If you met Anisa Essop 15 to 20 years ago, you probably would not recognise this survivor of gender-based violence (GBV). Essop weighed 128kg, was depressed and in an abusive marriage to a drug addict.

Today, at the age of 42, she has left that relationship firmly in the past, weighs 67kg, and teaches others how to take control of their health and fitness.

The qualified fitness trainer says her overall mission is to help others achieve their personal fitness goals.

Essop has been a trainer for the past 19 years, but in 2019 she decided to create her own brand: Anisa Fitness.

She says the goal is to assist people with their physical and mental health, as well as a healthy lifestyle.

Essop is her own biggest influence and a firm believer that everyone needs fitness, which is her reason for teaching clients from four to 75 years of age.

During lockdown she has been posting free at-home workout videos on her Facebook page and Instagram profile. She is offering self-defence classes in August to mark National Womens Month.

Before South Africa went into lockdown, Essop offered group training at various gyms. In addition, she created her own events for those unable to afford gym memberships.

She also does corporate team-building fitness classes and markets various clothing and health brands.

People misunderstand the fact that eating healthy is costly or very expensive, says the fitness instructor.

She say often the amount of money spent on take-aways, alcohol and luxuries is much more and results in health issues that lead to visiting the doctors for medication.

Overall, she notes that healthy eating keeps the body energised, builds a strong immune system, promotes better sleep and improves quality of life.

When Essop got married she weighed 56kg, but that shot up to 128kg. According to her, she was eating too much because she was depressed.

The fitness instructor admits to being physically, emotionally and mentally abused by her abusive drug addict ex-husband of nine years.

Every time I would drop weight, he would beat me. I felt like a prisoner. I was not allowed out the house without him nor have any friends, says Essop.

Essop looked at this unhealthy environment where she was raising her two children and decided to get out. She divorced her husband in 2005.

I decided to get back my body to start teaching and give my children a better life.

I learnt I could face my fear and rise above stronger to achieve my purpose on this earth, she says.

Originally from KwaZulu-Natal, Essop later worked in the Eastern Cape and now lives in the Western Cape.

After her divorce, in 2006 Essop partnered with a Dr Tyliti and opened a gym called Queens Fitness centre in Queenstown.

During this time, Essop also worked as a part-time chauffeur and became a district manager for Avon. She moved to Cape Town in 2010.

I learnt could face my fear and rise above stronger to achieve my purpose on this earth, she says.

In a time where many suffer from low self-esteem, weight gain, violence, abuse and loneliness, Essop hopes to help people achieve their dreams.

Her goal is to build a diverse community of fitness warriors who are able to come together to forget about personal issues and celebrate life.

I also offered free fitness events in the rural areas such as Khyalitsha, Blue Downs, Nyanga and Gugulethu to the youth coming from less fortunate homes, she says.

Never give up hope

Essop urges those looking to make a personal change not to eat out of emotion and never give up hope.

For those looking to get into the health and fitness industry, she recommends that you have qualities such as passion, dedication, vision and consistency.

You need to invest financially, be a peoples person, mentally strong and physically fit, says Essop.

Read more from the original source:
How Anisa tackled obesity, health, fitness and GBV - The South African

When we look around, all we see is the advent of the online world, the technological advances of various industries and most importantly the number of youngsters who set foot into the digital space to bring in their newness and carve a future for themselves with their pure talents, skills and ideas. Many young girls long had realized the importance of the beauty world and this made them jump into the same being an influencer and blogger, where they can share their knowledge and insights with others and gain more followers across social media platforms. One such young and dynamic blogger and influencer is Chahna Soni from Mumbai, who at just 23 years of age has carved a different niche for herself on social media platforms, where she has become the favourite and the go-to person for any tips on health, fitness, lifestyle and beauty.

Being a multi-talented girl since the beginning, Chahna completed her studies from SNDT University in Mumbai and then became a Diamond Graduate from the Gemological Institute Of America. Her love and passion for various industries like beauty, fitness, etc. helped her progress as an influencer and this gained her massive followings across multiple social media platforms.

Today, she shares with us some top makeup trends that she believes would pick up pace in 2020.

