Posts tagged with "exercise"

football championship by ESPNPR via 360 Magazine

The NCAA Division I FCS Championship

The NCAA Division I FCS Championship will move to Sunday in 2023, airing live on ABC on January 8 at 2 p.m. ET, from Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas

“We continuously work with the NCAA on ways to evolve our championship coverage,” said Dan Margulis, Senior Director of Programming and Acquisitions. “Moving the FCS Championship to Sunday opens up the possibility of capitalizing on the Sunday afternoon window on ABC, which we are regularly incorporating into our college sports programming.”

“The addition of our championship game to ABC’s Sunday programming lineup is very exciting news for all of us who are passionate about Division I FCS football,” said Jermaine Truax, chair of the Division I Football Championship Committee and Bucknell University Director of Athletics and Recreation. “The committee greatly appreciates ESPN’s longtime commitment to showcasing the FCS Championship and our outstanding student-athletes and coaches. The FCS Championship is annually one of the most exciting postseason tournaments in college sports and having our national championship game on ABC will result in even more exposure for this great event.”

FCS Championship tickets will go on sale to the public Friday, September 16 at 11 a.m. ET at NCAA.com/FCS.

Last season’s FCS Playoffs were the most viewed in nearly a decade. The semifinal matchup between James Madison and North Dakota State averaged 1,145,000 viewers, making it the most-viewed FCS semifinal since 2009. The Saturday semifinal between South Dakota State and Montana State averaged 795,000 viewers, making it the most-viewed Saturday semifinal since 2009.

The FCS Championship Game first aired on ABC in 2020, when North Dakota State captured its eighth title in a 28-20 victory over James Madison.

Engwe EP 2 PRO EBike is review by Vaughn Lowery for 360 MAGAZINE

ENGWE EP-2 Pro E-Bike

ENGWE EP-2 PRO, THE FOLDING ELECTRIC BIKE THAT YOU CAN TAKE ANYWHERE

Modern e-bikes are great alternative transportation methods for those looking for quick, enjoyable, and exhilarating travel. We see them all the time — whether it’s your Uber Eats driver dropping off your midday lunch or your friend meeting you for dinner in the city – e-bikes are everywhere.

The ENGWE EP-2 Pro e-bike is an excellent option for those interested in delving into electric transportation. Priced at $999, the ENGWE is an affordable option, furnished with essential e-bike features. The Engwe EP-2 PRO Electric Bike will be delivered FREE, within 3-5 business days to the US, EU and UK Mainland.

360 MAGAZINE had the opportunity to test out the ENGWE EP-2 Pro e-bike in the concrete jungle. Please read below to find out what we thought about this practical e-bike.

Curb Appeal

Coming in at 70lbs, the ENGWE EP-2 Pro sports a conveniently foldable frame for optimal storage. Though this e-bike is heavier than other models, it offers an easy daily commute.

Available in the colors Black, Dark orange and Slate gray, the design of the e-bike is sleek and unisex. Structured with distinct and sharp lines throughout, the ENGWE carries a modern and universal sense that would adorn many.

Design

The original ENGWE comes furnished with 20 x 4.0 all-terrain tires to tackle varying landscapes. At 360, we swapped out those tires for a puncture-proof option, and acquired a saddle seat for the e-bike. The new tires were puncture-proof and withstood potholes that encompass the city.

The neck of the ENGWE can be adjusted according to passenger height with leather handlebars. The 48v 13Ah lithium battery is hidden with the suitable design of the e-bike in the battery compartment. To ensure further safety of the battery, the ENGWE made the compartment locks with a supplied key. An electric bell is, too, included with the ENGWE.

Technology

With a 5-level pedal assist, the ENGWE conforms to each passengers riding style with assistance from the LCD display screen. The 12.8 Ah battery fully charges within 5-6 hours and can be charged on the go with the charging port.

The 48 V front ambient light illuminates your pathway with bright and prominent rays. The mechanical breaks sport rear lights, sparking up when you begin to slow down.

Performance

The enhanced 750W motor is the star of the ENGWE show. The e-bike exhibits top speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, and ranges around 50 miles while in route. With easy torque customizability, passengers have the option to increase or decrease their torque.  

Purchase an Engwe E-Bike HERE

Article: Vaughn Lowery

NYC Assemby:

Mexico Sports Center × Bicycle Repair

AS SHIPPED

Engwe EP 2 PRO EBike is review by Vaughn Lowery for 360 MAGAZINE

TIRES + ACCESSORIES NOT INCL

Engwe EP 2 PRO EBike is review by Vaughn Lowery for 360 MAGAZINE

*E-bike model was tested in The Bronx, New York with bumpy pavement and decaying roads.

