Get the ball ROLLING

Spring is the best time to take your workout session outdoors, writes

WE ARE all familiar with the expression: “Summer bodies are made in winter”, but with a little time left before winter is officially over, can one still catch up and shed the extra kilos gained during the cold days?

Most exercise experts think so, and suggest that spring is the perfect time as the season has longer days.

Exercise enthusiast and health advocate Letshego Zulu is on a mission, using an Instagram series, to get people back on the fitness wagon.

Zulu believes three things are needed to achieve fitness goals – discipline, dedication and determination. Her first question was: “What’s the status of your ‘fitnessship’? Are you just dating, on a break or in love?”

Her fans’ answers varied from “complicated”, “just rekindled our love”, to “in love”.

Rushda Moosajee, trainer and founder of women-only Rushtush Gym, said spring was the best time for outdoor workouts.

Moosajee advises people to begin with cardio exercises for 30 minutes, starting with leg exercises.

“Run from your office; there are many routes around CBDS where one can run, and this is often a safe space to run during the day, but be mindful of possible dangers such as traffic when running with your earphones on,” she said.

“If you get your cardio session during lunch, you can fuel up before the end of the working day and get your weightlifting session in after work.”

To help with staying committed, Moosajee said people could set up weekly training schedules.

● Set little goals for the week; and have two sessions of weightlifting, two of lunchtime runs, one of hiking, and one yoga session.

● Be prepared by setting out your training kit. Pack your bag, and make sure it is with you in the car or at work.

● Always track your aesthetic progress with visual media. You might not see the difference on the scale immediately, but your body won’t lie.

● Plan a spring menu for the week, which should include fresh, crispy and healthy alternatives.

● Plan one significant summer event; something to work towards and physically prepare for. This can be a surfing day with friends, or a big hike.

Moosajee said the best time to walk or work out was early on an empty stomach, and in the evenings before bedtime, after supper.

Try fat-burning cardio: 45-60minutes of brisk walking. Start with three per week and build it up to four to five per week.

If you live near the beach, take regular walks, do rounds of stairs, have regular mountain hikes and jogs.