Hassan Thwaini

When is the best time to exercise?

The question of when to exercise has long been debated, and while personal preference and daily routines often dictate fitness schedules, science suggests that timing can significantly impact performance, health benefits, and even your appetite. From early morning runs to evening gym sessions, understanding the nuances of how your body responds to exercise at different times of the day might help you unlock your full potential.

Why you shouldn’t hyperfixate on calories

For years, we’ve been sold the idea that weight loss boils down to one simple formula: eat fewer calories than you burn, and you’ll lose weight. This “calories in, calories out” mindset has been the cornerstone of countless diets, fitness plans, and calorie-tracking apps. But while the maths may seem straightforward, the reality of how our bodies process food and manage weight is far more complex. Fixating on calories not only oversimplifies the science of nutrition but may also lead us away from what truly matters, which is the quality of the food we eat and the sustainability of our lifestyle choices.

The benefits of eating the rainbow

Variety isn’t just the spice of life, but the cornerstone of health, especially when it comes to nutrition. The concept of “eating a rainbow” encourages us to fill our plates with fruits and vegetables of every colour, and there’s a good reason for this advice. But what do these mean for you?

What is micro-exercise?

Exercise doesn’t have to mean an hour at the gym or a lengthy run in the park. In fact, shorter, high-impact bursts of movement can bring similar benefits to a 45-minute workout, especially when it comes to improving fitness and health.1

How exactly does alcohol cause weight gain?

For many, a glass of wine after a long day or a couple of pints at the pub feels like a harmless indulgence. But when you’re trying to lose weight, those casual drinks might be sabotaging your efforts in more ways than you realise. From empty calories to hormone disruption, alcohol poses unique challenges to weight loss, some of which are hidden beneath its liquid allure.

January Fitness Challenge: designed for a lifetime of success

January is here, and with it comes the opportunity to start fresh, build healthier habits, and set the tone for the rest of the year. That’s why Numan is excited to introduce the 2025 Total Health Challenge—a year-long journey designed to help you rediscover your energy, build sustainable routines, and achieve lasting wellbeing.

Is 20 minutes of exercise enough?

We’ve all heard it before: exercise is good for us. Yet for many, finding time to exercise feels like a monumental task. Work commitments, family responsibilities, and daily routines can make a full-fledged gym session seem impossible. But a workout doesn’t have to take up hours of your day, as it turns out that a little can go a long way. Let’s find out how below.

Why you should try Dry January and how to make it work

January marks a fresh start. It’s a time to set intentions, leave behind old habits, and embrace positive changes. One increasingly popular tradition—maybe not among those who celebrate their birthdays in January—is Dry January, where you commit to going alcohol-free for the entire month. It’s a simple concept with profound benefits, not just for your physical health but also for your mental wellbeing and lifestyle habits.

Working out smarter, not harder: how to maximise results with efficient exercise strategies

Getting active can feel daunting, especially if you’re new to exercise. But what if there were a smarter way to train—one that didn’t leave you gasping for air but still delivered impressive results? Heart rate training is just that. By understanding your body’s “zones” and working within them, you can build fitness, improve heart health, and even feel better day-to-day.

How to set SMART goals and progress your fitness

We’ve all been there: brimming with motivation to tackle a new fitness plan, career milestone, or personal aspiration, only to find ourselves overwhelmed, disheartened, or unsure of how to start. The problem often isn’t our ambition—it’s our strategy. This is where SMART goals come in: a framework initially deployed for business planning, but has since been adopted across health, fitness, and personal development for its simplicity and practicality.

Can you get weight loss medicines prescribed if you’re diabetic?

We’re committed to helping people achieve their health goals with effective solutions, and that means restricting who we can prescribe medicines to. One question we frequently encounter is, “why don’t we prescribe weight loss medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy for those with diabetes, especially when these treatments are already licensed for type 2 diabetes?”

How to enjoy Christmas while on weight loss medications

Christmas is notorious for overindulging on your favourite seasonal snacks, building a mediocre snowman, and laughing over the dinner table. For many, it’s also a time that brings concerns about balancing health goals with the indulgence of holiday feasting.

6 ways to set achievable and healthy New Year’s resolutions

The start of a new year symbolises fresh beginnings and an opportunity for self-improvement. Yet, New Year’s resolutions often get a bad reputation for being short-lived. It’s not that they are inherently flawed—it’s often how they are set.

Managing your mood over the holidays

Arguing over whether Die Hard makes the cut, admiring Aldi’s new Christmas advertisement, and everyone basking in happiness, surrounded by family and friends. That’s what Christmas is perceived to be by the media. However, the reality is often more complex. For many, the holidays can trigger stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.

The science behind mindfulness

Mindfulness, once considered an esoteric practice linked to Buddhist traditions, has moved firmly into the mainstream, finding its way into therapy rooms, schools, and even workplaces. Researchers and scientists are now working past the outdated scepticism towards the practice, with hopes to bring forth further information about how mindfulness can invoke psychological and, in some part, physiological benefit.1

How to get better sleep during menopause

If you’re going through menopause, a good night’s sleep might feel like a distant memory. Research shows that between 16% and 60% of women in perimenopause and postmenopause experience sleep problems.1

Should you drink water before bed?

Water is essential for life, just like sleep. Every day, we lose water through processes such as urination, breathing, and sweating—even while we sleep. During the night, our bodies don’t take in any water

Sleep and menopause: what's the link?

In their late forties, women's bodies begin to experience a significant hormonal shift, which is known as menopause. This natural transition occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. While it is an inevitable part of ageing, menopause often comes with a range of symptoms, some of which can significantly disrupt sleep.