May 22

5 Types of Exercise That Boost Brain Health

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All exercise supports a healthy brain—but these types of workouts are especially beneficial. It’s no surprise that exercise supports a healthy brain. Working out not only offers some incredible, immediate perks, like boosting your mood, clearing your head, and giving you that post-exercise high, it also causes some remarkable things to happen in your brain for long-term cognitive health and functioning. “Exercise in general is probably the best thing you can do for your brain,” says Matthew Stults-Kolehmainen, Ph.D., FACSM, exercise physiologist and exercise researcher Yale New Haven Hospital. “In fact, some researchers think the initial function of the brain was to help people to move.” The positive links between physical exercise and brain health—mental health and mood management, memory and executive functioning, and degenerative brain disease prevention—is a significant topic of research and discussion. We’ve learned so much about the actual, structural brain changes that occur during exercise, including changes in brain volume and connectivity, the amount of oxygen going to cerebral tissue, neuroplasticity (how our neurons grow, change, and communicate), and increases in brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF, a protein crucial for maintaining and creating neurons), and so much more. Researchers and doctors are now diving deeper to figure […]
May 21

Chronic inflammation: Avoid these foods to stay healthy and fit

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When tissue is damaged or threatened by pathogens, the body releases chemicals that cause blood vessels to dilate, allowing immune cells to reach the affected area. This results in increased blood flow, warmth, redness, and swelling, which are typical signs of inflammation. The immune cells, such as white blood cells, work to remove harmful substances and repair damaged tissue, says Metro hospital’s rheumatologist Vivek Madhav while acute inflammation is essential for healing, chronic inflammation, which persists over time, can be harmful and contribute to various diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Madhav says that lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and lack of exercise can influence inflammation levels, highlighting the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle to manage inflammation and promote overall well-being. Here are some foods to consider avoiding or reducing as suggested by Madhav. Processed Foods: Foods high in sugar, refined grains, and unhealthy fats can promote inflammation. This includes fast food, sugary snacks, and processed meats. Trans fats: These are found in partially hydrogenated oils, often used in fried foods and baked goods. They not only promote inflammation but also contribute to heart disease. Sugary drinks: Beverages like soda and sweetened juices can spike blood sugar levels […]
May 20

4-Week Summer Workout Plan: Jumpstart Your Routine And Sculpt Your Entire Body With This Challenge

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You’re just one month away from R-E-S-U-L-T-S. Whether you have a competitive personality or not, there’s nothing like a good challenge to fire up your motivation. That’s why Women’s Health teamed up with NASM-certified personal trainer Bree Koegel to create a Summer Workout Challenge—a 4-week plan designed to get you serious results. Each workout is less than 30 minutes, and with four consistent weeks of total-body workouts, you’ll be on your way to a stronger bod. And don’t stress if you’re new to lifting weights. “The moves are quite foundational, so this is great for all levels,” says Koegel. “To make it more advanced, simply add heavier weight and complete extra reps!”   Summer Workout Challenge Game Plan Every week of the challenge, you’ll do four workouts: Lower-Body, Upper-Body, Full-Body, and Abs. You also have the option to do a cross-training workout one day, and take two rest days. Click the links below to access the full routines. Monday: Upper-Body Workout Tuesday: Lower-Body Workout Wednesday: Rest Thursday: Abs Workout Friday: Full-Body Workout Saturday: Cross-Training (e.g. walking, hiking, or cycling) Sunday: Rest   You’ll repeat the same workouts each week, but the twist is that you’ll focus on a new mini […]
May 19

5 Mindfulness Breathing Exercises You Can Do Anywhere, Anytime

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We breathe all day, every day without thinking about it—but something truly transformative can happen when the breath becomes something we do think about. Attention to the breath—and intention of the breath—is a fundamental facet of mindfulness, the practice of cultivating non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. Mindful breathing techniques can be used to moor you to the present, influence your thoughts and emotions, and promote calm (mentally and physiologically), says Jamie Price, the founder of MyLife, an award-winning meditation app. Different types of breathing techniques have been linked to numerous health benefits, from reducing oxidative stress levels (free radical imbalance) and regulating negative emotions to easing anxiety symptoms and improving cardiovascular function. “The breath is such a great anchor [to the present] because it’s with you and happening naturally all the time,” Price explains. “If you get in the habit of using your breath as an anchor, and become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, you can stop them before they gain momentum in a way that contributes to stress or anxiety.” Breathing exercises are an accessible entry point into mindfulness. You already know how to inhale and exhale. Now, learn how to observe your breath, sense it, […]
May 18

Fueling fun: Summer nutrition ideas for active kids

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As the days grow longer and warmer, children eagerly embrace the freedom that summer vacation brings. But for parents and caregivers, ensuring that kids maintain a balanced diet and stay active can be challenging, especially with the allure of laid-back days and sugary treats. However, with a little planning and creativity, kids can stay nourished and energized all summer long. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by offering a variety of nutritious snacks tailored to the different summer occasions. Whether it is a day at the pool, a playdate with friends, road trip or a family picnic, having a selection of wholesome snacks on hand ensures that kids are fueling their bodies with the nutrients they need to thrive throughout the summer months. With all that in mind, here are my top four snacks to pack for any summer occasion! 1. Frozen fruit kabobs: Thread colorful chunks of watermelon, pineapple, grapes and strawberries onto skewers for a refreshing and hydrating treat. Freeze them overnight for a cool, refreshing snack. 2. Homemade trail mix: Mix together a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruits and a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips for a satisfying blend of protein, healthy […]
May 17

