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Best Face Tightening Exercises | Get Rid of Double Chin

Best Face Tightening Exercises | Get Rid of Double Chin

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Best Face Tightening Exercises | Get Rid of Double Chin

By Nidhal

Look around yourself. How do people in your ambit look? Do not get deceived by the heady cocktail of chemicals on their face, camouflaging the dullness, tiredness and stress writ on them. No matter what your profession or field you are in, you do not get a license that enables you to turn a blind eye to the natural lustre of your face. Makeup is fun and creative, I agree but if the base (read: your face’s natural texture) is not well-maintained, no amount of makeup will elicit spectacular results.

With improper, insalubrious and untimely eating habits, we are aggravating the situation. How? You are what you eat! It’s time to take back a few steps and incorporate some easy-to- do exercises in your fitness regimen to allay premature aging and drive away dullness.

These exercises will help you tighten your facial muscles and also get rid of that nasty double chin..

1. THE BALLOON FACE- One of the popular selfie poses, the balloon face targets the muscles in your cheeks. All you need to do is inhale deeply through your mouth. Before exhaling, fill your cheeks with air. Your cheeks should resemble a balloon. Hold for a few seconds and release the breath.

2. THE FISH FACE- Another famed selfie pose is here! You do not need any tutorial on how to ace this, do you Ms. Selfie Queen? However, to those who aren’t fond of clicking selfies, here’s how you need to ace this- Suck in your cheeks and purse your lips. Hold for 30 seconds and then relax.

3. THE HULK- Unleash in the inherent Hulk in you by performing the “Hulk Exercise”. This exercise targets the loose skin drooping from one’s neck. To perform it, tilt your head backwards, purse your lips out and place your fingers at the bottom of your neck. Hold for 30 seconds and then revert to your former position. Continue for 5 minutes.

4. THE ‘SMOOTH THE FOREHEAD’ EXERCISE- To target the fine lines that develop on one’s forehead with time, the ‘smooth the forehead’ exercise proves to be fruitful. Place your fingers on the forehead, both facing each other. Spread the remaining fingers likewise and gently swipe the forehead while applying a light pressure to ‘smoothen’ the lines. Continue for 5 minutes.

5. THE ‘TONGUE OUT’ EXERCISE- This exercise may look as if you are teasing someone. So if you intend to and are confronted by them, tell them that it’s a face tightening exercise and walk away slyly! To perform this exercise, raise your eyebrows as high as you can and open your eyes as wide as possible. Hold them for five seconds. Stick your tongue out as far as you can and hold for a few seconds.

6. MASSAGING THE PHILTRUM- The grove between your nose and upper portion of the lip is called the philtrum. Massaging it will sort out smoker’s lines. Doing so is easy too. All you need to do is make inward circular movements using your index finger for 5 minutes. That’s all, you’re done. Incorporate it in your “daily” regimen. It doesn’t need any sophisticated equipment or state of body too.

7. KAPAALBHAATI PRANAYAAM- Kapaal stands for “skull” while bhaati means “shine”. Translated literally, Kapaalbhaati Pranayaam means the “skull shining” exercise. Regular practice will impart an enviable lustre to your face. Doing it is also cushy. Simply sit in a cross-legged position. Let your left hand rest on your left thigh and knee. Now, close the right opening of your nose using your right hand. Inhale deeply. Hold for 15 seconds. Close the left opening of your nose and exhale slowly. That’s Kapaalbhaati Pranayaam andyou have aced it! Do it at least 15 times a day and increase the frequency as you get accustomed to it.

Editor’s Note: These are some interesting exercises, much needed. Will definitely be trying.

Have you tried any of these exercises for tightening your face?

7 Exercises To Get a Flat Tummy

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7 Exercises To Get a Flat Tummy

By Nidhal

Having a flat and taut tummy is one such accessory that grabs eyeballs instantly. Be it a figure-hugging one-piece or the graceful 9-yards (read: saree), a flat tummy is the ideal finishing touch to any attire. Not only does it manifest that one takes her body and its appearance seriously but also is a mark of proper upkeep. Keeping in mind that life these days is fraught with stress and unhealthy diet (envisage as many insalubrious food items you stoked in to your system right now… Yes, I know guilt would be knocking you down now), here is a brief rundown of 7 easy exercises that you can incorporate in your daily fitness regimen to kick that flab off your body!

