Please note there will be some class changes in the next couple of weeks, please see below.
Isn’t it great that every day we have the opportunity to learn something new! I find new knowledge very inspiring and energising (in fact, I’m starting a new Psychology course this month—wish me luck, I’m very excited!).
I have recently found out about Nonenal, have you heard of it? It’s a scientific fact that as we move through our 40’s and onwards, we start to smell differently, yes it’s true read on to find out what we can do about it!
The science of how we smell differently past 40!
We’ve all noticed it at some point—walking into a grandparent’s spare bedroom, browsing an antique bookstore, or opening a chest of vintage clothing. There’s a distinct, often comforting, musty or papery aroma that we often label as “old person smell.”
For decades, society has pinned this scent on lifestyle choices, outdated perfume, or poor hygiene. As a fitness and wellness coach working with adults in their “prime,” I love check facts and bust myths. And as a Vintage Fitness and Dance pro myself, I have a vested interest in smelling sweet and defending our reputation as 40+ ( cough) people!
That smell has absolutely nothing to do with hygiene, and it starts happening much earlier than you think!
So what is that smell all about? Let me introduce you to “2-Nonenal”
Around the age of 40, our skin chemistry undergoes a subtle change. As we age, our skin naturally produces more fatty acids (specifically omega-7 unsaturated fatty acids) while our body’s natural antioxidant defences slowly decrease.
When these skin lipids make contact with the air, they undergo a process called oxidation (like how a sliced apple turns brown when exposed to air). The byproduct of this reaction is a chemical compound called 2-nonenal.
Medical researchers discovered that 2-nonenal is only found on the skin of individuals aged 40 and older. Because 2-nonenal isn’t water-soluble, it doesn’t easily wash away with standard soap and water, which is why the scent can subtly linger even right after a shower.
What does it smell like?
Scientists have found that 2-nonenal is a surprisingly pleasant compound in other contexts and is actually a key component in the aromatic profiles of:
- Old books 📖
- Aged beers and fine wines 🍺
- Fresh cucumbers 🥒
In fact, behavioural studies from the Monell Chemical Senses Centre revealed that when people blind-sniffed body odours from various age groups, they actually rated the scent of older adults as significantly less intense and more pleasant than the pungent body odour of young, stressed adults in their 20s!
Historically, humans used this distinct olfactory cue to recognize the elders of their tribe—revering it as the scent of wisdom, survival, and safety.
So you/we don’t smell old, you/we smell wise!
Managing the shift and loving your skin as it evolves
While you can’t stop a natural chemical process, you can support your skin’s health through great daily habits. If you want to keep your skin barrier fresh and vibrant, try focusing on these four areas:
- Hydrate from the Inside Out: As we get older, our thirst signals naturally weaken, making dehydration more common. Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin hydrated and helps flush out metabolic byproducts efficiently.
- Fuel Up on Antioxidants: Since 2-nonenal is caused by oxidation, packing your diet with antioxidant-rich foods (like berries, leafy greens, green tea, and colourful vegetables) helps fight oxidative stress from the inside out.
- Keep Moving: Sweating and clearing out your pores during high-energy conditioning, strength or dynamic stretching helps purge old sebum and keeps your skin’s natural renewal process firing on all cylinders!
- Use a Persimmon Soap: Those clever Japanese innovators have created soaps to deal with this specific issue! The soaps contain Japanese Persimmon extract, which features natural deodorizing tannins that break down the nonenal molecular bond. Focus on using it it behind your ears, on the back of your neck, armpits, groin, and feet, and use regular soap elsewhere to save your precious Persimmon bar!
The Bottom Line
Your changing body chemistry isn’t a flaw, it is nature in all its wonder. Just like upgrading your workouts to focus on functional movement, conditioning, strength, and core stability, adapting to your shifting body chemistry is just another way we honour and care for the skin we are in.
Next time you catch a whiff of that familiar, nostalgic scent, don’t sweat it. It’s just nature, wisdom and survival working exactly the way nature intended.
Btw – I am using both the Persimmon body wash and soap and yes it works and smells lovely.
I also use the ‘Fussy’ natural deodorant/ anti perspirant which doesn’t contain any nasty’s !
The weeks ahead – please read!
Lots of exciting fabulousness this week, of course, and I’m leading our usual schedule Monday to Wednesday before I hand over the reins to the fabulous Kat for our Thursday night classes,
Note there is No Yoga for the next two Fridays.
Then on Monday and Tuesday nights next week, the wonderful Rachel will be taking the classes – she has some fabulous sessions ready for you
If you want to participate in Step on Wednesday 15th you can join in at the DYBO Studio where a class recording will be played (come and use our Air Con and Steps). Let Steve know if you are attending. In the past, the Barre Fit crew have done a class recording from home, but if you need to come to the studio let me know asap.
Both Kat and Rachel are incredible instructors, and are now on the Presenting circuit with much success and great reviews – we are very lucky to have them come and teach for us. Please give them all your support, by both attending all the classes, no excuses, and being welcoming.
