Blog
Count Your Wins
What is it?
Counting your wins is the action of listing all the things that happened in the last 24 hours that moved you closer to your goals and/or vision.
Why?
According to research conducted by the National Science Foundation* around 80% of our thoughts are negative. And you have around 12,000 - 50,000 thoughts daily. You would probably agree that if 80% of your thoughts are naturally negative, that’s not a healthy ratio if you are trying to achieve a life of happiness and fulfillment.
Power up your Strength
Strength training has so many benefits to your wellbeing. Lifting weights makes you feel good mentally and physically. Especially when you start strength work and you are lifting 4kg and over the month you are getting stronger and all of the sudden you are going for the 16kg weights.
Muscles are not just for aesthetic purposes they are dynamic tissues that serve several vital functions in movement, stability, mobility, balance and more . Muscles also contribute to metabolic health, aiding in weight management and preventing conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
Strength training has a crucial role in maintaining bone health.
Through the exercises the force of muscle contractions stimulates bone growth, which can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
As we age, we naturally experience a decline in muscle mass known as sarcopenia. This loss is primarily attributed to a decrease in anabolic hormones, such as testosterone and growth hormone, which play vital roles in muscle synthesis.
Say Goodbye to Back Pain: Your Ultimate Guide to Exercise and Relief
If you've ever experienced the joy of tossing and turning in bed because your back feels like a grumpy bear, this post is your silver lining.
We're diving into the world of exercises that can help you bid adieu to that nagging back pain. So, put on your comfy workout gear and let's get cracking!
Embracing Inclusivity: The Power of Using Correct Pronouns
Using the correct pronouns for someone is a simple yet powerful way to show respect for their identity and experiences. It's about recognizing and validating who they are. Imagine someone referring to you with the wrong name constantly. It would feel awkward, frustrating, and even hurtful.
Now think about that, but instead of names, it's pronouns. When we use incorrect pronouns, we unintentionally contribute to an environment where people might feel misunderstood or invisible.
Now, I get it—learning to use new pronouns can feel a bit like learning a new language. But remember, it's all about the effort you put in. If you make a mistake, don't panic! Apologize, correct yourself, and move forward. It's all part of the learning process. The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.
Gym vs Studio | Which One Is Right For Me?
So, you’ve decided to really take charge of your health. Maybe you’ve done some research on food and started planning ahead with your meals, perhaps you’re taking vitamin supplements and even restricting screen time - opting for books over Twitter at bed time. Strong move!
Next up… Exercise. These days there are so many options for starting up your fitness journey and as we’ve mentioned before it is absolutely KEY for you to find something you actually enjoy, otherwise you just won’t keep it up in the long term.
And you’ve landed on either joining a gym or a local studio… Allow us to give you an honest review of the pros (and cons) of both options…
Word UP! What our words really mean.
Have you noticed how people often refer to someone’s race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality or disability when it actually has no relevance to the story they’re telling or information they’re giving? We’ve all done it.
Next time you go to describe someone within a story check what details actually need to be mentioned. Yes they may have been Brazilian but does their nationality have any relevance to what you’re saying? Do you need to mention the person was in a wheelchair? Or are you stuck inside a conditioning that sees these characteristics as more defining than someone’s actual character?
What Is Spinal Mobility?
We only get one spine so it’s really important to look after it. As we get older, we loose so much mobility in our backs and we become stiff and sore and sometimes end up living with daily back pain or discomfort.
Lucy will be be running a Gravity Yoga Masterclass on Saturday 19th June at FRESH. where you will learn simple techniques to improve the mobility of your whole body, including your spine.
10 Tips To Be A Better Ally, To Someone Struggling With Their Mental Health
It’s well documented that the last year has been tough for everyone. People who had never before experienced issues with their mental health developed problems such as anxiety, depression, paranoia & agoraphobia. Those of us with existing conditions had their symptoms exacerbated.
Shockingly, there has been such a rise in emergency mental health situations that support teams have already attended more crisis call outs this year than in the whole of 2020.
Which is why it is so crucial that people are aware of ways to support someone going through one of these episodes.
Animal Adoption. What To Expect And Things To Avoid
There is a myth around adopting animals, particularly dogs, that you just ‘don’t know what you’re going to get’ and that getting a puppy from a breeder means you can pick the exact dog you want along with all the characteristics that will be most appropriate for your life. Well, I have some news for you… That is absolute rubbish.
Dogs are beautiful, idiotic, smart, playful, unpredictable creatures. Just because you have a certificate from someone that you paid more than your car is worth to farm you a puppy… Nothing is a guarantee. Whether you buy from a ‘breeder’ or rehome from a shelter; dogs can develop illnesses, they can learn bad behaviours, they can just naturally be a bit loopy, they can suffer trauma. No amount of money, family trees or shiny gold stars change that.
5 Night Time Routine Tricks To Ensure Your Mornings Go Smoother
Are you tired of always feeling tired? We got you.
