WHAT SEA BUCKTHORN SUPPLEMENTS ARE BEST FOR YOU?

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.

For advice, guidance and booking visit www.healthandfitnesstravel.com or call 0203 397 8891

4 Behaviors that Won’t Help You Stay Healthy While Losing Weight

Losing weight is a frustrating process for many people, and even those who are able to reach their goals might not be as healthy as they think. Some weight loss strategies can result in nutritional deficiencies, damaged organs, lethargy, and many other secondary issues. Here are four behaviors that you should avoid at all costs if you want to lose weight the healthy way.

Dehydrating Yourself

As soon as you cut carbohydrates and sodium out of your diet, your body will immediately expel excess water. That is one of the reasons why some people lose pound after pound as soon as they start a new diet. Losing that weight might feel good, but you need to stay well-hydrated throughout this journey. Severe dehydration is one of the most common side effects of rapid weight loss.

Sticking to the Same Foods

A high-quality multivitamin can help you address minor nutritional deficiencies, but the vast majority of your vitamins and minerals should come from your diet. One of the most common mistakes that people make while trying to lose weight is sticking to the same few snacks and meals. You should try to get your nutrients from as many different sources as possible including whole grains, nuts, beans, seafood, red meats, and fresh produce.

Overtraining

Exercising is extremely important, but most of your progress needs to come from your dietary changes. Even if you feel comfortable pushing yourself to the limit every single day, your muscles need ample time to rest and recover between workouts. Slightly cutting back on your daily caloric intake is more effective than spending hours in the gym or out on the track. Eating unhealthy foods is also going to reduce your energy levels and make it more difficult to give it your all during your training sessions.

Fasting for Long Periods of Time

Your weight loss journey should be a gradual process, and taking shortcuts such as fasting for long periods of time can be tough on your body. Eating the right foods is almost always a better option than starving yourself entirely. Sticking to a varied diet will help you achieve your weight loss goals and overcome any eating disorders or unhealthy habits you are struggling with. Some companies, such as Center for Change, know that eating disorders are a serious health concern.  They should be dealt with in a serious manner.

Before starting any diet or exercise program, you must first speak with a doctor to explore all of your options. You could be suffering from any number of physical or mental health issues that need to be addressed before you start focusing on your weight.

How to Combine Yoga and Weight Lifting for a Unique Workout Regimen

There are many different reasons why athletes and health enthusiasts from around the world have added yoga to their workout routines. In addition to improving your strength and flexibility, yoga can also have a positive impact on your mental and emotional health. These few tips will help you incorporate yoga into your workout regimen so that you can enjoy the countless benefits of this ancient practice.

Set Realistic Goals

Those who want to get the most out of their training regimen need to set goals that are both challenging and realistic. Before adopting any type of training into your exercise program, you should spend some time thinking about what you would like to accomplish in the coming weeks and months. Your goals might include improved flexibility for your favorite sport or better core strength so that you can beat your personal weight training records. Writing your goals down will improve your chances of success and give you motivation when you need it the most.

Create a Long-Term Routine

Choosing which workout you are going to do just before you start training isn’t a very efficient system. After creating a long-term routine, it won’t be as easy to skip a workout when you are feeling tired or unmotivated. An effective workout regimen will stagger various exercise in order to give your muscles enough time to recover. Most experts agree that you also need to schedule one full day of rest every seven to 10 days. On your day of rest, you should nothing more than light stretching or a relaxing walk.

Get Help from the Pros

Even though yoga is considered to be low-impact, you still need to learn specific poses and combinations of movements. Taking a yoga class at a local gym or fitness center is a great way to learn the basics of yoga in a safe and comfortable environment. As you master the basics, your teacher will be able to show you advanced movements to solidify your core, strengthen your stabilizer muscles, and improve your flexibility.