1. CRUNCHES– Crunches help one tone and tighten the muscles in the stomach and you do not need any sophisticated equipment to get going too! Just flat on the ground and wake up- it is as simple as that. However, the key is to wake up while keeping your entire body (from your head to the waist) straight (as if in a line) and focus on an object (say the ceiling). DO NOT bend your head/neck. It will undermine your entire posture. 15 reps is a good enough number for a novice.

2. SIDE PLANKS- Planks are one of the best exercises for a flat, toned stomach because they work on all the muscles in your core. To do so, all you need to do is, lie on your left side with your knees straight. Raise your body up on your left elbow and forearm, feet stacked. Raise your hips until your body forms a straight line from your ankles to your shoulders. Hold this position for half a minute. That’s one rep. 10 reps are good for a beginner. Increase the frequency and duration as you get habituated with it.

3. MOGUL JUMP- Mogul jumps give one’s hips, abs and back muscles a strenuous workout which helps one kick fat promptly. To perform the Mogul jump, raise your knees a few inches off the floor while keeping your hands and feet in their position. Make a jumping movement, shifting your feet to the left. Then, similarly jump them to the right. During this ensure that your feet stay together.

4. BURPEES- Burpees set a lot of muscles to work in our body which helps one lose fat from the belly swiftly. To do this exercise, stand up straight with your legs apart about shoulder-width. Start lowering your body till your palms lie flat on the floor, the same width apart as your legs. Kick your legs out from under you in backward direction so you are in a position to perform push-ups. Do a single push up and pull your legs back. Then, stand back up with a jump, and repeat the whole exercise. That’s it, wasn’t it cushy?

5. ELBOW PLANK- The elbow plank is a slight variation of the simple plank. All you need to do is now balance on the part of your hand extending from the elbows to the fingers. Do not let your hips or abdomen droop. Hold the position for half a minute and there goes one rep!

6. THE V-HOLD- The simplest of all the exercises so far- the V-Hold requires you to lie down on your back while placing your hands under your butt for leverage. Lift back and legs off ground. Hold “V” position for 15 to 30 seconds.

7. THE WINDMILL EXERCISE- The windmill exercise targets the oblique(meaning side) abs. To perform it, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Hold a kettle-bell (any bearable weight) in your left hand. bring the weight onto your left shoulder and press it overhead. While you rotate your chest to the left, you need to look at your kettle-bell (or any weight that you may have opted for) as you reach your right foot with your right hand. Pause for half a minute and revert to your former self. You have perfected the exercise, lady!

Image Sources: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Editor’s Note: Again a fabulous and useful compilation Nidhal

Do you do these exercises? Have any to add, do let us know in the comments below

7 Exercises To Get Those Perfectly Toned Legs

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7 Exercises To Get Those Perfectly Toned Legs

By Nidhal

Whatever be the attire, if you have got a pair of sculpted and toned legs to flaunt, it’s going to be a much-needed icing on the cake. When it comes to Western wear particularly those that reveal one’s legs such as- shirt dresses, skirts, hot pants, capris or even an itsy-bitsy two-piece, a pair of toned legs is a sight to behold. Given the paucity of time at hand, here is a rundown on some easy exercises that you can incorporate in your life to leave you with a pair of absolutely enviable toned legs.

Awaken the fitness freak in you!

1. SQUATS- You would have probably heard that squats are the key to tighter and toned butts. They are. What’s lesser known is that squats also leave you with absolutely drool-worthy legs that you just can’t stop looking at with sheep’s eyes. Squats assist in building muscles (including one’s quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves). Simply stand with your feet apart, roughly as much as the distance between both your shoulders. Stand straight- this is the MOST important point. If done erroneously, it will undermine your entire body posture. Bend over your knees and make a 90 degrees angle. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Increase the frequency with experience and ease.

2. SKATER LUNGE- To do this exercise, you need to have a considerable hold on your body that is, balance. Don’t fret, you don’t need to be an expert, just a little control on your posture. How to do this? Cross your right leg behind your left leg as you bend your left knee into a half-squat position. Extend your left arm out to the side, and swing your right arm across your hips. Hop a few feet directly to the right, switching the position of your legs and arms. Done? Great, that’s one rep. Continue hopping from side to side till you reach 10 reps. Increase the frequency overtime.

3. LEG LIFTS- This one’s a cakewalk! Simply lie flat on your back with your legs stretched out in front of you. Now, bend your knees, straighten your legs and straighten your legs until your feet are pointed at the ceiling. Hold for 30 seconds and that’s it. One rep is completed! Didn’t I tell you it was a piece of cake? Increase the frequency as you get accustomed to it.

