With September now upon us, it is the perfect time for a fresh start. September has been billed as the unofficial second New Year, where resolutions and targets can be made. Personally I couldn't agree more.
Children go back to school or nursery and after a summer of BBQ's, entertaining, holidays, travelling and visiting friends, change is needed. The holidays are over and everyone now gets back into their normal routine. That is why a new health and fitness drive is the perfect opportunity to focus on some 'you time'.
Having also been involved in education for a number of years, the end of August was often filled with feelings of apprehension and anxiety, with the renowned teacher holiday bubble, well and truly bursting. So flick the switch on what is often a negative time and focus on your own self-improvement game plan.
Most people are refreshed and rejuvenated after their annual summer holiday and so it's the perfect time to knuckle down, revisit those resolutions and set some new targets for the months ahead.
September through to November is a great time to target a new weight loss and exercise routine, before the overindulgence season of Christmas and New Year begins.
As with any change however, making little tweaks step by step, helps build real and consistent change, rather than trying to enforce an over optimistic and often too strict fitness or nutrition strategy.
September is often associated with a surge in clients looking for Personal Training so that they can get fit and active again after an over-indulgent summer and exercise sabbatical.
The big picture for me however, is that a fit and active body is not only going to help how people feel, act and behave, but it will certainly help them succeed at work when they tackle new projects, reports and take on new responsibilities.
Welcome to #FreshStartSeptember as it's otherwise known. And to that end, I shall be sharing some of my top tips to help you move, eat and live happier, healthier lives. It's now time for you to take action and drive things to a new level, starting this month:-
(1) Exercise
Make a commitment to exercising 3 x times per week. Don't worry about substantial gym memberships or snazzy exercise equipment. For many, getting out in the fresh air and walking will mark a significant change in activity levels first and foremost.
(2) Vegetables
Make a conscious effort to eat 5 x serving of vegetables per day. Most people simply do not get enough veg in their diet. The fibre within veg is crucial for gut health and digestion and it is also heavily linked to satiety (feeling fuller and sustained post eating).
(3) Calisthenics
Bodyweight exercises are often underestimated, but they are the best bang for your buck as you don't need expensive equipment and everyone can do them. Push-ups, pull-ups and squats are all staple exercises that everyone should be able to execute pain-free. The inclusion of calisthenics helps to develop healthier joints, reduce osteoporosis risk and improves posture, as well as performance benefits for athletes.
(4) Sleep
Good quality sleep is the foundation for everything else to follow. Those who fail to get enough sleep each night are putting their health at risk. That is a fact. Sleep is essential for the body to repair itself, fight off any colds/flus and of course recover from your workouts. Don't cheat yourself out of this essential element of health!
(5) Hydration
Drinking adequate fluids throughout the day is also essential for optimal performance and I don't mean binging on coffee all day. Staying hydrated by consuming water, enables your body to provide adequate circulation to both your muscles and body surface. Remember, by maintaining proper hydration you will enhance your own performance and help maintain adequate energy levels.