The Role of Exercise in Mental Wellbeing

Mental Health Awareness Week is an amazing way to bring to light a topic that can sometimes be hard to talk about. Although this week has now passed, it still remains a subject that will always be at the forefront of our minds. Our very own founder and CEO, Daria Kantor, has shared her thoughts on the often overlooked role of exercise in one’s mental wellbeing. Daria is an extremely passionate campaigner, we hope her words inspire you:  

‘I read a statistic this week that declared that in the past year, 74% of people have felt so stressed they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope. That’s an overwhelming majority and whilst mental health is more and more regularly addressed, there is still a significant amount to do.

I count myself remarkably happy to have grown up around sport and to have been able to enjoy an active lifestyle. I played competitive sports from the age of nine and although I was always aware that I was never likely to be a professional athlete – it was the mental aspect of the game that I always loved.

Mental Health Awareness Week was the week of May 14th, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation. Mental health has always been something I am interested in, conscious of and keen to raise awareness around. It is also an area where in my role as CEO of TruBe, the personal fitness app, I have seen the important relationship between exercise and mental wellbeing. So, what are the benefits?

Tackling Depression & Anxiety

It is interesting and eye opening that in the UK, GPs are now diagnosing exercise as part of a treatment plan to tackle depression. According to one medical study, “physical activity has been consistently shown to be associated with improved physical health, life satisfaction, cognitive functioning, and psychological well-being.”

Morale Improvement

There is no question that exercise can have a positive impact on your mood and morale. A study, read on the Mental Health Foundation, revealed the fascinating results of a study, when researchers asked people to rate their mood immediately after periods of physical activity (e.g. going for a walk or doing housework), and periods of inactivity (e.g. reading a book or watching television). Researchers found that the participants felt more content, more awake and calmer after being physically active compared to after periods of inactivity.  Exercise is also proven to reduce stress. When we work out, we increase the concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain’s response to stress.

Prevent Cognitive Decline

Mental Health, as a turn of phrase, is such an incredibly broad collection of conditions, issues and demons. However, one area in which studies have shown some real benefits of exercise, is in the battle against Alzheimer’s. Working out, especially between age 25 and 45, boosts the chemicals in the brain that support and prevent degeneration of the hippocampus, an important part of the brain for memory and learning.

Battling Addiction

One of the sad truths of those struggling with Mental Health issues is the side effects of their condition. One of the more common of these is addiction, often to narcotics, but really it can be to any number of vices. Not only can exercise be the distraction that your body may yearn for, it can also dramatically reduce an individual’s craving elsewhere.

Mental Productivity

Whether exercise is the switch off you need from work, or the driver behind creativity, there is significant research to show the role of working out in improving an individual’s productivity. In turn, this improved productivity helps the individual battle against their mental health issues, assisting them to tackle situations head on and progress.

Coping Mechanisms

Sport and exercise also enhance an individual’s coping mechanism. Whether that’s a gradual understanding of how to handle defeat, or how to overcome a series of challenges, the mental process required to combat disappointment is invaluable for one’s mental health.

The list could go on. There is the element of human interaction, of team building, of physical improvement. There is, to me, no argument that stacks up against the importance of fitness and exercise in helping people deal with their mental health issues.

I wholeheartedly appreciate that exercise is just one vital ingredient in the a more complex battle. But it is certainly that, vital. I also recommend anyone struggling to visit the websites of the wonderful Mental Health Foundation or Mind. There is help out there and no problem is too small or too large to ask for help.’

We hope Daria’s words have resonated with you. We are here for you here at Trube, whether that be a training session to help get out your unneeded stress or a fitness consultation to help inspire you.

Your TruBe Team

 

Can a Sports Massage Make You A Better Runner?

If you’re a runner, whether that be a beginner or a pro, and you’re thinking about getting a Sports Massage but not sure if it will be beneficial towards you, think no further! A Sports massage may just help you beat your best time.

Feel as if you have tense muscles whilst running? A Sports Massage will help get rid of that unneeded tension and improve your movement, and even improve your range of motion, resulting in a run that feels good on your body. Sports Massage does not only benefit you before a run, but helps after your sprint as well, as it helps greatly with recovery and stretching sore muscles.

A major overlooked benefit of Sports Massage for runners is pain relief. Greg Lehman, an award-winning physiotherapist and chiropractor, says the following:

“Pain changes how we function and can even inhibit healing. Massage may also help with recovery after a workout and may help get us out of a stress dominated state of our nervous system.”

