Category: HEALTH & FITNESS

7-life changing improvements attached to your wrist: The benefits of Fitbit Premium

Fitbit bike

It was the start of lockdown. No one knew what it meant for their daily lives other than this one thing: Their gym days were over. Enter Fitbit Premium, the global health pioneer’s at-home fitness initiative that, in Australia, managed to secure over 500,000 subscribers within its first year. Long live exercise. It’s all about giving you guidance on moving more, managing stress, sleeping better and eating well – and then some. It provides even greater value to what it means to be “on Fitbit” by delivering more in-depth data, personalised and actionable insights, hundreds of workouts, motivating games and challenges, advanced sleep tools and wellness reports — all in the Fitbit app. Here are seven other reasons behind its very obvious up-tick… Engaging health and fitness content: Hundreds of audio and video workouts to try including dance cardio, HIIT, yoga and more from popular brands like Aaptiv, barre3, Daily Burn, Down Dog, obé and Physique 57 Mindfulness: Over 100 mindfulness practice sessions help you manage stress, improve focus, relax, improve body positivity or unwind before bed, including sessions from Aura, Breethe and Ten Percent Happier. Deeper sleep analysis: Deeper analysis of your free daily Sleep Score, with a breakdown of your score and graphs to show how it’s calculated based on time asleep, deep and REM sleep stages and restoration, plus audio relaxation tools. Personalised and cross-correlated insights: Guidance and feedback based specifically on your data to help you make smarter choices about your health; for example, “Yesterday you earned 35 active minutes—more than your usual 20 minutes. You also slept 25 minutes more than your average 6… Read More

What pandemic pounds? The future of home gyms is here

Vitruvian fitness

Exercise is single-handedly one of the best things you can do for yourself, with research showing its ability to improve a myriad of physical traits, increase cognitive function and better your mood. With the advent of home equipment such as Resistance Bands or the TRX Suspension trainers, one can create a dynamic workout within our ever-busy work schedules. But a pitfall of these workouts is that often they can get stale for a user classically to them not being challenging enough of lacking variation. Training Fundamentals As a sport scientist, successful training should consist of 3 key elements: 1) Progressive Overload through challenging stimuli, 2) Engagement – for a user for continued adherence and 3) Measurement – as quantification is vital for progression and ultimately achieving results. These three elements culminate to facilitate progress and reaching a specified goal hence is an essential consideration when embarking in purposeful training. To make it easier to follow, I’ve also underlined some key points within each category so you can adapt it to your training even if you don’t have the Vitruvian Form. The Future is Here: Viturivian Form Trainer There’s a new player on the block the Vitruvian Form or V-Form for short, using an innovative take to home training within a sleek, compact design that can be easily stored and set up in literally minutes. The V-Form Trainer blending precision engineering with the forefront of sports science brings a training medium that was once only accessible to elite athletes into your living room and within the… Read More

What’s Withings – and why you need them in your home

Canterbury mens gym fitness rope

When you’re staring down coast-after-coast of beach upon beach and the desire to get your kit off and enjoy it’s just that bit too strong, then you want to do your best to channel all the confidence and body positivity, right? So, with that in mind, welcome to the scene Withings. They’re tech for life, bringing you connectedness to all the bodily insights you’d want and need. Since 2009, when they revolutionised connected health by launching the world’s first Wi-Fi scale in 2009, they’ve grown – big – all in a moving effort to bring meaningful measures into easy-to-use devices to help people take the right decisions for their health. Today, their ecosystem of connected health devices includes a range of smart scales, stylish activity trackers, a sleep-tracking mat and medical devices such as ECG watch and blood pressure monitors with ECG and digital stethoscope. And more. Here’s what’s the know about some of their top tech. Hybrid Smartwatch for life A competitor to any of the other leading fitness smartwatches out there on the market, the luxury craftsmanship meets smart health tracking is what really sets this apart. It’s been pretty masterfully designed to go with your life, allowing the Steel HR to move with you from the office to the gym and everywhere in-between. Add to that, the perks you’d expect, like heart rate and multisport tracking, a connected GPS to track pace, elevation, distance, water resistance, and your sleep, it gives you the info you need to smash life. Multisport Hybrid smartwatch So, with the same perks… Read More

