EZ Melts Health Blog

Reading Time: 4 minutes Every fall and winter, family and friends all over the US come together to celebrate and create lasting memories. Food, fun, laughter, and warmth all describe a perfect holiday season. For some crowds, fun means something, well…a little more active! In fact, many families and friends have made games like pick-up basketball and flag football an annual tradition during the colder months. If this is you or you’re looking for a fun, easy group activity to start your own annual tradition with, look no further! We have something a little unique this year to share with you: Pickleball. And no, it doesn’t involve a pickle-eating competition.   What is Pickleball? Pickleball is a relatively new sport that originated in the United States in the 1960s. It was invented by three dads who wanted to create a fun activity that their kids could play in their backyard. The game quickly caught on and has since become one of the fastest-growing amateur athletic sports. Pickleball is played on a court that is about a third of the size of a tennis court and uses a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. The object of the game is to hit the ball over the net and into your opponent's court without them being able to return it.  So, why should you be playing pickleball? For starters, it's a great way to stay active and healthy, especially during the holiday season when we tend to be more sedentary. Pickleball provides a full-body workout that improves your cardiovascular health, builds strength and endurance, and enhances your agility and balance. Plus, it's a low-impact sport that is gentle on your joints, making it an ideal activity for people of all ages and fitness levels.   What You’ll Need to Play Pickleball  Pickleball Paddles: The first thing you need to play pickleball is a paddle. The paddle is like a small tennis racquet that you use to hit the ball over the net. There are many different types of paddles available, and they come in a range of materials and sizes. When choosing a paddle, you want to make sure it's the right size and weight for you, and that it feels comfortable in your hand. The best way to find the right paddle is to try a few out and see which one you like best. Pickleball Balls: The next thing you'll need is a pickleball. This is a lightweight plastic ball that is similar to a wiffle ball. Pickleballs come in a range of colors, but the most common are yellow or white. When choosing a pickleball, you want to look for one that has a consistent bounce and is easy to see. Some pickleballs are designed for indoor use, while others are better suited for outdoor play. Pickleball Court: A pickleball court is similar in size to a badminton court and is marked with boundary lines. You can play pickleball on many different types of surfaces, including concrete, asphalt, or even in the grass. If you don't have access to a dedicated court, you can also set up a makeshift court in a park or on your driveway.   How to Play Pickleball   The game is played on a court that is similar to a tennis court. The court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, with a 36-inch-high net dividing it into two sides. The game can be played in singles or doubles format.  The objective of the game is to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent's court while following specific rules. Among these rules is the double bounce rule, which means that a player must allow the ball to bounce once before returning it to the opponent. To be a great pickleball player, you need to master techniques such as the serve, forehand shot, backhand shot, and dink shot.  The serve is the shot that starts the game and is crucial to know how to perform. The forehand shot involves hitting the ball with the same side as the player's primary hand. The backhand shot, on the other hand, involves hitting the ball with the opposite side of the player's primary hand. As for the dink shot, it is a delicate shot that requires finesse and strategy to execute. Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles, and the rules are similar to those of tennis and ping pong. The game starts with a serve, and the players take turns hitting the ball until one side misses. The first team to reach 11 points (with a two-point lead) wins the game. Conclusion Pickleball is kicking things up a notch and refreshing the holiday family tradition of group activities for 2023! It’s an enjoyable and healthy way to bond with your friends and family while getting some exercise and fresh air after cutting the pumpkin pie and sharing some warm cider. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a beginner, pickleball is easy to learn and offers endless opportunities for fun and socializing. So, dust off your sneakers, grab a paddle, and head to the nearest court for a game of pickleball! You won't regret it.

