Image: Unsplash The second week of January is almost over and many new year’s
resolutions are slowly falling to the wayside, including your goal of becoming
fit and healthy. But it doesn’t have to be that way, says Ceri Hannan, Virgin
Active South Africa’s National Product Development Manager.
This year, set yourself some attainable goals and take small
steps to become your best self. Hannan shares six easy ways to start.
1. Count every step
Record your daily steps with a wearable fitness device or
your smartphone (just make sure to take it everywhere!). And while the elevator
or escalator may save you time, taking the stairs will up your heart rate and
increase your steps. As your daily steps increase, you won’t stop walking to
reach the next level.
2. Drink more water
Your body is made up of 60% water, which helps maintain
digestion and body temperature, and absorb nutrients. Skip the carbonated
drinks and keep a refillable water bottle at your desk or in your bag.
3. Mix it up
Join an exercise class (or two!) with a friend to keep
motivated and really drive results. Whether you prefer stretching out in a yoga
or pilates class or hopping on a bike in a Ride class, Virgin Active’s group
exercise classes are designed for all fitness levels.
4. Build your core
Make a habit to flex your stomach muscles before you get out
of bed in the morning. Lay on your back and pull your stomach toward your
spine, lift your pelvis gently then lower it again. Repeat 15 times each day
for a strong core.
5.Breathe in deeply
Very few of us breathe correctly. Do this simple exercise
twice a day to improve blood flow, digestion, posture and more: Take air in
through your nose for 2 seconds and fill your stomach, then breathe out slowly
through your lips.
6. Track your progress
Download Virgin Active’s app on your smartphone to to keep
you motivated and easily track your fitness. Features include SnapCapture,
which allows you to take a photo of your workout or equipment and sync all your
data, and Challenges & Leaderboard that enables you to view your results
against other members.
