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c h i k k a
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Does your current routine need a jolt? Tweak your
summer workouts to torch more calories and get fitter!
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MAYA O. CALICA
Hug it out!
A recent study says a snuggle can help resolve
conflict with your spouse
A hug may be the last thing on your mind when you’re ripe for a fight with your
significant other. But according to a recent study, it’s a winning move if you want
peace. In a study in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, the hormone
oxytocin — also known as “the cuddle chemical” which is released during bonding
—
has been shown to help reconcile arguing couples. In the research, couples that
were injected with oxytocin prior to discussing issues of disagreement were able to
smooth things over faster than couples that were given a placebo. So should you
and your honey lock horns about where to spend your Valentine’s Day weekend,
save the invectives and hug it out instead!
You go to the gym
Try:
CrossFit
If your main workout routine is at the gym,
you’re bound to get bored at some point.
CrossFit, a program originally developed by
coach Greg Glassman, may be the curve ball
you need. The secret behind the workouts
are the constant variety in moves that are
carried out at high intensity, which is why fans
of CrossFit are never bored. Local celebrity
Rovilson Fernandez and Erwan Heussaf, Anne
Curtis’s sweetheart, are CrossFitters.
Where to go:
A trial session at CrossFit Manila
is PHP300. They have branches in Magnitude
Realty Estate (near Eastwood), Fort Global City
and Alabang.
Tel: +63 (917)
5331787,
You’re a runner
Try:
Barefoot running
Stars like Kate Hudson and Scarlett
Johansson are said to be fans of the trend,
which is said to provide physical benefits
like preventing injury and strengthening feet.
The downside? You need to be careful about
running on surfaces where broken glass or
splinters can, uhm, break your stride. But a
simple solution, according to experts, is to
slip on “barefoot” running shoes like Vibram
FiveFingers and Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove
before baring your soles completely.
Where to go:
Check out Barefoot Running
Philippines for a listing of events,
facebook.com/barefootpinoy, brp@barefoot.
alt.ph
You’re a surfer
Try:
SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boarding)
Fit and fabulous celebrities Matthew
McConaughey, Julia Roberts
and Jennifer Aniston are SUP
fans — why not be one too?
This workout, which involves
balancing on a board while
moving along the surface of
water with a paddle, is an all-
around body toner. “SUPing really
works your core body muscles and
gives you a more rounded workout than
surfing,” says Ashley Bowling, who teaches
Stand Up Paddle Boarding in his resort,
Buddha’s Surf Resort in Siargao. “Being a
surfer would be an advantage as you are likely
to have a decent level of fitness and a good
understanding of the ocean already.”
Where to go:
Buddha’s Surf Resort is located
between Cloud 9 and General Luna. Lessons
are given by Ashley, Australian SUP pro Kyron
Rathbone or Philippine pro surfer Manette
Alcala for PHP500 per hour (inclusive of
equipment hire).
facebook.com/siargaosurf
Try something
different!
