International Day of Yoga- Know Everything About Yoga Day 2017 and 2018

Brief report on International day of yoga

- On December 11, 2014, the 193 members of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) approved the proposal of yoga day by consensus.
- Total 177 countries co-sponsored the resolution to establish 21st June as International Day of Yoga (IDY).
- The international day of yoga is also known as Yoga Day, World Yoga Day, International Yoga Day, UN International Yoga Day.
- In many parts of the world, it falls on summer solstice i.e. 21st June, which has its own significance.
- Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Govt. of      India will organize yoga day every year.
- The very essence of the Logo of IDY mans harmony and peace for humanity.

Yoga day 2015

- Taipei Gym, The Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India successfully organized the 1st International Day of Yoga (IDY) on 21st June, 2015 at Rajpath, New Delhi.
- Two Guinness World Records were made viz. the Largest Yoga Lesson involving 35, 985 participants and maximum number of Nationalities (84) participated in a single Yoga lesson.
- First IDY was celebrated in all the UNGA member countries (193) except war torn-Yemen.
- Yoga booklets i.e. Common Yoga Protocol (Hindi and English) and Yoga films i.e. DVDs (Hindi and English) were prepared so that same yogic practices are get performed across the world.
- These booklets and DVDs are prepared by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, a premier yoga institute of India at New Delhi, after the consultation of eminent yoga experts of leading yoga institutions of India.
- Two days International Conference on Yoga for Holistic Health was organised on 21st and 22nd June, 2015 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi wherein about 1300 delegates from India and abroad were participated.


Yoga day 2016

- Taipei Gym, The Ministry of AYUSH, government of India successfully organised 2nd International Day of Yoga on 21st June, 2016 at the Capitol Complex, Chandigarh.
- More than over 30,000 people participated in the event.
- For the first time in the history of International Day of Yoga; total 150 Divyangs (physically handicapped) performed Yoga during the 2nd International Day of Yoga celebrations.
- As many as 192 United Nation Member States has participated in the grand event.
- Two days International Conference on Yoga for Body and Beyond was organized on 21st and 22nd June, 2016 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi wherein more than 1000 Yoga experts, dignitaries and delegates from India and abroad participated.


Yoga day 2017

Taipei Gym, The Ministry of AYUSH in association with leading Yoga Institutions, Centre and State Governments, State Departments successfully organised 3rd International Day of Yoga on 21st June, 2017.
The main event this time was celebrated at Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan, Lucknow.
More than 51000 Yoga aspirants participated the Lucknow event.
The Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India organized the Third International Conference with the theme Yoga for Wellness at Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi from 10-11 October, 2017.
More than 500 eminent dignitaries, Experts of Yoga and Allied Sciences, Yoga enthusiasts and including 80 foreign delegates participated from India and across the globe.
The International Conference on ‘Yoga for wellness’ has multiple technical sessions with sub-themes namely, Yoga for Wellness: Recent Trends; Yoga and Non-communicable Diseases: A Research Overview; Yoga and Integrated Medicine; Yoga for Cancer control; Yoga for Depression; Yoga for Women: Case Studies on Gynaecological Disorders and Yoga for Pain Management.


Yoga day 2018

- The Ministry of AYUSH is planning to conduct International Day of Yoga, 2018 in a bigger way.
Hopefully, it will be organized in any state capitals of India.

References: Taipei Gym, Taipei Fitness, Core Space

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Kareena Kapoor Fitness Workout, Diet Plan and Yoga Exercises

Taipei Gym, Kareena Kapoor is a sizzling beauty and hot sensation of Bollywood. She has surprised million of her fans because of stunning outlook and size-zero figure. Her strong determination, disciplined life and dedications towards her workouts make her one of the hottest heroines in the Bollywood industry. Right from her first movie Refugee to till date, she has been the cynosure of directors, producers and actors. Every time, Bebo has surprised everyone either with her movies, item songs, size-zero figure or marriage with Chote Nabab-Saif Ali Khan.

Kareena size- zero figure

The heart throb actress toils a lot to get size-zero figure. She followed strict diet regime and well planned fitness mantra under the supervision of Rujuta Diwekar, a renowned nutritionist and dietician. She has to skip butter, cheese, paranthas, pasta instea gave priority to foods like soups, salads, yogurt, vitamins, and minerals. Kareena’s size zero figure credit also went to her dietician Rujuta Diwekar.

What is size zero?

The question of size zero meaning raises too many curious questions. If somebody has certain body measurement as given below, it means the concerned person has zero size. For size zero figure, following criteria is needed.

Bust size: 31.5 inches
Waist: 23 inches
Hip: 32 inches
The above criteria is totally equitable with Kareena Kapoor  because of her strict workout schedule, diet plans and Yoga exercises

Kareena Kapoor fitness secrets

The fitness mantra of size zero gained momentum after the release of her movie Tashan where she stunned everyone with her slim and sexy look. This slim avatar was due to her disciplined workout and strict diet plan. Her dazzling beauty with size zero figure inspire many to lose weight. The fitness freak Bebo has managed to keep her fit and slim with diet and exercises and looks ravishing in every outfit.  In the Bollywood fraternity, the dusky beauty is known for sexy and gorgeous looks, sizzling figure, sexy curvaceous figure, and above all stunning beauty. All these are credited to her disciplined workout and strict diet plan.

Kareena Kapoor diet secrets and diet plans  

To maintain her body slim and sexy, balance diet also plays an important role besides exercises. She starts her day with fruit juice or milk, likes to keep her diet strictly vegetarian, simple but healthy. She believes that to be fit and healthy, one has to be positive attitude towards life. Balanced diet, soul cleanliness, simple yet vegetarian diet as per climatic condition is good to make you calm, relaxed, and healthy.

Her diet plan and diet routine includes:

 Breakfast: muesli, cheese,  bread slices or paranthas with milk, soya milk
Lunch: chapattis, dal, adequate green salads and soup.
Snacks: Protein shake and fruits
Dinner: Chapattis, dal or vegetable soup
Water: Take 6-8 boil glass of water everyday
She prefers to take meals after every three hours to make her active and energetic throughout the day. Nuts and soya milk is also the parts of her meals. She also likes to take sugar and ghee but in moderate quantity.  She keeps away from rice but can’t resist of cheese.

Kareena Kapoor workout regime

Kareena’s fitness formula is a mix of cardio, yoga exercises and dance. She likes to devote one to two hours daily for her fitness workout. She is one of the keen followers of yoga and believes that yoga is effective in synergizing your body, health and mind.  She loves to practice power yoga and hot yoga to maintain her sizzling look.

