Collaborative Post
Do you have ‘get fitter’ scribbled somewhere on your list of 2020 new years resolutions? Most of us do, getting fitter, healthier and losing weight are amongst the most popular goals that people set for themselves each year. The only trouble is that aiming to get fitter is a little vague, and if you just turn up to the gym and hope for the best, your resolution may fall by the wayside where you’re not really sure what you’re supposed to be doing. Instead, add structure. Have a set plan and work out how you’ll go about achieving it, here are three ways to get the most out of your 2020 fitness resolution.
Boost your cardiovascular health
Getting fitter involves building your cardiovascular health- so your heart and lungs. When these work more efficiently you’ll have more stamina, you can work harder for longer and this can help you in all areas in your day to day life. Whether you’re carrying around a baby or lugging groceries in and out of the car, running for the bus or cycling with the kids, good cardiovascular health means you’ll be able to keep on going without feeling breathless or sluggish. Anything that gets your heart and breathing up will be good here, from hill walking or jogging on the treadmill to cycling, using a cross trainer or rowing machine. If you use a fitness tracker, aim to get your heart rate into the ‘cardio zone’ which shows you’re working hard enough. Every few minutes, put the resistance up or go faster to get it into the ‘peak’ zone for a minute or two. You’ll quickly start to feel the difference.
Strength training is something a lot of women skip as they’re worried they’ll look too bulky or muscular. But this isn’t the case, as women we don’t have the testosterone levels to maintain large muscles, and even slim women tend to have a layer of fat meaning muscles don’t look cut and veiny like they would on a bodybuilder. Strength training will actually make you look slimmer rather than bigger, since muscle will sculpt and pull in the body and tone areas like the arms, legs, back and stomach. Stronger muscles means you can go harder and for longer in your cardio exercises as well. Aim to add resistance training at least once a week to your routine.
Improve your flexibility
If you increase your flexibility your body has a greater range of motion, this means you’re less likely to injure yourself during other exercises. Consider a stretch class or something like yoga or pilates each week in your routine. It could be a relaxing way to start your morning on a Sunday, and makes for a good ‘rest day’ activity when you don’t want to be sedentary but want to give yourself a chance to heal.