17 minute read
FITNESS
The lightweight and portable Smart Skipping Rope features a speed jump rope counter made with three jump modes to effectively improve cardiopulmonary functions and endurance
The Smart Tape Measure includes Bluetooth measuring for tracking body measurements over a course of time via the App.
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Smart Health and fitness experts and the number one seller of smart scales worldwide, RENPHO, is pleased to announce the launch of its Smart Skipping Rope with speed jump counter with adjustable ropes and its Smart Tape measure with Bluetooth measuring to allow for graphing on body measurements over a period of time. Both products are perfect for keeping and monitoring health and fitness.
Smart Skipping Rope
The RENPHO Smart Skipping Rope, which is suitable for ages 15 to 70 at any fitness level, provides truly personalised and convenient workouts which are tailored to the users biometric data. The skipping rope connects with the Renpho Fit APP to easily analyse and track periodic workout data where it is also possible to view the skip time, total skip number, calories burned, and tangles to reach the users desired fitness goal. The jump rope has three modes to choose from - free jump/time countdown and numbers countdown and includes a built-in chip alongside three sensitive and precise hall sensors that can count for every jump ensuring data accuracy. With an easily adjustable rope, the RENPHO smart skipping rope allows for a more efficient, low-cost, happier cardio exercise and thanks to its lightweight and portable design, it has the flexibility to be used indoors or outdoors, allowing for a convenient workout anywhere. The jumping rope counter includes a 3M/9.85FT PVC steel wire rope that is durable and non-tangling and suitable for almost any kind of floor such as concrete, tiles, wood, and even a cobbled road. Finished with a comfortable touch and nonslip foam grip, the main handle is embedded with HD LCD display that provides users a clear view of the rope data. Two AAA batteries are included within the package and simply slide into the handle where the LCD screen is located.
The new Speed Jump Rope is available from Amazon UK, Amazon.com and the US and UK RENPHO website for £19.99/$19.99 with further discounts available of up to 20% off.
Smart Tape Measure
The RENPHO Smart Tape Measure allows users to graph and track the body measurements over a period of time via the app, within seconds to track for weight loss, muscle gain, fitness bodybuilding and even pregnancy thanks to its retractable tape to measure body part circumferences in both inches & centimetres.
It is easy to switch between the Length mode and Body circumference mode by long pressing the [M] button to change between the symbol “-” on the LCD display for length measurement and the symbol “O” for body circumference measurement. The Smart Tape Measure also comes with an EASY-LOCK Hook, allowing users to measure quickly and easily on their own. The small numbers and lines on a traditional measuring tool can be difficult to read and may lead to inaccuracy, however, the large LCD screen and instant measurement saving via the App on the Smart Tape Measure avoids any error, allowing for clear and concise measurements as desired.
The Smart Tape Measure is available from Amazon UK, Amazon.com and the US and UK RENPHO website for £29.99/$29.99 with further discounts available of up to 25% off.
Fitness & Beauty Update fitness NEW YEAR, NEW YOGA?
Is it time for a career change? Join Meadowlark Yoga in 2022 for the next in-studio 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training programme
Course held over 5 long weekends:
17th-21st Feb 2022 12th-15th Mar 2022 21st-24th Apr 2022 5th-8th May 2022 4th-8th June 2022
Home of spiritual awareness, Meadowlark Yoga is offering the opportunity to take ‘new year, new you’ to the next level, by retraining as a yoga teacher.
Whether you want to become a well-qualified, confident teacher, or just deepen your own practice and spiritual journey, the in-studio training takes place across five long weekends from February to June and exceeds the minimum requirements set for achieving this accolade. Tackling everything from Ashtanga Vinyasa as a daily practice to modern themes in yoga, fostering a community and body fundamentals, the course will combine everything needed to flourish as a recognised yogi. Offering an accreditation acknowledged globally by Yoga Alliance USA and Yoga Alliance Professionals UK, attendees will be taught by three senior teachers – Karen Kirkness (founder of Meadowlark Yoga), Amy Hughes and Nadine Watton – who combined have over 60 years’ worth of teaching experience. Adding new meaning to the phrase ‘flexible working, Karen Kirkness explains why now is the time to make a change: “Over the last 18 months we saw an increase in the number of yoga teacher training queries, with many stating the pandemic as a catalyst for a new career path. It’s not hard to see why; being a qualified yoga teacher from a respected training institute can open doors around the world, and indeed provide a working flexibility that is a priority for so many these days.”
