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Four Tips to Help You Get Active This Spring

on Thursday, September 17, 2020

For many of us, winter means hibernation with more indoor activities and comfort foods. With the days shorter and nights longer, we may feel sluggish, fatigued and lack motivation. Now as we say goodbye to winter, with more sunlight and warmer days, it’s time to get back into the swing of things and get active. This means having a holistic approach to improve your health and well-being starting with everything you do daily such as your morning routine, diet and exercise regime.

ACH Group’s exercise physiologist, Jack Carter has put together four tips for you to follow and get more active in spring.

Fuel your body early

GetActiveFuelYourBody

It’s easy to skip breakfast as we often get busy in the morning. Skipping breakfast has a direct impact on our concentration and energy level. Our blood sugars in the morning tend to be low from an 8-12 hour fast during the night. Low blood sugar levels could result in feeling lethargic, drowsy, and irritable.

Having a nutritious breakfast with good carbs and lean proteins can really make a big difference to your day. Good carbs such as wholegrain cereals, wholemeal bread, fruits and vegetables can fuel your body throughout the day and keep you full for longer. Include lean proteins such as low-fat milk, cottage cheese, legumes and seeds.

Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re busy, try preparing your breakfast the night before. The possibilities are endless. Think overnight oats, smoothies, make-ahead sandwiches. 

Search for the sun

OlderWomenGettingActiveInTheSun

When natural sunlight hits the skin, it triggers the body’s production of vitamin D. Vitamin D offers many benefits to both the body and mind.

Vitamin D is considered a natural mood booster, helping to life your outlook. Vitamin D activates and regulates the immune system, releasing the neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. These hormones are known as the “feel-good” hormones which play important role in increasing happiness.

You can enjoy fresh air and get some light exercise by joining a walking group. It is an enjoyable and social experience that will improve your fitness at the same time.

Set a routine

SetARountineToGetActive

It can be challenging getting back into the swing of things after a long winter. Start out small, and slowly build up your frequency and duration of physical activity over time.

If your goal is to run 5km, start running just 500 metres a day, then increase the intensity as you go. Consistency is key!

If you feel unmotivated, smart technology can assist you to achieve your goals.

Smart watches can help track your steps count and distance. It can also send notifications throughout the day to remind you to move your body if you haven’t during a long period of sitting.

Mix it up with variety

TipsToGetActiveInSpring

There are various forms of exercise, such as walking, bike riding, swimming, Pilates, yoga, dancing and Tai Chi. If you find it repetitive doing one just exercise, mix up your routine by trying new and different things.

Diversifying your exercise program could lead to greater interest and rejuvenated motivation.

One of the most important things about exercise, is to find what works best for you. Whether that be exercising early in the morning, during lunch or with a group of friends.

Staying fit with ACH Group

If you’re looking for a customised exercise program designed by professional healthcare practitioners, check out ACH Group’s Health Studio 50+. 

ACH Group’s Health Studio 50+ specialises in health and well-being for people aged 50+ by bringing together allied health professionals, exercise and wellness groups in a purpose-built facility with equipment designed for ageing bodies. 

Here you can find a wide array of services to help you restore and maintain good health as you age. This includes allied health, exercise groups, wellness groups and much more. See how ACH Group’s Health Studio 50+ helped Nigel get back on track and stay active as he aged.

Find out more about ACH Group.

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