Archives for February 2019

February 17, 2019 By GOQii Leave a Comment

A Step Towards a Healthier Future

A Step Towards a Healthier Future
How many times have you woken up to the sound of your alarm only to push it on snooze and go back to sleep? How many times has your day been a blur of monotonous routine backed by the lack of energy and motivation to do anything? Have you been juggling meals between Swiggy and Zomato instead of a nutritious home-cooked meal? Has your desk job tied you down to your chair in more ways than one while stress, head-aches and other pains take refuge in your body? Have you ever wished for a change?

Change is coming, but before that, let’s go over some stats. If you think you’re the only one suffering from body-aches, lifestyle diseases or a complete lack of energy, our recent IndiaFit Report says otherwise. Apart from over 57 per cent of the population across key cities such as Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai being overweight, there has also been a steep rise in lifestyle diseases. Diabetes has increased to 5.1% in 2018 from 3.6% in 2017, Cholesterol has increased to 12.1% in 2018 from 5.2% in 2017 and High Blood Pressure has increased to 9.4% in 2018 from 4.9% in 2017. This spike in numbers can only be attributed to one thing – a lack of physical activity.

With technology simplifying so many things for us, the need to physically move has deteriorated along with our health. In a study published by Stanford in 2017, Indians were found to be among the world’s laziest citizens, clocking in an average of 4,297 steps a day and ranking 39 among the 46 countries that were surveyed. Though the number has improved to 6783 as per our latest IndiaFit report, it is hardly any reason to celebrate.

Given the grave circumstances we’re facing, our only option is to get active and we must get active now! In an attempt to curb lifestyle diseases, GOQii will be initiating a movement to make India an active and healthy nation by using one of the oldest and greatest forms of physical activity－walking! If you’re unsure about how walking can help, let us tell you that it is known to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, boost immunity, aid weight loss, reduce stress and depression while significantly increasing overall productivity among a myriad of other health benefits.

The GOQii India Steps Challenge in partnership with Network 18 will begin on the 22nd of February and is open to any Indian resident who has installed the GOQii app. This unique initiative aims at making walking a rewarding experience. All you need to do is clock 6000 steps a day for 100 days on your GOQii tracker or in-built phone sensor to collect points and claim rewards. Overall, we are issuing 40,000+ prizes worth INR 5 Cr. with one grand winner taking home 5 lakhs in cash. Other prizes include backpacks, GOQii trackers, exercise gear and mobile phones.

While these rewards are a tempting offer to begin walking, remember that the real wealth is good health! So download the app, charge your trackers and lace up your walking shoes! It’s time to make India the healthiest country in the world!

Watch this space for more details on the GOQii India Steps Challenge and lets #BeTheForce for a healthier tomorrow!

February 16, 2019 By GOQii Leave a Comment

From Scalp Issues to No Issue – Incredible Change with GOQii

From Scalp Issues to No Issue - Incredible Change with GOQii Since GOQii’s inception, our core motive has always been to help people help themselves. With a majority of healthcare services focusing on sickcare instead of getting you healthy, GOQii chose to be different. GOQii chose to be an enabler.

We understand how frustrating it must be for someone with a health issue to keep looking for a solution in traditional healthcare and not find it. Like most people out there, Manisanthosh Bondugula suffered from a condition that Allopathy could not solve. After a lot of searching, Manisanthosh found GOQii.

For well over 3 years, Manisanthosh Bondugula, a 26 year old, working professional from Hyderabad, suffered from a condition known as Scalp Psoriasis – which is a skin disorder that makes raised, reddish and often single or several scaly patches that affect the entire scalp. When Allopathy couldn’t help, Mani began reading books for a solution and one of the books he read was ‘The Great Indian Diet’ by Luke Coutinho and Shilpa Shetty. Impressed and intrigued by the content, he reached out to GOQii’s Master Coach Luke Coutinho, who then introduced him to GOQii and Mani’s life began changing for the better.

In 2017, Mani became a GOQii Player. After much conversation, Mani’s coach diagnosed that his scalp psoriasis was caused by multiple issues which involved stress and sleep. His coach explained why he had these issues and how he can overcome them. The long-term goals assigned to him were to Manage Stress and Good Gut Health to Manage Psoriasis.