The Health Benefits of a Satisfying Sex Life

When we think about sex, we’ll usually only think about the pleasure it can bring. However, this is actually only part of the story – a satisfying sex life can promote excellent health benefits as well. It might seem strange to consider this, but the fact is that having regular, enjoyable sex can make you healthier in a variety of different ways. Read on to find out more. 

Burns Calories 

Everyone knows if you burn more calories than you take in, you’ll lose weight. Yet sometimes, finding the time to get enough exercise is tricky. Even when you have the best intentions, going to the gym or heading out the door for a brisk walk after dinner can fall to the bottom of the to-do list. 

Sex, however, is something that is much easier to make time for, and the good news is that it will burn calories too. It won’t burn as many as a good workout at the gym or an exercise class, but something is better than nothing. You can boost the amount of calories you burn in bed if you add something exciting from Wet For Her’s lesbian sex toy range, or you switch positions to something that requires a little more activity, for example. 

Boost The Immune System 

Having a strong immune system is crucial as it means you are at much less risk of developing various illnesses, and you’ll be less likely to pick up any bugs that might be going around. As well as that, if you do catch something, you’ll be able to shake it more easily with a strong immune system. 

Having sex can help give you that strong immune system – studies have shown that people who have sex at least once a week have additional immunoglobulin A in their bodies. This is an antibody that helps protect your body. As well as this, sex releases oxytocin which makes you feel sleepy, and a good night’s sleep is great for boosting your immune system too. 

Relieves Stress

Humans have a lot of hormones in their bodies, and they all do different things. When you’re stressed, cortisol is produced. This puts you in the ‘fight or flight’ mode and means you can escape the perceived danger around you. If there is no real danger, it’s a good idea to try to de-stress as much as possible because too much cortisol for too long can cause issues with your heart, blood pressure, and mental health, for example. 

Sex is a great way to alleviate stress. Thanks to the hormones the activity produces (we’ve already discussed oxytocin, but endorphins are also released), our stress levels drop significantly, keeping us safe from harm and making us feel great. 

Pain Relief 

It’s an old joke that having a headache is an excuse not to have sex, but in reality, if you actually do have a headache, sex can help relieve the pain. Again, this is down to endorphins, which are a natural painkiller the body produces when it needs to. 

Sex promotes more endorphins to be released, speeding up the pain-relieving properties they have and reducing the pain associated with headaches in particular sooner than almost anything else. 

How to Age Gracefully and Prioritise Health 

People often think that the phrase ‘ageing gracefully’ is simply a euphemism for accepting your wrinkles and saying no to Botox. However, we consider ageing gracefully to be an entirely different state of mind. It’s about putting your physical and mental health first, without losing your joie de vivre as you enter your senior years. Sure, looks are important, but it’s more vital that you prioritise other things first.  

No matter what age you are, your health should always be a top priority. Without great health, you won’t be able to enjoy the things you love the most in life. However, as our bodies get older, we find that we become weaker and that we simply can’t do things as well as we used to. It’s important to train your body whilst you are still fit, so that it can better cope with the challenges that are yet to come. 

Nourish Your Body 

If you want to feel great, you’ll need to feed your body with great ingredients. This means getting plenty of Vitamin B12, Potassium, Dietary Fibre, Calcium, and Vitamin D. If you’re not sure where to find these, we suggest you opt for a diet with lots of beans, nuts, lean meats, wholegrains, low-fat dairy, as well as brightly coloured fruit and vegetables. If you’re in need of some inspiration, check out these delicious and nutritious recipes.  

Move Your Body Everyday 

A little bit of exercise each day will work wonders as you get older. Even if you just go for a short walk every evening, get those muscles moving and that blood pumping. Plus, being outdoors will give you a much-needed energy boost. Moderate intensity exercise can help lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, strokes, and strengthen your bones. 

Maintain a Healthy Weight 

No matter what age you are, maintaining a healthy weight is of the essence. Not only will you reduce the risk of developing health problems, but you’ll also feel more capable of doing the things you love. If you’re underweight you can increase your risk of fractured bones and become more susceptible to infections. However, if you’re overweight, you could be at risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and even some forms of cancer. 

Visit Your Doctor Regularly 

As we get older, visits to the doctor should become more frequent. Many people refuse to get the help they need as they don’t want to come across as weak during their older years. However, thanks to modern day medicine, medical devices, such as hearing aids, are practically invisible. Similarly, if you suffer from a chronic obstructive pulmonary condition, ask your doctor for the smallest portable oxygen concentrator available.  