Kareena Kapoor fitness tips

Because of her fitness freak, she is the most envied actress in Hindi cinema.
Her fitness mantra revolves around strict diet program, cardio workouts and a blend of power yoga, hot yoga and asthang yoga.
Cycling and weight is also in her regime.
More thrust upon fresh and green vegetables such as spinach, fenugreek, broccoli, etc.
She doesn’t eat meat.
She keeps eating every two hours.
Kareena Kapoor’s Yoga exercises

The sexy actress practices yoga sincerely and enthusiastically. According to her, yoga is good for health, body and mind. Apart from cardio exercises, she performs yoga for two hours I spite of busy schedule. The credit to make her body toned and flexible went to Payal Gidwani Tiwari, a renowned celebrity yoga trainer. According to Bebo “Payal has helped me to challenge my genes and transform my body. To some extent, her yoga module is hot yoga that leads to weight loss and also maintain her body slim, flexible and sexy.  The gorgeous lady performs following yoga to make her active, flexible, and energetic.

Warm up
Power yoga
Surya Namaskar
Ashtanga yoga
Naukasana (Boat pose) for abs
Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)for to ease back strain
Parvatasna: to strengthening arms
Virabhadra asana for legs
Combines Pilates & Yoga
Kapalbhati (Breathing exercise)
  Prayer in the morning, a must for her
Kareena’s height & weight

Bebo was born on 21st September, 1980. She is known in the film fraternity because of her size zero figure, talent and given many blockbusters. Her physical statistics are as follow:

Height: 5’6”
Weight: 115 ponds
Measurement: 34-26-37
Kareena Kapoor’s simple beauty tips

To maintain her beauty, she follows three things: diet regimen, exercise and make up regimen.
Drink adequate quantity of water.
Take your diet as per your physical activity.
Use sun glasses while going out to the sun.
Balanced diet is real mantra of healthy living.
Take healthy snacks between your meals.
For her glowing face, she uses minimal make up.
Her hair secrets are to have regular head massage with oil combination of almond, coconut and olive oil

References: Taipei Gym, Taipei Fitness, Core Space

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NUTRITION IS 80 PERCENT OF YOUR RESULTS IN THE GYM

Taipei Gym, You may have heard before that 80 percent of your results in the gym are based around your nutrition.

But is that really accurate? And where does that statement come from anyhow?

Vince Gironda was the first person to advocate that “your (body building) success is 80 percent nutrition.”

If you don’t know Vince Gironda, you should get to know him.

Gironda was one of the first bodybuilders ever to create a “ripped physique.” In fact, in his early bodybuilding days, many judges actually placed him low stating he was “too ripped” (at the time, they weren’t used to seeing that level of shredded-ness on anyone). He was also one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s first coaches when Schwarzenegger first moved to America in the 60s.

Gironda’s secret for creating results?

He stuck to a strict combination of proper exercises, adherence to exercise form and utmost attention to a clean diet.

While 80 percent may or may not be the exact percentage that nutrition impacts your training, there is no denying it: you cannot separate nutrition and training — particularly for the 98-99 percent of people who are not genetically superheroes. And, more often than not, the cleaner and more consistently you can abide by a clean, quality diet, the more you are going to reap the benefits and results of all your hard work inside the gym.

Although some peoples’ main motives for working out are so they can “eat whatever they want,” for the vast majority who want to get leaner, stronger, fitter, toner, more ripped, or simply overall healthier, nutrition is hands down part of their equation.

So what does “good’” nutrition even look like if you want to see results?

Each body is different, and exact percentages, macronutrients and energy intake will be different, but if we are simply talking about the foundations of good nutrition (which is where you should start anyways), then the answers are pretty straightforward across the board (as the human body is innately wired to need and thrive off of certain foods).

For starters, the biggest key to good nutrition comes in the form of liquid fuel: water.

Since your body itself is composed of more than 60 percent water, it is no big secret that it requires water to function at its peak for your metabolism, digestion, recovery, performance and daily life demands.

Drink half your weight in ounces of water each day as a baseline for good hydration. Relying on thirst alone to be your gauge for water is not enough (particularly since thirst is one of the last signs to warn you that your body is in a state of dehydration). Properly hydrate throughout the day, and on the days that you train and/or exert more energy or sweat, hydrate more, accordingly.

With water intake established, here are a few more simple and basic keys to your success on the nutrition front:

1. Protein. Protein is essential for muscle synthesis and ample recovery. This includes options such as: pasture-raised organic chicken, wild-caught seafood, grass-fed beef, nitrate-free turkey and/or ham, nitrate-free sausage, pork, pasture-raised organic eggs, ground turkey, tuna (low-sodium). The reason organic, free-range and grass-fed options are best is due to the number of nitrates, hormones and chemicals added to much of our meat supply that we really have no idea what it is we are consuming. Not to mention, it just tastes better! Compare a 99-cent box of white eggs from the grocery to the $5.99 carton of pasture-raised organic eggs, and the color of the egg yolk alone will be enough to tell you their is a difference (pale, milky soft yellow compared to the rich, golden, sometimes even orange yellow yolk of the organic egg). Aim to eat protein with every main meal the size of 1-2 palms of your hand. Protein is also great in between meals as snacks.

2. Fat. Yep you heard right. Fat is essential — and is actually your body’s preferred source of energy. Consume these with every main meal as well as snacks if you so choose. Some great options include: avocado, nuts, seeds, raw nutbutter, extra virgin olive oil, coconut butter, coconut oil, grass-fed butter, ghee, tallow, lard, egg yolks, nitrate free bacon, black olives, avocado oil, walnut oil, pumpkin seed oil, macadamia oil, palm oil, unsweetened coconut and coconut milk.

3. Veggies with every main meal. Two words: Vitamins; Minerals. Veggies add color to your plate, aid in digestion (a la fiber) and provide your body with key nutrients, essential to your metabolic function and all around health. “Color” is something that many traditional “clean” body building diets fail to include (think: bland oatmeal and egg whites, chicken breast and broccoli, protein bars and/or shakes, and fish with maybe some more broccoli). How boring! Clean eating does not have to be bland or boring at all and veggies actually provide a ton of flavor to your palate! Think roasted brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic vinegar, green bean almondine, mashed cauliflower made with chicken stock and grass-fed butter, oven-roasted carrot fries, asparagus spears wrapped in nitrate free bacon, sautéed rainbow chard or kale in coconut oil, zucchini or spaghetti squash noodles topped with a hearty homemade meat sauce … the world is your oyster.