Don’t Ignore Your Nutrition

Your caloric needs will continue to change as you try out new exercises and get closer to your fitness goals. If you don’t have the option of hiring a licensed dietitian, then you might want to speak with a trainer about your dietary needs. Sticking to the right combination of fats, protein, and carbohydrates will boost your energy levels and give you enough strength to make it through all of your workouts.

Changing up your exercise routine can be challenging, but the only way to get results is to constantly push your limits. In addition to yoga and weight training, you might also want to consider adding a few cardiovascular workouts such as hiking, swimming, or riding a bicycle.

Health & Fitness: Top Benefits of Wearing Compression Clothing

Compression clothing has gained widespread attention in recent years for their many health benefits. These clothes are often worn by athletes and people with certain medical conditions who find them useful. Here are some of the main benefits of wearing compression clothing.

Improved Circulation

Compression clothing, like that from Capsule Corp Clothing, improves blood circulation by applying constant pressure to certain muscle groups. The increase in circulation can enhance athletic performance by supplying the muscles with more blood and removing toxins. Better blood flow can also help with recovery following a workout. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other dangerous blood clots can further be prevented when blood flow is increased. Such clothing can be especially useful in increasing blood circulation.

Reduced Inflammation and Swelling

The pressure that compression clothing applies to muscles can prevent swelling and inflammation while playing sports. The squeezing action can prevent fluid buildups around muscles and joints. Any excessive fluid can be reabsorbed by the body better when compression clothes are worn. Men’s Journal states that compression socks and tops are particularly good at reducing swelling and inflammation caused by activities like weightlifting and long-distance running. Compression clothes are also sometimes used to reduce inflammation and swelling caused by medical conditions like lymphedema or following surgery.

Muscle Warmth

Keeping the muscles warm is important during workouts, and compression gear can help with this. According to Physioroom.com, this type of clothing provides an extra layer of warmth that can keep athletes’ muscles from getting cold during early-morning workouts. Keeping the muscles warm is one of the best ways to prevent soreness and cramping. Warmer muscles also have less chances of becoming injured. The additional warmth provided to certain muscle groups may even increase endurance. Compression garments can provide maximum comfort while warming up and doing practice drills.

Improved Athletic Technique

Compression gear can even improve the way an athlete engages in sports and help with athletic performance. Pacing is known to improve in some sprinters who wear compression clothing. An athlete may notice an improvement in gait while wearing compression leggings. This type of clothing can also reinforce good posture. Compression clothing is known to reduce muscle fatigue, which may further enhance proper athletic technique.

Many people have experienced numerous advantages with compression clothing. Whether this type of clothing is worn for athletic or medical purposes, compression gear can address many issues that affect the body. If you’re worried about how compression clothing can fit in with your style, know that there are tons of styles out there for you to choose from. If you’re into anime, for example, there are Dragon Ball Z compression clothes that you could where if you wanted to. Whatever your style is, there’s definitely something out there for you.

3 Fun Activities That Help You Build Muscle and Get Fit

Most people think that getting into shape means putting in hours of hard, tedious work in the gym. Though this approach certainly produces results, it’s also difficult to stick to. If you aren’t enjoying your fitness routine, the odds of you being able to remain consistent with it through sheer willpower are fairly low. A better approach is to make your workouts enjoyable so that you’ll actually want to do them. Here are three fun activities you can incorporate into your workout schedule that will help you build up extra muscle and get into better shape.

Rock Climbing

When it comes to fun activities that will put your body through a rigorous workout, it’s tough to beat rock climbing. Unlike exercises such as running and weightlifting, there’s nothing monotonous about rock climbing. Every move you make from one hold to the next will require through and concentration, preventing the exercise from getting boring.

At the same time though, the act of scaling up a wall will put your body through one of the best workouts you’ve ever experienced. Even better, synthetic rock walls are starting to become very popular at gyms throughout the country, making it fairly easy to find a place to go climbing. If you’ve never been climbing before, you may need to work with an instructor your first time to be sure you get the most out of it.