Keep Your Brain Active 

Keeping your brain active and healthy can help reduce the likelihood of cognitive disabilities in old age. It’s important to stimulate your brain on a daily basis. You can do so by eating well and exercising regularly as well as conducting social activities and managing stress levels. It can even be as simple as a game of scrabble with a family member or reading a chapter of your favourite book each night before bed. 

Stay in Touch with Friends 

Sure, mental and physical health are important, but so is your emotional wellbeing. Humans are inherently social beings, so you should try to maintain a social life as you get older. If you’re not sure where to get started, why not try out a new group activity that can put you in touch with other members of the community. Try joining a book club in your local area or even take up volunteering at your favourite charity. 

Ageing gracefully is all about embracing life and powering forward no matter the circumstances. It’s about living in the moment and finding humour in the challenges that are thrown your way. To age gracefully, you must be flexible in both your body and mind. Be open to new things, forgive yourself (as well as others), and be grateful for the life you have lived so far. 

This may be easier said than done, however, if you keep a positive attitude, you’re already halfway there. Steer your mind towards the right direction and your body should follow suit. Remember to eat healthy and give your body the nutrients it needs to fortify your body. Get your daily exercise completed without any excuses an help your muscles grow stronger. Follow your doctor’s orders and remember to train your brain as well as your body.  

Nandini Kuppa-Apte soccer illustration for 360 MAGAZINE

Eleven Unique Ways to Get Fit This Summer

Once the weather starts to warm up, everyone is eager to get back outside. The extra daylight is the perfect motivator to take a walk or swim down at the beach. However, that means trails and lakes can start to get pretty crowded. If you’re looking for a relaxing place to exercise, finding a different way to move your body this season might interest you.

Do you need some new ideas for outdoor activities? Here are eleven unique ways to start your fitness journey this summer!

The Importance of Fitness 

At all ages, getting outside and exercising is essential. Throughout your life, a good fitness routine will help lessen your chances of:

  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Mood and sleep disorders

Your body will start to reduce muscle mass around age 30. Aches and pains might also begin to be more noticeable by 50. Before this happens, forming a solid exercise routine will be beneficial. It can mitigate the impacts of muscle loss and strengthen your bones. If you need a new way to get fit, this summer is the perfect time to find new activities to keep you moving.

Fitness can also be a very social activity. Whether you get a group of friends to join or make new ones at a class, getting together to exercise can be motivational and connecting. You could take large group, small group or one-on-one lessons. Whichever you choose, having someone else there to help you may help you feel more confident.

Exercise is excellent for your mental health as well. Researchers found that physical activity could be an additional solution to depression. For those looking to see improvements along with medication, getting outside and moving may be great advice. However, if you want to decrease your prescription, always speak with your practitioner first. They will most likely want to see how exercise affects your mental health over a while before they make any changes to your treatment regimen.

Summer Exercise Tips

There are plenty of fun ways to be active inside and outside during summer. Here are some summer exercise ideas for those beginning exercise routines and fitness experts!

  1. Surfing

Surfing is a great way to see the ocean and get fit. Whether renting your first board or catching your 500th wave, surfing engages your body and encourages balance. It’s a full-body workout, giving you plenty of benefits. It may have a learning curve for those starting out, but let yourself take the time to experience it. Taking up a new practice could also positively affect your mental and physical health.

  1. Bicycling

There are multiple ways to bike, so you can choose based on your experience level and preference. You could take different paths or find a beautiful route through town. Maybe you’re interested in training for a race or marathon. There’s also mountain biking, which can provide you with some gorgeous views while performing high-intensity exercise. Along with protective gear, cycling is phenomenal for your health.

  1. Gardening 

Gardening can be a fantastic exercise and mindfulness practice. As you’re working with the soil, take note of how everything feels and the sounds around you. Feeling at peace with nature and yourself can center you and help you relax. Additionally, shoveling, planting and harvesting your garden’s products can be a perfect workout. Pay attention to how you’re lifting and how much. Doing so will prevent strain, so you can keep getting out to your garden.

  1. Practicing Yoga

Indoors or outdoors, all you need is a blanket to sit on. You could even forego that if the ground is comfortable enough. Some may prefer to practice in their home, where they can minimize extra noise. Others could find focusing outdoors helps them manage their busy lives more peacefully. However you practice, yoga is a wonderful experience for the body and mind. This summer, give it a try if you need a new way to increase your flexibility and muscle strength.

  1. Creating a Boot Camp With Friends

Maybe you’ve seen a boot camp in your local park or gym. While trying something new is always good, you may have been slightly intimidated by its intensity. Instead of abandoning the idea entirely, create one with some friends. Being surrounded by people you know can help you feel more relaxed. If you need something less harsh, you can customize your workouts to the group. Making your own boot camp could be a great physical and bonding activity.