Last month Sara chatted with Dr Claire Gillvray as part of our Feel Good Festival and got tonnes of info to help people sleep better. If you missed the chat it's still available on our page but we've covered the main points here.
Why Focusing On Apperance Is Hurting Your Weight Loss Goals
So far this year I’ve already seen:
‘SLIM DOWN FOR SUMMER’
‘GET BEACH READY: THE ULTIMATE SHRED’
‘GET YOUR BIKINI BODY IN 30 DAYS’
All of which were accompanied by a photo of a sweaty, tanned, pumped up ‘fitness professional’ (read: model).
WHY DOES IT MATTER THAT YOU ARE SKINNY IN THE SUMMER BUT THEN FEEL CRAPPY/LAZY/TIRED THE REST OF THE YEAR?! YOU’RE NOT MAKING ANY SENSE.
So then… What’s the solution? How should we approach seasonal switches with a positive impact for change?
3 Alternatives To Everyday Sanitary Products That Your Body And The Environment Will Thank You For!
There is one life event all women experience and it’s something you don’t forget. The average age for young girls to get their first period is 12. Quite likely (and if you’re abit unfortunate on your timings) you’ll be at school, so the school nurse gives you a sanitary pad or tampon and sends you on your way.
And that is it.
After that you start to know the drill, pick the product that suits you best or that society tells you is the best and for the next 40+ years you all set. So whats the problem?
How To Make The Most Out Of The “Online Fitness” Experience
During a real-life class or event you have accountability meaning you will push yourself further because you’ve got other people cheering you on, panting away with you orrrr you just don’t want to be the one in the class that gives up. You also get direct & immediate feedback, you can ask questions easily and you’ll be spotted nice and quickly if your technique is off. You’re waaaaay more focused because you’re not in your house full of screaming children, farting dogs or that heap of washing you promised yourself you would sort out this morning. And let’s not forget you’d be surrounded by other sweaty bodies, moving in sync.
What Setting Intentions Means, And How It Effects Your Yoga Practice, and Everyday Life
Whether you’re a spiritual warrior or a novice on the mat, you will have at some point been encouraged to think about your intentions during a yoga session. Our lovely yogi, Lucy Hibben from YogaStrong & Cognitive Sports Therapy, has shared with us some helpful hints to ensure you gain clarity around this subject & pick the best intention that works for you, your practice and your daily life.
Burnout And Why You Should Be Kinder To Yourself
Do you know what happens to the human body when it has a surge of adenaline for a period of time?
It burns out. Quite literally.
It’s as if you have a full tank of petrol (your body’s entire adenaline bank) then use it all up in one five minute journey (preparing for an event or restructuring your entire business/home life). What would happen to the car? It would rapidly give up, exhausted & drained, spluttering it’s last drop of fuel as it tried to go a few extra metres but eventually it’s going to grind to a halt.
That’s us. And it might be you too.
How to juggle Workout Goals with Postnatal Responsibilities
Meet Jane, our southern hemisphere representative. A registered nurse who’s literally seen and been through it ALL. She has been a runner for 34 years and along her fitness journey has smashed 3 marathons (2 in New Zealand & 1 New York), 19 (yep you heard) half marathons and 3 mountain runs… oh and did we mention she’s a Mum of 4?!
A true, real life superhero who has kindly shared her story with us on restarting her fitness journey after giving birth to her first son. A great tale from an even greater lady so we highly advise you read on…
Forgiveness, The Antidote To A Guilty Conscious.
How many of us spend our lives wrapped up in a feeling of guilt? I don’t mean guilt from committing a heinous crime or stealing 50p from your sister’s bedroom while growing up… I mean the guilt that we put on ourselves every day.
Guilt for not spending enough time with people.
Guilt for not doing enough for the environment.
Guilt for needing a break from your kids.
The list is LITERALLY ENDLESS.
2 Pranayama Techniques And Some Tips To Get You Started On Your Breathwork Journey
Breath is life. It is the heart and soul of who we are and is our constant companion throughout our lives. When we are born the very first thing we do is inhale and that, my sweet friends, signifies the beginning of it all. Despite our breath being the very source of life, most of the time, we don’t give much thought to they way we breathe. When was the last time you asked yourself, “how does it feel to breathe today”?
RECIPE: SPICY THAI PEANUT AND MANGO SALAD (VG)
This week we asked our resident foodie to share one of his favourite summery recipes. As we devoured this salad on week one of FRESH. Kitchen we can vouch for it’s OUTRAGEOUS TASTINESS! Give Dave a follow on Instagram for regular inspo & health related topics!
You do you.
Remember that we’re all operating within a slightly altered state of who we were previously. Depending on who you are and what you do,you may have spent a big chunk of time without the things or people that make you feel like ‘you’. So take a deep breath, be patient with yourself and just know that you can build yourself back up again. It might take a little while but you’ll get there.
Don’t rush it. You do you.