Go Swimming

Swimming may hardly seem like exercise, but it does a remarkably good job of working your whole body while at the same time being intense enough to burn calories very effectively. Best of all, despite its intensity, swimming is very easy on the joints, making it a good option for people who are getting older or who suffer from previous exercise-related injuries.

Finding a swimming pool can be a bit tricky depending on where you live, but most cities of any size have several public pools that are open during the warmer months. Some gyms also have them, though these are somewhat scarce outside of large cities. If you want to be able to go swimming whenever the urge strikes you, you can consider investing in a home pool or swim spa from a place like pool portsmouth nh. Though a pool or spa can cost a good bit of money, it’s an investment that will pay off both in terms of your health and of the value of your home.

Play Basketball or Volleyball

Playing a sport is easily one of the best ways to make physical activity fun and enjoyable. Some sports, like football, require far too much equipment to be easy to play on the go. Basketball and volleyball, on the other hand, can be played anywhere where you can find a public court. All you’ll need is a ball and a few friends, and you’ve got a fun game that will help to condition your entire body.

If neither of these sports is your cup of tea, try to find one that you do like and that can be played without too much equipment. The more often you can get out to play whatever sport you enjoy, the more good you’ll be doing for your body.

These are just a few of the fun activities you can do that will help you build muscle and tone your body up. If you decide to choose one of these activities as part of your exercise regiment, remember to do it consistently. Just as with the more standard approach of going to the gym to work out, consistency is important in activity-based exercise. If you don’t perform your exercise regularly, your body won’t exhibit much change.

Harris Williams & Co. Advises Sky Zone, LLC on its Sale to CircusTrix

Richmond, Virginia, February 1, 2018 – Harris Williams & Co., a preeminent middle market investment bank focused on the advisory needs of clients worldwide for more than 25 years, announces the sale of Sky Zone, LLC and Sky Zone Franchise Group, LLC (together, Sky Zone) to CircusTrix Holdings, LLC (CircusTrix). Sky Zone is the originator of the trampoline park movement with 195 franchise locations in 11 international markets. The transaction was led by Ryan Budlong, John Neuner and Zach England of Harris Williams & Co.’s Consumer Group.

“We are extremely happy to have represented Sky Zone on its sale to CircusTrix,” said Ryan Budlong, a managing director at Harris Williams & Co. “Sky Zone pioneered the trampoline park industry and supports a growing number of successful franchise partners who are focused on providing a fun and safe fitness experience for people of all ages. Under the visionary direction of Jeff Platt (CEO), Sky Zone has realized tremendous growth both domestically and internationally and we look forward to its future success in partnership with CircusTrix."

"The Sky Zone transaction marks our third health, wellness and fitness transaction completed in the last quarter," added Zach England, a vice president at Harris Williams & Co. "Consumer trends toward healthier, more active lifestyles continue to fuel growth across multiple segments and we expect this growth to continue for some time."

Sky Zone, which was founded in 2004, opened its first park in Las Vegas and has since grown to 195 franchised and corporate-owned parks in the U.S. and abroad. It focuses on active play experiences for people of all ages.

Provo, Utah-based CircusTrix was founded by Case Lawrence in 2011. Its parks specialize in active recreation attractions including trampoline fields and ninja courses. With this acquisition, CircusTrix has almost 300 parks worldwide under its umbrella.

Harris Williams & Co. (www.harriswilliams.com), a subsidiary of the PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:PNC), is a preeminent middle market investment bank focused on the advisory needs of clients worldwide.  The firm has deep industry knowledge, global transaction expertise and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Harris Williams & Co. provides sell-side and acquisition advisory, restructuring advisory, board advisory, private placements and capital markets advisory services.

Harris Williams & Co.’s Consumer Group has completed more than 50 transactions in recent years across a variety of verticals, including branded consumer products; consumer services; food, beverage and agribusiness; and restaurant and retail.  For more information on Harris Williams & Co.’s Consumer Group and other recent transactions, visit the Consumer Group’s section of the Harris Williams & Co. website.

