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New ways to get fit
Cots for tiny tots
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New ways to get fit What if there was an option to make every hour of your life you spend on exercising, not a torture but a pleasure? Working out after a healthy and fit body has got more interesting with many new-age fitness techniques that achieve the results of strenuous gym training without the banality and turn your fitness hour into something you look forward to. Unless you are a model being paid unbelievable money to look a certain way, not many of us like going to the gym diligently day after dreadful day. Bringing in an element of fun ensures that you just don't have to exercise, but want to. And it keeps you going for longer as you are not looking for any excuse to skip your workout. It's like a party that helps you reach your weight goal and inch closer to your dream body. Remember to enjoy
Research has shown that making a workout fun has a direct influence on the effectiveness of the workout. French and American researchers used psychology for a study published in the Journal of Marketing Letters to conclude that those who enjoyed their workout most tended to eat less after the workout. So while you may be burning the same amount of calories at the treadmill as on a walk by the beach accompanied by birdsong to enjoy, the walk will be a more effective workout in the long term. Exercising Bollywood way In a country where we make demigods of our celluloid stars, Bollywood is nothing short of a religion and it reflects in the way we dress and dance. Not just India, Bollywood has made an impact internationally with its unique music. Doonya is a Bollywood-inspired workout that follows cardio and conditioning intervals of varying intensity to activate major muscle groups of abs, arms and legs. The workout has been created by New York City- based Priya and Kajal. The trainers can conduct classes anywhere once they have been formally trained by the two founders. With workouts named 'Govinda Ala Re', 'Tune Maari Entriyaan', 'Dhinka Chika', 'Ainvayi Ainvayi' and 'Dilliwali Girlfriend', it is an essentially a happy workout that encourages you to shed about 400-600 calories while having loads of fun. Accredited by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE), this dance workout has been introduced in Delhi and Jammu as well.
Break into a ballet
Rachel Withers, a classically trained dancer and a lifelong fitness enthusiast, founded BalletBeFit in West Yorkshire. With an ever-growing tribe of trainers, it has been spreading like wildfire. The workout's unique combination of moves, holds and tempo is designed to accentuate muscle tone and length, resulting in strong, flexible limbs and a firmer core, all while enjoying the ballet. If you are looking to strengthen, define, lengthen, streamline and tone, creating a sleek silhouette but don't want to slog at the gym, BalletBeFit is the workout for you. This interesting workout can be done anywhere around the world with its DVD to guide your movements. It employs techniques from the world of ballet to form a body-toning workout combining core holds and cardio with dance. Just 15 minutes thrice a week of this workout is enough to give you that coveted lean ballet dancer look. All you need is a ballet barre or a chair and you can do plié turned out squats for thigh and calf muscles, plié squats with parallel attitude for thighs and glutes, rises for calf muscles, grand battement with lunge to challenge hip flexors, quads and core and floor arabesque to tackle the glutes. Swing it on a pole While dancing your way to fitness, you can master an exotic dance form. Pole dancing is catching the fancy of women across the age, background and cultural divide. Imagine a workout inspired by the pole dance and other burlesque dance forms and you get the Exotic Pole Dance Workout by Shilpa Rane from Mumbai. A certified fitness instructor and dance enthusiast, she says, "This is the perfect workout for women of all ages and sizes as it makes you feel good about yourself whether you are a size zero or a size 20. Having neglected themselves for long, urban Indian women have finally woken up to the urgency of spending time on themselves. It improves your posture, works on your core, lower body and empowers you with ample self-confidence. It feels great when women tell me that the workout leaves them feeling exhilarated and more in love with themselves." A liberating experience, try it once and you will surely be holding on to it for life.
Sky's the limit
Want a workout that does not bind you to the ground? Try aerial yoga, an extreme fitness regimen. Rig your gear to the ceiling or hang from a tree, all you need is a ceiling clearance of at least eight feet, rigging gear, a crash mat and some training. Aerial Silk is a workout that has been practised and propagated in New Delhi by Goura Prema, the Director at Natya Nectar Dance Company for the past 10 years. Hailing from a family that practised Bhakti Yoga, Goura is a trained yoga trainer who has held international workshops, she says, "The workout has enabled me to shed a lot of inhibitions such as the fear of heights. In practicing aerial, I am at my optimum shape and size; I feel toned, I feel confident." It is a workout that you can do wherever, whenever. Using a stretchy fabric (polynet or micro lycra) to gain flexibility, you wrap it around your body and stretch it in ways you never knew you could, whilst strengthening and shaping your muscles through pull-ups, upside down sit-ups, core strengthening exercises and various other exercises. It lifts your body into various asanas. With practitioners ranging in age from 8-50 years, it is a fun, healthy activity.
