Be Well

Our fourth Melbourne grandchild was born this week; welcome, June! We’ve gone from wondering if we would ever have grandchildren to suddenly having four under 2 years of age. It’s amazing how different the role of grandmother feels compared to being a mother. All the overpowering, all-consuming love without any of the stress! It’s so worth waiting for 😅 I was walking down my street carrying, skipping and jumping with 22 month old Sophia, pictured above, when a woman sternly warned me to be careful not to hurt my back. I laughed, not at her, but at the idea that obviously at a certain perceived age you’re expected to be able to do some things and not other things, particularly physical activities. Older Parents,Older Grandparents The age of first-time parents is steadily increasing, currently ranging from 27 to 32 years. Over the past 15 years, the age of first-time grandparents has shifted from mid-50s to between 60-79 years. I understood what the woman in the street meant. I see many grandparents in their early 60’s with their small grandchildren who look like there’s no way they could possibly pick them up, let alone skip down the street. Keeping Up With the Grandkids To truly embrace the joy of being a grandparent you need to be fit. It’s exhausting, fun and non-stop movement!! The heart-filled pure joy of being a parent and grandparent is enough evidence for me to stay well, fit and sharp but the very real health and longevity benefits are now well researched and evidenced. Here’s some new research to inspire you just in case you need it! 😄 Longevity: 37% lower mortality risk for caregiving grandparents over 20 years Better cognitive function: Higher cognitive scores with 100+ hours of grandchild care over two years, resulting in lower Alzheimer’s risk Greater emotional wellbeing: Both grandparents and grandchildren from emotional closeness. ️ Increased “feel-good” hormones:Spending time with grandchildren boosts dopamine and oxytocin levels, making both you and them happier! So to all the Mothers and Grandmothers, Happy Mother’s Day! Here’s to living younger, longer, better with our much loved and precious children and grandchildren 😍 Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousDon’t go breaking your heart Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

Nope, this is not a Valentine’s Day post but it is Heart Health Month and I truly, deeply care about yours in more ways than one! I was 19 years old when I watched my father suffer and then die from a heart attack a week before his 52nd birthday. His own doctor also suffered a heart attack trying to bring him back to life before the ambulance arrived. One man was taken to the hospital, the other to the morgue. It was a incredibly traumatic experience for my mother and I who were the witnesses to these events. Life’s Mysterious Echos That scene, experience and feeling came flooding back in full technicolor 35 years later when my husband and Co-founder of Be Well, David, collapsed from a heart attack on our front door step one Sunday morning, also in his mid 50’s, in 2017. As I sat, helplessly, holding his head, waiting for the ambulance to arrive I was gripped by the same fear and shock I felt all those years ago. As the saying goes, life may not repeat but it sure does rhyme. All these years later, heart disease is still Australia’s leading cause of death – claiming over 17,000 lives each year (ABS, 2023). Among adults aged 45–74, 1 in 6 is at high risk of a heart event in the next five years – often without realising. Women are not small men Heart disease looks and behaves differently in men and women. Men are more likely to experience the “classic” signs of a heart attack – chest pain, tightness and shortness of breath. Women, especially after menopause, are more likely to have “silent” symptoms: nausea, fatigue, back or jaw pain, or even anxiety-like symptoms. This means heart issues are often misdiagnosed or picked up late in women. In fact, women are almost three times more likely to die within a year of a heart attack compared to men (Heart Foundation, 2022). This is not just physical either. Emotion, stress, grief and social disconnection all trigger changes in heart rhythm and blood pressure. Studies show women tend to experience stronger emotional-heart links, such as “broken heart syndrome” (takotsubo cardiomyopathy), which mimics a heart attack but is caused by acute stress. Healthy ways to a healthy heart At Be Well, we’re here to help your emotional and physical heart thrive – no matter your age or gender. We all know by now that aerobic/cardio exercise, strength and interval training 2 – 3 times per week are key to heart health but what about everything else? Here’s some great new data on six additional ways not to break your own heart! Yoga and Tai Chi Lowers stress hormones, improves heart rate variability (HRV), and supports flexibility and balance. Quality Sleep (7–9 hours/night) Poor sleep increases heart disease risk by 45%. Good sleep helps regulate blood pressure and inflammation. Saunas Research shows regular sauna use mimics cardio benefits, lowers blood pressure, and improves vascular function. Cold Water Exposure Helps regulate vascular tone and autonomic nervous system (especially beneficial post-exercise). Breathwork & Meditation Slows heart rate, increases heart rate variability (HRV), and reduces stress load on the heart. Even 5 minutes a day counts. Gratitude journaling just 5 minutes a day also lowers resting heart rate and boosts emotional resilience. Social Connection & Laughter Yes, laughter! Oxytocin release supports cardiovascular health. Isolation increases heart attack risk by up to 29%. ——————————————————————————– The end of the story for David was very different to my Dad’s, thank goodness. One magic stent and he was back with more life and energy than ever. He is the first to say his heart attack was entirely predictable though – his lifestyle, diet and stress were seriously out of balance at that time. In fact, getting him back on track is what led us to create Be Well! No matter what I read on health, longevity, health and age tech and more, the key message is still the same. Your lifestyle is 80% of the health and wellbeing story and therefore completely in your control. As we like to say, and do!, lifestyle is your best medicine. We’ve got this Be Wellers! Here’s to strong hearts and living longer, better, healthier and happier together. Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousGrowth is contagious Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

Firstly, yes this is a bumper newsletter! I was away working in WA last week and over the weekend. Speaking of WA, I left feeling deeply inspired by someone I heard at the Reimagining Education conference in Fremantle, where I was fortunate to be a keynote speaker. It’s one of those rare events which goes beyond information sharing – it’s focus is provocation and being genuinely challenged to see things differently. One such provocation came from the brilliant Professor Erica McWilliam from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane. She posed a powerful critique of the current pressure we put on children and young people to “find their passion” and “fulfil their purpose”, as if these are singular, urgent quests. She argued that this pressure is just as exhausting as the high-stakes testing regimes we’re supposedly moving away from. Instead, she offered a beautifully simple counterpoint: it’s better to be good at one thing – and then surround yourself with others who are good at other things. This struck me not just from an education lens, but also through the prism of health and wellbeing. To become good at something isn’t an isolated act. It requires instruction, guidance, and exposure to expertise. And it takes time. Deliberate practice, as psychologist Anders Ericsson showed in his work on skill acquisition, is fundamental to mastery – and that practice is more effective with expert feedback and a supportive environment. In health and wellness, we see this constantly. At Be Well, people grow not just by showing up, but by learning from others. Watching someone modify a move, tackle a new challenge, or push through a plateau can be as motivating as our own progress. In fact, research into social learning theory confirms this – observing others can change our beliefs about what’s possible for ourselves. At Be Well, I often find myself commenting to a member about how much they’ve improved, not because I’m their instructor, but because their achievements are  contagious. Their effort sparks something in me. It’s a reminder that wellness is not a solo pursuit but rather a shared practice. The truth is, the most profound growth happens at the edge of our comfort zones. This aligns with the concept of optimal challenge in psychology, where tasks are hard enough to stretch us but not so hard that we give up. So perhaps we can let go of the myth that we must be extraordinary at everything. Maybe it’s enough to keep showing up, keep learning, and surround yourself with people who make us better – at health, at work, at play and at life. See you all again at Be Well soon! Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousCan you do the Shoe Challenge? Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

Next Monday is World Health Day and we’re challenging every one to do the ‘shoe challenge’ at Be Well. The ‘shoe challenge’ is where you stand on one leg while putting on a sock and shoe without touching the ground. While it may seem like a fun TikTok challenge, this simple act is backed by serious science. Mastering single-leg balance offers numerous benefits, from improving stability to enhancing brain function and even predicting longevity. 1. Balance and Stability One of the most obvious benefits of standing on one leg is improved balance. Balance is essential for daily activities like walking, running, and even standing for long periods. As we age, balance naturally declines, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Practicing single-leg standing and challenges like the shoe test strengthens stabilizing muscles in the ankles, knees, and core, reducing the likelihood of falls and improving coordination. 2. Stronger Core and Lower Body Muscles When you lift one leg off the ground, your core and lower body work harder to keep you upright. Engaging muscles in the abs, glutes, quads, and calves helps improve strength and endurance. Over time, this can lead to better posture, reduced back pain, and increased functional fitness—making everyday movements like climbing stairs or carrying groceries easier. 