Category: Health

The Past Souls of Meditation

Alex CoombesLeave a comment

We are extremely excited to announce a new discipline we have added to TruBe: meditation!

We believe meditation is extremely important for understanding one’s own mind, becoming more peaceful, and more mindful. The history of meditation is an extremely interesting one. The earliest records of meditation dates back to over 1,000 years ago.

Early forms of the practice were developed by notable souls, some of which are not popular in today’s modern age. In honour of our new discipline, we are celebrating the peaceful past souls we have to thank for meditation.

Philo of Alexandria

“Learning is by nature, curiosity.” – Philo of Alexandria

Philo was a Hellenistic philosopher born in 20 BC. He had a strong belief and main goal in life: to live free without unnecessary emotions such as anxiety. Philo would only focus on positive emotions, known as eupathia, such as happiness and serenity.  He believed that by living like this and focusing on self-control, one can remain rational. Philo was one of the first people to start meditating, as he believed it was a serene practice, helping him achieve his goal of a stress-free and joyous life.

Floral Image by: Georgianna Lane 

The Desert Fathers of the Middle East

“Having withdrawn to the solitary life he made the same prayer again and he heard a voice saying to him, ‘Arsenius, flee, be silent, pray always, for these are the sources of sinlessness.” -Patristics

During the early Middle Ages, a group of hermits lived in the wilderness and were known as the Desert Fathers of the Middle East. The purpose of their isolation was to devote their life to God and live in peace away from civilization. The Desert Fathers would practice meditation daily, as it was one of their essential purposes. The meditation practices and rules they lived by had a strong similarity to the East, which they were thought to have either borrowed from or happened to rediscover.  It was a time of great experimentation when it came to meditation with the Desert Fathers, and their practices and findings are those in which we use today.

Floral Image by: Georgianna Lane 

Gandhi

“I have so much to accomplish today that I must meditate for two hours instead of one.” -Gandhi

Can you write about meditation without mentioning Gandhi? Gandhi drew much of his strength from his spiritual life and growing up, he truly embraced solitude and peacefulness. Gandhi learned the practice of meditation from Paramahansa Yogananda, an Indian yogi and guru. Yogananda believed that Gandhi would most appreciate a meditation practice called ‘Kriya yoga’ and it was this practice that Gandhi grew a strong passion for and practiced every morning and night. Meditation helped Gandhi remain calm and in a relaxed state of mind.

Floral Image by: Georgianna Lane 

We hope these notable souls have inspired you to start your meditation journey. We at TruBe would love to help you start  and our meditation specialists are here for you anytime. Book the new discipline today!

Happy Meditating.

Your TruBe Team

 

4 Reasons To Eat Acai Daily

Alex CoombesLeave a comment

You may have heard about the newest food trend: acai! It’s everywhere– in bowls, smoothies, ice cream, and all the trendiest cafes. What exactly is acai? Acai, pronounced ah-sigh-EE, is the superfood from Brazil and a berry that looks like a grape. It has a natural, sweet taste with a hint of chocolate flavour. You won’t typically find acai fresh in stores due to the shelf life being short. Instead, you will find it in puree form in the freezer section. Acai is the perfect compliment to various ingredients and your new favourite breakfast food. So why should you incorporate acai into your daily diet? Let us fill you in on the top 4 reasons. 

Photo Credit: @alphafoodie

A Boost In Energy

Acai berries have countless proteins, good fats, and carbohydrates which have been proven to be extremely beneficial for keeping your energy levels high. Not only do these berries increase your energy, but they help fight exhaustion and fatigue.  Best recipe for an acai energy bowl? Our favourite bowl at the moment is by The Fit Foodie!

Photo Credit: The Fit Foodie

Clear Complexion

A major benefit of eating acai daily is the ability to maintain healthy skin. Acai berries contain many vitamins to help enhance skin. An article published on PubMed showed that acai was one of the most effective natural skin care ingredients and that the extract found in acai is extremely beneficial for treating acne. Recipe for clear skin? Try this clear skin acai smoothie bowl here, recipe by the lovely Olivia Jenkins.

Photo Credit: @naturally.jo

Hair Growth

A variety of healthy vitamins such as A, B, C, and E are found in acai berries which helps hair growth. Not only do the the nutrients found in the berries help new growth, but they  help strengthen hair and help you maintain a healthy scalp. You can even add acai into your shampoo to help your hair…and the smell is delicious. Try this shampoo, a mix of acai and avocado, for serious hair goals.

Photo Credit: California Avocados

Healthy Heart

Keeping your heart healthy is extremely important, and acai does just that. The fruit provides amounts of anthocyanins, which are active in supporting your cardiovascular system. How should you consume the berry for a healthy heart? Try adding acai in your tea. Acai herbal tea is a perfect drink to have during the day, and it’s even 10-30 times richer in anthocyanins than red wine is!  Indulge in the perfect cup of acai tea, with our favourite’s being Stash Tea and SMT.

