Category: HEALTH & FITNESS

Forget Friday, I’ve got Monday Distillery on my mind…

Monday Distillery

With Monday Distillery launching their sophisticated, non-alcoholic beverage range in time for Dry July, there’s no need to feel guilty any longer about enjoying a refreshing G&T on a school night. Gone are the days when you have to wait for Friday (virtual) drinks to quench your thirst with your favourite G&T bursting with refreshing botanicals.  With many discovering healthy alternatives during iso and turning to non-alcohol alternatives, Monday Distillery’s offerings have come at a very good time. With fun choices such as the G&T Classic mix with rosemary, seasalt and other botanicals and the G&T Exotic Spice mix with selected spice and botanicals, what’s not to love!  There are no artificial additives or flavours in the G&T range, and it’s also sugar and gluten-free. Refreshingly carbonated, Monday Distillery is naturally sweetened with stevia and has subtle hints of natural bitters such as quinine and cinchona bark.  Beautifully presented, the four-pack gift box also makes a great gift idea for your health conscious friends and family members. When organising a gathering at yours, it’s also a nice offering for the designated drivers who are yearning for a chilled, G&T in an old fashioned crystal glass with a sprig of rosemary. How very civilised!  If you’re more of a whiskey or vodka type looking for an alcohol-free alternative, the good news, it’s in the pipeline, with ‘whiskey without the wobbles’ and ‘vodka without the vengeance’ coming soon. Watch this space! A full list of Monday Distillery stockists can be found here.  Cheers!

Crank up your day in iso with a cold press coffee infused with superfoods

Cold press coffee

Yes, the world is strange place right now and we’re all looking at ways to stay healthy and mentally focussed during this health emergency. And who would’ve thought cold press coffee in a can is one way of achieving this? You can get your morning coffee hit while taking in some next level superfoods. So, what’s so special about BeforeYouSpeak Cold Press High Performance Coffee? It’s 100% natural, vegan friendly, paleo friendly, keto friendly, dairy free, gluten free and there are no artificial sweeteners.  This ready-to-drink, single original Columbian coffee is infused with all the good stuff, like MCT oil, turmeric, Siberian ginseng, green coffee bean and black pepper extract The good people at BeforeYouSpeak brew their ready-to-drink coffee using a cold press technology, which is different to cold brew. When compared to other brewing methods, cold press coffee yields a greater number of compounds in the liquid concentrate, meaning there is an explosion of flavour whilst having unparalleled smoothness.  So, while we’re all in iso and thinking of ways to cheer ourselves up, why not treat yourself to coffee that can be delivered to your home! Hop online and order a batch of cold press coffee – you know the best part is when the delivery guy knocks on the door with your goodies in hand! 

Hustle Boxing Sydney – the fitness studio for the everyday hustler

Hustle boxing

Hustle Boxing is new to Sydney, encouraging quality routines for the slightly nervous, right in the middle of Sydney’s LA-style exercise hub in Potts Point. The product of Simon Maree and Tim McGann, it’s all about technical boxing meets full-body conditioning where you’ll “build a boxer’s body with a champion’s mindset”, as they say. With six different class styles inspired by the likes of Jagger, Beyonce, Michael Jordan and Adriana Lima, it’s the kind of place you to go see, be seen, break a sweat and try your hand at something with some gloves in an environment purposed to inspire confidence and encourage getting involved! The near-dark room feels like you’ve travelled to an underground club in New York and is split in two for your 50-60 minute sweat session. First up, floor work using Y-bells, resistance bands and bodyweight exercises to tone and strengthen then boxing using state-of-the-art aqua bags for cardio and endurance.  When the music starts it’s just you and the bag with lots of personal space you push yourself to new limits with the support of your trainers. Hustle aims to ‘help you challenge your muscles and mind – and win’. The schmick facilities include an open plan Scandi feel reception, Dyson hairdryers in the bathroom and they supply everything even a glove dryer so there’s no need for sweaty gloves and old ratty wraps.  Hustle Boxing is located at 176 Victoria Street Potts Point, pricing starts from $35 for a casual class and $70 per week. 

