
Office Workers Rejoice! These Stretches Will alleviate Your Lower Back Pain
1. The Seated Twist
Start by sitting up straight in your chair with your feet flat on the ground. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, twist your torso to the right, placing your left hand on the back of the chair for support. You should feel a gentle stretch in your lower back and hips. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
2. The Cat-Cow Stretch
Start on all fours, aligning your wrists beneath your shoulders and your knees beneath your hips. As you inhale, drop your stomach towards the floor and lift your chin and chest towards the ceiling, creating an arch in your spine. This is the "cow" position. As you exhale, round your spine towards the ceiling, tucking your chin towards your chest and drawing your belly button up towards your spine—this is the "cat" position. Repeat 5-10 times, moving slowly and smoothly with each breath.
3. Pigeon Pose
If you spend a lot of time hunched over your keyboard, this stretch is for you. Pigeon pose helps to stretch out the outer hips and glutes, which can become tight from sitting. To do this stretch, start in downward facing dog. From there, bring your right knee forward to meet your right hand. Lower your left leg down to the ground so that your left foot is pointing back behind you. You should feel a nice stretch in your right hip and glute. Hold for 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side.
If lower back pain is something that plagues you on a regular basis—especially if you sit at a desk all day long—give these stretches a try! They only take a few minutes but can make a world of difference when it comes to alleviating tension and pain in the lower back region. Trust us, your sore lower back will thank you later!
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Staying Active in Winter: How to Keep Moving When It's Cold Outside
As the temperature drops and daylight hours shorten, maintaining motivation to exercise can become challenging. Motivating ebbs and flows, but in the cooler months you might start to notice it becomes even harder to get up early and get outside. The allure of staying bundled up inside with a warm drink can often outweigh the desire to get moving. However, staying active during the winter months is crucial for both physical health and mental well-being. Here at foldUP, we've curated some tips, ideas, and inspiration to help you stay motivated and keep moving, even when the weather turns. Dress for Success: Layer Up Dressing appropriately for the cold weather is essential to staying comfortable and safe while exercising outdoors. If you prefer to workout at home, get dressed in a warm outfit, maybe even your slippers and a big hoodie. You'll eventually get warm and can start to strip off your layers, but starting warm is going to be a game changer when unfolding your mat and geting started. If you prefer to brave to cold, make sure you've invested in quality activewear that will keep you warm but not be uncomfortable when you start to sweat. Proper attire can make a world of difference, transforming a potentially uncomfortable experience into an enjoyable one. Knowing how to dress for winter workouts can keep you moving, no matter the weather. Set Realistic Winter Fitness Goals Winter can be a time of indulgence, making it essential to set realistic and attainable fitness goals. Whether it’s maintaining your current fitness level, improving your stamina, or simply staying active a few times a week, having a clear goal can provide the motivation needed to keep moving. Track your progress and celebrate small victories to keep yourself motivated. Setting fitness goals for winter helps maintain a sense of purpose and direction in your exercise routine. Indoor Workouts: Stay Active at Home When the weather outside is too cold to go out, bring your workout indoors. Home workouts can be just as effective as those done in a gym or outside. Some of our favourite online classes are: House of Sculpt, Go Chlo Pilates, Formode Wellness & Amy Carmody - but there are SO many good ones. Setting up a small, dedicated workout space in your home can also help create a motivating environment. Discovering indoor workout ideas can keep your fitness journey on track during the winter months. Join a Fitness Class or Group Social support can be a powerful motivator. Join a fitness class or find a workout buddy to help keep you accountable. Many gyms and community centers offer winter fitness programs, and there are also virtual classes available if you prefer to stay at home. Sharing your fitness journey with others can make the experience more enjoyable and provide the encouragement you need to stay on track. Finding a fitness community can boost your motivation and consistency. Focus on the Benefits of Winter Exercise Remind yourself of the numerous benefits of staying active, especially during the winter months. Regular exercise boosts your immune system, improves your mood by releasing endorphins, and helps combat the winter blues. Keeping these benefits in mind can serve as a strong motivator to get moving, even on the coldest of days. Understanding the benefits of winter exercise can reinforce your commitment to staying active. Mix Up Your Winter Workout Routine Variety is key to preventing workout boredom. Try incorporating different types of exercise into your routine to keep things interesting. Alternate between pilates, cardio, walking, running, strength training - whatever floats your boat! Exploring new activities can reignite your enthusiasm and make your fitness routine something to look forward to. We're all about finding movement that feels good for you! Plan Ahead for Winter Workouts Schedule your workouts just as you would any other important activity. Having a set plan makes it more likely that you’ll follow through, even when motivation wanes. Preparing your workout clothes and your mat or equipment in advance can also reduce the friction of getting started. Planning your winter fitness routine can enhance your consistency and commitment. Reward Yourself for Staying Active Incentives can be powerful motivators. Treat yourself to something enjoyable after a workout, whether it’s a warm bath, a favorite snack, or watching an episode of your favorite show. Positive reinforcement helps create a habit loop, making it easier to maintain your exercise routine. Or maybe you treat yourself to a brand new exercise mat - one that will support your fitness goals and one that can easily stay at home or come to classes with you. Rewarding your winter workout efforts can boost your motivation and satisfaction. Stay Consistent Finally, maintaining a consistent routine is crucial. They say it takes 66 days to form a habit. While that might seem overwhelming to hear, start small and stay consistent. Workouts don't need to be hour long sessions. Start with 10-15 minutes daily, and you might find yourself wanting more once the time is up. Be kind to yourself and recognise that some days will be harder than others. The key is to stay consistent and keep moving, no matter how small the effort may seem. Cultivating a positive mindset for winter workouts can support your long-term fitness goals. Staying active during the colder months requires a bit of extra effort and creativity, but the rewards are well worth it. By embracing winter activities, dressing appropriately, setting realistic goals, and exploring various workout options, you can maintain your fitness and well-being throughout the winter. Remember, every step you take, no matter how small, is a step towards a healthier, happier you.
