2021 has started off with a bang and most of us (shout out to our 30-day Challengers!) have been getting busy doing it right with daily exercise. The trick now is to master keeping up this new year momentum, hello February.
The new year gusto, enthusiasm and energy can start to lose its shine so we need to remember why we started and remind ourselves about all the amazing benefits, some tangible, others not. Many of us make the error of embarking on a new exercise regime wholeheartedly but we over commit from day one. In doing so, we are setting ourselves up for… we hate using the F word – Failure! Let’s just say we burn ourselves out well before reaching any of our set goals.
Now for the good news! 30 minutes a day, at least three days a week is the general health and wellbeing guideline to a happier, healthier and fitter YOU. Everyone (including us) should start with this and build up from here. As your energy increases and you feel stronger, you can increase to a level that suits your body and your lifestyle.
We all have our personal reasons for exercising. Weight loss, improved fitness, heart health and most importantly mental health are just some of the lasting benefits of moving your body. In today’s society, we are all guilty of being busy bees and often physical exercise is overlooked or put on the backburner.
It is our mission to help change people’s mindset around exercise by shining a light on the life changing benefits of leading an active and healthy lifestyle. To help you on your merry way, we have a little gift for those of you who keep reading until the end… 😉
Hello Weight Loss
Studies have shown that inactivity is a major factor in weight gain and obesity (no surprises here)! Our body expends energy in three ways: by digesting food, exercising and maintaining crucial body functions like our heartbeat and breathing.
Lowering our calories will lower our metabolic rate, which may delay weight loss. Regular exercise has been shown to increase our metabolic rate, which will burn more calories and help us lose weight.
Additionally, by combining aerobic exercise with resistance training, we can maximise fat loss and muscle mass maintenance, which is essential for attaining and maintaining our ideal weight.
Strong Muscles and Bones
Exercise plays a vital role in building and maintaining strong muscles and bones.
Physical activity like strength training can stimulate muscle building when it is complimented with a healthy lifestyle and eating plan.
As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass and function, which can lead to injuries and a loss of mobility. Practicing regular physical activity is essential to reducing muscle loss and maintaining strength as we age. Exercise also helps build bone density when we’re younger helping to prevent osteoporosis later in life.
Reduce Risk of Chronic Disease
Lack of regular physical activity is a primary cause of chronic disease.
Regular exercise has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular fitness and lower body fat. It can also decrease blood pressure and cholesterol (winning!).
In contrast, a lack of regular exercise, even in the short term, can lead to significant increases in belly fat, which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and an early departure from this life (no thank you).
What better reason to embrace daily physical activity, recommended to decrease the risk of developing these diseases.
Feeling Good
Physical activity releases feel good chemicals into our body like endorphins and serotonin (oh yeah). These chemicals in our system make us feel good, lift our mood, increase our energy levels and improve our sleep. Staying active also gives our general health and wellbeing a significant boost.
We all experience off days when we feel low on energy and unmotivated. Turn these days around – get moving, find your FORM, feel amazing and lift your mood!
No matter what our age, fitness level or ability, let’s get moving! It’s an absolute necessity to maintain a regular exercise regime, your future self will thank you for it. We all want to live our best lives and maintain our physical strength well into our mature years.
Fancy stepping up your fitness by adding more variety to your schedule? Until the end of March 2021, come and try a class with us you are yet to experience (Complete, Barre, FIIT, Control or Intense). Simply send us a text with “I want to live my best life with Form!” and this class will be on us! Conditions apply.
Here’s to a fabulous, active 2021!
Matthew and Brett