Latest Fitness Tips

Winter is here. Don't Hibernate!

Inactivity during the winter months is common.

The cooler weather and shorter daylight hours can make the TV and arm-chair an attractive option.

Don't use the weather as an excuse to give up your active lifestyle. There are many exercise options available, so don't hibernate – invigorate!

• Use your head - Think of exercise as an opportunity, not an inconvenience and be active every day in as many ways as you can. 
  

• Do it by fives - Divide your workout into 5-minute segments, each with a different focus. By changing every five minutes, you get variety of exercise and the workout will fly by.

• Don't get left out in the dark – Make the most of the daylight hours and stretch your legs during lunchtime.  Go for a walk, run or organise a lunchtime team sport with workmates.

• Phone a friend –  Don't go it alone.  An exercise partner will help you to stay motivated when it's cold outside, so phone a friend and get active together.

• Try something new - Winter is a great time to experiment with your workout. Use a new piece of gym equipment or attend new health & fitness class.

• Be game – Mix up your exercise program by adding a game of sport.  Almost every sport can be played indoors, so get a team together.

• Join a health club – Most health clubs have a wide variety of indoor exercise programs to choose from, keeping things fresh.

• Step it up – Don't just workout at the gym.  Everyday opportunities like climbing stairs provide a natural indoor workout, so avoid awkward elevator silences and step it up whenever possible.

• Set goals – Set some realistic winter goals and reward yourself as you achieve them.  Set a target for the end of winter and beat the pre-summer fitness rush!

• Get wet - Find your local heated indoor pool. Try swimming, water aerobics, or even just walking or running laps in the water.
  

• Walk your best friend – Walking the dog is beneficial to both of you, and a great form of incidental exercise.  So give the heater a break and get warm the active way.

Winter Workout Tips

Remember these exercise tips during winter.

• Warm up - Cold temperatures can make your muscles tight and prone to injury.  Make sure you do a thorough warm-up prior to your exercise.

• Insulate your body – If exercising outdoors, wear layers of clothing. Layering provides the most effective heating method and allows you to remove the top layer if you get too hot.

• Drink up - It's just as important to stay hydrated when exercising in winter as it is in summer, even though you might not feel as thirsty.

• Wear sunscreen – You can still get burnt in winter, so if you are exercising outdoors slip, slop and slap.