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Team Innermost Christmas Wishlist

18th December 2023

Community Life

18th December 2023

By Hannah Belsham

'Tis the season of joy, and here at Innermost, our team is ready to unwrap the secrets behind our favourite fitness essentials, indulgent treats, and cherished Innermost products that bring an extra dash of health and happiness to our holiday season. From heart-pounding workouts to cozy treats, join us on a journey as each team member shares their personal favourite, the reasons behind their choice, and how these wellness picks have become an integral part of our festive celebrations. Let's dive into a showcase of well-being and joy as we unveil the unique stories behind each cherished products.

Favourite Fitness And Wellness Products:



Massage Session
"Massage to get looser and iron out kinks” - Shiv (Innermost Founder & CEO).

In the midst of the festive hustle, a targeted massage is a go-to for unwinding and releasing tension. It's not just self-care; it's a rejuvenating experience that keeps you flexible and ready for whatever the holidays throw your way! 

Garmin Venu 2S GPS Smartwatch 
“I can't hit the gym without my go-to fitness buddy! It takes the hassle out of counting sets and reps, visually tracking my workouts while also mapping my runs and cycles with GPS. Plus, it's a total game-changer for my music game – loading up my favourite Spotify workout mix, so no more lugging around my phone on a run. It's like having a personal trainer and DJ rolled into one, making every session 10x easier!” - Hannah B (Innermost Resident Health and Nutrition Coach).

Satin pillow case
"These are great at maintaining my hair health and stopping additional breakage” - Sofia (Innermost Graphic Designer).

Unlike traditional cotton pillowcases, satin minimises friction, reducing the risk of hair breakage and split ends. This gentle surface also helps to retain the natural oils in the hair and prevents excessive drying. Additionally, the smoothness of satin reduces facial friction, minimizing the likelihood of sleep lines and wrinkles." 

Sensate 2
"This has honestly changed my life in terms of relaxation. By using non-invasive sound resonance on your sternum, it gently soothes my nervous system.” - Lucie (Innermost Marketing Executive)

This unique technology provides a pathway to deep relaxation, helping to alleviate tension, stress and promote mental well-being." 

Polar Vantage V2 Watch
"This helps me record my workouts and allows me to stay on track.”  - Ami (Innermost Digital Marketing Assistant).

With sleep tracking capabilities, the Polar watch extends its utility beyond workouts, providing valuable insights into sleep patterns and quality for a holistic approach to well-being."

Daily Gratitude Journal for Happiness, Mindfulness, and Reflection
"This five-minute journal is a great way to think over your goals for the day and reflect each evening.” - (Jas, Innermost Operations Assistant)

Through the process of daily journaling, you often discover patterns, triggers, and personal insights that contribute to emotional growth and self-awareness. Moreover, it acts as a reliable record, allowing you to track personal development, achievements, and challenges over time.

Apple Watch SE
"This helps me track my fitness goals and stay focussed on workouts”. - Hannah L (Innermost Operations Assistant)

This watch provides users with essential features like fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.

Favourite Fitness And Wellness Products:

Innermost Christmas Treat

Nike Metcons 
"For Christmas, I'd love some new Metcons. My old ones are showing some serious workout battle scars!" - Shiv (Innermost Founder & CEO).

Stepping up your trainer game with a fresh set of trainers is not just a fitness upgrade; it's a statement of commitment to your workout journey, whilst supporting your form and keeping you comfortable.

Theragun Mini Massage Gun
“An absolute post-workout game-changer, especially after those intense post-Christmas sweat sessions. It's the ultimate treat for soothing post-workout soreness and turbocharging recovery. This portable massage gun provides targeted relief and ensures you're ready for the next round of fitness challenges.”

Booja Booja Chocolate Bombs 
“The best vegan chocolates ever! You would have no idea they’re plant based” - Sofia 

Beyond their fantastic flavour, Booja Booja's commitment to organic and plant-based ingredients ensures a guilt-free indulgence.

