HOW TO BE WELLE IN 2019
Easy ways to be an even better you (think turbo barre).
…FORGET THAT TIRED CLICHÈ: NEW YEAR, NEW YOU. RESOLVE TO MAKE THIS THE YEAR TO IMPROVE ON PERFECTION (BECAUSE WE LIKE YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE)
SAY HELLO TO YELLOW
Glare from phones, tablets and computer screens is contributing to an increasing rate of vision problems known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). Protect your eyes by heading to your phone’s settings and switching the display and brightness from blue light to yellow light – or adjust the “colour temperature” setting from “less warm” to “more warm”. Changing the mode can help protect your sight.
TAKE INVENTORY OF YOUR CHEMICAL EXPOSURE
It’s scary to think about, but being aware of how many chemicals you interact with every day is important, and tiny tweaks make a difference. Whether they be pesticides from produce or dyes and by-products from plastics, clothing manufacturing, beauty products and fragrances, resolve to make informed decisions. Start by swapping traditional household cleaners and detergents for natural ones — your cardiovascular system will thank you for it.
LEAVE YOUR COMFORT ZONE
Get an endorphin fix with these new classes…
BARRE BODY ELEMENTS
Australia’s premier barre studio’s new choreographed class, Elements, ticks all the components of a full-body workout in a fun new format. Flowing cardio will make you sweat, while a strengthening and toning section will sculpt lean muscles. End with stretching and mindful meditation, so you leave feeling uplifted yet grounded. A new Elements sequence is released every eight weeks, so there’s no chance you’ll be bored.
CYCOLOGY CLUB
If music is your workout motivation, try this upbeat indoor cycling studio that’s all about finding the beat and riding to the rhythm. There’s no doubt you’ll be huffing and puffing thanks to the challenging pace, but you’ll be having too much fun to even entertain thoughts of quitting.
BARRY’S BOOTCAMP
Just a few months into its arrival and the latest US fitness import is already a heart-pounding success Down Under. Intense cardio bursts (thanks to the treadmill sprints), mixed with strengthening sets (thanks to using hand weights), performed in a dark, room to booming music, is the fitness hat-trick we’ve all been waiting for.
KEEP IT MINERAL
Broad-spectrum SPF is now a beauty routine non-negotiable, but some formulations contain chemicals that leave skin irritated, making it hard to swear to use them religiously. Opt for zinc, which protects against rays without any unwanted side effects. Traditionally white and chalky, the latest formulations are now sheer or tinted, making them the perfect base to wear under makeup or simply solo.
DIY DATA
In an age where transparency is everything, at-home urine testing is gaining popularity thanks to companies such as We Test Online – get it? For a heads-up on hydration, ketones, white blood cell count, vitamin C levels and more, wee on the enclosed ph strip and resist the urge to google the results. The test will flag if it’s worth visiting a GP. Head to wetestonline.com.
FILL UP ON FIBRE
There’s nothing sexy about it, but eating natural sources of fibre will work wonders on your gut. Prebiotics – such as those in whole grains and leafy greens – are the building blocks needed for the gut to create healthy bacteria specific to your biome. The latest research suggests prebiotics are potentially more beneficial than over-the-counter probiotics, which aren’t tailored to individual needs.
UNCROSS YOUR LEGS
There are important lymph nodes in your groin area and crossing your legs can slow down their vital detoxification and circulation function. Make a mental note to uncross and straighten up when sitting for an instant blood-flow boost.
NETFLIX AND CHILL THE FINNISH WAY
Scandinavia continues to be lifestyle inspiration (The interiors! The fashion! The parental leave!) and the latest trend to emerge from its neighbour Finland follows suit. Their version of self-care? Pantsdrunk: relaxing on the couch with a drink in hand, wearing nothing but underwear. The author of Pantsdrunk (Kalsarikanni): The Finnish Path To Relaxation says it’s “the path to recovery and self-empowerment”. Without having read a page, we’re on board.