Better than a back rub?
The latest massage trend is surprisingly hands-off. During sound massages, bowls are placed on key points of the body and activated with a simple tap to create sound waves that deliver pulsations through the body, prompting the nervous system to relax. It’s similar to—but more personalized than—sound baths, during which sound therapists play “singing” bowls placed on the ground to a room of relaxation seekers.
New workout wearables
A new kind of exercise apparel is out to win your heart. Czech startup Emglare is creating a line of smart undershirts, tees, and sports bras that may be able to predict if you’re about to have a heart attack. Each piece has built-in electrocardiogram technology that can monitor heart health. While the product is currently in the fundraising phase, it could mean that wrist-worn heart rate monitors will have comfy new competition.
Kombucha with a kick
Call it a buzz with benefits. Hard kombucha is a more potent version of the fermented, lightly effervescent black or green tea (it’s about 4.5 percent or greater alcohol by volume, as opposed to 0.5 percent for typical kombucha, due to a prolonged fermenting process). While you may feel the pleasing effects of happy hour, you’re still drinking in antioxidant goodness and the tummy-friendly power of probiotics.
Bacon’s vegan cousin
Here’s something to add some sizzle to your fall grilling plans: mushroom bacon. Everyone’s favorite burger topper has a vegan iteration that tastes similar to the real deal. You can make your own by following simple recipes that typically call for olive oil, soy sauce, and maple syrup. Just want something to munch on? Snacks made from mushrooms, like “pigless bacon chips,” are popping up on natural grocers’ shelves.
Recover and learn
Not sure how hard to hit those burpees? Listen to your heart. Exercise recovery tracking using heart rate variability (HRV) is an increasingly popular way of tuning in to your body as it cools down. New heart rate tracking devices have HRV features that track the time between each heartbeat; the greater the time variance, the readier you are to keep pushing.
