Category Archives: Nutrition

Fitness, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Wellbeing

Revolutionising Fitness: The Future of Workout Trends

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Date: May 7, 2024
Author: Emilio Price-Pillai

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Welcome to Revolutionising Fitness, where we explore the latest trends reshaping the workout landscape. In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the future of fitness, unveiling innovative approaches, backed by examples, statistics, and case studies.

To kick-start our journey, it’s crucial to understand  that modern fitness enthusiasts seek cutting-edge techniques to elevate their routines and achieve optimal results. Whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer or a newbie eager to embrace change, this guide is tailored to meet your evolving fitness needs.

Imagine stepping into a world where your workout isn’t just a routine, but an adventure. A realm where you can soar through virtual landscapes or synchronize your movements with cutting-edge technology. Welcome to the future of fitness…but the question is; Which fitness trend are you most excited to try?

A) Virtual Reality Workouts

B) Wearable Fitness Tech

C) Mindfulness Practices

In the ever-evolving landscape of fitness, Virtual Reality (VR) and cutting-edge technology have emerged as game-changers, offering immersive and engaging workout experiences like never before. Let’s explore the best VR and fitness tech options to elevate your exercise routine to new heights.

  1. Meta Quest 2: With its wireless design and expansive library of fitness-focused VR games and apps, the Meta Quest 2 delivers unparalleled freedom and versatility. From high-intensity boxing workouts to serene yoga sessions, this all-in-one VR headset offers something for every fitness enthusiast. Link to Meta Quest 2 [here]
  1. Fitbit Charge 5: Sleek and feature-packed, the Fitbit Charge 5 is a versatile fitness tracker that offers advanced health and fitness insights. From tracking steps and heart rate to monitoring sleep and stress levels, this wearable device provides comprehensive data to help you optimise your workouts and overall well-being. Link to Fitbit Charge 5 [here]

Our mission is clear: to unveil emerging fitness trends and address the challenges faced by traditional workout routines. By embracing innovation and adaptability, we strive to revolutionise fitness experiences for our readers. From breaking the monotony of mundane workouts to maximising efficiency and effectiveness, our objectives are aligned with your fitness aspirations.

YouTube Video to help start up your fitness adventure: A-Z VR Fitness beginners guide – all you need to know

 

Mind Over Matter: The Power of Positive Thinking – Fitness isn’t just about sculpting your physique; it’s also about nurturing your mind and spirit. By adopting a positive mindset, you can overcome obstacles, push through limitations, and achieve things you never thought possible. So, the next time you hit the gym, remember to channel your inner warrior and unleash your full potential with every rep, every step, and every breath.

Fuel Your Fire: The Importance of Nutrition – They say abs are made in the kitchen, and they’re not wrong! Nutrition plays a crucial role in fueling your fitness journey and maximizing your performance. From lean proteins and complex carbohydrates to nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, the food you eat directly impacts your energy levels, recovery time, and overall well-being. So, make every meal count by nourishing your body with the wholesome goodness it deserves. We cant forget the iconic and beneficial 5-a-Day!

Embrace Variety: Mixing Up Your Workouts – Boredom is the enemy of progress, which is why it’s essential to keep your workouts fresh, exciting, and diverse. Whether you’re into weightlifting, yoga, running, or dancing, there’s no shortage of ways to get your sweat on and keep things interesting. Plus, by challenging your body in new and different ways, you’ll continue to grow stronger, fitter, and more resilient with each passing day.

Rest and Recovery: The Unsung Heroes of Fitness – In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to overlook the importance of rest and recovery. However, these vital components are just as crucial to your fitness journey as the workouts themselves. So, be sure to prioritize sleep, relaxation, and downtime to allow your body to repair, recharge, and come back even stronger than before. Remember, progress isn’t made in the gym; it’s made during those precious moments of rest and recovery.

Find Your Tribe: The Power of Community – They say that strength comes in numbers, and nowhere is that more evident than in the world of fitness. Whether it’s joining a local gym, participating in group fitness classes, or connecting with like-minded individuals online, finding your tribe can provide invaluable support, motivation, and camaraderie on your journey towards greatness. Together, we can inspire, encourage, and uplift each other to reach new heights of fitness excellence.