No matter how good or experienced you are covering another teacher is always nerve wracking!
This week…
NO Yoga 10/7/26!
Grilled Peach & Burrata Salad with Pistachio Pesto
I found this recipe on the Waitrose website, I can’t wait to try it as it’s got all my favourite ingredients.
- 4 peaches (or nectarines, my fav)
- 1 courgette, cut into 2cm slices diagonally (I’m growing these in my garden)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 110g pack wild rocket salad
- 150g pack burrata
- Smoked paprika, to serve (optional, not for me thank you)
- ½ unwaxed lemon zest
For the pistachio pesto…
- 1 clove/s garlic, peeled
- 75g unsalted pistachio kernels
- ½ x 25g pack fresh basil
- 75g extra virgin olive oil
- 50g Parmigiano Reggiano, finely grated ( I use Vegan version)
- ½ unwaxed lemon, juice
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- Fire up your barbecue so that it’s ready for direct grilling (cooking directly over the heat). Start by making the pesto. We prefer to use a pestle and mortar so the consistency is a little rustic with a toothsome texture but you can use a mini blender if you prefer. It’s definitely quicker – just make sure you use the pulse setting. Add the ingredients in stages: start by crushing the garlic until it forms a paste, then add all but 1 tbsp of the pistachios (set these aside to scatter over the salad later). Grind the pistachios to a paste, then add the basil leaves and repeat. Finish by mixing through the olive oil, Parmigiano Reggiano, lemon juice (zest it first to set aside for the salad) and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and season, adjusting the ingredients as necessary; set aside.
- Cut the peaches or nectarines in half and remove the stones from the centre using a small paring knife (this can be tricky – don’t worry if they look a little rustic by the time you’ve removed the stones). Lightly brush the cut side of the peaches and both sides of the courgette with 1 tbsp oil and barbecue for 2-3 minutes on each side. When you have some attractive grill marks, set aside to cool while you finish the salad.
- Arrange the salad leaves on a large platter. Make a space in the middle for the star of the show: the burrata. We like to dust a little smoked paprika on the top of the cheese at this stage. Now cut your peaches or nectarines in half again, so they’re quartered, and arrange around the burrata, along with the courgette. Top with generous spoonfuls of the pesto, including a dollop on the burrata. Finish by scattering over the reserved pistachios and lemon zest, then drizzling with the remaining 1 tbsp oil.
YUMMY!
Have a fab week, I look forward to seeing you and you enjoying our guest teachers too!
Love ya,
Helen x
DYBO Live & Online – This week’s Classes are as follows:.
At All Hallows, Farnham & DYBO Studio, Church Crookham (Book in Advance only): Zoom class details further down the page.
Monday (AH)
6.30pm: Boogie Fit
7.30pm: Total Tone – with bands, handweights and mat.
Tuesday (AH)
6.30pm: 5 in 1 Fitness – with bands, hand-weights and mat. Plus Ketttle bells if you have one
7.30pm: Dance Fit & Fab
Wednesday (DYBO Studio)
6.30pm: Old Skool Step – Step, hand weights and band.
7.30pm: Barre Fit – something to assist balance like a barre, ) supplied if you attend in studio) eg. chair, worktop, mantlepiece etc.
Thursday (AH)
6.15pm: Contemporary Stretch – various equipment used at each class, contact me for info.
7.30pm: Dancespiration
—————————————————————————————————-
Joining us at All Hallows or The DYBO Church Crookham Studio? – Protocols and Information
I’m so happy to be able to run Face to Face classes at All Hallows and at the DYBO Studio in Church Crookham. My primary objective is to ensure that we all have a wonderful time with effective and fun classes that are engaging, relaxed and of course, safe.
Preparation
1) Firstly ensure that you have booked by sending us an email info@dybo.co.uk confirming all the classes you wish to attend plus your payment method, be it as a member, using your voucher, or pay as you go. No on the door bookings or payments can be taken. Bookings are not refundable or transferable. I will keep records of all attending, please also keep a record of your own attendance too.
2) Preparing your kit bag/box. This depends upon the class you are attending.
Boogie Fit, Dance Fit and Dancespiration crew will only require your indoor trainers/dance shoes to change in to, sweat towel, and drink.
Total Tone and 5 in 1 crew – in order to prevent cross contamination currently I am not sharing equipment in a group exercise setting so you will need your mat, a resistance band and light hand weights/equivalent in addition to your trainers, sweat towel and drink.
Contemporary Stretch crew need a mat, band, chi ball and on the last Thursday of the Month you will need 2 x tennis balls and a sock for our Trigger Point and Myofascial release class !
3) Re borrowing equipment – if you would like to try a class or have forgotten equipment then you may borrow equipment on that occasion and please ensure that you sanitise it before and afterwards (sanitising products supplied). I can assist you with sourcing your own equipment inexpensively, moving forward.
On the night
*When you arrive at All Hallows, enter the school via the gates to the left as you face the school and follow the road around the school buildings.
*Please park in the playing courts and walk between the old school building and new sports hall, up a few steps on to the outside seating area, the studio door is to your right.
