Men’s Health Week 11-17 June

More men worry about their body shape and appearance – beer bellies, "man boobs" or going bald – than women do about how they look, according to research reported by The Guardian recently.  The survey further revealed that men have high levels of anxiety about their bodies and that some resort to compulsive exercise, strict diets, laxatives or making themselves sick in an attempt to lose weight or achieve a more toned physique.   23% said concerns about their appearance had deterred them from going to the gym. 

Men’s Health Week focuses on the physical and mental health to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease amongst men and boys.  Much emphasis is on regular exercise that carries the following benefits:

•  improve mood, stamina and sex life
• healthier physically and mentally
• more energy
• helps reduce weight
• strengthen bones
• increase blood circulation
• decrease the risk of heart disease and prostrate cancer

Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand as the male health and grooming industry has increased significantly over the years with services and treatments such as personal fitness training, men’s waxing, facial for men, manicure and pedicure for men and a wide range of calming and holistic massages.  So there’s really every excuse to look good and feel good.

Father’s Day 17 June

Founded in American back in 1910, Father’s Day is now an international establishment celebrated on various days throughout the calendar according to the country. How and whenever it is celebrated, here are a few notable quotes from around the world in recognition of fatherhood, parental bonds, and the influence father’s have in society:

“The greatest thing a father can do to his children is to love their mother.” - Anjaneth Garcia

“Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope.”  - Bill Cosby

“I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection.” - Sigmund Freud

“Being a great father is like shaving.  No matter how good you shaved today, you have to do it again tomorrow.” -  Reed Markham, American educator

"A king, realizing his incompetence, can either delegate or abdicate his duties. A father can do neither." - Marlene Dietrich

"Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a dad." - Anne Geddes 

Happy Father’s Day!

Mum-to-be gift

Every mum-to-be should experience it - pampering time for herself and baby.  It’s a very special time which deserves very special attention.  Return to Glory mum-to-be gift vouchers offer three effective packages for pre or post natal pregnancy:  relaxing massage (ease tension, alleviate tired muscles, reduce excess water retention), home reflexology massage (unblock, stimulate and balance reflexes on the feet) or a full home pedicure (soothe aching legs and feet) - £65 each for 1 hour/£80 for 1.5 hours.  Return to Glory in home mum-to-be gift treatments are trusted, convenient, private and all she will ever need to relieve discomfort whether she’s at the early stages or later.

Return to Glory professional pregnancy massage therapists bring all the equipment including soft couch and Neal’s Yard Remedies natural therapies and use traditional pressure point techniques paying particular attention to the common symptoms many women suffer including tight shoulders, tired legs, lower back strain and joint aches.  Every pregnancy massage is tailored to the individual taking into account their shape and size, to bring relief from stress and tension.

What better way for mums-to-be to de-stress and feel a deep state of relaxation that’s not only a priceless but thoughtful mum-to-be gift!

 The ‘Office Rocked’

Suddenly they all stood up and I was quickly roped into exercises in the middle of the office - chairs asunder and limp bodies ready for action. That was my first experience of what I later found out to be the usual lunchtime antic at RTG HQ, met with surprise, laughter and pleasure all in one. 

Set on exercising the team’s mind, body and soul for the day-to-day runnings of the busy office, this was afterall a great way to show off our fitness performance and boost our energy levels.  We each lay on the floor with legs in the air and rotated them in a circle to the count of 10. Before I realized we were onto the next exercise.  Quickly to my feet I managed to keep up with the systematic stretching of arms, again to the count of 10.  Finally finishing off with 10 push-ups that was good enough for all the team but at which point I soon became aware I needed to get fit – and quick!

What’s the moral?  Regular exercise is beneficial for everyone, at home, office or on the go so why not have your own private fitness session with a qualified Return to Glory personal trainer to help you achieve your ideal health and fitness goals.