It may be difficult to find the motivation to move during the depths of winter – but, finds Rosie Greenaway, donning activewear first thing and lining up the sports supplements means you’re already halfway there
For many people living in the UK during winter months, maintaining an active lifestyle is a matter of necessity, not just for physical health but mental endurance too. But dark nights and relentlessly hostile weather conditions can make going for that run or walking the dog seem wholly unappealing.
According to Crobox – a company which helps retailers ‘discover the why behind the buy’ – clothing can influence behaviour. Take running shoes as an example: the simple act of lacing them up takes you one step closer to actually running. Crobox calls them ‘the nudge that might just get you out the door’.
Bamboo clothing brand Boody agrees: “Making activewear part of our everyday wardrobe has become an essential ingredient in merging fitness and health into our fleeting daytime hours that are already bursting at the seams. Besides the convenience of skipping a wardrobe change in bet-ween work and your fitness routine, science suggests that dressing in activewear throughout the day could actually benefit our overall sense of contentment and emotional wellbeing.”
The brand says ‘the link between active clothing and the endorphins we feel during fitness activities can set us up to feel a sense of health and wellness, experienced vicariously through our clothing choices’. It adds that ‘while simply wearing activewear is not a substitute for actually being active … the emotions you feel during the day can be positively affected by it and give you a more continuous sense of time to pause, breathe and regroup’.
Other fitness-related products can have a similar effect in encouraging people towards habitual movement and healthy routines. If there’s protein powder in the pantry, they’re more likely to make a smoothie. If there’s a tub of electrolytes sitting beside the water filter jug, it’s a reminder to work up a sweat. And if there’s soothing muscle balm on the bathroom shelf, it’s the perfect incentive to work those quads before treating limbs to a little post-gym self-care.
With Christmas firmly behind us, now is the ideal time to start planning which active lifestyle products will grace your shelves this spring and encourage your customers to get off the sofa. Here, we round up some of the latest launches in this booming category.
Lavender & Geranium Shampoo Bar
Friendly Soap
Tel: 01422 400282
E-mail: [email protected]
www.friendlysoap.co.uk
A great two-in-one gym buddy. Originally formulated for hair but works just as well as a body bar, making this product a true plastic-free, plant-based all-rounder.
This Lavender and Geranium Shampoo Bar is made with castor oil which has been used for centuries as a natural conditioner. Added coconut, olive and argan oils bring their rich, nourishing and moisturising qualities. Last but not least, essential oils of lavender and rose geranium create a sublime fragrance and help to reduce stress.
Locako Keto Collagen Protein Powder
Kinetic Natural Products Distributor
Tel: 08450 725 825
E-mail: [email protected]
www.kinetic4health.co.uk
Locako Keto Collagen Protein Powder is the perfect low carb protein powder for the ketogenic lifestyle. The combination of 10g of bovine collagen per serving from pasture-raised cows, plus easy to metabolise coconut MCT oil provides a clean protein boost, that supports ketosis as well as hair, skin, nails and joint health, and may help you feel fuller for longer. Best added to shakes and smoothies for a keto boost. A top quality product at a competitive pricepoint. Available in three delicious flavours – chocolate, salted caramel and vanilla. Gluten-free.
Ancient Magnesium® Lotion Cool Relief
Wholesale Health Ltd
Tel: 01606 889905
E-mail: [email protected]
www.wholesalehealthltd.co.uk
Ancient Magnesium® Lotion Cool Relief is formulated for an active lifestyle. Bringing all the benefits of the original magnesium lotion, along with arnica, ginger and 100% natural therapeutic menthol, to provide an instant cooling sensation. When applied topically, you get fast and effective absorption to support your daily magnesium requirements and quick relief from tired, achy muscles. Research also shows that topical menthol encourages faster muscle recovery for those participating in exercise and sports. Suitable for short or long-term use. Ancient Magnesium® Lotion Cool Relief includes approx. 138mg elemental magnesium per 4 pump presses/5ml. Suitable for vegans.
Yogi Tea® Green Energy Organic
Yogi Tea distributed by Euro Food Brands
Tel: 01604 821200
E-mail: [email protected]
www.yogitea.com/en
Is your battery running low? Then let this intensely flavoured tea uplift you. Green tea is given a special kick thanks to the addition of fruity lemon verbena and elderflower with a little ginger, guarana and kombucha extract. YOGI TEA® Green Energy thereby refreshes you in a completely natural way! Fruity, aromatic and vital, this is the tea for everyone who enjoys feeling vivacious. For a perfect brew, pour 250 ml of freshly boiled water over the teabag and allow to infuse for 5 minutes.
