Fresh air, fresh perspective
Get some fresh perspective on your fitness routine with our fun and frugal ideas that are sure to get you pumped up for your next workout. Read Here.
Get fit—and never see the inside of a gym
If you’re tired of doing the same old work-out at the gym—or worse, not using your membership at all—it might be time to head outdoors to add some fun, frugality and fresh air to your fitness regimen. When exercising alfresco, your activity options are limited only by your imagination.
Sure, there are running tracks to pound, open spaces for cardio and, in some parks, basic fitness equipment, but have you ever used a playground or park bench to do push-ups, dips or mountain climbers? Tested your arm strength on the monkey bars? Unrolled your yoga mat under a tree? Sprinted up and down a hill?
You can get the kids involved, too, by taking along skipping ropes, a football or a frisbee. After all, there’s nothing like a bit of competition to get the blood pumping!
Don’t forget to stretch
A bit of muscle ache after a work-out is nothing to be scared of, but sports-induced injuries are another matter. According to the Australian Sports Commission website, warming-up before exercise can reduce the risk of muscle injury; it also prepares body and mind for activity and increases core temperature, heart rate and breathing rate. Rather than launching straight into your work-out, spend five to ten minutes doing gentle cardio and active stretching, gradually increasing the intensity (in cold weather, stretch for longer). Cooling down afterwards with low-intensity movement and static stretching will also help to clear any lactic acid that may have built up, which you’ll be thankful for the next day.
Must-have fitness accessory
There’s no time like the present to get on board the wearable tech trend: Fitbit has recently upgraded its iconic tracker, the Fitbit Flex®, into an ultra-slim, swim-proof wristband. Thirty per cent smaller than its predecessor, the Fitbit Flex 2 tracks your daily activities, monitors your progress towards personalised exercise goals and sends reminders to keep you motivated—plus it’s water resistant up to 50 metres. Available in several colours, the Fitbit Flex 2 can be worn with a range of bands, bracelets or pendants to suit your style, so there’s never an excuse to take it off.