10 Active & Adventurous Travel Ideas for Easter Holidays

The world is the most exciting adventure playground, as the old adage goes. So, this year, why not make the most out of your Easter break and grab the opportunity to get away, get moving and improve your health.

The hunt is over as Health and Fitness Travel, the wellness holiday specialists round up their top Easter getaways for active travel enthusiasts looking for some spring-time sunshine. From sun-soaked surfing on the golden coast of Morocco, to discovering a verdant tropical jungle in Bali; swap the hot cross buns with a hot wellness holiday and fill your Easter with adventurous memories to last a lifetime.

Climb a Volcano in Bali: Bali Discover Recover

In recent years Bali has become the best named travel destination; naturally, given its iconic tropical coastline, beauteous aquamarine coral reefs and pristine crater lakes. Dripping in lush vegetation, experience early morning jungle trekking at the foot of Mount Batur. Embrace the calming, peaceful atmosphere as you enjoy a pleasant sunrise walk to the top and truly experience the mystical wonder of an active volcano. After collecting unforgettable memories outdoors, kick off your hiking boots at a tranquil wellness retreat in time for a new adventure the following day.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 10 nights at Bali Discover Recover from £2,015pp or £2,740 for single occupancy. Price includes breakfast, a Discover Recover programme, return flights and transfers.

Try Treetop Spoga in St. Lucia: BodyHoliday Yoga

BodyHoliday is an outstanding destination for those looking to combine physical and spiritual practices whilst indulging in soul-soaring paradisiacal views. Experience the hottest new workout trend with Spoga; a hybrid fitness class combining dynamic spinning with calming yoga in a luxurious glass treehouse. This workout will completely change your outlook on high-intensity workouts as the soothing yoga will totally repair your body afterwards, meaning no next day stiffness. After having worked your body, enjoy a spa treatment overlooking the beach to make the most out of your healthy holiday.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at BodyHoliday from £3,330pp or £3,350 single occupancy. Price includes accommodation, all-inclusive, a range of wellness programmes, return flights and transfers

Train like an Olympian in Thailand: Thanyapura

Boasting the world’s top sports and fitness coaches, focus on pushing your fitness boundaries with training at Thanyapura. Created for triathletes of all ages and abilities, maximise your endurance and reach your health goals through education, sport and wellness. Apart from hosting iron man races for experimental and ambitious travellers, the retreat also provides other wellness activities such as swimming, cycling and meditative training to teach strict mental focus. Their philosophy stresses the importance of mind-body connection and will ensure you return home with new found strength and inner-balance.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights at Thanyapura from £1,355pp or £1,550 single occupancy. Price includes accommodation, daily breakfast, a range of wellness programmes, return flights and transfers

Boxing and Biking in Sardinia: Forte Village Fusion Fitness

Set on the sunny Italian island of Sardinia, famed for its magnificent beaches, Forte Village is the activity holiday that outdoes all others. Reach your ideal weight with intensive boxing to strengthen your mind and muscles, before finding inner-peace with relaxation techniques. Later, ride your way to good health with mountain bike tours over the glorious mountains behind Santa Margherita di Pula. Their outdoor cardio sessions will allow you to explore the region’s fascinating spots while burning calories and boosting endurance.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Forte Village from £2,453pp or £3,755 for single occupancy. Price includes half board, Fusion Fitness ™ programme, return flights and transfers.

Try Kite-Surfing in Mauritius: Shanti Maurice Fusion Fitness

Amongst heavenly beaches and sparkling turquoise water lies Shanti Maurice; an Indian Ocean jewel with an extensive leisure programme dedicated to fitness and wellness. Enjoy a variety of workout offerings, from endurance-boosting beach runs and intense aqua spinning to mindful meditations. You won’t want to miss out on the recently introduced kite surfing area at the renowned watersports hotspot, Le Morne. Allow your body to rest following these exhilarating activities and unwind with an Ayurvedic massage at the luxurious NIRA spa.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Shanti Maurice from £2,480pp or £3,440 for single occupancy. Price includes half board, Fusion Fitness™ programme, return flights and transfers.

Try Yoga in the Mountains: Ananda Yoga

Discover the true meaning of contentment when admiring the majestic Himalayan mountain range, just on the doorstep of Ananda resort. Guests will explore the benefits of a gentle yet powerful practice of yoga, building a strong, determined mind and long lean muscles. To intensify the spiritual, calming experience, make use of Ananda’s adventurous walks and treks in the mountains to sharpen your focus and reset your mind. Return home revitalised and relaxed, with a newly-acquired sense of balance, both mentally and physically.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Ananda from £3,480pp or £4,140 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a yoga programme, return flights and transfers.