  1. Jumping Rope

Bring things back to your childhood days with some jump rope. You could keep your workout to a regular jump rope routine, or find a more intensive video or written plan. If you want to truly throw it back, you and some friends could pick up double dutch again. While it might seem childish to you, jumping rope is an excellent cardio exercise that can also improve balance and bone health as you practice.

  1. Cleaning the House

A two-in-one chore — exercising and tidying your house. Could your spring cleaning use a summer refresh? See it as an opportunity to get in some physical activity. Vacuuming, dusting and washing can all be awesome workouts that involve your whole body. Find ways to make these jobs more complete, such as:

  • Switching arms so both get some activity
  • Taking time to stretch between tasks
  • Lightly jogging while moving about the house

Get your body and your house in shape by combining cleaning and exercise.

  1. Kayaking

Take your family, friends, or just yourself out to the lake and rent a kayak. Along with the lovely sights, you’ll quickly see how this could be your new favorite workout. Using the oars to steer and push yourself along the water requires a lot of work from your arms. In addition, turning your upper body to get the proper position will do plenty for your core. Try out boating along the water in a kayak this summer to get in some vigorous physical activity.

  1. Finding a Trail

It could be any kind of trail. You might choose to go hiking, running or walking on a path outside. Trails can be as relaxing or intense as you want. It may be nice to bring some friends or go by yourself to experience nature. You could even take your cat or dog on a leash to provide an arm workout. Remember to stay hydrated, and check in with your body and others — especially if you’re going alone.

  1. Playing a Sport

There are plenty of team and solo sports to choose from when beginning your exercise regimen. You can find soccer, basketball, softball or tennis teams depending on your experience. Different leagues will accommodate different levels of skill. If you’re looking for solo sports, you could pick up dancing, swimming or roller skating to get your physical activity in. This all depends on your comfort level, so decide if you’d prefer to play a sport with others or by yourself. Whatever you pick, you’ll be doing yourself a favor.

  1. Going Rock Climbing

This is another fantastic indoor and outdoor activity. Going to your local rock-climbing wall is a terrific way to get started. Those helping you climb can give you tips on the best ways to get the most out of your climb. Once you’ve had a lot of practice, you could start learning how to climb out in the wilderness. This could blossom into a fulfilling group or even solo activity. If you’re looking for new ways to get outside, rock climbing might become your new passion.

How to Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally

Cholesterol is discussed so frequently, and sometimes flippantly, it has become somewhat of a medical buzzword. To some, it may seem like a nonconsequential item and for others it is one of bigger deals floated across their plate. The reality is that cholesterol is worth both understanding and managing well in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Like with anything involving the world of science and medicine, there is always more than what meets the eye. For example, with cholesterol, there are actually good and bad kinds of it. A fact like this makes it immediately apparent that taking the time to educate oneself on the ins and outs of the fat within human blood is wise. Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, put it best, “The human body is the most complex system ever created. The more we learn about it, the more appreciation we have about what a rich system it is.”

There are more than a few ways of lower said bad cholesterol naturally. In order to gain insight on these practices, we spoke with people who have experience doing so.

Dietary Changes

Chris Vaughn is the CEO of Emjay, a brand offering the delivery of marijuana products. He suggests making some adjustments to the types of food consumed regularly. 

“The long and short of it is the food digested by the stomach winds up in the bloodstream. Seeing as an overabundance of fat, or cholesterol, in the bloodstream poses a litany of issues, it stands to reason you should be filling your stomach with foods which will benefit your bloodstream. These are things such as beans, oatmeal and fruits. You should also be sure to remove food from your diet which adds saturated or trans fats as they’re the number one source of high cholesterol. It’s easier said than done but your body will thank you in the long run.”

Exercise

Physical activity promotes healthier blood flow which high cholesterol is responsible for harming. Lifeforce is a business providing subscribers the ability to understand and improve their body like never before. Their Founder, Joel Jackson, advises being proactive about fighting off that high cholesterol.

“When we look at the science of cholesterol, there are two basic terms to understand, HDLs and LDLs, or high-density lipoproteins and low-density lipoproteins. Simply put, HDLs are healthy cholesterol while LDLs are not. One of the most direct ways of influencing the count of these two lipoproteins is exercise. The good news for everyone is that it doesn’t take much – even just a couple of hours each week will cause a noticeable rise in HDLs paired with a reduction of LDLs. When you think about everything else exercise can do for you on top of this, it would be foolish to make it part of your routine.”

Be Intentional and Patient

Greater Than specializes in hydration for pregnant women. Their Chief Marketing Officer, Bryan Alston, considers it necessary to approach any high-cholesterol with mindfulness.