Short and strenuous Studies have shown that it is not necessarily the long hours you put in that make a difference but better results can be achieved by short bursts of strenuous activity. Workouts such as HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and burpees are popular for the very reason that these are an interesting way of introducing variety while amping up your metabolism. A burpee may include a few of these — plank, a full push up, a tuck jump or a pull up, which have to be done in quick succession. Such workouts raise your endurance levels and give you the body you desire, quickly.
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Cots for tiny tots Ever
since, she had a baby girl three months ago, Sakshi Gupta has been dodging questions about where she sleeps. Unlike many of her friends, she didn’t invest in a cot. It’s not that Sakshi can’t afford one but she believes that the child is safe closer to her and also finds it convenient to breastfeed her at night. Mothers have always found it comforting and re-assuring to make the baby sleep on the same bed. However, child specialists and doctors assert that this may not be the best thing to do as bed sharing can gag the baby. Also, doctors say that it is best to make a child sleep in a cot from early days.
For a safe sleep When made to sleep independently, babies quickly get used to a cot or a crib, provided the parents select something comfortable for them. The market is flooded with a variety of baby beds in different styles and it can be a daunting task to pick the safest cot for the baby. It is extremely important to ensure that the cot you pick for your little one meets all safety parameters. Make sure wooden cots don’t have any exposed nails and screws and the wood is not cracked or splintered. There should be no sharp edges or points that could cause a cut or head injury. The locking device should be easy for you to operate but difficult for the child to use. Though these are the basic safety measures, it is important to consider other vital points before getting home a cot. Parents must understand that the child will sleep in the cot for at least three years; hence you can’t compromise on his safety. Cots come in many shapes and sizes and are usually made from wood, though some come in plastic, iron and other materials. Parents must buy one that is designed to align with the mother’s bed, which can be very useful for keeping an eye on the baby. These are also very convenient when it comes to night-time feeds.
Adjust the height of the bed It is important to buy a height-adjustable cot to keep up with the growing demands of the baby. Keep it at the highest level for the first few months, so that the baby can be easily placed in and lifted out of the cot. Also, it can be repositioned at a lower level to keep the baby safe when she starts to sit and stand. The next important decision to make is whether to buy a cot with one or both sliding sides or the one that has fixed sides. The advantage of a side-dropping cot is that it can be aligned to the bed and a mother can pick the baby out of the cot with ease as opposed to a cot with stationary sides. However, the disadvantage of a drop-side baby cot is that it can be a potential safety hazard when the infant begins to sit and stand. She can then push the crib and fall out of it. If you can ensure safety, it is always better to buy a cot with drop-sides to make it an extension of your bed. However, parents must ensure that the cot is deep enough to prevent a child from falling out.
Beds on wheels Most of the leading manufacturers and producers of baby products advice parents to buy cots with wheels as these are mobile. But before making the purchase, check that the structure is not flimsy because you'll be moving the cot around with baby sleeping in it. If you have already bought a cot minus wheels, you can always get them fixed from the market later on. Another parental dilemma is whether to go for a cot or a cot bed that has removable sides and end panels so that it can be converted into a low bed for a toddler after a few years. A cot bed is larger than a cot but smaller than a single bed. The advantage is that this cot-cum-bed will last twice as long. That’s because it has removable sides and can change into a regular bed once the baby is two or three years old. Though you will have to eventually buy a proper bed, the cot bed would facilitate the change-over process effortlessly for the child. There are endless options of cots available in the market to complement the decor of the room as well. However, once you have figured out all the pros and cons and more importantly taken into account the safety measures, the buying decision would not be very difficult.
Luxury coated Price:
Rs 36,000 ($600)
Customised just for you The Muu Sam cot is safe, comfortable, and elegant. It has a three-height adjustable mattress support, fixed side rails for greater stability and easily converts into a toddler bed. The best part is that after you have chosen the design, you can even have the baby’s name painted on it to add a personal touch. Price:
Rs 60,000
Apt for storage
Net worth
High on utility Price:
Rs 22,800 ($380)
Catering to baby needs Price:
Rs 18,050
Nature inspired
Easy to carry
Safety matters
Price:
Rs 6,000
Aesthetically designed
To suit the purpose
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ANOTHER ICON SET TO ROLL
Price: Yet to be announced
POP GOES THE STROLLER
Price on request
PLUMBING THE DEPTHS
Price:
Rs 7.80 lakh
FORMULA FOR MILLIONAIRES
Price of book:
Rs 6 crore
BRUSH WITH LUXURY
Price:
Rs 2.625 lakh ($4,375)
Golf, we all know, is a game of high rollers. And BMW is a car for the well-heeled. So what happens when the high-end automobile purrs on the fairway? The result is a very versatile BMW golf cart bag with plenty of compartments that include a weather-proof pocket for valuables, a fold-out pocket for balls, lift grip for fuss-free handling, fasteners for a club towel, glove and umbrella, drink and scorecard holder and padded carry straps for comfort. So, in case you want to tell the world that you own a BMW or want the world to think you possess one, you will score a birdie with this golf cart bag.