White Water Rafting in Costa Rica: Costa Rica Discover Recover

Considered one of the worlds’ most bio-diverse countries, this outstanding South American region boasts abundant flora and fauna just waiting to be explored. Dance in the rain and cloud forests during a catamaran tour including interaction with howler monkeys and tasting of traditional food and beverages. The highlight of this adventurous holiday is white-water rafting on the Chirripo River, a high-energy activity that features stunning sites like the Irazu volcano and Braulio National Park. After receiving an authentic insight of this exotic country, reset for the next day at a luxury wellness retreat.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 10 nights with Costa Rica Discover Recover from £2,425pp or £3,415 for single occupancy. Price includes accommodation, a Discover Recover programme, return flights and transfers.

Meditate and Catch Waves in Morocco: Paradis Plage Surfing

Located on the stunning coastline of South Morocco, Paradis Plage combines thrilling surf class and beachfront yoga with Arabic design and contemporary facilities. This healthy getaway is a mecca for all surf-enthusiasts, regardless if they are beginners or professionals. Grab your surfboard and catch the waves within minutes of waking up, whether during a guided group or solo session with the surf school. Clear your head and unwind as the calming waves bring you inner peace and leave you feeling totally restored.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Paradis Plage from £820pp or £1,240 for single occupancy. Price includes daily breakfast, a surfing programme, return flights and transfers.

Fitness, Juice and Yoga in Thailand: Phuket Cleanse

With an array of fitness and sports activities, such as interval training and different variations of yoga, Phuket Cleanse is ideal for any type of fitness aficionado. After nourishing your soul at yoga, nourish your stomach with Phuket Cleanses wholesome, scrumptious creations that will leave you feeling satisfied and refuelled. Combine your cleansing break with detox juices and inspiring educational cooking classes that will provide long-term benefits. Return home energised, healthier and fitter with an increased awareness of how to continue a more balanced lifestyle.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Phuket Cleanse from £2,240pp or £2,415 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a wellness programme, return flights and transfers.

Trail Running around Lake Garda: Lefay Fusion Fitness

On the West shore of stunning Lake Garda, explore the region during a 2.5km running trail around the idyllic landscape featuring lemon trees, olive groves and a motionless silver-blue lake. Experience ultimate wellness luxury, whilst secluded in the mountains of Riviera dei Limoni. During your active break, choose from a variety of fitness activities, from innovative cardio sessions and body-sculpting circuits to a spiritual Qui Gong lesson in the garden. Set the tone for your future fitness regime and reap the benefits of your healthy holiday.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers 7 nights with Lefay from £1,560pp or £2,210 for single occupancy. Price includes daily breakfast, a Fusion Fitness programme, return flights and transfers.

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Brainwaves show how exercising to music bends your mind

Headphones are a standard sight in gyms and we’ve long known research shows listening to tunes can be a game-changer for your run or workout.

Back in 2012, Brunel University London’s Costas Karageorghis likened music to a legal, performance-enhancing drug, cheating tiredness and sparking feel-good vibes.

But the precise brain mechanisms music triggers during exercise are less understood. That’s because monitoring technology is easily tricked by body movements, so scientists couldn’t know if the results would be the same outside the lab.

Now researchers have used portable electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring with interference shielding technology to measure three types of brainwaves during exercise. This lets them compare the brain’s electrical feedback while exercising outdoors to music, a podcast, or no soundtrack at all.

They found music rearranges the brain’s electrical frequency, causing a drop in focus but enhancing enjoyment 28% more than silence and 13% more than a podcast.

“The EEG technology facilitated measurement during an ecologically-valid outdoor task, so we could finally explore the brain mechanisms that underlie the effects of music during real-life exercise situations”, said Brunel psychophysiologist Marcelo Bigliassi.

Setting their own pace, 24 people walked 400m on an outdoor track to either a six-minute blast of Happy by Pharrell Williams, a TED Radio Hours talk about cities, or no sounds at all. Researchers used psychological scales to measure how good the walkers felt, what they focussed their attention on, how pepped or alert they felt and how tired they felt. Simultaneously they used EEG measurements and analysing software to plot their brainwaves across different band frequencies such as lower-alpha, upper-alpha, sensorimotor rhythm and beta.