*Participants are required to arrive 5-10 mins before the class.
*Please change into your clean trainers for indoor activity as you enter, ie. slip off your outdoor shoes, place in your bag, or leave at the door , and change into your indoor trainers . This is to maintain the hygiene and cleanliness of the space, avoiding stones and glass being walked in and potentially causing injury and to protect the lovely new wood floor.
*The toilets are open to use but please arrive changed, ready for activity so as to keep use time minimal and avoiding queues.
*After a wonderful class change from your indoor trainers to outdoor shoes and sanitise your hands again if you wish.
*Please tell friends and family about our wonderful classes!
When joining me at the DYBO Studio (No.42, GU52 0YA) I will send information directly, including entrance code for the Studio and please note, advanced booking is required.
Fees, you have THREE options!
Please note that all Classes must be booked and paid for in advance and are non transferable or refundable.
Online payments only.
50 min Class – £9.00, 60/65 min Class – £9.50
10 Class Voucher: £85 (to be used within 12 weeks of purchase).
Membership: £59, unlimited classes, plus a bonus of free access to all class recordings on our DYBO TV channel, and another bonus of a £5 discount for one to one services for current membership holders.
To be paid by the 1st day of the month (at the latest) and is valid from the first to last day of calendar month.
One full month’s notice of membership suspension/cancellation is required with one membership restart permitted within a 12 month period.
Bank details are UK Fitness Academy Ltd.
Sort Code 09-01-28, Acc No. 04284324
Please email me when you have made a payment and use your name and what it’s for as a reference. eg. Jane Smith Class Voucher
————————————————————————————-
Joining us on Zoom? – Links and Information
Monday
6.30pm: Boogie Fit
7.30pm: Total Tone
Tuesday
6.30pm 5 in 1 Fitness Class
7.30pm Dance Fit & Fab
Wednesday
6.30pm Old Skool, Step & Strength – Step, hand weights and band.
7.15pm Barre Fit – Something to assist balance like a barre, eg. chair, worktop, mantlepiece etc.
Thursday
6.15pm Contemporary Stretch
7.30pm Dancespiration
****** All the above classes change and vary weekly! *****
How to prepare your Zoom environment
- You need space to move 2 side steps, 4 walks forward, 4 backward. Move trip hazards and furniture as much as you can (get help, be careful!) to give you maximum space for upper and lower body movement. Roll up rugs or secure them so they don’t slip or cause you to trip.
- Plugging your device in to your TV with an HDMI cable is brilliant as it gives you a good picture of you (like a mirror) and me – as well as boosting the sound if you go through the TV/Hi-Fi sound system. If you can place your device under the TV, then even better.
- I know some of you are using your phones – try to plug in to a speaker system (even those little speakers we have when we go on holiday would help) so that you can hear better as you move back from the phone. Angie has tried Bluetooth earphones and it worked well.
- Ensure you have maximum access to your Wi-Fi in the house and as close to the router as is feasible. Take phones off the Wi-Fi system and pop them on to your 4/5G network or place on airplane mode, unless that’s what you are using to join us, obviously. Ask family to do the same for the duration of your class – keep them off the internet whilst you need the bandwidth. The more bandwidth you have, the better the picture and sound and the less likely you are to lose the feed. Your health is a priority at this time and I’m sure they can do something else for that short time!
- Ventilate your exercise space, have plenty of water and towels to hand, keep your exercise equipment close – if you need anything, let me know.
- Wear correct footwear for your activity – putting an old pair of socks over the toes and ball of your trainers will help reduce friction when exercising on carpet (if they are a really old pair, cutting the toes open and then just having them over the ball of the foot is even better). It’s up to you if you want to dance or train in bare feet but be careful if you don’t usually do this as it takes time for the muscles and connective tissue of the feet and rest of the body to adapt to barefoot training.
- Make your own gym equipment. Save laundry liquid or milk bottles – you can fill them with water or wet sand/rice etc. to add weight and make a dumbell/kettlebell. I recommend you make a few in differing weights and you have written on them so you know what they weigh and seal the caps with tape to prevent leakage. Get a heavy duty shopping bag and put weighty items in it, check they can’t fall out and you have a kettlebell alternative. Make your own hurdles, put cushions, pillows, boxes, books on the floor to jump over. Use household items as floor markers for circuit activities. The stairs and outdoor steps are great temporary steps/benches for cardio and upper body work. The garden is a great open space to make an assault course or if you can get a signal, take your class or PT session outside, but do make it safe.
Disclaimer
I declare that all of the information I have given (both written and verbal) is accurate and truthful. I know of no reason why I cannot participate fully in any exercise programme and I do not deem it necessary to consult my medical Practitioner/GP/specialist. I undertake to inform my instructor should any information change.
I understand that I participate at my own risk and that any information given is not intended to replace or represent medical advice. I agree to comply with all terms conditions and class protocols and instructions as outlined above and whilst attending DYBO classes/training.
Do not attend classes if experiencing symptoms of Covid 19, Flu or airborne transmissible infection or have tested positive.