3. Better Proprioception and Coordination Proprioception is your body’s ability to sense its position in space without looking. It’s what allows you to walk without watching your feet or react quickly to unexpected movements. Standing on one leg and performing tasks like the shoe challenge enhances proprioceptive ability, improving coordination and reducing the risk of missteps or injuries in sports and daily life. 4. Brain Health and Cognitive Function Balance isn’t just about physical fitness—it’s also linked to brain health. Research suggests that people who struggle with balance may have a higher risk of cognitive decline. Activities that challenge balance stimulate neural pathways, keeping the brain engaged and potentially reducing the risk of dementia and other cognitive disorders. The shoe challenge, which requires focus and coordination, engages both brain and body, strengthening the mind-body connection. 5. Predicting Longevity Several studies have found that the ability to stand on one leg is a predictor of longevity. In one study, middle-aged and older adults who couldn’t balance on one leg for at least 10 seconds were more likely to experience health issues and a shorter lifespan. Improving balance through simple exercises like single-leg stands or the shoe challenge may contribute to a longer, healthier life. 6. A Fun Way to Test and Improve Fitness The shoe challenge isn’t just a social media trend—it’s a practical fitness test. It provides a quick snapshot of your balance, flexibility, and strength. If you find it difficult, don’t worry. Start by practicing standing on one leg for 30 seconds at a time, then gradually incorporate more movement. Over time, your balance and overall stability will improve, making you more resilient and agile. Join the Challenge! Standing on one leg and performing challenges like the shoe test are simple yet powerful ways to assess and enhance your health. Whether you’re looking to prevent falls, improve your athletic performance, or boost brain function, balance training is a crucial (and fun) part of fitness. So, why not give it a try? Slip on a shoe, test your balance, and reap the benefits of better health and longevity. See you at Be Well again soon. Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousA Calf Raise a Day Keeps the Physio Away Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

This week’s blog is from the desk of Pat Lynch, our Senior Physiotherapist As the saying goes, ‘A calf raise a day keeps the physio away.’ Well, that’s not entirely true—but doing a few goes a long way! Strong calves are not only essential for staying upright and sprinting for the bus, but they also protect you from falls, lower limb injuries, and even aging-related issues like osteopenia and sarcopenia (aka muscle loss). Your calf muscles serve as the foundation for nearly every movement you make, so it should come as no surprise that calf raises are a personal favourite, and an exercise I frequently recommend to the people who come to me for physio. 1. Better Blood Circulation Most people are surprised to learn that their calves are their second heart. They do the hard work of sending blood from our lower half up to our heart. Strong circulation is essential for: better cardiovascular health improved organ function (including better skin!) enhanced immune system faster wound healing, and more. Who knew that strengthening our calves would do all that!2. Healthier Joints & Muscles As we age, our joints wear down, and the muscles that support them shrink faster each year (thanks, sarcopenia!). Calf raises keep your lower limbs strong and mobile, reducing joint wear-and-tear and slowing muscle loss. 3. Stronger Bones Hopping can help reverse osteopenia (early bone loss). Just ten hops a day sends enough of a signal to our bones to increase their density and strength. Add skips to your walk! 4. Prevent Falls & Injury Wobbly ankles? Weak calves? That’s a recipe for trips and falls. Strong calves improve balance and stability, making you steadier on your feet—whether you’re navigating the Yarra trails or busy sidewalks. Your Quick & Easy Calf Routine Incorporating calf raises into your routine is simple and effective. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to ensure you perform them correctly for maximum benefit: ✔ Starting Position: Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart. Use a wall or a sturdy chair for balance if needed. ✔ Lift Your Heels: Slowly raise your heels off the ground by pushing through the balls of your feet. Keep your knees straight and engage your core for stability. ✔ Hold the Position: At the top, pause and feel the contraction in your calf muscles. ✔ Lower Your Heels: Slowly lower your heels back down to the starting position. Avoid bouncing, as can put unnecessary stress on joints. Rinse and Repeat: aim for 10-15 repetitions per set: ✔ Brushing Your Teeth? Do 15 calf raises (bonus points for single-leg!). ✔ Waiting for the Kettle to Boil? Sneak in 10 hops—your bones will thank you. ✔Using the Stairs? Let your heels hang off a step for an extra-deep stretch. As you build strength, try single-leg calf raises for added challenge. By building calve raises into your day, you will strengthen your calf muscles and enjoy the fabulous health benefits they provide! How a Physio Can Help Not all calf raises are created equal. Although they seem like a simple exercise, they are often performed incorrectly. A physiotherapist can check to make sure your technique is spot on, can recommend a suitable calve-raising practice, and help you progress your exercises safely. Whether you need guidance on proper form, in-depth injury prevention, or strengthening beyond basic calf raises, the Physio Team at Be Well can keep you strong and mobile for the long haul. So go on, give those calves a little extra love, and don’t forget to sing out if you want to supercharge your health. Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousBeyond Sick Care: Be Well’s New Partnerships for Holistic Health in 2025 Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

A few weeks ago we had a fantastic Be Well Conversation with Dr Gillian Singleton GP, co-founder of In2Health and Stephanie Slater, co-founder of Askle. We spoke at length about the ‘sick care’ vs ‘health care’ system we have in Australia, with 1 in 10 people still dying of preventable diseases and conditions and a tiny $89 dollars per head spent annually on health prevention by our Governments. We explored how Lifestyle Medicine Doctors like Gillian and her team take an entirely different, holistic approach to their patients – listening deeply, ensuring the right tests, diagnosis and carefully prescribed combination of medical and lifestyle interventions are in place and regularly followed up for each patient. We also heard about Stephanie’s painful journey to discovering how the lack of key vitamins and minerals were affecting her fertility. Stephanie’s personal experience led her to study,  research and found her own brand of compounded supplements. We discussed how, when and why we might need supplements, what kind of supplements are best and how we know. The good news is that in 2025 we can now access pharmacy grade, individually tailored supplements for each of our unique requirements. We are absolutely thrilled to announce that in April we will be launching Thrive, a personalised lifestyle medicine program developed by Dr Gillian and her team, exclusively to Be Well Members and a partnership with Askle, the only Australian owned and personalised supplement brand. In addition to this, we are also bringing to Be Well the luxury ayurvedic skin and beauty brand, Shankara, from India / US. This truly beautiful range of pure  organic skincare products heals, rejuvenates and nourishes your skin like nothing I have ever used before. I am a complete convert and cannot imagine ever using anything else again. We pride ourselves on a full service, end to end offering at Be Well. With fitness, recovery, meditation, massage, and allied health including physiotherapy, dietician, psychology and kinesiology we have Almost everything under the one roof. Our new partnerships with Thrive, Askle and Shankara add to our incredible Be Well eco-system – one we have carefully vetted and curated, especially for our Members. So watch this space and get ready to dive in and optimise your health care, vitality and beauty at Be Well. Here’s to living healthier, happy, longer and more beautiful lives – inside and out!  See you again at Be Well soon. Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousFight Inflammaging to Age-Proof Your Health Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

Have you ever heard of inflammaging? Neither had I, until recently! But once I started digging into the research, I realized this concept is a gamechanger for anyone interested in longevity and optimal health. Inflammaging is the ongoing, mild inflammation that occurs as we get older, even without clear infections or injuries. Scientists now consider it a key driver of many diseases, from heart disease to dementia. The good news? We have more control over it than you might think! How Inflammaging Affects the Body Chronic inflammation silently damages our bodies in multiple ways: ✔ Cellular Senescence – Aging cells stop dividing but don’t die off. Instead, they pump out inflammatory chemicals, fueling systemic inflammation. ✔ Immune System Dysregulation – As we age, the immune system weakens. It has a harder time clearing damaged cells, which leads to a vicious cycle. ✔ Organ Dysfunction – Chronic inflammation damages organs like the heart, liver, and brain. ✔ Mitochondrial Breakdown – Poor calcium signaling disrupts energy production, leading to fatigue and increased inflammation. Ultimately, inflammation accelerates the ageing process,  contributes to frailty and premature death, and really damages our quality of life. But it’s not inevitable. By taking action, we can slow it or even reverse it. Inflammation Hacks We all know that eating well and exercising can help combat inflammation, but what if you want to go further? Here are some cutting-edge strategies to fight inflammaging: 1. Cold Therapy (Ice Baths & Cryotherapy) Plunging into cold water lowers inflammation, boosts immune function, and increases mitochondrial efficiency. Try Be Well’s Hot & Cold baths or cold showers at home a few times a week to activate your body’s natural anti-inflammatory response. 