Make 2020 the decade you finally stick to your New Year’s fitness resolutions. Australian Olympic middle-distance runner Eloise Wellings tells us how she sets, and sticks to, her exercise goals.
1. Do it every day
There’s no getting around it. Exercising at least 30 minutes a day is a must for good health. Think you don’t have the time? Try to break up your walk into more achievable 10-minute slots. Research shows that short bursts of exercise is just as beneficial to your body as longer, more traditional workouts.[ii]
2. Step out of your comfort zone
Always wanted to try aerial yoga, or horse riding? Make 2020 the year you overcome your fears, or whatever may have held you back in the past. Who knows? You may find a new passion. And there’s no denying that you’ll be more likely to stick to your exercise regime if you actually enjoy what you do.
3. Aim to get stronger
Set a realistic goal to build some muscle this year. At least twice a week aim to do some push-ups, squats or lunges, or head outdoors into your garden and build up a sweat.[i] Speak to your GP about the best weight training program for your needs and ability.
4. Support your body
Supplements can also play their part in your new health regime. Ubiquinol, the active form of Coenzyme Q10, is one of the most powerful antioxidants found naturally in the body and is essential for energy production and good heart health.[iii] As we age, our body doesn’t convert CoQ10 into Ubiquinol as easily. Ubiquinol is more bioavailable and easily absorbed in the body than CoQ10.
While you can get Coq10 from foods, it’s difficult to achieve the recommended amount through diet alone. Studies have shown that supplementing your health regime with Ubiquinol may also help reduce the effects of stress and physical overexertion, inflammation caused by exercise and help muscles recover after exercise.[iv]
5. Take time off
Make sure you give your body time to recover, to help it conserve energy, and repair the muscles you used during exercising. Aim for 7-8 hours’ sleep every night. And why not reward yourself a massage each month for all your hard work? Creating a reward system could help you stick to your goals, even when the going gets tough.
However you decide to improve your fitness this decade make sure you enjoy every step. Remember, you’re fitter and stronger today than you were yesterday.
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[i] https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/active-living/get-active
