When the sun is shining and the sky is blue it's so much easier to get yourself motivated to go for a swim, a run, or take that exercise class. Now we're in October and the mornings are darker, the days are wetter and come 6pm all you want to do is make dinner and snuggle up in front of the TV. How on earth do you get into the right mood for exercise?
Great weather for getting fit
No one relishes the thought of going for a run, taking a Pilates or Hiit class when it's a sweaty 30 degrees outside. Add to that the stress of wanting to look great for your impending holiday or for wearing skimpy summer fashion and you're suddenly piling on the fitness pressure.
Autumn gives you the opportunity to slow things down. Gone is the need to get fit quick. Now is the time for new beginnings, to take stock and maybe try something new. Take time to think about your goals for the coming months as you enjoy the outdoors and the stunning change of season. There's nothing quite like walking or cycling in the Autumn sunshine, but if you feel it's the time of year when you'd rather be inside, why not try out a new form of exercise?
Gyrotonic Exercise
Whilst it's not particularly new - Gyrotonic exercise has been around since the 80's - it is relatively unknown in the UK, despite being practiced by celebrities such as Andy Murray and Lady Gaga.
The Gyrotonic Method is a unique movement method that addresses the entire person by opening energy pathways, stimulating the nervous system, increasing range of motion, and improving strength and movement efficiency. Each movement flows into the next, allowing the joints to move through a natural range of motion without jarring or compression. Using specialist equipment, carefully crafted sequences create balance, efficiency, strength and flexibility. People of all abilities and all ages take Gyrotonic classes, including fitness enthusiasts, senior citizens, accomplished athletes, and people recovering from an injury or dealing with a disability.
Eat the right foods
Focusing on whole foods, including those that contain vitamin C, zinc and protein, can help boost immunity when it comes to fighting off winter colds and flu and if you're feeling healthy, you're more likely to want to get out there and exercise. Because of its powerful antioxidant properties, Vitamin C can help regenerate cells, support the immune system, and help the body absorb iron. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables packed in Vitamin C such as broccoli, dark green leafy vegetables, kiwi, blackberries and oranges to keep fighting fit.
Zinc helps to maintain your immune system and grows and repairs body tissues. Because your body doesn’t store zinc, you need to eat enough every day to ensure you’re meeting your daily requirements. You can find zinc in fish and seafood as well as lean beef and lamb, which are also a good source of protein. Baked beans and pumpkin seeds are also a great choice.
Keep calm it's only Winter
Cold dark mornings and evenings can take its toll on our positivity. Finding ways to keep motivated and concentrate on the present can help stop feelings of anxiety. Keeping a gratitude journal can help to lower stress levels and create a greater sense of calm. You'll probably learn a few things about yourself in the process too. As you become used to writing in your journal each day, you'll find you'll start to focus your time and energy on things that truly make you the happy.
If you'd like to try out Gyrotonic exercise this Autumn, Hayley Oxley offers one to one sessions in a private studio in Brighton. Hayley is a trained GYROTONIC® instructor, experienced Pilates teacher and qualified massage therapist offering one-to-one instruction, exercise and therapeutic massage. Whether you are injured, beginning an exercise programme, a high level athlete, or looking for an holistic approach to exercise, Hayley can provide a bespoke programme tailored to your needs.
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