Amp up your calcium intake with Naturobest capsules

naturobest

Here’s a surprising figure. Did you know that 73% of females and 51% of males over the age of two are deficient in calcium? And as more people discover they are intolerant to dairy, the veganism movement is only going to increase.  The problem with calcium deficiency is that it can lead to osteoporosis later in life. This is where Naturobest Calcium & Magnesium Plus K2 & D3 capsules can help you navigate through these murky waters.  Naturobest capsules have been designed to easily dissolve in water with pleasant-tasting Lipocal that has a natural lemon and lime flavour.  Vegan-friendly, this formula is free from animal products, dairy, egg, fish/shellfish, gluten, lactose, msg, nuts, oats and other grain derived ingredients, including peanuts, sulfites, soy, sucralose, wheat and yeast.   So what are the main features of these capsules? Calcium & Magnesium Plus K2 & D3 is a high potency calcium and magnesium powder that has been specially formulated to: Support a healthy pregnancy. Maintain healthy nervous system function. Reduce symptoms of premenstrual tension. Decrease muscle cramps. Support healthy muscle contraction function. Assist healthy bone development. Help promote bone mineralisation and strength. Maintain healthy teeth. Support calcium absorption in bones. A diet deficient in calcium can lead to osteoporosis in later life.

Catch up on your beauty sleep with Papinelle’s 100% silk sleep masks

papinelle sleep masks

Don’t you just want to roll out of bed every morning and look/feel like you’ve had the best night’s sleep, ever? If you’re experiencing poor sleep because of that niggly first light finding its way through the blinds at 6am or you’re just battling insomnia because of the current state of world affairs, then maybe you need to a sleep mask.  Really? A sleep mask? Yes, sleep masks are actually a very useful sleep aid. Of course, masks made from natural, breathable fibres are going to be your best bet – such as silk or cotton. You’ll be glad to know that sleepwear brand, Papinelle offers a beautiful range of 100% silk eye masks  Eye masks not only block out light and maximise your beauty sleep, but they also protect the delicate skin around your eyes. True story! If you wake up with pillow impressions your face, this can apparently result in wrinkles over a period of time.  Sleep masks are a good non-chemical alternative to medication, as it can trick your brain into thinking it’s time for the land of nod by muting distractions such as noise and light. And if anything, alcohol is more likely to disrupt your sleep so don’t bother going down that path.  Papinelle offers beautiful boxed silk sleep masks which make great gifts for those who are struggling to get a good night’s sleep. You could also pair it with Papinelle’s new range of headbands that are made with the highest quality of pure silk. Cute, right!  So if… Read More

Help this start-up launch their 100% plant-based disinfectant

A cause for good

As Australia slowly opens up its borders after lockdown and people return to work, now more than ever is a good time to think about how you will keep surfaces clean from viruses and bacteria in the workplace or when travelling.  Sydney based start-up A Cause for Good is raising funds and awareness in order to launch their 100% plant-based disinfectant, approved by both the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) and US EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency). The crowdfunding campaign can be found on the GoFundMe platform, and donations over $50 (that are not anonymous) can request a complimentary starter-pack.  What is it? The disinfectant spray is a plant-based formulation and has an antibacterial log reduction of 6, or 99.9999% bacterial kill rate. This is 1000 times stronger than most disinfectants on the market which have a kill rate of only 99.9%. The products: The formulation and the aerosol cans are made in Australia, eliminating the need for imports, leading to a reduction in the organisation’s carbon footprint. The aerosol cans are 100% recyclable materials, so they can be thrown straight into the recycle bin. A Clean Room: This product is an antibacterial fogger used as a lock-down aerosol to disinfect high traffic rooms. This product guarantees a safe working (and playing) indoor environment. Being 100% plant-based, the possibilities of use are endless. This scented fogger covers a room of up to 25 square metres and continues to disinfect the room for up to 24 hours. A Clean You. This handy sized antibacterial personal spray can… Read More

These all natural supplements will help calm your farm and facilitate a better night’s sleep

Go Cherry Sleep

Coming out of COVID-19 lockdown may have you feeling a little anxious about what the future holds. As a result, your sleeping patterns may be a little off or you’re not finding it as easy to fall asleep at night as your mind races. Resorting to a little tipple at night probably isn’t the best solution, but a natural health supplement may be the answer.  GO Healthy – a New Zealand based natural supplement company – have several products that may help alleviate your sleeplessness, including Go Cherry Sleep and Go Magnesium Sleep. Their products are 100% made in New Zealand from select imported and local ingredients.  What’s in Go Cherry Sleep that supports a sweet night’s rest?  Each VegeCap contains passionflower, which is traditionally used in herbal medicine as a sleep aid. It assists with difficulty falling asleep and aids with sleep in cases of mental stress and restlessness. Passionflower has also been used for the relief of nervous tension, stress and mild anxiety. The capsule also contains sour cherry, which assists in the maintenance of wellbeing. Sour cherry contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and anthocyanins.  And what is a VegeCap you ask? VegeCaps which are made from NON GMO vegetable cellulose and are 100% free from animal products such as gelatine.  The other option that may help promote a deep, relaxing sleep is GO Magnesium Sleep. These VegeCaps contain a blend of magnesium, herbal extracts as well as passionflower and hops that are traditionally used in herbal medicine as a sleep aid in cases… Read More