“It’s incredibly important to realize that for any recognizable changes to take place in the body, time must pass. Along similar lines, no real change will take place if a person sits in complacency hoping their situation comes to pass. If you’re dealing with high cholesterol, these are the two important ideas to keep at the forefront of your mind as you work towards health – Intentionality and patience. It’s hard work to return and stabilize your cholesterol at doctor recommended levels. And, it doesn’t take place overnight. I’m certain these two realities will become frustrating at some point but I urge you to continually push through.”

Stop Smoking

Natalia Sadowski is the Director of Aesthetics of Nourishing Biologicals, a brand offering skincare products. She cautions others against the continued use of tobacco products. 

“Nobody said that getting healthier was going to be a walk in the park or even easy for that matter. The same can be said about giving up smoking. But, as most are well aware, both are beneficial to ourselves. This is especially true of smoking as it relates to high cholesterol. Nicotine in the body sends a rush to the heart, causing it to work harder while also slowing down the flow of blood throughout the rest of the body. Both of these things hinder your body’s ability to both process and eliminate good and bad cholesterol.” 

Take a Break

Running any system at one hundred percent capacity all the time will result in a decrease in productivity accompanied by a shorter life span. This is true of the body as well. Nue Life is a business providing mental health assistance paired with psychedelics. Their Co-Founder and CEO, Juan Pablo Cappello, proposes being cautious of this. 

“There are so many different causes of stress that if I sat here and named them all we may never leave. Regardless of who you are or what you do, you’ve experienced stress. Are you aware that higher levels of stress induce higher levels of cholesterol? That means it’s up to you to take a break and relieve some of that stress. If you don’t, you’ll only continue to compound both problems. High stress is one thing, high cholesterol is an entirely different beast.”

Focus on Weight Loss

Zizi specializes in an at-home kit to help lower cholesterol. Their Co-Founder, Reece Kresser, believes shedding any excess weight could be more impactful than one might imagine. 

“If we think about it logically, a person with a larger body mass will require more effort to move blood throughout their body as there’s more area that requires coverage. If that person can healthily focus on weight loss, they’ll see a significant difference in their cholesterol levels. Think of it this way, if said person is spending less energy on blood movement, they’ll have more energy to identify and dispose of any cholesterol. Overall, it’s a win across the board so go the extra mile here. Ideally, your body will be around for a long time and treating it right is how you ensure it’s ready for that.”

With only one body meant to live for 70 or so years, it is critical to get ahead of the health curve. Actress and musician Jennifer Hudson spoke to this, “Gaining control over your health and well-being is one of those times in your life that you get to be completely selfish and not feel bad about it. If you want to meet your goals, you have to make it about you. You have to make it work for you and you alone. Anything less is a setup for failure.”

Ten minute activities that will make you feel happier

As children, many seemed to believe happiness would sort of fall into our lives as we grew older simply due to the nature of life. Now, having had a dose of reality and adulthood, it is very apparent that this is not the case. In fact, it seems far more likely that any happiness we do experience is a creation of our own – relationships, experiences, thought processes, and more all fall into this category. Seeing as happiness is an emotion that we seem to be in constant pursuit of, it would make sense to be intentional about creating the desired happiness. The words of author Roy T. Bennett, are a wonderful jumping off point for doing so, “If you want to be happy, do not dwell in the past, do not worry about the future, focus on living fully in the present.”

There are numerous avenues to explore when it comes to attempting to feel happier. Sometimes, it’s as simple as setting aside 10 minutes of your day. Below are a few suggestions for activities to explore. 

Go for a walk

Rachel Blank is the founder and CEO of Allara, a brand offering care for polycystic ovary syndrome. She believes a little physical activity can go a long way.

“Our daily lives leave us immobile in a lot of ways. Think about it, many of us sleep, and then sit down at a desk, before moving to the couch to finish out the day. The reality is that our bodies are meant for moving and they do vastly better when this happens regularly. I’m not just talking about being in shape either. Moving more frequently in any regard will provide a boost to your happiness. It doesn’t have to be much either as you could just go for a quick walk. If exercise becomes part of your daily routine even just a little bit, you’ll see a noticeable difference.”

Read a fiction book

Hush specializes in products geared towards aiding the tattoo experience. Their CEO, Ubaldo Perez, suggests taking the time to get lost in a story. 

“There are points in life where everyone needs to take a break. Of course, taking 15 minutes or your lunch break might come to mind, but I think there’s something a little bit better for our mental wellbeing – reading a fiction book. No matter what you do for a living, I’m sure there have been points where you just want to get away from whatever is stressing you out. Stepping into a story about worlds or lives which are dramatically different from the one we’re living is a great method for achieving some basic happiness and escape. Stepping away from the things in front of us is not always the easiest so the help of a good story is sometimes a necessity.”

