1) Start changing your diet to a more clean and healthy one by avoiding processed food.
2) Look at your portion size and eat in moderation. Don’t over fill yourself.
3) Add good fruits and vegetables into your diet, this will ensure your body is getting the fibre and nutrients it needs.
4) Start with exercise that you can add to your everyday routine. A little exercise is better than nothing, and check your expectations. The changes to your health will not happen overnight, it will come in time.
5) Workouts do not have to be for a full hour, you can have short 5, 10 or 15 minute bursts of activity, and this includes walking, swimming or even doing more work around the house.
6) Make sure your workouts are moderate, ie that you’re breathing a little heavier than normal but are not out of breath. Your body should feel warmer as you move, but not overheated or sweaty.
7) Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Your body performs best when it’s properly hydrated, so drink water to help you get the most out of your workout.
8) Make it social by having a friend to regularly workout with, or you can exercise together with your family, for example by going for family walks, or doing housework chores together to upbeat music.
9) Find sneaky ways to add exercise in. Housework counts when done at a brisk pace – vacuuming, scrubbing, sweeping, dusting, mowing, weeding. When watching TV, do some jumping jacks or sit-ups during the ad breaks. When out and about, add extra steps by taking stairs where you can, getting off the train or bus one stop earlier and walking.
10) Reward yourself – this way you will keep yourself motivated. Give yourself a little treat each time you complete a workout. This can be simply a nice cuppa, or watching your favourite TV show afterwards.
We hope this helps you if you were thinking of starting a new health and fitness routine. As always, if you have health concerns such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes or high blood pressure, talk to your GP first before you start a new exercise routine.
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