Neon makeup trend: Neon colours add a certain kind of vibrancy on the face when applied the right colours in the right amount, says Soni. Neon colours can be used with minimal makeup as that in itself would get sufficient for a woman to stand out amongst others. Soni believes that one can put a neon shade at the corners of the eye for a quick hint of colour, instead of putting a neon eye shadow. Colourful lower-liner makeup trend: Amongst the most popular trends currently is the colourful lower-liner makeup trend. Girls can have all the fun with using colours on not only on the top lash but on the lower lash as well, with either using the same colour or a lighter shade. It can add a fun element to the entire look with minimal makeup too, explains Soni. Bright mascara trend: Women have since the beginning only used black mascara, but time is demanding something new and a top trend is to add a coloured hue on the lashes. Soni says that people fearing to use a colour for mascara can first try their hands on darker colours like a green or a deep blue; it would definitely call out for some extra attention from people. Lip stain makeup trend: Girls have always had the habit of putting a proper or a bold shade for lips; however, the current trend demands that they can opt for only a stain, say Soni. The trend is for barely-there lip stain, which gives more natural lips look. Soni explains that this look is super low maintenance and provides a natural charm as well.

Being a passionate soul for beauty all these years, helped Soni to join hands with many local as well as international beauty brands. Not just that, Soni also loves to voice her opinions on several health and wellness tips that can lead a person towards a happier lifestyle. Through her social media handles Soni keeps updating her fans and followers about the latest trends in beauty, fitness and lifestyle and this ups her game in the industry as a young and influential personality.

The way Chahna Soni is helping people through her content speaking about self-love also has been instrumental in changing the lives of many positively.

See the rest here:
Chahna Soni: Redefining the field of beauty, health and fitness in her unique style as an influencer and blogger - IWMBuzz

Tom Boxwell. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

Tom Boxwells days as a student at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) gave him more than a great education and springboard for a successful career. It provided a place where community mattered and fostered a desire to give back to an institution he feels has rewarded him handsomely over the years.

With his donation to CSUN a generous $50,000 to the College of Health and Human Developments Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH), where he earned his Master of Science in 1979 Boxwell hopes his action will have a ripple effect, encouraging other alumni to donate, too.

In short, hed like to bolster the culture of giving.

Tom Boxwell. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

Get It Going

Id like this to be a kind of kick-off, Boxwellsaid. The work is doing it the first time; but once youve done it, then its like cutting and pasting! Wed like to send out a newsletter about whats going on in the EOH program, and on the back of that newsletter include an opportunity to donate, whether its $1 or $100, he emphasized.

The donation will allow for equipment purchases and student training in the EOH department. Boxwell and his wife, attorney Nancy Alders, wanted to give a gift that was beneficial for the studentsandthe faculty.

In addition to earning his masters at CSUN, Boxwell also has a Bachelor of Science in Health Science from the university and had, for 30 years, been a part-time lecturer in the Department of EOH. One of his favorite feel-good moments at CSUN was being selected from a physiology class of 150 graduate students to run a microbiology lab. Teaching that class is a really good memory. I also took over the lecture sometimes when the instructor wanted to leave early. We were meant to feel, in grad school, special. They didnt just take anyone; you were there because you were good. They imbued in us a sense of complete confidence.

The Roots Took Hold

Tom Boxwell and his wife, Nancy Alders. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

Boxwell said his parents, who relocated to California from Ohio in 1957 to pursue better job prospects, emphasized achievement and the importance of being well-educated. Going to college was an imperative, not a choice. His mother, a registered nurse, found work at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys; his dad obtained a masters in education from CSUN and taught in the county probation system for more than 40 years. Boxwell also believes his formative years were impacted positively by his participation in The Order of DeMolay, a Masonic youth organization that instilled a core value of leadership in both character and action.

Thrive and Give

Boxwells career took off after graduating with a masters degree, and he credits CSUN for helping him become an adult. He had gleaned technical training how to evaluate worker exposure to chemical and biological elements, for example that enabled him to develop programs where they were needed. During his tenure at Hughes Aircraft Company, where he worked for 17 years, he developed and managed an environmental health and safety audit program that completed more than 150 audits at Hughes facilities around the world. Later in his career Boxwell worked at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he was a laser safety officer for about 8,000 people.

Tom Boxwell and Farrell Webb, dean of the College of Health and Human Development. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

His spirit of generosity has extended to non-monetary giving, as well. At Hughes, he coordinated beach clean-up days, herding 1,300 shorts-and-flip-flops-wearing employees who gathered debris in Playa del Rey. And, while teaching at CSUN, he often took time out during class to talk to students about the impact of giving.

