5 Ways That Yoga Can Help Runners

March 30, 2017November 1, 2018 Alex CoombesLeave a comment

Runners have a tremendous amount to gain from adding yoga to their fitness regimes. Due to its repetitive nature, running may lead to injuries and musculoskeletal imbalances which can be uncomfortable and disrupt your day to day life. Yoga can complement the discipline of running as it can restore balance and symmetry to the body.

In particular, through Yoga, runners can improve:

FLEXIBILITY

Yoga stretches the muscles that are tight, which in turn increases the range of motion in related joints. Increased flexibility decreases stiffness, results in greater ease of movement and the reduction of aches and pains.

2. STRENGTH

Running mostly strengthens the lower body, therefore certain muscles become strong while others are underused and remain weak. A balanced yoga practice involves the entire body which allows the unused muscles to be strengthened—specifically in the arms, upper torso, abdominals, and back. Strengthening the upper body and core helps improve posture during daily activities and also while running. A strong core allows the arms and legs to move more efficiently and results in less fatigue. Additionally it allows for less weight impact on the legs which reduces the risk of injury. It is also essential for runners to strengthen the muscles in their lower body for a healthy range of motion.

3. BALANCE

Overusing some muscles while underusing others creates muscular imbalances, which affect the entire musculoskeletal balance and impairs biomechanical efficiency. For runners, biomechanical imbalances eventually lead to pain and injury. Through Yoga, runners can become stronger by improving their balance through the focus of their energy and mind thus reducing the chance of injury.

4. BREATHING

Lung capacity is of prime importance for runners, because it creates the ability to maintain an even breathing pattern through all phases of running. The better the lung capacity is, the more oxygen is circulated through the system, which is most helpful for general running. However, the breathing pattern used in running and other forms of aerobic exercise involves quick and shallow inhalations and exhalations. This uses only the top portion of the lungs, leaving the middle and lower portions untouched. Yogic breathing involves slow, deep inhalations and long exhalations, making use of the upper, middle, and lower portions of the lungs. Yogic breathing has been shown to increase lung capacity, and greater lung capacity increases endurance and improves overall athletic performance.

5. AN ENERGISED BODY

Many forms of exercise deplete the body of its energy stores. Yet a yoga practice oxygenates the blood and creates more energy, leaving the body and mind feeling restored and energized. Yoga provides a vehicle through which the body can actively recover from the physical demands of running.

By Gandha Savio

If running is included in your regular exercise routine, why not unwind and try a TruBe yoga session to replenish your energy. You can search Gandha’s Profile in the TruBe trainers page.

You can also view our wide range of expert trainers who specialise in various other workout disciplines.

Click here to book a session

TruBe are proud to announce that we are an official partner of the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon taking place on the 8th October 2017! We will be running the half marathon workshops which are held in July and September and will host the complimentary assisted cool down area on race day for all runners! Click here to find out more

Top 5 Healthy London Places to Take Her This Mother’s Day

March 17, 2017November 1, 2018 Alex CoombesLeave a comment

We all love our mothers and we all know how much they do for us. Here at TruBe we love celebrating that one day a year where mothers are truly praised. For those who are stuck on what to do for her special day, TruBe have come up with our top 5 favourite healthy places to eat in London. So, show her some love this Mother’s Day by spoiling her with not just any meal, but a deliciously healthy meal, because staying healthy doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some amazing restaurants in London.

Here’s our guide of the 5 best healthy restaurants and lunch spots to take mum this Mother’s Day:

BlueBird, 350 King’s Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 5UU

(Image: http://www.bluebird-restaurant.co.uk)

Situated in the heart of Chelsea on the Kings Road, BlueBird oozes decadence and luxury in its restaurant, bar and cafe. At street level is the bustling cafe, perfect for afternoon tea and brunches and also a perky food store. The European menu in the restaurant, which is on the first floor, includes a variety of delicious small plates and sharing dishes as well as exquisite main courses that will leave you feeling satisfied but guilt free! Dishes include seared salmon with a shaved fennel salad and steamed sea bream with a tomato and grape relish. That’s definitely got our mouths watering!