Mani’s coach asked him to consume chamomile tea to improve his sleep and asked him to add nuts and salads to his diet. He was asked to consume veg proteins for breakfast and dinner to improve his stamina. He was to avoid tamarind, curd, fish and non-veg entirely. To compensate, he began eating a lot of veggies and fruits. Additionally, his coach also advised him to participate in activities that gave him pleasure.

Currently, Mani is regular with meditation and walks 5km every day. When he finds the time, he performs yoga as well. He drinks 1 glass of lemon/honey water to detox his system and boost metabolism. He drinks milk with a pinch of turmeric before he sleeps to boost his immunity and healing. Initially he consumed Quinoa but replaced it with Millets as suggested by his coach. He also adds salads and sprouts to his meals.

After 2-3 months, Mani began noticing changes. His sleep improved and he lost 4-5kg. As of 2019, his Scalp Psoriasis has been cured by 90%. He is closely working with his coach to resolve the rest of it. Since 2017, Mani has had 4 GOQii coaches and has had a good experience with all of them.

With all that he has learned, Mani can now manage his lifestyle on his own. He told us, “For over 3 years no Allopathy doctor could help me. They kept telling me that the issue cannot be solved but when I got GOQii, it felt as though someone gave me a helping hand and pulled me out. It changed everything and it is awesome!”

Since being a part of our ever-growing family, Mani has recommended GOQii to 20 of his friends and acquaintances. He has subscribed to GOQii Play and follows dance workouts, yoga and breathing exercises. He had also attended the first GOQii Active Sunday in Hyderabad.

In closing, Mani had to say, “GOQii is an enabler. It doesn’t provide you with half knowledge. There’s only so much you can learn from a book and a book can’t tell you everything. Having a coach by your side does wonders as you can interact and get precise solutions for your problems, what you should and should not do and even your diet.”

We hope Mani completely recovers from his issue and is able to lead a happy and healthier lifestyle!

February 15, 2019 By Balwant Singh Leave a Comment

Pranayama: 6 Variations & Their Benefits

Pranayam and Its Benefits Pranayam is one of the most common Yoga Asanas that people perform because it is easy and provides numerous benefits.

Pranayama is defined as stretching, lengthening or modifying the breath. Despite being an involuntary process, breathing can be voluntarily controlled and manipulated. Controlled breathing helps you have a better grip on your mind and your body.

To perform Pranayama, ou can chosoe any meditative pose. If a meditative pose is difficult, you can opt for Sukhasana where the head, neck and spine are in a straight line. Focus on your breathing, try to feel each breath that you inhale and exhale from your nostrils. After you have done this, relax and spend some time to observe your entire body. Awareness should be present throughout the session.

Pranayam and its benefits to stay fit
Terminologies You Should Know:

Purak –Breathing in
Rechak –Breathing Out
Kumbhak – Holding the breath.

There are various kinds of Pranayama. Here are a few of them.

1. Bhastrika Pranayam: ‘Bhastra’ is the Bellows Pump used to pump fire. ‘Bhastrika’ originates from this term. People with high blood pressure must not perform Bhastrika. They can, however, perform a modified version. In Bhastrika Paranayama, one must breath in and breath out rapidly and forcefully. At the same time, they must flap the stomach in and out. When you breathe in, your stomach will expand and when you breathe out, your stomach will contract.

Benefits : Gases exchange at a very fast pace. Oxygen intake increases as the body throws out more Carbon Dioxide. There’s an increase in the Metabolic Rate as well.

2. Anulom – Vilom: Also known as Alternate Nostril Breathing, follows a slow and deep rhythmic breathing pattern. To perform this variation, close the left nostril and breathe in through the right nostril. Hold your breath for 3-5 seconds. Close the right nostril and breathe in through the left nostril. Hold it for 3-5 seconds to increase the absorption of oxygen.

Benefits: Useful for people suffering from Sinusitis. This Pranayama relaxes the mind and the entire nervous system. It improves lung capacity, strengthens the heart and improves blood circulation.