I would tell them, Its likely youll make more money as you move forward in your career. You need to find a charity you like and support it, either financially or with sweat equity, maybe both.

Farrell J. Webb, dean of the College of Health and Human Development, agreed. You have to give back. I went to a Jesuit school, and I learned their philosophy of being obligated to give back to the institution that educated you. And the alumni always ask for money, which is okay they never insist, they just ask. We have to introduce people to the idea that theycangive and for students, they dont have to do it now, they can wait until later.

Aside from reaping the educational and professional benefits of attending CSUN, Boxwell found lasting personal relationships from his time as a student. He worked with many friends he had met in school; and in the 1980s, he and fellow Matador Owen Seiver formed a band, Curves, that played all of the local venues, many of them high profile The Roxy, The Whiskey, The Troubadour. The rockers gained a loyal following, signed a record contract with EMI and even appeared in an MTV video.

Boxwell reflects on his meaningful CSUN connections and reiterates his gratitude for the program that enabled him to have a great career. I hope this donation will alleviate some stress in certain areas and make people happier, if even for just a day!

College of Health and Human Development, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, donor

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Environmental and Occupational Health Alumnus Wants His Donation to Inspire a Culture of Giving - CSUN Today

Essential Advice For Beginners to Open-Water Swimming

I've been swimming for exercise for over 15 years. I feel my best physically, mentally, and emotionally when I'm swimming in a pool, happily lost in the repetition of logging lap after lap in my lane.

But put me in a lake or an ocean, and I feel like a fish out of water. I'm a strong swimmer, but my confidence instantly evaporates when it comes to open-water swimming.

That's likely because open-water swimming is "dramatically different" than swimming competitively in a pool, according to Coach Morgon Latimore, Ironman-certified coach and level three coach, and lead adult learn-to-swim instructor at US Masters Swimming.

"The pool is a controlled environment: you have lane lines, walls, and a little back stripe on the bottom of the pool to keep you in the center of the lane," Latimore says. "When you venture out into the open water, it is the total opposite there are no lane lines, there are no walls to stop and hold on to or flip turn on. There's only the open water and everything in it, including the wildlife, which can have a dramatic effect on an untrained mind. I have seen competitive swimmers freeze with anxiety and fear in open water, and this would not have occurred in a pool."

While a pool has predictable circumstances, down to the chemical balance and temperature, the open water is controlled by the very unpredictable Mother Nature, Latimore explains.

"As you venture into the open water you must be very mindful of the currents, the waves, pollution, and many other environmental concerns. Also, when you are swimming in open water you must be able to see where you are going, and depending on the distance, you may even need nutrition if it's a long open-water swim."

Latimore says that not considering these factors can put even very good pool swimmers at a "very big disadvantage in the open water." Therefore, it's crucial for anyone new to open-water swimming to understand their new environment and educate themselves on open-water swimming best practices for safety reasons and to boost their confidence and performance.

I'd love to enter into an open-water swim race one day, so I'm starting my education with Latimore's essential tips below.

"There is safety in numbers, and you should never swim in open water alone. There are no exceptions to this rule," Latimore stresses. On top of sticking to beaches or lakes with lifeguards, Latimore says that having someone near you on a boat, kayak, or standup paddle board for safety is a great idea as well as someone sitting on the shore or a dock watching you swim. That way, they can also call for help if needed.

Latimore also says there are devices that you can strap to your waist or leg that act as safety flotation devices. But remember: open-water swimming alone is not an option.

First, you should only swim in safe waters approved for swimming. Then, you'll want to familiarize yourself with that body of water, Latimore says.

"Not doing your homework beforehand on the open water you're going to be swimming in could put you in a bad situation. I would always tell swimmers that they should show up maybe a day or two prior to their open-water swim (if it is their first time or they have never swam at the location) and just read the water," Latimore says.

That means looking at the waves, noting what time of day it is and how many people are in the water, identifying where the lifeguards are, and chatting with locals about the water conditions. If you're in the ocean, Latimore suggests speaking to surfers, too.

If you're new to open-water swimming, Latimore suggests trying the lake before an ocean if you have a choice. "Lakes take out the concern of waves and swells (in most cases), but there are still some large lakes that possess the same water conditions as an ocean swim."

