Frozen yoga:
It’s the coolest trend in fitness, and it’s right on time for our NZ winter. ‘Snow-ga’ is what it sounds like, yoga in the snow. Only it’s not just about doing a downward dog up a mountain; the classes involve heading out in appropriate snow gear with a group for a warm-up hike, then finding a sunny spot to practise your vinyasa. We love the idea; just make sure you stock up on thermals!
Good news on bad fats:
The US Food and Drug Administration is to ban trans fats from all foods from 2018. These partially hydrogenated oils, used for frying or as a substitute for butter and margarine in baked goods, have been slowly removed from shelves due to public awareness of the fact they clog our arteries and increase body fat. NZ has no plans to follow suit but our national consumption is already on the low side.
The halo effect:
Coined ‘the health halo effect’, good marketing can sway us in favour of non-healthy foods, it seems. A US study shows consumers often get ‘low fat’ confused with ‘low calorie’, and eat more of the chosen food than they normally would. The same effect means we’re aware of fat and calorie intake, but know little about sodium or sugar content. So check the label on the back, not just the claims on the front.
How to have a good doctor’s appointment:
Rising costs mean we’re seeing our GPs less and less, but it’s still the best way to get answers to your health concerns. Here’s how to get value out of your appointment.
Make a list of symptoms, so you don’t forget them when asked.
Bring medications you’re taking, if you’re worried about side effects, ask.
Don’t self-diagnose, list your symptoms, not what you’ve decided you have.
Bring a family member, they’ll help fill in the blanks if you forget or get flustered.
Ask questions, it’s okay not to understand everything the GP says.
Don’t get embarrassed, the human body is capable of crazy stuff. Your question or symptom won’t be the grossest thing they’ve been asked.
Spin the globe:
Love your daily bike ride but would prefer to do it on a mountain path. Or a rainforest? Well now Les Mills has teamed up with Hong Kong-based Pure Fitness to create ‘immersive fitness’. Only available in Hong Kong for now, it’s a spin class in a gym studio with a 270-degree virtual reality screen that takes you on a global tour, like cycling within a 3D movie. It’s designed to open up exercise to a younger crowd and will be on offer to different classes, including yoga.
Words by: Emma Clifton
Photos: Thinkstock and Getty Images
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