Pip & Nut Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
"My daily treat will always be a Pip & Nut Peanut butter cup, or a Blank Street Blueberry Matcha. My favourite sweet treats.” - Lucie 

What’s more these peanut butter cups are free from artificial additives, preservatives, and palm oil, aligning with a commitment to wholesome ingredients.

Festive Percy Pigs
“These super yummy vegan classics are a personal favourite of mine, and even better that they come in fun Christmas shapes.” - Ami 

Olaplex Conditioner
“This is the only product that has helped keep my hair healthy, after lots of bleaching!” - Jas 

Olaplex's versatility extends across various hair types and concerns, making it a great addition to any hair care routine, whether used as part of a salon treatment or in the comfort of your home.

Cadbury Dairy Milk
"This classic chocolate treat, never fails me!” - Hannah L

Beyond the sensory pleasure, the act of enjoying a chocolate treat every now and then triggers the release of endorphins, contributing to an overall sense of well-being and happiness.

Innermost Favourites:

The Recover Capsules:
"I'll be working out throughout the festive period. The Recover Capsules are a great addition to my diet to keep my immune system strong and energy levels high.” - Shiv 

The Digest Capsules:
“These Digest Capsules have been a total gut-health game-changer for me, taken twice a day. Since incorporating them into my routine, I've witnessed massive improvements in bloating and gut irritation.” - Hannah B 

The Glow Booster:
“I love taking this daily, I will mix it in with my morning smoothie. My hair has grown so fast. This is one Innermost product I highly recommend for its nourishing benefits.” - Lucie 

“The Glow Booster, this includes ingredients I use in my skincare routine promoting healthy glowing skin.” - Jas 

The Fit Protein:
“This helps to fuel my day and tastes great, my favourite flavour is and I use it in my morning smoothies.” - Ami 

The Define Booster:
“Not only do I think this tastes great, this is my go-to choice for that boost of energy and performance which has lasting results.” - Hannah L 

This festive season is the perfect time to prioritise both joy and well-being. Our staff's wellness favourites, delightful treats, and Innermost products have collectively crafted a holistic approach to nurturing mind and body during the holidays. As we celebrate the spirit of giving, let's remember to gift ourselves moments of self-care and indulgence, finding harmony in the simple pleasures that contribute to a healthier and happier season. From wellness rituals to festive treats and the support of Innermost products, this holiday is an opportunity to radiate well-being from the inside out. May these wellness insights and seasonal delights create a joyful and nourishing experience for all. Cheers to a happy and healthy holiday season!

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How to Beat Imposter Syndrome, According to Experts

