GULF WEEKLY -
The mercury is rising, calling for an immediate overhaul of selfcare routines. This summer, the global wellness industry is witnessing the entry of new trends and the return of some old ones, from ice baths and lymphatic drainage massages to high-protein frozen treats and more.
Take the plunge
Fitness enthusiasts in Bahrain are warming up to a wellness trend that is witnessing a massive global resurgence this year. The Wim Hof Method, a practice combining breath work, cold exposure, and focused mindset, is making a comeback, reports indicate.
Bahraini cyclist and trainer Sarah Al Sammak noted that modality is picking up in the kingdom.
“After 10 years of avoiding cold water, I finally took my first cold plunge recently, following a breathing session,” Sarah told GulfWeekly.
“I stayed in for over two minutes, and despite expecting the worst, it was incredibly rewarding, and reminded me that growth often begins outside our comfort zone,” she added.
Many reports reflect that practitioners of the method experienced stress relief, momentary energy, and mental clarity.
Hydrotherapy is no longer a recovery mechanism for just professional athletes, with many installing cold plunge tubs at home. However, those with medical conditions like heart and lung issues are advised to consult a doctor first.
Watch your waste
Lymphatic drainage has become the new buzzword and while the treatment is recommend post-surgery to accelerate healing, it is gaining traction as a stress buster. Spas across the island offer lymphatic drainage massages, which feature gentle, rhythmic strokes that are deeply soothing and designed to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid and clear waste from the body.
“It helps to reduce water retention. I get one after long photo shoots, especially on the next day. Water retention makes you feel sluggish and can add a couple of kilograms on the scale,” shutterbug Yulia Trubnikova noted.
The creative entrepreneur’s health journey began at the tender age of 11 with aerobics. Since then, she has explored cycling, running, mixed martial arts and yoga, among others.
“Longevity and mobility are two of my main goals,” she added.
Lymphatic drainage directly boosts mobility by clearing excess fluid, reducing tissue stiffness, and alleviating the painful pressure of swelling .
Compression boots offer similar benefits using intermittent pneumatic compression.
Turn up the heat
Therapeutic heat therapy and its healing benefits are not new concepts. Saunas have existed in differnt forms across ages and cultures. The fairly recent use of infrared technology in the 1960s has since evolved with the pratice making a radical comeback this season with portable, foldable units also available.
Wellness and selfcare are no longer a luxury that a few can afford. They are a proactive choice, which has made technologies widely accessible in the comfort of the home.
Unlike regular saunas, infrared saunas operate at comfortable temperatures, directly heating the body, using light waves, instead of the surrounding air. Typically, they are set between 49 degrees Centigrade to 60 degrees Centigrade, which allows for longer sessions while still effectively raising core body temperature and inducing a deep sweat.
Their benefits span cardiovascular health, stress reduction, better sleep and improved skin, among others.
Many spas in Bahrain have infrared saunas used for muscle recovery, to reduce inflammation and for general relaxation.
Ice, ice baby
Protein will continue as a major global food trend this year, experts have revealed. However, people are finding new and creative ways to consume the macronutrient. One such form is by whipping up high-protein frozen treats. Think protein iced coffee and Greek yoghurt popsicles.
A TikTok trend that has gone viral among food and fitness content creators is the two-ingredient frozen fruit ice cream. Simply cut up your favourite fruit in half, like watermelon, pineapple, or papaya. Then, pour your choice of dairy – kefir or milk – into the bowl-like dent at the centre of fruit half. Scrape the frozen pulp until it mixes with the liquid to get a creamy consistency and enjoy!
Zip up your abdominals
Low-impact workouts are taking centre stage this season. Pilates has grown to become a fan favourite among fitness enthusiasts, with online content creators promoting the modality clad in matching coord sets and carrying the ubiquitous, oversized Stanley Cup.
The idea is to pursue something sustainable, which does not induce burnout or serious injury. While any form of physical activity helps boost mental wellness, activities like Pilates or yoga, which have a ‘calm aura’ to them, are seemingly attractive to those who exercise not only for the body but also the mind and soul.
Other popular low-impact styles include morning bouncing or the Chinese lymphatic morning routine featuring hops, waves, arm swings and trunk twists. Micro-workouts, which are essentially five-to-ten-minute floor exercises that you can easily do at home, are also gaining favour and boost daily metabolism.
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