With experience in yoga, anatomy, physiology, history, sociology, ethics, chanting and more, it is no surprise that the teaching trio regularly recruit the pupils they educate. Kirkness continues:
“At Meadowlark Yoga we have long celebrated the career prospects for yoga teachers. Our own teachers are the core of our community and seeing their development is hugely rewarding for us. Most of our teachers are recruited from our own teacher training programme; that way we can be sure that they are ready to start teaching to the high standards that we insist on for all classes.”
For those that do go on to teach, there are a world of opportunities available, from hosting freelance classes and workshops to even beginning a private studio.
So, what are you waiting for? 2022 – new year, new yoga. Payment for the course is £2,500 split into 5 monthly payments of £500. For more information or to book, visit: https://www.meadowlarkyoga.com/ offers/Gv9DYMLF/checkout 7
With the rapid growth of COVID across the UK, the general consensus is that large scale parties are off and lateral flows are in, but where does that leave our workouts?
With the working from home lifestyle reintroduced, we have been moving significantly less and a new study has found sitting for long periods of time can increase anxiety and depression.
Exercising at home comes with the concern of making too much noise, particularly for those living in apartments. At the start of the first lockdown searches for “no-jump” and “flat-friendly workouts” increased by 41%.
With this in mind, the team over at Essential Living have put together 10 Best Neighbour-Friendly Exercises for a full-flat workout, to help those who want to blow away the cobwebs with some low-impact exercises.
Perfect for both keeping fit, and keeping the peace! Burpees mean squat jumps, and of course, jumping isn’t going to win you any favours with the neighbours downstairs! So do quiet burpees instead - your neighbours will thank you.
Start like you’re doing a push-up. Step down into a plank one foot at a time, then do the same in reverse, coming back up. Finish by extending your arms overhead to complete one rep.
See how here
2. Reverse Lunge into Double Squat
A good mix that targets multiple muscle groups in the legs and thighs - without having you bounce around on the floor and upsetting half of the building in the process!
Step back into a lunge, pulling up the opposite leg and arm parallel to the floor. Repeat twice on each leg. Hop out, link your fingers together in front of your chest and squat down. Repeat this as much as you can within thirty seconds, aiming to get a little faster each time.
See how here
A great variation exercise with a little more motion than the standard toetouch. As well as being quiet, it’s a great way to stretch the body out after weeks of working at the kitchen table.
Start in a crab-position, with your palms behind you flat on the floor. Your body should make a V-shape. Then, bring up one leg as high as you can, and swing the opposite arm up towards your toes as you do so.
See how here
4. Slow Motion Mountain Climbers
Mountain climbers target your abs and upper body - and doing them in slow motion will save on a lot of noise too!
Start in a plank position and bring your
knee up to your elbow. Aim to have your knee and elbow touch. Go slow, and do as many as you
Fitness & Beauty Update fitness Avoiding the Gym? 10 Neighbour Friendly Exercises for a Full-Flat Workout
can within twenty seconds.
See how here
5. Raised Leg Crunches
Raised leg crunches target your abs, and are low-impact so won’t disturb your flatmates or neighbours. Lie flat in a sit-up position, but keep your legs up at a right angle, with your calves parallel to the floor. Keep your arms out straight and swing them over, past your hips and to the floor, bringing your head up slightly with it.
See how here
6. Plank with T-Open Twist
This is a great way to stretch out your entire upper body, primarily your chest and shoulders, whilst also providing a great challenge for your core.
Get yourself into a pressup position, but keep your legs wide apart. Bring your arm up around and into the arm behind your back, twisting your body and head with it. Pivot your feet on your toes and try to keep the opposing leg straight. out. running through your arms and body. Try and keep straight along this bar and stretch those shoulders
See how here
7. Air Swimming
Don’t let the silly name put you off, this is one of the best pilates-workouts for targeting your postural muscles - that’s your back. Air swimming is a great way to improve posture, prevent back pain, and balance your strength. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to stretch out whilst keeping the noise down. Lie on your stomach and extend your arms overhead by your ears. Next, lift your chest, arms and legs off the floor and squeeze your glutes as you do so.
Keep your shoulders down and away from your ears and your shoulder blades tucked into your back.
