Tag Archive for: Fitness Club

The Relationship Between Exercise and Mental Health

Everyone knows how important exercise is for our physical health, however, many underestimate, or simply neglect, the importance of exercise for maintaining a healthy mental state.

For that reason, Studio Pulse Wynnum is here to help you understand the relationship between exercise and mental health.

Those who include exercise in their everyday life, like reformer pilates Wynnum for example, are at a lower risk of suffering from mental illness and report having better emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Surprising but true, research shows that exercise has almost the same effect as psychological treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy, and antidepressants for those who have mild depression.

But, how does exercise affect us mentally?

 

The relationship between exercise and mental health can be quite easily explained. Exercise stimulates the production of chemicals in the brain responsible for improving mood. Plus, it pumps blood to the brain which improves your cognitive skills.

Additionally, exercise increases the part of the brain responsible for memory called the hippocampus and improves connections between the brain and nerve cells which helps to boost memory and protects your brain from diseases.

Simply put, exercise makes us feel better, and makes our body happy. Not only will exercise improve your mood, alertness, and concentration, it can also help to increase your motivation levels.

The following is a list of how exercise can positively impact you and your lifestyle:

  • Improves Sleep: a good night’s sleep regulates mood.
  • Exercise boosts self-esteem, coping abilities, and sense of control.
  • When exercising you forget about the negative things in your life and can allow you to gain new perspectives.
  • Exercise provides new opportunities to socialise and meet people.
  • Exercise changes the levels of serotonin, endorphins, and stress hormones in your brain.
  • Your energy levels increase while exercising.
  • Exercise is a great form of stress and anger release.
  • Exercise makes you feel relaxed by decreasing muscle tension.

How Much Exercise do we Need?

 

Luckily, to give your mental health a boost, you don’t really have to spend hours in the gym or jump straight into strenuous exercise. According to the Australian Government, around 3 hours of moderate exercise or 2 hours of strenuous exercise per week is what we should aim for. Even if that includes 1 moderate bike ride, 1 reformer pilates class and 1 brisk walk per week… that is more than enough! Especially as a starting point.

Pulse offers a fresh and unique opportunity for those embarking on a quest for greater physical, mental, or spiritual fulfillment.

So, all you need to do to ensure you keep both physically and mentally healthy is to contact Studio Pulse Wynnum and get in touch with the team to find out what class would best suit your needs.

How to Love Your Body (regardless of your size)

The truth is, body confidence has nothing to do with your size, the numbers on the scale, body fat percentage, BMI, or waist circumference. It is how you feel in your own skin and ultimately loving your body regardless of its size. Sounds easy right? Well, not exactly. Loving your body is a difficult task for many of us and can take years and years of knowledge and learning experiences to truly achieve.

At Studio Pulse Wynnum – Wynnum’s newest Reformer Pilates Studio – we offer a friendly community with top quality instructors and classes which cater to all levels of fitness.

1. Be Grateful for what your Body does for You

First and foremost, it’s important to recognise that your body does some pretty amazing things on a daily basis: getting out of bed in the morning, breathing air into your lungs, tasting amazing flavours, talking, walking, eating. All of that and much more thanks to the 60 trillion cells that make up a complete whole – your body. Your body, regardless of its size, gives you the chance to experience life.

2. It’s about how you Feel, not how you Look

You are going to feel better if you are following a healthy lifestyle, but it’s about how you feel within yourself rather than how you look in the mirror. Namely, there’s no universal body size that we can all strive to reach. We are all made differently. So, while it might be easy for certain people to stay really thin, it may be a lot harder for you to reach the same size because you have different genes. When we follow a relatively healthy diet, exercise regularly, get lots of sleep and drink plenty of water, naturally we are going to feel better (and probably look better too). But it is crucial that you concentrate on how you feel, rather than how you look. So, ask yourself the below questions:

  • Do I have lots of energy during the day?
  • Do I sleep well?
  • Am I lethargic?
  • Am I passing stools regularly?
  • Is my urine clear?
  • Am I eating 5 veg and 2 fruit each day?
  • Do I have unhealthy cravings?
  • Is my skin clear?
  • Do I get sick a lot? Do I suffer from headaches or any other ongoing health issues?

3. Exercise for Fun rather than to Simply Lose Weight

Last but not least, when it comes to exercise, it’s vital to think of it from a different perspective. Exercising shouldn’t be a chore, nor should you dread it. And, if the exercise you are doing makes you feel this way, find something that you prefer! There’s a lot of different types of exercise, so shop around until you find something that you enjoy. Additionally, rather than focusing on the weight benefits of exercise, focus on some of the other benefits: decreased risk of heart issues, decreased risk of cancer, decreased risk of diabetes, increased energy levels, reduced stress-levels, healthier organs, decreased circulation of toxins in the body and of course the list goes on! Exercise isn’t just a weight loss and body-shaping tool, it is actually a great way to love and accept your body, regardless of its size.