4. HIP BRIDGE- The bridge (also known as the hip raise) is an excellent exercise for strengthening the back of the legs as well as the core. Please do not do this you have back injuries. To those who don’t, doing this is a cakewalk. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Then, raise your hips in such a way that your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Pause and then slowly lower your body back to the floor. That’s it! You have aced one rep.

5. STANDING FORWARD BEND/UTTANASANA- Here comes an asana from a centuries-long science of healing and well-being- Yoga that would leave you with sculpted legs in no time. If you have any back injuries, please do not give it a shot. Uttanasana looks arduous yet once developed a hang of, it becomes a cakewalk. All you need to do is keep your knees straight, place your fingertips or palms on the floor beside your feet, or touch the back of your ankles with your palms. Hold the pose for 30 seconds and revert to the original posture.

6. WARRIOR POSE 3/VIRBHADRAASANA – Another Yoga asana to your rescue, Virbhadrasana helps one battle cellulite. Simply lift your left leg backwards as you inhale, extend your hands, ensure that your back is straight and once your left leg and hands are completely horizontal, exhale. That’s all, wasn’t it cushy?

7. LOW LUNGE- This exercise not only works on one’s legs but also aligns the back incredibly. All that needs to be done is extend one’s leg (say-left) backwards while keeping the other one (right)bent. Then, clasp your hands together and stretch upwards as much as you can.

Image Source: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Editor’s Note: That’s a much needed post Nidhal, thanks for this.

Do you follow these exercises?

Top 7 Yoga Asanas for Healthy Hair

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Top 7 Yoga Asanas for Healthy Hair

By Nidhal

A healthy mane which is lustrous, glossy, satin smooth and manageable is what we all eye. Quite naturally, we look for ways to get what we desire. From application of herbal home remedies to intake of supplements, we it all at our disposal but somewhere down the line, physical workout misses out being in the picture and that is where we flunk.

We have already covered the Top Asanas for Glowing Skin.

So, in line with this thought, why not have a look at some Yoga asanas that leave one with cascading locks that we’ve always desired? 🙂 These Yoga asanas enhance hair growth in addition to ameliorating their texture and semblance. Let us check them out.

1. KAPALBHAATI-PRAANAYAAM- A highly soothing and revitalising asana offering a multitude of health benefits, Kapalbhaati-praanayaam literally translates to ‘skull shining’ exercise for it increases the amount of oxygen in the body which imparts glow to one’s skin. It also helps to give one’s scalp all the oxygen it needs to rejuvenate damaged hair and helps it grow. Start with 20 breaths per set a day and increase its frequency as you gain confidence and strength with each day 🙂

2. SARVAANGA-ASANA- An easy asana that helps to purify blood and optimise the functioning of the thyroid gland, Sarvaanga-asana helps to improve the length, thickness, texture and girth of hair. Gorgeous mane, did I hear you say that? Hold the position for 30-45 seconds in each set and gradually increase the duration to 1-1.5 minutes as you acquaint yourself with the asana.

3. SHIRSH-ASANA- Quite challenging and daunting as it may seem, but if mastered, Shirsh-asana is a sure-shot way to ensure long-term health and vitality. Hair loss, greying of hair and baldness are often caused due to poor blood circulation in the scalp. Shirs-asana not only directs enriched blood to the brain, but also sends it to the scalp. The transforming of grey hair into its original colour and good growth of hair is possible through the practice of this headstand pose.

4. PASCHIM-OTTAAN- ASANA- The seated forward bend pose aka Paschim-ottan- asana helps to stimulate kidneys, liver, uterus and enhances blood circulation in the body which further enhances hair growth due to better oxygen intake. It also relieves one off stress, anxiety and a host of minor headache issues.

5. SHASHAANG-ASANA- Also called the “rabbit pose” for it makes one resemble a rabbit’s structure, Shashaan-asana is what you need to incorporate in your daily workout regimen if flaunting shiny and lustrous tresses is on your “To Do” list. Performing this asana daily for 15 minutes (30 seconds for each set) will improve blood flow to your scalp, thereby bringing more oxygen to it and leaving you with glossy locks in no time, however, the key is to be patient and persistent no matter what 🙂

6. VAJRA-ASANA- Widely known as the ‘diamond pose’, Vajrasana enhances the supply of energy and blood to the upper part of our body. Besides accelerating the rate of hair growth, it also helps in correcting ones back posture.