See how here
8. March Jacks
These aerobic exercises are great for toning your legs, arms and core, whilst remaining low-impact and quiet for neighbours. Perfect for a morning prework workout!
Stand up straight, raise your hands overhead and as you do so, raise a leg too. Ensure your knee is folded to 90 degrees - your thighs should be parallel to the floor. March jacks should make you look and feel like you’re doing a march. Get into that mindset and rhythm and you’ll be good to go.
9. Push-Ups on Knees
A classic you can’t go wrong with - push-ups are one of the most effective bodyweight exercises around. But regular push-ups run the risk of making noise. Alleviate this by using your knees as a buffer.
Start in a high plank position with your hands flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart, but keep your knees on the ground too. Keep your body in one long line, remember to inhale as you bend your arms to lower your chest to the floor. Imagine an invisible line along your back, from your knees to your head. Keep this straight.
See how here
10. Low Lateral Squat Walk with Half Walkout
You’ll need a little more space for this one - make sure you’ve got room either side and behind you.
Bring your palms together in front of your face, and move down into a squat before stepping side-ways - like a crab - twice. At the end of your two steps, bring your hands down to the ground, and walk your legs out behind you one at a time.
The idea is to stay low for the entire process. Don’t level up till you’re done.
See how here
SPORTPRO+™ PERFORM
Sharpen Your Competitive Edge
Fatigue affects our mental and physical performance. SportPro+™ PERFORM introduces a bacterial culture, combined with B vitamins to support your body and mind during physical activity or everyday life*.
Leading scientists at PrecisionBiotics® have made a significant find with the discovery of the 1714® bacterial strain. This unique single strain culture (of the species Bifidobacterium longum, which may be passed from mother to baby at birth), along with selected B vitamins, provides support for your mind and body during the demands of training, competing or just in day-to-day life*.
All PrecisionBiotics® products contain bacterial strains that naturally occur in the human gut. Scientists at PrecisionBiotics® have spent many years observing and testing bacterial cultures such as the unique 1714®, putting them through clinical studies in order to discover how they can deliver the precise effects required and to ensure that they meet specific rigorous safety standards.
PrecisionBiotics® has created a special formulation combining the unique bacterial strain 1714® with specially selected B vitamins together in the form of a capsule that will reach your gut in peak condition. Using the highest standards of scientific testing and human clinical studies, there is evidence that confirms the 1714® strain transits through the digestive system and reaches the gut with its properties intact. In addition, these formulations are stable at room temperature and don’t need refrigeration.
SportPro+™ PERFORM is the first sports nutrition product to combine this unique, clinically studied bacterial strain with B vitamins to support mental performance*.
*SportPro+ Perform contains 8 B vitamins, including pantothenic acid which contributes to normal mental performance and vitamin B6 which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Breaking the boundaries of indoor training, together
London’s new boutique-style fitness centre is Retrofit: an inclusive space that welcomes everyday gym goers and hardcore athletes under one roof. Conveniently located nearby South Kensington tube, Retrofit is a high-tech fitness destination that leads with the tools and equipment designed to help each individual surpass their goals and break boundaries together.
Opening its doors back in April 2021 and elevating west London’s fitness scene, Retrofit is a new and private and family-owned space, with Mahrya Abdulla at the helm as Creative Director. Teaming up with her husband, it is their shared passion for fitness that led to the realisation of Retrofit: a place that combined their different approach to training under one roof with worldclass equipment.
9,000 square feet across two floors includes the open gym space featuring Retrofit’s future of fitness Biocircuit Fit Factory and Retrocafe on the ground floor. Step downstairs to discover luxury changing rooms complete with their own saunas, a treatment room offering a variety of wellness therapies, and three studio spaces that include: the Playground, Body & Soul and Ride that offer a wide variety of classes to members throughout the week.
The leading example of their cuttingedge technology is the Biocircuit Fit Factory. A new fitness solution that turns the ‘impractical into the unmissable’, with the support of the world-leading Technogym equipment; the nine-stage circuit of strength machines offers members a highly intelligent and bespoke fullbody workout. Interacting personally with members, remembering their name and previous workouts: from newbies to seasoned pros, the Fit Factory guides, challenges and encourages – optimizing each rep and every set.
