Ten ways to improve your health, fitness and wellbeing
Great ideas for staying fit and healthy after the long global pause
With the world slowly easing out of lockdown, it’s important to maintain the benefits of a simpler life and avoid slipping back into any unhealthy habits. We have all the inspiration you need to live healthily and stay fit.
Discover the joy of working out anytime, anywhere
Stay motivated with thousands of in-person and live-streamed classes from MoveGB. Do HIIT one day, then chill out with yoga the next. Try something new like twerking or Pilates, or just keep your fitness levels topped up with strength and conditioning sessions. The huge variety, designed for both total beginners and workout wizards alike, makes this the perfect subscription for anyone wanting to stay active. The choice of in-person, lives treamed and on-demand classes provides variety and convenience. Get started for just £1 (free for NHS workers).movegb.com
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Enjoy the comfort of bespoke furniture
Bespoke furniture designed with added comfort and support as the goal can be a game-changer — particularly with so many of us spending more time at home. New Life Mobility specialises in specially made rise-and-recline chairs and profiling beds. These eye-catching pieces are designed with conditions such as poor circulation, arthritis and osteoporosis in mind. All chairs are made to measure with optional lateral back support. Heat and massage options are also available, with the goal of soothing aches and pains. Every effort is made to ensure that each item of furniture is specifically designed to suit individual needs.newlifemobility.co.uk
Relax before bed
Relaxing before bed may lead some people to a more restorative night sleep. It is claimed that CBD (cannabidiol) can help you to relax and unwind. We all have an in-built endocannabinoid system (ECS) to regulate functions such as brain activity, temperature and body clock. This ECS responds to CBD compounds found in hemp, changing the way our cells communicate and ultimately producing calming and balancing effects that can help us to relax and unwind. Order a free sample of Apothem Lights Out hemp-CBD drops to try for yourself.apothemlabs.com
A focus on healthy eating
Two important ways to look after your heart are booking regular check-ups with a cardiologist and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. It can be hard to resist cravings for foods such as chocolate, pizza, burgers and fries, but it’s best to consider the cost to one’s health. Losing control of one’s diet can lead to obesity, heart problems, diabetes, and much more. Try to set simple and realistic goals for the reduction of unhealthy foods in your diet. For example, aim to include greens in at least one meal a day, as these are packed with vitamins and minerals, which contribute to a healthy diet. Fast foods can still be enjoyed from time to time, but for the most part, meals should be low in saturated fats, sugar and salt. One of the best ways to ensure your diet is keeping your heart in the best possible shape is visiting a cardiologist. Dr Riyaz A Kaba is a consultant in cardiology, and is available for check-ups and advice.riyazkaba@gmail.com
Explore the benefits of collagen
Despite being a buzzword in the health and beauty worlds for many years, collagen still maintains an air of mystique. Comprising 30% of the protein in our bodies, collagen is found in various body parts, such as tendons, ligaments and muscle. Kollo is a daily liquid collagen supplement that has been shown to have positive effects in consumer panel studies and human clinical trials. The product was shown to contribute towards healthier skin, hair and nails, while helping to maintain the function of healthy joints and bones (you can see the studies here, here, here and here). Kollo is a source of amino acids, which can stimulate collagen production. Get 20% off a month’s supply with code ‘THEWEEK20’ — valid until 30 September 2020.kollohealth.com
Take foam rolling to the next level
Foam rolling is no longer the sole province of professional athletes, coaches, and physical therapists, and has become a more familiar practice for people at all levels of fitness. The BackBaller aims to target muscles in the upper and lower back. These rollers are made from high-density EVA foam and are contoured to minimise spinal contact. They’re fitted with steel ball bearings and neoprene grip pads in an ergonomic design. They’re also compact enough for home use as well as travel. Follow the 20-minute exercise programme regularly for best results. The Backballer comes with a lifetime warranty, a 60-day money-back guarantee and next-day delivery.backballer.com
The perfect supplement to take when drinking
Survivor is a food supplement that aims to reduce alcohol’s negative impact on health and productivity. Developed by a team of medical and food science experts, Survivor’s formulation of 18 targeted ingredients features potent herbal extracts and a blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and electrolytes. These work to replenish depleted nutrients, improve quality of sleep, and have a number of approved health claims around supporting normal liver, brain, and metabolic functions, affected when consuming alcohol. Designed as capsules to be taken while consuming alcohol, it’s food-safe, quality-tested by two European laboratories, allergen- and preservative-free, and is suitable for vegans. Survivor retails at £13.99 for a 10-capsule pack. Get 30% off by entering ‘TheWeekSurvivor’ at checkout.survivorlife.com
Plate up a balanced meal
The Diet Plate is no ordinary plate: it’s a visual and physical representation of a calorie-counted meal that’s a boon to those of us who are flummoxed by the prospect of putting together a fully balanced meal. Follow the marked area as a guideline for constructing a balanced meal of protein or starchy carbohydrates, alongside unlimited vegetables or salad. You can cook what you love to eat and there are no food-group restrictions. Clinical trials on the Diet Plate have shown that you’re six times more likely to lose weight and three times more likely to have positive results with Type 2 Diabetes. Versions tailored to both male and females are available. From £19.99 plus postage and packaging. Made in the UK from earthenware. Microwave and dishwasher safe.thedietplate.com
Laser-boost your skincare
Staying at home during lockdown has been a blessing to many people, with skin benefiting from makeup-free days, reduced junk food intake and simply having more time to spend on skincare routines. If your skin is feeling better than it has in years, why not treat it to a laser boost too? Tria’s Age-Defying laser aims to stimulate collagen and elastin, which can minimise wrinkles and restore your skin’s natural luminosity. The laser enables you to experience laser treatment at home at a fraction of the cost of a professional beauty salon. What’s more, you can buy with peace of mind, as it comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee.Save £30 on the cost of a Tria laser by using code ‘GET30’ at checkout.TriaBeauty.co.uk
Try out CBD
CBD is stepping out of the shadows and emerging as a popular option for those keen to find ways of unwinding. More and more people are beginning to try it, to see if it can help them to relax. Provacan works with some of the world’s most advanced cannabis research teams and has a range that includes capsules, edibles, vapes, topicals and more - all made from hemp. Provacan products can be ordered online, with shipment to UK and EU addresses. Cannabidiol is legal in the UK. Buy authentic, full-spectrum CBD oil UK products from the official Provacan website.provacan.co.uk
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