A nourishing, overnight hand mask that works its magic while you sleep

Herbs and Heart

With all the handwashing and sanitising we’re doing these days, it’s no wonder your poor old hands are feeling somewhat dry, sore and damaged. While alcohol-based sanitisers are great for eliminating germs, it’s also stripping natural oils from your skin, so you need to make sure you restore all that moisture to prevent developing dermatitis or other pesky skin irritations.  Natural skincare brand, Herbs + Heart have just launched the ultimate hand care product to combat dry skin! Their After-Sanitiser Overnight Hand Mask (RRP $24) is an effective treatment for over-cleansed and under-nourished hands. It’s ten times richer than hand lotion and designed to use at night and work its magic while you sleep.   Simply apply the mask to your hands just before you go to bed, ensuring your skin is hydrated and ready to face further handwashing and sanitisation the following day.  For the ultimate deep hydration treatment, pop on Herbs + Heart’s Cotton Overnight Gloves (RRP $5) after massaging your hands with the creamy mask and allow your hands to repair whilst you snooze.  The After-Sanitiser Overnight Hand Mask is manufactured in Australia with locally sourced ingredients and is naturally formulated with mango butter and hemp seed oil. It also contains a powerful combination of vitamins A, C and E, as well as omega fatty acids 3, 6 and 9.  Take a look at the full range of products from Herbs + Heart here. 

Good self-care starts with locally made, ethical and sustainable brand ‘Peggy Sue’

Peggy Sue Lip Care

There’s so much to love about organic skincare brand Peggy Sue. Sustainable, ethical, natural, Australian made and owned – it ticks all the boxes for those seeking a more eco-friendly, plant-based alternative without the inflated price tag.  The gorgeous Peggy Sue range is paraben-free, petroleum-free, sulphate-free, palm oil-free, silicone-free and has no artificial colours or fragrances. No nasties, just the really good stuff! Based on the NSW South Coast, Peggy Sue founders Alysha and Shanah created their beautiful brand to help us ‘slow things down with meaningful moments of self-care’, while caring for the earth together. And when coping with adversity like many of us have over the last six months during the health crisis, it’s more important than ever that we continue to care for those around us and more importantly, ourselves.  Self-care matters, so what better way to take care of yourself than by adopting a daily ‘me time’ regime, using quality products that enhance your mental and physical well-being and knowing that you’re doing it responsibly. Go you!  Pucker up, Sugar Lips! 95% of Peggy Sue’s range can be refilled, which reduces their carbon footprint and breaks the consume-and-discard cycle. Take for example the organic Lip Conditioner (RRP $14) that is housed in a gorgeous bamboo twist tube. Once you’re down to your last few applications, jump online and simply re-order a refill for $12.  The key ingredients in the Lip Conditioner are organic beeswax, organic shea butter, fractionated coconut oil, organic olive oil, natural vitamin E and vanilla oil.  If you… Read More

Not all hand sanitisers are created equal, which is why you need La Clinica sani in your life

La Clinica sanitiser

An effective hand sanitiser (one formulated to the Centre of Disease Control guidelines for the response of COVID-19) is going to be your best friend for the foreseeable future, so you’ll want to choose one that’s gentle on your skin and doesn’t smell like a hospital.  With so many variations of sani out there, it’s worth noting the gold standard is a sanitiser with at least 60 – 80 percent alcohol, as this is the percentage level required to kill the virus. Sanitisers with less than 60 percent alcohol are not as effective at killing germs outright. Enter La Clinica, a 100% Australian owned and operated skin care manufacturer located in Melbourne, who have created an all-purpose hand sanitiser made with lemon oil, echinacea extract, panthenol and alcohol (70%v/v). Made in Australia, it has antibacterial protection to kill 99.9% germs quickly and 96.5% of the ingredients are Australian. We love that it’s locally made.  The sani comes in a gel and spray version. For the handbag or backpack, you’ll want to throw in the cute 100ml ‘All-purpose hand sanitiser spray’ (RRP $9.99) for when you’re out and about. And the elegantly packaged 500ml ‘All-purpose hand sanitiser gel’ (RRP $19.99) won’t look out of place, strategically positioned at the entrance of your home or office.