Om_Yoga_Magazine__November_2017

(Nancy Kaufman) #1

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.


  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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!


  1. 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!

  2. 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.

  3. 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

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