As mentioned before, Latimore notes that a flotation device is a great piece of equipment to have for open-water swimming.

You'll also want to have a brightly-colored swim cap so you can be spotted from a distance, and goggles, "so you are not disoriented and you can see where you are going when you're sighting looking above water to make sure you are swimming in the right direction," Latimore says.

A wetsuit is a good item to add to your shopping list, too. Latimore says wearing wetsuits can give you a sense of security to depend on and will help you retain body heat if the water temperature is below what's comfortable for you. "It may be necessary for beginners depending on their confidence and skill level," Latimore adds.

Stores specializing in triathlon gear can help point you in the right direction when it comes time to make a purchase.

"Not even a car can run without fuel, so making sure that you have all the nutrients and hydration you need is very important for having the energy you will need to enjoy, or even complete, your swim," Latimore says. So, be sure to properly hydrate and fuel your body for the work ahead.

Ease into this sport. If you regularly swim in a pool and this is your first time open-water swimming, Latimore says to swim for a shorter distance than you normally would. "For example, instead of swimming 1600 meters like you would in a pool, maybe only swim 500 meters. That means swim 250 meters out and 250 meters back, totaling 500 meters."

But remember how Latimore mentioned that open-water swimming comes with unpredictable factors? Currents and waves can potentially change the intensity of your swim, which should play into how far you choose to swim as well. "It may become more challenging for you to breathe and have the ability to swim the given distance."

The length of time you usually spend swimming should also be taken into account. "If you have only swam for 15 or 20 minutes, you shouldn't be taking on a swim significantly longer than that without proper preparation, even if it's only an extra five to 10 minutes," Latimore says.

Make time for a proper warmup and a cooldown, just like you would if you were jumping into a pool-based workout, Latimore says. "Most people skip this especially beginners because they feel that it is conserving energy. Perform warmups and cooldowns to make your swims easier and your recovery faster."

Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.

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If Youre Interested in Open-Water Swimming, These Beginner Tips Are Essential - POPSUGAR

Report of Global Smart Health and Fitness Equipment Market is generated by Orbis Research providing the comprehensive study of the industry. Orbis Research is considering the year 2019 as a base year and forecast period for predicting the growth of the market is 2020-2026. Orbis Research is delivering the reports of market research on several categories by an organized method of judging the client, examining market supply, researching, struggle and demand, accompanied by integrating the feedback of the client.

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The in-depth report on Smart Health and Fitness Equipment Market by Orbis Research provides readers with an overview of the market and assists consumers to study the other significant factors impacting the Global Smart Health and Fitness Equipment Market.

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COVID-19 Impact on Global Smart Health and Fitness Equipment Market Insights, Forecast to 2026 - Cole of Duty

Garmin announced today that it has purchased Firstbeat Technologies' Firstbeat Analytics, its business unit responsible for physiological-measurement algorithms for use with consumer health and wellness devices. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Jyvaskyla, Finland, Firstbeat Analytics has been providing software that interprets various data collected from sensors. It has licensed the technology to a handful of consumer fitness device-makers including Garmin to enable tracking of wearers' stress, sleep, VO2 max, respiration rate, calories burned and several other metrics.

Having utilized Firstbeats innovative analytics across our product lines for more than a decade, we are excited to have the Firstbeat Analytics associates join the Garmin team, establishing us at the forefront of physiological analytics, Cliff Pemble, Garmin president and CEO, said in a statement. Together with their team of physiologists, scientists and engineers, we look forward to providing Garmin customers with unmatched technology for greater performance, recovery and overall health.

HIMSS20 Digital

Firstbeat Analytics will continue to operate out of its current facilities. Garmin's purchase does not include Firstbeat Technologies' other businesses, focused on corporate and sports customers.

WHY IT MATTERS

To say that Garmin's smartwatches were heavily reliant on Firstbeat's algorithms would be an understatement the Garmin Fenix 6 GPS smartwatch, for instance, lists 18 different health- and performance-tracking features that are supported by the technology. Bringing Firstbeat's business in-house gives Garmin more control over how the health-tracking technology develops.

