For some people New Year’s is when they kick
their fitness into high gear. Others may
wait for warm weather to come out of fitness hibernation. Here’s a few tips to ease back into a healthy
lifestyle if you’ve spent the winter on the couch.
Ease back in If you’ve
fallen out of a fitness routine, it’s okay to start out slow. Join a health
club now (Most of the New Year’s crowd has thinned out). Sign up for an exercise class like yoga, water
aerobics or a cycling class. Join a neighborhood
walking club or pick a new place to take an easy nature hike a few days a week
Make it simple Start with adding exercise or an activity a few days a week and slowly add more days. Walk 10 minutes a day with the goal of 30 minutes a day or try to take three10-minute walks a day.
Do something different Hike, bike,
swim or take a fitness class you haven’t taken before. Buy a new exercise DVD
or exercise equipment. Go explore. Find a new nature area, bike path or tourist
attraction to walk around and learn new things.
Make small changes With your
diet, add a new food that has additional health benefits, like the
aroniaberry. Cut out one thing you know
is bad for you in your diet. With
exercise walk further when you park your car or walk to the grocery store or a
restaurant once a week.
Plan your meals Meal
prepping is a great way to avoid fast food.
If it is overwhelming, plan three days of the week. Create smoothie kits with plastic bags or
mason jars to get more fruits or veggies into your diet. Visit the salad aisles of your store to add
new exciting toppings to your salads.
Try new fruits and vegetables.
Make it a daily habit. Although you may groan. Wake up an hour early and go to the gym or for a walk. Start with three days a week and add more or an additional activity as the weather gets warmer. Make your wellness program a priority.
Become an active volunteer Raise your hand to help cleanup the neighborhood at your next meeting. Walking through the neighborhood is a good way to get additional steps in and will make you feel better by simply doing something for your others.