2. Grain Store, Granary Square, 1-3 Stable St, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AB

(Image: TripAdvisor)

This award winning restaurant is the perfect place if you’re looking for a quirky industrial-chic feel, as it occupies part of a former victorian warehouse allowing for an open kitchen. The incredible chef, Bruno Loubet who has been an exclusive chef in London since 1993, has created a sustainable and innovative menu with no geographical boundaries and special emphasis on vegetables. Perfect for achieving your 5 a day! Why not try the delicious carrot & mandarin purée, potted green cabbage, parsnip croquette, Arctic char with parsley sauce, or the adventourous Brambletye farm oyster mushrooms in vegan XO sauce, wasabi pea coulis and herb tofu.

3. The Good Life Eatery, 20 Motcomb Street London SW1X 8LB UK

(Image: The Culture Whisper)

A fabulous spot for healthy superfoods, The Good Life Eatery boasts incredible smoothie bowls and lively salads; for example their Miso Hungry Macro Bowl of roasted butternut squash, homemade kimchi, steamed broccoli, mixed wild rice or quinoa, 1/2 avocado, omega seeds and ginger miso dressing. If you’re looking for something more wholesome, look no further than their warm bowls of rice or quinoa and your choice of protein ranging from green chicken meatballs to teriyaki salmon. Their philosophy of ‘The Good Life’ means no wifi, perfect for spending a distraction-free meal with mum.

4. Farmacy, 74 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5SH

(Image: The Telegraph)

Situated in the lavish area of Notting Hill, Farmacy brings you comfort food at an incredibly healthy standard. With a view that ‘food is medicine’, every food choice at this restaurant will ensure guilt-free pleasures whilst nourishing and satisfying your tummies! They boast fantastically healthy alternatives to scrumptious cuisines like their Mexican Bowl of sprouted coriander rice, romaine, guacamole, frijoles, tomato ceviche, salsa & ‘sour cream’ topped with purple potato mash, corn chips & chipotle mayo and their Chef’s Clean Curry of pumpkin, eggplant, carrot & broccoli cooked in coconut milk, lemongrass & spices, served with sprouted brown rice.

5. Chucs Restaurant, 30 Dover St, Mayfair, London W1S 4NB

(Image: Time Out)

If you’re looking for an extravagant meal at extravagant prices, look no further than the prestigious Chucs Restaurant in Mayfair. With sophisticated interiors, this restaurant oozes elegance and will be sure to make mum feel like the queen she is! The menu boasts fresh and exquisite ingredients with dishes like their grilled octopus with potatoes, rocket, taggiasca olives, cherry tomatoes and grilled courgettes, or their fresh homemade tagliatelle prawns and courgettes.

Why not compliment her meal with a fabulous gift card from TruBe and give the gift of health and fitness this Mother’s Day.

We offer gift cards for 4, 8 and 12 sessions, and all workouts are included, offering her so much choice! One day she could experience a relaxing yoga session, the next a dynamic, personalised personal training session.

BUY A GIFT CARD

Don’t forget all of our TruBe trainers are fully qualified fitness experts who specialise in various workouts such as Yoga, Ballet Fit, Personal Training, Boxing, Kickboxing and Pilates.

Meet our trainers and book a session!

Try these 5 Yoga poses before bed time

March 9, 2017November 1, 2018 Alex CoombesLeave a comment

The importance of sleep surpasses the obvious involving lifting your mood and physically looking less tired. When you have difficulty sleeping at night, it affects your day to day life, wellbeing and even your weight. TruBe trainer Dipa Trivedi, who specialises in yoga, explains the different effects of sleep and how yoga can be a simple and effective solution to aid a peaceful night’s sleep.

I get a lot of feedback from most students saying “some days I can sleep and others I just wake up and cannot go back to sleep”… When I ask them why, the answer is ‘I am stressed or I feel hot or I don’t know why’.