The bottom line is that we are all built completely differently, and what works for someone else, might not work for you. Remember to keep things in perspective, avoid comparison, practice positive self-talk and embrace you in all that you are because (corny we know), there is indeed, only one you. Of course, you can always strive for better and you should, it’s a healthy mantra to live by, which we support wholeheartedly. However, don’t put too much pressure on yourself and above all else, enjoy the journey. At the end of the day it’s not all about the destination, it’s about the hurdles, the set-backs and how you got back up after being pushed down.

To join our reformer pilates class, don’t hesitate and contact us today!

5 Things You Need to Know Before Barre Class

Barre is all the rage these days and for good reasons as it promotes healthy living. Among other things, barre can play a key role in keeping one’s body in shape. Plus, it also plays a central role in boosting one’s stamina.

Are you planning to join a fitness club? Here is a checklist of the aspects that you need to know before going ahead with your decision.

1. Register Online for Your Class in Advance:

Reservations for Barre class open up at least three weeks before the actual day on which the classes begin. Depending on your preferences, you can book a spot for yourself in any studio you like to give a chance.

You may want to choose a spot which enables you to view your instructor properly so that you can follow their steps. Nine out of ten participants choose to go with the central position.

2. Wear the Right Attire:

In Barre class, the dressing sense may vary from one studio to the other. Make sure you have the right information about what you should wear at the time of signing up.

Consider wearing a body-hugging dress with the right pair of footwear. This will enable you to move easily in line with the movement mechanics of your body. For a better grip on the floors that are made of hardwood, you can pair footwear with sticky socks.

3. Know which Equipment You Should Use:

The essentials vary from studio to studio. Free weights, small exercise balls, and looped resistance band are some common equipment in most Barre classes.

If you do need weights in your class, experts suggest it is a good idea to go with both a lighter weight and a heavy weight so you can swap up and down with ease.

4. Interact with the Regular Attendees as much as Possible:

Barre attracts a bunch of people who are experts at workouts. Because they value the concept of healthy living, they visit the studios on a regular basis. If you are not sure how to go about it, you can reach out to such attendees for guidance and helpful tips.

5. Be Ready to Feel Tired from Head to Toe:

More often than not, you are more likely to reach the tipping point of your workout session in leading Barre such as Pulse Newstead. Initially, it may seem like a lot of hard work but you will be good to go with a little practice and patience. Your mental preparation will be key. Set your own goals and try to achieve them before calling it a day.

Also, if possible, try to make an arrangement to attend the classes in accordance with your convenience. Now that you know the basics of Barre class, you are good to go. So, go ahead and give it a try.

Your First Yoga Class – What You Need To Know

What best way would it be to put your health right on track than switching to yoga? One of the best, calm, and serene ways to walk your way to a healthy life is to try out Yoga and see if it’s for you. Enrolling yourself into the best yoga coaching class is easy to do when you spot the right yoga instructor.

Here are some key takeaways that you will need to consider prior to taking your first yoga class and you will get the entire inside information in detail:

1. Spot a Yoga Studio:

Finding a yoga studio is quite easy as you can find many of such by researching your area. Even a yoga studio recommendation from a friend would surely work out. To find the best studio in yoga Fortitude Valley, you will need to consider a few factors like whether a yoga studio is heated beyond 100 degrees, if the studio’s teaching approach is more spiritual than a physical activity, if the classes are scheduled based on modules & levels, and the last one being if the classes schedule is a perfect match for your desired time frame.

2. Purchase a Yoga Mat:

Few yoga studios offer yoga mats however buying one won’t drain your bank account. Do yourself a favour by investing in a decent yoga mat of high quality, which would not cost you much.

3. Decide on the Class:

Once you’ve decided on the yoga studio that you get enrolled in, you also need to check which class you would pick up. Choose the one that best suits your routine and schedule. This is a vital step as you will require to maintain consistency in time and keeps your progress on track. Since it will be your first yoga class, check for the classes which are labeled with basics, beginners, all levels, and gentle so that you know that you are geared up for the right direction.

4. Yoga Wear:

For yoga, choose a comfortable activewear that is not too loose as your body needs to be flexible for all the yoga sessions. An appropriate yoga outfit is yoga pants/tights paired with a tank top for women and waist shorts with a t-shirt for men. You don’t need sports shoes as yoga requires you to be barefooted throughout all the sessions.

5. Arrive Early:

Irrespective of the yoga class you decide upon, this health workout will do you much good if you make it a habit to arrive early prior to the commencement of the yoga class. Reaching the studio 15 minutes early will keep your body and mind at peace, allowing you to make the most out of every yoga session. Arriving early allows you to set up your mat and your space and speak to your instructor if need be.

Conclusion:

Now that you are all set to take up your first yoga class, you are ready to get going on your way to a healthy life. Yoga is indeed one of the best alternatives to gymming. There are certain gyms like Gym Newstead which offer Yoga classes as well. Make the best out of every session and you are bound to see changes in your health taking strides positively.

How to Select a Gym to Match Your Goals?

