Sunday, January 8, 2017

HEALTH & WELLBEING

By Eva Fydrych

How to Stay Fit
During the Winter Months

Photos courtesy of Teen Vogue, JD Williams, and Vogue Australia (Click to enlarge)



Exercising during winter is equally important as keeping fit during summer, even though it’s a lot harder. Whatever the weather brings, there are always opportunities to give your body much-needed care.

Making exercise a priority is important and the best way to make sure you meet your physical activity requirements on a daily basis is to make it part of your everyday life. Always keep in mind that a fit and healthy body doesn't happen overnight so you should keep your eyes on the prize. 


"The ability of exercise to boost mood is undisputed, and just squeezing in a brisk walk everyday can do wonders for your health. Being active releases endorphins (feel-good neurotransmitters in our brain) into our bloodstream, thus relieving stress and anxiety." (Read more here)


USEFUL TIP

Since your activities are reduced during the winter chill, it is important to watch your nutrition and eat enough vegetables and fruit. Proper diet will not only keep you healthy, but will also give your body all that energy required to stay active.



Photo courtesy of Fresh Plaza


Embrace Winter

It may not be very obvious at first, but even in winter getting outdoors can put you in a better mood.

Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, hockey - there are so many things you can do outdoors during the winter months! Even typical summer sports, such as running and cycling, are still an interesting option if you know how to dress properly and keep warm.


"Though the weather outside isn’t warm and sunny, you can create your own microenvironment for exercise. You don’t need expensive exercise wear; rather, the simple use of multiple layers allows you to pile on enough insulation to keep you warm at the start of your workout and then shed layers as you warm up and begin to perspire. It’s very important to avoid getting wet because you’ll lose heat through evaporation very quickly when temperatures drop." - says American College of Sports Medicine.



Photo courtesy of Fitness Viking


Get a Fitness Partner

Working out with someone is much more fun than doing it alone!


"Do you like being part of a team or group? Classes are a great way to build that camaraderie and get your heart rate up. (...) Want to be social while you workout? Set-up a couple of times a week to meet with some friends and workout together. By finding something you enjoy doing, fitness won’t seem like such a chore and you’ll find it much easier to attain your goals." - says Fitness Manager, Cat Keoghan.


Invest in Stylish Workout Clothes

Sometimes all it might take to get you motivated and out the door is a new workout gear. Invest in trendy leggings, joggers, tanks, tops, and T-shirts – whatever it takes to make you look good, feel good, and get your fitness on!



Photo courtesy of JD Williams


Try Something New

There are a lot of indoor activities that don't require nice weather, so winter is not really an excuse! How about trying something new this year? Boxing is a form of martial arts and a contact sport that more celebrities and non celebs alike are taking up.


"Unlike other routine forms of exercise, boxing is a combat sport that engages both brain and brawn. Besides being a combination of cardio and strength training that targets all parts of the body, the unpredictable nature of the sport keeps workouts fresh and interesting, and ensures your body stays challenged to prevent fitness plateaus." (Read more here)


Swimming doesn't really need recommendation. It is a great all-round activity which builds endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness. It not only helps maintain a healthy weight, healthy heart and lungs, but also tones muscles and builds overall strength. After your workout in a pool, there is nothing better than relaxing in a hot tub where you can totally forget that the weather outside is cold. Have fun!



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