SHAKE IT UP!
A FEW SIMPLE TIPS WILL ENSURE YOU REACH YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS GOALS
So you’ve made a pledge to get healthier in 2022, and the first couple of weeks have been going well. Whether you’re taking the Isowhey 8-Week Challenge or improving your health and fitness in another way, now is a great time to consider adding new elements to your journey to keep it as exciting and engaging as possible.
From fun new workouts to joining new groups, here are some ways to shake up your everyday routine!
AIM TO INCREASE YOUR STEPS
Most of us have heard about the merits of doing 10,000 steps a day, but even increasing your current step count by as much as 2000 steps can be beneficial. It’s a good idea to invest in an activity tracker to get an idea of how much you move each day. It doesn’t have to be an expensive smartwatch – you can purchase a basic pedometer from sporting or online stores for $20 to $40.
TRY A NEW WORKOUT
There’s a workout to suit everyone, so if you hate exercising, chances are you haven’t found the right kind yet. Not really the sporty type? You may prefer something like Zumba or salsa. Hate working up a sweat? Try swimming or aqua aerobics. Another option you may not have considered is gardening. An hour of standing, stopping, kneeling, watering and weeding can burn around 300 calories, according to the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health and Fitness Journal.
BUDDY UP
Most things in life are easier when you have some support, and looking after your health and fitness is no exception. It could mean enlisting a pal to join you in a wellness program, like the Isowhey 8-Week Challenge. Or you could tee up a motivational buddy, such as a friend or family member, for regular walks and gym sessions. Another option is to join a walking group. Check out walking.heartfoundation.org. au or your council’s website for groups in your area.
GET YOUR ZZZ’S
Sleep improves our immunity, boosts our mood and concentration, and it may even lessen our risk of some diseases. There are multiple studies that show it can be good for our waistlines, too. That’s partly because we tend to move around less when we’re feeling tired and sluggish. There is also research to suggest that missing sleep can lower our metabolism, and it may even affect our appetite hormones.
One study by the University of Chicago found that people who were sleep deprived consumed almost 400 calories more in snacks compared to people who had enough shut-eye. As a guide, the average adult needs between seven and nine hours of sleep to feel their best.
BE MINDFUL
Just as we look after our physical health, it’s also important to address our mental wellbeing through practices like mindfulness.
Mindfulness is about being completely engaged in the moment and remaining focused on where we are and what we are doing. This can be achieved through traditional practices such as meditation (apps like Calm or Headspace can help guide you) or yoga. But there are plenty of daily activities worth trying that allow you to take time out. Cooking, craft, jigsaw puzzles and journalling are just some pastimes that can help you to feel more mindful.