Tag: physical health

Lifestyle

Top 5 Health Benefits of Saunas And Steam Rooms

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Top 5 Health Benefits of Saunas And Steam Rooms

Saunas and steam rooms are not for everyone, but this is one thing we look forward to most after a workout. It is a great way to relax and recharge. Steam rooms and saunas are similar, both are heated rooms and used for relaxation and to help relieve symptoms of certain medical conditions. There are differences between the two, steam rooms offer moist heat, while a sauna provides dry heat from a wood or electric stove. We researched more into the benefits, and here are some of the reasons you need to steam and sauna your way to better health.

Post-workout relaxation: Muscles need to be relaxed and stretched after they are exercised in order to promote healthy recovery. This process is expedited by muscle relaxation, which occurs in response to a hot environment. Saunas and steam rooms also relieves joint and muscular tension. The heat soothes, warms and relaxes your muscles. Which is why this is so important to do after sport. It is said that it helps with joint pain as well as arthritis, migraines, and headaches.

(Photo credit: HUUM)

Removes toxins and clears the skin: We found out that sitting in a sauna and steam for just 20 minutes can get rid of an entire day’s sweat and all of the toxins! Steam clears the skin of impurities.  It improves circulation in the whole body, which gives you a healthy glow and will make your skin look and feel amazing.

Reduces stress: The heat causes the body to release endorphins that reduce the feeling of stress in the body. After you will feel rested and rejuvenated.

(Photo credit: Lukas Kubica)

Helps with weight loss and a healthy blood flow: The heat of steam and saunas get you sweating which can help even shed a few extra pounds of water weight. Capillaries dilate when exposed to the heat of a sauna or steam room, so blood flows freely and easily through the whole body, transporting oxygen everywhere you need it and leaving you feeling refreshed.

Opens the sinuses: Wet heat opens and thins mucous membranes in your body, sinuses, throat and lungs. Loosening mucous can be felt after entering a sauna as your breathing feels clearer. This can be especially beneficial for those who suffer from chronic congestion or sinus infections.

Shelley & Michelle xx

Fitness

Benefits From A Pilates Workout

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Benefits From A Pilates Workout

Pilates is a form of exercise which concentrates on strengthening the body with an emphasis on core strength. It helps to improve general fitness and overall well-being. Similar to Yoga, Pilates concentrates on posture, balance and flexibility. This form of exercise was developed by Joseph Pilates in Germany, who believed that physical and mental health were closely connected.

Although there are similarities between yoga and Pilates as they both focus on the mind-body connection, yoga tends to focus more on spiritual well being. It is a more relaxing form of exercise whereas Pilates is more physical and focuses on toning and strengthening.

Photo credit: Ginny Rose Stewart

Practicing Pilates on a regular basis provides plenty of well-rounded benefits. The great thing is that Pilates can be enjoyed by anyone and at any age. If you’re a beginner you can start with the more easier exercises and then once you’ve mastered those, you can work on the advanced moves. Always check with your health professional if you haven’t exercised for a while, are older or pregnant, or have health problems.

  • Good posture – Pilates will teach you to gain and maintain good posture. The exercises require that your body is always in alignment. This is especially beneficial if you suffer from lower back pain.
  • Clears the mind and improves your mood – Pilates focuses on providing balance between your mind and body, it gives you an overall sense of well-being. Pilates can improve your mood as physical activity causes endorphins to be released and causes a positive feeling in the body. Some scientists believe that being active can enhance wellbeing as it brings about a sense of better self-confidence and self-control.
  • Muscle Tone – The exercises involve the use of muscles that you may not use on a daily basis. After the initial soreness, you’ll find that your muscles will be much more toned.
  • Flat abdominal muscles – As Pilates focuses on strengthening your core which includes your abdominal muscles, you’ll find that one of the benefits of Pilates is that it will result in a flat stomach.
  • Flexibility – As we age we tend to lose the flexibility we had when we were younger. Pilates is said to restore your flexibility. After a while you’ll be amazed at how much more flexible your body has become.
  • Improves your balance – Through the mind-body connection, you will become much more aware of how your body moves and performs. Pilates not only improves your physical balance through correct posture but will also restore your mind-body balance.
  • Reduces stress – When doing the exercises, you’ll be in the moment and won’t be able to think about all those responsibilities that weigh you down on a day to day basis. You’ll be more focused on your breathing and on the moves that you are making with your body. This is one of the best ways to relieve stress.
Photo credit: Elena Kloppenburg

Shelley & Michelle xx

Lifestyle

5 WAYS TO KICKSTART A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE IN 2022

by shelleyandmichelle1 Comment on 5 WAYS TO KICKSTART A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE IN 2022
5 WAYS TO KICKSTART A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE IN 2022

Invest in yourself: Always make time for you, it may sound a bit cliche but not taking care of yourself won’t give you the ability to be your best self in everyday life. This is easier said then done, as the days can disappear before our eyes so quickly… I mean we are at the end of January already! Try and find ways to show yourself some love and keep your stress levels down, whether it’s getting your hair done, buying that new outfit or a piece of jewelry you’ve had your eye on. Retail therapy can be a good remedy to feel good. Lastly investing in your wellness, for example vitamins is a good way to get through those long winter days. We have a lot of vitamins and minerals in our foods, but if you are suffering with those January blues and needing that extra boost, invest in the vitamins you need to help give you energy.