Read Time: 5 minutes  When it comes to fitness, there are a lot of different opinions on what program or activity will help you stick to your workout routine in the long term.  Sure, we've all heard of Pilates, weightlifting, 5k training, and so on, but have you heard of functional fitness training? Even if you haven't, you may already be practicing functional fitness and not even know it! That's because functional fitness focuses on movements you most likely use in everyday activities - from carrying groceries to playing with your kids, lifting heavy objects, and bending over. All exercise can help support your physical health, but not all types of exercise qualify as "functional fitness training". What is Functional Fitness Training? Functional fitness is a type of exercise that focuses on making your body stronger and more resilient while improving your energy levels and supporting long-term exercise goals.  At the core of functional fitness are practical exercises that will support the average person in anything they do in their day-to-day life. Here are examples of popular functional fitness exercises. Depending on your fitness level, you can add weights, kettlebells, or bands to any of these, but body weight is also effective for many. Squat-to-Shoulder Press Basic Squat Push Up Burpee Forward Lunge Deadlift (Classic, suitcase, Romanian) Cable Row Plank   What are the Benefits of Functional Fitness Training? Functional fitness training is important for everyone—yes, you too! Here are just some of the benefits of incorporating these types of exercises into your daily routine. 1. Improving Everyday Activities The first benefit of functional fitness is that it helps improve your everyday activities and make them easier on your body. Since the exercises are practical and simulate movements you would use in your daily life, functional fitness can help make carrying groceries, playing with your kids, lifting heavy objects, or even just bending over to tie your shoes easier. Functional fitness exercises also often incorporate balance training, which can help reduce your risk of falling and injuring yourself. In other words, functional fitness training makes your body better equipped to handle anything life throws at you, regardless of your lifestyle or age. 2. Supporting Joint Health Functional fitness exercises also support joint health. While some types of exercise, like running, can put a lot of stress on your joints, functional fitness moves are designed to be gentle on your body while still providing a good workout. This is especially beneficial for people with injuries or chronic conditions that make high-impact activities difficult or impossible. And as we age, our joints become more fragile. Working out with functional fitness exercises can help reduce the risk of injuries and improve our quality of life as we age. 3. Improving Energy Levels Functional fitness exercises can also help improve your energy levels. This is because they help increase the efficiency of your mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of your cells. In other words, functional fitness makes your cells work better, which gives you more energy overall. The exercises are designed to target all the major muscle groups in your body, which means you'll not only see a difference in how you feel after completing a workout, but you'll also see an increase in energy throughout the day. And since functional fitness moves are often compound exercises (meaning they work multiple muscle groups at the same time), you'll be able to get a full-body workout in a shorter amount of time than if you were doing isolation exercises (which only work one muscle group at a time). In fact, functional fitness training is meant to be short and sweet, which can prevent you from expending as much energy as other, more intense workouts. Many people report feeling more energized after a functional fitness workout!   Tips for Getting Started with Functional Fitness Training Now that you know all about functional fitness, here are a few tips to get you started on your functional fitness journey.  Start with bodyweight exercises. If you're new to functional fitness or coming back from an injury, it's best to start with bodyweight exercises. This way, you can focus on perfecting your form without the added challenge of weights. Incorporate a variety of exercises to pique your interest. To reap all the benefits of functional fitness, it's important to incorporate a variety of exercises into your routine. This means including moves that target all the major muscle groups in your body. Use proper form. As with any type of exercise, using proper form is key to preventing injuries and getting the most out of your workout. Make sure you have good posture and:  Start slowly and gradually increase your workouts' intensity, especially if you're new to exercise or haven't worked out in a while. Support your energy levels with quality supplements that can help to maintain even, long-lasting energy. Some supplements work better when taken together.   Essential Energy Bundle  We recommend trying Iron and B-complex supplements together. They support increased energy levels throughout the day and aid the body in fighting fatigue, amongst other great benefits. If you're looking to perform better and improve physical endurance, CoQ10 supplements are a key supplement. CoQ10 can help support enhanced physical performance and energy levels during exercise.  Explore all three supplements to maximize your energy levels and performance with the Essential Energy Bundle.  Our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free and free from the nine most common allergens. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements. And with our subscription service, you’ll never have to worry about running out of the supplements you need! Use code EZ30 at checkout to save 30% off your first subscription.