Music distracted the walkers’ focus, but boosted their energy levels and enjoyment more than the TED podcast and not listening to anything. The podcast didn’t affect the walkers’ perceptual responses, such as how tired they felt, or their affective responses, such as how happy they felt. But it made them enjoy walking more than without a soundtrack. The study says the brain mechanisms behind these effects appear to be linked to a boost in beta frequencies in the frontal and frontal-central regions of the cortex.

“We showed that music has the potential to increase beta waves and elicit a more positive emotional state,” said Bigliassi. “This can be capitalised upon during other forms of exercise and render a given activity more pleasurable. People who struggle to engage in physical activity programmes should select appropriate pieces of music to exercise and see The Way It Makes You Feel.”

President Trump Could Use a Health Coach

By Darrell Rogers

President Trump’s physical last month was a national reminder that we all must work harder to live healthier. In his read out of the exam, White House physician Dr. Ronny Jackson said, “I think a reasonable goal over the next year or so would be to lose 10 to 15 pounds.  We talked about diet and exercise a lot.  He is more enthusiastic about the diet part than the exercise part, but we’re going to do both.”

Sound familiar?

Like the President, millions of Americans also struggle to adopt and maintain healthy habits.  We all have heard, and probably even repeated them ourselves, the myriad of excuses ranging from a lack of time, energy, and motivation. The truth is getting and staying healthy isn’t rocket science. Most of us know we need to exercise more, eat healthier foods, and manage our stress better. The challenge is adopting healthy habits and making them stick. The science is in, people are way more likely to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors when they work with a peer.

What if the President, and more Americans, had a Health Coach to help along the way?

Health Coaches are partners, or coaches that engrain healthy habits. They are trained in changing behaviors and holding people accountable to their goals. They are also frequently similar in culture, language, experiences, and/or values with their client, which can help develop trust and a unique bond that can bring about total life transformation and lasting change.

Developing that lasting change requires commitment and motivation, and most often, these healthy tendencies develop over time, with guidance and support from friends, family, colleagues, coaches, and anyone else who encourages you and holds you accountable.

Health Coaches are the future of preventative health care.  In fact, as one of the fastest-growing professions with over a billion dollars in revenues, there are now approximately 35,000 self-identified Health Coach practitioners nationally, and the Department of Labor projects a 21 percent increase for health and wellness professionals focused on preventative health – faster than all other occupations.

The health and wellness industry is an economic powerhouse. A recent report from the Global Wellness Institute forecasted that the market for health and wellness products will continue to boom in the future and named the United States as the dominant marketplace.

Health Coaches are a unique and powerful part of the health care system. Through helping Americans implement and maintain a diverse range of healthy behaviors, Health Coaches assist in transforming people’s lives and, in turn, dramatically lower health care costs.  The CDC notes that chronic diseases from poor lifestyle choices are at the heart of our nation’s health care crisis and comprise approximately 75% of our health care dollars.

Now is the time for Congress to continue the tax reform momentum by expanding the ability of Americans to use tax-free dollars to improve their health and wellness and utilize life-saving preventative health care.  Congress should act now to incentivize wellness, offer a host of preventive health care options for millions of Americans, and reduce chronic diseases that burden our nation’s health care system.  This would also create additional, well-paying job opportunities in the health and wellness industry for thousands of Americans.
The bottom-line: Health Coaches have the ability to reduce overall health care costs by playing a crucial role in improving health and happiness, which can help in all areas of our lives and futures.

With the right Health Coach, I have no doubt that President Trump could achieve the goals Dr. Jackson recommended.

Rogers is the Interim Director for the International Association for Health Coaches, which is celebratingHealth and Wellness Coach Week from February 12^th-18^th.

Azrieli Foundation and Brain Canada launch grant program to develop the next generation of talent in Canadian brain research

SOURCE Brain Canada Foundation

National Random Acts Of Kindness Contest Hosted By Real Estate Marketing Leader, Parkbench

Parkbench.com one of the fastest growing real estate marketing startups in North America with more than 1000+ realtors is running a national Random Acts Of Kindness Campaign February 12-February 17 in honor of National Random Acts Of Kindness Week.

Real estate professionals who are a part of the Parkbench.com community in the following cities will be participating in a week long celebration of Random Acts Of Kindness in their city. Cities include: Denver, Houston, Phoenix, Vancouver, Orange County, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Seattle, Tampa, Miami, Austin, Las Angeles, Nashville, Atlanta, Oklahoma City, San Antonio and San Diego.