Looking to the rest of the market, this acquisition also places Garmin in a position of power over competitors who were also licensing Firstbeat's technology Casio, Xiaomi, Huawei, Amazfit and Suunto, to name a few. The Swiss company can now set the terms of Firstbeat Analytics' upcoming licensing deals, so allowing Garmin to either generate new income or hamper the feature sets of its smartwatch rivals.

THE LARGER TREND

Similar to Apple and Samsung, the first and second smartwatch market share leaders, Garmin has been steadily incorporating more health and fitness tracking features into its product lineup. Last year saw the addition of menstrual-cycle tracking to the company's various consumer devices, while 24-7 fitness monitoring was a key focus of last fall's Venu and vvoactive watch reveals.

The wearables' onboard sensors have also earned Garmin's devices a role in several health-research projects, among the most recent of which is Scripps Research Translational Institute's DETECT Study for the early detection of viral disease symptoms.

More here:
Garmin acquires analytics company behind its smartwatches' fitness, health tracking features - MobiHealthNews

Planning to get fit or stay in shape, and need a little help? Well, weve curated some of the best health and fitness apps to give you a kickstart.

MyFitnessPal: Calorie Counter & Diet Tracker Cost: Free Download here

Aimed at helping you keep your weight and fitness goals on track. The diet tracker has a quick and easy-to-use calorie counter. The food database has over 5,000,000 foods plus tips to help you lose weight whatever your age or gender. Its a trainer, life-coach and personal chef all in one. We love the It like the fact that there is a food diary, you can track the amount of exercise you do, and after all your work out it tells you how much room for manoeuvre (such as a glass of wine) you have left at the end of the day. MyFitnessPal lets you connect across social media and the App itself with your friends who are also on MyFitnessPal and we all know how much better we perform individually when we train as part of a community!

MapMyRun: GPS Running & Fitness Tracking App

Cost: Monthly/Annual Subscription Download here

For most of us, we need to get support to help motivate us to exercise. We need to get a nudge to push us to new heights (or distances!) If youre looking for a new running route, want to log the distance travelled or find someone nearby to run with, them this app is a must-have. This version also suggests the foods you should eat before and after your workout, and logs the number of calories burned. That gets our vote.

Screenshots of App on iPhone

Yoga Studio: Yoga App Cost: $4.99 Download here This is such a great place to start your yoga journey as the app provides different levels of classes from the beginner through to the expert. It is an easy-to-follow high quality video of a yoga classes. With a wide selection of yoga sequences that can be easily customised to create your own classes, class scheduling, a library of hundreds of poses with detailed advice and instructions. We find this is a world class app for yogis. Works on iPhone and Android.

Glow: Period Tracker, Ovulation Calculator & Fertility Tracker Cost: free Download here If you havent heard about period trackers then listen up. Glow is the worlds best period tracker, fertility and reproductive health App. The apps menstrual and ovulation calendars help women learn about their fertility, whether avoiding or attempting pregnancy. Glow is a period tracker that also records your ovulation, mood, symptoms, sex, and medications, and assists those undergoing fertility treatments like IVF or IUI.You can also be connected to the Glow community for support and advice, plus you can receive personalised tracking data and reminders for your medications, birth control or other contraception and health checks. And, it even has a mirror App for your partner, so he can track your moods too!!

Breath Of Light: Meditation App Cost: $3.79 Download here

Meditation is so much easier now with this app which was produced by two Aussies based in Melbourne. It is categorised as a game but its unique and inspired by meditation and yoga principles.Unlike other games that are designed for you to speed up response time and reactions, Breath of Light was developed to put the user in a beautiful meditative state. It started off as a feng shui idea but the developer wasnt content with the initial concept (they took two years to perfect it). The development process was back to front they wanted the player to feel relaxed and unwound (something of a luxury in our crazy busy world) so they worked backwards from that feeling. And voila, Breath of Light was conceived. This app achieves just what the developers were dreaming of gentle and slow interaction using flowing energy and specially selected music (Hobart-based musicians Winterpark) which is very much part of the all-immersive experience the App even recommends you put your headphones on. We sayBeatsare best

Luminosity: Brain Training App

Cost: Free Download here Luminosity is a sensational App that trains your memory and attention and is used by over 60 million people worldwideto create training programs that challenge your brain. Designed by neuroscientists to train memory, attention and much more. With foundations in the study of neuroplasticity, Luminosity games are used in research, and have been incorporated into studies done by top scientists worldwide now thats a great recommendation!

