Top Tips for staying active this Winter

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Health and Wellbeing Advice

Top Tips for Staying Active this Winter

June 15 2011, by Paul Pearce, STARplex Fitness Centre Manager

Short days, cold weather, colds and flu, comfort food, less activity and low energy levels. Meet this health challenge head-on by getting and staying in shape before the onslaught of the winter months so you are ready to handle anything that comes your way!

Try the following:

Daily exercise, as little as 20 minutes will make a big difference. Rising earlier before work on week days, is a great way to find time. Eventually this will become part of your routine.
Begin by starting a cardio program at basic levels. This could involve walking or jogging and is great for your heart health. A treadmill is good and can burn 2 calories per minute but walking up difficult terrain outdoors is more effective for your cardiovascular fitness.
Include a stretching routine as a cool down to encourage greater flexibility of muscles and greater mobility of joints. Pay regular attention to flexibility as you age, otherwise you could be using a walking frame sooner than you think! There are plenty of yoga DVD’s available which can get you started.
Keep workouts fresh and interesting so you never get bored. The key to staying motivated is to introduce new exercises all the time to keep your body in the best possible shape.
If you struggle with motivation head to the nearest fitness centre for support. Group fitness programs are designed to be fun and effective, and this is more likely to keep you motivated whilst making new friends who will miss you if you sleep in!
Don’t let the weather dictate what you do! Exercising inside in winter will give you a great opportunity to think about how to tackle the day ahead before the kids get up!