SPACED-OUT AUCTION
Price: Spacecraft estimated to be auctioned for around $2 million & spacesuits for $80,000 a piece
(Rs 12crore & Rs 48 lakh)
PICTURES FROM THE PAST
Price:
Rs 3,000
SUNNY DRINK
ALARMING BREW
Price:
Rs 18,000
SUN-SATIONAL CAR
Price:
Rs 5.40 lakh ($9,000)
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What
The English oak cot bed by British luxury designer store John Lewis boasts of a timeless style that provides perfect surroundings for an infant. It features fine groove detailing with elegant trims and has two base heights for baby’s safety. It converts easily into a sofa by removing one of the side boards.
This two-in-one baby cot is made from solid wood. Ideal for zero-to-five years, it is easily convertible from an infant cot to a day bed. It comes with a large storage drawer for diapers, clothes and other baby stuff. It has well-rounded edges for safety and has wheels to move it around from one place to another.
This simple wooden cot by Ollington Collection is a great choice for any nursery. It ensures maximum safety of a newborn, featuring fixed-side rails and two-level height adjustment for the mattress. An attached mosquito net covers the entire cot to protect the baby from insects. It has three-level shelves attached to a side to keep baby supplies.
The Hudson babyletto three-in-one convertible cot is a toddler bed that can be used as a daybed as well. It has stylish rounded spindles, which lets you keep an eye on the baby from all angles. It offers four mattress positions, which conveniently allow you to maximise comfort and safety for both mother and child.
The Silver Solace baby cot is designed to cater to the changing needs of a baby. This crib is adjustable and suitable for a child even when he is past the toddler stage. The lightweight crib made of mango wood can be elevated when the baby is small and lowered when the infant is ready to crawl or walk.
The Stokke Sleepi works as a crib for babies from six months to two years and then easily converts into a toddler bed that can be used up to the age of four. The elegant design is baby-friendly and its distinctive, narrow oval shape creates a nest-like environment that is safe and
cosy.
You can pack it up and take it on a vacation or make it fit in a tiny nursery or stow it away, the Bloom Alma cot is a minimalist mother’s dream come true. Its compact and unique design makes it easy to fold and roll away on wheels and it is built to last from birth till three years. 
The Chicco easy-sleep playard cot has mesh on two sides that allow kids to view the surroundings of the room. It includes accessories that include a clothes bag, a padded mattress and a carry bag to keep baby things. Very snug to sleep in, the cot is designed keeping in mind baby’s safety and comfort.
The lakeside cot bed made by Lollipop Lane has a warm cream finish, which is highlighted with oak detailing at the head. It has rails along both sides that keep the baby safe and protected inside the cot. This cot bed can be adjusted at three levels. It can also be converted into a small bed and can be used up to five years of age.
The gonatt cot by furniture giant Ikea is very versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. The cot base can be placed at two different heights. One side of the cot can be removed when the child is grown up enough to climb out of the cot. The base is ventilated for air circulation, conducive for a sound sleep.
The world stood still when the first Rolls Royce Silver Ghost rolled out in 1906, then came the Rolls-Royce Phantom in 1925 and the Rolls Royce Wraith in 1938. Now 76 years later, Rolls Royce has announced that that it is working on a new luxury drop head or convertible model which will hit the market in mid-2016. Though the new car is currently undergoing a rigorous process of prototype testing and even the name has not been finalised, automobile aficionados are waiting with baited breath for the new model which will mark yet another gold standard in car manufacturing.
It’s a perfect vehicle for the perfect baby. American pop art icon Andy Warhol’s foundation has collaborated with Dutch pushcar company Bugaboo to create a stylish all-in-one stroller which showcases the artist’s acclaimed 1980 portrait of American singer-songwriter and actress, Debbie Harry. This edition is so exclusive that the company is only producing three strollers, which will be put up for auction. The money collected will go to fund a charity for children. Though in the past one year, the collaboration has produced strollers with the late artists’ popular paintings of flowers, cars and banana designs, this is the first time it has put the picture of a singing star. The company hopes to make the baby’s outing musical with the picture of the pop idol of the 1980s.