Clean & Green Eating: Healthy Recipes App Cost: $3.79 Download here Theres no point sweating it out in the gym if you are not being mindful about what you eat. Here is where this app makes a difference. Therecipes are simple and mostly use basic ingredients and they are all very tasty.Clean & Green Eating aims to nourish your body with the healthiest foods fresh or closest to their natural state with the least amount of processing. Organic meats, fish, fruit, vegetables, dairy, nuts and whole grains top the list. Less processing and buying local and in season supports a reduced carbon footprint and organic products equals less chemicals for you and the earth!There are hundreds of recipes to choose from with regular additions, nutritional information for each recipe, recipe search function using items you already have in your pantry, specific dietary information and the ability (of course) to share your recipes with your friends on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

App Review: A Day In The Life Of Chris Hemsworth’s Fitness App

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Editors Pick: Our Favourite Health And Fitness Apps To Keep You In Shape - Women Love Tech

Gov. Phil Murphy declared Thursday hes extending the public-well being emergency he declared in New Jersey since of the coronavirus pandemic by an additional 30 days, even as the states outbreak has slowed significantly and its gradual reopening programs move ahead.

Murphy has by now lifted his remain-at-household get and has eased quite a few other of the restrictions he put in area in March to battle the virus distribute. This does not alter that.

But the move does increase all of the governors executive orders that remain in place, like a ban on indoor eating at bars and eating places and other indoor pursuits, like motion picture theaters and other amusement.

These declarations, unless of course prolonged, expire immediately after 30 days, Murphy said through his daily coronavirus briefing in Trenton. What todays action implies is that we will have the authority to keep on being vigilant and well prepared to act ought to there be a new outbreak of COVID-19.

And we go on to perform vigilantly to protect versus that happening, the governor additional. But, we just cant do it all by ourselves. We will need all nine million of you to continue on functioning appropriate together with us.

https://www.youtube.com/enjoy?v=34rVZz1K8Zw

Murphy declared both equally a condition of emergency and a community-well being emergency on March 9 as COVID-19 was starting to distribute in the Back garden Point out, which is now house to the 2nd-most fatalities and scenarios in the U.S.

Though the point out of crisis is indefinite, Murphy prolonged the general public-wellness emergency on April 7 and once more in early May well and June. This new extension will remain in put by way of early August.

A point out of emergency gives state authorities selected govt powers and safeguards to reply to a disaster. It also makes it possible for the condition to obtain federal aid.

A community-health and fitness unexpected emergency makes it possible for the governor to acquire wide motion to shield New Jersey beneath the Emergency Health Powers Act.

CORONAVIRUS Resources: Dwell map tracker | E-newsletter| Homepage

New Jersey, a densely populated state of 9 million people, has described at least 15,105 regarded fatalities both of those lab-confirmed and possible attributed to COVID-19, with 172,356 recognized scenarios, in the nearly 4 months given that its 1st situation was declared March 4. The Garden Condition ranks 2nd in deaths and fourth in conditions between U.S. states.

Condition officers introduced 27 new deaths and 539 new favourable exams Thursday.

But whilst new instances are surging in several other states, New Jerseys quantities of new fatalities and circumstances per day, as effectively as whole hospitalizations, are down drastically since peaking in April.

New Jersey is at present in Phase 2 of Murphys gradual reopening plan. In some of the most recent improvements, casinos, amusement parks, museums, libraries, indoor swimming pools, and other enjoyment firms had been allowed to reopen Thursday.

Murphy, even so, canceled designs to permit indoor eating at bars and eating places setting up Thursday.

He stated the most important motive was mounting scenarios in other states ended up due in component to the reopening of indoor dining, in which patrons really do not wear masks when they eat and are largely sedentary for huge periods of time. He mentioned it didnt aid that New Jersey saw packed crowds at some bars and places to eat disregarding social-distancing rules in the two months given that outside eating has been authorized.

CORONAVIRUS Means: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

Murphy on Thursday also declared the limit on the variety of persons allowed at outdoor gatherings in New Jersey will enhance from 250 to 500 on Friday. That paves the way for big outside substantial university graduations, which might resume Monday.

Summertime camps and summer time faculty are also allowed to resume Monday.

