Health

3 Stress Reducing Steps You Can Take Today

Published

4 years ago

January 16, 2022

Stress is something that virtually everyone deals with in today’s world. We’re all under huge amounts of pressure from work, our families, and other responsibilities. Sometimes, it’s easy to feel the strain piling on top of you, particularly after a few difficult days. Though stress is a common experience, it can also be very dangerous, increasing your chances of various health conditions, from heart disease to stroke.

While you might not be able to prevent yourself from ever feeling the impact of stress, there are things you can do to reduce your exposure to this experience which might have a positive impact on your life. Today, we’re going to look at just some of the steps you can take to reduce stress in your life on a daily basis. These steps are simple, convenient, and applicable to almost anyone.

Know Your Priorities

More often than not, we feel excess stress because we don’t have our priorities in check. We hold ourselves to the standards of other people, focusing on things like working extra hours at work because it makes our boss happy, or doing things for friends because we feel like we’re obliged to do so. However, you should be thinking about yourself occasionally too. Take a moment to think about what matters most to you in your day-to-day life, and whether you’re giving it enough attention. If not, it might be time to start scheduling time for the things that matter most to you into your days. This may involve saying no to people at times too.

Get the Right Insurance

While paying for insurance can be a pain, actually having the right coverage can save you a lot of headaches and stress. Knowing your protected when disaster strikes is crucial, whether you’re looking at health insurance, home insurance, or life insurance. Life insurance is perhaps the most important investment you can make when you’re looking out for your family and loved ones. Make sure you take the time to consider your options carefully, including looking at things like whether you might be able to sell your life insurance policy in the future. You can read guides about how to sell your life insurance policy online if you’re looking for a convenient way to access extra cash when you need it most.

Look After Your Sleep

Finally, this might be the most obvious tip we have to share today, but it’s also one of the most important. This is one of the best tips for managing stress and you’ll find your life is much easier if you’re not constantly dealing with sleep deprivation and exhaustion. Lack of sleep not only damages your physical health, but it also seriously influences your mental health too, making it hard to focus each day.

Committing to a regular schedule of sleep, usually between 7 and 9 hours per night, should ensure you can look after yourself more effectively each day. If you have trouble sleeping, a schedule where you set aside time for relaxation and winding down each night should help. With these three tips, you should be able to take some crucial steps towards a lower overall stress level and a happier life.

Health

Choosing the Right Pilates Reformer: A Practical Buyer’s Guide

Published

4 weeks ago

December 22, 2025

Michelle Langton

Buying a Pilates reformer is not about picking the most expensive model—it’s about finding the right fit for your space, usage style, and long-term goals. Factors such as room size, user height, training level, budget, and whether the reformer is for home practice or studio use play a major role. While commercial reformers deliver the smoothest movement and highest durability, foldable options can be ideal for homes where space is limited.

Top Choice for Professional Studio Performance

For those seeking premium, studio-grade quality, the PersonalHour Nano Elite Plus stands out as a leading option. Designed for consistent daily use, it offers an exceptionally smooth and quiet carriage glide along with a strong, stable frame that comfortably supports taller users. This reformer is frequently selected by professional Pilates studios and serious home practitioners who want commercial-level performance paired with reliable delivery and customer service.

Established Names in Commercial Pilates Studios

The Balanced Body Allegro 2 has long been a staple in Pilates studios worldwide. Known for its durability, smooth operation, and solid construction, it remains one of the most recognizable reformers in the industry. Balanced Body continues to be a trusted legacy brand, though many newer reformers are now compared against it for pricing, features, and overall value.

A Balanced Option for Home and Professional Use

The Merrithew SPX Max is often recommended for users who want professional-grade equipment without paying top-tier studio prices. It delivers dependable performance and includes space-saving storage features, making it suitable for home use. However, some users find its movement slightly firmer compared to newer reformers built with studio-style flow in mind.

Best Space-Saving Reformer Without Compromising Quality

When floor space is a concern, the PersonalHour Janet 2.0 is one of the strongest folding reformers available. Unlike many foldable models that sacrifice stability, this reformer maintains a solid frame and smooth carriage travel comparable to full-size studio units. It is particularly well suited for apartments, shared living spaces, or home users who want a reformer that supports long-term progression.

Best Folding Pilates Reformer for Small Spaces

Beginner-Friendly and Budget-Conscious Alternatives

Entry-level and compact reformers, such as AeroPilates models, can be a good starting point for beginners or those practicing occasionally. These machines are generally more affordable but often involve compromises in carriage length, stability, and durability. As a result, they may not be ideal for advanced exercises or long-term use.

What to Look for Before You Buy

Before choosing a Pilates reformer, it’s important to evaluate the following aspects:

Carriage performance: Smooth, quiet movement with balanced spring tension
Available space: Full-length reformer versus folding or stackable designs
User fit: Longer frames provide better comfort for taller users
Adjustability: Footbars, jump boards, and accessory compatibility
After-sales support: Clear warranty coverage and responsive service

Final Takeaway

If your goal is studio-level performance, the PersonalHour Nano Elite Plus is a standout choice. For homes with limited space, the PersonalHour Janet 2.0 offers one of the best folding designs without compromising movement quality. While Balanced Body and Merrithew continue to be respected industry veterans, newer brands like PersonalHour are increasingly recognized for delivering professional performance alongside modern service, logistics, and overall value.

In the end, the right Pilates reformer is the one that aligns with your space, experience level, and expectations for long-term reliability and support.