4. Some fruit. Fruit gets mixed reviews, depending on whom you ask. Some believe fruit is the key to good nutrition, and eat tons and tons of it on a daily basis (morning, noon and night), others say fruit is the devil and a culprit for unwanted body fat. So where does fruit fall into play? For most people 1-2 servings of fruit can be a perfectly healthy part of a foundational clean diet. Not only does fruit, like veggies, contain vitamins and minerals not found in many proteins and fats, but it also adds color to your plate! As for digestion, most people find they best digest fruits when eaten alone or as part of a small snack/meal—rather than with many complex proteins, other carbs or heavy fats. If eating with other foods, this could look like 1/2 large honey crisp apple with one to two chunks of full-fat raw grass-fed cheese slices, 1/2 banana with one to two tablespoons of almond butter, a heaping handful of fresh berries topped with some unsweetened coconut flakes, a small orange or slice of cantaloupe alongside some leftover salmon in the morning, a small peach or pear with a fistful of raw macadamia nuts, some pork tenderloin with a homemade blueberry glaze, roasted chicken cooked up in the crockpot with some diced apples and cinnamon, homemadecoconut milk ice cream or yogurt with fresh raspberries stirred in … you get the picture. Stick to your one to two servings for blood sugar balance and control.

5. Little starch. Generally speaking, most Americans eat diets rich in starches and grain-based carbohydrates. Cereal, pastries, bagels and oatmeal for breakfast; sandwiches, wraps, or frozen meals with pasta, rice or other grains for lunches; granola bars and snack crackers between meals; and more rice, pasta, rolls, etc. for dinner. Your body does not need this much glucose, and when in excess, the body prefers to store what it does not use in our cells for later (i.e. fat storage). That being said, carbs are not evil and you DO need carbs — particularly after exercise for muscle recovery. Just be mindful here. The majority of your carbs, for a heart-healthy normal diet should come from veggies and some fruits. And when consuming starches, reach for options, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, squashes, some properly prepared rice (soak the night before cooking) and grains (like quinoa or steel cut oats) can also have a place in your diet — just don’t go overboard.

6. No sugar. You don’t need it. And if you think you do … you may have some blood sugar dysfunction going on. Your body and brain should be able to get the energy and nutrients it needs to thrive (and not feel deprived) when you focus your nutrition efforts on eating protein, fats and veggies with every main meal, and reaching for protein and/or fats between meals as snacks. The quality carb sources you do incorporate as well (particularly post-workout, such as a sweet potato with some pulled chicken, or homemade applesauce pancakes, or butternut squash and bison hash, or 1/2 banana or coconut water with your protein shake) should give you the sugars you need for energy.

Nutrition is not rocket science. If you want to get results in the gym, accept that 80 percent of your results are determined by what you eat, and start taking responsibility.

Refereneces: Taipei Gym, Taipei Fitness, Core Space

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Dynamic Indoor Rower

Taipei Gym, The Dynamic Indoor Rower offers the closest simulation to rowing on the water and was developed to meet the specific training needs of the competitive rowing athlete. Unlike the Model D and E Indoor Rowers, the footrest on the Dynamic is free to move and there’s minimal movement of body mass throughout the stroke. The Dynamic demands similar concentration and body control to that needed when rowing in a boat, making it an excellent sport-specific training and coaching tool. Using the Dynamic Link accessory it’s easy to join together two or more Dynamics, so you can train as a team boat.

If you’re looking to move faster on the water, the Dynamic is what you’ve been waiting for.

Monitor Performance

Performance Monitor

The Performance Monitor is what sets Concept2 Indoor Rowers apart from other training devices, and every Dynamic Indoor Rower includes our most advanced monitor, the PM5. Sophisticated yet easy to use, the PM5 provides accurate, comparable data for every row. A backlight increases visibility, compatibility with USB flash drives makes storing your workout data a breeze, and you can wirelessly monitor your heart rate. The adjustable monitor arm on the Dynamic lets you position the monitor where you prefer.




Floating Footrest

Floating Footrest

The footrest is free to move back and forth on the monorail. A drive cord connects the foot carriage to the handle and transmits the combined leg and upper body force to the flywheel. The Dynamic encourages body control, early body preparation and good “connection” between the oar handle and footrest during the drive.

High Strength Drive Cord

High Strength Drive Cord

The drive system of the new Dynamic Indoor Rower uses a high-tech, high-strength synthetic cord. The cord’s light weight results in a system that is more responsive to the rower’s movements and quick to react, especially at high stroke rates.







Flywheel and Damper

Flywheel and Damper

The Dynamic responds to your effort on every stroke, so you are in full control of your exertion and resistance at all times. The spiral damper allows you to quickly adjust the airflow to the flywheel, so you can change the feel of the stroke to suit your preference, easily moving between feeling like you’re in an eight or a single or adjusting to a slower “heavier” drive movement.








Compact Footprint

Compact Footprint

The Dynamic must be stored fully assembled, but with a small 76 in (193 cm) footprint when compared to a Model D or E on Slides (132 in/335 cm), you’ll be able to get more Dynamics in your boathouse.

Wind Shield

Wind Shield

All Concept2 Dynamic Indoor Rowers ship with an optional Wind Shield. The clear plastic Wind Shield is located on the top of the flywheel and deflects air from the flywheel away from the rower’s body. Athletes who prefer the additional breeze can easily slip the Wind Shield off.



Durable Construction That’s Easy to Maintain

Our machines are well-known for their durability and construction. Tough and built to last, our machines withstand rigorous use in boathouses, training centers, living rooms, hotels, health clubs and military bases around the world. We make sure our machines are easy to care for so you can focus on using your investment, not maintaining it.

Included with your Purchase

We include the following items with your Dynamic PM5 purchase:
Dynamic Indoor Rower User Manual
Performance Monitor Quick Start Guide
Tools and illustrated assembly instructions

Option for Team Training

You can use the Dynamic Link (sold separately) to connect two or more Dynamics together for team training. Using the Link you can easily row with a partner, set up an entire 8+, or anything in between.

References: Taipei Gym, Taipei Fitness, Core Space

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Commonwealth Games gymnast spared jail for sex offences on schoolgirls

Taipei Gym, A former Commonwealth Games gymnast has been spared jail after he was convicted of sex offences against underage schoolgirls.