In addition, the state is calling for out-of-condition tourists to quarantine for 14 days if theyre checking out New Jersey or returning home just after investing time in states regarded coronavirus hotspots. The list which Murphy reported may improve frequently improved to 16 states late Monday.

Meanwhile, about 1.3 million Yard State citizens have submitted for unemployment advantages as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on the overall economy.

Our journalism desires your guidance. You should subscribe currently to NJ.com.

Matt Arco may perhaps be reached at [emailprotected].

Brent Johnson could be achieved at [emailprotected].

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NJ coronavirus public-health and fitness emergency prolonged by 30 times. Point out of unexpected emergency stays in influence. - Winged Express

An independent boxing gym, known for its free community programming and iconicgiant colourful boxing glove statues, is at risk of shuttering permanently after more than two decades in business.

Bloor Street Boxing & Fitness, which has graced the corner of Bloor and Dundas West since 1994, has issued a call for support after months of forced closure due to the health crisis.

"During the shutdown our revenue stream stopped but our bills did not,"a GoFundMe campaignforthe facility reads."We are still expected to pay rent and utilities during the shutdown and that has caused an extreme financial burden that will not be made up the moment we reopen our doors."

Thankfully, the gymhas been given the go-ahead by the province to reopen with stringent health and safety measures in place sometime "in the near future," assuming it can financially survive until then.

But, it needsto recoup a loss of a whopping $80,000 by Aug.1 in order to stay afloat.

Former lightweight National Champion Paul Ryan started the business initially as a way to get at-risk young people off the streets and into the sport.

Since its beginnings, it has grown into a full service two-storey 24-hour gym with a variety of training options and classes, includingspecialty ones like Shape Your Life, offeredtotrauma and violence survivors, and the long-running Boxers Against Drugs Guns Everywhere foryouth. Both programs are free of charge.

It's known for its no-nonsense inclusive environment and for having "all the amenities of a big gym and none of the pretension" for amateurs and professionals alike, whether they are looking to pick up boxing, yoga, or just stay physically fit.

Members and neighbours are rallying for the gym, with just over $4,000 raised so far in two days. Hopefully, that number can get closer to the goal in time for next month for this legendary Toronto spot and the oversized gloves that flank its doors to stick around.

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Toronto fitness club and boxing gym could be forced to close after 25 years in business - blogTO

Brian Levitt, Co-Founder & President, NAVA Real Estate Development. Image courtesy of NAVA Real Estate Development

Stay-at-home orders issued by local and state authorities to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus have revealed the vital role of homes in everyones lives. People are increasingly recognizing that the design of a space is a key tool in preserving spiritual and physical health. Although developers have long taken steps in the right direction, the pandemic has accelerated conversations about mental wellness and well-being.

NAVA Real Estate Development Co-Founder & President Brian Levitt has seen the evolution of sustainability standards, having worked on 18 LEED-certified buildings throughout his career. The developers Lakehouse project on the south shore of Sloans Lake in Denver is a space enabling residents to make more conscious choices while engaging with the local community. With health a top priority for everyone nowadays, Levitt talks about the future of wellness in the post-COVID-19 era of real estate and explains why the Lakehouse community can serve as a best practice example.

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What are the most cost-effective ways for owners and property managers to make communities healthier?

Levitt: Certification programs like LEED, Energy Star and the WELL Building Standard have transformed the way properties are designed and operated, but the idea of promoting human health and wellness within the built environment still has a long way to go. The good news is that you can address community health and wellness in so many waysmany of them cost-effective. The WELL Building Standard, for example, has created rigorous, performance-based standards, but anyone can apply the programs seven basic wellness elementsair and water quality, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort and mindto create a healthier community.

You can do everything, from repurposing common areas into creative hobby spaces and developing specific programming that encourages regular socialization or physical activity, to installing upgraded air filtration to allow occupants to breathe easier or mounting blackout shades in residential units to enhance sleep quality. The resources available now for understanding and implementing effective, measurable wellness-driven initiatives in the built environment are more readily available than ever.

What do developers need to know about the challenges they might encounter when building healthier communities?

Levitt: Many developers assume that building a community that prioritizes health and wellness will have a major impact on construction costs. Lakehouse, our 196-unit condominium development in Denver, was recently recognized as Colorados first WELL pre-certified multifamily project. In that community, comprehensive wellness infrastructure improvements increased the construction budget by less than 1 percent.

