Category: Motivation

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 

How to Overcome the Intimidation Factor: Fitness Addition

Alex CoombesLeave a comment

It is safe to say the first fitness steps are often the hardest. With so much out there, it is completely normal to wonder how exactly to begin. No matter how you decide to begin you are bound to come out the other side a healthier and happy version of you, and remember there is no right or wrong way to do things, just your way.  

You may have heard of the phrase, ‘One size fits all.’ With fitness, this is most certainly not the case. Some people thrive in certain environments, others don’t. We want to prove to you that no obstacle is too big.

We are here to offer a helping hand! Here are our top pointers for those who are ready to embark on their fitness journey this Summer.

Don’t like working out alone?

Walking into any fitness environment for the first time can be intimidating itself, but you don’t have to do it alone! A workout buddy is always favourable and helps keep you motivated as well as giving you the company you need. A study published in Nature Communications found that friends can influence a person’s workout routine, and they found exercise is “socially contagious.” If all your friends are busy, then this is where a personal trainer can be extremely beneficial. Not only will a personal trainer help motivate you, but they will be with you every step of the way and can even help accelerate the process allowing you to see visible results, faster.   

Anxious?

Try having a plan in place. It’s important to know exactly what you want from your body. If you are not sure, why not have a complimentary ‘lifestyle assessment’ with one of our TruBe professionals. Having a game plan will help you navigate your way from start to finish. Plans will help keep you motivated and can help relax any negative thoughts/ feelings that can distract you from your goals.

Once you have taken that first step, exercise it a great way to monitor your anxiety, it helps you order your thoughts and can even enable you to remove any stresses that have been playing on your mind.

Self conscious?

It’s important to focus on one thing: yourself.

Don’t let yourself become stuck in the mindset that people will be judging you. A poll done by the British Mental Health Charity shows that 2 out of 3 women say they feel self conscious about their body shape when they exercise in public, whilst 60% of women were uncomfortable about their bodies reaction to exercise. Just remember: people are concentrating on their own workouts, not on you. You are all there for the same reasons…to become healthier! Don’t dwell on what other people think, and remember, everyone must start somewhere. We’re all in this together! *cue High School Musical*

Scared you won’t see results?

There’s no need to rush when it comes to wanting to see results, time is important. Any fitness goal takes time to see the results you’ve been craving. It’s key to stick with it and to remember that it’s all about progress and passion. Once you build passion for your favoured discipline, changes will happen much faster due to increased energy. Results will come from your dedication and commitment and a healthy stress-free mindset.  Visible results won’t just come from working out, but from other factors as well. For example, it’s important to be fueling yourself properly. Eating fruits and veggies and foods that are high in protein are the perfect way to boost your workout. Healthy tip? Try making a fruit smoothie before a workout. A fruit smoothie the perfect pre-workout snack because it’s high in protein and can be quickly digested. 

We hope we have helped give you the motivation you need to help make you feel more confident and comfortable.  It’s important to not give up on your commitment of a healthy lifestyle! Our TruBe trainers are just a tap away and here for you anytime.  Overcoming fitness intimidation definitely takes time, but remember that with time, patience, and confidence, you will become comfortable in no time! 

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

The Role of Exercise in Mental Wellbeing

Alex CoombesLeave a comment

Mental Health Awareness Week is an amazing way to bring to light a topic that can sometimes be hard to talk about. Although this week has now passed, it still remains a subject that will always be at the forefront of our minds. Our very own founder and CEO, Daria Kantor, has shared her thoughts on the often overlooked role of exercise in one’s mental wellbeing. Daria is an extremely passionate campaigner, we hope her words inspire you:  

‘I read a statistic this week that declared that in the past year, 74% of people have felt so stressed they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope. That’s an overwhelming majority and whilst mental health is more and more regularly addressed, there is still a significant amount to do.

I count myself remarkably happy to have grown up around sport and to have been able to enjoy an active lifestyle. I played competitive sports from the age of nine and although I was always aware that I was never likely to be a professional athlete – it was the mental aspect of the game that I always loved.

Mental Health Awareness Week was the week of May 14th, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation. Mental health has always been something I am interested in, conscious of and keen to raise awareness around. It is also an area where in my role as CEO of TruBe, the personal fitness app, I have seen the important relationship between exercise and mental wellbeing. So, what are the benefits?

Tackling Depression & Anxiety

It is interesting and eye opening that in the UK, GPs are now diagnosing exercise as part of a treatment plan to tackle depression. According to one medical study, “physical activity has been consistently shown to be associated with improved physical health, life satisfaction, cognitive functioning, and psychological well-being.”

Morale Improvement

There is no question that exercise can have a positive impact on your mood and morale. A study, read on the Mental Health Foundation, revealed the fascinating results of a study, when researchers asked people to rate their mood immediately after periods of physical activity (e.g. going for a walk or doing housework), and periods of inactivity (e.g. reading a book or watching television). Researchers found that the participants felt more content, more awake and calmer after being physically active compared to after periods of inactivity.  Exercise is also proven to reduce stress. When we work out, we increase the concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain’s response to stress.

Prevent Cognitive Decline

Mental Health, as a turn of phrase, is such an incredibly broad collection of conditions, issues and demons. However, one area in which studies have shown some real benefits of exercise, is in the battle against Alzheimer’s. Working out, especially between age 25 and 45, boosts the chemicals in the brain that support and prevent degeneration of the hippocampus, an important part of the brain for memory and learning.

Battling Addiction

One of the sad truths of those struggling with Mental Health issues is the side effects of their condition. One of the more common of these is addiction, often to narcotics, but really it can be to any number of vices. Not only can exercise be the distraction that your body may yearn for, it can also dramatically reduce an individual’s craving elsewhere.

Mental Productivity

Whether exercise is the switch off you need from work, or the driver behind creativity, there is significant research to show the role of working out in improving an individual’s productivity. In turn, this improved productivity helps the individual battle against their mental health issues, assisting them to tackle situations head on and progress.

Coping Mechanisms

Sport and exercise also enhance an individual’s coping mechanism. Whether that’s a gradual understanding of how to handle defeat, or how to overcome a series of challenges, the mental process required to combat disappointment is invaluable for one’s mental health.

The list could go on. There is the element of human interaction, of team building, of physical improvement. There is, to me, no argument that stacks up against the importance of fitness and exercise in helping people deal with their mental health issues.

I wholeheartedly appreciate that exercise is just one vital ingredient in the a more complex battle. But it is certainly that, vital. I also recommend anyone struggling to visit the websites of the wonderful Mental Health Foundation or Mind. There is help out there and no problem is too small or too large to ask for help.’

We hope Daria’s words have resonated with you. We are here for you here at Trube, whether that be a training session to help get out your unneeded stress or a fitness consultation to help inspire you.

Your TruBe Team