A balancing act
Rachel Ringstead and Becky Mitchell look into the reality of celebrity health fads and ask if we really can cheat our way to good health these days
It seems that as well as becoming a fat nation, Britain is paradoxically the land of ‘well-being’ crazes. From the hype detoxing, to Atkins, the GI diet and Yoga, the media is full of popular, alternative health concepts that promise to instantly transform the way that we look and feel, in exchange for only a minimum investment of time and effort. So is a quick-fix approach to health really healthy? Do unorthodox, trend diets and fashionable exercise regimes genuinely work, and can we truly count on them to deliver long-term results?
The popularity of ‘conditioning’ and ‘toning’ forms of exercise such as Yoga has been growing steadily over past decades. Indeed, the Welsh rugby team now incorporates Yoga into their fitness regime, which is probably a sight for sore eyes. In the UK an estimated 1.5 million people practice this ancient art form, a trend which is reflected on campus as the university’s newly ratified Yoga Society has over eighty members, while Yoga classes at local, private gyms like Next Generation are always packed with young people. Yoga Soc practices Hatha Yoga, yet there are many other derivative forms, from Ashtanga (or “Power Yoga”) for the really hardcore, to normal Yoga where you do a bit of everything and hurt and wobble to varying degrees.
Furthermore, in recent years Yoga and its close relation Pilates have ascended to the bright heights of celebrity vogue. We are regularly bombarded with images of stars like Sophie Anderton locked in limb-twisting manoeuvres in Hyde Park, along with irritatingly gushy and profound statements from figures like Meg Ryan who claim that Yoga puts her “in the right place of witness”, whatever that means.
Unfortunately, the much publicised devotion of those in the public eye who chant the Yoga mantra has resulted in the perpetuation of a Yoga myth which is particularly seductive to students; that you can keep fit and healthy by simply doing a bit of stretching and flexing, rather than actually breaking a sweat. In reality, the true cause behind the fitness and super-svelte physiques of the rich and famous is usually less glamourous (often involving military-style personal trainers and secret nip and tucks at Harley Street clinics). Madonna, for instance, also runs and cycles to maintain her fitness, while, more worryingly, Geri Halliwell later confessed that it was anorexia, rather than the infamous abdominal plank position, that made her the terrifying size six that she became.
Fundamentally, although such exercise regimes are fantastic ways of promoting flexibility and balance, as well as toning muscle tissue and providing less tangible spiritual benefits like self-discipline, concentration and relaxation, Yoga does not burn the crucial calories. Experts are keen to stress that it should not be used in isolation, but in parallel with cardiovascular exercise. Indeed, the university’s Yoga Society makes clear that the art form is primarily an aid to relaxation, an opportunity to “take an hour away from all the stresses of essays, exams and assignments”. One avid student fan, Laura Dennis, who practices Yoga says, “I find it strengthens the mind, as well as lengthening muscles. I think it is good to get away and set yourself different goals”.
Unfortunately, it seems that the secret to all-round, long-term fitness is a return to the conventional, traditional slog of aerobic exercises (for at least twenty minutes, three times a week). Clearly the thought of being tied to a treadmill, puffing your guts out for thirty minutes isn’t the most appealing way to spend an evening. However, cycling, teams sports, swimming, walking and dancing are all good options, as is virtually anything that raises the heart rate over 70 beats per minute, rather than relaxing you to the point of slumber. The intention here is not to be super thin, but to boost long-term health; aerobic exercise strengthens the heart, lungs and muscles, keeps stamina, metabolic rates and energy levels high, while high-impact workouts can help prevent osteoporosis in women later in life.
Furthermore, the same concept seems to be true of novelty diets. Many contemporary diets focus on losing weight quickly, rather than ensuring that food does what it should - fuel the body and provide nutrition. Although the ‘low carb’ Atkins diet phenomenon has produced sensational results for many people, the results are often unsustainable, and can leave the body worryingly deficient in antioxidants, fibre and vitamins, all of which are important weapons against illness and disease.
Alternatively, the GI diet, which markets itself more as an eating plan than a quick-fix seems to have a better philosophy behind it, aiming to prevent fluctuations in blood sugar levels, through the consumption of slow-release energy foods like granary bread and brown rice, which have a low glycemic index. However, the intention of this diet is clearly to prevent cravings for high sugar foods, rather than staying healthy. In addition, the GI diet does seem somewhat puritan in its outlook: the majority of recommended foods being so life-draining and dull - based around nuts and seeds - that you would probably waste away from boredom.
Again it seems to be that, as with exercise, the secret to a good diet is to observe established best practices and ensure a balanced variety of food groups, particularly fruit and vegetables, rather than being tempted by cheats and shortcuts. However, the good news is that in this case there do seem to be some new trends that are worthwhile. The smoothie, the fashionable Australian import, is an excellent way of getting lots of fibre and vitamins and minerals all in one go - and they taste lovely too.
Furthermore, for the rather more daring, good health apparently can apparently be bought in shot form these days too. For virtually the same price as a tequila slammer, you can purchase a wheatgrass shot from The Juice Bar on the Shambles, which has the equivalent nutritional value as a kilo of fruit and vegetables. Third year Economics student Stewart McEwan swears by these little babies: “I try to have one at least once or twice a week, I find that they really work in boosting your immune system. Although they are definitely an acquired taste, it’s really worth it – they keep me looking beautiful”.
However, a word of warning - wheatgrass shots can be quite a shock to the system for those who are not used to high nutritional levels. One York student who understandably wishes to remain nameless had to rush home in a hurry after sampling a wheatgrass shot, as they can have something of a laxative effect on those with rather delicate systems. Claudia Schiffer probably never told the paparazzi that little fact when they asked how she stays so trim and glowing.
If you want to try something a bit different but avoid the fad exercise cults, contact the Yoga Society on socs585@york.ac.uk
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