Dear John , You’ll no doubt have heard that being more physically active helps prevent a host of chronic conditions including heart disease, certain types of cancer, diabetes and depression. It also has a healthy knock-on effect on other health indicators like our sleep, food choices and resilience to stress. But did you know that the simple act of contracting our muscles releases proteins called myokines - dubbed as “hope molecules” that act as natural anti-depressants? Or that exercising releases neurotransmitters that can generate a natural high similar to that of cannabis and that strengthen our brain’s response to everyday pleasures, even when we’re not exercising? Yet with all this glowing evidence it's still easy to let our exercise routines slip. And the top reason people give is lack of time. But the great thing is that we don’t have to slog it out in the gym for hours or commit to 90 minute classes to get many of these benefits. Research is increasingly showing that even a few minutes of activity can be effective. It’s all about finding something you enjoy so that you’ll keep doing it regularly. That’s why we’ve created the Summer Sessions program! 3 weeks of short and active yoga classes to help you keep up your practice when time is tight. The first class is free for you to start today. See you on the mat! |
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