Ryan McKee, who represented Scotland in 2010, knew the girls were 14 when he kissed them and encouraged them to send him indecent images.

The 23-year-old was found guilty of three charges in August after a trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court in the summer.

Between 2010 and 2015, while McKee was a coach at a gymnastic club, he kissed the two schoolgirls.

He exchanged naked photographs with one of them and asked the other if she wanted to see indecent images of him. He also asked her to send pictures to him.

Handing down the sentence, sheriff Tony Kelly said: "I observed striking similarities between the accounts given by each of the complainers. In my view this was a course of conduct persisting over a significant period of time with a number of young girls. That alone is disturbing enough."

McKee was found guilty of "engaging in sexual behaviour" and communicating indecently with a girl between April and August 2015.

References: Taipei Gym, Taipei Fitness, Core Space

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Celebrity Trainers Offer 9 Steps For Getting Back to The Gym

Taipei Gym, Looking to get back into working out after a lengthy or perhaps a lifelong hiatus but feeling intimidated at the thought of squatting alongside hand-standing people at a CrossFit?

Remember, even the little things can help motivate you, like a cool pair of shoes, energizing playlist or cute leggings. And if you hate piloxing (that's Pilates and kickboxing for the newbies), don't go just because it's the cool workout. Pick something you enjoy or you'll end up dreading it.

Try these tips from three celebrity fitness trainers to get you back into your groove in no time.

LACEY STONE

Lacey Stone is a tough-as-nails trainer with a heart of gold. The Los Angeles-based Flywheel instructor was recently chosen as one of the trainer's for Khloe Kardashian's new show "Revenge Body." The name holds personal meaning for the 35-year-old who relocated from New York a few years ago after a tough breakup to get a fresh start. And she's part of a movement that teaches trainers to empower women in class instead of just focusing on body-conscious messages.

IT'S NOT ABOUT THE SCALE: It's about finding a way to be more consistent with your workouts. If you just workout a couple times and expect a better body, you're going to fail. A great goal for beginners is to schedule at least three workouts per week for a month. Every week sign up for a class in advance so you don't allow life to get in the way. Schedule your life around your workouts, not your workouts around your life.

CHECK IN WITH A TRAINER MONTHLY: If you've forgotten how to work out, hire a trainer for a few intro sessions to make sure you have proper form, then meet together once a month to set new goals.

GET ON A BIKE: I think the best workout to start out with is spin. Everyone has ridden a bicycle before, there's no intimidating choreography, and the room is dark so you will feel safe. The repetitive motion and the loud music is designed to get you out of your head and into your body.

BETHANY MEYERS

Celebs like Karlie Kloss and Sofia Vergara love her Pilates, cardio, strength-training fusion classes at NYC's popular SLT studios. The 30-year-old former dancer boasts whimsical dance moves and motivating ab sessions. She's a master of the Megaformer, a Pilates reformer on steroids, and is working on a new project to inspire body confidence in women through movement.

ONLY GOT 20 MINUTES? THAT'S COOL: Don't be afraid to start small. Any amount of movement is better than no movement at all. Twenty or 30 minutes is enough time to still get enough burn to make it count. Don't look at your phone, don't let anyone interrupt you and keep moving the entire time.

PLAN SOMETHING FUN ON YOUR REST DAY: Take a day off. Balance is so important so make it part of your workout planning. Allow yourself specific days on which you don't workout. Fill that time with something rewarding like your favorite book by the fire or brunch with friends or playtime with your kids. By creating "on" and "off" days it will help you stick to your routine.

DREADING YOUR WORKOUT? TAKE THIS TEST: Will the feeling you have after you work out outweigh the dread you have before you do it? Usually the workout will boost my mood and make me feel stronger and better than before. It helps me remember that it's worth it.

SULTAN MALIK

He served a 14-year prison sentence for armed robbery, crediting his workouts with getting him through several years in solitary confinement. Now, the 36-year-old is an in-demand New York trainer at a boot-camp style gym that hires only ex-cons. Malik is all about mind over matter. He'd never exercised before his life behind bars, but says the daily workouts taught him his mind could travel even further than the gains he was seeing in his body. Soon fellow prisoners were asking to train with him. #TaipeiGym #TaipeiFitness

PICK A STRENGTH TRAINING GOAL: Mix up your resistance by using weights, resistance bands, cables and kettle bells. Next, devise a plan based on your goals. Looking to increase muscular endurance? Choose a lower weight where you can do three sets of 15 to 20 repetitions. For muscular growth, choose a medium weight where you can do five sets of eight to 12 reps. And if you're looking to increase overall power, use a heavy weight that will allow one to six reps for one to three sets.

LEARN TO MASTER BODYWEIGHT MOVES: Just because you're not lifting weights, doesn't mean you're not building strength. For body weight exercises, try squat variations, lunges, pushups and pullups and triceps and other dips. You're looking to build muscle so start with a small number of reps that can be performed for four to five sets without compromising form.

FIND MOTIVATION IN GROUP CLASSES: Energy in group classes is contagious and while everyone has individual goals, the overall goal is to get though the workout not outperform anyone else. No one besides the trainer is paying attention to how well you are doing in class.

References: Taipei Gym, Taipei Fitness, Core Space

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5000 Metres World Champion Hellen Obiri Shares All Her Training, Health And Fitness Secrets

Taipei Gym, Hellen Obiri is a Kenyan middle-distance runner and the current 5000 metres champion after winning gold in the 2017 World Championships in London. She is also the silver medalist from the 2016 Summer Olympics over the same distance (5000 metres). She won 3000 metres distance at 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. Obiri holds the National Record for the 5000 metres event.

The 5000 Metres Champion Hellen Obiri shares all her secrets about training, diet and motivation to win the World Championships and Olympics in an exclusive interview with Namita Nayyar, President Women Fitness.

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

You created a huge blast when you won the 3000 metres distance at 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Istanbul, Turkey and soon became the silver medalist at the 2016 Summer Olympics in the 5000 m event. Walk us through your spectacular journey and tell us how it all began?
#Taipeigym #CoreSpace #TaipeiFitness

Ms. Hellen Obiri:

My athletics career began at high school in 2004 when I was 14 years old. I saw that I was faster than the other girls in my class. My big opportunity came in 2010 when I was given the opportunity to join the PACE Sports Management training camp in Kenya. From there I got the opportunity to train with the professionals and compete internationally. I won the Kenyan Championships in 2011 and competed at the World Championships in Korea that year. I have gold, silver and bronze medals from the World Championships (Indoors & Outdoors) and a silver from the 2016 Olympic Games.