Introducing VR Fitness – A Case Study

  • In collaboration with leading fitness experts, we conducted a study to explore the impact of virtual reality on workout experiences. The results were astonishing, with participants reporting heightened engagement, increased motivation, and measurable improvements in fitness levels. (Draw & Code, 2023)
  • According to NPR (2024), VR Workouts for 2024 An estimated one to two million people already work out while wearing a virtual reality headset. This underscores the growing demand for immersive fitness experiences that transcend conventional boundaries.

Quotations from Exercise.com which underscores the Fitness revolution:

1. “The fitness industry is growing because online fitness education growth, advancements in fitness technology, and the influence of social media ‘fitness culture’.”

2. “The integration of technology into fitness has made it more accessible, personalized, and engaging. Mobile applications and wearable devices track and analyze various aspects of fitness, including heart rate, calories burned, sleep patterns, and exercise performance. These devices provide users with real-time feedback and personalized recommendations, enhancing the overall fitness experience. Additionally, virtual training programs and augmented reality offer immersive workouts, bringing the benefits of a fitness class right into people’s homes.”

Join the conversation! Share your fitness journey with us and inspire others to embrace innovation in their workouts. Whether it’s a success story, a favourite workout routine, or a tip for staying motivated, your contributions are invaluable.

Reminder! – Embrace change and innovation in your fitness journey. Stay open-minded and adventurous as we explore the future of workouts together.

Are you still eager to revolutionise your fitness routine? Unlock exclusive access to Nike’s comprehensive workout app, featuring personalised training programs, real-time progress tracking, and motivational tools to keep you on track. Start your free trial today and experience the future of fitness at your fingertips! Click [here] to get started now!

 

Nutrition

Why is it healthier to eat less meat ?

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Meat is a widely consumed food in today’s cuisine. For many, it’s an essential food that should be included in every meal. However, many preconceived ideas are prevalent in our societies, such as the belief that meat is necessary to get proteins. Often, people are misinformed and unaware that, in reality, eating so much meat could, on the contrary, harm their health. So today, we’ll see in this new blog that reducing meat consumption, besides being an ecological and economical action, is above all a way to take care of one’s health.

 

Gratuit Photo De Salade De Légumes Dans Des Bols Photos
vegetarian meals on Pexels

Meat is known for its contribution to proteins, vitamin B, and minerals, which are indeed essential for our good health. However, it’s often overlooked that it’s also an exacerbating factor in the development of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity. To cite some figures, it’s estimated that consuming 100g of red meat daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 29%. Yet, an adult consumes around 530 grams of beef and pork per week. The ANSES (French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) recommends a daily protein intake of 0.8g/kg/day, but an adult consumes nearly double, mainly in animal form, which show a reel problem.

In October 2015, the World Health Organization published a report establishing a link between red meat and cancers. This study highlights the fact that processed red meat, such as beef, pork, or other meats modified into ham, sausage, or charcuterie, is implicated in the occurrence of colon, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. This is due to certain chemical compounds that form during the processing or cooking of meat, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or N-nitrosamines, classified as carcinogens.

Another compound, carnitine, is highly present in red meat. It’s metabolized by bacteria in the digestive tract, which then transform it into another compound: trimethylamine oxide (TMAO). The problem with this metabolite is that it’s classified by the medical community as a “facilitator” of atherosclerosis, a phenomenon of thickening and loss of elasticity of arterial walls. Consequently, excessive red meat consumption increases carnitine intake in the body, gradually altering the microbiota and making it more sensitive. This can lead to consequences on the cardiovascular system and result in cardiovascular diseases, stroke, heart attacks, and more.

Finally, let’s talk about diabetes. According to a study conducted in November 2013 by researchers from the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), meat consumption would increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Indeed, the risk of diabetes associated with a meat-rich diet increases by 96% in women of normal weight. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that consuming red meat more than twice a week increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 62%. So be careful !

All these studies reveal the dangers of overconsumption of meat and should now persuade you to rebalance your diet, which, given the quantities of meat we consume, has a wide margin for reduction that should cause no harm to dietary balance, quite the opposite. And in the same time, the earth and your callet will thank you !