This brings forward a commonly overlooked part of training: relaxation. Stress can greatly affect your running performance. According to the Health and Safety Executive, up to half a million people in the UK have work related stress, and up to 5 million people in the UK are ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ stressed through work. By receiving a Sports Massage, your body is bound to be relaxed and improved, ridding your body of unwanted stress and making for a healthy and enjoyable running experience.

When is the best time to schedule a Sports Massage?

A day or two before a big race or a scenic run with friends is a great time to get a Sports Massage. Your therapist will leave you feeling light and energetic, and ready to take on any running challenge that comes your way. If you prefer receiving a Sports Massage after your big run, that’s fine too! However, it’s important to wait a couple days, as your body has just undergone a major workout. Your Massage will be on the lighter side, as to not strain any muscles further and help speed up your recovery time.

Want to get the absolute most out of your Sports Massage? Warming up your muscles right before receiving a Massage is ideal for your body and helps your therapist begin therapeutic work quickly, making for less shock and strain to the muscles. Kim Davis, CEO of RunLab, says the following:

“Think of your muscles like gum; the warmer they are, the more pliable they are, and easier to work with and you’ll get more bang for your buck out of your Massage session.”

The best way to warm up your muscles before a session is either a short jog or walk.

Every runner has different Sports Massage needs, and it’s always important to keep in mind that maintenance is a must. Whether you’re training for the London marathon next year or simply going on a quick run around your block, Sports Massage can help with your running needs, prevent future injuries, and help make you a faster runner with no extra stress weighing you down.

Our therapists are here for your running needs, and here to meet you, anytime and anywhere, to improve your running experience.

We want to treat you to 20% off your first single session*

Promo Code: WELCOME19

Your TruBe Team

Top Tips For A Natural Glow, Wedding Addition

Sign to breath

The big day is creeping up fast, with so much to do and little time to do it, if this sounds familiar, then you have come to the right place!

First of all, take this moment to take a deep, soothing breath, in through the nose, hold for 3 seconds, and out through the mouth. Use this time to reflect on the many amazing and uplifting moments that have lead you to this day, and think about how amazing the people in your life truly are. Here at TruBe, we believe that a positive state of mind is crucial for good health, happiness and success. In honour of the Royal Wedding, we have compiled a handful of tips and tricks to make you glow. Enjoy.

Natural Shine

You can’t have a wedding detox without mentioning apple cider vinegar! The benefits of apple cider vinegar includes lowering of cholesterol, preventing indigestion, and helps whiten teeth. Perfect to make your smile glisten. Here is a quick tip to get your daily dose of apple cider vinegar: every morning, mix 30ml with lemon, and glass of water. This is a powerful detox and helps kickstart your morning in a positive way.

Be Flawless

NailsYou have probably been told time and time again, that vitamins are the answer to all of life’s problems, although this may be a bit of a stretch, we do have a couple of suggestions that will leave you feeling fabulous!

Vitamin E is full of wonders, it’s a powerful antioxidant and can speed up your cell turnover, which helps clear your skin, reduce dark spots, moisturises and even helps you achieve healthy nails ready for the perfect manicure.

We also recommend B12, this vitamin is ideal when enhancing one’s mood in a time of need. It also helps you develop a healthy immune system perfect for a bride-to-be who can afford no errors.

Nature’s solution

Face masks are a must for obtaining that lovely wedding glow. Whether that be a clay mask or a gel mask, masks contain a higher concentration of the active ingredients you receive from your usual lotions, making for an instantly clear complexion. Feel like you have unusually oily or dry skin? No worries! There is a face mask for every type of skin type, helping to rehydrate and revamp your skin cells. You can even make your own face masks, right in the comfort of your home. Our favourite is an avocado mask, as the fruit is packed with healthy vitamins and helps soothe dry skin. Take 1 ripe avocado, mash up, and add 1 tablespoon of honey for the perfect natural moisturizer. Make sure you do a skin test first, just in case.

In Style

It is important to be in the moment, this is a time full of love and laughter, don’t let it slip by. A pamper session is a great way to hit pause on the chaos around and we have the perfect day in mind…We have teamed up with London’s leading On-Demand Beauty Service, InParlour, to make sure you get the treatment you deserve! Find out more here.

Relieve Tension

Massage

Wedding planning is a stressful time and can leave you in need to relieve some tension. A massage can help remove any unwanted toxins from the body, it can even help you lose that last bit of weight! A massage mixed with essential oils will give you an all over glow. You can now book a massage with TruBe!