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

What inspired you to take up this sport?

Ms. Hellen Obiri:

Kenya has a lot of top runners who are famous for winning races all over the world. We used to read about them in the newspaper and see them running on TV. When I was young I looked up to an athlete called Jackline Maranga and wanted to be like her.

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

Introduce us to a day in the life of an athlete, preparing for the Olympic Games.

Ms. Hellen Obiri:

I am a long distance runner so we have to be very disciplined and dedicated. I do my first training session at 6am then another in the afternoon. Between times I have to rest, get massage, eat well. I train 6 days per week and rest on Sundays. I try to go to bed around 9pm.

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine that you may like to share?

Ms. Hellen Obiri:

I run twice every day anything from 40 to 90 mins. 2-3 times per week I do hard session of intervals – this can be laps and laps on the track, running up and down hills, or timed runs on the trails. My favourite workout is 6 x 600m with 90 seconds recovery. I also do exercises in the gym twice per week.

Ms. Namita Nayyar:

Do you take some special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?

Ms. Hellen Obiri:

In Kenya we naturally eat a healthy diet – low fat and a lot of fresh food. Our stable food is called ugali. It is what most runners eat for dinner each night.

References: Taipei Gym, Taipei Fitness, Core Space

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Top 10 To Prevent Lactic Acid Build Up

Taipei Gym, Lactic Acid Formation-what is it? While performing an intense exercise workout, the circulatory system cannot keep up with your muscles’ demand for oxygen. To maintain a steady supply of energy, muscles shift from aerobic metabolism, which requires oxygen, to anaerobic metabolism, which does not. Muscles can break down carbohydrates anaerobically to provide energy, resulting in a compound called pyruvate. When oxygen is available, pyruvate can be further broken down aerobically to provide more energy. But in absence of sufficient oxygen, pyruvate is converted into lactic acid.

Lactic acid is rapidly broken down into a compound called lactate. Further when lactate production exceeds the clearance rate, it accumulates in the muscles and bloodstream causing increased acidity in the tissues, due to the buildup of hydrogen ions, that contribute to the sensation of fatigue.

In order to prevent lactic acid formation, check out the following tips,

1. Take A Hot Bath: Soak yourself for about 15-30 minutes in a hot bath after a workout session. Heat works to improve blood circulation, reduce stiffness and temporarily reduce the ache of overworked muscles. Even, you can try alternating cold and hot baths because the cooler temperature may help you relieve inflammation and work as a painkiller. Keep in mind that baths are a better home remedy for muscle soreness than showers as the heat can penetrate the muscles once you are submerged.

2. Deep Breathing:  The cause of the burning sensation that you feel within your muscles while your workout is twofold, partly caused by the buildup of lactic acid and lack of oxygen.  To deal with this condition pay greater attention to your way of breathing while you perform exercises. Be sure that you are breathing deeply both in and out. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. With that way, you will be able to deliver enough oxygen to your muscles and block the lactic acid buildup.

3. Slow Down When You Feel A Hit: Whenever you feel a hit of lactic acid burning whilst exercising, reduce the intensity of your workout right away. The burning sensation you feel in your intense workout may be the defense mechanism of the body to protect yourself from overexertion. In case you are performing these aerobic activities , including running, walking fast, biking or using a stair or elliptical stepper, slow down your speed. If you are lifting weights, you should lower the quantity of repetitions or reduce the size of the weights you are using.

4. Stay Hydrated: The best tip on how to reduce lactic acid is that you need to stay hydrated. You can keep the body hydrated in order to help you reduce the buildup of lactic acid.
In fact, lactic acid is water soluble, so drink enough water in order to reduce the effect of lactic acid on your overall health. By consuming plenty of water, you will not get a burn during your workout. Do not wait until you feel this.

5. Always Warm Up: Warming up before any exertion can help minimize the lactic acid. Before your workout, stretching will limber up the joints and muscles and this will help reduce the risks of injury. So, it is the good time for you to perform some low-intensity exercises so that your body can be ready for a workout. Some people like riding a bicycle or going for a walk for a few minutes. The important thing here is that you start out in a slow way and gradually work up to a higher exertion level. Basing on your coming physical activity, you can turn from a warming up routine into a faster run or heading into the weight room.

6. Stretch! Stretch & Stretch: When it comes to knowing how to reduce lactic acid, stretching before any workout is a great idea as it will help the body be ready for the lactic acid. Try to spend a few minutes on stretching out some of the leading muscle groups. Include both sitting and standing stretches.When you do stretching, it should stretch the calves, groin, ankles, quads, shoulders, back, neck and arms. It is best to do it in a way that you do not take a risk of damaging your muscles.

7. Always allow Your Body to Cool Down: Never leave the body hanging after doing exercise or weighting lift rather, let the body reduce the buildup of lactic acid and one of the effective ways to do it is to make it cool down. So, you should try to cool down the body in many forms in order to help reduce lactic acid faster.

8. Workout Frequently: As you know that the more physically shaped we are, the less glucose that our body would require to burn, and this may lead to less lactic acid buildup. So, try to work out several times a week with  1-2 rest days to allow your muscle to recover. Gradually, increase the intensity of your workout and also slowly add a few minutes to your workout routine. With that way, you will increase the level at which your body can begin to create lactic acid.

9. Increase Intake of Antioxidant – Rich Foods: Foods those are high in antioxidants; such as leafy green veggies, berries, and nuts, have been proven to stave off lactic acid. Consuming more of foods that contain antioxidants is an effective tip on how to reduce lactic acid buildup in legs and in muscles.

10. Massage Gently: Press on tender muscles and joints in order to work out tension. Massage can work in the same way that stretching can do to speed up the recovery process by increasing the mobility in your muscle fibers.

These are some tips to reduce & manage lactic acid buildup in muscles.

References: Taipei Gym, Taipei Fitness, Core Space

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'Hate Story 4' Actress Urvashi Rautela's Stunning Beauty And Fitness Secrets Revealed

Taipei Gym, If you don’t know who Urvashi Rautela is, you have surely been living under a rock! Anyway, Urvashi Rautela is a model-turned-actress, who bagged the Miss Diva 2015. She also represented India at the Miss Universe 2015 pageant. Most recently seen in the film Great Grand Masti, Rautela is someone who can turn heads many heads in a given point in time.

