Some of you may have seen my lovely gold chunk of a ring I’ve been wearing for the past few months, it was a self-chosen birthday gift. Do not despair I have not become a Derek Trotter follower, it is an Oura ring, a wearable health tracker. Both exercise and health tracking have become so much more popular over recent years, with their beginnings in simple HR chest straps, they are continuing to evolve and improve.
There have been over 1 million Oura Rings sold but the only time I have seen anyone else wearing once was a hiker coming down the mountain in Italy last week. If you know anyone, I’d be interested to hear their thoughts, but for now here’s mine…
Sleep Health Tracking
It gives a thorough breakdown of my sleep patterns showing how much time I take to fall asleep and the percentage of REM, light and deep sleep (also how long I take to get out of bed in the morning!) It has been quite interesting to watch how my daily activities and lifestyle have an impact on my sleep. For instance, after having a few very busy and strenuous days, my heart rate takes longer to get to the lowest point during the night (an indication of exhaustion). Which has helped me to be aware and manage my activity levels.
The ring also tracks body temperature changes, which can be used as a sign of pending illness (they have been researching wearers during the Covid times). After 3 months I can see my own confirmed monthly trend of two weeks increasing temp by up to .5 degrees(!!) followed by 2 normal weeks. And this matches those times my sleep shows signs of exhaustion. This is hot stuff for many women!
Maybe it’s just placebo but it works, I feel healthier. I expect it is the empowerment of knowledge, and not having to worry whether I’ve had enough sleep or exercised enough (fat chance). I like how I can simply look at the daily data once per day, usually in the morning, and also occasionally compare the past 3 months trends. It’s non obsessive, I don’t feel as though I need to continually check in.
Life Balance
I have always been a strong believer that our minds rule our bodies, and when you feel tired you’ve just got to push through, pre covid I felt as though I was always pushing to keep going, but truly, where is the fun in that? It was continually exhausting, sometimes you need to listen to the physiology in your body, so now I say chill out! Well, sometimes… other times be sure to push in the right direction.
But I have always been an even stronger believer of life being all about balance, and Oura provides a visual record. Exercise should be challenging, and recovery time should be restful. Work hard and play hard. Eat well and move just as often.
So now I have my sleep health tracked the next stop of my total health goal is nutrition, I’m not looking to lose weight, in fact since using my reformer I’m having trouble keeping the weight on. I’m interested in tracking the nutrients but until someone invents the ‘Nutratooth’ a supersensitive microchipped tooth implant that can detect all food qualities and give you a fully detailed breakdown (completely just made that up but what an idea!!!) I guess pen and paper will have to do or an app manually inputted.
Apple watchers what do you track?
Back to Pilates
Anyway, back to what I know best and that’s Pilates, movement and exercise. Life is about balance and that is exactly what Pilates can offer, mind and body balance can be achieved through stretch and strength, effort and relaxation. Your body will feel more balanced as you learn to use and strengthen the deeper core muscles.
If you are already in a weekly class, let’s keep it up, consistency is key.
If you’d like to join a class, here is my current availability:
The Wednesday evening 6.30pm beginners class is becoming more of a Back Care and Core remedial class, if anyone is interested there is one place left.
If moving faster is your thing there are a couple of places currently available in the Tuesday evening 6.45pm Weyhill Dancefit class, or Friday 9.15am class in Broughton.
Maybe some kettlebell strength training sounds good to you? Thursday mornings at 9.15am in person or online.
For Pilates availability there is a Level 1 Full Body class on Monday mornings at 9.15am again in person or online.
And Level 2 (Without injuries) Full Body Pilates at 7pm on Monday evenings. This is also available in person or online.
Or come in and feel the magic of the Pilates Reformer. I am now waiting on delivery of three more reformers ready to start group class very soon.
“Not only is health a normal condition, but it is our duty not only to attain it but to maintain it.” Joseph Pilates
Click here for Class Times, Costs, Availability & Booking
Take care for now
Emma
xx
Check out the ring here
www.ouraring.com
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