Summer’s just around the corner! Here are the top ten tips from our star trainers Sarah and Yvette to get you ready …
- 5:2 split – It can be impossibly unsustainable to have a textbook lifestyle around the clock. But it’s far better to let your hair down for a day or two than throw in the towel altogether. So eat well and keep up your exercise Monday-Friday, then the weekends are there to enjoy!
- Go with your gut – We now know the strong links between gut health and overall immunity and good health, so focus on gut-friendly foods loaded with prebiotics (such as asparagus) and probiotics (kefir, fresh sauerkraut, kombucha, anything fermented). A great way to improve your digestive system and counteract any belly bloat.
- Sand dune runs – Awesome as a resistance and cardio workout (hello Summer body!), sand dune runs also take you outside your comfort zone and offer a great mental challenge and connection with nature.
- JERF – That’s right people … just eat real food! Keep it fresh and light as summer approaches with whole food cooking from scratch (preferably low-GI to keep those blood-sugar spikes at bay). When you eat out, try to skip processed foods and go for natural, real options.
- Don’t neglect your skin! – We all love a tan but it doesn’t look so hot when you end up with leathery turtle neck down the track. Stick with the SPF 50 – your skin is your largest organ and you need to take care of it as the higher-UV days approach.
- Good fats + protein – Fat is no longer the enemy we once thought. Load your plate with whole food healthy fats, such as avocado, chia seeds, extra virgin olive oil – along with a serve of protein (plant-based or sustainable & grassfed) – and it can help you to knock out any sugar cravings and keep your weight on track.
- Hydration – As the weather warms and we lose more liquid through the day (err, thank you sweat!) don’t forget to drink plenty of water. It helps cleanse your body and flush toxins – keep your Vive water bottle by your side to help you get that daily two litres.
- Sleep! – As the silly season nears, an afternoon nap can make the world of difference to your day if you have the time. A short nap of 20-30 min can improve your mood, alertness, and performance. Otherwise, aim for 7-9 hours per night for optimal functioning.
- Me, myself and I – The end of the year is usually the time for round-the-clock socialising – BBQs, picnics, Christmas parties. As fun as it is, it can take its toll on you mentally and physically. So learn to say no to the events that aren’t crucial and spend some quiet time on you instead. Whether it’s simply taking an hour for exercise, cooking or a long bath, sometimes being a home body is the greatest gift you can give yourself.
- Vive Pilates with good tunes and good times only! – Yes we’re all about giving you the best total-body workout there is (with the peachiest booty and the most toned abs), but we also want to give you an incredible sensory, mood-enhancing experience too. Because we figure if we can create your ultimate happy place a couple of times a week, that’s the most rewarding work we can do. Not just for Summer but for the long haul!