Women’s Health Australia's mission is to help Aussie women feel happier and healthier (every single day!) with the ideal mix of fitness, food, nutrition, mindfulness, wellness, fitspo fashion and beauty, plus so much more.
If it’s possible to have magazine spoilers, then spoiler alert, here’s one coming. The words that hit me the most while I was editing these pages are from our cover star, Bachelorette and mental health advocate Brooke Blurton: “I feel like we need to be our own best friends. WE’ RE SO GOOD TO GIVE ADVICE AND GOOD ENCOURAGEMENT TO OTHER PEOPLE BUT WHEN DO WE EVER SAY THAT TO OURSELVES? When do we ever highlight all the amazing things that we’ve done in our life?” It’s a piercing question. Personally, I’ve gotten better at becoming my own cheerleader over the years, but lately I’ve let it slip. And when you realise that OUR BRAINS ARE HARDWIRED TO FOCUS ON THE NEGATIVE (google “negativity bias”, it’ll explain why we dwell…
What’s the Best Time of Day to Strength Train? ANSWER “When do you have time?” asks personal trainer Jess Wilcox. “To be consistent with training and stick with it long-term, the most important thing is fitting it into your schedule, ” she tells WH, adding that the hour you choose won’t affect your ability to build muscle. That said, if your diary’s wide open, the science supports lifting in the PM. “Research has shown that mid-afternoon or early evening may be best, as you’ll have likely consumed a few meals or snacks, ” says Wilcox. “That way, you’ll have more fuel to burn, compared with training in the morning on an empty stomach.” Some studies suggest you may be stronger in the afternoon. “This is because your testosterone levels are…
Meditate on this: those who employ mindfulness in a professional context are less likely to engage in ‘surface acting’ at work. The term, which refers to displaying fake emotions and suppressing your true feelings, is associated with a range of negative professional outcomes, from lower job satisfaction to higher emotional strain. Headspace on the commute for the win. SOURCE: JOURNAL OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY…
Seafood swerver? You can still score heart health benefits from plant-based fatty acids. That’s the latest from Penn State scientists, who reviewed the research and discovered that consuming alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) – an essential omega-3 found in the likes of walnuts and flaxseeds – is associated with a 10 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular disease. WH HACK Go for Gojis Eating a small handful of little red goji berries, five times a week, may help to increase the density of eye pigments lutein and zeaxanthin, according to a small study in Nutrients. Both are protective against age-related macular degeneration – the leading cause of sight loss. Get thee to the health foods aisle and up the preventative power of your porridge. 657 FRESH INCENTIVE TO SWAP TONIGHT’S TAKEOUT FOR A…
WH: WHAT IS YOUR REC FOR PROPER HYDRATION DAY TO DAY? TJ Start your day with a large glass of water. Not only will this rehydrate you from sleep, it’ll support cognitive health and energise you first thing. Keep a large water bottle on hand all day to encourage yourself to drink, especially when you exercise. If you don’t like plain water, add some sliced fruit or flavoured electrolytes. WH: TRADITIONAL HYDRATION “RULES” STATE THAT DRINKING EIGHT GLASSES OF WATER A DAY IS IDEAL. TRUE? TJ Though widely held, this belief isn’t supported by research. Yes, it’s important to drink water throughout the day, but if you don’t hit eight glasses, you’re more than likely getting enough through food and other sips. WH: IS THE CURRENT SOCIAL MEDIA TREND OF…
WHY WE LOVE IT This sneaky burner works your gluteus medius and maximus. “The medius is what forms the outside edge of your butt and the side of your hip, ” says trainer Kristina Earnest. The importance of your medial glutes can’t be stressed enough: they’re crucial for balance and power. “Strong glutes stabilise and propel you and protect the knees and back.” The maximus is at the posterior of the hip joint (y’know, the meaty part of the tush). Sign us up. HOW TO DO IT 1. Place a mini band around thighs, just above knees. Get into a side plank with right forearm and knee on floor. Engage core to lift hips. 2. Make sure spine is long and straight and hips are stacked. Don’t sink into bottom…
