Elisabeth explains how one can approach an active lifestyle

Today, our co-founder Elisabeth lives an active lifestyle to feel both stronger and more energetic. This hasn't always been easy for her. Struggling with health issues that required multiple heart surgeries, Elisabeth felt both tired and desperate.

Norway is known as a country that actively engages in outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing, cycling and running. And all she wanted was to join in the fun. 

The heart is a muscle

How did Elisabeth's fitness journey begin? It all started when she met a man named Håkon. And three years ago, they founded Aarja Health together.

"When I met Håkon, he pulled me out and helped me start running," Elisabeth recalls. "I don't think I would have been able to start that routine without him. He was patient and never gave up on me. We started slowly."

Elisabeth's approach to exercise was not without fear, "I didn't think exercise was good for me because of my heart. After a while I realized that was completely wrong!" She elaborates: "Our heart is a muscle, and when we exercise it becomes stronger. It also becomes more resistant to cardiac arrhythmia, which I suffered from."

Running for a better psyche

Elisabeth says that after she started running, she immediately noticed a change in her daily energy level. This motivated her to keep moving. "I will be forever grateful. Håkon made me realize how important exercise was for my overall health. My mental health also improved."

Elisabeth runs a couple of times a week, all year round through the eight Sami seasons, but is especially fond of winter training. "We love going to the mountains when it's covered in pure, white snow under a sunny blue sky." Both Elisabeth and Håkon also enjoy cross-country skiing together.

Start slowly and give yourself praise.

Elisabeth suggests when others begin their fitness journey and want to make it a habit: "Start slowly, and applaud all your achievements. Then start with just 10 minutes a day."

There is a lot of research that suggests how beneficial just ten minutes of exercise per day can be. "Elisabeth warns against setting ambitious goals, it can lead to failure. The mindset is also very important," she emphasizes. "To start a new habit, it is important to do it gradually."

A flexible schedule is key to Elisabeth's workout routine. She says she works out in the morning after a light breakfast, or around 3pm to give her mind a break from work during the week. 

The foundation is training, supplements are extra

Elisabeth also takes supplements to support her active lifestyle, of course. "If I'm hungry before a run and don't want to eat, our Sporty Boost Isotonic is perfect to drink as it gives me the energy I need without filling my stomach with heavy food."

Elisabeth also uses OptiMSM+C with Blueberry for energy and recovery after training, as well as Premium Magnesium3 to prevent muscle cramps. She adds that Curcumin with Ginger & B12 is especially good for use against inflammation after a workout, but also daily use to prevent inflammation in general. 

By starting and maintaining an exercise routine, Elisabeth has gained more energy in her daily life. Regular exercise, combined with a healthy diet and supplements to support your body, is the best approach to an active lifestyle.