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May 30, 2023 By Jigna Sheth 1 Comment

Effective Stretches For Muscle Recovery After A Workout

muscle recovery

Every athlete, no matter how good, always follows a workout pattern to avoid injury, pain or stress to muscles. This usually begins with a warm up and ends with a cool down. Both are necessary as they improve performance, reduce the risk of injury and decrease muscle tension. They also improve flexibility, keep the blood flowing and help one attain better posture while reducing any aches and pains. If you have been skipping stretching due to a lack of time, we can try some of these quick, simple and effective stretches for muscle recovery after every workout.  

Stretches for Muscle Recovery Post Workout 

To get started, we must focus more on the muscles used during the workout. 

1. Gentle Walk or Jog 

A very light jog or walk is the simplest and the most perfect way to cool down naturally. You can do spot jogging or move around the room at a normal walking pace. 

2. Hip Flexor Stretch in Lunge Position hip flexor lunge

  • Get into the lunge position starting with both hands on the left knee
  • The right knee and calf should be on the ground
  • Now use your right hand to slowly pull up your right foot until you feel a stretch in your hip area
  • Hold the position for 20-40 seconds
  • Slowly release and repeat for the left leg

3. Toe Touchtoe touch

  • Stand with the feet together or shoulder-width apart
  • Keep the knees straight, do not lock it
  • Bending at the hips, slowly lower the head down toward the knees, keeping the back as straight as possible
  • Reach towards the toes, and let the neck relax
  • Hold for up to 20-40 seconds
  • Rise slowly back up to standing position.

4. Standing Calf Stretchmuscle recovery - standing calf stretch

  • Stand near a wall with feet shoulder width apart
  • Place one foot in front of the other, front knee slightly bent.
  • Keep your back knee straight, your heel on the ground, and lean toward the wall.
  • Feel the stretch all along the calf of your back leg.
  • Hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds.

5. Standing Quad Stretchstanding quad stretch

  • Stand upright with your feet together
  • Raise the heel of one leg up behind you and pull that leg up towards your butt with your hand
  • Keep pulling your leg up until you feel it stretching your quad, but not to the point of pain
  • Hold the stretch for a few counts and then switch sides

6. Seated Hamstring StretchSeated Hamstring Stretch

  • Sit down with both legs straightened out in front of you, knees and heels together. Then reach both arms forward towards your toes to feel a stretch through the back of the legs.
  • If possible, try and hold your toes in this position for a minimum of 60 seconds while taking deep, slow breaths
  • Keep your legs straight, without letting the knees buckle. If you’re unable to reach your toes while keeping your legs straight, you can hold the end of a towel looped around your foot
  • As you hold this stretch and feel your muscles start to adjust and relax, you can start going deeper on your exhale and hold, which will slowly increase your hamstring flexibility

7. Seated Twistseated twist

  • Sit on a mat and stretch the legs out in front of the body
  • Bring the left leg over the right leg and place the left foot on the floor, bending the left knee
  • Twist to the left and use the right arm to press the left knee gently inward
  • Hold for 30 seconds
  • Untwist and repeat on the other side

8. Overhead Tricep Stretchoverhead tricep stretch

  • Stand with your feet hip-width apart, and roll your shoulders back and down to release any tension
  • Reach your right arm up to the ceiling, then bend your elbow to bring your right palm down toward the center of your back
  • Bring your left hand up to gently pull your right elbow downward
  • Hold this stretch for 20 to 30 seconds before switching arms
  • Repeat on both sides 2 or 3 times, attempting to get a deeper stretch with each repetition.

9. Child’s Posechild's pose

  • Kneel on the floor with your toes together and your knees hip-width apart. Rest your palms on top of your thighs
  • Lower your torso between your knees. Extend your arms alongside your torso with your palms facing down. Relax your shoulders toward the ground
  • Hold for 30-40 seconds
  • Bring the arms back in and slowly sit up

Few Tips To Prevent Injuries 

  1. Do not over stretch yourself, listen to your body and stop if you feel pain
  2. Maintain correct posture, or else you might end up stretching the wrong way which will cause more harm than good
  3. Inhale and exhale through your stretches
  4. Always start at a slow pace to last longer.

If you have any injury or medical condition, perform the stretches under supervision and talk to your healthcare provider before starting any program. If you’re unsure on how to perform stretches correctly, do it under a certified trainer’s guidance. You can book a LIVE, interactive, online, GOQii PRO session from the GOQii App, where you can get one-on-one guidance in real time by certified fitness experts.