Phone a friend

Human interaction can bring about a flurry of emotions. Azuna is a business providing plant-based odor elimination. Their director of marketing, Philip Mantalvo, considers it important to connect with people who care about you.

“If you look at every era of history one thing remains the same – humans need other humans. None of us are geared for a life of total isolation. The pandemic made this the case for many and as we come out of it now, it’s important to remember how vital it is. From experience and reading studies, I’ve come to understand that even the simple act of phoning a friend for a few minutes can bring about positive emotions. The reciprocal care and enjoyment can’t be quantified but trust me, you’ll know those feelings when they’re present.”

Spend time with a pet

Melissa Thodes is the CEO of Physics 1on1, a brand offering online psychic readings. She advises others to take a few minutes for their animal companion. 

“Pets can be one of the biggest blessings, should we choose to see them as that. I know that as pets grow and mature, they become part of everyday life. As they should. But this also means the excitement and joy a new pet owner experiences has worn off. Again, this is natural. But sometimes a jumpstart to your existing perspective can bring about change. Go get a new toy or go for a new route on your walk. Whatever it takes to make your relationship with your pet a little fresher is absolutely worth it.”

Revisit a favorite viral video

Spot Pet Insurance specializes in health insurance for pets. Their CEO, Trey Ferro, believes rewatching a video which brought you a hearty belly laugh can be beneficial. 

“Everyone has a different sense of humor but the true point here is that everyone is capable of laughing, provided they’re given a reason to do so. Whenever the conversation topic of viral videos comes up, every person participating has a video they just have to show everyone because of how hilarious it is. Oftentimes, it is truly hilarious. When you’re feeling down in the dumps, try to remember one of your favorite viral videos and revisit it. It might seem too easy but even just the smallest assistance should be welcome when it comes to personal happiness.”

Focus on breathing

All the things on one’s daily to-do list can begin to tally up to the point where they might feel as if they are being crushed. BISOULOVELY is a business providing a wide variety of jewelry. Their CEO, Breanne Millette, proposes paying attention to the act of breathing to combat this.

“It’s a very different way of looking at things but we reside within our physical bodies. Because of this, we have a tendency to exclude our bodies from consideration far more often than we should. Obviously, this can be a pretty harmful action if taken at the wrong moment. Think about moments of high stress or anxiety – my guess would be you’ll remember a feeling close to light suffocation. The reality is, this wasn’t a figment of your imagination. Under pressure, fight or flight mode can cause tension resulting in lack of oxygen to your body. It’s easier said than done but remembering to take deep breaths can really make a difference in your happiness levels.”

Eat or drink something

Jeff Goodwin is the senior director of performance marketing and e-commerce of Orgain, a brand offering organic protein. He cautions others to be aware of their food intake. 

“Food is very much a habitual thing for many people. Meal times are planned out, meal planning exists and, at least from what I’ve seen, food has come to a point where it’s more about quick, efficient delivery to our bodies rather than the quality of the food being consumed. Like it or not, what we eat has a direct correlation to our moods. Fast food holds some character traits of a depressant while items such as fruit, vegetables, and high protein-low fat meats act much more like a stimulant. What I’m saying here is that if you choose to eat healthy, your overall feelings of happiness should take a sizable leap.”

Listen to a favorite song

Mad Rabbit specializes in tattoo aftercare products. Their CEO Oliver Zak considers music to be one of more influential items to a person’s happiness.

“Take a second and think about some of your best days. If you’re anything like me, when things are going well in life, I find that I’m more willing to hum or sing a song I enjoy because of where my mood is at. But the inverse is also true. Music holds this power which can swing our moods at a moment’s notice due to a specific lyric or sound present in whatever we’re listening to. It works both ways so if you’re filling your ears with songs of sadness and loss you’re not going to get very far. Pick the music that raises the corners of your mouth and puts that light behind your eyes.”

If everything above could be summed up into one phrase, it may have been put into existence by author Alice Walker, “Don’t wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you’ve got to make yourself.”

New Health Trend: Aqua Cycling

New health trends are quickly emerging as people seek ways of keeping fit. One effective health trend is aqua cycling. Aqua cycling continues to gain popularity for being the perfect exercise that offers maximum health benefits with very minimal pain. 

What is Aqua Cycling?

Aqua cycling is a form of aerobic exercise that uses a specialized stationary aqua bike, known as a Hydrorider, in a pool. The equipment is submerged in 1.2 meters -1.6 meters of water and it features 4 paddle flywheels to ensure resistance increases as the cycling speed increases.  Water Cycling combines a low-impact but intense cycling workout with arm, chest, and core exercises for full-body fitness which is easier on your joints than other forms of cardio like running. 

