Category: Fitness and Training

Fitness and Training

  • New study suggests not drinking enough water may shorten your life

    New study suggests not drinking enough water may shorten your life

    esearchers are keen on finding ways to slow aging and also detect habits that can speed up the natural aging process.

    A new research from the Lancet suggests that dehydration can contribute to faster aging and ending life too soon.

    On the other hand, older adults who are properly hydrated may live longer than those who aren’t, and have less health complications like heart and lung disease.

    ​About the study
    Researchers wanted to test the hypothesis that staying hydrated might slow down the aging process. They tracked data over three decades on more than 11,200 adults who took part in the study. Participants were seen over five visits — two in their 50s, and the last between the ages of 70 and 90.

    ​How hydration levels are determined
    The researchers used a serum sodium test to determine a person’s hydration and find out if they are dehydrated. The test checks how much sodium is in someone’s blood. According to the Mayo Clinic, a normal sodium level in a person’s blood should be between 135–145 millimoles per liter.

    Findings to note
    The researchers found that sodium levels higher than 144 millimoles per liter were linked to a 21% increased risk of premature mortality. Sodium levels of 142 millimoles per liter or more were linked to a 39% higher risk of chronic disease.

    This means that people with serum sodium levels of 142 mmol/l or higher have a greater chance of dying prematurely or developing a chronic health condition. So, according to the research, being chronically dehydrated can shorten your lifespan.

    Even though staying hydrated is not the only key to a long life, it is definitely a step in the right direction for a healthier body.

    How much water should you drink in a day?
    According to the US CDC, there is no recommendation for how much plain water someone should drink. In general, experts recommend drinking at least six to eight cups of water per day. The National Academies for Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, US, recommends consumption of 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluid per day for men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) a day for women.

    ​Key takeaway
    To stay hydrated, try to consistently drink plenty of water and fluids throughout the day, especially if you have an active routine. If you suspect your body is dehydrated, talk to your doctor on how you can remain healthily hydrated throughout the day.

  • The Best Cardio Machines for Weight Loss

    The Best Cardio Machines for Weight Loss

    If you’re hoping to drop a few pounds, investing in a home gym can be an effective strategy. When it comes to cardio equipment for weight loss, there are a ton of options, so it’s important to do your research. Some cardio machines offer a full-body workout (e.g., rowing machines) while others (e.g., stair steppers) focus more on the lower body.

    You can get a good workout with any machine, as long as it’s something you do regularly. The key to weight loss is duration and intensity. The longer and harder you work out, the more calories you’ll burn. However, it’s a fine balance—you don’t want to exercise so hard that you get burned out or injured!

    The Best Cardio Machines for Weight Loss – Our Top Picks. Read the full affiliate disclosure here.

    Rowing Machines
    RW900 Rower
    Oxford 6
    Pro R10
    Treadmills
    Assault Runner
    Commercial 2450
    7.0 AT
    Pro 9000
    Ellipticals
    FS14i
    Evolve 5
    Carbon E10
    Exercise Bikes
    S27i Studio Bike
    7.0 IC
    Studio Bike Pro 22
    Climbers
    Powermill Climber
    Fitness Stepper Machine
    Carbon HIIT H10
    Sole CC81

    Source: Active

    In other news – The Best Treadmills

    When you think about a manual treadmill, you might think of Fred Flintstone running on slabs of rock. Today, the best manual treadmills are pretty incredible.

    The Best Treadmills

    They are user-friendly, energy-efficient, burn more calories, and are oftentimes cheaper machines than their motorized counterparts. Learn more

  • The Best Treadmills

    The Best Treadmills

    When you think about a manual treadmill, you might think of Fred Flintstone running on slabs of rock. Today, the best manual treadmills are pretty incredible. They are user-friendly, energy-efficient, burn more calories, and are oftentimes cheaper machines than their motorized counterparts.

    If you’re in the market for a new piece of exercise equipment and are trying to decide between a treadmill, elliptical, or bike, there are many reasons why the manual treadmill could be right for you. The foldable models will take up less space and won’t eat up your electricity. The luxury options are incredible for walks, distance runs, and HIIT sprints. The ACTIVE Reviews Team has tested several different manual treadmills to help you make a good decision for achieving your fitness goals. Here we’ll take a look at eight of our favorites and break down what you need to know.
    The Best Manual Treadmill – Our Top Picks
    By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Sponsorships and affiliate commissions help support our research so we can help you find the best products. Read the full affiliate disclosure here.