Heath goals should be on one of the top 3 to-do personal agendas for anyone. A gym is one of the things that comes to mind when you think of health goals for. Pulse Newstead offers tailor-made gym package to suit your desired health goals. Get the inside information before keeping your health at stake. Do visit as many gyms as you can before enrolling in one.

If you are looking forward to join a gym, here are the top 5 important factors that you need to consider:

1. Gym Location:

Location plays a major part while selecting a gym. Enrolling or registering yourself into a gym that is quite far from your home or workplace will kill your time. One typically needs to go to the gym at least twice a week to work out. Apart from choosing a workout place that’s in your proximity level, you also have to consider the commuting time for the same. For instance, if the Gym you choose is quite close either to your work or your home yet if the roads that lead to it are frequently exposed to traffic congestion, it will make things much harder and might promote laziness and avoidance.

2. Contract & Cost:

When you sign up for the gym, you need to check if the remaining amenities are inclusive of the cost. For instance, check whether your package includes towels, sauna or what is the basic package and what would be the extra cost of other amenities. Check the cancellation policy, the duration of the contract, the exact days and time that you can use the gym, and if you can use other gyms in the chain.

3. Staff:

Check whether the staff are easily approachable and available. The staff includes the gym instructors, the receptionists, and personal trainers, as this will play a major role in choosing the gym. While at a gym, interact with the gym instructors and the other staff to check if they are knowledgeable and friendly. After all, your health is at stake!

4. Changing Rooms & Showers:

We do know how important it is for the changing rooms and the shower areas to be clean and tidy. While doing a thorough checkout, ask the facilitator to let you have a look at these above-mentioned areas as they speak volumes about the gym. If you can ask for a free trial session, which will also give you better insights.

5. Workout Equipment:

While picking out a gym come in terms with yourself and write down your goals clearly. If stretching and yoga is your forte, opt for a gym, which has a yoga studio and ample stretching space. If you are all in for muscle growth, choose a gym which offers free plenty weights curriculum like benches, cable crossovers, barbells, dumbbells, squat racks and more.

Check if the gym is spacious enough for you to move around if you feel inspired and energized and if there is a proper mix of gym equipment like bikes, treadmills, rowing machines, cross trainers and other cardio equipment.

Final Thoughts:

These are the major factors to consider before getting enrolled in any gym. Check out the best Gyms in your nearby areas. Pulse Newstead Brisbane is one of the best places to get registered as it meets all of the above metrics and takes it forward from there to reach your health goals.

How Can Healthy Living And Exercise Benefit You?

Today, everyone is taking a step towards healthy living. People are slowly moving towards more healthy eating habits, exercise, detoxing, diet plans, and meditation for peace of mind. Incorporating some healthy habits into your day to day life can prove to be a lot more beneficial for you in many ways.

Benefits of Healthy Living and Exercise

Everyone is looking forward to the path toward a balanced lifestyle, so why not you? Scroll down to some of the amazing benefits of healthy living and exercise here:

1. Happy Mind, Body, and Soul:

A daily dose of exercise can make you feel happier and energetic. Exercise is proven to reduce stress levels to a great extent. Studies even say that a 20-minute daily workout can make you feel much more relaxed for up to 7-8 hours in a day. Start your day with a little workout and it will instantly boost your mood and reduce your anxiety. Also, exercising daily can help in setting up that perfect body goal and ultimately towards healthy eating!

2. Good for Muscle Building:

Who doesn’t want a muscular, toned figure? Everyone dreams of a body like Mila Kunis or Chris Hemsworth. Exercising regularly along with a healthy diet and healthy living can bring you closer towards your dream body. It can help you to maintain strong muscles and bones and it also reduces the risk of any fractures. We would recommend joining a gym that can help you in meeting all your perfect body goals. Pulse Newstead Gym is Newstead’s top health and fitness gym. You can consider this gym if you are a newbie and have strong fitness goals in your mind.

3. Reduced Health Risks:

It is one of the most prominent benefits of living a healthy life and eating healthy foods in the long term. Foods like broccoli, beans, carrots, flaxseeds, chia seeds, nuts etc can reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes if consumed for a long duration. Health foods can be beneficial for mental and physical health.

4. Increased Energy Levels:

Eating healthily can boost your energy levels and ultimately leads to stronger workout and training performance at the gym. Consuming the right portions of carbs can help you indulge in more activities throughout the day and it makes you feel way more energetic.

It’s proven that a little physical activity and a balanced diet can support reduced fatigue levels and increased energy. You do not feel exhausted like you do after working your butt off at the office. So try to maintain healthy habits in your day to day life and stay as healthy as possible.

5. Healthy Skin:

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can not only provide you with lots of health benefits, but it can also provide that natural glow on the inside and out.

Incorporating physical activities in your daily routine will make you sweat, which, in turn, opens up your clogged pores and cleans the deposited dirt inside your skin. Healthy skin tips always include drinking a lot of water, exercise, eating a healthy diet, and a regular intake of vitamins.

So, start planning to join a good gym near you and adopt a diet plan for yourself. You may also join yoga classes or try doing meditation. Stay focused on living a better life!