2. Intermittent Fasting & Fasting-Mimicking Diets Research shows that fasting helps clear out senescent (damaged) cells and reduces inflammation. A fasting-mimicking diet (FMD), where you eat very low calories for 5 days, has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers and promote cellular repair. 3. Grounding (Earthing) Walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil isn’t just relaxing, it can actually reduce inflammation by balancing the body’s electrical charge. Studies suggest that direct contact with the earth helps neutralize harmful free radicals. 4. Heat Therapy (Infrared Saunas & Hot Baths) Saunas and hot baths mimic the effects of exercise, increasing circulation and reducing inflammation. Infrared saunas, in particular, penetrate deep into tissues, improving mitochondrial function and reducing chronic pain. 5. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) & Strength Training While gentle exercise is great, HIIT and resistance training have been shown to dramatically lower inflammation and boost mitochondrial health. Short bursts of intense activity help your body develop a stronger anti-inflammatory response. 6. Molecular Hydrogen Therapy Drinking hydrogen-rich water or inhaling molecular hydrogen gas has been found to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation at a cellular level. Some biohackers swear by it for improving energy and reducing aging markers. 7. Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and MDMA are being studied for their anti-inflammatory effects on the brain. They may help reduce neuroinflammation, which is linked to conditions like Alzheimer’s and depression. 8. Microbiome Optimization (Postbiotics & Fermented Foods) Gut health is directly linked to inflammation. Beyond probiotics, postbiotics (the beneficial byproducts of gut bacteria) are gaining attention for their powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Try fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir for gut health. 9. Red & Near-Infrared Light Therapy Red light therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation, speed up muscle recovery, and improve skin health. Many athletes and longevity enthusiasts use red light panels or devices to support cellular repair. 10. Adaptogenic Mushrooms & Herbs Certain mushrooms like reishi, lion’s mane, and chaga contain powerful compounds that modulate the immune system and reduce chronic inflammation. Herbs like turmeric, ashwagandha, and boswellia also have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Daily Habits Even if you don’t dive into the more radical options, these simple habits can make a huge difference: ✔ Prioritize Omega-3s – Eat more wild-caught fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts to balance your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. ✔ Ditch Ultra-Processed Foods – Reduce sugar, seed oils, and processed grains, which trigger inflammation. ✔ Get Enough Sleep – Poor sleep increases inflammatory markers. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality rest. ✔ Move Every Day – Even just walking 30 minutes daily reduces inflammation. ✔ Manage Stress – Chronic stress elevates inflammation. Try meditation, breathwork, or nature therapy. Feel Empowered! Inflammaging isn’t inevitable. We can slow the process, improve our quality of life, and potentially extend our health span. There’s no shortage of excellent ways to reduce inflammation and almost all of these are right here, all under one roof at Be Well. Too easy! Here’s to living longer, healthier, happier and inflammation free! See you again at Be Well soon. Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousCelebrating the Women of Be Well this International Women’s Day Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

‘I want to be like the Women of Be Well when I grow up!’ said Arielle Saar from the Be Well team after watching the Women Of Be Well series she created for International Women’s Day this year. I agree and thanks for your inspired idea, Ari! You can listen to some of our Be Wellers sharing their thoughts about being well which are gaining lots of interest and support over on Be Well’s Insta this week. Check it out and share the inspiring women of our community! It’s International Women’s Day this Saturday 8 March. For me, the IWD 2025 theme: March Forward: For ALL Women and Girls, focused on rights, equility and empowerment, is a clear call to not be complacent about the gains we, our mothers’ and their mothers’ have made over the past decades. The fact women are still under-represented in leadership and decision-making roles, and in too many parts of the world are experiencing day to day discrimination for being female keeps me focused on the road ahead. In my philanthropic and charitable giving I look for organisations supporting women of all ages to advance their human rights and opportunities to fulfil their potential like those vetted by i=change – www.iequalchange.com. We have some incredible warriors at Be Well including Julie Reilly OAM, Seri Renkin OAM, Mim Bartlett and Dr Alison DeSouza, amongst many others, who have dedicated their time and talent to supporting women in Australia and around the world in the arts, philanthropy,   leadership and healthcare. We also have extraordinary female innovators in our Be Well community like Caecilia Potter, whose venture VensoGrow is a featured Start Up in the World AgriTech Summit in San Fransisco next week. Good luck Caecilia! 