 

Nutritional breakdown diagram of main food items, from the article “No, it’s not essential to eat meat to be healthy”, on Le Monde

The above graph allows us to better visualize the contributions of each food item. We can see that the nutrients provided by meat are not exclusive to it. Most often, we have several alternatives. This shows that meat is far from irreplaceable. Let’s now take a closer look at what could help us improve our diet.

Firstly, for those who are not yet ready to completely abandon all forms of animal food, it is advisable to focus more on consuming fish and seafood. As for meat, it is recommended to eat less of it, but of better quality. This behavior has several positive aspects: it already allows you to eat good products, probably less modified and with fewer chemicals, but also to strengthen the local economy, support a consumption of nobler products, and fight against overproduction and intensive farming. So while continuing to eat meat, you can still redirect your consumption ethically and in favor of your health.

However, if you are ready to further modify your diet, you can find proteins in eggs or plant-based sources such as soy, tofu, beans, chickpeas, or lentils. These foods have the advantage of being rich in protein while reducing fat intake. For those feeling nostalgic, plant-based meat alternatives have been created. There are now plant-based nuggets, meatballs, steaks, sausages, and even minced meat. And these are foods that can be found directly in supermarkets. So don’t hesitate to try these new “meat” forms next time you go shopping!

Viande végétale : un marché encore en construction
Vegetable steak, from the article “Vegetable meat: a market still under construction” on ID

It is also worth noting that they significantly reduce the possibility of diseases caused by meat consumption. To give you an idea, replacing the meat portion with its equivalent in nuts and legumes is associated with a 30% lower risk of developing diabetes. It is so much more safety.

With all this information, it now seems obvious to take the initiative of a dietary rebalancing, not only because there is no risk in reducing meat consumption, but also because the nutrients provided are very easily found in other foods. And as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Restricting meat intake in your diet is preventing against the risks of diseases. It’s also an opportunity to turn to new nutritional sources and a healthier and more balanced diet. So to help you in this transition, here are some very balanced recipes that will allow you to take a first step towards this evolution :

I hope you enjoyed this blog ! I will enjoy to read your impressions in the comments.

Fitness, Nutrition

🌟 DREAM BIG & ACHIEVE ALL

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A younger girl’s guide: moving towards a happier and healthier you!

Hey! My name is Isobel and I wanted to write this guide for you to support, motivate and remind you that you can be anything you want to be in your life. Growing up and at your age, I struggled with self-confidence. Exercise helped me get through, and to this day helps me get through the hard days. Exercising increases my mood, makes me feel empowered and gives me the energy to tackle anything I need to do. Our bodies and minds are incredible things, and if we treat them well, we can achieve all! So I hope this guide helps you understand your body, supports you when you are feeling down, and most importantly I hope it helps you realise that no dream is too big!


only 47% of young adults are considered ‘active’ in the UK

SportEngland, 2022

🏃‍♀️ 🏊‍♀️ 🤾‍♀️ 🏋️‍♀️ Why does exercise matter?

Dear girls, let’s embark on a journey – a journey that involves more than just physical movement. Let’s explore why excercise matters, not just for our bodies but for our minds, hearts, and dreams.

  • STRONG BODIES, STRONG MINDS

Over 1 million girls drop out of sport after primary school.

(Women in Sport, 2023)

Excercise builds strong muscles, flexible joints, and healthy bones. See it as a protective armour around our bodies – one that shields us from life’s challenges.

When we move, our brains release endorphins – the magical molecules which lift our spirits. Excercise is our secret potion against stress, anxiety and self doubt.

  • FINDING OUR CONFIDENCE

30% of girls don’t enjoy PE at school due to a lack of confidence

(YouthSportsTrust, 2022)

Finding confidence starts from within, and one powerful way to increase your self-esteem is through exercise. Whether it’s dancing, running, swimming, any physical activity has incredible benefits for both your body and mind.

Remember, it’s not about being the fastest or the strongest; it’s about celebrating what your body can do. Move freely, set achieveable goals, challenge yourself, and celebrate every little victory.

TYPES OF CARDIO:

CYCLING
DANCING
WALKING
ROWING
SWIMMING
JOGGING

 

CHALLENGE TIME:

Why don’t you try walking or cycling to school this week?

