4 Key Practises to Keeping Calm, Focused & Productive

We are navigating new and nerve-wracking territory these days. From constant concerns surrounding Covid19 and the third wave, to dealing with economic challenges and the ever-rising cost of living.

Misinformation, conflicting ideas and new challenges arise daily and can lead us to neglect our mental health in moments of panic. Learning to understand what we can and cannot control is vital to staying sane during these unsettling times.

Everyone handles stress and pressure differently, but here are 4 key practises that you can try to help you remain calm, focused and productive.
ACCEPT AND UNDERSTAND

If you compare current circumstances to those of our past history, we live in relatively safer times. However, as we are so conditioned to this safety, life as we’ve known it since March 2020 has caused major uncertainty and panic.

To alleviate these feelings, it is important to accept and understand that there is absolutely nothing we can do to control the greater outcomes. Accept that this challenge is here, understand the world in its entirety and find solutions to help you cope better.

Beating yourself up on a daily basis, or complaining and panicking is going to solve nothing. It will only make you less productive and more susceptible to negative feelings.

Focus on things you HAVE got control over.

STICK TO A ROUTINE

For many, the grind of waking up early to get dressed, sit in traffic and go to work is now no longer a thing. Instead of dressing in our work clothes, we stay in our jammies until midday. Instead of back to back meetings, we now stare at a screen all day. Instead of daily interactions with colleagues, we are forced to communicate via phone calls and online conferences. It can be very unsettling.

Adapt your routine to fit your new lifestyle. Make sure you start your day with some exercise and a good breakfast. Make a list of what needs to be done that day and then set yourself an achievable goal.

Just because things are different, doesn’t mean they’re bad! Try to achieve at least one goal or complete one task every day and you will end each day with a sense of purpose.

STAY CONNECTED

With Covid19 still running rampant, many people have been separated from their loved ones. Making sure we remain responsible when interacting with other people is absolutely imperative, but just because we cannot meet face to face doesn’t mean you cannot reach out.

When the days feel dark, reach out! There is nothing wrong with asking for help. Sometimes just seeing a smiling face on the other side of a video call, or taking time to chat to a special person on the phone can change your entire mood.

Often, with depression or in moments of despair we tend to isolate ourselves so as not to be a burden. Sometimes we don’t feel like talking to anyone and that is also ok, just make sure to connect again when you feel up to it. Avoid isolating yourself completely, we are meant to build each other up!

FOCUS ON YOU

Most importantly, listen to your body and your brain. It is ok to rest. It’s ok to take a mental health day.

Step away from the computer, turn off the TV and put down your phone. Take a walk, read a book or do something that makes YOU happy. It is ok to stop and take a breath. In fact, it’s absolutely imperative that you do.

In today’s society we are all expected to be ON all the time. This is not good for your health, both mental and physical.

Exercise has been proven to alleviate stress and anxiety. Remember to nourish your body correctly, drink enough water and sleep the recommended 8 hours a night. We realise these things are not always possible, but you are allowed to switch off and give yourself time to heal and process.

Meditation, yoga, stretching and the outdoors are all fantastic ways to achieve a feeling of calm and help you release the stresses of your day. Try to factor this “you time” into your daily routine.

When you become a member of the Body20 family, you get access to our Wellness Coaching programme, which offers advice on work-life balance as well as tips on how to live your best life.

Combat Illness with EMS Relax20 Sessions

Slow down. Take a breath.

Relax, rejuvenate and recharge!

Body20 offers unique EMS sessions that focus on getting you on the road to recovery.

Whether you need to get back into the swing of things after an injury or illness or you’re just feeling a little stressed and mentally drained, a Relax20 session lets the EMS technology do the work whilst you take a rest or do some light stretching.

Relax20 has three major benefits:

Reduction of pain and inflammation
Improvement of circulation
Immune support

As Covid19 continues to ravage our communities, many people who have contracted the virus have exhibited a range of symptoms from body aches to terrible fatigue. Unfortunately, these effects last long after the illness has subsided, making returning to normal life a challenge.

Prevention is better than cure, so it is advisable to do whatever you can now to strengthen your immune system, even if you feel absolutely healthy.

Covid19 attacks the respiratory system, making recovery time long and frustrating, especially if you are an active or athletic person. Down time from what you love can affect your mental health as well, so it is absolutely imperative that after an illness, you give your body the time to recuperate fully.