Recommended Read: Emma Roberts Shares Everything She Eats in a Day

Yes, this tall and lean beauty seems to be someone to watch out for in B-town. She actually currently holds the Indian record of having won the most number of beauty pageants at a tender age.

Each time she appears at an event or on-screen, people are mesmerised by her beauty. Her makeup is always on fleek, her hair looks perfectly coiffed and to top it off, she always looks super-fit and well-kept.

If all you ladies have been breaking your heads over what her beauty secrets really are, we’ve got all the answers! Not just that, we have also unveiled the fitness secrets of this beautiful actress and we’re here to share them with you.

Her beauty secret

Urvashi is one of those actresses who is endowed with a perfect skin tone with no marks or pimples at all. The glow that she has on her face is something worth mentioning here. Let just have a look at all her beauty secrets quickly. Scroll on! #TaipeiGym #TaipeiFitness #CoreSpace

Red lipstick is her ammo

Rautela confessed that the only lipstick she trusts and falls back on is the red one. She uses this shade most of the times.

Lay off chemical products for the skin

Taipei Gym, She believes in using natural, organic beauty products. The skin is not something to mess around with and the actress believes in that.

Smoky eye is the best eye

Urvashi Rautela loves a good old smoky eye. It’s the one look that’ll make you look sexy and sultry, like an exotic Goddess. She recommends pairing it with her favourite red lipstick.

Drink lots of water

The actress suggests everyone to drink tons of water to have that sparkling skin. There is no better way to have healthy skin than by drinking water in the entire day.

Use foundation correctly

Rautela herself says that she does not use foundation, due to her natural skin tone. But if you do wish to use foundation on your skin, she suggests keeping it minimal. The actress firmly believes in simplicity, when it comes to makeup.       

Her fitness secret

Dance

The actress believes in dancing to lose weight as compared to any other forms of exercise. Dance can be fun and it’s not even a painful weight-loss process according to her.

Yoga

Urvashi Rautela also performs yoga twice a week. The actress believes that it is necessary to make your body more flexible and keep it healthy.

Workout

The actress heads to the gym 4 times in a week, for a nice long workout session. Here, she performs weight lifting as well as stretching.  She invests an hour on the treadmill as well.

Walking/Jogging

If she cannot make it to the gym on a particular day, she makes up for it by going for a brisk walk or a jog.

Her diet plan

Breakfast

For breakfast, the actress eats 3 eggs and a glass of milk or juice. If she has to head over to the set early, she eats fruits. She never ever skips breakfast, which is something we must learn from her.

Lunch

For lunch, she eats 2 or 3 rotis and sabzi. She eats only home-cooked meals for lunch.

Dinner

Urvashi Rautela keeps it light when it comes to dinner. She eats rice and dal and if she’s feeling up to it, she might go for a bowl of soup.

References: Taipei Gym, Taipei Fitness, Core Space

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9 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s

Taipei Gym, The statistics on women and Alzheimer’s disease are startling. Every 66 seconds someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s. Two-thirds are women, according to the Alzheimer’s Assn.

Women in their 60s are more than twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s over the course of their lives as they are to develop breast cancer.

Once women develop mild cognitive impairment, their cognitive decline is two times faster than men.

And no one knows why women are so disproportionately affected by the disease.

California’s former first lady and Alzheimer’s activist Maria Shriver is puzzled by the indifference she sees among women regarding their cognitive health. Maybe it’s fear and ageism, she says, but many are reluctant to even acknowledge the threat, and fewer still are asking their doctors about how to prevent it.

“I ask myself all the time,” Shriver says, “why aren’t more people interested in this? Why isn’t this of more national importance? This is the biggest health crisis in the world. … It bankrupts families faster than any other disease.”

That’s not just because there’s no known cure for Alzheimer’s. Women also make up a disproportionate share of the caregiving.

Shriver launched the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement for advocacy, fundraising and education in 2009 after research was released showing the disease’s disproportionate effect on women. Its second education and fundraising event Move for Minds, takes place this year on June 4 in eight cities around the country, including Los Angeles.

The event is being held as misunderstanding and lack of knowledge about the disease are still high, even though it’s the sixth leading cause of death in this country — fifth among those 65 and older.

Scientists used to think that women were harder hit by Alzheimer’s as a consequence of generally living longer than men. But that isn’t so, says Heather Snyder, senior director of medical and scientific operations for the Alzheimer’s Assn. She says new studies suggest that there are more explanations from the different biological pathways in women’s brains, the effect of hormones or even the way women’s brains metabolize food differently. Because Alzheimer’s typically takes two decades to develop before memory changes occur, adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle in your 30s and 40s can make a big difference, Snyder says. #TaipeiGym #TaipeiFitness #CoreSpace

Shriver, for her part, has started meditating to “change the way I process stress,” took up dance and learned poker, ironed out a more regular sleep pattern, added more healthy fats to her diet and cut back on sugar to reduce inflammation in her body and brain.

Here are nine tips for reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s, as recommended by the Alzheimer’s Assn.:

1. Break a sweat

Regular cardiovascular exercise that elevates your heart rate and increases blood flow to the brain and body is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline.

2. Challenge yourself mentally

Education at any stage of life is beneficial for brain health, from an online course to classes at your local community center or college. Even mental challenges like jigsaw puzzles, card games and art classes have an effect.

3. Quit Smoking

Quitting can take your risk down to levels comparable to those who have never smoked.

4. Get your numbers

Growing evidence suggests that many factors that increase the risk of heart disease, from obesity to high cholesterol and blood pressure, also may increase the risk of dementia. Get your numbers checked.

5. Protect your noggin

Brain injury can increase your risk of cognitive decline and dementia, so wear a helmet for sports, click that seatbelt, and avoid falls.

6. Eat a healthy diet

Certain diets, including Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), may contribute to risk reduction.

7. Get enough sleep

Sleep apnea and insomnia can result in problems with memory and thinking.

8. Stay socially engaged

Volunteer, help a neighbor, take an exercise class with a friend, or just share more activities with friends and family.

9. Stress less

Some studies link a history of depression with increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek help from a professional for depression, anxiety, stress or other mental health concerns. That includes finding ways to manage stress.

References: Taipei Gym, Taipei Fitness, Core Space

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Indian Diet For Six Pack Abs To Build Cutting Abs

Taipei Gym, Getting 6 pack abs requires you to reassess your workout schedule and eating habits, together. As you are training hard, make sure you have a nutritious diet, full of protein, carbs, fiber, fats and other fills.

