Be in the pink of health with these no-fuss tips.
Get ready to say ‘Hello’ to a fitter you by keeping those fitness resolutions!
Feeling guilty from all that festive binge-eating recently and determined to keep to your New Year’s resolution of staying fit? It might seem difficult to stick to, but it’s not impossible. There are simple, smart ways to stay in shape without doing anything extraordinary. Here are 10 simple things you should weave into your everyday schedule to keep fit and to stick to your fitness resolution:
1. Ditch the escalators
We all love escalators, don’t we? It’s a 30-second respite from the morning rush hour, where for just that short moment, we can relax comfortably and zone out as the escalators bring us up or down to our destination. Sadly, it’s time to tone down that love a bit. Climbing stairs is one of the best routine exercises as it burns more calories than jogging (yes!) and it helps tone up muscles. Begin by taking the stairs instead of the escalators during your daily commute. When you’ve gotten used to it, try taking the stairs in your office instead of the elevators. Over time, you’ll be able to see small improvements to your fitness — trust us!
2. Say no to your favourite coffee
Yes, it might seem like a harmless stimulant you have each day to lift up your spirits or to keep yourself awake, but having your much-loved coffee from that fancy coffee shop needs to be stopped. That’s because chances are your coffee is a dessert in disguise and you might be consuming around 200 to 400 calories each morning (OMG!). Have a cup of green tea instead. Not only is it sugar-free, it’s packed with antioxidants and boosts the metabolic rate.
3. Exercise – anytime, anywhere
If you are extremely busy and have no time to go for a jog or join the gym, why not exercise at your workplace or home? It only takes a few minutes and the results can be fascinating. Simple, no equipment exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups or planks are great workout staples that you can do at home within minutes. At work, weave in a few stretches or a short walk post lunch to stay active.
4. No more shouting ‘Taxi!’ or booking them on apps
Bid goodbye to all the taxis you take throughout the day. Walking small distances will not only help you become and remain fit but also save cost. Walk to the closest MRT station or try walking to the bus stops closest to your home or workplace. On weekends, why not try riding a bicycle? It is the ideal exercise for your heart and lungs. If you live near a park connector, those are great places for an easy bike ride.
5. Indulge in shopping
Yay, shopping! Hold your horses, though; we aren’t talking about buying that really expensive bag you always wanted to buy – we’re referring to fitness shopping. Buy a nice pair of running shoes or fancy gym wear, something you’ll be happy to use every day. This way, you will be motivated to get up every morning and go for a walk, not only to remain fit but also to use your new gear. Long live retail therapy! Don’t forget to use a shopping credit card to get the most out of your fitness shopping.
6. Download an app
There are loads of apps that help maintain a daily routine. Download one of them and you will have some accountability regarding your fitness activities. Specific fitness apps also tell you how many calories you have burnt after a workout session and encourage you to outperform yourself every day. Now, who doesn’t love some motivation?
7. Find a fitness buddy
Going to the gym alone = boring. Going to the gym with a friend = not so boring. Plus, you and your gym/workout buddy can set goals and encourage each other to achieve them. Make it a friendly competition and reward each other for a job well done. If none of your friends are interested in joining you on your fitness journey, why not join a gym and make a friend there?
8. Bye-bye beer
The festive season must have been particularly joyous with multiple excuses to drink and be merry. However, it’s time for a detox. Did you know alcohol is the second most calorie-rich nutrient after fat, packing about seven calories per gram? Being fit does not only mean losing weight, it’s also about eating healthy and cleansing, making sure you don’t imbibe more calories than you lose. So take a break from it and you will see a difference yourself.
9. Set tiny goals
You might want to lose heaps of weight and want to do it fast. However, it pays to be realistic. Set obtainable targets and make a plan to achieve them. Keeping your goals practical is not only encouraging (as you will achieve them) but it is also a more logical way to remain fit in the long run. After all, you don’t want to overexert yourself, be disappointed, and fall on your face (it’s possible, quite literally)!
10. Treat yourself
Treats – the best part of everything difficult. Once you achieve your goal, take a day off, enjoy and forget about your fitness worries. This will not only break the monotony but it will want to make you achieve the next goal too. Having some light at the end of the tunnel is always great. So have that ice-cream you’ve been craving for all week, or that fried chicken drumstick. Then it’s back to work!
These tips might sound simple, and they are, but you need to include them in your routine. Instead of going all out, try to make your everyday habits healthier to stay fit in the long run. After all, fitness resolutions aim to kickstart a long-term habit, right?
This article first appeared on BankBazaar.sg, a leading online marketplace in Singapore that helps consumers compare and apply for financial products such as credit cards and loans.
By BankBazaar.sg, March 2019 / Updated January 2020 / Updated by Willaine G. Tan, January 2021.