👍👊👏 Ensuring our female Be Well Members can be the best you can be for your family, work and community is our No 1 priority. The most important person in that complex and often overwhelming triad is YOU. We have to be well to do well. To be the best you can be physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually requires the 4 R’s – revive, reset, recuperate and re-energize. We are so proud of all our female members. Keep marching forward, we’ve got your backs! Happy International Women’s Day 2025 🙏 Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousFit & Strong is the New Skinny Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

A 2021 Ipsos survey found that over 50% of people in Western countries connect “being thin” with being healthy. They think a lower number on the scale means better health. I, too, am guilty. I would love/hate to count the number of days across my lifetime I have been on a diet, or been put on diet by my mother (yes, exactly!). But we now know that being thin is no guarantee of longevity, strength, or vitality. In fact, it can have the opposite effect. It’s fitness—not weight—that determines how well we age, how resilient our bodies become, and how much joy we extract from life. The Science of Fitness as You Age 1. Muscle Mass and Strength: Your Body’s Armour Against Aging From age forty onwards, it resembles a slow erosion that wears away at our muscles. This process, called sarcopenia, turns once-powerful legs into wobbly stilts and makes everyday tasks—carrying groceries, climbing stairs, even standing up from a chair—feel like Olympic feats. But lifting and pushing anything that’s heavy for us, called resistance training, is like fortifying a castle, strengthening our muscles to stand tall against the passage of time. Muscle isn’t just for movement; it’s an endocrine organ. It releases myokines. These compounds boost brain function and reduce inflammation. They help protect against dementia and depression. 2. Cardiovascular Fitness: The Engine That Keeps Running Think of your heart like a car engine: the better you maintain it, the longer and more efficiently it runs. Studies show that cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is one of the strongest predictors of longevity. Even if someone carries extra weight, a well-trained heart dramatically reduces the risk of premature death. Elite endurance athletes can have a resting heart rate below 40 beats per minute. While you don’t need to aim for that, improving cardiovascular fitness will keep your heart strong and steady. 3. Fitness: The Ultimate Shield Against Chronic Disease Heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis aren’t just in textbooks. They’re the silent thieves that steal years from our lives. But fitness acts like an invisible shield, lowering the risk of these chronic illnesses. Research in The Lancet found that even moderate physical activity can reduce the risk of premature death by up to 30%. Exercise makes more mitochondria, the energy powerhouses in your cells. This can help you feel younger and more vibrant as you grow older. 4. Metabolic Health: Why BMI is an Outdated Scoreboard We’ve long treated BMI (Body Mass Index) as a health report card, but it’s about as reliable as judging a book by its cover. Research now shows that being “metabolically healthy” matters far more than a low BMI. Fit individuals with a higher BMI can have better metabolic health than thinner, sedentary people. Some lean people have “TOFI” (Thin Outside, Fat Inside). This means they store harmful visceral fat around their organs, even though they look slim. 5. Bone Density and Mobility: The Framework That Holds You Up Bones are like the scaffolding of a building—strong when reinforced, brittle when neglected. As we age, bone density experiences a natural decline, which raises the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Weight-bearing exercises, resistance training, and impact activities strengthen our bones. This helps lower the risk of falls and fractures. The Takeaway: Strength, Stamina, and Mobility Over Skinny Instead of chasing a lower number on the scale, focus on building a body that moves with ease, power, and endurance. Here’s how: Lift and push weights at least twice a week to maintain muscle and bone density. Get your heart pumping, on one of our Peletons, the treadmill, with brisk walks, or swimming. Prioritise mobility with yoga or Pliates to keep your joints fluid and pain-free. Eat for strength, not restriction, to fuel your body with proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbs. The bottom line? Unless you’re obsese, the number on the scale won’t tell you if you can hike up a mountain, play with your kids or grandkids, or carry your groceries without help. Strength, endurance, and mobility are what keep us thriving. Choose fitness over thinness, and your future self will thank you. Here’s to being fitter, stronger and happier. Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousFinding Stillness in a Busy World Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.

