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Fitness

HERE’S WHY A GYM ROUTINE IS DAMAGING YOUR BODY

At some point in time, all of us have and still continue to workout at the gym, but have we paused to think about how that rigorous routine is impacting our bodies? Here’s why a gym routine is damaging your body and you don’t even realise it. Let’s take the treadmill for example, the impact of running on the treadmill or even outdoors eventually leads to Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), also known as runner’s knee. Over time that stress causes irritation where the kneecap (patella) rests on the thighbone. And boy oh boy can that be painful! I’ve witnessed this happen to far too many people for me to not address it. This is just one of the several health issues that arise when you put your body through so much.

I’m not saying do not go to the gym but be smart about it. In the end of the day, it’s not worth pushing your body through so much just to see the results immediately. This is where practicing yoga plays a vital role. Before you start exercising, take about 20 minutes to flow through a few poses specifically stretches that target the parts of your body that you will be working out for that day. Yoga itself is an exercise. It’s not just about stretching. Combining the right sequences and poses, you will be able to see the results you have always looked for.

So what’s next?

I recommend taking a step back and analysing your gym routine. What are the exercises you are currently doing that are impacting your body in a negative way? Recently, I read an eye opening blog post that I highly recommend, it addresses some of the exercises that do more harm than good to your body (click here to check it out). A well balanced weekly workout regime will take you a long way. In any case, it’s good to put your body through various forms of exercise. Our bodies tend to get used to routine based exercises, which don’t give you the results you are looking for. Lastly, adding yoga to your exercise regime is like adding the buns to your burger (excuse my food metaphor…kinda hungry here).

Free People – PRISMSPORT – adidas by Stella McCartney – STANCE – Yeti Yoga – Manna – ban.do – Props Athletics – Studio 33 – Kate Spade New York – CHRLDR

August 13, 2017 0 comment

Wellness

WHY TRY THIS YOGA INSPIRED AB WORKOUT?

written by kfashionstopadmin

Practicing yoga isn’t just a stress buster but also enables your body to heal itself internally. Yoga helps activate your nervous system, improves blood circulation, strengthens your digestive system and stabilizes your mind, which is key to a healthier body. This post targets specific areas in your body that are key, to not only tone your body but also build your core strength. This is vital for your body to build core strength to handstands and deeper backbends.

Yoga is a safe form of exercise compared with a few other ab workouts. Practicing Yoga, in the long run, protects your muscles and joints from severe injuries caused by strain over time. Mentioned below are some of the ab workouts I do on a timely basis;

DOLPHIN PUSH-UPS

This is one of my favourite exercises for developing core, arm and shoulder strength. First, get into a normal plank position with your elbows on the ground and interlock your fingers.
For a more intense workout, get into a full dolphin pose. Start with your buttocks lifted, transition to push forward with your shoulders and then go back to a full dolphin pose. The modified version requires you to drop your knees onto the mat but the motion of your upper body remains the same.
Remember to not hold your breath during this exercise but breathe as you raise your buttocks in the air.

Repeat this exercise 3 sets with 20 reps each.

INFINITY BOAT

Get into the boat pose (refer to Chapter 3) and extend your arms.
Keeping the same posture with your hips and legs, start to draw a full circle on your right side and then transition to the left side, doing the same as the right side. In a nutshell, you’re drawing a horizontal 8 or an infinity sign.
The bigger the circles the more intense the core workout will be. The better the results.

Repeat this for 10 full infinity signs, then after each set, go back to hugging your knees close to your chest. Do 2 sets.

Tip: For more intensity, extend your legs straight and raise your arms higher.

LEG BUSTER

Lay on your mat and raise your legs to about a 45-degree angle and make sure to keep your back straight. You can use your hands for support by placing them behind your thighs initially, but for a more intense workout place your hands beside your thighs.
Keeping your legs straight and raise them to about 2 centimeters above the mat. Hold that pose for 5 full breaths. Then raise your legs further to a greater inclination (as much as you can) and hold your legs for another 5 full breaths.

Repeat this exercise for 20 seconds, 3 sets.

For more ab sequences follow my Yoga page on Instagram @theYogic or get your copy of theYogic today!

April 11, 2017 0 comment

What does failure mean to me? Well it's such a harsh word so many of us deal with everyday. I see it as a stepping stone to my end goal. Don't get me wrong, I've been challenged with failure so many times in my life but it's what you decide to do with failure that matters. Learn and move on. For the longest time I never thought I would be able to even lift my legs up on a shoulder stand but this is me laughing, learning and moving on!❤️ #Happy #Sunday loves☺️ Wearing @adidasca top and @oldnavy leggings.

A post shared by Karen | Toronto (@kfashionstop) on Jul 24, 2016 at 6:50am PDT

Wellness

5 STEPS TO A FOREARM STAND

written by kfashionstopadmin

Hey loves! I decided to document my progress for various asanas. I practice almost everyday but find it hard to squeeze in every pose I would like to work on. One thing that I found that helps you get to your goal poses is working on preparatory poses. It will in time get you closer to where you want to be. Patience is key and give your body the time it requires to build and recover. Here’s my forearm stand, a bit shaky but I will get there. Most importantly I’ve learn’t to hold back and listen to my body.