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While imposter syndrome can feel deflating and challenging, the good news is that there are steps you can take to overcome self-doubt and boost self-confidence, so you stop holding yourself back from reaching your full potential To help you leave imposter syndrome behind for good, we spoke to two experts to bring you everything you need to know including how to spot it and how to beat it.  What Is Imposter Syndrome? “Imposter syndrome is the overwhelming feeling of self-doubt or fear of being exposed as a ‘fraud’,” explains Holistic Health & Wellness Coach Christina Calderwood. When we experience imposter syndrome it’s because we believe on some level that our achievements are down to luck or other factors and not our own ability, and we feel unworthy of our success. “Those with imposter syndrome worry that others will eventually uncover the ‘truth’ and see their perceived lack of skill and capability, despite evidence of their success and achievements,” Christina adds.  Signs of Imposter Syndrome Imposter syndrome can show up in different ways and may show up differently depending on the scenario you are in.  For example, imposter syndrome at work can look like questioning if your contributions are valuable and choosing to stay silent out of fear. In friendships it can look like worrying what others think of you and in romantic relationships you might feel you're undeserving of your partner's love and affection. Imposter syndrome often shows up in self-limiting thoughts and beliefs, and the stories we tell ourselves. According to Christina, some of the most common thoughts people with imposter syndrome may have include:  I don't deserve this success, I just got lucky. I'm not as smart or talented as they think I am. I'm afraid they will find out I don't know what I'm doing. I’m afraid they will see the ‘real’ me and not like me for who I really am.  I have to work harder than others to prove myself and achieve my goals. I can't make any mistakes or ask for help, or they will think I'm incompetent.  Why do we experience Imposter Syndrome “Imposter syndrome is more common than we might think and something we may experience at different stages of life,” mindset and confidence coach Francesca Nervegna tells us. 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This happens when we are afraid of failing, of being seen, feeling vulnerable or not feeling as good as others.”  The environment in which we grew up in can also lead us to strive for perfectionism and experience imposter syndrome. “People who grew up in environments with high expectations or where success was often compared to others' achievements may have internalised the belief that they need to constantly prove their worth,'' Christina adds.  Similarly, a big life change that involves taking the leap before we feel ‘ready’, such as a new job or promotion, can trigger self-doubt and feelings of imposter syndrome.  We may experience imposter syndrome when we compare ourselves to others, either those around us or on social media. “The grass may seem greener on the other side, we might think that others are better than us and start to compare ourselves to them and compete with them in our minds,” Francesca adds.  Christina echoes this: “We're constantly bombarded with messages that our worth is tied to our achievements and external validation. 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Come back to them whenever self-doubt creeps in,” Christina advises.  Share your experiences Opening up to trusted friends about your experiences may help you to feel less alone, and connect with others around you who are also experiencing imposter syndrome. “Sometimes, just hearing others say they’ve felt the same way can be incredibly validating.” Christina says.  Challenge negative thoughts Whenever you catch yourself thinking a negative thought, such as ‘I’m not good enough’, counter it with evidence that shows you it’s untrue. “Often, you’ll find that the negative thoughts are baseless and you have far more examples of why you are good enough, exactly as you are. “ Christina says.  Francesca often uses positive affirmations with her clients, to help them require their brain and replace old patterns and limiting beliefs with new ones.  “You can also use positive affirmations to rewire your brain and replace old patterns and limiting beliefs with new ones,” Francesca adds. “Your brain will believe anything that you tell it, if you are constantly affirming that you are an imposter and you are not good enough, you will keep believing it. On the other hand, thanks to neuroplasticity, you can reprogram your brain to embrace more positive thoughts and, in turn, boost your confidence.” Shift to a growth mindset Beating imposter syndrome is all about shifting your mindset from striving for perfectionism to embracing growth. “If you are ready to stop self-sabotaging and stop letting your internal dialogue make you feel like an imposter you are going to have to let yourself be imperfect,” says Chrsitna. She adds: “Understand that mistakes and failures are part of life and a fundamental part of the learning process. Remember, courage comes first, confidence follows.”
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From the Bedroom to the Gym: Is Your Sex Life Affecting Your Workout Performance?

From the Bedroom to the Gym: Is Your Sex Life Affecting Your Workout Performance?

