UPPER- CRUST INCENTIVES

DAY TO BOOST YOUR FITNESS MOTIVATION BY USING YOUR LOAF

Learn a new skill in the kitchen and see a rise in your resolve to hit the gym this month

Summoning the will to work out isn’t easy. If it was, the majority of newbies who caused congestion in the weights room back in January wouldn’t have thrown in the towel. But if you’re bored of idly pawing at an increasingly doughy middle from the comfort of your sofa, we have a tasty way to raise your game.

Ask a man about his fitness heroes and few are likely to mention Paul Hollywood. However, according to research conducted by the University of Otago in New Zealand, bakers have a head start in raising the motivation needed to exercise. Engaging in creative behaviour and learning a new skill was proven to increase an elusive commodity in today’s daily grind: enthusiasm. Baking caused test subjects to flourish almost immediately. This might sound rather whimsical, until you realise that flourishing is a psychological term that refers to an increased hunger for selfimprovement. And not only were test subjects flourishing by the end the day, they also woke up feeling happier and more energetic the morning after. Which is useful when you’re staring down the barrel of a 7am dumbbell circuit.

Baking need not be difficult, either. We suggest starting with a soda bread. Mix together flour, bicarbonate of soda, salt and milk and, well, bake. All that’s left to do is to slather your home-made doorstop of energising carbs in butter and devour a slice of pure willpower. Consider this your upper-crust supplement plan.