Your goals are our Goals

We are here for you, if you need help with a nutrition plan, want to relieve some stress, or feel as fabulous as you look, then get in touch. Our team are always here for you. Book a session and relax.

We wish you luck and congratulate you on your big day!

Your TruBe Team

 

Workout Beauty Tips with Amanda Harrington

KAY WETTASINGHE

We have exciting news to share! We are extremely proud to announce that we have partnered with InParlour, London’s premier beauty concierge service. An amazing team, handpicked by InParlour’s founder, Amanda Harrington, they are incredibly talented, personable and ready to help you achieve your ultimate beauty look this Summer.

In honour of this new collaboration, we decided to get some top tips from Amanda in an all-you-need to know Q & A. Amanda let us in on the best beauty tips during a workout and post workout! Here is what she had to say…

TruBe: What’s the best makeup to wear during a workout?

Amanda: The best for maintaining makeup throughout a workout is definitely Sports FX Time Out Face Mist. If you’re into lashes, the best lashes to wear that last would be Eyeko Yoga Waterproof Mascara. And the best makeup for adding colour would be E.L.F. Workout Ready Lip & Cheek Palette.

TruBe: What are some tips for skin care during and after a workout?

Amanda:

  1. Do not apply heavy makeup, but if you do have a lot of redness in your skin, look for moisturisers or skin serums with soothing ingredients such as white tea, sea whip, azulene, chamomile and bisabolol which will help to calm the skin by taking the pressure away from the capillaries.
  2. Post workout is the most important time to protect your skin, it needs moisture and restorative antioxidants to hydrate, feed and protect it against damage.
  3. Your skin is susceptible to breakouts all over your body should you not cleanse it properly post workout. Don’t forget about other parts of your body apart from your face; change out of your fitness gear immediately, as it will allow your pores to breathe and prevent breakouts in areas such as your back and chest.
  4. If you’re working out outdoors, opt for a vitamin C antioxidant serum and a high SPF moisturiser (non clog) for hands, neck and face.
  5. After a workout, use a salicylic face wash to immediately take of sweat and toxins on skin to avoid post sweat spots on face.

TruBe: How can you have a fake tan that won’t run/smudge when you sweat?

Amanda: Definitely don’t apply fake tan on the day you exercise. Make sure the top layer is washed off and allow 12-24 hours for the colour to settle before breaking a sweat. Fake tans that are a mousse formula are the best tans for a non-smudge experience.

Fake take neck

TruBe: What’s the best hair care if you tie up your hair a lot, or alternate things to do with your hair when working out, to stop it getting damaged in a tight bun/bobble?

Amanda: The Hot Head Microveil treatment is a heat activated mist that responds as body temperature rises and the hair cuticle opens. It’s rich in argan oil and the treatment conditions and hydrates the hair as you condition your body. Make sure to use a protein shampoo and conditioner to protect the ends from getting damaged. I personally use a Redken Extreme Shampoo and Conditioner to protect my hair against damage.  Kerastace Resistance is a good cheaper alternative. Moroccan Oil intense hydrating mask is the best thing to apply when you wash your hair post workout and is a steal at £9!

We thoroughly enjoyed speaking with Amanda and we hope these beauty workout tips inspire you to feel fabulous no matter what the occasion.

We believe that a positive state of mind is crucial for good health, happiness and success. Your body craves goodness, the better you feel the better you look, and vice –versa!

This is why we have created the following Experience days for two:

Package 1

1 Hour Wellness session fit for 2.

With TruBe you are bound to find your perfect match. Whether you want to channel that feeling when you last danced the night away or make a memory that lasts in a moment of pure bliss, TruBe have got you covered. Choose from over 300 TruBe trainers, specialising in a wide variety of disciplines, ranging from Ballet and Yoga, to Personal training and Boxing, all perfect for a session fit for two.

Classic Manicures for 2

Hands are soaked, massaged and exfoliated, nails are then shaped and the cuticles are tidied. Our technicians stock a variety of classic polishes including OPI & Chanel in all current and classic colours. (90 mins)

Gel Manicures for 2

A long lasting chip free colour with a glossy finish. Polish is UV cured, meaning there is little or no dry time. Therapists use CND, Gelish, OPI & other leading brands. (90 mins, £10 extra pp)

£160

Package 2

1 Hour Wellness session fit for 2.

With TruBe you are bound to find your perfect match. Whether you want to channel that feeling when you last danced the night away or make a memory that lasts, in a moment of pure bliss, TruBe have got you covered. Choose from over 300 TruBe trainers, specialising in a wide variety of disciplines, ranging from Ballet and Yoga, to Personal training and Boxing, all perfect for a session fit for two.