Usually, having a good night’s sleep is a combination of several factors:

Physical fatigue
Mental state
Emotional wellbeing
Routine
Nutrition
Overall hormonal health

All of these factors are interconnected and getting the right balance is vital to having a continuous good night sleep.

Now it is different for everyone, so we cannot apply the same principles for all, however there is a baseline. Having a good night’s sleep is key to living a life with minimal illnesses. You might be in your 20’s or 30’s and think that it is okay to have 4 hours sleep and then catch up on sleep on weekend. However, as you are building a gap, this can be difficult to fill over time which may result in various health issues. If you observe a child, for example, they would sleep at least 10 hours a night. A working adult (from 22) should sleep an average of 7 hours a night to live long and well. Sleeping helps with memory recovery, focus, immunity and mental stability. Plus, it allows for muscle recovery and growth after sport and exercise.

There are various yoga sequences you can try to improve your general sleep.

MY 5 FAVOURITE RESTORATIVE POSES YOU CAN TRY:

1. Supta Badcharakan Asana

This works to improve the digestive system and blood circulation to the brain.

2. Supported Child Pose

This helps you let go of your day – as you are energetically turning your back to the world; as well as releasing tension from your shoulders to the lower back.

3. Legs Up the Wall

helps the circulation of both blood and lymphatic fluid.

4. Siddhasana – Simple Crossed Leg Pose

Focus on your breathing as this helps to stop the mind from wondering

5. Savasana

Lie down, start to let go of each limb and drift into relaxation

Performing these quietly, restorative poses can help calm your body and mind whilst relieving stress and anxiety.

Have a good night,

Dipa

Want more advice and fitness tips? Download the TruBe App and check out our expert trainers where you can book a session today!

Don’t forget that our TruBe trainers can come to you right in the comfort of your own home!

The Vegan Diet: Myths & Benefits

February 17, 2017November 1, 2018 Alex CoombesLeave a comment

Record numbers of people are turning to veganism in the UK. Vegans do not eat meat, dairy products, seafood and other foods and items that may include animal by-products. Vegans also do not wear leather, wool or anything tested on animals. This once much maligned lifestyle is now seen as trendy, with much of the food industry catching onto its increasing popularity. However, there are still some misconceptions. Our TruBe trainer Angela Rochester is here to clear things up!

Myths

You can’t get enough protein

Vegans are often asked ‘Where do you get your protein from?’

Protein is not just restricted to meat. Protein can also be obtained from foods such as tofu and tempeh. Other sources include grains, pulses, nuts and seeds. Eating a variety of these foods means a vegan can achieve the recommended daily amount of protein. Vegans can also build muscle on a plant-based diet; check out Torre Washington!

It’s Boring

The rise in vegan Instagram accounts shows the variety of meals that can be made. An internet search can provide a wide variety of alternatives. Do you miss pizza? Burgers? There are tasty vegan versions of these.

Vegans are Skinny and Automatically Healthy

Think carefully about the reasons for choosing to become vegan. Turning vegan will not help you with weight loss. Although it can certainly be very healthy, there are still highly processed vegan foods that contain a lot of sugar and salt which should be avoided to maintain a healthy weight.

Vegans lack energy

Vegans lack no more energy than those on other diets. However, they must check their intake of vitamin B12, which plays an important role in preventing anaemia and nervous system damage. It cannot be reliably sourced from a vegan diet but it can be obtained from fortified foods or taking B12 supplements. Gaining Iron from a vegan diet is also easy, if a wide range of fruit and vegetables are eaten. Include foods with vitamin C to further aid the absorption of iron. If you are unsure that you are gaining the right amount of nutrients from your diet, check with a doctor or dietician.

It takes a lot of planning

Just like any other diet or lifestyle, you need to plan what you eat in order to stay healthy. However, once you know what you need it becomes second nature!

Benefits

Health Benefits

Vegans can have lower levels of cholesterol, lower blood pressure, lower risk of diabetes and lower body mass indexes. However, those who have these benefits also tend to have balanced diets and stay active.

Helping the planet

The main reason for many being vegan is their concern for animals and the environment. It is less of a drain on global food supply and is a great choice for those concerned with animal welfare.

