Children are back in school; summer holidays are coming to an end; the mornings are a little cooler and the evenings are drawing in. Our autumn clothes are coming out again. Maybe you notice they are a little tighter after the holidays?
That’s ok! It’s totally normal to gain a few pounds during the holidays. But maybe you find yourself struggling to get motivated to lose those extra pounds and especially when it comes to adding in an exercise routine…?? Again, it’s important to realize that this too is normal. Let’s not get frustrated or dwell on the negative feelings.
What is your Why?
With routines and schedules getting re-established this the perfect opportunity to make sure that some enjoyable healthy self-care gets prioritized. As always, it’s good to start by defining what you want to accomplish and why. A clear goal and reason for achieving it can be a great motivation.
So, what matters to you? What would keep you motivated on those grey days when you are pressed for time and making healthy choices are the last thing you feel like doing?
European Week of Sport 2021 – Help us reach our goal!
How about participating in European Week of Sport as a family?
The seventh annual European Week of Sport starts September 23rd and runs through to September 30th. The week is for everyone regardless of age, social background or fitness level. This year’s theme highlights the power of physical activity to bring joy, build reliance and connect generations. Sound interesting?
The week is designed to give people the springboard into being active. Could be good timing, right?
At Curves coaches and members are uniting in a challenge to complete 60,000 workouts in the week and giving non-members a week free of In-Club or At-Home workouts.
Raise Awareness for a Cause
Or how about supporting an important cause?
Have you considered Breast Cancer UK’s 25 Saves Lives Campaign – which is about inspiring people to get physically active? Why are Breast Cancer UK running this campaign? Because exercise is one of the best ways, we can reduce our risk of breast cancer. Studies show us that being physically active, can help reduce our risk by up to 20%.
Why 25? Because over 25% of breast cancer cases are preventable. And keeping fit can significantly help reduce our risk of getting it.
Perhaps do you relate more to menopause? Another important cause that Curves supports in October is raising awareness around menopause. Menopause is the natural process which occurs as the ovaries age and produce less reproductive hormones. Hormonal changes during menopause combined with decreasing metabolism as we age, can contribute to weight gain. If you follow our blog, you should know by now that regular physical activity and Strength Training exercises can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress and improve your overall quality of life.
As you consider these ideas remember what really matters is that as summer winds down and autumn settles in, we too take the time to create a realistic self-care plan, that involves healthy balanced meals, good hydration, physical activity and quality rest. Ideally be sure to include Strength Training, Cardiovascular Training and Flexibility in your routine. Then get started and don’t look back! Be sure to have fun and enjoy watching the results come. You will be so pleased you did!
Do you need hand on this journey? Find your nearest Curves club, and get a free consultation with one of our Coaches. A coach by your side can guide you into getting started and discuss the best plan of action for you.
Coming Next
We hear a lot of talk about the need to take care of our mental health. What exactly is mental health, why does matter and does exercise really help?
Look out for some ways to use exercise to build mental resilience in the next blog.