5 Yoga Poses That Will Benefit Athletes of All Levels

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Boost your athletic performance (and prevent injuries) with instructor Josh Kramer.   “If you are looking for something to support and enhance your athletic endeavors, then yoga might just be your ticket,” says Josh Kramer, Alo Moves instructor and international yoga teacher. Simply put, incorportaing yoga poses into your routine can make you a better athlete. When we talk about yoga poses for athletes, think of these moves as invaluable tools that work on strength, balance, flexibility, agility, injury prevention and more. Reaching far beyond stretching, “the benefits of yoga for athletes are manifold,” says Kramer, and he’s narrowed the ancient practice down to three important tenants: Flexibility, strength, and breath—all of which help build a better athlete. With great detail, Kramer covers several yoga poses for athletes and techniques that when practiced regularly, can boost athletic performance, aid in recovery, and, hopefully, allow you to become a better athlete.   How These 5 Yoga Poses for Athletes Will Help Improve Flexibility Numerous yoga poses are designed to stretch and lengthen various muscles in a variety of ways. “Longer passive stretches and short dynamic movements, as well as a range of complex positions, place the body in contorted positions while […]
May 16

Train your brain: 5 exercises to boost its function and memory

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Never underestimate the power of workout for the brain! Here are 5 brain exercises that can improve focus and memory, keeping it young.   Without even realising it, we talk, lift, bend, dance, breathe, and do many other activities every day. Do you know how? Every single daily job you carry out is made possible by your brain! So how can brain fitness be neglected? Ladies, keep in mind that you may have a number of problems both mentally and physically if your brain is weak. These brain exercises are necessary to manage it and stop cognitive decline.   Why is brain fitness essential? If you neglect your brain health, you may have a number of issues such as: Cognitive decline Difficulty in learning things Higher risk of anxiety and depression Brain may struggle to solve problem Stress management can become tough Trouble in concentrating Brain fog   In order to find a way to boost brain health, Here are some insights from fitness expert Mukul Nagpaul, Pmftraining, and Fit India Movement Ambassador. He believes that the following simple workouts can improve brain health.   Brain exercises to improve function and memory “Exercises which are good for your heart are […]
May 15

5 simple things a top nutrition scientist who studies the gut microbiome does to stay healthy

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A top nutrition scientist has shared what he does to care of his gut health, including eating up to 30 plants a week and fermented foods. Dr. Tim Spector, a British epidemiologist and cofounder of the nutrition company Zoe who studies the gut microbiome, wrote in a post shared on Instagram earlier this month: “What I do to look after my gut health is the question I’m asked most often and I always go back to these 5 principles.” A person’s gut health is considered important for their overall health because the gut microbiome, or microbes that populate it, has a symbiotic relationship with our bodies and plays a key role in its functions. The food you eat contributes to the health of those microbes. “Do all these things and you can’t go far wrong,” Spector said.   1. Eat 30 plants a week Spector said he ate 30 different plants in a week because “the wider diversity of plants you eat, the more diverse your gut microbiome tends to be.” In studies, gut-microbiome diversity has been linked to greater longevity and overall better health. An unbalanced microbiome, meanwhile, is related to health issues such as inflammatory bowel disease, infections, […]
May 14

This 4-Week Workout Plan Will Have You Feeling Strong and Fit

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Cover all your bases with a workout routine that includes cardio, strength, and recovery in just 20 minutes. Feeling aimless in your fitness routine? Not sure how to Tetris your cardio and strength workouts together to get the most results? This four-week workout plan for women will be like your personal trainer and accountability buddy in one, offering expert workout guidance and a solid schedule to keep you on track. Best part? Most of the workouts take 20 minutes or less — but be prepared to sweat. “To really see results, you need to intensify your workouts,” says Alwyn Cosgrove, owner of Results Fitness in Santa Clarita, California. (It’s true; science confirms it.) That’s why these quick workouts don’t go easy on you. But stay consistent, and you’re sure to see results from this workout routine even without logging crazy hours at the gym. Ready?   4-Week Workout Plan for Women How it works: Follow the workout program calendar, doing each strength or cardio workout on the day indicated. If you have time, add a warm-up and cool-down to the beginning and end of your workout. (Don’t forget to take rest days — your body needs them!) Strength training workouts: […]
May 13

Fitness on your mind? Make sure you stay away from these 5 things

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There is growing consciousness around how to stay fit and healthy, but are there any tips that can ease the process? Well yes, some tips can definitely be helpful. Read on to know more. Fitness has become paramount today, more so with a global health crisis like covid-19 taking over our lives. But is there a hack to achieve the healthiest body and mind? Well, it’s never a one-size-fits-all approach, but yes, there are some things that one must completely avoid to derail their journey. Of course, having a nutritious meal and moving your body are important, but there’s also other stuff that’s equally important. Ready to find out? Let’s go!   1. Do not give in to waking up at odd hours Of course, everyone wants to be a part of the 5 am club! It is being touted as the ultimate solution to achieving the perfect life, of course, fitness levels included. But are we all made the same? Our sleep patterns are all so different, so how is it even possible to wake up at the same time? If it works for you, that’s great! Else, find some time that works best for you.   2. Working […]
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