Physical looks

Those who adopt a vegan diet often report that they have less acne prone skin, stronger hair and nails and the reduction of bad breath and body odor!

It is easy to transition into/try out

If you are thinking about becoming a vegan you don’t have to leap into it. You can gradually see what suits you and there is no need to feel guilty if you make mistakes or if you think it is not right for you.

Self-Awareness

It can lead to greater self-control as you cannot simply grab anything when shopping for food. You will gradually pay more attention to what you put into your body which has great health benefits in itself!

For more information check out these useful links:

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Vegetarianhealth/Pages/Vegandiets.aspx

https://www.vegansociety.com/

https://www.happycow.net/

Want to try veganism whilst keeping fit? No problem! Our TruBe trainers are here to help! Book a session tailored to your needs!

By Angela Rochester

The Best Foods to Eat Before and After a Workout

June 2, 2016November 1, 2018 Alex Coombes1 Comment

Optimise your workouts by fuelling your body with the right snacks

Whether you’re gearing up for a PT session or winding down from an intense workout, choose your snacks wisely. For pre-workout, it’s important to feel hydrated and energized but not too full, and afterwards, your meal should restore energy and rebuild muscle. Read on for TruBe’s tips and tricks.

Pre-Workout

Eating right before exercise will give your body the fuel it needs to gain muscle, burn fat, and recover quicker. Grab a snack that’s low in fat and contains a moderate level of carbs and protein, and opt for foods low in fibre for an added boost.

Peanut Butter and Apple

Up your energy levels with this quick and easy snack. Peanut butter and sliced apple is a great way to enjoy a healthy dose of carbs and protein ahead of your next workout. Simply slice 1 medium apple and serve with 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter.

Oats n’ Eggs

A hearty helping of oats n’ eggs will kick-start your metabolism and give you the energy you need to hit the ground running. Scramble two eggs and serve with half a cup of cooked oatmeal. Season with salt and pepper.

Chicken and Avocado Pasta

Need a pre-workout pick-me-up? Add some roast chicken and sliced avocado to a bowl of wholewheat pasta for a dish that is guaranteed to deliver some serious gains. Alternatively, substitute wholewheat for quinoa pasta for an extra dose of protein, iron, and fibre.

Ice Protein Fruit Blast

You can turn your protein shake into a delicious fresh smoothie. For a super-sweet protein fix that packs a punch, blend 1 scoop of whey protein powder with a glass of ice, and a handful of frozen berries.

Vegetable Omelet

Spruce up this classic dish by combining two beaten eggs with 1 teaspoon of water and dash of seasoning. cook with with a handful of sautéed seasonal vegetables. Eat your omelet one to two hours before exercise to unlock your body’s full muscle-building potential.

Post-Workout

After an intense workout, post-exercise meals are an important way to restore energy and rebuild muscle.

Milk and Cereal

Cereal with skimmed milk is a simple, low-fat way to revitalize muscles post-workout. Breakfast dishes like Cheerios are rich in protein and high in carbs making them an ideal alternative to additive-laden sports drinks.

Rice Cake Sandwich

This healthy take on the Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich will provide you with the right amount of carbs, protein and healthy fat needed for recovery. Spread 1 tablespoon of almond butter and strawberry jam between two rice cakes – it’s guilt-free snacking at its finest.

Whole Wheat Pita and Hummus

Pita and hummus is another great post-workout combo. Hummus provides both carbs and protein, while whole wheat pita will keep you fueled for hours, thanks to its revitalizing dose of slow-release energy.

Tuna Crackers

Because it’s a lean protein, tuna is an ideal post-workout snack. Add a hearty heap of salad and some tuna to some whole grain crackers, for a dish that’s easy to make and packed full with muscle building goodness.

Chicken Stir-Fry

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein and carbs. Try pairing your stir-fry with white rice instead of brown to replenish your muscles with glucose faster. Add a bowl of steamed vegetables for extra flavour and nutrients.

For more advice download the app where you check out some of our amazing trainers and book a session!