Long Lasting Blow Dry & Style for 2

This thorough process will ensure that your hair maintains that newly blow-dried look for days. Roll-brush, pin-set and roller blow dry are all available. (90-120 mins)

£200

Package 3

1 Hour Wellness session fit for 2.

With TruBe you are bound to find your perfect match. Whether you want to channel that feeling when you last danced the night away or make a memory that lasts, in a moment of pure bliss, TruBe have got you covered. Choose from over 300 TruBe trainers, specialising in a wide variety of disciplines, ranging from Ballet and Yoga, to Personal training and Boxing, all perfect for a session fit for two.

Event Makeup

From a red carpet event to a friend’s party, we know how important it is to be feeling your best. Let one of our Pro Team Artists teach you how to do it. Whether you want the natural look or full on contouring and smokey eyes, we will create the look for you. Individual or strip lashes are included in the application. (90-120 mins)

£255

Personal Touch:

Call TruBe to make a booking or find out more on, 02034437074. Office hours run from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, alternatively you can send us an email via concierge@trubeapp.com. Hurry, this offer is only available until the 31st May, with 6 months to name the date.

Please note:

Once a purchase has been processed, the data provided will be received by TruBe and InParlour, this is for booking purposes only. As both brands run a bespoke service, you may be contacted by both TruBe and InParlour to discuss your booking requirements, this will be made as straightforward as possible, and will be explained further in a confirmation email. Your data will not be used for any other purpose, unless you decide to subscribe to receive updates and promotions, this can be done via TruBe and InParlour, please get in touch to find out more.  

T’s & C’s

There are a few T’s & C’s that will just need to be included from our side of things.

  1. With manicures and pedicures, the total price does not include gel polish removal.
  2. With Blow dries, we ask that the customers have washed, damp hair upon arrival.
  3. The treatments will not occur at the same time, but one after the other, as one therapist will be supplied per booking.
  4. Offer running from 17th May for a limited time only
  5. Bookings must be made 48 hours in advance during office hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00-16:00)
  6. Offer available to London, Zones 1 & 2
  7. Direct bookings will be taken, trainers and stylists are subject to availability.

 

Show Your Body You Love It With A Sports Massage

“The body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care.” – Buddha

To celebrate TruBe turning 3, we have extremely exciting news to share.

Sports and Thai massage is now available at TruBe! We’ve hand selected a range of highly qualified therapists who are ready to deliver excellence to help your body relax and recover. A massage is the perfect addition to your workout, a great way to enhance your day, and helps benefit your mind, body, and soul. Our therapists will leave you feeling brand new! What exactly is a Sports and Thai massage? Here’s what you need to know.

What is a Sports massage?

Sports massage is a common style of massage, specifically used to train athletes and treat any type of injury. It’s beneficial to athletes of every kind, ranging from pro boxers to weekend joggers. Sports massage is the perfect combo of assisted stretching and massage techniques. Not only does this type of massage help your body recover from injuries, but it improves your performance and helps prevent future injuries. This is the perfect massage for anyone participating in daily physical activity!

Interesting Fact: The Ancient Greeks combined massage and exercise in their athletic training, but Sports massage did not become a formal practice until the 1960s. Overtime, Sports massage became a crucial part of professional athletes training regime!

What is a Thai massage?

Thai massage involves multiple dynamic stretches and compressions, and your muscles will be stretched simultaneously during a session. Thai massage greatly improves energy circulation, which is the natural flow of energy within your body. It does so by helping loosen muscles that tend to tighten and restrict your blood flow. This process is called ‘clearing chakras,’ and by clearing your body’s ‘chakras,’ your energy flow is restored throughout the entire body.

Interesting Fact: Thai massage is an ancient massage art dating back to 2,500 years ago, and the ancient form of it is found in Nepal and northern India. It is even believed that the origins of Thai massage can be traced back to Buddha’s personal doctor!

You’re bound to benefit from a Sports or Thai massage and we’re thrilled to offer this new service to you! Book with us today! 

Use Code: WELCOME19 for 20% off your first session

Your TruBe Team