7. ADHO-MUKH- ASANA- Not only does Adho-mukh- asana acts as a major stress buster, it even helps in stimulating the flow of blood to the head, and thereby accelerating hair re-growth. One set should last for roughly 30-40 seconds. Begin with 5 sets a day and increase its frequency as you get accustomed to it 🙂

Image Source: 1,2,3,4,5

Editor’s Note: This is a fabulous post Nidhal. I am surely going to try some, we all need a little yoga and flexibility in life.

Do you do yoga and/or any of these asanas already?

How To Get a Bigger Butt Naturally With Exercise

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How To Get a Bigger Butt Naturally With Exercise

By Shelja

Kim kardarshian is the founder of bigger butt syndrome, if you look in Instagram there are tons of fitness models earning because of their big butts, of course thanks to science and technology you can get bigger rounder butt instantly, but let’s be real is it worth it? There are many hidden side effects related with these kind of Beauty enhancements which only cause regret at the end, however there are many natural ways through which you can get that hot booty you always dreamed of! Keep scrolling!!

When you’re trying to gain muscles on your glute (butts) it will take time. But the good news is, if you perform the following exercises correctly you will achieve it! It is advised to follow these exercises 2-3 times a week. All exercises are to be performed 3 times with 15 repetition however if you’re a beginner 10-12 per set will be fine. (Personally tried and tested)

1. Squats : This is a staple exercise when you’re trying to gain a good booty, Make sure your knee is not bent, chest upright while going down and getting up. Once you’re up it’s important squeeze your butts inside for a second and feel the burn, doing so will get you faster results. Beginner’s can do it without weight once you’re comfortable gradually add in light weights.

2. Jumping squats : This is exactly like squats only difference is you will jump while performing it, this will also burn fat around your legs, this will also improve your workout stamina. This workout does not require any weights and can be performed at home.

3. Single leg squat : This will be slightly uncomfortable for beginner’s however regular practice is the key. This also focuses on your glute muscles, this workout is often underestimated and ignored, if performed on regular basis you can really go big!

4. Lunges : This is a simple easy home workout, you can either perform it with light weight or even two same sized water bottles can be a quick fix.

5. Donkey kicks : This is one of the most effective workouts targeting your glutes, perform it correctly to avoid any injury. Use a Yoga mat to avoid knee pain.

6. Kick backs : This is just like donkey kicks the only difference is your standing while performing it, you can use light weights or can completely skip weights. This workout can also be performed at home holding a stable chair.

7. Dead lift : This exercise is often performed on back day but this is excellent way to target those glutes, if you’re a beginner you can use light weights or empty rod, gradually increase weights when your comfortable.

Image Sources: 1,2,3,4,5,6

Editor’s Note: That’s a nice post Shelja, need to start doing these 😀

Do you guys do the basic squats and lunges everyday?

Top 5 Yoga Asanas To Get Glowing Skin

Fitness, Lifestyle, Skin care, Top 5, Yoga, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Top 5 Yoga Asanas To Get Glowing Skin

By Nidhal

Apart from following a nutritious diet and timely application of herbal packs/masks, there is one more step, which if performed, will complete the entire regimen for getting healthy, radiant and gorgeous skin. It is none other than physical workout. Oh no, do not cower in fear or snap back while giving up. You might be wary of hitting the gym or enrolling in a strenuous workout regimen for a multitude of reasons be it-paucity of time, physical/financial constraints or plain lethargy but that shouldn’t deter you from enjoying the bounties of what physical workout can do to your skin 🙂

All you need is time, patience, grit and a mat. You’re done. How? Take a minute and think what is the West adopting to bring peace of mind while battling the hustle and bustle of their daily lives? Couldn’t surmise? Here you go with one more clue- It originated in India. Got the answer? It’s none other than Y-O- G-A.

Our ancient science of Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that has been prevalent in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism for centuries. So, why practice Yoga and simple, doable asanas at that initially so that we aren’t daunted as we take our first step? On that note, let us have a look at the TOP 5 YOGA ASANAS TO GET GLOWING SKIN 🙂

Tadasana

1. TADA-ASANA- This asana works on one’s muscles so that one’s posture is not only better, but also pain-free while one is at their sedentary desk job. As indicated in the picture, if followed carefully and regularly, Tada-asana helps in improving one’s overall body posture, strengthens thighs and buttocks and improves skin’s texture. Hold this pose for 20-30 seconds each time you do it. Avoid it you have high blood pressure, suffer from insomnia, or have a low blood pressure.

