Most of us know that exercise helps with fitness, strength, energy, weight-control, health, future health (=health risk), etc. The evidence behind all of these benefits is overwhelming and the benefits are really not in doubt. You knew that didn't you? OK, but let's think about a few less-obvious but very-real benefits associated with exercise and [...]
A lean and toned physique has become the embodiment of health and well-being. There is no shortage of blogs on the ‘net and supplements on the market with advice and claims on how to gain muscle - this advice usually focuses on high protein intake. Is there really a need for so much extra [...]
The Sanlam Wellness Rowing challenge, held recently at head office, was an initiative by the wellness champions and spearheaded by Elaine Kerchhoff and Bevan Louw – actuarial Wellness champions. The purpose of the event was a reminder to staff - in addition to being a follow-up to the Spinning Challenge – of optional ways [...]
We all want to be well, or more well. Perhaps it's more exercise, better sleep, less alcohol, losing weight, coping with stress more effectively, quitting smoking, or something else. But we all have that list in our heads, you know, the "I'd be really well if I could change xxxyyyzzz" list. But we have [...]
Have you ever walked into the gym, had a look around and noticed how seemingly over-prepared some of the patrons are - sports drinks, snack and water, bars, fruit, powders, and more… Are you doing something wrong? Do they know something that you don’t? UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS Whether and how much you need to eat [...]
Remember carbo-loading? Carbo-loading was a popular practice for athletes in days leading up to an event. The idea of starting with a "full tank" was thought to be a good idea, especially for endurance events. But the science behind carbo-loading has evolved... In the 1960’s discoveries showed that: Glycogen (a form of carbohydrate stored in the [...]
My favourite wellness tip: use your diary I am a doctor and a wellness coach. I have made my living designing and delivering health & wellness services of one type or another. For 25 years now. I know what is healthy and what is not. I am, in all seriousness, something of an expert. And yet my [...]
Still Sitting? AN EMERGING & IMPORTANT & INDEPENDENT HEALTH RISK There is compelling evidence that we sit too much - the negative health effects are real and measurable. It’s worse for the otherwise-inactive but even effects those who exercise! “Sitting is the new smoking” has become quite a popular phrase in recent years. The [...]
To Gym or not to Gym? Some of us see this as THE question. But this is not Shakespeare and it is not really THE question at all. It’s true that the modern gym is a great place to train. The equipment is excellent, there are many choices, there are experts on hand to help, [...]
Active living is not just about sweaty gym sessions (those are good of course). There are two types of “exercise”: strenuous exercise and incidental activity. Most of what people talk about has to do with strenuous, or formal, exercise. Let’s consider activity... Just MOVE. It is certainly true that we should all get our heart [...]
