How to Get Fit Without the Gym

Hello folks,

I'm writing a quick post from my mobile as I've been left without Internet at home (can you believe this still happens in this day and age?!).

Many times we make excuses or wait for a certain time to get fit(ter), the principle causes being time and money.

Well I've got news for you.  If you really set your mind on getting fit you can do it whether you've got money or not.

How? The Internet is brimming with information.  From nutrition plans to supplements to home workouts - everything you need is at your finger tips.

Use YouTube to find home workout videos which do not use any equipment.  My personal favourites are from Blogilates and Fitness Blender. Look for videos that are suitable for your fitness level (beginner, intermediate or advanced).

Start with 20-minute videos and gradually increase to 30- to 40-minute ones.  Pick a time of the day which is most convenient for you.  I prefer mornings because later in the day I am more likely to be busy and tired. Try to do these home workouts every day (it is recommended to exercise for 30 minutes daily).

Make a schedule of the types of workouts you will do each day. For example, I start my week with lower body/legs workout, followed by upper body/arms & abs, followed by cardio/high intensity interval training.  I repeat these three again on the following three days and end my week with yoga.

All you need is a bit of space in your living room, will power and commitment.  You will start noticing results in 6-12 weeks (but don't forget to eat clean and healthy!) and you will be hooked!

Off you go then.  It's time for a workout!

S.T.R.E.S.S.

Hello lovelies,

Long time no see. Is it because you're busy and oh so stressed? This month has been so busy for so many people that I'm starting to think it should be renamed to Stressuary. Yet there are still people just don't seem to get stressed. Yes, you know who you are. But for the rest of us who are beginning to crack under the pressure of endless work and life commitments, I've decided to write 3 simple tips on how to avoid burnout and breakdowns.

1. Eat well, rest well. Forget about the whole work hard, play hard mantra. That's for superbeings not for us, mere mortals. First of all, don't forget to eat. Fuel your body with loads of proteins and fibre and give yourselves a boost with a bit of sugar and caffeine (don't overdo it). Second, make sure you get adequate rest. Sleep as much as you can, whenever you can. Remember, you don't need to follow a regular sleep pattern - naps can be lifesaving during very stressful periods of time.
2. Exercise. Once your body is fuelled you might want to burn all the adrenalin rushing through your body. To avoid punching the person next to you, simply try doing as much or as little exercise as you can on a daily basis. Even a brisk walk would do. And don't forget to take deep breaths - it really works (as many yoga fanatics would tell you - breathing is the secret of super health [perhaps because it keeps us alive?])
3. Talk it through. Would you believe it that moaning and complaining and telling everyone what you have and haven't done so far is a great stress buster? It may not work for everyone, but telling someone what is bothering you or going over your next plan of action can have a calming effect. It helps you put things into perspective and see things from a different point of view.

Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

So there you go folks. I hope these tips will be useful and if you've got any of your own that you would like to share don't be afraid to post a comment below.

All together now: inhale, exhale.

All the best!

Love Your Body

Love your body. From this very moment onwards promise yourself that you will love your body despite what life (and other people) might throw at you.

In this day and age, we often tend to overlook our own well-being as we are simply too busy dealing with 'life'. And when we do manage to find some time for ourselves, it's only to criticise our imperfections. Tell me, when you looked  in the mirror today did you compliment yourself? Or did you just notice all those little flaws of yours? 

Have we ever thought how much we punish our bodies? Eating and exercising too much or too little do take their toll, you know. And what about those special drinks and ciggies? The list could go on... My point is we all have our guilty pleasures. And that's fine, but our health should not be paying the price.

I know, it's very easy to say it - it's much harder to practice what you preach, especially with all those negative influences like the media, peer and social pressures and temptations. We can point fingers left, right and centre. Yet, it's also easy to be angry and disappointed with ourselves (but not do anything about improving our situation).

Do not despair! There is always a starting point. And guess what? That starting point is YOU! Here are a few pieces of advice so that you can start loving your body ASAP:

1. Next time you look in the mirror tell yourself you look great. Besides, most imperfections can be fixed with a little bit of extra attention.

2. No extremes! Everything (well almost everything) is good in moderation.

3. Don't expect immediate improvements. You know the saying: good things come to those who wait (and stick with it!).

Well give it a try and let me know how it goes. Just think of it a lifestyle change and a gift for yourself. Because, trust me, you'll feel great. And y'all know beauty comes from within.

Inspirationally yours,

Miranda x