STRENGTH – Building a Stronger You

Strength training is all about helping your muscles get stronger. Think of it like levelling up in a video game – but for your body.

Strength training is so much more than just building muscles – it’s about building your inner strength and empowering you to conquer the world.

And the benefits don’t end there…

When you exercise your brain gets a dose of oxygen and nutrients which help you focus better and think clearer. That’s not all – strength training is also your bestie when it comes to body confidence. As you get stronger and fitter, you’ll also feel more comfortable in your skin, stand taller, and walk with a confident stride.

HOW CAN I STRENGTH TRAIN?

There are plenty of cool ways to strength train. You could use weights, like dumbbells or kettlebells, to do exercises like squats, lunges, or bicep curls. Don’t have weights? No problem! You can use resistance bands or even just your bodyweight (think push-ups or planks). You can also try sports that involve strength training, like rock climbing or gymnastics.

 

 

Alongside your workouts, a great playlist is needed! Below click on the link for the perfect playlist to Dream Big: Achieve All!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4vlQYhSododMwQLmVbhgVk?si=6722595daa1d4671

🍎Understanding Foods

Click on the tabs below to educate yourselves on the following food groups…

The Power of PROTEIN
  • Think of protein like lego – they are our body’s building blocks for every cell and is responsible for important jobs, such as:
  • Building & repairing muscles
  • Energy and metabolism: helping you maintain a healthy weight
  • Absorbing important nutrients
  • Boosting your immune system (your body’s defence against virus and diseases)
  • Maintaining healthy bones
  • Keeping fuller for longer
  • Enhancing your brain function

Crucial CARBS
  • Carbohydrates help us to feel energised
  • Carbs power our bodies and brains
  • They help us think, run, dance, and move
  • Help our muscles recover faster from injury or from exercise

Simple & Complex CARBS
  • There are two main types of carbohydrates: simple & complex
  • LET’S GET SCIENCY ! – simple carbs: are made up of single or double chain molecules, Complex carbs: are made up of a longer chain
  • Simple carbs are absorbed quickly and give us a quick source of energy, whereas complex carbs take longer to digest, which give us balanced energy over time.

ENJOY YOUR FOOD

Your relationship with food should be like any other healthy relationship, which is based on respect, love, and balance.

Think of food as nourishment for your body and brain. Eating a diverse range of foods doesn’t only make your plate vibrant and exciting, but it also fuels your brain, helping you stay sharp for school, sports, and all the things you love.

You are growing up in a world which attacks young girls with diet trends, calorie counting, and body image pressures. Food fuels your adventures, supports your dreams, and nourishes your resilience – don’t be scared of it!!

Balance is the key to a happy and healthy life – it’s perfectly fine to enjoy your favourite foods in moderation. Just make sure you pair that with a variety of fruits and vegetables. By doing this, you will have a strong body, a happy mind, and a fulfilled soul. Being healthy isn’t about perfection, it’s about the choices you make everyday that lead to a healthier lifestyle.

Savour every bite, and celebrate the nourishment that food brings to our bodies, minds, and souls.

🧠 Understanding Self – Doubt and Poor Body Image

LOVE THE PERSON YOU ARE

There may be moments where you might be feeling like you’re not quite good enough, like everyone else is doing better, are prettier, or more successful.

Negative body image is when you look at yourself and wish you could change things. Maybe you wish you could be smaller, thinner, curvier, more this, or more that.

There’s also social media, which likes to show us ‘perfect’ pictures of ‘perfect’ people living ‘perfect’ lives. Spoiler alert: it is not real. Comparing ourselves to these unrealistic images can damage our confidence as well as our mental & physical health.

Click on the topics below, I want you to reflect on the tasks and questions, then comment your answers in the comment section underneath…

Talk about your feelings…

Note down what you love about yourself. What are qualities which are unique to you? Repeat over and over: ‘I can do this’, ‘I will be the best version of myself’, ‘I matter’. 

Stay active…

Schedule in your next workout, what do you want to achieve? How do you want it to make you feel?

Eat well…

Create your next meal, and write down what you have learnt about ‘understanding your food’.