Photo Credit: @smtofficial

We hope these benefits have inspired you to incorporate acai into your daily diet. Looking for a trendy cafe in London to try acai for the first time? Visit Viva Acai, an acai bar with all your favourite toppings such as peanut butter, kiwi, and coconut fakes. You’ll be part of the acai craze in no time. Happy Eating!

Your TruBe Team

 

Top 4 Benefits of Couples Yoga

Alex CoombesLeave a comment

Did you know yoga means ‘union’ in Sanskrit and is used to signify any form of connection? This definition is exactly what couples yoga or ‘partner yoga’ is all about. Not only does this medium enhance your physical relationship, but your mental relationship as well. Julia Lehram, a psychotherapist and certified yoga instructor, says the following: A couples yoga experience can serve as a kind of mini ‘retreat’ or ‘workshop’ to strengthen a relationship.

Couples yoga requires partners to really be in the moment, pay attention to each other and work together toward common goals. This practice truly brings people together and we’re here to let you in on the exclusive top benefits.

Photo Credit: @meliniseri 

Strong Communication

Throughout a session of couples yoga, you must rely on one another, constantly communicating through touch and eye contact. This constant communication requires the undivided attention from both partners and a strong level of trust. Physical touch is a language in itself, with the power of touch being able to convey a strong sense of emotion. A strong component of couples yoga is mimicry, the act of being able to match your partner’s mood. Movement like mimicry can greatly help increase bonding with your partner, according to a study done by The British Psychological Study. The verbal and nonverbal movements displayed in couples yoga is extremely beneficial for creating a deeper level of connection and communication skills.

Photo Credit: @desertswanblog 

Letting Go

Couples yoga is all about the art of learning to let go and enjoy life to the fullest without any unnecessary stress. After a stressful day at work, it’s normal to want to take out some of your frustration on your partner. This energy can easily be converted into positive energy. By taking part in couples yoga, you are learning to let go of unwanted stress and approach the world with fresh, new eyes. One of the biggest parts of learning to let go is having total trust in your partner. Let your guard down, and don’t be afraid to try something new! Your partner will be with you every step of the way, helping to uplift you and take away any anxiety you may have.

Photo Credit: @moderntarzan 

Embracing Laughter

Did you know laughing together as a couple is a sign that you are on a path to lasting love? Jeffrey Hall, from University of Kansas, conducted his studies around the importance of humour in a relationship, and his research shows that laughing is a true sign of a “spark.” Couples yoga creates a great deal of fun, allowing for a carefree and safe sanctuary. You will find some poses difficult and oftentimes humorous, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable environment. It is not just about the outcome, but about the journey and what you learn along the way.

Photo Credit: @moderntarzan 

Creating Balance

In couples yoga, there is never a giver or receiver in a certain yoga pose. Both partners are equally engaged and have one common goal in mind: to support one another. This helps create the perfect sense of balance in a couples yoga session. This not only helps you in a session, but benefits your relationship outside of yoga. Every relationship is unique in its own way and has many different points of balance. Taking time to stay true to yourself, each other, and your values will help you create a balance that works for you and your partner.

Photo Credit: @moderntarzan 

Now it’s time to get your partner and roll out a mat! Looking for the perfect yoga instructor in a private environment? We got you! Book a session with us and you can add your partner to your session in any desired location. See you soon!

Your TruBe Team

Top 5 Reasons To Go On A Fitness Retreat

Alex CoombesLeave a comment

Our personal trainers have officially arrived at the beautiful Villa Lena for a July fitness retreat! If you’ve never heard of Villa Lena, you are in for a treat. Located in Tuscany, this hotel is a dream escape from your daily life. 

In honour of this retreat, we invite you to imagine a holiday where you are able to focus solely on your personal health and fitness goals in a beautiful destination surrounded by nature whilst being taught by the best fitness instructors from around the world. If this concept sounds intriguing to you, then a fitness retreat is the perfect place for you. Fitness retreats are an amazing way to focus on your well-being, and they create a healthy environment full of possibilities. 

If you’re looking to transform your 2018 in a healthy way, then a fitness retreat is for you.

There are countless benefits and reasons to go on a fitness retreat, but we’ve narrowed it down to a unique five. So, let’s escape!

Breathtaking Views

Surround yourself with nature, whether that be on the beach, or in the countryside. We encourage you to release your inner child as you breathe in air that is as fresh as a budding flower. Conquer the waves, fly through the trees and push your limits with a variety of activities such as hiking, kayaking, and even zip-lining. Experience the most beautiful sunsets whilst running along the beach and setting individual goals for yourself. These activities not only encourage you to embrace the outdoors, but they help build your confidence and get you outside of your comfort zone by not only working individually, but working with a team. Great for building on your social skills!