Investment banking services are provided by Harris Williams LLC, a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC, and Harris Williams & Co. Ltd, which is a private limited company incorporated under English law with its registered office at 5th Floor, 6 St. Andrew Street, London EC4A 3AE, UK, registered with the Registrar of Companies for England and Wales (registration number 07078852). Harris Williams & Co. Ltd is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Harris Williams & Co. is a trade name under which Harris Williams LLC and Harris Williams & Co. Ltd conduct business.

Denver, Colo. (January 31, 2018) – A group of seasoned wellness industry executives have joined forces to create the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA). Registered in the State of Colorado as a not-for-profit, privately-held organization, the WTA has been established and designed to serve this booming travel sector.

“Our mission is clear and concise,” says Co-Founder and Chairman Andrew Gibson, VP Wellbeing, Accor Hotels, “We plan to support and further the growth and development of the wellness tourism industry through networking, education, communication and marketing.”

The new association will be a network of and for qualifying members of the wellness tourism industry. Its objectives will help to define the industry, as well as educate consumers to recognize legitimate and credible wellness suppliers and operators.

Co-Founding member Tom Klein, President & COO of Canyon Ranch stated, “The WTA will fill a gap in this global industry by providing a credible and unified voice.” Klein added, “As with all associations, the goals and objectives will be determined by the members.”

According to the Global Wellness Institute’s 2017 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, the Wellness Tourism segment is a $563 billion industry -- growing faster than the tourism industry itself.  “It makes perfect sense to have our own association,” says Co-Founder and President, Anne Dimon, Founder/CEO of TravelToWellness.com “Especially since there is some confusion with consumers and travel agents as to what constitutes legitimate ‘wellness travel.”

Nilendu Srivastava, Managing Director of The Art of Living Retreat Center, a year-round wellness retreat facility in Boone, North Carolina is another Founding Member.

The association’s first tourism office member - the Monaco Government Tourist Office - will be represented by Cindy Hoddeson, Monaco’s Director, North America. The wellness history of this city-state dates back to 1860 and the Etablissement des Bains, Monaco’s first baths where people traveled to benefit from the curative powers of the Mediterranean.

Madeleine Marentette, owner of Grail Springs -- recent recipient of Canada's Best Wellness Retreat 2017 -- will also sit on the first Board of Directors - - as will Jim Forberg, Founding Partner and COO of Unicomm LLC, producers of the long-running Travel & Adventure Show and introducing a wellness element to their shows in 2018.

Wellness Tourism is not a new industry, as people have traveled both nationally and internationally with health or wellness the primary focus since the time of the Roman Baths. Today, the commitment to ‘health as your wealth’ transcends borders, cultures and ages, with many new companies flocking to the sector.

Membership will be open to qualifying destination marketing organizations, hotels and resorts, destination spas, tour operators, travel advisors, wellness educators and others with an interest in supporting the industry and helping shape its future and sustainability. Dimon adds that, “while ‘wellness’ is often thought to be a luxury category of travel, we also want to ensure we represent a diverse range of members across consumer segment."

For more information, please visit http://www.wellnesstourismassociation.org and for interview opportunities and additional details, email the WTA at admin@wellnesstourismassociation.org

Perhaps the struggle on the path the fitness is intimidation. Namely, the intimidation we feel when we’re at the gym. It’s easy to feel inferior or even stupid when you’re surrounded by people who are already in great shape. “How do I use this machine?” “I’ll never be able to lift that much!” “I’ll never look like that.” These are just a couple of thoughts that plague those who are trying to get started on their fitness journey.

The graphic answers some great questions that everyone deals with. This, I think, might actually be the key. You are not alone. Many people go through the same internal struggles. Give the graphic a read, I’m sure it will address the challenges you’re facing and hopefully motivate you to get fit!