We hope this article on effective stretches for muscle recovery helps you. For more articles on fitness, check out Healthy Reads now! 

#BeTheForce 

May 29, 2023 By Urvi Gohil 1 Comment

Your Guide For A Happy Gut: Say bye to bloating, acidity and heartburn

Gut health Your body is constantly communicating with you. Very small episodes of acidity, bloating, indigestion, etc. says a lot about your lifestyle and overall health. Are you paying attention? It is important for us to know that about 70% of the immune system is located in our gut and the gut absorbs nutrients that support body functions from energy production to hormone balance, skin health to mental health and toxin & waste elimination too.

So how can you keep your gut healthy? Well, follow this guide for a happy gut to stay healthy!

Easy Guide For A Happy Gut 

  1. Fennel Seeds or Saunf: These seeds have antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory properties and promote the production of gastric enzymes. It works wonderfully against indigestion, bloating, acidity, heartburn post meals and constipation too. Just add 1 tbsp of raw seeds to the water bottle you carry to office or have 1 glass of fennel seed water post meals to take care of such symptoms.
  2. Basil Seeds: They work well in relieving constipation, bloating, naturally detox your body and help regulate smooth bowel movements. It works as a natural coolant. You can have a glass of milk with basil seeds few hours before bed time, or make a drink with water, honey and Sabja seeds and have it in mid-morning, or just make a habit of soaking it for 2-3 hours and drinking the water in the morning.
  3. Fenugreek Seeds: These are rich in fiber and antioxidants, and help in enhancing bowel movement. Take a tsp of fenugreek seeds and soak it in 1 cup of water at night and have it in the morning with a glass of lukewarm water if you have long term problems of constipation, indigestion or heartburn. *People experiencing severe acidity should avoid this.
  4. Lemon Ginger Water: This will help strengthen the digestive system and prevent indigestion, nausea, heartburn and bloating. Take a glass of lukewarm water, add 1 tsp of lemon juice and 1 tsp of ginger juice in it. This will work best for bloating post meals or occasional bloating post heavy meals.
  5. Apple Cider Vinegar: The unfiltered, unpasteurized and raw mother Apple Cider Vinegar has live micro-organisms and help to work towards heartburn & GI stress. A dilution of Apple Cider Vinegar before a meal can help you stimulate acid secretion and reduce gut symptoms. Also, having a tbsp of ACV in 300 ml water in the morning can also help in the same.
  6. Water: Is the body’s basic requirement! A constant supply of water is necessary to replenish the fluids lost through activities such as respiration, perspiration, urination, regulating body temperature, digesting food, etc. Try to drink at least 2-2.5L of water throughout the day and it is the answer to all your digestive issues.
  7. Vegetables & Fruits: Having 1 portion of vegetables in every meal is the best way to help your gut digest the food well and have enough nutrients. Plus, the fiber from them helps to ease bowel movement and acts as food for micro-organisms. Fruits are best to go for in mid meals to add more soluble fiber and get rid of acidity and bloating.
  8. Physical Activity: No escape here. Being physically active for 30-45mins is the answer to good health and a happy gut. Exercise gets your heart pumping and increases blood flow and oxygen circulation throughout the body. Blood and oxygen are necessary to aid digestion and keep the intestinal muscles healthy. So for constipation, bloating, acidity, heartburn, etc. including some walking, cycling, yoga, etc. will give you better results.
  9. No Sugar: Processed sugar, refined flour, fried and processed food should be avoided as they are not good for your gut microbes.

Just follow these simple tips for a happy gut! If this article helped you, let us know your thoughts in the comments below. You can find more articles like this on Gut Health here. If you want expert advice or further guidance on improving digestive or gut health, speak to a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

May 28, 2023 By GOQii Leave a Comment

Home Remedies For Women’s Health Issues

Women's Health IssuesBalancing your work and your personal life as a working woman can be quite tiresome especially when piled up over women’s health issues such as menstrual problems and PCOS. 

As per the GOQii Women’s Health Matters survey, we found that 51% of women in India continue to struggle with ongoing health issues such as menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism, UTI and fibroids, diabetes, and infertility. Around 63.3% of women suffer irregular periods or infrequent menstrual cycles due to PCOS. 

Prolonged psychological stress can lead to the release of excessive prolactin and cortisol hormones which can interfere with natural estrogen-progesterone cycle – which is responsible for regulating periods. 

