Winter's almost over!
Winter's cold nights and short days are shortly coming to an end. If you've been like many of us, you've no doubt indulged in some foods that are great for Winter and keeping you warm however won't make you right for Summer and the beach!
With that in mind, here are a few things you can do to make you feel and look better! Include this in your pre Summer prep and you will soon be out in the sun and looking better! In this issue, here are a few quick things you can do to help yourself be ready for Summer:
Exercise
Ugh! Yeah, we all know that this, like any relationship requires commitment before you see results! However this doesn't mean spending hours at a gym. Even the most basic of exercise, such as walking has health benefits. Especially for those who are desk jockeys. Here are some quick tips for you to try:
Are you a deskjockey? Get up!
If you're at your desk all day long, set your smartphone to ring every hour. When the smart phone rings, stand up and stretch for 30 seconds (lunges are a great exercise). Remain standing. Give your eyes a rest and look towards the distance and then look back at your computer. Alternate for 15 seconds long distance, 15 seconds short distance. Do this a few times. If you're on the phone, stand whilst answering the phone!
Take a walk to the office kitchen and take some coconut water or water that you've placed in a jug in the fridge. Office environments are generally dry and it's easy to dehydrate without knowing it! Coconut water is great for re-hydration. If you've opted for plain water, grab a lemon or lime and place some slices in the water to provide some flavor and make it more palatable! Often by the time you've had a glass of water you won't feel so hungry.
Walk off your lunch!
At lunchtime, instead of racing to the nearest take away - yeah, the local Chinese Take away is a tasty option! Bring some sandwiches (ensuring fillings don't have lots of saturated fats like salami) or other food from home (last night's pasta). A great trick with sandwiches, put them in a jaffle maker. Toasted sangers taste better than cold ones! Eat just before your lunch break. Use your lunch break to take a brisk (a reasonably fast pace) walk.
Look for places of interest near your office. Set your sights on a different place each day that you can reach in around 25-30 minutes. Use googlemaps to search for points of interest and work out the time from your office to the place. The other 30 minutes is for the return leg of the walk - we wouldn't want you to go somewhere and not return back to work!Not only will bringing your lunch save a few dollars, you'll also get some fresh air into your lungs ready to take on the afternoon!
Of course, it is also a great excuse to get some new gear to exercise in and you can find a range of pants and tops
here and
here. If your shape is not yet like a model, at least you can have the clothes to look the part. Once you've gotten used to daily walks, for further progression you can always upgrade to short jogs or runs around your office area. If it's raining and a shopping mall is nearby, go there for a brisk walk so you're not returning to the office looking like you took a shower with your clothes on!
Low impact with water!
Are you more active and seeking a full body work out with low body impact? If you're starting out, head to your local pool for a 30 minute swim. Swimming has an amazing effect on building up internal strength. You're unlikely to damage your knees or other body parts as water creates buoyancy. (Part of your body weight is held by water). Water also creates as much resistance as you want. You can make your swim an easy, moderate or hard work out!
There are lots of options with swimwear styles. If you are a bit self conscious, select something like a pair of swim short or jammers. Once you're used to swimming , look for a pair of swim trunks or briefs. They create less drag in the water so you swim faster, and you'll probably be a lot fitter by then! Many styles provide enhancements so you'll look good regardless of your body shape or size. Look
here, for some options. You're bound to find something that suits you.
Consistency is the key!
The key with any activity is to ensure that it is consistent. Make your exercise routines fun, and you're more likely to keep doing it. You may need to mix up your exercise routine with a range of different activities. Make it interesting and you will look forward to each day. Vary your options - take a walk one day, swim the next. Even some yoga in the office if there's an area that you can put a mat down. The above are just a few suggestions. If you there's something else you enjoy, add it to your routine.
Think about this, you get up every day, you take the bus, you go to work. Part of your day should be devoted to looking after yourself too. You only have one body and you should look after it and it will look after you!
Take care now and get ready to go out and enjoy Summer!
Take a walk to the office kitchen and take some coconut water or water that you've placed in a jug in the fridge. Office environments are generally dry and it's easy to dehydrate without knowing it! Coconut water is great for re-hydration. If you've opted for plain water, grab a lemon or lime and place some slices in the water to provide some flavor and make it more palatable! Often by the time you've had a glass of water you won't feel so hungry.
