May 20

The exercise at least four times more efficient than walking

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Cycling represents one of the most energy-efficient forms of transport ever invented You’re standing at your front door, facing a five-kilometre commute to work. But you don’t have your car, and there’s no bus route. You can walk for an hour, or jump on your bicycle and arrive in 15 minutes, barely breaking a sweat. You choose the latter. Many people would make the same choice. It’s estimated that there are more than a billion bikes in the world. Cycling represents one of the most energy-efficient forms of transport ever invented, allowing humans to travel faster and farther while using less energy than walking or running. But why exactly does pedalling feel so much easier than pounding the pavement? The answer lies in the elegant biomechanics of how our bodies interact with this two-wheeled machine.   A wonderfully simple machine At its heart, a bicycle is wonderfully simple: two wheels (hence “bi-cycle”), pedals that transfer power through a chain to the rear wheel, and gears that let us fine-tune our effort. But this simplicity masks an engineering that perfectly complements human physiology. When we walk or run, we essentially fall forward in a controlled manner, catching ourselves with each step. […]
May 19

Chia Seeds in Milk vs. Water: Which Is Better for Digestion and Absorption?

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Soaking chia seeds is a key to unlocking nutrients and making them easier to digest. But what should you soak them in? Water is often easier for sensitive digestion, while milk (if you can tolerate dairy) can increase fullness and add nutrients. Regardless of the method you choose, the nutrient you absorb from chia seeds is the same.   Why Soaking Chia Seeds Matters Chia seeds absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid. Water breaks down the chia seed’s cell wall, making it easier to digest. Soaking chia seeds in water makes their nutrients more readily available to the body during digestion. In one study, researchers soaked chia seeds in water for 24 hours. The study authors found that fatty acids could be extracted more easily from soaked chia seeds. Plus, soaking chia seeds in water for 24 hours increased the proportion of anti-inflammatory omega-3 to pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important as part of a balanced diet. However, most Western diets tend to be high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3s, which may promote inflammation.   Chia Seeds in Water: How They Affect Digestion Soaking chia seeds in water […]
May 18

Should you exercise in the morning or evening? Depends on your body clock

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A growing body of research suggests that your chronotype, the biological tendency to prefer certain times of the day to sleep, can affect exercise benefits. While some people can spring out of bed at six in the morning and go straight into their day, others prefer to wake up later as they’re most productive in the afternoon or evening. This difference is due to your chronotype – the biological tendency to prefer certain times of day for sleep, waking and activity. But these aren’t the only factors affected by your chronotype. A growing body of research also suggests that your chronotype can affect the benefits you see from exercise. People who naturally rise early and feel sharpest in the morning are “early chronotypes”, whereas those who prefer to wake later and function better in the afternoon or evening are “late chronotypes”. People who fall in between are “intermediate chronotypes”. Your chronotype is determined by your circadian rhythms – the body’s natural daily cycles that repeat around every 24 hours. Although these are strongly influenced by our environment, they function even without external cues such as daylight and food. These rhythms affect our physiology, behaviour and health. Our circadian rhythms are […]
May 17

How to build better abs (and no, it’s not just crunches)

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Keen to sculpt your strongest core ever? This holistic plan can help make it happen. From simple food and fitness tweaks to the power of sleep, we asked doctors, dietitians and trainers for their best science-backed hacks.      There were many secrets we would like to have known about Kate Hudson’s look at the Vanity Fair Oscar’s party. How did the 47-year-old look so flawless? Where is her dress from? And how did she get those abs? According to Megan Roup, founder of The Sculpt Society, double pulse scissors, alternating toe taps and cross-body crunches were just some of the moves used to get the star ready for the glamorous A-list event. Working up a sweat just thinking about it? Same. Well, you can breathe easy. As experts tell Body+Soul, building strong abdominals needn’t require hours spent working out in the gym or forking out for an expensive regime. Because, at its core, the steeliest results when it comes to your midsection are achieved out of the gym as much as in it. The even better news? There are many holistic tweaks you can make, which, when done consistently, can nudge your middle closer to your goals. While most of […]
May 16

6 Calming Habits That Can Relax You Even More Than Meditation

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Simple practices that soothe your mind when meditation just isn’t cutting it. My most recent attempt at meditating was pretty embarrassing. I downloaded an app that my friend swears by and had planned to begin a daily practice to help reduce my stress during a particularly chaotic time. The app promised that my mood would improve with a consistent practice and that the more time I spent meditating with the app, the better I would feel. This sounded great and I was anxious (hah!) to get started. I figured I would start with a very modest chunk of time, so I chose a beginner meditation that was less than five minutes. I hit the button, closed my eyes, took a deep breath and sat there. After what felt like an eternity, I peeked…it had only been one minute. Disappointed with myself, I closed the app, canceled my membership, and dug back into my email stack. Why was I so bad at this? My husband can meditate for an hour without getting distracted. Was I too impatient? Too weak of spirit? Instead of spiraling, I turned to a few experts on the subject to see if I could find ways to […]
May 15