    Best Overall Manual Treadmill: AssaultRunner Pro
    Best Budget Manual Treadmill: ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill
    Best Manual Treadmill for Running: Xebex Runner
    Best Manual Treadmill for Walking: Sunny Health Manual Walking Treadmill
    Best Curved Treadmill: Assault Runner Elite
    Best Manual Treadmill for Seniors: EFITMENT Adjustable Incline Magnetic Manual Treadmill
    Best Folding Manual Treadmill: Sunny Health Cardio Trainer
    Best Compact Manual Treadmill: Fitness Reality TR3000
    The AssaultRunner Pro is a smooth and energetic machine that will motivate you to work out. This manual treadmill has a following with fans who love that it’s easy to assemble, use, and move. Plus, the steel frame makes it incredibly stable.

    The belt is speedy, which makes this a great tool to work on your foot turnover speed and sprints. But don’t let that deter you if you’re looking for a treadmill to use for long miles—the AssaultRunner Pro is great for that, too. The curved design helps with impact absorption, which makes it a great option for anyone recovering from an injury.

    Source: active

  • Best Abs exercise with Weights

    Best Abs exercise with Weights

    If you’re looking for a way to level up your ab workout, adding some resistance is a great idea. Incorporating load into your core routine makes the moves more intense, more strenuous for your muscles, and gets results. “If bodyweight abdominal or core exercises are no longer challenging for you, add weights,” says Kristen McParland, CPT, a strength-focused personal trainer.

    While increasing reps is one way of progressing, doing an ab workout with weights will help you gain strength and definition while maintaining a low rep range. (That means you don’t have to spend more time sweating.) Repetitions over 20 tend to focus more on muscular endurance and less on strength and hypertrophy. So, using a kettlebell, dumbbell, or any form of weight for 6 to 15 reps of each exercise in your core training program can further your toning while keeping your reps to a minimum, says McParland.

    If your main goal is adding muscle definition to your midsection the best (read: fastest) way to get abs is via weighted ab workouts. Performing exercises with a load that’s heavy enough to make you struggle by the last couple of reps is key to ultimate definition success.

    The extra pounds make your whole system work that much harder, and that’s especially true of the muscles in your middle, because that’s your center of gravity. So, when you pick up a weight and lift it overhead, for example, or move it from the floor toward the ceiling, all of that coordination comes from your core engaging and supporting your other muscles as they move.
    How to:

    Start standing with feet hip-width apart holding the ends of one dumbbell (or the handle of a kettlebell) with both hands in front of face, elbows bent and wide at sides.
    Keeping both elbows bent, and the rest of body still, slowly circle the weight around head once, keeping it at eye level. That’s one rep.
    Unilateral Dumbbell March

    Low To High Dumbbell Chop
    Single-Arm Kettlebell Push Press

    How to:

    Start standing with feet just wider than hips.
    Hold a kettlebell in your right hand while keeping your right arm bent with your elbow close to body, so that the weight rests on the shoulder, and place your left hand on your left hip.
    Sink hips slightly into a quarter-squat.
    Then, quickly push through feet to extend legs, simultaneously pressing kettlebell straight up until right arm is completely extended overhead.
    With control, lower the kettlebell back down. That’s one rep.

    Leg Drops
    How to:

    Lie on your back with a dumbbell held in between your hands and extend your arms. (Think wrists over chest NOT your face.)
    Lift your legs up directly over your hips.
    Lower your left leg down as low as you can go without your lower back arching up off the mat.
    Return to start, and repeat on the other side. That’s one rep.

    Plank Dumbbell Drag
    How to:

    Start in a high plank, shoulders over wrists and feet wider than shoulders.
    Place a dumbbell (or towel/other weight) outside right wrist.
    Keeping hips and shoulders level, reach left hand across body to drag the weight outside where left wrist will land.
    Return to high plank.
    Repeat on the other side. That’s one rep.

    Source: womenshealthmag

  • The Best Workout Apps of 2022

    The Best Workout Apps of 2022

    When it comes to fitness, technology can be your worst enemy or your greatest ally. So if you find yourself wasting a ton of time scrolling endlessly through social media, your phone may be keeping you too sedentary. But, that’s not to say our phones can’t have some benefit when it comes to fitness—the best workout apps can serve as an effective personal companion for your fitness journey.

