As participants of the programme offered by Total Bootcamp often discover, a host of benefits can be reaped by choosing to exercise in the great outdoors.

Catherine Jane Pennington, who owns Total Bootcamp – an intensive fitness programme that makes use of a variety of exercise methods – admits that many people today overlook the natural, cosmetic benefits that exercising outdoors offers.

She said:

“For a lot of people, they see themselves in the mirror and hate the way they look. People panic and think, what am I going to do? The most obvious option is to join a gym or buy some new clothes. But by cutting out the fresh air factor, they’re missing out.

“There’s more to exercise than just getting fitter and losing weight.”

She went on to explain that working out in an outdoor environment can greatly improve an (more…)

If you’re looking to start your own business in the natural beauty sector, now is an ideal time thanks to the opportunities provided by social media websites. Organic beauty company Ecco Bella has found so many fans on Facebook that it is giving out $10 gift vouchers on the site to mark Earth Day.

Sally Malanga, Ecco Bella’s founder, decided to hand out the coupons after the company attracted 5000 ‘likes’, or fans following the company, on Facebook. She expressed her hopes that the giveaway would lead to further rises in the company’s number of followers, demonstrating how companies can use social media to develop a loyal and informed group of customers.

Ecco Bella was formed in 1992 and specialises in cosmetics, skin care and fragrances made using organic ingredients. The company also produces cosmetics suitable for use by vegans, and has cruelty-free and environmentally friendly credentials. The company decided to mark Earth Day, an international day of environmentally themed events and actions, held this year on April 22nd.

New natural beauty businesses can benefit from the word-of-mouth publicity to be found on social media sites and other online avenues such as consumer review sites. As Ecco Bella’s success demonstrates, specialist companies can build up a fan base who can then be informed about related events and offers, helping to build the company’s reputation in its field. Many smaller or newer businesses nowadays are making the most of the chances to promote and sell their products online, because when you start your own business it’s important to take advantage of every sale opportunity.