Fitness Resolutions that are Worth Making and Keeping
Some of us try to make changes to make the year ahead our healthiest and fittest yet. However, many ambitious fitness goals dissolve into self-defeating thinking and disappointment. But that does not mean that all resolutions need to end in failure. The key is to make the right one.
Do something active everyday
The Health Promotion Board recommends 150 minutes of physical activity a week to stay in optimal health. But how on earth are you going to achieve that? The good news is, lifestyle activities count too. If you break it down, you’ll find that you can spend 20 minutes a day for exercise to complete the 150 minutes per week. Think of taking the stairs instead of the elevator, ditch the couch and go for a walk in the park, or clean your house and do manual sweeping and mopping. keeping track of your progress, such as your daily steps, distance covered, and calories burned, can help motivate you to do more every day.
Try a new sport
Doing the same thing for extended periods of time can get boring. This is as true with exercise as it is with anything else in life. One of the best ways to shake things up is to learn a new sport. As we get older, our joints become stiffer, and physical reflexes get poorer. Getting into sports can help slow down these undesirable ageing effects. It will also help widen your social circle and make you feel more positive about life. Sports isn’t limited to ball sports or activities. You may also try taking up martial arts lessons. Aside from helping you get fit, learning a little self-defense might just save your life one day.
Get a fitness buddy
If you like hanging out with your friends and you also like working out, why not kill two birds with one stone and combine both? According to researchers from the University of Southern California, adults whose workouts with buddies or partners tend to enjoy the exercise more than those who do it solo. When you have a workout buddy, he or she will be able to give you quick form checks like if your plank is sloppy or if you’re leaning forward too much when you squat. You’ll also be able to get help quickly in case of sprains or injuries.
Pay tribute to H2O
Roughly 60% of the body is made of water. Drinking enough water maintains the body’s fluid balance, helps transport nutrients in the body, digests food, regulate body temperature and more. Drinking water also helps the skin healthier; and when you have great skin, it’s an indication that you’re doing something good to your body. Water also helps you focus, it keeps you refreshed and alert, whether you’re working out or just working in the office.
Moderation in all things
You need food to keep going, but anything in excess can be bad for your health. Allow yourself occasional treats, in moderation, so deprivation does not lead to a binge. If you used to drink a lot, cut back on alcohol to shrink that beer belly. Quit smoking, because it’s not only bad for your health but for others as well. Switch to a healthier diet and go for brightly-colored fruits and vegetables, plus the brown whole grains. Remember to start slow, and start small. Getting fit does not happen in a day.
Get 8 hours of sleep
A good night’s sleep is the key to having enough energy to conquer the day. This is true especially for people who do high intensity work outs. Since the role of sleep is to restore the body’s energy supply it is only fitting that the more intense the exercise is, the more sleep you require. Sleep helps restore your immune and endocrine systems, with the latter being responsible in creating and spreading performance hormones and regulating brain function. Poor sleep makes your workouts feel harder, and can wreck your motivation to work out at all.
Make an appointment for a check-up
When was the last time your visited your doctor for a check-up? Regular check-ups will help you and your doctor screen for health problems early. Your doctor will also keep you up to date about vaccinations to avoid common illnesses and conditions, and he or she can also help you maintain a healthier lifestyle based on your age and family history.