?? Why “healthy sedentary” is a myth

Can you really be healthy if you don’t move enough? New research says no.

Even if you don’t feel sick, being inactive takes a toll on your body at a cellular level. A recent study shows that sedentary individuals have mitochondria—your body’s energy generators—that perform 36% worse than those in active people. Plus, their fat-burning ability is down by 35%. These hidden issues may not cause symptoms now, but they can increase the risk for serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Inactivity is more harmful than we once thought, and regular exercise is the only way to maintain both your outward health and the health of your cells. Keep moving—it’s essential for long-term wellbeing!

?? From the research desk

??Weekend warriors win: A new study shows that cramming exercise into one or two days a week is just as effective at reducing the risk of over 200 diseases as spreading workouts throughout the week.

??Sit less, hurt less: Cut 40 minutes of sitting each day to prevent back pain, according to new research. ?

?? Keep your brain active: Texas A&M research shows that games and reading help slow cognitive decline in older adults, improving memory and protecting against dementia.

?? Feature spotlight

Our Library just got a makeover! Find everything you need—meditations, workouts, and articles—all in one place, and start focusing on your wellbeing without the hassle of searching.

Our most popular feature is getting a fresh new look! Strove's leaderboard, the hub of healthy competition within organisations, is about to become even more engaging. The revamped design will offer a more enjoyable and user-friendly experience. Plus, we're introducing an exciting twist: organisations will soon be able to compete against each other on a new community leaderboard, taking friendly competition to the next level!

?? Content roundup

Find these and more in the Strove app Library.

?? 12-minute walking meditation Experience a calming, 12-minute walking meditation that combines mindfulness with movement. Perfect for a mental reset during the day, this practice helps clear your mind and relax your body.

?? Why your employer pays you to exercise Discover why companies invest in workplace exercise. Learn how promoting physical activity boosts morale, strengthens team bonds, reduces stress, and enhances productivity.

?? 15-minute low-impact workout with Courtney Join Courtney for a quick, joint-friendly strength workout that’s perfect for fitting into a busy day. This low-impact session helps you get stronger without stressing your body.

?? Trends to watch

Hyrox: This hybrid fitness competition blends endurance running with functional exercises like sled pushes and lunges. Growing in popularity, it's attracting athletes who want to test both strength and stamina in a single event.

Zone 2 training: Low-intensity training at 60-70% of max heart rate, is gaining traction for improving mitochondrial health. It enhances fat oxidation and boosts endurance, making it a key focus for athletes and health-conscious exercisers.?

Zone 2 training helps you build endurance, but don’t forget to mix in high-intensity workouts. Both are key for longevity—balance is everything!

?? Quick tip of the month

In a collaboration nobody expected, Asics and Brian Cox teamed up to remind us that our desks are trying to kill us. Check out the video, you won't be sorry!

Here’s a 15-minute routine to beat desk fatigue:

• 4 minutes: Stretching Neck stretch, chest opener, hamstring stretch, and static lunge—30 seconds per side.

• 4 minutes: Light cardio Brisk walk, march in place, or jumping jacks.

• 4 minutes: Bodyweight moves 3 sets of 10 squats, 10 wall push-ups, and 15 calf raises.

• 3 minutes: Core & cool down 2 x 30 seconds each of seated leg lifts, torso twists, followed by deep breathing.

Desk: defeated!

?? News

Strove was at the HR Indaba 2024: As always, workplace wellness was a hot topic, but Jorge Mendes (Cell C) gave the keynote on driving performance through culture transformation. One surefire way is through promoting a culture of health.

Climate warning gets serious: Dire predictions about global warming are more plausible than we thought. New models suggest that our current efforts to reduce emissions may not be enough to prevent catastrophic changes. Urgent action is needed. ??

?? Community corner

?? Congrats to Adrian Tiplady, a Profmed member, for winning Strove's 75,000 Points campaign! We hope you’ll spend them on planting trees ??????

It’s always great to hear how Strove is transforming teams. Power Digital told us that...

''We recently started using the Strove app, and we have already seen an improvement in our team's wellbeing and connection. The fun challenges not only promote healthy habits but also foster team bonding in our remote and hybrid work environment. Strove has helped to enhance our company culture, bringing everyone closer together while prioritising our wellness!" - Sam Schroeter, Culture Manager, Power Digital

Thank you to The Catalyst Group for the shout-out and for being such an amazing advocate for health and wellbeing in the workplace ??

And lastly, a huge thank you to the lovely lady who gave Strove a shout-out on KFM radio last week! We’d love to hear from you—please drop us an email so we can send some Strove points your way ??

?? Join the Strove movement!

Go Riley, go ??

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