    Luckily, there are apps for everything: running apps that help people train for races or stay fit, meditation apps to help people destress and battle anxiety, calorie counter apps, weight loss apps, and general fitness apps. The list goes on. In this article, we’re looking at the best workout apps to get your body moving. On our list you’ll find apps that can customize workouts to your preferences, and others that have a list of general workouts that are made to make your gym experience easier. If you’re serious about getting fit, consider trying one of these apps to help you get there.
    The Best Workout Apps – Our Top Picks
    By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Sponsorships and affiliate commissions help support our research so we can help you find the best products. Read the full affiliate disclosure here.

    Best Overall Workout App: Future
    Best Free Workout App: Nike Training Club
    Best Workout App for Apple Watch: Train Fitness
    Best Workout App for Women: Bande
    Best Workout App for Men: Future
    Best Workout App for Beginners: MyFitnessPal
    Best Yoga Workout App: Alo Moves
    Best Workout App for Runners: Map My Run by Under Armour
    Best Workout App for Cyclists: FiiT
    Best Workout App for Losing Weight: Fit Bod
    Future is our pick for the best overall workout app because it really has it all. You can do almost any type of training with Future, plus all workout plans are completely customized to you. With Future, you’re paired up with a certified personal trainer who will be available for you to reach out to for encouragement and assistance.

    Future also factors in your preferences, experience level, fitness goals, and available equipment before your coach designs your plan. We also like that there are weekly check-ins to see how you’re progressing before you’re given your next week’s worth of workouts. That way—you’re maximizing your workout time.

    Looking for a workout app that’s free of charge? Only a brand as big as Nike could afford to give an app like this away for free, and if your budget is too tight for other options then this could be your go-to workout app.

    In this free workout app, expect to find multi-week workout plans, exercise libraries, and individual workouts for men and women. Most workouts also include warm up routines and cool down stretches, plus there are a variety of workout types like yoga, bodyweight only, and full equipment options.

    What We Like
    Wide range of workouts for men and women
    Structured workout plans that can last several weeks
    Includes warm up routines and cool down stretches
    What We Don’t Like
    Doesn’t let you listen to music apps
    Not much progress tracking available
    Best Workout App for Apple Watch – Train Fitness

    Source: active

  • Best Running Watches for All Your Fitness Goals

    Best Running Watches for All Your Fitness Goals

    Running watches have come a long way. From the classic Timex sports watch to today’s Garmin technology, it’s easy to forget that runners during the first running boom mapped their runs using the odometers on their cars. Now we’re all walking around like we have Inspector Gadget’s Go-Go Gadget Watch on our wrists, and we think nothing of it. The latest tech can even estimate our blood oxygen levels and give us a pretty good idea of our Vo2Max. It’s really cool but also a little overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right one for your specific needs.

    Running watches are not created equal. You have smartwatches, fitness trackers, multisport watches, and plain old pedometers. We wanted to make it easy for you to choose your favorite type and brand. We reviewed several dozen to find the most functional, accurate, and easiest running watches to wear and use. All the watches on this list have useful features meant to help you be the healthiest, fittest version of yourself.
    This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
    The Best Running Watches – Our Top Picks
    By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Sponsorships and affiliate commissions help support our research so we can help you find the best products. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.

    Best Overall Running Watch: Garmin Forerunner 255
    Best Garmin Running Watch: Garmin Venu 2 Plus
    Best GPS Running Watch: COROS Pace 2
    Best Running Watch With Music: Garmin Forerunner 255 Music
    Best Budget Running Watch: Fitbit Inspire 3
    Best Men’s Running Watch: COROS Vertix 2 GPS Adventure Watch
    Best Running Watch for Beginners: Garmin Forerunner 55
    Best Women’s Running Watch: Polar Pacer Pro
    Best Smart Running Watch: Apple Watch 7
    Best Running Watch for Triathletes: Suunto Ambit3 Peak
    SPECS
    Battery life: Watch mode, up to 14 days; GPS-only GNSS mode, up to 30 hours
    Size: 49g; 45.6 x 45.6 x 12.9 mm
    Intended uses: Running
    Special features: Advanced health stats, guided training and suggested workouts, gold-standard GPS, recovery guidance

    Runners will love the race training features, which will grant you insights into courses, offer race-specific training tips, and provide pace predictions. And, to make sure you are well-rounded—the Garmin Forerunner 255 has 30 activities built in to help you track your cross training and strength training. In fact, the watch comes with HIIT, strength, cardio, yoga, and Pilates workouts already loaded, so you have no excuse not to strength train.