Read Time: 4 minutes Have you ever looked back at fitness videos from 50, 60, or even 70 years ago online? The fitness trends of the past might look outdated—complete with outlandish workout gear and alien machines that would be out of place today. However, many of these vintage exercise methods are foundational for the types of fitness trends we have today, and some, like yoga and spinning, still have a place in today's world. Everywhere you look, someone is purchasing a Peloton for their home gym, heading to a yoga class with their bestie, or sharing inspirational gym reels on their IG feed. While these are all modern ways of exercising, many of today's tried-and-true fitness trends are built on exercise methods from the past. You might have more in common with how your grandparents exercised than you previously thought! These five vintage fitness trends are still effective today. Here's what they have to offer. Yoga Yoga has been used in the Eastern tradition for centuries, but it became popular in the United States in the 1960s and is still mainstream today. Yoga combines the physical and mental aspects of wellness through stretching, fluid movements, and breathing techniques with meditation. There are many variations of yoga, and they are all great ways to improve flexibility and balance. It's also a good way to counter stress from your day and can support better sleep. As a bonus: yoga can be done almost anywhere—in your own home with minimal equipment or at one of many studios around town where classes are taught by expert instructors. Calisthenics While calisthenics may be most associated with the military, it has been around since ancient times. Calisthenics is a form of exercise that uses your own body weight as resistance. This old-school fitness method focuses on strengthening muscles through repetitive motions (e.g., push-ups), which can help reduce body fat while developing core strength and muscle definition in the limbs. Calisthenics is a great way to build muscle and burn calories without the need for any equipment at all. With enough dedication, you can work out at home (or anywhere you want) by using your own body weight for resistance, or using objects you have lying around your house. For example, push-ups and pull-ups use your body's weight to create the resistance needed as you perform these movements. These both work out multiple muscle groups simultaneously, which makes your workout faster and more efficient. Weightlifting Weightlifting, as we know it today, started in the late 1800s, but the act of intentionally building muscle as an athletic exercise has been around for millennia. Whether it's the dumbbells in your local gym or a pair of free weights that you can store at home, adding weightlifting into your life is a must.  Weightlifting complements cardio exercises while encouraging the metabolism to burn more fat—even when you’re at rest. In addition, the sheer health benefits should be enough to convince you: strengthen and tone your muscles, support bone health and movement as you age, and give you cardiovascular health benefits. Also, many weightlifting movements are compound movements, which means you’re targeting multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This can make your workout faster and help you to avoid the gym overwhelm. Spinning Cycling became an official sport in the late 1800s in Europe, and is where spin bikes got their start. Spinning, the stationary version of bicycling, is great for toning leg muscles while maintaining cardiovascular health. Spin classes are popping up everywhere as a popular way to get a heart-pumping workout. If you have access to one at home or work (or know someone who does), try getting started today. Spinning is a great way to get your heart rate up and work on your endurance. It offers a good, whole-body workout and focuses on balance. If you're looking for a way to stay fit without having to step outside of your home or office, spinning is an effective option! Heavy Bag Boxing Heavy bag boxing is a great way to get a full body workout, but it's low impact compared to regular boxing and can be done in the comfort of your own home. For this reason, it's perfect for people with injuries or those who are otherwise unable to participate in high-impact exercise. The heavy bag allows for low impact, helping you to practice punches, kicks, and other moves without worrying about hurting yourself. The best part about heavy bag boxing? It's fun! Just because it's effective doesn't mean it has to be boring—you'll enjoy every minute of this workout because it makes you feel like Rocky Balboa every time you punch out another round on that big ol' sack of sand. Make Health Easy with EZ Melts The bottom line is that if you’re searching for reliable workouts, try these five fitness trends that stand the test of time. There's no need for fancy equipment or super-expensive gym memberships when all you really need are some basic moves like yoga, calisthenics, and weightlifting. In addition, supporting your energy levels and metabolism when physically active is essential to seeing the results you’re looking for from your workout. To support your energy levels naturally, try taking a daily vitamin supplement. Our energy and metabolism supplements are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free and free from the nine most common allergens. Not sure where to start? Try our Essential Energy Bundle, curated for your best physical performance. And with our subscription service, it’s even easier to take care of your health. Use code EZ30 at checkout to save 30% off your first subscription.