5 STEPS TO A FOREARM STAND

Place your forearms on the mat. Stacking your shoulders over your elbows.
Stay in your dolphin pose and keep walking your feet closer to your upper body until the crown of your head touches the mat.
First work on lifting on knee at a time. Do this by engaging your core (abdominal and lower back muscles). It is very important to not shift any weight on your neck.
Once you are able to lift both knees to your chest. Then work on getting comfortable with raising one foot at a time.
To avoid collapsing into your shoulders (leads to neck strain), try and push your shoulders away from your neck. Eventually when you have both legs straight up, work on pointing your feet upwards, this with help with your stability.

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Leggings – Bralette

September 8, 2016 0 comment

Wellness

BENEFITS OF THE EAGLE POSE

written by kfashionstopadmin

Hey loves! Today’s #yoga pose of the day is the Eagle Pose (aka Garudasana). Keep reading to find out the benefits of the Eagle Pose! It’s very important to get your posture right in order to make the most of the pose. First start off by standing straight and then slowly bend your knees, keeping your back straight. Next left your left leg over your right, it’s OKAY if you can’t wrap your left leg all round your right leg. Make sure your right leg is firm on the ground. Next slowly lift your right arm and put your left arm over the right, wrapping it around your right arm. To go deeper in the pose, slowly bend your upper body, bringing your arms close to your knees and hold for 10-15 seconds.

Also, I got this really comfortable top from Nike! Absolutely in love with their neon gym wear and the pants are from Ardene. <3

#Benefits of the Eagle Pose:

Improves sense of balance.
Stretches your thighs, hips, shoulders and upper back.
Improves concentration.
Strengthens ankles and calves.

P.S if you’ve had any knee injuries, avoid the advanced version of this pose.

Until next time,

#Karentheyogic

February 26, 2016 20 comments

Wellness

A MIRACLE DRINK I SWEAR BY

written by kfashionstopadmin

Hey loves!

I’m guessing all you Kstoppers are here to find WHAT miracle drink I’m ranting about?! Today is all about going Green! Well not that I don’t want to address the environment BUT I mean’t green tea of course. Let’s backtrack a little…

Growing up, I’ve always had chai, being Indian and all. Years later I started developing a taste for less sweetened teas. I’m anyway not one to dump lumps of sugar in their tea, don’t ask why I feel this way. It’s great it happened though, otherwise I wouldn’t have found my love for green tea. I usually consume about 3-4 glasses a day with warm water. If you absolutely hate the taste of green tea, you could add a pinch of honey, now don’t go and add half the bottle in there but just a pinch.

The brand you ask? Well I typically pick up either Lipton or Twinings. There are so many other flavours Lipton and Twinings have combined green tea with like, mint, lemon and I can just go on… Honestly, green tea has helped me in so many ways, keep reading on and you may just about find out how!

Here are some benefits as to why Green Tea is you best option:

Fights Allergies

Green tea could be added to your allergy season arsenal. Consuming green tea may provide some relief, it has been proven to be anti-allergenic as it contains a particular compound, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), appears to be the most potent.

Keeps Cholesterol in check

In this day and age, greasy foods are a big NO NO! They put your health at risk for many heart-related complications like high cholesterol. Your safest bet is to replace all unhealthy snacks and drinks with green tea, plus doing so will keep your cholesterol in check. I know that’s a bit extreme but making that commitment will make a difference in your life. EGCG, green tea’s most powerful antioxidant, is said to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol from the large intestine.

Helps you lose weight and Reduces your chances of obesity

It is known that green tea can help boost your metabolic rate for a short term, so it only makes sense that it could help you lose weight. There are several studies conducted that proves green tea leads to decrease in body fat, particularly in the abdominal area (1, 2). On the other hand, some studies do not show statistically drastic increases in weight loss with green tea, so this can be taken with a grain of salt.

Eliminates Bacteria, results in good dental health and reduces risk of infection

The catechins found in green tea have several other biological effects. It not only helps kill bacteria but also inhibits viruses like influenza virus, potentially lowering your risk of infections. HOW COOL IS THAT?! The most harmful bacteria found in your mouth is Streptococcus mutans. It usually causes plaque formation and definitely leads to cavities and tooth decay. The great part is that drinking green tea helps reduce this bacteria formation.

Reduces chances of Cancer

It is known that cancer is caused by uncontrolled growth of cells. It’s is one of the top causes of death. The oxidative damage contributes to the development of cancer, thus antioxidants can help prevent this. I guess you all know what I’m leading to…Green tea is the perfect source of powerful antioxidants.

Improves Eyesight

For the longest time, I’ve always known carrots to be the go to food to boost your eyesight. BUT HELLO! There’s a new kid on the block! Green tea contains antioxidants that penetrate the eye tissues and produce antioxidant activity. Well antioxidants like Catechins are capable of being absorbed into the eye tissue.

Hope this information pushes you loves to start drinking Green Tea!

Until next time loves,

Karen Mascarenhas

February 13, 2016 18 comments

Beauty

Introducing Cryo Health

written by kfashionstopadmin

Heyya!

I had such a blast with the Cryo team where I got to try out the full body Cryotherapy at -140 C. YES! I know how awful that sounds but on the bright side it’s just for 3 minutes. The process requires you to stand in a circular tube with absolutely nothing on except for a pair of gloves and booties. It was a lot of fun as the Cryo team stands in the room interacting with you.

The benefits are divided into three categories, let’s talk about Recovery first,

Cryotherapy promotes anti-inflammatory properties, which decrease soreness in a post workout state.