Beyond that, its important to recognize that the concept of wellness in real estate will continue to evolve as greater emphasis is placed not just on physical health, but on mental health, too. From a developers perspective, this of course means engaging with forward-thinking architecture and design partners, but also consulting with advisershealth-care and psychology professionals, nutrition counselors, fitness experts and the liketo ensure the community can meet the critical needs of future residents today and tomorrow.

Even though the concept of healthy buildings is still nascent, demand is growing. Where health and wellness were once nice-to-have features in a community, they will quickly become the standard, especially after the events of this year.

What are the main features of the Lakehouse community in Denver?

Levitt: Lakehouse, which broke ground in 2017, applies new thinking and the latest research in multifamily design, with a specific focus on how architecture, engineering, design and amenities can better support resident health and wellness. Research proves that the air we breathe and the materials in our homes can have a profound impact on our mental and physical health, so it was important to our team that Lakehouses infrastructure, systems and operations would equip our residents to make healthy choices.

Designed by architects Stantec and Muoz + Albin, Lakehouses blend of glass, steel, stone and wood complements its waterfront location, and the building is oriented to maximize skyline views of downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains. Inside, the amenities address the seven elements of the WELL Building Standard. An on-site, professionally managed urban farm produces fresh, organic produce, while our wellness concierge helps to connect residents with resources that will help them achieve their personal health goals. Residents also have access to a creative workshop, wellness center and a resident lounge with a collaborative cooking and dining program.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated conversations about how the places we live in can affect our health. If theres any silver lining to this, were hopeful it will prompt more developers to consider the many ways to positively impact community health within the built environment.

Tell us more about the process of obtaining the WELL certification.

Levitt: Once we found our site for Lakehouse, we hired Delos, whose founders created the WELL Building Standard, and worked together to pilot a residential community that would take a similarly metric-driven approach to improve the health and well-being of residents. We met regularly with the International WELL Building Institute to best determine how Lakehouse could not only achieve the standard but go above and beyond. In April 2020, our community received WELL precertification at the Gold level.

In addition, Lakehouses infrastructure was designed to provide residents with enhanced air purification, sound attenuation, comfort and control, while its health and wellness program provides healthy choices to residents so they may become more active, social, relaxed and nourished.

How difficult is it to operate such a community?

Levitt:We asked ourselves: Once we successfully construct the condominium community we have been dreaming of for years, what happens in terms of health and wellness? What we decided to do was engage with the local wellness community. Our team worked with local farmers, nutritionists, yoga instructors, fitness experts, cycling professionals, kayak instructors, art consultants, ski manufacturers and others to develop a building with the proper infrastructure to support future programming. Now that Lakehouse is open, the same group of local professionals has been engaged by the homeowner association to provide instruction, counseling and fun to residents who now live at Lakehouse.

We also give our residents the tools they need to live a well-balanced lifestyle. One way we do that is through our wellness concierge, Anna, who oversees many of the holistic health and wellness programs at Lakehouse. In addition to incorporating partnerships with local businessesyoga studios and fitness centers, for exampleAnna plays an important role in educating residents on how physical and mental wellness can be applied in all aspects of their lives.

We even produced an extensive resident wellness manual. In it, we explain why we pursued WELL Building Certification and how each of the seven elements was incorporated into Lakehouses design. We hope understanding the thoughtful design will make residents feel more connected to their home and each other.

READ ALSO: Health-Centered Communities to Take Center Stage

Whats your take on the future of wellness in real estate, considering the pandemic has definitely made us more conscious about the space we live in?

Levitt: Beyond the current crisis, we believe physical and mental health is something that should be prioritized in all aspects of life. Where and how we live can play a significant role in this, considering most of us spend more than 90 percent of our time indoors. Are we getting enough daylight? Are we provided moments or spaces for respite? Are we engaging with the natural world in the built environment?

The industry has taken steps in the right direction, but we need to be more proactive by creating more spaces and places that make it easier for residents to make more conscious, healthy choices. Our hope is that the design and construction of Lakehouse and the amenities we offer will set an example that others can follow. Our building is just one piece of the real estate puzzle and we hope it will spark broader efforts at the community level.

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A Developer's Forward-Thinking View on Wellness in Multifamily - Multi-Housing News