energised
Easy ways
to get out of
the office
and get
fit in your
lunchbreak
U
nless you’re one of those people who somehow manage to throw off the
covers on a winter morning, jump out of bed and head off for a run,
the colder seasons can have a detrimental effect on our zest for exercise.
We know that even the most virtuous of intentions can be undone by an icy breeze,
so how can we boost our enthusiasm during the chilly season?IF YOU’RE FINDING IT HARD TO GET OUT AND
ABOUT IN THE COLD, YOU’RE NOT ALONE.
TRY THESE TIPS FOR A WINTER WORKOUT
» try something out
of the box
Braving the cold to attend your usual
gym class can be particularly difficult
when it’s more of the same old routine, so
a great way to motivate yourself is to try
something new. How about aerial yoga, or
a fusion class combing multiple forms of
training? Switching up your routine will
allow you the opportunity to learn and
develop your skills, and master some new
moves along the way!» Buddy up
There are many advantages to teaming
up with a friend and tackling winter
workouts together, both physically and
psychologically. Not only is it valuable
to share in each other’s progress and
lend encouragement, but you’ll also feel
less inclined to cancel, making yourself
accountable. “Exercise partners can
provide a kind of gentle coercion and
limit your negative self-talk,” explains
Professor Barbara Brehm from Smith
College in the US. Plus, it’s a great way
to incorporate partner exercises into
your workout. Whether you prefer
high-five push-ups or getting out for
a walk, trying out new routines with
friends keeps thing fresh and fun.» Recreate
early sunlight
If waking in utter darkness to exercise
isn’t your thing, a sunrise alarm clock
might be the ticket. These alarm
lights simulate natural daylight to
help activate your internal clock.
By gradually increasing the light,mimicking sunrise, your body wakes
naturally, so you can feel energised
and ready to hit the gym.» Visualisation
Picture this: it’s the end of the work day,
you just want to get home, and the idea
of the gym makes you want to sink even
further into your swivel chair. Simply
thinking about it can make you feel
weary. Now, instead of focusing on the
struggle, envisage your desired intentions
and the way you know you’ll feel after
your workout. Visualising your goals and
how great you will feel can help give you
that little push you need. Whether your
aim is to slip seamlessly back into your
summer jeans or tick a 5km run off your
list, remember that while your muscles
are important tools for exercise, the mind
is what gets you started.» Make a^
Pumping playlist
A study published by researchers from
Brunel University London found that
listening to music while exercising
does actually make working out
more enjoyable. Scientists monitored
the brain’s response to music while
participants got sweaty, and found
that there was a 28 percent increase
in enjoyment of the exercise. A report in
the International Review of Sport and
Exercise Psychology in 2012, found that
music that is motivational or synced with
your workout has been shown to have
positive physical and psychological
effects. So put together a high energy
playlist to boost your mood – it’s science!