Has life got you too busy to think about getting fit or leading an active lifestyle? According to the Health Promotion board (HPB), 41% of Singapore’s workforce sits at least eight hours a day and 39% do not meet its guidelines of at least 150 mins of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week. Sedentary lifestyles are fast becoming the way of life for many Singaporeans and this may lead to increased health risks, posing a danger to your health. If fitness is something that you might need help with, here are some tips to help you get started.
Firstly, write down your goal. There is no goal that is too big or too small to achieve. Your goal should be specific and measurable, for example completing a 5km run in 30 mins. This way, you will be able to work on a weekly plan of how to achieve that goal. If your goal is huge, break it down into smaller goals over a longer period of time and work your way up to your final big goal.
Many people set a goal but fail to reach it due to a lack of motivation. It is important to figure out the real reason for embarking on achieving this goal and keep that in mind throughout your fitness journey. This will help frame your emotions to give you the right motivation that will push you closer to your goal. Always remember, when you feel like quitting, think about why you started in the first place.
It is also important to remember to leave a day or two for recovery. This allows the muscles to heal and the body to return to its normal state so that you may have a more productive next training session. Try myofascial release, a technique that helps improve blood and lymphatic circulation and mobility. If you are new to this, try this myofascial release class by Master Rohit to help you in muscle recovery after a good week of working out.
Lastly, keep your workouts varied and fun! Adding variety into your workout plan prevents a monotonous fitness routine and keeps you going towards your goal. When you plan for your weekly workout routine, instead of a full week of running, incorporate a HIIT workout or an alternative cardio workout like a dance session, resistance/strength exercises and throw in a yoga session for flexibility and recovery.
Need some inspiration? Check out our library of videos here for a large variety of workouts that you can incorporate into your fitness plan. There’s plenty to choose from!