Read Time: 4 minutes It can be tough to find time to get in a good workout, especially if you're trying to juggle work, family, and other obligations. However, it's important to make time for exercise because it has so many benefits for your health like reducing your risk of chronic diseases, and supporting a healthy mood and sleep quality while boosting your energy levels. Never fear: you don't have to change your entire life to fit around workouts—make workouts fit around your schedule instead! There are plenty of ways to sneak in a little extra exercise without interrupting your day. Here are six ways to help you get started: 5 Minutes of Exercise  First, set an alarm on your phone to get up and move around every hour for just 2-5 minutes. It's good for your circulation and it can help to wake you up if you're feeling sluggish. If you want bonus points, invest in a good standing desk to get up out of that seat and be less sedentary. Not at work? Having a Netflix and Chill kind of day? Try some stretches or gentle yoga poses while watching TV or during commercial breaks. Track Your Steps Are you competitive, even with yourself? Invest in a pedometer and try to hit a certain number of steps each day. You may be surprised at how quickly those steps add up! Even just walking around the grocery store or vacuuming the house counts for steps and can be a 2-for-1 in getting you moving AND getting chores done.   Lunchtime Movement Use your lunch break as an opportunity to get in a quick workout – and it doesn't have to be extreme! Taking a brisk walk or going for a short run around the neighborhood are great ways to fit in some exercise while still getting back to the office on time. Plus, being outside is a powerful support for your mental well-being.  WFH Pick-Me-Up If you work from home, take advantage of that by setting aside some time each day for a dedicated workout. You don't have the downtime of travel and constantly changing your environment, which can work in your favor. Carve out 15 minutes to stretch and run in place or do some jumping jacks—maybe even dance around to music midday for movement and a pick-me-up! Get Together and Move Get your family and friends involved. Exercising with others can make it more enjoyable and motivating so that you're more likely to stick with it. Plus, it's a great way to spend time together. Start a weekly softball game, go for group hikes, or play tag with your kids in the park. Not only will you get some exercise, but you'll also create lasting memories with the people you love.  Make Health Easy with EZ Melts Try incorporating some of these tips into your daily routine and you'll be well on your way to getting fit without interrupting your day. Give one or more of these suggestions a try and see how they work for you.  Remember, every little bit counts when it comes to exercise! Exercising doesn't have to be a chore, and by following these tips, you can get fit without interrupting your busy schedule. Making time for exercise doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Give these tips a try and see how they work for you! And if you're looking for an even less time-consuming way to support your best physical health in mere seconds, try taking a daily vitamin supplement. It takes little to zero effort and supports your health & physical performance. Our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free and free from the nine most common allergens. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements. And with our subscription service, it’s even easier to take care of your health. Use code EZ30 at checkout to save 30% off your first subscription.

Read Time: 5 minutes Strength training isn’t just for Olympic athletes and bulking up—everyone needs a combination of aerobic AND anaerobic training for peak health, regardless of age, gender, lifestyle, or fitness goals. If you’ve restricted yourself to the treadmill and shrink away from any mention of free weights or the sight of those large, complex machines at the gym, you’re missing out on a huge aspect of fitness.  Performing a variety of anaerobic and aerobic exercises is proven to target all aspects of the body, and the combo benefits us in so many ways. Plus, it decreases the chance of boredom with your workout routine (bonus!).  And while there are endless diet trends and complicated, never-ending workout routines touted by fitness gurus as the newest way to achieve maximum results, there are strength training tips that will never go out of style.  Benefits of Strength Training Let’s skim over some amazing benefits that strength training offers besides building muscle.  