Balancing Hormones For Women’s Health Issues 

Some issues can be solved by balancing the hormones progesterone and estrogen. This can be done through seed cycling, walking, weight management, cutting down on refined products and managing stress. In terms of diet, women can focus on Vitamin E rich foods, raw and sprouted seeds, nuts and salads. Homemade cottage cheese, fresh raw vegetable juice and cold pressed coconut oil also help! Vitamin C, B6 and pantothenic acid rich foods have properties of stimulating the body’s production of estrogen. 

Remedies To Reduce Menstrual Pain 

  1. A Gentle Massage: over the abdomen, back, legs and feet for 15-20 minutes will ease the pain and relax the body. You can use oils like sesame, mustard and coconut for better results.
  2. Hot Fermentation: Applying heat to the abdomen and lower back is also a very effective remedy to reduce the pain and cramps. You can use a hot bottle, heating pad, warm towel or even have a warm bath.
  3. Good Sleep: for 7-8 hours (undisturbed) helps to relax your body and mind, both.
  4. Natural Herbs: like fennel seeds, chamomile tea, cinnamon and ginger have antiinflammatory and antispasmodic properties, that are very beneficial in reducing the menstrual pain.
  5. Avoid Certain Food Items: that increase the uneasiness by inducing gas and bloating issues, for instance, sugary soda drinks, alcohol, caffeine, salty foods, fried food, junk food items, etc.
  6. Caffeine free teas like ginger tea, lemon tea, lavender tea, decaffeinated green tea can help in relieving pain associated with menstrual cramps.

Remedies For Bloating and Heavy Period Flow 

  1. Jaggery and carom seeds drink: Boil 1 glass water and add ½ tsp carom seeds followed by 2 tsp jaggery powder. Boil till jaggery dissolves, strain and drink. This drink can instantly relax tensed uterus muscles and provide relief from pain and bloating associated with periods.
  2. Soaked methi seed water: Soak some methi seeds overnight, warm the water in the morning and drink on an empty stomach. The major bioactive compounds ‘polyphenols’ in fenugreek seeds are believed to help reduce abdominal pain.
  3. Turmeric and nutmeg milk: Adding a ½ tsp of turmeric and a pinch of nutmeg in warm milk and drinking this before bed helps in menstrual pains. This combination of 2 spices acts as an antispasmodic agent.

Certain Yoga poses to ease menstrual pain include: 

  • Child’s pose or Balasana
  • Knees to chest pose or Apanasana
  • Camel pose or Ustrasana
  • Forward fold or Padangusthasana
  • Resting corpse pose or Shavasana 

Ways To Maintain Feminine Hygiene

  • Keep the vagina clean by washing regularly with a gentle, mild soap and warm
    water
  • Never use scented soaps and feminine products or douche. Also avoid
    feminine sprays and bubble baths
  • After going to the bathroom, always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from getting into the vagina and causing an infection
  • Wear 100% cotton underpants, and avoid overly tight clothing

Tips To Reduce Bloating During Pregnancy 

  • Eat small proportions: Splitting your food into six small meals rather than three heavy meals will avoid overloading your digestive system.
  • Eat slowly to improve the digestion. Take a few deep breaths before and during the meal to relax. Also, do not eat when stressed
  • Consume fiber rich foods like carrots, whole wheat toast, oatmeal, apples, and pears. These are some of the best sources of fiber.
  • Foods such as onions, cabbage, broccoli, and beans are gas-inducing. Fried foods may not release gas in the stomach, but they can slow down your digestion process, leading to bloating. Hence, avoiding fried and gas inducing food is important.
  • Carbonated beverages and sweetened fruit juices contain high levels of fructose corn syrup, which contributes to bloating. Choose fresh fruit juices over carbonated beverages.
  • Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Start your day with a glass of water and then keep sipping water throughout the day. Include fresh fruit juices in your diet, water helps in flushing out toxins from your body. Also, helps in preventing bloating and constipation.

Remedies For Increased White Vaginal Discharge

White discharge is caused mainly due to hormonal imbalance, increased secretion of estrogen, improper hygiene habits, loss of iron, and sometimes due to indigestion and constipation. Remedies can include: 

  1. Foods that are gut-friendly such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, etc. for better digestion.
  2. Optimum water and fiber intake to avoid constipation
  3. Water residue which is used for white rice preparation. This will reduce the heat in the body.
  4. Concoction of fenugreek seeds: Boil fenugreek seeds in water till it reduced to half, cool it and drink.
  5. Guava leaves can be boiled in water, cool down, and drink – this also helps relieve vaginal itching.
  6. Proper vaginal hygiene 
  7. Include iron-rich food such as black raisins, dried apricots and green leafy vegetables, etc.