An important point here is, not to skip mealsor start starving. In addition to eating right, you will need to adapt to concepts like ‘best times to eat’ in a day. Instead of starving yourself, opt for a healthy diet plan, which we discuss below.

 - Essential Nutrients for Six Pack Diet
 - Plan your Calorie Feeds
 - Indian Six Pack Abs Diet Plan
 - Breakfast
 - Snack 1
 - Lunch
 - Snack 2
 - Dinner

 Essential Nutrients For Six Pack Diet

Leave your eating habits behind, and get ready to feed your body with wholesome food, at frequent intervals. Balanced diet is necessary for many reasons such as: muscle re-growth, energy replenishment, and endurance.

Even if you know the benefits of nourishment, it is likely you may still get it wrong. Consider these two points regarding consumption of protein during cutting.

There is a common notion attached to consuming more proteinto strengthen muscles. So, does it mean you only need protein to build muscles?
Some of us may not really stress on protein supplements during muscle-building, choosing to maintain a high-protein diet instead.But is your protein-diet really enough?
The answer lies in the fact that every nutrient in your body should be consumed to an optimum level.

Double-check your diet facts now.

Protein

Protein helps you gain lean body mass or retain your muscle mass, while you burn fat in the gym. Your desire to build your 6-pack should include a high protein dosage. Besides having protein-rich food, you (necessary) require supplements.

MFF Whey Protein 80 is your best choice of supplements at the start. It isa good pre and post-workout tonic for gym beginners and bodybuilders, as it is easy to digest, and keeps you stomach full. It is a rich protein source which feeds your body with 26.5 grams of pure protein in a single serve of 32 grams. It contains less fat and carbs because it has no sugar and aspartame.

Another good thing about this protein source is it amino acid profile which promotes faster muscle recovery with a body feed of 5.2gm BCAA and 3.9gm Glutamine.

Carbohydrates

Don’t ignore this micronutrient, by being in denial of the fact that ‘carbs’ provide energy to your body.

Still, It is recommended that you don’t overload your body with carbs, on the pretext of releasing energy. What you require is a good balance of carbs in your diet and supplements

Get hold of MFF Dextrose Monohydrate for fast energy replenishment as you may feel energy deprived after hard workouts some days.

Fats

This is the trickiest part perhaps, and if you ask me, a typical body-builder is likely to ignore (it) in their diet plan for six-pack abs. Because fat helps you gain weight does not mean that you will not include it in your diet. Just be mindful to choose between the good and bad, fat.

Say no to trans and saturated fat, commonly found in Indian diet plan, and substitute it with other sources of–good fat. Your body requires (it) toexercise hormone control, and therefore fats, is included in our Indian diet plan.

Fiber

You will need to avoid foods with high level of sugar and low fiber. Fiberis a good biological solventand easy-to-digest, which also helps your bowel movements. A high fiber dose will reduce frequent cravings.

BCAAs

It is important to feed your body with three essential amino acids, constituting of leuncine, isoleucine, and valine. Together they are known as BCAAs, and required to increase protein synthesis in your muscles.

MFF BCAA 5000 is a balanced source of 2500 gram of Leucine, and 1250 gram each of Isoleucine and Valine, assisting you in maintenance of your lean muscle growth, endurance, and a perfect aid to trigger muscle growth.

Glutamine

It is a conditioned amino acid, which promotes fat burning and improves retention of carbs as muscle glucose. In other words, it helps in lean muscle retention.

Related Article: Indian Bodybuilding Diet Plan to Build Muscle and Strength

Plan Your Calorie Feeds

You may still enjoy eating; if your diet is packed with food items you like munching. But you will have to resist this temptation for food. It is important to measure the calorific value of the food you eat.

Here is your daily nutrition break-up.

Your calorie intake can be calculated by multiplying your weight (in pounds) by 20. Another way to is to consume 500 calories extra on a daily basis. For example, if you weigh 190 pounds, your calorie consumption should be 190×20=3800 calories. Else, assuming you have a normal weight training schedule and if at 190 pounds weight your calorie consumption is 3100 calories; you can add 500 calories, which is 3100+500=3600 calories each day.
Protein should be 40% of your diet, another 40% for carbs and the balance for fats.
Your fiber consumption should be 14 grams per 1000 calories eaten in a day.
You Must Have The Followings In Your Indian Six Pack Abs Diet

Different kinds of nuts like peanuts, cashew nuts, almonds, and walnuts etc
Soy protein
Egg whites
Green leafy vegetables
Legumes
Dairy products like skimmed milk, and fat-free yoghurt
Oat meal
Lean meat
Peanut butter
Whole-grains
Flaxseeds and olive oil
Fish particularly Indian salmon and Tuna

Here Are The Specifics For Indian Vegetarians If They Want To Build Six Pack Abs Diet

- Broccoli
- Sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Asparagus
- Mushroom
- Almond butter
- Fruits
- Cereals
- Cornflakes

Related Article: Taipei Gym, Taipei Fitness, Core Space

Indian Six Pack Abs Diet Plan

We are not going to advise you or give you tips for what to eat and what not to eat. We will rather take a macro approach to tell you which nutrient should be consumed at what time during the day.

You can pan-out your options, and eat what you like, keeping in mind the calorific value of consumption

Breakfast

Make your breakfast healthy and nutritious, by choosing to eat fiber. Have whole grains or oat meal, to make your breakfast delicious too. Fiber is recommended during breakfast time and also. It is recommended to keep your first few meals heavy, as you burnfat and feel energetic through the day. You can also opt for fruits in place of whole grains.

Another option is to have protein in the morning. Protein improves your metabolism and keeps you tummy-full. You can take lean meat or eggs in your breakfast. A whey protein shake is also good at this time.

Breakfast (prototype)

- White egg omelets of 2-3 egg whites prepared in olive oil.
- Half cup serving of oatmeal in water.
- Have a bowl of strawberries/grapes. You can even include an apple, a natural source of carbs.
- Prepare a nice whey powder shake. Our Recommendation MFF Whey 90 Isolate as it provides 29.5 gms of protein per scoop.

Snack 1

Small diet will help you avoid binging. It is better to consume healthy nutrient meal portions. If you are looking to burn fat more effectively, snack-up frequently in a day, and going by the thumb rule that the first half of the day should include dense calories foods, I recommend sourcing wet carbs this time. Take cucumbers, leafy green salads, tomatoes and asparagus, high-fiber foods and medium portion of carbs.