Learn moreHOUSE OF SCULPT: The How & Why Behind The Launch Of Their Movement Platform
If you haven't tried a Pilates class with Nic and Sascha from HOUSE OF SCULPT, you're missing out. Meet Nicole and Sascha, two highly qualified instructors with a combined 22 years of teaching experience. They are passionate about making a lasting impact on the lives of their clients and are dedicated to creating a positive and empowering experience for every individual. Drawing on their backgrounds as former ballerinas, TEDx speakers, and renowned movement specialists, they've honed an approach that strikes the perfect balance between challenging and rewarding. With their passion, innovation, and relatable teaching methods, it is no surprise that this dynamic duo are shifting the narrative in the fitness industry. Tell us a little bit about you and where your movement journey began. N: I’ve been a registered Classical Ballet teacher for 15 years. I still teach a lot of Classical Ballet although Pilates has been a huge part of my training as a dancer. Pilates has supported me through all my era’s and I do not see it going anywhere! S: Before HOUSE OF SCULPT, I was studying Neuroscience and Psychology, and teaching Classical Ballet on the side. Although Pilates has always been a pivotal part of my training as a dancer and has been my main form of exercise in adulthood. What are some of the highs and lows you've faced as business owners? From redefining our community’s relationship with their bodies to shipping our SCULPT SETs across the globe and everything in between – the highs are like nothing else. The lows are never truly lows, but more so lessons. Things always take longer than you expect, there are always hiccups along the way and you will be tired. So forever learning to be flexible, patient and hopeful. What inspired you to launch House of Sculpt? HOUSE OF SCULPT officially launched in April 2022. We felt the ick big time with the fitness and wellness space. Detox this, dieting that, slim down here, tone up there. Our biggest why behind HOUSE OF SCULPT is changing the lens around why we move. Movement is a privilege and it should be seen that way. Let’s move to feel good and the rest will fall into place. What can students expect from a House of Sculpt session? A HOUSE OF SCULPT class is always fun, challenging and creative and will leave you feeling empowered and rewarded. We believe that movement on the mat is the ultimate indulgence and should not be paired with restriction. Our goal is to remind people that you can enjoy all the yumminess life has to offer and still honour your body with confidence. What inspires you to stay motivated and what are some tips for getting into a balanced and healthy routine? Having the knowledge that motivation is often the result of action – not the cause of it – is soooo helpful for getting into a balanced and healthy routine. It means that getting started, even in very small ways, is a form of active inspiration that naturally produces momentum. Make sure to start small so that the routine is achievable, write down what you plan to do and reward yourself when you do it! It’s about being kind to yourself and challenging any “all or nothing” attitudes. What is your favourite way to move your body? A signature HOUSE OF SCULPT Pilates class of course. How do you best calm your mind? N: Vedic Meditation, breathwork or a HOUSE OF SCULPT class. Never fails me. S: My remedies are: yoga nidra meditation, getting organised for the week, sauna sessions and a HOUSE OF SCULPT class of course! Want to try House of Sculpt? Use code FOLD15 for 15% off your first month!
Learn moreBehind The Lens: Vicky From Drishti Studio
Today we sat down with Vicky from Drishti Studio and we talked all things creative - how she got into the photography space, what inspires and how she landed working with some of the biggest wellness brands in Australia. We've worked with Vicky for foldUP's last 2 campaign shoots. Her attention to detail, creative direction and ability to make you feel comfortable and confident on the other end of the camera, is what makes her so unique. We love working with her and keeping up to date with the incredible brands she works with. Tell us about YOU! Your experience as a photographer and videographer and how did you first get started?I studied photography and videography at school when I was 16. When I left school I was told I would never make money with this profession, so I studied to be a primary school teacher (it really wasn't for me, but I panicked!). Once I left university and started to travel the world I picked photo and video right back up, I have never looked back. I have been creating content for 8 years now and I love every moment. My favourite part is getting to meet entrepreneurs from all walks of life. I constantly feel inspired by these people. What keeps you inspired and what do you love most about what you do?My clients are the ones who keep me inspired, when they come to me with a product, or a concept or a vision, it sparks my imagination and creativity. I absolutely love working with female founders, it is my favourite part of the job. You've shot for some epic health and wellness brands - How did you get into this space and what do you love most about these shoots?I used to teach yoga when I was 20 years old, it was on a yoga teacher training in Thailand that I ended up photographing all of the other yoga teachers and making videos for the instructors. Once a few yogis heard what I was doing it was word of mouth that created so much momentum for me in the health and wellness space. Now 8 years on I still work with heaps of brands in this space, I love it and really enjoy witnessing the space evolve and grow. What would your advice be for anyone wanting to break into this industry?To break into the industry you have to be consistent and persistent. Offer to shadow/assist people you admire, practice everyday and don't stop reaching out to people to see how you can be of service. We worked for pennies for the first year until I felt confident enough in my abilities and skills to ask for more money. At the start, take what you can get and make it magical. What trends are you seeing in the health and wellness space? We are loving seeing the shorter, snappy video content. When we first started out everyone wanted long form, talking videos that went into depth about their business or brand. I love at the moment people are using the 'elevator pitch' theme to create video content - get to the point, make people stop and look and show them who you are in seconds. It is such a fun challenge for me as a videographer. You can learn more about Vicky's services and offerings on her website or Instagram.
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