28 | November 2011 | woman this month 10 Tips 1. Outsmart the weather The cooler, crisper air is excuse enough to drag out your bike. This is supposedly the perfect time to experiment new exercise routines. If you’re the adventurous kind, you could embrace the new trend on the island and go kayaking. 2. Step out of the box Learning something new is the easiest trick in the book for refreshing the mind — a prerequisite to staying healthy. Take up boxing, dance classes or any fun sport. It might not show effects immediately; but you’ll burn a lot of calories mastering it (just in time for swimsuit season). 3. A dramatic workout With all the new seasons of your favourite shows being screened, it’s hard not to spend time in front of the TV. Stay away from the couch, unless you’re working on those tricep dips. Walk or jog in place during the episode. Leave commercial breaks for lunges, squats and push-ups. 4. Overcoming challenges Not everyone has the luxury of gym time — especially mothers of toddlers. You could turn your life into a workout circuit. Did you know, just by choosing to stand while you work, you burn 127 calories? That’s twice the amount you lose while sitting! 5. Slow down It’s all right to pamper yourself. Reducing stress levels is a vital part of any fitness regime. Indulge in a massage, learn to meditate or simply stop to take deep breaths. Exercise isn’t the only activity that promotes wellness. 6. Light up You’re going to have darker mornings and longer nights. Face it. You’ll have to strap on reflectors on your shirt, shoes and bike. A flashlight and headlight can be helpful on some trails. And remember, “it’s too dark” doesn’t qualify as an excuse. 7. Avoid weather-shock It was good while it lasted, but it’s time to bid farewell to those shorts and t-shirts and pull out the track suits and windcheaters. While you layer up, ensure the material closest to your body is synthetic to help you stay cool. 8. Find your motivation Whether it is to lose weight or gain strength, focus is essential. Make sure to have fun and enjoy your routine. Having a workout partner is the easiest way to stay committed. 9. Stating the obvious Take the stairs, park farther from your destination and eat right. The rule is to have anything fresh. Drink a lot of water. You can get dehydrated in any season. 10. You’re no superhuman We’re all masters of self-diagnosis, with unreasonable faith in the theory of “it will fade away”. Injuries and illnesses need to be checked and treated. Doctors exist for a reason. Sometimes rest is the best cure. Just because your knits and tweeds have made their way out of the closet, it doesn’t mean they’re a hide-out for flab. Fitness experts say autumn is the season to get in shape. Elma Bartholomew Autumn Fitness Tips
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