Health, Fitness, Kinesiology, Nutrition Wellness HUB

16/05/2026

SHRINK WORKOUT -- CORTISOL STORED AROUND BELLY

Sat 16th May at 10.15am

STRESS causes cortisol to be stored, known as "Cortisol belly" . This term better describes stubborn weight gain around the midsection linked to chronically high levels of the stress and therefore high levels of hormone cortisol - if not burnt off, gets stored.

In our SHRINK workout today we target this specific area of the body, as well as working our whole body -- by opting for low-to-moderate intensity, steady-state movement (LISS) and mind-body exercises!

CORTISOL RESET WORKOUT.

Cortisol specific stretches
Cortisol breathing technique
Finishing off with a post-workout Cortisol flush

Just turn up £5 (affordable classes)
South Weald Parish Hall, 85 London Road, Brentwood CM14 4NP.

14/05/2026

13/05/2026

The Art of Qigong Thurs 14th May at 2pm

Five Element : Stress & Cortisol Reset

Life can become stressful at times.... Stress promotes Cortisol, a stress hormone, which can play havoc on the body, mind, emotions, and sleep.

Five Element Qigong acts as a potent stress-cortisol reset by combining gentle Qigong movement + rhythmic breathing, and focussed intent to transition the body from a "fight-or-flight" state to a "rest-and-digest" state.

Research and studies indicate that regular Qigong practice significantly lowers cortisol levels, reduces anxiety, and enhances emotional balance by addressing specific organs and their related emotions.

Just turn up £6 includes refreshments.
South Weald Parish Hall, 85 London Road, Brentwood CM14 4NP.

12/05/2026

“Women juggle career, relationships, family and personal goals. How does stress and cortisol impact overall well-being?”

12/05/2026

Ashtanga Yoga :Tuesday 12th May at 10.15am
Movement is the Medicine of the Future.

In my previous articles, we have discussed a few aspects regarding Cortisol. Its a Stress Hormone. It can be dysregulated, flipped, blunted or Excess. It spikes in the morning to help us get out of bed and get on with our day, and it messes with Menopause and vice versa.

There are many Cortisol 'hacks'. A hack is a clever, easy quick solution to a problem, but no more effective than movement.
When there has been stress, Cortisol floods the body, especially the limbs think fight or flight. That excess Cortisol if not used to fight punch our way out of a problem, or run flee, kick your way out of a problem then the excess stays within the body. If not utilised settles around the mid-section.

Yoga, especially Ashtanga Yoga, primary series--has several recommended poses and breathing techniques Ujjyai, that supports and balances Cortisol levels.

* Navasana (Boat Pose): This core-stabilizing pose requires intense focus and controlled breathing, which helps lower cortisol, build mental strength, and reduce stress.

* Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend): As a deep forward fold, this pose soothes the nervous system, quiets the brain, and directly helps lower cortisol levels.

* Janushirasana (Head-to-Knee Forward Bend): This pose helps to calm the mind and reduce stress by stretching the back and activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

* Marichyasana A: This seated forward fold strengthens the spine and opens the hips, supporting the body's ability to process stress.
Sirsasana (Headstand): As an inversion often practiced at the end of the primary series, this brings fresh blood to the brain and helps to reset the nervous system, lowering cortisol.

* Savasana (Co**se Pose): While a staple of all yoga, this final resting pose in Ashtanga is where deep healing occurs, allowing the nervous system to absorb the benefits of the practice and significantly lower cortisol levels

We will be practising many of these poses in our Yoga class tomorrow.

Just turn up £5 (affordable classes)
South Weald Parish Hall, 85 London Road, Brentwood CM14 4NP.

09/05/2026

When you resonant so much with metaphors 😂

09/05/2026

09/05/2026

METABOLIC WORKOUT : Sat 9th May at 10.15am

So infuriating when you eat healthy or your diet really hasn't changed since you were in your 30's, eat the same or even less, but your body doesn't seem to burn off calories like it used to.

Losing muscle tone but gaining extra pounds making clothes feel uncomfortable and tight.

This is known as sarcopenia when our metabolism naturally slow due to hormone shifts, stress, poor sleep and muscle wastage!

Maintaining our metabolic rate is crucial for combating sarcopenia
preventing metabolic conditions like pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart issues, menopause symptoms and weight gain especially around the mid-section of body.

Metabolic class we slowly turn up the dial. You choose your level, and then we turn down the dial. This effect is also known and part of 'Movement is the Medicine of the Future'..... series.

Sound familiar -- then this class is for you.

Just turn up £5 affordable and doable classes
South Weald Parish Hall, 85 London Road, Brentwood CM14 4NP.