Make time for sleep: Getting enough sleep is one of the most important health benefits ever! It reduces stress and improves your mood, leaving you refreshed and alert for the day ahead. Without enough sleep the brain cannot function properly. A healthy sleep also helps the body remain healthy. It’s not easy for us all to drift off to sleepy land straight away and to get in the recommended six to nine hours a night, but if you try getting into bed at a decent hour most nights, and making it a point to shut out all the distractions such as phones, you may see a difference. Enjoying a hot bath with your favorite bath salts is a great way to help sooth the muscles, unwind and clear the mind. We love spraying lavender mist on our pillows before sleep which helps get us to sleep quicker. If that’s not for you, you can never go wrong with a good book before bed.

(Photo credit: Susan Wilkinson)

Choosing healthier food options: We’re not fans of diets and tend to eat what we want and also enjoy, all in moderation of course! If you are watching what you eat then the best way to monitor this is by evaluating the time of day you have your meals. We find that when we make time for breakfast, lunch and dinner we snack less during the day. A substantial breakfast is not on the cards for us every day due to busy mornings. When on the go grab that banana or fruit pot so you don’t miss out. Try eating at fixed meal times daily, this will help control your hunger. Just have fun with your meals, we are foodies and like a variety of different cuisines. Experiment more in the kitchen and bring fresh tastes to your dining room table.

(Photo credit: Claudia Soares)

Exercise: Being able to fit the time in to even get to the gym a few times a week is a miracle. So when life gets hectic, being physically active throughout the day helps. You don’t need to hit the gym every day to burn calories, deciding to take the stairs over the lift, taking a half an hour brisk walk at lunchtime. And even try a ten minute quick Yoga and Pilates session first thing in the morning or just before bed at the end of the day. Sticking with this routine will keep your fitness levels on track.

Mind and soul: We all have our own way to de-stress, clearing the mind is also important for overall health. Learning to switch off from your day fully is a mindset, to achieve this, you can meditate, pursue a hobby, listen to music and watch a great tv series. Why not treat yourself to the cinema or theatre. Put yourself first, when you try to do that you will feel happier and be able to tackle whatever life throws at you.

(Photo credit: Thanos Pal)

Shelley & Michelle xx

Lifestyle

5 WAYS TO TACKLE STRESS AND AXIETY DURING LOCKDOWN

by shelleyandmichelle1 Comment on 5 WAYS TO TACKLE STRESS AND AXIETY DURING LOCKDOWN

The Coronavirus Pandemic has had an impact on all of our lives one way or another. Making our anxiety and stress levels reach that all time high. Some of us, feeling worried as we are not sure what tomorrow’s news may bring, bored by staring at the same walls day in and day out. You may live alone and feel lonely, which can then turn into frustration as all you want to do is see and hug your loved ones. For most of us, these feelings will pass and we have for you a few easy little steps you can do in the comfort of your home and to help point you in the right direction.

Meditation: Finding time for you is always beneficial and meditation is a way where you can do this. Meditation can be practiced at any time of the day, we’re not saying to spend hours meditating but, ten minutes a day will keep those cobwebs at bay. A good time to practice is first thing in the morning or just before bedtime. Even If you need a few minutes to yourself during the day, doing a short meditation on your lunch break will give you that time out you need. There are great meditation apps for mindfulness such as Calm and Headspace. YouTube is a great way to find short meditation videos too.

(Photo credit: Lesly Juarez)

Stay connected with friends and family: We have all been using Zoom more than ever this past year. Whether that being holding evening quizzes, meetings, celebrating birthdays and baby showers. We all need to feel connected, so keep in touch with friends and family and try reconnecting with old friends. Doing this more times than not should make you feel a little better as you can catch up and have a good laugh, which is so needed.

Physical health: Our physical fitness has a major impact on how we feel, so looking after our bodies the best way we can is important. It’s so easy to fall into unhealthy patterns in lockdown but you have to just have the mindset to keep your physical fitness going. Try to exercise regularly, this can be as easy as an online ten-minute Yoga and Pilates class, a high intensity half hour cardio session, hitting the pavement for a jog, a daily walk or bike ride helps with fitness and also clears your mind. Eating healthily and preparing a well-balanced, nutritious meal always makes you feel great. As well as drinking lots of water.

(Photo credit: Greg Rosenke)

Make time for yourself: This can include anything, think of things that you really enjoy and that relaxes you. Listening and dancing around to your favourite music always helps, as well as releasing those feel good endorphins. Doing this for as long as you want whilst dancing around like no one is watching is the best thing ever! Reading books can make your mind wonder to a different place. A great book is a good feel factor and whilst doing this why not run a hot bath and enjoy your book whilst soaking your body at the same time. Pamper yourself. This can be facials, giving yourself a manicure and pedicure, masks and hair masks. Looking after you is the way forward. Lastly try out that new recipe you have seen. Cooking a great meal or even baking for yourself and for those you live with is a good way to get those culinary skills on point as well as having a full stomach too!

(Photo credit: Sam Loyd)

Organising your space: They say an organised space is an organised mind, the more clutter you can see around you, the more easily you’ll find yourself distracted. Start by getting rid of the things you don’t need. There is a variety of different online ecommerce websites where you can sell clothes, electrical goods and many more. You may fancy a little revamp, why not give a room in your home a whole new makeover. Doing this will make you feel as though you have got something done, whilst feeling great about yourself at the same time.

Shelley & Michelle xx