It’s time to kick-start your resolve and get a better summer bod by taking a holistic approach.
If getting back into the swing of exercise is getting you down, you’re not the only one. With the promise of a summer break on the horizon and party frocks to rock in, winter is fading to a distant memory and now it’s time to get your beach body back.
While we’ve endured Covid for the last two years, followed by unseasonably wet weather (in most of Australia), neither conducive to maintaining exercise routines. But remember that weight gain is usually largely related to stress. So weight loss isn’t just about changing your attitude to food and exercise – but changing your behaviour, too. There are a few simple things you can do to reduce your stress, become fitter and ultimately become healthier all round.
No sweat!
Getting in shape is about more than getting back into your skinny jeans. Exercise offers a two-pronged resolution to getting rid of the winter blahs. It gets you in shape, which makes you look and feel good in yourself, but it also releases endorphins, which are great for buoying your mental health.
To exercise for body shaping and cardio benefit you should be breaking a sweat, but the method you choose to induce this response is entirely up to what takes your fancy. Walking (with purpose) engages in cardiovascular and weight bearing exercise while not working out too hard. Jogging is good for calorie burning, but make sure you’re wearing the right shoes for supporting your feet and joints.
It’s not all about the gym membership, although these are super for encouraging us into a little more regular exercise if you’re like me – more likely to work out when I have a financial stake in the matter. Yoga and pilates are excellent for toning and strengthening your muscles as well as relaxing the mind. Watch exercise clips or even slip small bouts of repetitions into your daily routine, like squats while you brush your teeth and tricep dips while you watch television. Remember, every little bit counts!
Fresh kicks
Getting yourself equipped with a sleek new range of exercise wear can kick-start your motivation and make you feel confident while you stride around the exercise paths. It’s important to both look and feel great while you’re exercising – comfort is key.
Exercise improves your mood, prevents disease, and keeps you looking fabulous – and not having a gym membership can’t stop you! Just small, conscious changes can yield some serious benefits in the long run.
Snack right
Don’t stress about winter weight gain, we all fall victim to consumption of comfort food during the colder months. While the quick fixes to rid us of that extra little muffin puff, like not eating dinner or limiting ourselves to 500 calories a day may have appeal, it’s not the approach that reaps long-term benefits. It may be boring but portion controlled, regular meals will get you closer to where you want to be for good.
Reset your body and your habits by eating in a more clean and measured way after those weeks of freewheeling eating. Keep a food diary if you need to and steer clear of grazing, cutting out snacking for three to four weeks. I love my Ramen noodles as much as the next girl but we need to stop before making a grab for the takeout menu and ordering up a dinner high in calories, sodium and fat. Take away and pre-packaged foods are great every once in a while, but if you plan your meals ahead of time, doing a weekly grocery, fruit and veg shop, you won’t face this dilemma. It also goes without saying that quitting smoking will do wonders for your health. Some people like a strict detox diet, but eating fresh food and drinking lots of water will suffice. There are plenty of specialised beverages and detox assistants that can aid this process.
We all know water is muy importante, but let’s just reiterate. It keeps you feeling full, prevents dehydration and clears your body of toxins. Sweating, drinking alcohol and merely functioning every day cause a loss of water and it’s up to you to replace it. If you want to be healthy with a fabulous complexion, you need to drink the water.
Don’t worry be happy
When you think about it, there’s always a little something preventing you from starting afresh. Whether it’s drama with your friends, missing your ex or holding onto a grudge, forgiveness seems like a small task but will make a big difference to your wellbeing. Turns out forgiving and forgetting also helps reduce chronic pain, lower blood pressure and maintain healthier relationships in general. So dig deep to solve what’s been bothering you. As cliche as it may seem, let the past be the past and let this year be your healthy, happy future.
Keep your promises
Here are a few handy hints to help you stick to your guns and keep your resolve.
Be realistic
The surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable.
Outline your plan
Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class or have one more cigarette. This could include calling on a friend for help, practicing positive thinking and self-talk, or reminding yourself how your bad habit affects you.
Make a list
It may help to see a list of pros and cons on paper to keep your motivation strong.
Talk it out
Don’t keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve or find yourself a buddy who shares your New Year’s resolution and motivate each other.
Reward yourself
This doesn’t mean that you can eat an entire box of chocolates, but feel free to celebrate your success by treating yourself to something that you enjoy that does not contradict your resolution.
Track your progress
Keep track of each small success you make toward reaching your larger goal. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and small accomplishments will help keep you motivated.
Don’t beat yourself up
Obsessing over the occasional slip won’t help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take each day one at a time.
Stick to it
Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as exercising, to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of your personality. Your new healthful habits will become second-nature in no time.
Keep trying
If your resolution has totally run out of steam by mid-December, don’t despair. There’s no reason you can’t make a New Year’s resolution. CBM