Top tips to boost energy according to pharmacist and herbalist Gerald Quigley

Running

In the nutrition world, there has been a growing discussion and movement towards ‘plant forward’ or ‘plant-based’ diets—including the many environmental and health benefits involved in ramping up your veggie intake. With only 4% of Australians who eat their recommended amount of vegetables each day[i] (5-6 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit [ii]), it’s no wonder such conversations are taking place. This National Nutrition Week 2019—Nutrition Australia has made it their mission to encourage healthy eating by educating consumers on how to try for five servings of vegetables each day. This includes learning about food waste management and breaking stereotypical vegetable consumption habits[iii]. Here to explain how we can all get more out of our vegies is Gerald Quigley—who is a Leading Pharmacist and Community Herbalist. Gerald is well known for his unique view of health from a holistic perspective, and is passionate about promoting healthy eating that starts at home and can extend to additional energy boosting ingredients through supplementation.   1 Embrace ‘ugly’ vegetables It is estimated that 20 to 30 percent of fresh fruit and vegetables in Australia are deemed as ‘waste’ before it even leaves the farm due to imperfections[iv].  If you’d like to save money – and the planet – investigate some of many options now available to purchase ‘ugly’ or ‘discarded’ fruit and veg. Grocery stores, online food delivery companies, and even people growing their own vegetables are embracing ugly vegetables, since they are equally as nutritious, more economical and better for the environment[v]. 2. When vegies start to… Read More

The Fitbit Versa 2: A new watch, only this time, with Alexa

Fitbit Versa 2

What’s the time? What was my sleep score last night? What’s the weather doing today, Alexa? No, we’re not talking to a smart home hub. We’re actually playing with the new offering from FitBit, the Versa 2 Health and Fitness Watch.  Loaded with features such as Amazon Alexa, 24/7 heart rate tracking, a sophisticated sleep tracker, on-screen workouts and smartphone notifications, Versa 2 is an affordable smartwatch with looks to boot. It’s elegantly curved with a new AMOLED screen and an anodised aluminium finish. Unlike its predecessor, Versa 2 has an always-on display. Just remember though, if you select this option, you will chew through your battery life a lot quicker.  Speaking of battery life, one of the most impressive specs about Versa 2 is the 5+ day battery life (which varies with use, as we mentioned earlier with the always-on display). This is a significant point of difference when comparing battery life with the Series 5 Apple Watch which only offers 18 hours before requiring a recharge. The Versa 2 extended battery life allows you to wear the smartwatch while you sleep, if you’re interested in monitoring your sleep pattern. Each night, Versa 2 will track your light, deep and REM sleep and after it learns your sleep patterns, it will provide you with a personalised sleep score.  With the newly integrated microphone and Alexa function, you can ask Alexa a question, but unlike a home hub, she won’t talk back to you (which probably isn’t a bad thing, right)? She only responds via… Read More

MPower your workouts with this bespoke Bondi Pilates studio

Pilates 1

Pilates not only strengthens your core but it is one of the best all-body workouts). The pilates industry in Australia is extremely competitive, so just how does one stand out? The team at MPower have it figured out, they have taken “small group classes” to the next level, allowing just six participants per class. With 11 class styles, there’s something for everyone, so take your pick from three main genres.  1/ Spring Using next-gen technology spring is a new style of pilates. Using a springboard and horse the class keeps you moving and easily tailors specific muscle groups.  2/ Reformer Sydneysiders favourite workout style right now, reformer will get your blood pulsing and your muscles pumping. If you want to dive in headfirst try Dynamic Reformer to test out one of their spring sessions.  3/ Mat Don’t be fooled even with minimal equipment mat pilates will have you feeling the burn in minutes.  With a plethora of experience between them, MPower co-founders Michelle Koton and Peter Green wanted to create a space for “like-minded people of all ages and stages can feel comfortable, welcome, stimulated, motivated, empowered and better.” If you are returning from an injury or just looking for some even more personalised assistance MPower offer one-on-one classes.

