ATHLEISURE LIST | BREATHWRK

Breathwork as a category is rooted in bonafide clinical science. Not only are breathing exercises proven to positively impact qualitative stuff like how you feel, they also improve biometrics like heart rate and blood pressure. Breathing exercises provide nearly instant relief, and with prescriptive combinations of inhales, exhales and holds, require no skill or experience.

For all these reasons, the team at health app Breathwrk believe their product is one of the most powerful solutions for the mass market. In the app, content is grouped into 4 core categories:

Night Time: Trouble shutting your mind off before bed can result from an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which controls your fight or flight response. Extended exhales raise your body’s relaxation center, the parasympathetic nervous system, to soothe overactivity and help you sleep faster.

Calm: Whenever someone tells you to "take a deep breath," the techniques in this category are what they’re referring to.

Perform: Executing a challenging breath hold at the end of your exhale increases your body’s red-blood-cell production for superior oxygen efficiency. The techniques in this category also support faster recovery by lowering your pulse after periods of intense exertion.

Energize: Short-burst inhales & exhales raise your body’s activity center to prime your nervous system for intense mental & physical effort, increasing heart rate, alertness and focus.

The free version of the app includes a small percentage of the exercise library, with their most popular breaths. For those interested in a deeper and more diverse Breathwrk practice, the competitively priced Pro version unlocks all content. There are a number of features that incentivize habitual usage. The most powerful is tracking against oneself, using features like Streaks to motivate consistency.

The company also extended into the real world with one of the first studios specializing in breathing exercises, building an even stronger community. At the studio, classes will help people wake up, strength train, sleep better and even achieve psychedelic-adjacent states.

If you would like to check out Breathwrk's app for a 7-day free trial, then click here to get 30% off Breathwrk Pro for 1 year, exclusive to Athleisure.

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Read the SEP ISSUE #81 of Athleisure Mag and see ATHLEISURE LIST | Breathwrk in mag.

ULTRASPORT F-BIKE: 5 BENEFITS OF EXERCISES BIKES

Exercise bikes have always been a big deal. There’s something about being able to train at your own home. You don’t have that pressure over your head that comes with the obligation of going to the gym every day. We have all felt that, no matter how much we might like workouts. This way, you’re able to do everything at your own pace.

With the new ultrasport bikes, exercise has turned from a slightly annoying responsibility to a completely enjoyable experience. And what could be better for your body and your mind than actually looking forward to your workouts every single day? You get to do something you like, in a place of your choice, and still get in perfect shape.

I understand that lack of motivation is the number one reason why people give up and stop working out. However, when you see how practical, easy to use, and effective the new ultrasport bike is, I have no doubt that you will get motivated in no time. And, if that’s not enough for you, I have listed below some of the benefits that you can expect to get from this device. So, read on.

#1 Weight Loss

Unsurprisingly, weight loss is one of the main reasons why people decide to use these exercise devices. If that is your goal, you can now achieve it in the comfort of your own home (or any place of your liking) by simply riding this bike for as little as 30 minutes a day. Naturally, the results, as well as your performance, depend on your current body weight.

However, one thing is for sure. You will definitely see those results after some time. And when you do, you will get even more motivated to carry on with your trainings. Plus, you really can’t make up an excuse not to use the device, since you have it right there in front of you. That means that you can even watch your favorite TV show and shed some pounds in the process.

#2 Muscle Strengthening

If anyone tells you that exercise bikes work only towards strengthening your legs, you can safely assume that they don’t know what they’re talking about. Of course, your legs will look amazing after toning them this way, but these devices actually strengthen all your major muscle groups. It’s not as effective as weight-lifting, but I’m guessing getting all bulked up is not your goal. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have ended up here at all.

#3 Quick Cardio

I bet you have already heard how cardio is important, at least a couple of times. And, the truth is, it really is important and has a significant impact on your health. From lowering your blood pressure and regulating blood sugar to even preventing heart attacks – cardio seems to be great for everything. Well, riding an exercise bike means that you are doing a cardio workout aimed at actually extending your life. All of that right there in your home.

Here are some more benefits: https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/stationary-bike-workout

#4 Energy Increase

How many times have you woken up and thought that you had zero energy even if you did get a good night’s sleep? This has happened far too many times to me. At first, I think it will get better once I have my coffee and go about doing my usual daily tasks. But, it doesn’t. I spend the day coping and struggling to actually stay awake and take care of all the mentioned tasks.

Studies have shown that as little as 20 minutes a day on an exercise bike can significantly improve your energy levels. This is because cycling triggers your brain to release dopamine, which is closely linked to your energy. So, the next time you wake up like that, just hop on the bike and let science do the work for you.

#5 Convenience

We mustn’t forget the main advantage of this bike over all the other devices you can use if and when you decide to visit the gym. All those other devices are in the gym, and the exercise bike is right there where you want it to be. They make pretty lightweight and portable ones these days, so you can take them wherever you like.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | NAVIGATING FIRST CLASS

This month we chatted with the Cabin Crew of Emirates Airlines to find out some tips to keep in mind from packing to being active onboard. Their tips are worth noting when flying first class domestically and internationally.

GET PACKING

Keep a Goodie Bag

No matter where you're headed, there are essentials you will always need. While airlines offer great onboard amenities, keep a ziploc bag at the ready and simply replenish the small bottles as needed. They suggest the recently updated The Urban Travellers collection, which is comprised of different pouches in a variety of sizes, styles and colors.

Assemble a Capsule Collection

Create outfits and pieces that are easily coordinated to create different looks. Think basics: black pants, white jeans, neutral t-shirts, jean jacket. Wear your bulkiest items on the plane to free up space in your luggage and keep you warm during travel.

Don't Forget Statement Jewelry

Bring a pair of statement earrings and bangles to add that pop of color.

Roll or Lay Flat?

The great debate! Roll your clothes to maximize space, or lay them flat to minimize creases. Fill suitcase gaps with socks, belts, intimates and hair tools to create a flat surface before laying down clothing.

Prepare for the Plane  

Your brain and body will always thank you for a carefully constructed carry-on.

The Emirates' Cabin Crew recommends a few hydrating tools (lip balm, body lotion and moisture spray) to keep you feeling fresh while you're flying the friendly skies.

STAY ACTIVE ONBOARD

The crew suggests a few exercises that you can do while you're traveling so that you can stay loose.

Feet Circling

Circle your feet at the ankles.

>> 20 times each foot.

Bottom Lifts

Lift one buttock off the seat, tightening the muscles on that side. Hold to the count of 5.

>> Repeat each side 5 times.

Knee Presses

Press the knees and thighs together and tighten buttock muscles. Hold to the count of 5.

>> Repeat 5 times.

Foot Presses

Lift heels and press toes into the floor, then lift your toes and press heels into the floor.

>> Do this 10 times for each foot.

Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Something You Should Know | Navigating First Class in mag.