"The entire company Parkbench is built on this motto - give value first, and have faith you will receive something in return. And why not give it randomly and see people's awesome reactions", states Grant Findlay-Shirras, CEO of Parkbench and creator of the  Local Leader® Marketing System.

Parkbench.com's mission is to make neighborhoods stronger, both socially and economically, and what better way to do this than for a team to give value to their neighborhood, and to create a contest for their clients to give value to their neighborhood.

"We believe everyone should shop local, play local, and work local. All we do at Parkbench is try to help local businesses have more success in their neighborhood, and give value to the people who live and work in the community. What better way to reinforce this message than to participate in the Random Acts of Kindness Campaign" states Amanda Newman-Shirras, President of Parkbench. 

To follow Parkbench's Random Acts Of Kindness Campaign follow them on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/parkbenchfamily/

Realtors That Are Partaking In This Include:

John Donahue Realtor in Rancho Orange County, California

Kari Adams  Realtor in Princetown, New Jersey

Diana Moss Realtor in Houston, Texas

Kerry Boccella Realtor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Katie Roberts Realtor in Denver, Colorado

Health & Wellness Coach Week, Feb. 12-18

One of the Nation’s Fastest-Growing Professions to Advocate for Increased Tax Savings to Support Preventative Health and Wellness Care

In First-Ever Lobby Day, “Health & Wellness Coach Week” to Highlight Important Contributions Profession Makes to Our Country’s Health and Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Trump’s recent physical exam focused the national spotlight on the need for healthy eating and exercise.

On Tuesday, February 13^th, Health and Wellness Coaches, one of the fastest growing professions in the country, will storm Capitol Hill for the industry’s first-ever lobby day to advocate for this often overlooked, but unique and powerful preventative health care industry. As President Trump’s looks to work on losing 10 to 15 pounds and begin an exercise routine at the advice of the White House physician, like all Americans, he could benefit greatly from the help of a Health Coach.

Building on the recently enacted tax reform package, Health and Wellness coaches will be calling on Members of Congress to allow consumers increased flexibility in using tax-free Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to access critical, life-saving preventative health care services proven to help Americans live longer and healthier lives.

This year’s lobby-day efforts are in conjunction with Health and Wellness Coach Week, running from Monday, February 12^th to Sunday, February 18^th. Events will include a congressional briefing and the industry’s first-ever national lobbying day aimed at educating Members of Congress, staff and other policymakers of the benefits of the health and wellness coach industry.

“Now is the time for Congress to continue the tax reform momentum by expanding Americans’ ability to use pre-tax dollars to access transformative wellness and preventative care services offered by Health Coaches,” said Darrell Rogers, Dir. of Advocacy for the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. “As a $1.1 billion a year industry, health and wellness coaches help individual Americans stay healthy while boosting the strength of our nation’s overall economy.  American’s should be able to have more flexibility in using their Health Savings Accounts to work with Health Coaches, who can help them develop a healthy lifestyle, engrain positive habits, and drastically reduce overall health care costs.”

In addition to keeping Americans healthy, the health and wellness coach industry is one of the country’s fastest growing professions with the Department of Labor projecting a 21 percent increase in jobs in preventive care over the next few years.

Health and Wellness Coach week is a celebration sponsored by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13^th  

WHAT:

Congressional Briefing on the Important Contributions of the
Health and Wellness Coach Industry

WHO:            

Health Coaches

Darrell Rogers, Dir. of Advocacy, Institute for Integrative Nutrition

WHEN:         

12:00PM ET – 1:00PM ET

WHERE:
Rayburn House Office Building 2168

Washington, DC

**Following the briefing, health and wellness coaches will be visiting the offices of their respective Members of Congress**

** For more information and to RSVP for any events, please contact Kristofer Eisenla, LUNA+EISENLA media, at kristofer@lunaeisenlamedia.com **

Key Facts about Health and Wellness Coaches

• Congress can support access to real preventative care. By supporting legislation that allows consumers flexibility to use their Health Savings Account (HSAs) to directly access Health Coaches, Congress can incentivize wellness.
• Health coaches help reduce our nation’s overall health care costs.  The CDC notes that chronic diseases from poor lifestyle choices are at the heart of our nation’s health care crisis and comprise approximately 75% of our health care dollars.  Through helping Americans implement a diverse range of healthy behaviors, Health Coaches make transformative impacts on people’s lives that dramatically lower health care costs.
• The American Medical Association recently endorsed health coaching. The AMA encourages all their physician members to have health coaches on staff.
• The Health and Wellness Coach profession is one of nation’s fastest growing profession. The Department of Labor projects a 21% increase in American jobs for health and wellness professionals focused on preventive health.  Adding to the over 35,000 practitioners employed today, the health coach profession is forecasted to continue an upward trajectory of job creation while simultaneously making our country healthier.

