Doing any form of exercise is a simple way to boost your mental and physical health. South Africa’s ‘smiling assassin’ Gerda Steyn, who made her debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, knows all too well what it takes to get up and go. She shares a few ideas to get you into the groove.
A healthy and balanced diet – While there’s no food that can fight Covid-19, a healthy diet can help boost your immune system and keep you healthy. Focus on a balanced diet of whole foods like fruits, veggies, healthy fats, carbs and protein instead of processed foods to ensure your body can produce as much good bacteria as possible.
Go virtual – YouTube, Instagram and fitness apps like Strava have various features that will suit your lifestyle and fitness requirements. Join challenges like the Nedbank Runified series on Strava, which connects people through their passion for running virtually while maintaining social distancing. The challenge is suitable for everyone, no matter your fitness level, plus it’s an opportunity to take the next step and join the movement to challenge your limits, run and get rewarded.
Hydrate – Boost your mood, support your weight, and sharpen your focus by knowing when and how much to hydrate. If you’ve made it this far and if drinking more water is one of your goals, you’re on your way to a healthier body. Staying hydrated, helps maximise physical performance, improve your energy levels and boost your metabolism.
Regular exercise – Joining a gym can seem overwhelming, but an activity like running is truly a sport for all and it’s easily accessible. Whether your goal is to get fit, kick a habit, lose a few centimetres or improve your physical and mental health, road running offers an affordable and easy way to achieve your goals. Getting started is easier than you think and running clubs offer an easily accessible platform for runners to get together and pursue a healthier lifestyle.
Get enough sleep – During these uncertain times you need to ensure you’re getting enough sleep. The benefits are endless: sleep helps with weight control, improves your productivity, supports muscle recovery, helps with stress levels and maintaining a healthy heart. Lack of sleep saps your motivation, which is what gets you up and moving in the first place.