Uktasana

2. UKTA-ASANA- All you have to do is sit on a chair. Easy? Ummm… not really. The chair is hypothetical. That’s it. Make sure your spine is perfectly straight else things go in for a toss. Avoid it if you have a low blood pressure, arthritis, insomnia, chronic knee ache or any issue with your ankle. Hold for 30 seconds each time you do it and then, relax. Begin with 5 sets daily and then, increase its frequency depending on your ease 🙂 It helps to strengthen spine, hips, torso, chest and legs besides toning your muscles in the legs. As a result, the skin look taut and youthful.

Halasana

3. HALA-ASANA- A little challenging but highly advantageous and relaxing (at least I find it so when I do it)if mastered, Hala-asana should be performed after your body has been acquainted with regular physical stretches. It helps to improve the digestive organs, and therefore, improves digestion and regulates appetite. It helps relieve the symptoms of menopause and stimulates the reproductive system. It also brings blood to one’s face thereby increasing oxygen intake thus, imparting radiance. Hold for 30-60 seconds in each set. Avoid it if you are menstruating, have a low blood pressure or any injury in your spine/neck.

Matsyasana

4. MATSYA-ASANA- Also known as the ‘fish pose’, Matsya-asana helps in relieving respiratory problems as it encourages the right kind of breathing. Moreover, it gives the hip flexors and the muscles between the ribs a good stretch. It enables the throat and the digestive organs get a good massage, which rids one off a double chin thus, improving one’s semblance 🙂 Hold on for 30-40 seconds in each set and avoid it if you have high or low blood pressure, suffer from insomnia or have a back injury.

Shirshasana

5. SHIRSH-ASANA- Unarguably, the most challenging asana of all, Shirsh-asana results in blood gushing down to one’s face thereby, increasing oxygen intake and imparting a prepossessing glow. However, please perform this asana under the guidance of a Yoga practitioner after you’ve acclimatised your body to stretches and are able to balance really well. It is small wonder that pimples and wrinkles are often caused by inadequate removal of waste materials and insufficient nourishment from the blood. Shirsh-asana directs an oxygen rich flow of blood to the facial skin thereby improving the facial complexion 🙂 Avoid it if you have back ache, neck injury, low blood pressure or a shoulder injury.

Image Sources: 1,2,3,4,5

Editor’s Note: That’s a nice post Nidhal, I will try some 😀

Do you practice yoga? Tried any of these asanas?

The Mumbai Bride Diaries: 1 Month to Go!

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The Mumbai Bride Diaries: 1 Month to Go!

Hey guys,

Yes only one month left now, to be precise 29 days. I don’t know how and why is time flying 😮

It seems yesterday that 6 months were left or rather 4 months.

 

Updates:

  • We got the wedding invitation cards printed and have started with distribution.
  • I am yet to collect my wedding saree blouse from the designer Gaurang and my morning function saree blouse is yet to be stitched which is with another designer and she is taking ages :/
  • Have not found an evening gown/maxi dress yet for the DJ. I think I have 1-2 options in mind which I will share with you guys soon and you help me select one.
  • Got my chooda and bangles for both the morning function and the wedding.
  • Got a nice bangle box and other random stuff.
  • We would be shifting to a new place and have zeroed on a house, now would start the painful process of setting up the entire house and shifting the luggage and then settling everything up, which I guess, would go on even after I come back from the honeymoon
  • Coming to honeymoon, I have’nt started packing anything yet :/
  • My other 2-3 blouses are still pending to be given for stitching and a few other semi- stitched dresses are also in process (Diwali in between delayed everything)
  • I have started with the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, completed Day 7 of Level 2 today with 2-3 days breaks in between coz of some shopping or something or the other. I have also made some changes in my diet. (If yiu guys want more updates about the fitness and diet, do let me know. I would make a separate post on it)
  • My dupatta is still pending, I have to search one. One of my bhabhi is a makeup artist, so maybe she has 2-3 options which I am planning to check.
  • I have to buy a DSLR (zeroed on Nikon D5200)
  • I won’t be available almost the whole December, so also worried about the blog. I think I am over burdening myself.

I thought I would never stress myself, but actually as days are nearing and so much work pending, its more about have to do this and have to do that, rather than the excitement or nervousness which people are asking me about!

Actually my fiancee (H) got a new job, so this whole new house thing came up last minute in the previous month. We were searching for houses the last whole week. And setting up a whole new place is no joke, along with your wedding preps i.e. :/

I know things will work out well, and we are still on time and have 29 days. I just hope I get the strength and endurance physically and mentally to deal with the whole thing 😀

I think I can go on and on, and should stop now :p What’s up with you guys ?