The good news is, you don’t need to simply wait it out. Relax20 lets the EMS technology do the work for you, ensuring your heart rate is kept down, whilst you still enjoy the benefits of EMS.

EMS technology has been proven to support the immune system and aid in lymph drainage. The lymphatic system transports white blood cells around your body. White blood cells are responsible for helping your body fight off bacteria, so it is imperative to keep it functioning at maximum capacity.

By incorporating lymph drainage into your wellness routine, you can rest assured that your immune system will receive a boost and your body will be well prepared to fight off any potential illnesses.

As circulation increases, your lymphatic system improves and pain subsides. You are able to then progress from simply relaxing during the session to doing some light stretching whilst the technology is left to do its job.

It is so important to listen to our bodies and respect the time needed for recovery, so alongside our Champs (personal trainers), you will be assisted with a program best suited to your needs, which will speed up the recovery time getting you back into your cardio and strength training sooner rather than later.

Incorporating Relax20 sessions into your workout routine, will not only prepare your body in the best possible way to fight the battle against illness, but it will also enhance your current workout, stablise your mental health and minimise any downtime after an injury or intense competition.

If you have suffered from Covid19 or another illness or are currently battling a pre-existing condition, the Relax20 sessions will get you back on your feet and feeling strong and healthy.

To find out more about the benefits of Relax20, book a demo at your nearest Body20 Studio.

Stay Healthy with the 5- Vitamin Alphabet

We become so offended when our body decides to be sick.

We gave you a vegetable last week – how DARE you?

Unfortunately, a vegetable a week is not going to cut it. Vitamins are absolutely essential when it comes to overall health. Converting food into energy, regulating your metabolism and repairing cellular damage are only some of the benefits of vitamins.

The main job of vitamins is to keep your immune system strong and healthy. Think of vitamins as shields and swords for your body. During these uncertain times, when stress levels are off the charts and the pandemic continues, it is imperative that we prepare our bodies for battle!

You can use vitamins to bolster your immune system ahead of time, so it can fight back when attacked by toxins, bacteria and viruses.

As the saying goes, “Prepare and prevent, don’t repair and repent!”

We know it’s convenient to pop the pills from your local pharmacy, but fresh foods are always the better choice! Eating unprocessed, whole foods will ensure that you are getting the best of these vitamins in the most digestible way possible!

THE ESSENTIALS

1. Vitamin C – The Immune Booster

This water-soluble vitamin plays an important role in immune system function. It is also an antioxidant, which means it helps neutralize free radicals that are believed to cause aging of cells. Orange juice, cherries, red peppers, kale and grapefruit are some examples of foods you can eat to get a good intake of Vitamin C.

2. Vitamin A – The Infection Fighter

This fat-soluble vitamin is often found in carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and butternut. It can also be found in meat, especially liver. It is known to be good for your eyes and assists in fighting chronic diseases.

3. Vitamin D – The Disease Resistor

This vitamin is important for bone and colon health. Your body generates it when your skin is exposed to sunlight and in today’s high-tech world, many people spend too much time away from the sun! Make sure to include the following Vitamin D rich foods in your diet – broccoli, egg yolks, cereals, and fatty fish.

4. Vitamin E – The Antioxidant

Your body needs Vitamin E to support your immune system and help your cells to regenerate. It is most commonly known for its benefits to the skin as it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Getting enough Vitamin E is essential to your everyday health, so add almonds, peanut butter, sunflower oil and hazelnuts to your meals.

5. Vitamin B-12 – The Energy Booster

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that helps keep your body’s blood and nerve cells healthy. Vitamin B12 prevents heart disease, boosts your energy and can help improve your memory and your mood! It is crucial that you get a healthy dose of Vitamin B12 on a daily basis. Vitamin B12 is found primarily in beef and fish and is not found in plant foods, so if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, be sure to supplement with fortified foods and supplements.

Stay in tune with your body. Make sure you are listening to what it’s telling you. Think of your immune system as your personal army and you are the commanding officer. It’s up to you to keep it strong, healthy and prepared to fight the battle against disease and illness!

Whilst supplements and over the counter pills have their place, it starts with proper nutrition. Take care with your diet, incorporating fresh and unprocessed foods. Natural is always best.

Sign up with Body20 and get access to a Nutrition Doctor who is available to offer you personalised, fast and effective nutrition and lifestyle solutions.

Top 10 Benefits of Body20 Training

Body20 is not just a workout. It’s a journey.

Any adventure needs a strong support team and that’s exactly what we offer.