The relationship between sex and workout performance is one that’s long been debated by scientists and fitness fanatics alike. It’s complicated and multifaceted, so answering the question of whether your sex life is affecting your training is difficult. That said, today we’re going to take a look at a variety of evidence, both academic and anecdotal, as well as several different scenarios and at least try to reduce some of the mystery around the subject. First, it helps to understand what’s actually happening to the body, both physically and psychologically, during both activities.   The Effects of Sex on the Body Sexual activity causes several changes to occur in the body:   Physical Changes That Occur During Sex During sexual activity and the lead up to it, the human body undergoes a process known as the sexual response cycle. This is the case for both males and females, though the cycle can be highly individual and may not be the same each time for each person. Describing the full sexual response cycle is beyond the scope of this article, however it consists of 4 phases: Desire Arousal Orgasm Resolution Factors such as elevated heart rate, increased blood flow and pressure and heightened muscle tension all come into play. If you’d like to read about the sexual response cycle in more detail, check out this great article from Cleveland Clinic.   Psychological Changes That Occur During Sex Several psychological changes occur both during and after sex. Most notable are the release of endorphins and oxytocin, which are associated with improved mood and a better sense of wellbeing. These are also responsible for reduced stress levels, which brings a multitude of additional benefits that are of particular interest to those of us participating in regular training and exercise. Cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress, is catabolic in high levels, meaning it can cause the breakdown of lean tissue. So, whilst it is unclear whether sex itself affects workout performance, the reduction in stress levels it may bring is definitely beneficial for preserving our results!   The Effects of Exercise and Training on the Body Exercise and training also cause the body to undergo a number of changes. These occur both during and after the physical activity. There are in fact a number of similarities in changes that happen during exercise and sex:   Physical Changes That Occur During Exercise The physical changes that happen in the body vary based on the type of exercise being undertaken, however, there are some that are common to exercise in general: Increased heart rate Increased blood flow, especially to the muscles Faster, deeper breathing due to additional oxygen needs Heightened activity within the circulatory, respiratory, musculoskeletal and endocrine systems A full summary of the changes that occur within these systems can be found here. More aerobically demanding exercise will, of course, place greater emphasis on the circulatory and respiratory systems as well as causing fat to be metabolised as an energy source. Resistance training, which often relies more heavily on the lactate and creatine phosphate energy systems, instead promotes greater muscular and endocrine (hormone) activity. Note the common physical changes between sex and exercise here, as they do crossover!   Psychological Changes That Occur During Exercise The psychological changes that occur during exercise are similar to those experienced during sexual activity and are mostly related to the release of endorphins and other ‘feelgood’ hormones. These help to regulate mood, and it is common knowledge that frequent exercise and leading an active, healthy lifestyle promotes a feeling of wellbeing.   Does Sex Affect Our Workouts? This is where things become complicated. Though extensive studies have been done on the subject, the results of these have varied massively. We must also take into account the experience of individuals, and this anecdotal evidence again has huge variance. Let’s look at both:   Sex and Training: What the Science Says Scientific studies on the relationship between sex and training are contradictory at best. There’s no denying the positive benefits of both activities, particularly from a psychological perspective, but as for the effect of sex on actual performance in the gym the results are inconclusive. A study, published in April 2021, by Kirecci, Albayrak and co. examined the effects of sexual activity of 50 men in the 24 hours prior to training on lower body strength. The study measured effects by having the men perform 3 separate squat sessions, each at the same time of day. Each of these sessions occurred after participating in or abstaining from sexual activity the night before. The men performed 5 sets of 5 repetitions of their maximum squat weight during these sessions and the difference in weight lifted was observed. The study concluded that ‘sexual intercourse within 24 hours before exercise [has a] detrimental effect on lower extremity muscle force, which suggests that restricting sexual activity before a short-term activity may be necessary.’ Aside from this study, most others found either no notable relationship between sex and athletic performance. A meta-analysis of 9 crossover studies, conducted by Zavorsky and Brooks and published on 16 September 2022, confirms this. The analysis concluded that ‘The results demonstrate that sexual activity within 30 min to 24 h before exercise does not appear to affect aerobic fitness, musculoskeletal endurance, or strength/power.’ This is perhaps more notable, because these studies incorporated different types of exercise and were not restricted purely to a strength/power based activity like squats.   Anecdotal Evidence: What About the Experiences of Real Gym Goers? The anecdotal evidence is, as expected, highly individualised. However, there tends to be a bias against the results of most studies, particularly in those participating in sports involving strength and aggression. For example, many fighters claim that they perform better when they abstain from sex in the days leading up to a contest. Similarly, bodybuilding forums are full of debate on this topic and many claim they note a significant decrease in motivation to train at maximum intensity after sexual activity. It has been hypothesised that this may be due to a downregulation in testosterone production after sex; during orgasm the mineral zinc is released in the body and this is also a precursor for natural testosterone production in the body and may, therefore, provide some reasoning as to the experience of many trainees.   Key Takeaways The relationship between sex and workout performance will always be a complicated one. The effects of one on the other in terms of physical fitness and, in particular, mental wellbeing, are clear, but when it comes to actual performance this appears to be highly individual. We’d advise doing what feels best for you but not worrying too much about it. Instead, prioritise your nutrition and make sure you’re fuelling your workouts properly. While you’re here, why not take a look at the Innermost range? We’re proud to be completely transparent about the ingredients in our products and we always ensure they’re of the highest quality. Check us out, and be sure to get in touch if you have any questions!
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