Leading with athletic conditioning and combat sports classes is Retrofit’s Playground. Energetic, fun and high-intensity classes include strength and cardio boosting Metcon, the ultimate high intensity interval Tabata class, Boxing, Killer Kettle Bells, TRX, Kickboxing led by their black belt level instructors, and the powerful 45-minute Booty Calls class. Meanwhile, next door is the Body & Soul studio: lit up magically by Retrofit’s Himalayan Pink Salt wall. A nirvana for each and every member, the variety of low intensity and holistic classes include full body Pilates, Hot Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga that incorporates traditional Chinese practices and their ‘Raise the Barre’ class. Meanwhile the Ride studio offers a variety of spin classes for all levels that invites members to lose themselves in the beat.
Retrofit believe that they only achieve their goals if you achieve yours. With this in mind, they offer personal tours for those who want to see the space first hand, a complimentary PT session to kickstart each member on their fitness journey, and a full body assessment from one of their personal trainers which includes a body composition analysis with an opportunity to run through personal fitness goals. A wide variety of memberships are available depending on personal goals. Prices start from £129 per month for the Retro-Twelve monthly membership, running up to the Retro-PT 12 Pack starting from £880 per month.
For more information visit retrofitlondon.com and follow them on Instagram @retrofitlondon 13
fitness Fitness & Beauty Update CYKO: THE LATEST SPINNING CRAZE IS NIGHTCLUB VS. FITNESS
AN EXPERIENCE THAT WILL LEAVE YOU INTOXICATED, WITHOUT THE HANGOVER
January 2022 will see the launch of a brand new spinning concept, cyKO, transforming Chelsea’s iconic nightclub Raffles into a spin studio and offering fitness-goers the ultimate spinning experience.
Hosted within a fully-functioning nightclub, cyKO will allow gym-goers to drop by the club for a 45-minute unique sweat sesh. Consisting of a high-intensity class fortified by Raffles’ famous strobe lighting and intense laser beams, all in sync to a world-class sound system to elevate the ride of your life.
Founder, Sarah Jimaa is excited to bring this new concept to the capital. Having lived in Madrid, Barcelona, Dubai, Amsterdam and London, she noticed the majority of spinning studios worldwide attempted to emulate a club atmosphere with neon lighting and loud music.
Sarah says: “I have always loved spinning and tried many classes around the world. I want to take these classes a step further by opening a spin studio and nightclub hybrid in a London club with an unbeatable sound system and authentic laser and strobe lighting. I wish to create a space where people can come and really let loose and leave all the stresses of the outside world at the door. I can’t wait for people to start spinning with us!”
The latest addition to the capital’s spin scene is not your average cycling class. cyKO uses high-tech Keiser M3i bikes for an authentic cycle experience, designed to feel more like the real deal than other studio bikes. Built with each and everybody in mind, the frame is designed to match any rider’s shape and height so they can solely focus on the high-octane ride. The sessions will provide a heart-pumping, adrenalineinducing party on a bike. The riders will fully surrender to the music,leaving with a serious endorphin hit, feeling motivated, empowered and strong.
Raffles Chelsea comments, “We are extremely excited to help Sarah bring cyKO’s concept to life within our nightclub. Combining the high energy atmospherics of Raffles with cyKO’s dynamic workouts is something we believe will be a successful collaboration and a venture we are looking forward to being a part of.”
cyKO strives to build and strengthen a community that brings people together from all walks of life, empowering them both inside and outside of the class. They will utilise their instagram account to host open discussions on health, fitness and wellbeing while speaking to experts within their fields including therapists, personal trainers and nutritionists. cyKO has hand picked a team of expert instructors from across the capital, ensuring every workout will bring the most high-energy and dynamic spin session in London.
cyKO’s Wellness Hub will be serving nutritious smoothies made to order along with handmade snacks such as healthy protein bars. Smoothies can be pre-ordered and will be handed to riders once they step off the bike if they’re in a rush. Smoothies such as The After Party (Banana, Dates, Cinnamon, Maca, Almond Milk) and SW3 (Banana, blueberries, peanut butter, Oats, unsweetened almond milk) will be priced at £5.90 with an option to include premium vegan protein powder. Otherwise, they are welcome to take a seat at the wellness hub to wind down, socialise with riders and refuel. Chilled scented face towels will also be available to invigorate riders post-session along with coconut water shots to re-hydrate.