Fierce Fitness: 4 Steps to a Stronger Core & a Better You

The core is one of the largest muscle groups. It helps in supporting your posture, protects some of your abdominal vital organs, and allows you to perform essential lower and upper body movements. A strong and lean core is often an indicator of good muscle health, as the abdomen would usually accumulate fat when the core is weak.

The core muscles consist of the abdominal muscles, obliques, lower back muscles and gluteus. To build strong core muscles, one must learn how to work each part of this group. If you are ready to have a fierce and fit core, here are a few tips to follow.

Single Leg Plank Walk

This exercise works out all of the core muscles when done right. Start by doing a high plank position, completely straight and avoiding to lift your butt. Raise one leg and start walking your hands forward. The extra effort needed to keep your core in the right position with only one leg as a support from the back will strengthen your abdominals. If you have space constraints, you can try a yoga pose by doing a low plank and hold the position for as long as you can.

ISO Chin up with Leg Raise

This next workout is a killer, but it will also make your core and your arms as hard as a rock. By using an isometric bar or ring, lift yourself up while keeping your chin up. Quickly raise your legs to a 90-degree angle and hold it for as long as you can. This will burn the fats surrounding your core muscles, not to mention it will also give your arms a little bit of body weight workout.

Suspension Strap Fallout

The strap fallout move is meant to protect your shoulders yet keep your core engaged. Start by holding on to a suspension strap, but keeping your shoulders down. Extend your arms and start to lean over while keeping your feet in place. Your body will look like a slanted line leaning forward, and this position can work out your core, arms, and upper thighs. Make sure that the straps are secure, too!

Single Arm and Leg Body Saw

Another core killer that’s one for the books is the single arm and leg body saw position. You can start by doing a low plank position. Lift one arm and the opposite leg, slide forward and backward as if you are sawing the ground, at 4-8 counts per side. This position gives double work for the core minus one arm and leg.

A stronger core means a better body, and a better you. Start by doing at least one of these movements, and you are sure to feel the difference by ramping up your core routine.

Eating Healthy: 5 Foods to Incorporate into Your Diet

Whether you’re trying to lose weight or slash your risk for chronic disease, careful attention to nutrition will help you reach your goals. Adding the following five foods to a popular family favorite or in a new recipe will help boost nutrition and taste. No matter which food you decide to try first, you’re sure to make a great choice.

Beans

Beans are a nutritional superstar. A single serving of beans can boast as much as seventeen grams of fiber, protein, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Beans are also frequently featured in some of the best budget-friendly recipes.

Broccoli

While broccoli may seem comparatively lackluster next to colorful, beautiful beans, it is a real performer when it comes to disease prevention and management. The risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other life-threatening diseases is twenty-six percent less among those who eat four servings of this green powerhouse. Sulforaphane, the phytochemical responsible for much of this disease-fighting activity, is released most when broccoli is lightly steamed in an old-fashioned stovetop steamer or in the microwave.

Apples

In terms of preparation ease, nothing beats a simple apple. This fruit was among the first quick and easy snack on-the-go options and it remains a perennial favorite due to its snappy crunch and satisfying sweet taste. An apple a day really can help keep the doctor away; studies have linked this delicious treat with reduced risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Whole Grain Bread

Adding some whole grain bread to your diet can help keep you from feeling as if you’re subsisting on “rabbit food,” as you add more fresh produce to your day. Bread made with whole wheat, flax seed, and multigrain flours can provide a hearty and savory chew. Look for all-natural, organic bread from a reputable supplier such as the Klosterman Baking Company.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is an excellent antidote for dessert cravings. This flavonoid antioxidant-rich marvel can prevent blood clots and keep arteries clear. Simply choose chocolate with at least seventy percent cocoa content and watch your portion sizes.

Food should bring pleasure to your life, not end it prematurely. So, enjoy a slice of flax seed bread spread thickly with a zesty bean dip or a piece of gourmet dark chocolate. Such foods are important means of gaining more energy, vitality, and possibly yea