Health Benefits Of Aqua Cycling

Improves Cardiovascular Health

The aqua cycling workout is the perfect way to maintain heart health and a healthy cardiovascular system. Water cycling enables you to have a higher intensity workout but maintain a lower heart rate since your heartbeat frequency is 10% lower while working out in water than when on land.

 Working out in the water has many benefits for heart health and help those suffering from a heart condition manage it and live a healthy life. The benefits of water fitness include: Making the heart stronger, decreasing the resting heart rate, making blood vessels more supple & reducing blood pressure Increasing stroke volume.

Improved flexibility

While you’re riding on a stationary bike in the water, your body will be working to support itself as it moves. This will help improve your flexibility and range of motion in your hips and knees, which can be especially beneficial for people who spend a lot of time sitting or standing up straight all day. 

In addition, it’s also great for loosening up your back and shoulders—especially if you’ve been experiencing pain or tightness there.

Many people find that aqua cycling helps them improve their posture. Aqua cycling has low impact on joints and does not lead to micro-damage to muscle fibres and connective tissues. This reduced impact on your joints, muscles, and bones can help improve your posture since there is no micro-damages or injury that could negatively affect your body positioning.

Weight loss

Aqua cycling is a low-impact exercise that burns calories and tones your body. The water creates resistance, which helps you burn more calories than other forms of exercise, while also providing a comfortable environment to perform.

Aqua cycling is an excellent way to achieve weight loss goals. The high resistance of the water makes aqua cycling a quick and effective calorie burner. This burns up to 800kcal per hour since your body works harder and has a higher metabolic rate, leading to reduced body fat. 

The high resistance and evenly distributed load ensure that body muscles are evenly exercised, giving the body an even look. This is unlike normal exercise where some muscles are exercised more, giving the body an uneven appearance with some muscles being bigger than others. 

Low-impact workout

Aqua cycling is a low-impact workout that allows you to get the most out of your cardio time. Because it’s done in water, there’s low impact on joints, muscles, and tendons which makes this an ideal exercise for people with joint pain or injuries.

The buoyancy of the water also helps to distribute the weight of your body evenly so there’s less pressure on your joints. This means no next-day soreness and you can continue to work out more frequently.

Low risk of injury

Aqua cycling is a low-impact workout that can be done by people of all ages and fitness levels. While the motion of pedaling in water may take some getting used to, the risk of injury is minimal compared with other exercise options.

 It’s also great for those who are injured or disabled and want to stay active, as well as those who are new to exercise but aren’t ready for high-impact workouts yet. 

Improve Coordination And Body Strength

Aqua cycling improves coordination and body strength in the following ways;

  • Balance and coordination: The water provides a natural resistance that helps build your balance and coordination.
  • Strength: Cycling under water causes hydrostatic pressure that increases blood flow to the muscles. This energises your muscles so they don’t fatigue quickly, enabling you to work out longer and build stronger muscles.
  • Core muscles: Vigorous cycling is an effective way to improve core strength by working the abdominal muscles, back, and pelvic floor muscles.
  • Flexibility: Since you are exercising in water, it allows for a greater range of motion than that achieved on dry land.

Aqua cycling is a great way to improve physical health, and it’s easy on the joints and muscles

Aqua cycling is a great way to improve physical health, and it’s easy on the joints and muscles.

Studies show that aqua cycling improves cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and body composition. As a bonus: it can be adapted for people with limited mobility or certain medical conditions.

Aqua Cycling classes are also a fun way to stay in shape while meeting new people in your community! It’s perfect for beginners who want to try something new without having to worry about injuries from intense workouts. This low-impact exercise will help you get started on your journey toward becoming more physically active and as you cycle resistance increases so you can continue to grow and challenge yourself. Aqua cycling is good for beginners all the way to elite athletes.

Start your aqua cycling journey today and enjoy its immense benefits.

Eleven Tips for Good Brain Health

Your heart may pump blood through your body, keeping you alive, but the brain is what makes you uniquely you. As we age, our brains get older too and will decrease in size and function. By taking action now, you can reduce your risk factors for more rapid aging. Healthy habits can also lower your risk of mental health problems, stroke and dementia. 

  1. Exercise Regularly

Working out increases blood flow to your brain and can boost the size of your hippocampus, which shrinks as you age. Getting some form of movement for 30 minutes a day can drastically improve your memory and cognition. 

Studies have shown benefits from most types of exercise, including aerobics, weight training, yoga, pilates, tai chi and dancing. If you don’t have the time or ability to complete a full workout, start small and break your movement into chunks throughout the day. 