Snack time (prototype)

- Have pinto beans/green beans.
- A bowl of veggies.
- A fresh fruit like a banana or apple, if you did not have it in the morning.

Lunch

A full-meal should be carefully planned. Include lean meat in your lunch. Couple it with measured portion of brown rice, broccoli, and a heavy-fruit like grapes or mango. Don’t overdo on carbs and sucrose.

Lunch time (prototype)

- One bowl of brown rice
- Half a bowl of kidney beans/lentils.
- A small plate of green salad.
- Have lean meat/turkey/Cottage cheese minus fats/grilled tofu.

Snack 2

Another small meal portion, high in protein, can be consumed at this time of the day. You can take soy nuts, almonds, and small cubes of cottage cheese, to suit your taste.

Snack time (prototype)

- Almonds, pecans and Walnuts about half cup.
- A whey shake or smoothie mixed in skimmed milk or Greek Yoghurt with 2 scoops of BCAA powder.

Dinner

Dinner should be minimized with having a single serve of boiled chicken with salad, or asparagus/lettuce with broccoli. Before you hit the bed, take a protein shake.

Dinner time (prototype)

- One orange.
- 1-2 pieces of boiled chicken.
- Asparagus/lettuce with broccoli.

Another quality protein is Casein Protein. It consists of all important amino acids and is easy to digest. It releases amino acids slowly into your body, for up to 7 hours, and by morning, your muscles will be replenished. MFF Calcium Caseinate 90 provides 28gm protein from fresh milk per 32gm serving.

Whey is a fast-release protein and Casein acts slowly, reaching your blood stream in 5-6 hours. You can include both in your diet to benefit from two varieties of protein. Do quality checks on your protein, as you know your supplements closely now, do you?

So, it’s a balance of perfect and structured diet and proper workout. Workout plays a vital role in gaining six pack abs. What is your diet for six abs? Do share with us? #TaipeiGym #CoreSpace

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Get fit at Broadgate

Taipei Gym, Kick start your New Year and get fit with one of the latest fitness trends at Broadgate.
With three gyms (Virgin Active, Fitness First and Slim Jims Health Club) and free cycling facilities – there’s no excuse not to dig out those trainers. Let us know how you're getting on and share your photos with us on Twitter and Facebook.

High-Intensity Interval Training
Perfect for busy schedules and more effective at fat burning then an hour jog on the treadmill, High-Intensity Interval Training, also known as HIIT, is becoming all the rage in the fitness world. Although this fast paced and challenging style of workout isn’t an easy option –TV watching and gossiping are pretty impossible – it’s guaranteed to get fast results.

Fitness First host a range of 20 minute Freestyle Team HIIT sessions, as well as Tabata and 15 minute ab workouts. Virgin Active are also following the trend with PUMA HIIT and Slim Jims Health Club offer plyometric HIIT – so get jumping.

Cycling
If you haven’t already, try indoor cycling for a high intensity full body workout to a playlist full of tracks designed to get you moving. Group Cycle classes are available daily at Virgin Active and Spin is available Mon-Fri at Fitness First and Slim Jims.
Prefer the great outdoors? Why not cycle to cycle to work. Find out where you can park your bike at Broadgate and visit the Broadgate Bike Station in Finsbury Avenue Square on the first and third Thursday each month for free advice and bicycle maintenance.

Suspended Fitness
Antigravity Yoga has now been launched in Virgin Active’s new suspension studio. Suspended above the floor in AntiGravity Yoga hammocks, you align your body from head to toe, relieving compressed joints and improving flexibility in ways you never thought possible.

Competitive exercise
If you need a mental and physical challenge to keep you motivated, squash is fast paced, strategic game which offers a great work out. Slim Jims host regular squash ladders for those who enjoy a bit of competition; otherwise you can hire a court to play with friends and colleagues.

Technogym 
If only the latest cutting edge gym equipment will get you moving, head to Virgin Active. Their newly installed Technogym Artis range means you can skype your mates in LA, or catch up with Facebook while running 5k. The new range also benefits from Fast Track, which allows you to adjust the speed and incline of your run without interrupting your rhythm.

References: Taipei Gym, Taipei Fitness, Core Space

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Paris Gym Boat Will Give You A Tour And A Workout At The Same Time

Taipei Gym, Locals and visitors alike could soon be cruising along the Seine and taking in the riverside sights in a boat powered by their own workouts. The Paris Navigating Gym – a project led by international design and innovation office Carlo Ratti Associati in conjunction with leading fitness equipment manufacturer Technogym, the non-profit architecture group Terreform ONE, and the urban regeneration institute URBEM – reinforces the French capital’s commitment to sustainability and well-being.

The workout area on the 20-meter-long fitness vessel, which can accommodate up to 45 people, boasts a selection of Technogym’s ARTIS machines, a combination of sophisticated bikes and cross-trainers. When a user starts to turn or push down on the pedals, an inverter converts this exertion into utility-grade electricity, which is then used to power the user’s device. The exercise-generated energy is also sent to the gym boat’s electric propellers in order to move it through the water and across the city, picking up and dropping off people as it goes. Any additional energy requirements would be met with renewables, most likely photovoltaic cells on the roof, and excess energy would be fed into the city’s grid.

For Carlo Ratti, director of the MIT Senseable City Lab and a founding partner of Carlo Ratti Associati, the Paris Navigating Gym ‘provides one with a tangible experience of what lies behind the often abstract notion of “electric power”.’ Indeed, augmented-reality screens on the boat’s windows display to users information about both the energy their workouts are producing and, with the help of real-time tracking devices installed on the vessel, environmental data about the Seine’s water quality.

This floating, human-powered gym is usable year-round. Its transparent glass covering, which can be opened during the summer months, offers panoramic views of the banks of the Seine and the city beyond. At night, the boat could also be used for parties. From a design point of view, the newest addition to the Seine’s fleet references the Bateaux Mouches, the original Parisian sightseeing boats in operation since the early 20th century.

Terreform ONE first advanced the idea of a River Gym for New York in 2008, and the Parisian project is a natural evolution of that. Analysis by URBEM and UR Lab have ensured its feasibility.

Initial studies suggest that the Paris Navigating Gym could be operational in as little as 18 months. Its arrival, coupled with that of the recently proposed flying water taxis, could change the way Parisians interact with their river forever.

References: Taipei Gym, Taipei Fitness, Core Space

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