Strength training can:  Support the skeletal system’s daily functioning by increasing bone mineral density  Lower risks of injury Improve flexibility and mobility Decrease the likelihood of osteoporosis Increased feelings of wellness and self-esteem Help maintain blood sugar levels If those don’t convince you to add strength training to your workout routine, maybe this fact will: our muscle strength peaks in our 30s and then slowly declines. A lack of muscle maintenance can lead to severely decreased mobility in older age.  And it’s never too late to start—everyone regardless of age can improve their health and physical wellbeing with strength training. That’s why our tips below are not age-restrictive. Please always check in with your medical care provider to ensure it’s safe to start. Tip #1: Nail Down Your Form  Good strength training is all about technique. If you are lifting free weights or even trying some machines at the gym, check in with an experienced friend or ask a physical trainer at the gym to check your physical form.  It’s not so much about what you lift, as it is how you lift. If you are exercising with the wrong movements, you can risk strain or serious injury, which will do way more harm than not training at all.  Tip #2: Start Light Don’t overwhelm yourself! People often make the mistake of trying to make drastic changes to their fitness routine on day one, which leads to burnout and injury.  Start with light weights, focus on your form, and exercise with a friend if possible to make it less intimidating. Only up your weights when a physical trainer says to, or if you feel you can do a movement with no effort.  You should “feel the burn”, but not so much that you are hurting yourself. Start slow with a few workouts at a time to learn the difference between challenging and overexerting yourself.  Tip #3: Schedule Regular Workouts  Plan the strength training movements you will do in advance of the actual workout, and schedule out what days you will work out on a calendar.  It will help you feel more prepared for the gym or picking up your weights at home, so you are more likely to follow through and save time while doing it.  Tip #4: Target Different Muscle Groups on Different Days There are three major muscle groups: upper body, lower body, and core. Some people prefer to do their core workout as the second part of their upper and lower body workouts, while others prefer to break it down further (core on Monday, upper on Wednesday, lower on Friday).  How many times a week you work a muscle group and what days you work out are up to you. However, breaking your workout down into different muscle groups on different days will give you less to do each time you exercise and will be less overwhelming than the thought of having to work out your entire body every time.  Tip #5: Pre and Post Workout Stretch Stretching is essential to prevent muscle tearing and serious injury. Your mobility and flexibility are as important as your muscle strength, and stretching pre and post-workout will help you with correct form and endurance during strength training.  Make a goal to stretch for 5-10 minutes before and after your workout. Think of it as rest and recovery, and a chance to slow down and breathe. Stretching has just as many mental wellness benefits as it does for your physical wellness. Tip #6: Take a Multivitamin with Iron and Vitamin B In general, a quality multivitamin is a good way to cover all your bases, but some minerals and vitamins are especially beneficial for active lifestyles.  Iron and vitamin Bs are all essential to muscle tissue repair, revving up your metabolism, supporting bone health, and transporting oxygen to your muscles, which is necessary for optimal muscle performance.  Try our multivitamin + added iron today to support your body and make the most out of every workout.  Tip #7: Cardio  How often you want to do cardio is up to you, but it should still be a part of your exercise routine. Even 20 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio before or after strength training, or by itself for an entire hour twice a week, can make a world of difference.  Tip #8: Rest  Rest is just as vital to muscle performance as the actual workout. This is because the process of building physical strength is a cycle of tiny muscle tears during exercise and repairs during rest.  To build and tone muscle, you need a break in between sets of strength training movements, and a break in between workouts to maximize results and prevent injury.  You may eventually want to strength train more frequently, but to start, target each muscle group once or twice a week with rest days in between: (Upper + core on Monday, rest on Tuesday, lower + core on Wednesday, rest on Thursday, rest on Friday, upper + lower on Saturday, rest on Sunday).  The EZ Melts Difference EZ Melts supplements fit every diet and lifestyle. Our vitamins are gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free, and free from the nine most common allergens. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements! 