The correct form when working out, the right nutrition, the setting of personal goals and constant, open communication are all key elements in ensuring that you get the most out of your time with us.

An expert in the field of EMS training, the Body20 brand is dedicated to you and passionate about your journey. Our entire team is here to ensure your success.

It starts with a single step. This is the Body20 For Life Experience.

The single step you need to take is to simply book a free demo. Don’t be shy, you can do this directly through our website here: https://body20.co.za/demo.php

Once your demo is booked at your nearest Body20 Studio (we have 51 studios, all across Africa), your journey can begin.

On arrival, you will be paired with a Champ. Don’t be intimidated. These professional personal trainers are experts in their field and are there to ensure you get the most out of your time with Body20. They will assist you with your workout routine, as well as the best and most effective ways to reach your personal goals.

First, we need to know what we’re working with, so an InBody Assessment will be done.

The InBody is an express body assessment tool that establishes a baseline to accurately track your performance and monitor your progress throughout your Body20 training regime.

The assessment looks at various factors including weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, lean muscle mass, and other biometric information. InBody also monitors muscle imbalances and identifies critical areas to target during your Body20 workout for better results.

Now we have your starting point and it’s time to get you stronger and fitter.

Experience the technology!

Body20 members wear an electrode-enabled bodysuit that attaches to an EMS device. This cutting-edge technology means you can work out for 20 minutes a week instead of going to a conventional gym for hours at a time. EMS is 150 times more effective than traditional exercise and is completely painless.

Depending on your fitness level, Body20 EMS sessions are either low-impact or high-intense and, depending on your programme, members can alternate between Body20 Strength and Body20 Cardio, which your Champ will discuss with you when preparing your workout routine.

A Holistic Experience

The journey to a stronger, fitter you is not just about losing weight or getting fitter. Balancing all the pillars of health together ensures that you are able to perform at your best, in your own time, at your own pace, based on your personal requirement. Body20 members also have access to our Wellness Coach & Nutrition Doctor.

After your InBody Assessment, The Nutrition Doctor is available to discuss the correct diet for you, based on your goals and your workout routine. It’s all about a lifestyle change that is suited to your needs.

Our Wellness coach is on standby to talk through your experience, answer any questions you might have and boost your mental health. Health and wellness are not just about fitness. It’s about YOU, as a whole.

So, what are you waiting for? Your support team is ready to take the first step of this journey with you and look after you every step of the way thereafter. Our personalised offering and expertise are guaranteed to make you feel at home, knowing that we are along for the ride.

It just takes one step to improve your future, your health and your mindset.

In the words of the Body20 Founder, Bertus Albertse,

“I started the Body20 brand with a vision and purpose to share in people’s success stories, by inspiring and motivating them to take control of their bodies which in return positively impacts their minds and souls.”

Click here to take the first step and book a demo at your nearest Body20 Studio.

Top 10 Benefits of Body20 Training

Suitable for anyone irrespective of age, weight or body shape, Body20 EMS training is shaking up the fitness industry – in a good way!

What are the benefits of Body20? Here’s our Top 10 List…

1. Training is easy on the joints preventing injury

Body20 workouts strengthen your stabiliser and mobiliser muscles to support the skeletal system and joints.

2. 1 weekly session = 4 hours of conventional training

Because all muscle groups are activated at the same time every 4 seconds, your body undergoes 36 000 muscle contractions in one 20-minute session.

3. It corrects muscular imbalances

EMS training works the antagonistic and core muscle groups simultaneously, penetrating inactive muscle tissue caused by injury or a sedentary lifestyle.

5. EMS training improves posture

During EMS training every muscle group is activated simultaneously, which strengthens the body as a whole and promotes deep muscle conditioning.

6. Workouts are customized to your needs

Every Body20 training session is tailored to your fitness goals, and a personal programme will be designed around the results from your InBody assessement.

7. It helps reduce cellulite

Body20 Cardio uses a frequency that breaks down the collagen build-up that is responsible for the orange peel-like appearance on the surface of the skin.

8. It relieves back pain

By strengthening the core and mobilising muscles, Body20 has proven to help treat lower back and neck pain, and other sports-related injuries.

9. It increases muscle definition

Body20 Strength stimulates hypertrophic muscle contraction, which will create a leaner, stronger muscle appearance.

10. Get a stronger core and abs

Body20 EMS training involuntarily activates your core and abdominal muscles.

If you haven’t discovered the benefits of EMS, book a FREE DEMO and try it today.