    We don’t have many complaints about this watch but understand that it might take a bit of time to figure out all it has to offer. Unless you’re a total gearhead, you may have to spend some minutes going through the widgets and buttons to make sure you are getting the most out of this awesome beast.

    What We Like
    Relatively lightweight and comes in a smaller 39g version
    Multiple and functional activity options
    Race widget features course details and recommended workouts for epic training
    Comprehensive body analytics
    What We Don’t Like
    Not a touchscreen
    Complex navigation, takes time to learn all the tricks

    Source: active

  • White Christmas truffles recipe

    White Christmas truffles recipe

    You don’t get truffles much more Christmassy than these. As well as being a delicious treat to serve guests, they also make a lovely gift for any white Christmas lover. They do require 3 hours of chilling time – and the occasional stir- so do make sure you start them well in advance and are at home!

    6 Ingredients

    – 180g white chocolate, chopped

    – 80ml (1/3 cup) thickened cream

    – 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (optional)

    – 40g (1/4 cup) dried cranberries, chopped

    – 40g (1/4 cup) pistachios, chopped

    – 35g (1/3 cup) desiccated coconut

    3 Method / Steps

    Step 1

    Place the chocolate and cream in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (make sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Use a metal spoon to stir until melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in vanilla, if using. Set aside to cool slightly.

    Step 2

    Stir in the cranberries and pistachios. Refrigerate for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally, or until firm enough to roll into balls (the mixture will still be a bit sticky).

    Step 3

    Place coconut in a shallow dish. Roll level tablespoons of mixture into balls and roll in coconut. Arrange in a single layer in an airtight container and keep in the fridge until ready to serve.

    source – cooking365coza

  • Simphiwe Ngema Speaks about the difficulty of losing baby weight

    Simphiwe Ngema Speaks about the difficulty of losing baby weight

    Simphiwe Ngema has opened up on her difficult weight loss journey.

    The star said it has not been easy losing her baby weight.

    The actress shared a few words of wisdom with her fans on how they should always remain patient and take their time with their bodies.

    Simphiwe gave birth two years ago to her son Kearabilwe Kemorena and since the very first day she fully recovered, she began her weight loss program.

    Penning a motivational Letter to all the new mommies and those still struggling with getting back their old bodies, she said they should take their time.

    “Dear New mum, take your time with your body. You carried a whole human being. It’s okay to fall, as long as you don’t stay down. A little commitment and discipline can take you far. Stop comparing yourself to other people, it’s been 2 years and I’m still working on my body. stay in your lane and love the body you are in. I owe God more than a billion thank you for this day. This day gave me a reason to live again, smile again, and hope again. In a world full of so much pain, you made me realize that there is still a God and he loves me so much that he gave me you. To say I am eternally grateful would be an understatement. I have a son a loving, caring, and considerate son. Your love means everything to me. I love you more than life.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Simphiwe Ngema (@simzngema)

    Source-Fakazanews

    In Other News- Thuso Mbedu on The Wrap Magazine cover

    Thuso Mbedu is the cover star for The Wrap Cover magazine.

    Thuso Mbedu

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  • How to Start Going to a Gym: Simple Rules for Beginners

    How to Start Going to a Gym: Simple Rules for Beginners

    Millions of people avoid going to the gym because of all kinds of fears. To the uninitiated, the place can seem rather unfriendly – it’s full of trim narcissists who aren’t going to welcome anyone who doesn’t meet their strict standards.

    If you still haven’t started working out because you feel uncomfortable or insecure, read this article. Perhaps our tips will help you cope with your fear.

    Remember That Most Likely No One Is Judging You

    Most visitors to the gym don’t care about you. That big guy in the squat rack isn’t looking at you, thinking you’re weak. No, he’s too focused on himself to think about anyone else at all. Accept the fact that you are much more invisible in the gym than you think. So don’t be afraid to go out there and do your thing – even if you’re a beginner.

    Understand That Regulars Are Nicer Than They Look

    Most experienced jocks are usually willing to lend a helping hand to a newbie. Yes, despite looking menacing, many of these guys are actually quite friendly and like to teach others how to lift weights almost as much as they enjoy lifting them themselves! If you ask pertinent questions and demonstrate a willingness to learn, it will only earn you respect.

    Stick to a Plan

    Without a clear plan, the gym can seem pretty complicated. All those weight machines, dumbbells and barbells – where do you start? To avoid this worry, come to the gym with an understanding of what you will be doing in that workout. The more detailed the plan, the better.

