om body
How to avoid any autumnal slumps in your yoga workout this season
O
kay, as the winter sets in it’s even more tempting
to watch Netflix with a tub of Ben and Jerry’s. Little
wonder people have been proven to be consistently
less active as the days get shorter. Worry not though,
as the experts at Neat Nutrition (neat-nutrition.com)
have shared their top tips on how to stay motivated this season,
to keep you feeling positive and energised, ready for your winter
yoga workout.
- Biebs is out, Mozart is in
The start of a new season means it’s time to bump Despacito off
your playlist and fill it with some new tunes. It’s long been accepted
there is a direct emotional link between music and the motivation
to exercise. Recent studies have shown that classical music is the
answer, having been proven to lower stress, while driving feelings of
relaxation, resulting in a positive state of mind and elevated mood. - The future is orange
Investing in some new kit can be a great incentive to workout.
However, make sure you pick the colours wisely, as studies have
shown that these can affect mood. Green is the most calming and
yellow is the ‘happiest’ of colours, but look out for orange: the most
motivational colour of them all, building energy and enthusiasm. - Swap the PJ’s for athleisure
Wouldn’t it be easier to get out of bed in the mornings and get in a
workout session if you were already dressed? In fact, you’re far more
likely to exercise in the morning if you sleep in your workout gear.
Yes, it sounds weird and it might feel unhygienic, but no one needs
to know! And it can mean the difference between you getting up and
working out, versus hitting snooze and rolling over. Plus you can
always shower straight after!
- Get an object of desire
We’re not saying your yoga class should be used as an excuse to
float around gazing adoringly at the instructor (not unless you’re
jumping around exercising at the same time, in which case, go for it
and enjoy!). But it’s been scientifically proven that channelling a little
lust into exercise boosts your expenditure of energy. Makes sense...
just don’t take it any further! - Plan a post-workout meal
Planning a post-workout meal can lead to a more successful
workout. Plan a nice dinner for after a weekend workout, meet
friends for a healthy brunch, or if you are on-the-go re-fuel with a
protein shake with peanut butter, chocolate and banana. This tastes
like a treat but is a really effective way to help muscles repair and
recover after training. - Create a rewards card
Treat rewards like a coffee club card, where each workout counts
as one ‘stamp’. Once you have collected ‘10 stamps’ for example,
reward yourself with something you really want - anything from
pizza to a new yoga mat. Working towards an end goal with a
desired reward can be great for motivation and for your sense of
achievement. Go on, you deserve it.
STAYING
MOTIVATED