Read Time: 3 minutes You don’t have to be an influencer or a young adult to reap the benefits of regular physical activity. Regardless of whether you have exercised your entire life or are just starting, it’s never too late to begin. There are long-term and immediate health benefits to exercising, and as we said last week, going to the gym is not required. Especially as we age, our bodies change, but physical activity is still necessary. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, physically active older adults are less likely to fall and are less likely to be injured. Also, seniors who consistently move their bodies can preserve physical ability and mobility for longer. It’s recommended for everyone to get in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, but if a senior’s health conditions limit physical activity, it’s still important to get whatever safe movement in that they can.  Not sure where to begin? Always check in with a medical professional when trying any new routine or exercise to make sure it’s safe. Here are some tips for senior people: Anaerobic and aerobic exercise are equally important, so try to incorporate both, such as walking with light weights Balance training is recommended and can be learned through yoga or Pilates Check local events to find exercise classes exclusively for senior citizens Try activities at home, like dancing with a partner, gardening, or bicycling around your neighborhood Adopting a dog is a great way to gain companionship and motivation to walk outside Stretch before and after every exercise—it helps improve flexibility and range, which is important for preventing injury, especially as we age If you need a low-impact workout, try a local water aerobics class. Swimming is a great way to work out and keep friction and weight off your joints.  If you find it difficult to motivate yourself or if a health condition prevents you from strenuous activity, a little exercise is better than none. Try swapping out a half-hour of sitting during the day for doing light chores or listening to a podcast as you walk around the house. You can organize a group of people your age and fitness level by checking around the neighborhood or at community centers. Exercise can be more fun with others. Find a senior fitness specialist by asking your doctor or calling your insurance to find people who can help guide you through these life changes. Remember: sit less, move more! For more information on how you can adopt a more active lifestyle in your senior years, read through Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans by clicking here. A Vitamin Boost to Your Fitness Routine Routine physical activity is essential for immunity, bone health, sleep quality, mental wellness, and metabolism, among others.  To maximize your body’s ability to repair muscle tissue after working out and increase your energy levels, consider iron and vitamin B supplements. Iron and B-complex help oxygen transport to your muscles, strengthen your bones and rev your metabolism. Check-in with your doctor before trying any new supplements.  Our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free and free from the nine most common allergens. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements!

Read Time: 4 minutes This month is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, and we wanted to highlight some trending, fun ways to move your body. If you don’t like traditional treadmills, weightlifting at the gym, or are super busy, you’ll probably love this article. Being physically active doesn’t need to be boring or something to dread. It can be fun and fit into your schedule. Most of all, moving is for everyone—there are so many activities to try that don’t include hours spent in a gym.  Whether you like working out in a group or solo, at home or outside, or trying new things, there’s an activity out there for you. Check out these below and get moving!  Video Games Intensity Level: Mild to Strenuous, it depends on you and the game you choose The first one on the list might be a head-scratcher, but if you’re a gamer and want to exercise in the comfort of your own home, video games might be the solution. There are many games out there to stimulate your mind and move your body—all while having fun. If you like to dance like nobody’s watching, try Just Dance. If you’re into adventurous fantasy games, try Ring Fit Adventure on Nintendo Switch—it’s like playing an RPG and working out at the same time.  Aerial Yoga Intensity level: Moderate Want a refreshing spin on yoga? Try it in the air! There are many studios and instructors that offer aerial yoga classes now. Ropes and hoops are suspended from the ceiling, and all fitness levels are welcome (check with the studio on which classes are best for you). You’ll work on stability, balance, and flexibility, all while learning new skills.  Weighted Hula Hooping Intensity Level: Mild to moderate If you loved hula hooping as a child, you’ll love that it is a great way to work out, even as an adult! Weighted hula hoops are a fun and relatively affordable way to get fit. Hula hoops are known for strengthening your entire body, especially your core. Try looking up some videos online of different techniques or see if there is a local group that hoops together. Who knows, maybe you’ll learn some new tricks that will impress your friends.  Speed Walking Intensity Level: Mild to moderate Speed walking isn’t just for catching a bus or getting someplace faster—it’s also a great workout and alternative to running. If you don’t like to go for morning jogs or running hurts your joints, try speed walking instead. All you need are a good pair of supportive sneakers and a few videos on proper form (yes, there is proper form to walking). There are even speed walking races, so check out local events.   Barre Intensity Level: Moderate to strenuous If you ever wanted to be a ballerina, now is your chance. Barre is Pilates meets ballet meets yoga, and it will work out muscles you didn’t even know you had. Barre classes are an increasingly popular option being offered in gyms and private studios. You can even find classes on fitness apps if you prefer privacy. However, we would recommend going to a class with an experienced instructor, because if you need correcting of your form, they can help make sure you prevent injury. The barre method is small movements at high reps, which tones specific muscle groups that are often missed by traditional movement. Plus, they usually play current, high-energy music during class that will get you sweating and forgetting to check the time.  A Vitamin Boost to Your Fitness Routine Routine physical activity is essential for immunity, bone health, sleep quality, mental wellness, and metabolism, among others.  To maximize your body’s ability to repair muscle tissue after working out and increase your energy levels, consider Iron and B-complex supplements which help to oxygen transport to your muscles, strengthen your bones and rev your metabolism.  Our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free and free from the nine most common allergens. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements!