Always Inspired

“Fall in love with taking care of your body.” 

Inspiration surrounds you on a fitness retreat. Immerse yourself in workouts from around the globe, complimented with detoxing, cleansing and healthy food tips. You will have mind opening experiences with highly qualified personal trainers, fitness instructors and therapists. Enjoy a mix of individual sessions and group sessions, designed to inspire you and help you learn the best techniques to transfer energy in a healthy way, delivered from trainers who are truly passionate about their art. Set new goals and exceed your current ones, helping you understand your body and its needs.

Out of your Comfort Zone

Going on a fitness retreat is the perfect way to let go and embrace change, softly pushing you out of your comfort zone. A fitness retreat helps you change up your daily routine, whether that’s your normal fitness regime, the foods you usually eat, or your environment. Change can be intimidating at first but trying new things is healthy for your soul, and we can personally guarantee that you will be supported every step of the way!  

Relaxation

Not only will you be working out daily and pushing your body to new limits, but you will be able to treat yourself to luxury spa treatments and daily massages. This will help your body relax and recover, helping you reach your full potential. If you have any worries or concerns when it comes to your body, you will be able to address them and get them worked out, leaving you feeling revitalised. Daily relaxation not only helps prevent future athletic injuries but helps align your body and soul in perfect harmony!

Food Tailored to You

It’s all about healthy living when you go on your fitness retreat, even down to what you eat. Upon arrival, you will meet with a nutritionist to decide on the best meal plan which is tailored to your body. You are invited to participate in workshops that will teach you how to eat a plentiful, well balanced and healthy meal, all of which you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home upon your return. Learning about the right foods will benefit not only your body but help boost your mood and energy levels.

Like the sound of a fitness retreat? Experience one for yourself! If you are not sure where your first fitness retreat should be, we have got you covered. If you’re craving a break from city life in a location that is so idyllic you will never want to leave, then the following experience is a match made in heaven. As part of the TruBe community, we would like to reward you for all your hard work with 15% off your July stay at Villa Lena.

Located in the heart of Tuscany, Villa Lena is passionate about creating an environment where guests and artists from different backgrounds can come together to relax, create and be inspired. Enjoy 15% off your stay in July when you download the TruBe App and make sure to mention TruBe when completing your booking!

Your TruBe Team 

The Top 4 Benefits of Kickboxing

Alex CoombesLeave a comment
Trainer, Alessandra

When it comes to kickboxing, the benefits are countless. From increased flexibility to a boost in energy levels, kickboxing is a fun sport that’s worth the hard work. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, kickboxing is a great way to change up your usual workout routine. Since we’re all about kickboxing this week at TruBe, we’re here to let you in on 4 of our favourite (and exclusive) benefits of kickboxing.

Kickboxing Improves Your VO2 max

What exactly is VO2 max? The technical definition for the maximum rate of oxygen consumption measured during incremental exercise, in short, kickboxing improves your overall fitness. Kickboxing is usually comprised of ‘rounds’ (2-3 minutes of intense hitting) often referred to as a HIIT workout (High Intensity Interval Training). When doing an interval workout, your heart is trained to be more efficient. This act helps to greatly improve your VO2 max, thus improving your fitness. For example, you won’t feel as tired after climbing a hill or even a long flight of stairs –something we’re all in need of!

A Boost in Confidence

You may not know that when you are taking it out on the bag, endorphins are being released into your body, this helps lift any negative mood you may have been in and helps you feel confident and energised. An increase in confidence is a huge benefit of kickboxing. Learning a form of self defence proves that you can hold your own, resulting in a confidence boost that will benefit you in your everyday life.

Tones Your Entire Body

Looking for a full body workout? Kickboxing is the sport for you. There’s no area of the body that kickboxing won’t tone. The Muscle, Ligaments, and Tendons Journal conducted a study  titled ‘The Effects of Five Weeks of Kickboxing Training of Physical Fitness’. The study showed that after only five weeks of training, the participants involved showed great improvements in speed, agility, upper-body muscle power, and flexibility. Kickboxing is a full-body workout, and if you’ve taken a training session before, you know that everything gets worked!

Builds Endurance

Kickboxing is a perfect workout to improve your endurance. By taking part in regular cardio exercise, your endurance is strengthened, as proved by the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

We hope these 4 benefits inspire you to start incorporating kickboxing into your daily workout routine. Need help or have any questions? Our kickboxing trainers are here for you anytime, and anywhere. Book your next kickboxing session with us here!

Fun fact about endurance: By building up your endurance with kickboxing, you can transfer it to any other workout whether that be swimming or running.

Keep those kicks coming!

Your TruBe Team