Significant health rules every couple must know

Couple

There’s nothing better than finding that person who makes you swoon. Without saying a word, they make you feel like the most beautiful person in the world. However, as time goes by and you settle into being a couple, it’s not uncommon for one or both of you to let your physical appearance slip a bit. While gaining a pound or two is nothing to worry about, choosing your couch over the gym more often than not is another story. Whether you’re already married or in a domestic partnership, you owe it to the both of you to stay healthy and fit. Below are ways to you and your better half can boost your health factor together: Hit the Gym When you’re single, you went to the gym daily and made sure you walked over 10,000 a day. But when you meet your main squeeze, the only thing you want to do is cuddle on the couch and watch Netflix. Over time, not only do the pounds creep up, but you’re also developing an unhealthy lifestyle. Make a point to get active at least four to five times a week. As a couple, you can go biking, running or even take a Zumba class. Mediate Together There’s no other way to say but to just say it: Stress kills. If you or your love are under constant stress, it can negatively impact your relationship. The best way to keep your relationship moving in the right direction is by finding ways to decompress. 61% of the… Read More

Health Done Naturally

Man running exercise gear

When you’re not feeling at your best it’s all too easy to hit up the pharmacy and taking over the counter medicines, but if you’re beginning to think you’d like to start taking a little extra care of your liver and try to reduce your dependency on the likes of ibuprofen and paracetamol, then this blog’s for you. While you absolutely should take any medication your doctor has prescribed for you for more serious conditions, there are some great alternatives out there for everyday aches and pains. We take a look at some natural alternatives that might help your body out the natural way. Chamomile This flower is more than just a pretty face. You’ll know if you drink it in tea that it has a natural sedative effect, perfect for helping you wind down after a long and stressful day. Used as a cold compress, chamomile is also effective at reducing swelling and inflammation and has a positive effect on wounds. It’s widely used across Europe, so pick up a box of your favourite tea bags and use them hot or cold for a great night’s sleep or to help heal that injury and reduce swelling. Echinacea Many people will tell that you a dose of this a day will help stave off colds and flu or at the very least help your body fight back against the viruses that cause them. The jury is still out on the true effectiveness of this plant but it’s enduring popularity looks set to continue. Image courtesy… Read More

12RND Fitness challenge: I tried it and here’s what happened

Lottie Dalziel 12RND boxing

I’m a sucker for a challenge, especially when it comes with a competitive edge so when 12RND Fitness‘ 6-week challenge popped up I jumped in headfirst. The brainchild of world champion boxer, Danny Green, 12RND is the fastest-growing boxing and strength franchise in Aus and it is easy to see why. Pair boxing with cardio, strength and conditioning training, one on one coaching and flexible start times and you’ve got a match made in heaven. So exactly why is boxing so good for you? It forces you to practise discipline It is great for fat burning and is even more beneficial when paired with HIIT Can increase muscle tone Can help to build strong bones and ligaments Increases your cardiovascular fitness Improves your core stability Is great for stress relief Improves your coordination and body awareness. The workouts replicate the physical demands of a 12 round championship fight: with 12 x 3-minute rounds and 30 seconds rest in between. Think early starts, rapid warm-ups, then nothing but high-intensity training, centred around boxing bags and gloves for 12 rounds. It’s both the beauty and the challenge of the whole training method, which operates on the intermittent burns for maximum output with maximum input. The 12RND boxing fitness challenge Six weeks, four workouts per week and a dietitian-approved meal plan. Sign. Me. Up. One of my favourite parts of 12RND were the flexible start times. With a new round starting every 3 minutes, pressing snooze (sometimes more than once) didn’t mean I’d miss my workout and could show up… Read More

The worst health mistakes men tend to make

Canterbury mens gym fitness rope

Society has forced men to believe they have to be tough all the time. They can’t be hurt, they can’t be sick, and they must bring home the bacon. While you might think this would make men take better care of themselves, the opposite is often true. As a result of society’s expectations, and in a bid to project toughness, many men end up making mistakes with their health that could prove to be extremely harmful to them in the future. They ignore signs of illness, bottle up their feelings, and much worse. To live a healthy life, here are seven health mistake you must avoid.  Source 1. Bottling up bad feelings Although there will always be exceptions, on the whole, men are much less likely to speak about their feelings than women. They tend not to express emotion and don’t ask for help or support when they need it. It’s probably because of this than men are much less likely to be diagnosed with depression, but are more likely to commit suicide. Bottling up bad feelings won’t make them go away. Instead, it will make them worse, which is why it’s important that you talk about them.  2. Drinking alcohol in excess Binge drinking is a habit that is much more common among men. While it might not seem too big a problem, alcohol can affect your long-term health, as well as your immediate safety. There are consistently higher numbers of alcohol-related hospitalisations and deaths in men than in women. To avoid being in… Read More