The Ultimate 21-Day Brain Health Challenge: Genius Tips to Sharpen Your Mind

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Specific, actionable moves that can help sharpen your mind and keep it healthy long term.   The brain is your body’s command center. It powers all of your body’s mechanisms and processes: how you run and dance and figure out a waiter’s tip, your hunger for chocolate or roast chicken, and the rush of chill you feel when you step outside on an early spring morning. It generates your laughter, your creativity, your feelings of grief or deep happiness, and helps you make sense of the world. How critical it is, then, to help keep the brain healthy—and there are so many ways to do that with the choices you make every day. In fact, many brain experts are increasingly emphasizing the risk factors for neurodegenerative conditions like dementia, and the behavioral changes people can make to help stave them off. To keep your brain crackling along in the healthiest possible way, we’ve designed this 21-Day Brain Challenge: 21 specific, research-based, and actionable tips that can help sharpen your memory, challenge your mind, and more. And best news? So many of them are fun. (Not on this list but critical to your brain, as well as all aspects of your […]
May 14

Tai Chi Walking vs Normal Walking: Which One Is More Beneficial To Your Joints?

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While normal walking is a repetitive cycle of falling forward and catching yourself, Tai Chi walking is a deliberate transfer of weight that minimises impact and maximises joint stability.   Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise, yet it offers numerous health benefits. It is known to improve cardiovascular health, support weight loss and boost mental health. Walking is also known to build and maintain strong muscles and bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Recently, different forms of walking have gained attention as they offer some additional benefits over normal walking. Tai Chi walking, a fusion of traditional Tai Chi principles with walking, is one of the popular types that has gained attention lately. It involves slow, controlled movements, focusing on breath, balance, and mindfulness. Practitioners typically walk in a manner that emphasises gentle, flowing motions and grounding with each step, integrating the meditative aspects of Tai Chi. While normal walking is a repetitive cycle of falling forward and catching yourself, Tai Chi walking is a deliberate transfer of weight that minimises impact and maximises joint stability.   Benefits of Tai Chi walking 1. Promotes relaxation and mindfulness The meditative aspect of Tai Chi walking helps reduce stress […]
May 13

5 Best Exercises That Can Help Reduce Lower Leg Pain

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Regular exercise not only helps reduce lower leg pain but also strengthens the muscles that support the legs and ankles. Lower leg pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages. It can happen due to long hours of standing, excessive walking, running, muscle strain, poor posture, or even lack of physical activity. The pain may happen in the calves, shins, ankles, or surrounding muscles and can be a mild discomfort or a sore pain. In many cases, tight or weak muscles are one of the main reasons behind this problem. Ignoring the pain can make daily activities more difficult and may even affect balance and movement over time. Fortunately, simple exercises and stretches can help relax the muscles, improve flexibility, and help in leg movement. Regular exercise not only helps reduce lower leg pain but also strengthens the muscles that support the legs and ankles. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises improve blood circulation, reduce stiffness, and lower the risk of future discomfort. Here are some of the best exercises that can help reduce lower leg pain.   Exercises For Lower Leg Pain 1. Calf Stretch This is one of the easiest and most effective exercises for reducing […]
May 12

Your favourite workout playlist can help you exercise for 20% longer, says study

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A new Finnish study has found that listening to personally chosen workout music could help people exercise nearly 20 per cent longer without feeling any more exhausted. The right playlist can help you push through fatigue and keep going far longer than you otherwise could. If you are heading go the gym in the evening, make sure you don’t forget your headphone in the gym bag and your favourite workout playlist. Because science now suggests it could help you perform better than you ever expected. According to research published in the journal Psychology of Sport & Exercise, conducted in collaboration with the University of Jyväskylä, the Finnish Institute of High Performance Sport and Springfield College, music can help people tolerate discomfort and stay motivated during tough workouts.   What the study suggests During the study, researchers found that cyclists lasted several minutes more when riding to their favourite songs compared with exercising in silence. The simple act of slipping on a pair of headphones and playing your favourite tunes could helped improve exercise endurance. The study centred on recreationally active adults taking part in demanding cycling sessions. Participants were asked to complete two separate high-intensity rides. One session was carried […]
May 11

Your brain needs workout too: Neurologist-recommended tips to train your brain like you train your body

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Don’t forget the gym for your brain too We all know we’re supposed to exercise our bodies. Walk more. Lift weights. Stretch. But we forget that the brain needs exercise too. And not just crossword puzzles once in a while. Your brain is like any other organ, if you don’t use it, it gets a bit sluggish. When you challenge it with new things, like learning a language, playing an instrument, reading deeply, or even having meaningful conversations, it builds new connections. That’s what keeps thinking sharp and memory strong. Brain exercise is especially important now because our lives are so automated. We rely on GPS instead of remembering routes. We scroll instead of focusing. We multitask constantly. And over time, that can affect attention span and mental stamina. Dr. Vivek Kumar, Principal Director, Neurology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj shared how important brain exercises are and daily habits that can keep your brain sharper.   What does “brain exercise” really mean from a neurological perspective? Dr. Vivek Kumar: Mental exercises are essential for maintaining cognitive health, reducing age-related decline, and boosting mental resilience. By engaging in puzzles, sudoku, learning new skills or hobbies, and practicing mindfulness, individuals can improve […]
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