ator.You’ll also increase your flexibility and core strength and sculpt your butt, legs and shoulders, so you can get back to that sun lounger asap. Make this set your travel go-to, or do it three times a week as a super-efficient workout. Starting with the first exercise, perform as many reps as you can in 50 seconds, rest for 10, then move on to the next. After all four moves, rest for one minute. Repeat two more times for three circuits total.You’ll need: Floor space; a mat (optional)Marching Glute Bridge

      Lie face-up with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, arms by your sides. Press through your heels to raise your hips so your body forms a straight line from shoulders to knees (A). Raise your right foot, knee bent at 90 degrees, until your shin is parallel to the floor (B). Hold for three seconds, then lower your foot and repeat with the left. Alternate.READ MORE: This Do-Anywhere Workout Will Have You Sweating Up A StormAlternating Reverse Lunge

      Stand with feet hip-width apart, hands clasped behind your head (A). Step back with your right leg and lower your body until your left knee is bent 90 degrees (B). Push back up to start. That’s one rep. Switch legs and repeat.Plank Builders

      Get into plank position, forearms on the floor, elbows under your shoulders, legs extended behind you (A). Place your right hand flat on the floor (B), and then your left, straightening your arms to push-up position (C). Return to start by lowering onto your right, then left, forearms. Repeat, leading with your left hand; alternate.READ MORE: Women’s Health Fitness Special 2024Skater Hop

      Cross your left leg behind your right and lower into a half-squat, your right arm out to the side, left arm across your hips (A). Hop to the left, switching your legs and arms (B). That’s one rep. Keep hopping quickly, alternating from side to side.Moves extracted from The Women’s Health Big Book of 15-Minute Workouts. More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      Do you have high cortisol levels? 5 simple ways to combat it

      by

      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      2 mins ago

      Feeling frazzled? You’re not alone. Daily pressures can send cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, into overdrive.
      For women, chronically high cortisol can disrupt sleep, worsen PMS symptoms, and even contribute to weight gain. But don’t despair! Here are 5 science-backed strategies to keep your cortisol levels in check and your well-being soaring:
      Power Down for Power Up

      Sleep is the ultimate stress soother. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, including winding down electronics at least an hour before bed.
      Why it Works: According to a study published in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, just one night of short sleep can significantly elevate cortisol levels.
      Breathe Deeply, De-Stress Completely

      Deep breathing activates the relaxation response, a natural antidote to cortisol’s fight-or-flight effects. Practice belly breathing for just 5 minutes daily. Inhale slowly through your nose, feeling your belly expand. Exhale slowly through pursed lips.
      Science Says So: A review published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology highlights the effectiveness of deep breathing in reducing cortisol levels and promoting relaxation.
      Nourish Your Body, Tame Your Stress

      A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides sustained energy and minimizes blood sugar fluctuations that can trigger cortisol spikes. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive caffeine, which can worsen anxiety and stress.
      Move It or Lose It (the Stress, That Is!)

      Exercise is a potent stress reliever. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Physical activity helps burn off stress hormones and promotes the production of feel-good endorphins.
      The Science of Sweat: A meta-analysis published in the journal Sports Medicine concluded that regular exercise is an effective strategy for reducing cortisol levels and improving stress management.
      Connect and Be Kind

      Social connection is a powerful buffer against stress. Nurture relationships with loved ones, engage in activities you enjoy, and consider volunteering. Acts of kindness boost both your mood and the well-being of others, creating a positive feedback loop.
      By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can effectively manage your cortisol levels and cultivate a calmer, healthier you. Remember, consistency is key. Be patient, celebrate your progress, and enjoy the journey to a more balanced and stress-free life!
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Unsplash, Pexel & feature image: @xun1020 More