We also hope this article helps you overcome these women’s health issues. For more on women’s health, check out Healthy Reads or access the Women’s Care Feature on the GOQii App which can help you address women’s healthcare needs. 

#BeTheForce

May 27, 2023 By GOQii 14 Comments

5 Healthy Juices For Weight Loss

Juices for weight loss

One of the golden rules to live by is to include at least 2 servings of fruits and vegetables to our diet every day. While this seems hard for some people because of the sugar content in fruit juices, you can’t deny the fact that one can get numerous micronutrients from them. While juices alone won’t help you lose weight, you can add these nutrient rich, less sugar blends to your existing regime and see drastic improvements! Try these amazing juices for weight loss now!

Best Natural Juices For Weight Loss

Below are some recipes we think can help you in your journey to lose weight. More greens are useful than fruits but this variety and blends will definitely help you a lot to not just detox, but supply your body with the nutrients it needs.

1. Clean and Green Detox Juice

juices for weight loss

Ingredients:

  • Apples
  • Kale
  • Celery
  • Cucumbers
  • Basil

Method:

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender
  2. Add 1/4th cup of water. Mix thoroughly. Add water and/or ice in order to make the smoothie thicker or thinner based on your preference

This smoothie is excellent for detox as it flushes out all toxins from your body and contains antioxidants from the basil to make this one of the effective vegetable juices for fat loss.

2. Beetroot, Carrot & Strawberry Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • Beetroots
  • Carrots
  • Strawberries

Method:

  1. Peel beetroots and chop the carrots. Add strawberries to the veggies and blend it in a blender
  2. Add 1/4th cup of water. Add water and/or ice in order to make the smoothie thicker or thinner based on your preference

Beetroot juice will help you work out harder in the gym and this is one of the fruit juices for weight loss that contain a high amount of soluble and insoluble fiber that assists in weight loss.

3. Mint, Watermelon and Kale Juice

Ingredients:

  • Watermelon: 1.5-2 cups
  • Mint leaves: 1 fistful
  • Kale: 3 leaves

Method:

  1. Wash mint and kale leaves and put in blender. Chop the watermelon, remove the seeds and place in blender.
  2. Add 1/4th cup of water and mix well. Add water and/or ice in order to make the smoothie thicker or thinner based on your preference.

Watermelon, by nature, are mainly water and sugar, thus making them a low calorie, weight loss assistant. This is a handy juice for weight loss because of the mint leaves. Mint leaves are a natural appetite suppressant. So forget your hunger pangs after having one of these smoothies!

4. Green Spinach Lemonade

Ingredients:

  • Lemon: 1/4th cup
  • Water: 1/2 cup
  • Spinach: 1 whole
  • Apple (secret ingredient)

Method:

  1. Cut up lemons and remove seeds. Add spinach, lemon and water to blender.
  2. Add 1 apple with skin. Mix thoroughly. Add more apple if you want to sweeten more.
  3. Add water and/or ice in order to make the smoothie thicker or thinner based on your preference

The key ingredient to this, as you may have noticed, is the apple. Not only is it a fantastic sweetener, but it is also a fantastic source of antioxidants and minerals. This is the best juice for weight loss because it contains the minerals and micro-nutrients from spinach and apples but also assists in weight loss due to the lemons.

5. Cucumber Kiwi Juice

Ingredients:

  • Kiwi – 2 whole
  • Cucumber – 1 whole
  • Lemon – 1/2
  • Water – 1/4 Cup

Method:

  1. Chop and peel the kiwis and cucumber. Blend together.
  2. Add water and/or ice in order to make the smoothie thicker or thinner based on your preference

This recipe is the best juice recipe to get rid of belly fat because it is high in water and low in sodium. Low sodium juices reduce the overall bloating of the body and because this juice is lower than 50 calories, it is a fantastic way to satiate your hunger and be in a caloric deficit. A must try option for effective weight loss.

There you go! We hope these juices aid you on your weight loss journey. More importantly, consult with your doctor before trying these in case you have any allergies.

Which recipe did you like the most? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! Get more healthy recipes here. To get more tips and guidance on your weight loss journey, speak with a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

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