    There Is No Perfect Time to Work out

    Everyone likes to work out at different times, and a lot of that obviously depends on the schedule. However, if the gym intimidates you, you can try going during off-peak hours when there are far fewer people. Mornings are perfect for this. Not only are there usually fewer people in the gym than at other times, but morning attendees tend to be more focused on just themselves and their workout. So if you like betting at 22bet.co.TZ/mobile/ at 12 pm, put off this activity for the weekends to go to bed earlier and wake up more motivated.

    Listen to Music

    When you put on motivational music, it’s as if you’re entering your own little world. It helps get you in the right frame of mind and less distracted by what’s going on around you.

    Train With a Coach

    Personal trainers aren’t necessary for everyone, but if the prospect of going to the gym scares you, an instructor may be just what you need to start forming that new habit. He or she will be there to guide you, show you how things work, and motivate you to make you feel much more comfortable.

    Practice With a Friend

    If you don’t want to seek help from a trainer, consider working out with a friend. This will provide that sense of camaraderie that will make the gym less intimidating and more welcoming. Even better if you go with a friend who already works out regularly.

    Questions Beginners Ask

    What Should Beginners Do if They Have Health Concerns?

    If you have any concerns about your health, or if you think there are any reasons why you should not start working out, we recommend that you see a doctor beforehand to discuss your concerns.

    What Should a Beginner Wear to the Gym?

    You don’t need to wear the latest sneakers or workout gear to hit the gym – just make sure your clothes are comfortable for working out. And by the way, one of the mistakes beginners make is that they don’t always take a change of clothes with them if they aren’t going home after the gym. So think carefully about what you will change into after your workout.

    What Should I Take to the Gym With Me for the First Time?

    Be sure to take a bottle of water with you, this advice will be useful not only for beginners who go to the gym for the first time. Also, do not forget to bring a towel: it is not only hygienic but also respectful to the person who will use the equipment after you.

    Are There Any Rules in the Gym?

    The first commandment of the gym, which should be observed by both beginners and “pros”: after completing the exercise, clean up the equipment behind you and put the barbells and dumbbells back. Of course, there are other rules, some of which you can read here.

    What Time is Better to Come to the Training for Beginners?

    It’s important to choose your times wisely. Peak times in urban gyms are usually in the early morning and evening. If you plan to take a group class, it’s best to arrive 10-15 minutes early to get a seat, especially if you know that this class or trainer is popular.

    What if I’m a Beginner and Have No Idea What to Do in the Gym?

    It’s okay if it’s your first time at the gym and you’re not sure how to use the equipment. In many clubs you can get an initial briefing, during which the trainer will introduce you to the equipment, basic exercises and safety precautions. Take advantage of this opportunity.

  • Ways to Perfect Your Plank

    Ways to Perfect Your Plank

    The plank engages the deepest abdominal layer, the transverse abdominus, and the obliques, which aren’t targeted in standard ab exercises,” says Cedric X. Bryant, chief science officer for the American Council of Exercise. “Plus, you firm your back, hips and shoulders.” Master the move with our pro pointers.

    The Right Way
    Hold the “up” portion of a push-up—the plank is that simple. Nixing the “down” takes your chest and triceps out of the mix, leaving your abs to do the work.
    Adjust Your Arms
    Keep them in line with wrists, directly beneath shoulders. Shrug off the urge to hunch your shoulders to ears, which makes the move uncomfy and harder to hold. You want every belly-firming second!

    Get in Line
    Neck should be long, with a 6-inch distance between chin and chest. Look a few inches in front of your hands to align head and spine.
    Straighten Out
    A flat back is a key to flat abs. The transverse abdominis engages to stabilize the spine and hold you as stiff as a board. Drop or lift your hips and you let your abs off the hook. Assume the position by a mirror, and do a form check.

    The Wrong Way
    Sagging in the middle puts pressure on your lower back. Ouch! Remember: Hips shouldn’t dip.

    You don’t want to hike your hips high, either—that forces quads to take over. The goal: spine in a line.

    Source: News365

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    The Housemates We Knew When They Had Just Arrived In Biggie’s House, Are Slowly Becoming Who They Really Are Now That Their Guard Went Down. Are We Starting To See Their True Colours?

    big brother

    A housemate arrives as the coolest guy on Earth, and later reveals that keeping up this very appearance is rather taxing. Another makes a splashy entrance as a fierce superstar glamazon. Learn more