Oof, this fall and winter is going to be rough for fitness and workout lovers. With the pandemic still in full swing, we’ve already been limiting our time outside around others. And while the colder weather and holiday season already makes us want to curl up and hibernate, COVID-19 is having us double down on isolating and minimizing outdoor/gym time. If this has you feeling nervous--don’t be! We have time-saving solutions to make working out indoors and around home seem like no sweat.   Keep Your Heart Happy According to the American Heart Association, the average person needs at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise per week to remain healthy; although 5 hours is ideal to reap the most benefits [1]. Unfortunately, the majority of Americans today do not even meet the minimum amount weekly. We can change this: did you know that even simple household tasks count towards physical activity, like gardening, vacuuming, and cleaning? Those certainly can be done at home and keep your space clean--it’s a win-win! However, don’t be fooled: while everyday tasks do burn calories, you still need to make time for exercise in your schedule [2]. But good news: you don’t have to be an Olympian athlete to keep your heart happy and remain physically fit! 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise is all that is required to maintain optimal health On a fitness or weight management journey and have to stay indoors? For those of us who want to continue rigorous workouts or meet our fitness goals, try these three tips below.   Freebies on Workout Apps We can thank technology and apps for making exercise more accessible to everyone than ever! Try downloading a step tracker if you don’t have one on your phone yet, and try out a few fitness apps that will show you how to do specific routines you’ve never tried before! The best part is most of these apps and online fitness channels will modify routines for you if you have a medical or physical condition. There are even a few apps that get you in touch with a live personal trainer virtually! AND due to the pandemic, a lot of popular apps and channels such as Beachbody, Livestrong, and Daily Burn are giving huge discounts and trial periods so you can safely work out at home!   Video Gaming While Working Out Gone are the days of video gaming being seen as a lazy activity! Nintendo was one of the first to create fitness games for the Wii, and Just Dance is an arcade-inspired fitness game for you dance fanatics out there. Since the early 2000s, a steady stream of games have been made for all different types of consoles. Some of the newer games make it feel like you are in a role-playing story-based game, which requires you to complete vigorous physical sequences in order to progress. Sure--you’ll sweat, but it’ll take the chore out of your fitness routine!   Zoom Dance Parties Stay with us here...host a weekly dance party with friends and family! An hour of dancing burns a ton of calories. Bonus? This is also great for your emotional health. The winter sans-contact with your loved ones can be really difficult and take a serious mental toll. Zoom hangouts are a great way to have fun and stay in touch with each other. Maybe even try reaching out to a few people you haven’t seen in a couple of years--you’d be amazed by how much you can catch up while dancing your cares away! Support Your Energy Levels Before you try any of these home workouts, you need the motivation to actually do the workout, right? Ugh, but that’s so hard when you’re snuggled up on the couch in front of the T.V. while the cold winter air is blowing outside. The reason you might be fatigued and lack the energy to move is that you are getting less vitamin D through sunlight than you do in the warmer months. Some people are also lacking the right amount of vitamin Bs, which fight fatigue and convert calories into energy. It’s likely that you are vitamin-deficient in some areas; over 90% of Americans today are [4].  Consult with your medical provider and try adding all-natural vitamin D and B-complex vitamin supplements to your daily regimen to support boosted energy levels during the winter. For further support, try our Essential Energy Bundle, now discounted for a limited time!   Sources: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults?gclid=CjwKCAjwzIH7BRAbEiwAoDxxTjc8ucXJgRRof2QmJZnenddzh-GUo_4hr8DTr9qQud64hlAws6e3HhoCIPIQAvD_BwE  https://www.livescience.com/40523-housework-exercise-physical-activity.html https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/obesity-prevention-source/moderate-and-vigorous-physical-activity/#:~:text=Moderate%2Dintensity%20activities%20are%20those,at%203%20to%206%20METs. https://thebiostation.com/bioblog/nutrient-iv-therapy/do-you-have-vitamin-deficiency/  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