  1. Schedule Yearly Exams

Yearly check-ups with your primary care doctor can catch any number of health-related issues. During your appointment, you may undergo a brief neurological exam to assess your balance, mental stability, muscle strength and reflexes. Any problems with these signs or your vitals would tip your provider off to a more significant problem and hopefully get you the early intervention you need. 

  1. Watch Cardiovascular Health

Heart conditions can negatively impact brain health. High blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar are risk factors for dementia and other cognitive problems associated with aging. Also, blood clots keep oxygen from getting to parts of the brain and can cause a stroke, which can lead to permanent damage or death.

 Regular checkups with your primary care physician and cardiologist can help you gain control over cardiovascular problems. 

  1. Get Quality Sleep

One of the best things you can do for your brain is to give it time to repair itself. While you sleep, your brain clears out toxins that can cause Alzheimer’s and dementia. It also converts short-term memories into long-term and clears out any unnecessary information. Getting 7-9 consecutive hours of sleep at night also improves cognition, focus and mood. 

To get the best night’s sleep, don’t eat stimulating foods within a few hours of bedtime, turn off electronics an hour before bed and have a consistent nighttime routine designed to help you wind down and go to bed at the same time each night. 

  1. Quit Smoking

Smoking negatively affects many of your body’s systems, including your brain. Smokers are more likely to suffer a stroke, dementia and cancer and tend to have more rapid age-related brain volume loss. 

The good news is quitting can reverse these adverse effects. Within 5-15 years, most of the increased risks level out with nonsmokers. Stopping this habit as soon as possible limits the potential for severe and lasting health problems. 

  1. Protect Your Head

Accidents happen, which is why you need to take extra safety precautions. Head trauma doesn’t even have to cause a concussion to be detrimental to your overall brain health. If you’re in an accident, doctors will perform a diagnostic to check your mental capabilities. Taking a little extra time to buckle your seatbelt or put on a helmet can help you prevent serious head injury and loss of brain function.

Early signs of brain injury include blurred vision, fatigue, nausea, confusion and problems with balance and coordination. Repeat head injuries worsen these problems and can lead to long-term brain problems, including impaired cognition and memory loss.

  1. Limit Alcohol Intake

Compulsive or binge drinking can lead to severe brain health problems. Heavy alcohol consumption changes the brain’s chemistry almost immediately, with slurred speech, decreasing coordination, slow reflexes and lowered inhibitions. 

Over time, the chemical changes add up and cause permanent brain damage leading to stroke, poor blood flow to the brain, decreased brain volume, memory problems and mental health issues. 

  1. Eat Brain-Healthy Foods

Studies have shown following the Mediterranean diet correlates with a lowered risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. This way of eating focuses on whole foods, lean meats, healthy fats and plenty of seafood. Healthy fats are a key ingredient for brain health, improving cellular function and keeping it younger for longer. Extra-virgin olive oil, walnuts and fatty fish are just a few great choices. 

Foods rich in antioxidants help fight inflammation and improve brain health. Some powerhouse options include blueberries, pumpkin seeds, broccoli and dark chocolate. 

  1. Learn Something New

When learning a new skill or improving an old one, your brain creates new connections between cells. These pathways make it difficult for brain disease to work its way in. Engaging your brain and stimulating it builds “muscles” like weight training for our bodies. 

Doing a daily crossword, playing a strategy game and reading are easy ways to get your brain working. Stimulating conversations is another good one. Also, you could pick up a new hobby like cooking, gardening or rock climbing. If you have the resources, learning a new language is highly beneficial.

  1. Make Time for Friends and Family

Spending time with a close circle of friends and family can help combat depression, which is known to impact the way your brain functions. Also, socializing stimulates blood flow to different areas of the brain. Chatting with friends could keep your mind young and strong. 

Simply talking to and seeing a loved one can help improve your mental and brain health. However, if you want to get the largest benefit, combine socialization with an activity to enhance your brain’s strength. To meet new people, you could join a club or organization that matches your interests or spend some time volunteering. 

  1. Manage Mental Health

Your mental health can affect your daily life and your long-term brain health. Everyone deals with stress from time to time, but chronic stress leads to inflammation that can cause permanent brain damage. Combat this by seeing a doctor or therapist in combination with meditation, journaling, yoga and slow outdoor walks. 

Depression and anxiety literally change the size of parts of your brain. Depression alone causes the hippocampus to get smaller, which reduces your ability to remember things clearly. Prolonged untreated depression is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Depression and anxiety together increase the size of the amygdala, which is responsible for your fight or flight response and emotions, making you more likely to experience panic attacks and other panic disorders.