In 2013, when Titanic director James Cameron dived in his private submarine to explore the deepest and darkest recesses of the ocean floor, the world looked on in amazement. As a tribute to his achievement, Rolex has now launched a special edition of its legendary deep sea watch with a new “D-Blue” Dial. The Rolex Deepsea D-Blue Dial is waterproof to an extreme depth of 3,900 m. It features a gradient dial that transitions from rich blue to black from top to bottom. It has blue chromalight markers, a helium escape valve and the glidelock bracelet extension system, making it the natural choice of all deep sea divers, with deep pockets.
We all know that a picture can be worth a thousand words. But does anyone know that a book can be worth a million bucks? British publishing house Opus, which creates luxurious tomes on sporting icons, has released a book on Formula One racing titled The Bernie, which weighs around 35 kg and is made up of 850 pages of never-before seen original photographs. What really sets the book apart is the full season all-access pass that comes with it for all the Grand Prix events around the world and also the opportunity to have tea with Bernie Ecclestone, the billionaire British businessman, who is the President and CEO of Formula One Management. With such temptations, no F1 enthusiast will grudge paying a small fortune for the book — provided he or she has one!
Morning ablutions are so much a part of the daily chores that no one ever gives a thought to the basic implement with which we cleanse our pearly whites — the toothbrush. But if it happens to be called Reinast, then you better give it a second look. Maybe you should keep looking at it in disbelief. Made in Germany from aeroplane-grade titanium, the Reinast toothbrush takes dental care to a dramatically new level. It sports an antibacterial coating and replaceable brush head which the company delivers free of charge every six months. And why not? Considering it is the world’s most expensive toothbrush, that’s the least the company can do!
SCORE A BIRDIE
We’ve all heard of instances of World War II planes being auctioned and vintage train carriages attracting private collectors. But a second-hand space capsule coming under the hammer is surely is a new one! A Soviet-era VA (Vozvraschaemyi Apparat) spacecraft is being offered by Lempertz auction house at its gallery in Brussels. In addition to the capsule, Lempertz is also auctioning two Russian Sokol spacesuits worn by cosmonauts. Make no mistake, this is a fully operational space capsule which is capable of entering into orbit and returning safely back to earth. Interested in this flight of fancy? All you have to do is to come to the auction with a few million bucks in your pocket.
This camera is guaranteed to delight both adults and kids. Adults because of its nostalgia appeal and kids because of the challenge it poses. The Viddy do-it- yourself camera looks and performs exactly like the pinhole cameras of the 1950s and 1960s, which worked with 35 mm film. The cardboard kit comes in knockdown format and has to be assembled meticulously. For an adult, it may take under 30 minutes though it would test the cognitive skills of a child. The camera’s features include a precision, laser-cut pinhole, a red light-proof window and a companion app that will let you know how long you need to hold the shutter for a great picture. The camera is a sheer delight to operate and will provides hours of joy with its vintage appeal and excellent results.
Though most cosmetic brands make creams and lotions for external use, for some companies, beauty is not just skin deep. New York-based company Osmosis Skincare has developed a drinkable sunscreen that provides the ultimate skin protection. The company’s UV neutraliser harmonised H2O uses purified water “imprinted with unique vibrational waves” that protect the skin from UV rays. Though a section of the dermatologists have debunked the claims, others say that it is definitely worth a try. Next time you are headed for the sun’n’sand, you don’t have to lug an endless parade of creams and lotions. Just drink up this cream for that sun-kissed beachy glow.
What is the first thing you want when the alarm goes wakes you up rudely in the morning? A steaming cup of coffee or tea which you would have to get up and make yourself. Haven't we all wished there was a server standing at the bedside with a cupful of your favourite beverage. Now British designer Joshua Renouf is making this wish come true. He is in the final stages of creating a coffee-making alarm clock called the Barisieur that will instantly start making a hot cuppa when the alarm goes off. The machine that will be available in a couple of months will just require you to load it with coffee powder or tea leaves, water, milk and sugar the night before for your morning perk-me-up! 
Time was, some years ago, when the electrically powered cars created a sensation and were considered an answer to the world’s fast-depleting oil reserves. Automobile makers have now gone a step ahead and are tapping the power of the sun to rev up new cars. One such contraption is the velomobile which is a recumbent pedal-powered tricycle that is propelled by solar energy. A solar panel built-into the roof powers the 600-watt motor for up to around 75 km on a single charge and it travels up to around 35 kmph when propelled by the motor making pedalling very easy. Its aircraft-grade aluminium frame, stainless steel and carbon fibre body withstands exposure to rain and sun. Its LED headlights, brake lights, and turn signals provide clear alerts while navigating streets or bike trails making it a very efficient bicycle car.