If this pandemic has reminded us of anything, it’s that health is our most valuable resource. Many people have been searching for ways to boost their immune systems and maintain optimal health as the first line of defense.  This has also led to reflection on our daily habits that are either detrimental or beneficial to our health. EZ Melts’ mission is to spread awareness about how to protect the health of ourselves and our loved ones during the pandemic and beyond! In addition, we want to highlight how some of the best health practices can be optimized by simply taking a vitamin supplement.  Here are three habits you can make more effective the easy way with vitamins!   1) Sleep Hygiene Sleep hygiene, or the practice of good, quality rest, is important for keeping your immune system strong. Not only does your body heal when you are in REM sleep mode, but it promotes optimal metabolism, brain performance, and a balanced appetite. Your body even produces vital hormones during sleep [1], and all this without you even having to think about it! Vitamin Boost: If you have trouble getting quality rest, try all-natural melatonin and vitamin D supplements. Melatonin and vitamin D are normally produced by the body and regulate your sleep cycles. However, if you work odd hours, don’t get enough sunlight, or get adequate nutrition containing these, you may be deficient!   2) Fitness and Physical Health  Routine movement is critical for your immune system, bone health, as well as your quality of sleep, mental wellness, and metabolism [2], to name a few! This doesn’t have to be extreme boot camp programs either--unless you’re into that! Simply making it a goal to walk around the block, taking breaks away from your desk to stretch and go for quick 15 minute jogs, cleaning your house or gardening is physical activity, and adequate activity and is linked to longevity [3]. It all adds up! Vitamin Boost: To maximize your body’s ability to repair muscle tissue after working out and increase your energy levels, consider iron and vitamin B supplements, especially if you feel you have a deficiency. Iron and B-complex help oxygen transport to your muscles, strengthens your bones, revs your metabolism, and is crucial to creating DNA [4], [5]!   3) Stress Less Mental wellness is just as important to your health as physical health, and research indicates that it even intertwines. In fact, anxiety and excess levels of stress are linked to a weaker immune system! In order to maximize your quality of life, pay attention to your stress levels. If you find you are overwhelmed or have less motivation to work and socialize, consider taking a break for mindfulness like this breathing exercise. In addition, practice the above habits and get adequate rest and nutrition, as these factors are linked to mental health [6]. Vitamin Boost: Vitamin deficiencies can also affect your mental health! If you believe you are struggling, talk to your doctor about how to support your mental wellness. This may include taking supplements like L-theanine and vitamin C. Vitamin C is linked to a healthier mind and protection against disorders [7], and L-theanine is believed to lower stress levels and help your body relax!   The takeaway here is practicing healthy habits and making it a part of your daily routine is helpful for your mental and physical well being. Taking supplements can support these habits for maximum benefit! Our vitamins are fast melting, EZ to take, and have delicious customer-approved flavors. The EZ Melts promise: our supplements have zero sugar or chemical additives, are vegan and non-GMO. Thanks for being a part of our community!   Sources https://sleepdisorders.sleepfoundation.org/chapter-1-normal-sleep/the-physiology-of-sleep-the-endocrine-system-sleep/ https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2019/exercise-longevity-wellness-benefits.html#:~:text=Consider%20this%3A%20While%20federal%20guidelines,life%20span%20by%20three%20years. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324856 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287228 https://lifeandhealth.org/food/why-plant-based/nutrient-deficiency-the-trigger-of-mental-health-disorders/1314096.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwyo36BRAXEiwA24CwGartjfE7vdy90PMmo5Xw1rQkJxXiv5slV7-psSGBxQ6hAHxcuSTdsBoC20UQAvD_BwE https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30074145/ ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens