Many experts agree that it is towards the end of the year – and not like good new year resolution– when we should improve our health and wellness habits Looking ahead to January and beyond. But it’s not so easy. Between the bad weather and the schedules full of festive events, it is common for us to exercise at Christmas (or practice any type of self-care) uphill.
This demotivation does not only apply to winter: a study of Nuffield Health carried out in the UK following the pandemic showed that almost half of the female population did not exercise regularly and one in three women admitted that their physical health had deteriorated in the last 12 months. Considering the many benefits of exercise – not only for physical health, but also for mental well-being–, How can we regain the motivation to get back on track?
we have talked to George Venessexpert in fitness and founder of jab box to give us your best advice.
visualize your goal
As Seneca said: “There is no favorable wind for those who do not know where they are going”, so taking time to visualize your goals is key to achieving them: “It does not matter if it is for five, ten or twenty years from now: you have to have an image or goal in your headand from there make the lifestyle changes necessary to achieve that result,” says Veness. “Say: I want to reach 70 or 80 and still do what I do now, whether it’s training, running or playing soccer with my children. That is my priority and I see it clearly.” Write down your goals, always keep them in mind and think regarding what you have to do to achieve them. This will help you guide your habits and your daily decisions.
Motivation is working
sometimes it’s enough don’t miss training and the motivation comes only over time, when you start to see positive results. “Most days I don’t feel like training, I can always think of a thousand better things to do, but I start to warm up, I go to it and by the end I feel great”, says Veness. “Go purposefully set the bar low and start with a short workout twice a week. Stick to those goals and I guarantee you’ll feel better and want to exercise more often.” This is the best way to create good long-term habits.
easy bridge
One of the most difficult things regarding exercising is, many times, getting over the previous moment: having to get out of bed, get ready and leave the house. To remove this roadblock, create a positive environment that helps motivate you: “Get everything you’re going to take to the gym ready the night before so all you have to do when you get up is grab it and head out the door,” Veness recommends. Also, mentally prepare: how long are you going to train? What kind of exercise are you going to do? What music or what podcast are you going to listen to? Whatever you decide, put it into practice.
Train in good company
various studies They have shown that we feel like exercising more if it is accompanied by social interaction, so going to train with a friend or finding a gym that ‘groups’ may be what we need: “I think that getting together with other people is the most important thing and the most underrated there is,” says Veness. “It makes us connect with others in our daily lives and adds value to life. I have realized something very important and that is that before we used to get together to go to the bar or to have a drink at someone’s house, but now we also go to the gym together. And that’s very good”.
Try to be consistent, even if it’s just a little each day.
Giving priority to your health is essential to feel better and better, so try to exercise every day, even if it’s only 15 minutes. There are more and more studies showing that the “exercise snacking” (ie doing short, intense workouts) is equally good for your physical and mental health. “It’s a daily chore: If you want to feel great every day, have a clear head and a sharp mind, then let exercise into your life,” says Veness.
This article was originally published on Vogue.co.uk. Translation and adaptation: Esther Giménez.