3. Sheetali Pranayama: This Pranayama is also called Cooling Breathing. Before performing Sheetali Pranayama, one must ensure that the atmosphere is clean. Roll the tongue and take a slow and deep breathe through the mouth. You will experience a cooling sensation on the surface of your tongue. Close the mouth and breathe out through the nostrils.

Benefits: It is very beneficial for people suffering from digestive disorders and acidity. This Pranayama also relaxes the mind.

4. Bhramari: can be done towards the end of the session. Bhramari relaxes the mind and helps in blood circulation and circulation of Cerebrospinal fluid. Bhramari is also called Humming Bee Breath. Sitting in a meditation pose, breathe in through the nostrils (deep breath) and breathe out slowly, thereby, producing the humming sound like a Humming Bee. Inhalation and exhalation time will be the same.

5. Suryabhedan: Surya is referred to the right nostril and Bhedan is piercing. Breathing in through the right nostril and breathing out through the left nostril is called Suryabhedan. This energizing Pranayama stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, cleanses the skull and in the Hathapradipika, it is mentioned that the heat generated by this Pranayama will destroy the worms in the stomach.

6. Shitkari Pranayam: Also called the Hissing Breath, this Pranayama is performed by touching the teeth of the upper and lower jaw together and breathing in. You will experience a cooling sensation on the sides of the mouth and tongue. This is also a tranquilizing Pranayama. Regular practice of this will improve digestion and reduce acidity. It is a good practice for people suffering from insomnia. It is especially useful during Summer as it reduces the body’s temperature. While practicing this Pranayama, one must make sure that the atmosphere is clean.

Disclaimer: Please consult your GOQii Doctor before you start Pranayama.

Which Asana would you like to read about next? Let us know in the comments below!

February 14, 2019 By GOQii Leave a Comment

5 Healthy Valentine’s Day Gifting Ideas

gift with red satin ribbon on wooden table. for celebrity concept.

It’s Valentine’s Day and if you still haven’t found the perfect gift for your better half, we suggest opting for these 5 healthy little treats so you and your loved one can spend your life on the right side of forever! After all, the best gift you can give the one you love is good health.

1. Herbal Teas
If a picture is worth a thousand words then the aromatic blend of flavorful, healthy herbal tea is worth a million! There’s no better way to express the unique love the two of you share than presenting them with an unique blend of tea. Talk about exquisite and classy! Because the world is vast with millions of choices, it is important to pick the right one. Our suggestion – pick the Jasmine Pearls by Tea Culture of the World. Nothing spices up romance like a freshly brewed cup of tea!

2. Natural Honey
Our money is on the honey for your honey! Celebrate your unadulterated love with some natural goodness. If you’re wondering why honey is on this list, then there are a million reasons. To begin with, sugar is addictive and it does terrible things to your body. If you must go for a sweetener, then why not opt for something that is much sweeter and healthier? The natural and gourmet spice honey infusion by Honey Twigs can do wonders for you and your loved one. It is easy to carry anywhere, delicious, natural and most important of all – healthy!

3. Muesli
We can all agree that love isn’t a single emotion, it is a mix of all things good just like Muesli! Doing something as surprising as bringing the love of your life some breakfast in bed can go a long way in ensuring a long, loving and healthy relationship. Want a healthy Muesli option? Go for the Yogabar Muesli+. They are as delicious as a great Valentine’s Day gift can get.

4. Personal Care Products
Love is a serious business. The best way to show your commitment is by pampering your loved one with a gift that brings out her radiance, much like the inner beauty that you fell for. To show her that your love is pure, choose a natural, zero-chemical product. We suggest the 100% nature derived, plant-based products by Arata – Zero Chemicals.

5. Healthy Chocolates
By now, we all know that the universal food for love is chocolate! There is absolutely no better way to say ‘I love you’ than presenting your loved one with a box of delicious chocolates! To keep things healthy, we suggest you go for chocolates by Fanette Chocolate that are diet friendly, gluten-free, protein rich and are loaded with essential vitamins and antioxidants – lip smacking and heart stopping goodness!

As a sweet gesture for you lovebirds, all the products that we’ve suggested will be available for a discounted price on the GOQii Health Store using your GOQii Cash.

#BeTheForce for love and good health!

Got any more healthy gifting ideas? Share them with us in the comments below.