I have just returned from an International Womens’ Conference with 500 women from 52 countries, including Be Wellers, Suparna Bhasin-Cooper, Seri Renkin and Peta Christie!, hosted by the Art of Living in Bangalore, India. The conference theme was Just Be – The Secrets of Mind & Consciousness and this pic is of me on stage with other speakers talking about human values, young people,  mental health and education.  I have never been in a room (or Ashram actually!), with quite such a group of women including Bollywood actors, singers, social justice warriors & advocates, journalists, Government ministers, social entrepreneurs, filmmakers, First Nations leaders, educators, environmentalists, health experts, chefs, philanthropists and business leaders. It’s hard to describe the magic of a seamless connection between women from all walks of life – so, so many having overcome great adversity. We listened  and learned about the nature of the mind. We ate, sang, danced, talked, shared stories, breathed, yoga-ed, meditated and brought ancient knowledge systems to each other for 4 days, along with exploring numerous ayurvedic and body treatments for self care. One of the speakers even coined a new Be Well mantra: To do well, you have to be well!  After an inspiring few days I came home and dived into the latest science and research on the benefits of meditation and advanced breathing techniques. Meditation is now a scientifically proven practice with profound benefits for the mind and body. Whether you’re looking to boost productivity, improve mental health, or unlock your creative potential, meditation offers a powerful and accessible tool to help you thrive. Backed by decades of research, there is clear evidence that meditation improves focus, reduces stress, and fosters innovative thinking. Just these three key benefits alone are why it’s worth incorporating into your daily routine: 1. Meditation for Productivity Staying productive can feel like an uphill battle these days. Endless distractions and mounting stress often make it difficult to stay focused. Studies have shown that regular meditation can enhance attention, improve decision-making, and reduce workplace stress—key factors in boosting productivity. Meditation strengthens neural pathways responsible for focus and self-regulation. A study involving 108 employees practicing Heartfulness Meditation found that 90% reported increased productivity, while 81% experienced better focus. By training the mind to stay present, meditation reduces our dependence distractions like emails or social media. Additionally, meditation lowers cortisol levels, fostering a calmer state of mind that allows you to approach tasks with clarity. Workplace mindfulness programs have been shown to increase job satisfaction and overall work engagement. 2. Meditation for Mental Health Mental health is the foundation of overall wellbeing. Meditation significantly improves emotional resilience while reducing anxiety and depression. By calming the mind and fostering self-awareness, meditation helps individuals manage stress and negative emotions. A review of over 200 studies found that mindfulness-based therapies reduce stress by altering brain activity in regions associated with attention and emotion regulation. Meditation also increases metacognitive awareness—the ability to observe thoughts without becoming overwhelmed by them—which is effective in reducing anxiety. For those struggling with severe mental health challenges like PTSD, studies suggest that meditation can reduce suicidal thoughts and foster greater emotional stability. 3. Meditation for Creativity Creativity thrives when the mind is open, flexible, and free from stress. Meditation enhances divergent thinking (the ability to generate new ideas) while reducing cognitive rigidity. Research published in Consciousness and Cognition found that just four sessions of mindfulness training improved visuospatial processing, working memory, and executive functioning—all critical for creative problem-solving. Harvard researchers also discovered that 10 minutes of guided meditation before brainstorming led to a broader range of innovative ideas. Meditation fosters creativity by reducing fear of judgement, encouraging open-minded thinking, and promoting flow states. Whether you’re an artist seeking inspiration or a professional solving complex problems, regular meditation can unlock creative potential. How about Breathing Techniques? Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful rhythmic breathing technique, is a form of meditation that enhances mental clarity and emotional resilience. Rooted in ancient yogic traditions, it involves specific breathing patterns that synchronize the body and mind, leading to deep relaxation. Research has shown that practicing Sudarshan Kriya can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase serotonin levels. Another Harvard study found that this breathing practice significantly decreased cortisol levels, reducing anxiety and improving emotional resilience. It also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a calm, focused state of mind that enhances productivity and creativity. One of the key benefits of Sudarshan Kriya is its ability to detoxify the body by increasing oxygen levels and improving lung function. Regular practice sharpens mental focus and promotes emotional stability. Want to Get Started? Whether you aim to excel at work or seek greater peace of mind, incorporating a daily meditation can lead to transformative results. No need to go to India! There is an Art of Living meditation and Sudarshan Kriya breathing course this weekend, and one every weekend a month at Be Well. (There are still a couple spots available, check out below). Start today—you’ll be amazed at how quickly this life changing practice unlocks your full potential! Here’s to being healthier, happier, and calmer. Navigate to more articles! PrevPreviousGlobal Expert: What to Eat in 2025 Be Well is the first-of-its- kind urban health, wellness and lifestyle club in Melbourne, Australia.  Informed by the science of longevity, Be Well nurtures the relationship you have with yourself and others, to optimise your lifestyle, and live your longest, best life.