With the winter months approaching, it’s easy to settle in, hibernate and pack on the winter kilos. However, this isn’t good for your mental or physical health, let alone your waist line. To combat this, we’ve put together a list of six helpful hints to help you stay lean and fighting fit over the potentially plump period.
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1. Take Up A Winter Sport
There’s nothing quite like the motivation of others to help you get out of bed on those cold winter mornings So, let your competitive spirit out and join your local sports team. For the boys, it’s footy season, so head down to your local club and sign up to play whatever code gets you up and moving. For the girls, why not try touch footy or soccer, or even convince your crew to form a mixed netball team and get the boys involved as well.
2. Active TV Watching
We all know that there is nothing better than sitting at home watching TV curled up under a blanket over the cooler months. However, getting out from under the covers and doing simple exercises such as stretching, sit-ups or push-ups can help to keep that winter weight at bay. Not only will this get the blood pumping and keep you warm, but you’ll also be able to keep up to date with the Underwoods or the Starks while working on your abs.
3. Flip Away The Winter Blues
What’s more fun than endless hours on a trampoline, let alone in an indoor, climate controlled arena, where you can have endless fun while you keep those love handles at bay. With 36 locations around the country, Flip Out, is Australia’s largest trampoline franchise, so there’s bound to be one close to you.
4. Eat Well
Equally, if not more, important for remaining fit over the cooler period is eating well and ensuring that you maintain a balanced diet. It is easy for all of us to binge out on the warm comfort foods that are high in fats and have an excess of carbohydrates. Instead, find nourishing foods such as warming and nutritious soups, which are full of vegetables and protein. Making sure that your diet is full of vitamins is integral to remaining healthy over the period. Food such as sweet potato, leafy green vegetables, beetroots, kiwi fruit, mandarins, garlic and ginger are recommended.
5. Stay Hydrated
Throughout winter, always remember to stay hydrated. As the temperature decreases, so does our need to drink water and often we neglect this vital tool that our body needs to function. The average human needs two liters a day, so make sure you’re consuming this. If you struggle with plain water, try herbal or green teas to get in your daily intake.
6. Create A Gym At Home
Getting out of the house and all the way to a gym can be tough when it’s cold and wet outside, so why not bring the gym to your home? Doing simple things such as buying a workout DVD, or a quick youtube search can provide hours of indoor aerobic routines. If you’re prepared to stretch your exercise budget, simple purchases such as resistance bands, exercise balls, skipping rope or weights can help to spice up your routine as they can be incorporated into a great full body workout.
