It is challenging to keep focus and start getting fit after an indulgent December and depressing January. Honestly, I always start January by saying that I want to start getting fit by exercising more after eating all the yummy food in December. Then, when January begins, the weather is always so miserable, dark and wet that I don’t feel like doing it at all!
Getting Fit & The Power of Recovery
Reflections
Then February arrives, and you start thinking that the winter is finally starting to go away despite the super low temperatures that we have been having lately; you believe that next month is March (it’s nearly upon us already!), and for some reason, your spirits lift because you know Spring is coming meaning that it’s then Summer and you, of course, want to be fit for that.
This is precisely the time I want to take action to get back into shape, exercise more, and eat healthier. I have an exciting trip coming up where I will be meeting a group of my school friends in Puerto Vallarta. Yes, beach and sun you are hearing, so I can’t wait for that!
This has motivated me also to try to be fit, as I don’t want to arrive looking 10 kilos bigger and then have my friends not recognise me anymore, LOL! So, I have been trying to cut bad habits and get myself back on track. I always feel that I leave everything to the last minute, but I cannot change that now. I should have started this on the first day of January, but, of course, here I am doing this now, in the month when I have this trip.
I’m not the biggest exercise person at the moment, but I do believe you should at least try, right? I used to be that crazy fitness person back in my 20s. OMG, I could do two consecutive hours of spinning classes and then do some weights before going to work. Can you believe it? So I would wake up at ridiculous hours to achieve that! Now I think about it, it was probably a bit exaggerated. I remember feeling exhausted, but I was still super fit.
Getting Fit
Now, I am no longer able to do this. I don’t think I have the determination or the time. However, I do enjoy participating in certain activities that, in the end, will help me stay fit. I am not currently registered at a gym, as I know from previous years that I might fail to attend. Instead of wasting my money, I am trying to find other free resources to keep me fit.
See below what I like doing:
1. Speed walking
I love walking in my local park. This is how I got fit the year before I was pregnant with my second daughter. I love doing 4 laps around the park. I don’t run. It is not for me, but walking fast seems to work very well. I love listening to music while I walk, as it helps me clear my mind and escape from work.
2. Dancing
I love dancing. I am Latina, so you can’t see me without me constantly moving. It’s in my veins, LOL! My girls love Latin music, too, and we love dancing together. You won’t believe how good it is to do this! I can highly recommend it.
3. Fitness DVD
Follow some exercise routines from fitness DVDs or find them online. There are lots to choose from.
4. Use 2 bottles of 125 cl
Fill each bottle with water and use them as weights. These are perfect for your arms. When you are doing your exercise routines, you can add this extra weight to help you build muscle.
5. Use the stairs
It’s so tempting to use the elevator. I live on the second floor, but I still use the lift a lot of times. I know, how bad is that? So, I have promised myself that from now on, I will only use the stairs. Well, unless I have heavy bags with me.
The Power of Recovery
In addition to getting fit, it is essential to consider the importance of recovery. How to Get Your Body Back After a Hard Fitness Routine. You must take good care of yourself and your body.
After exercising, I enjoy activities that help my body recover. Get it relaxed and ready for the next fitness regime the following day. See below some ideas that I like doing:
1. Stretch and relax
It is always essential to cool down and stretch your entire body after exercising. You need to relax after that so that your body can return to its original state before you start the fitness routine.
2. Sleep
One of the things you are often recommended to do is get a good night’s sleep. Try to go to bed at a reasonable hour so your body can rest and be ready for a new day. Choosing the correct mattress is also very important, as it enables you to get a good night’s sleep and wake up with no pain. A good example of a mattress that can help you achieve this goal of getting a good sleep is Tempur. They provide support for those recovering from workouts as the material offers optimum comfort for recovery.
3. Massage
A good massage is, of course, something that will help you to recover. There is nothing more amazing in the whole world than a good massage! OMG, I love them! They can put you in a state of complete relaxation and composure. It restores your body to its best and helps it prepare for the next day. Your body will stop aching after a good massage, and all your bones and muscles will feel like new afterwards.
If you’re looking to treat yourself to a truly relaxing experience, Opulence Thai Spa offers a range of authentic Thai massage treatments that are perfect for easing tension and promoting relaxation and overall well-being. It’s the ideal way to soothe sore muscles after a workout and give your body the care it deserves.
4. Drink plenty of water
You need to drink a lot of water every day to keep your body hydrated. The water will keep your digestive system running as well as your skin soft and supple. Being dehydrated can make you feel fatigued, which in turn reduces your motivation to be active. I try to drink two 8-ounce glasses of water before each meal. It is so good for you.
5. Active Recovery
It is also essential to take some rest days, which will give your muscles a well-deserved break from a rigorous fitness routine. This will help you rest your body and, consequently, facilitate a full recovery. I tried to exercise during the week and rest during the weekend.
Are you also planning to get fit this year? What are your plans for achieving that? What would you do to recover from exercise? I hope this blog post was helpful.
*Disclosure: This is a collaboration with Tempur. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
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Great list! I love dancing and need to do it more. Just put a YouTube video on and get shaking. All movement helps and it always cheers me up. Sadly with a baby in the house, I’m definitely lacking a little in the sleep department though. #KCACOLS
I always have good intentions but now the weather is getting nicer i’m walking a lot more #KCACOLS
I always have good intentions but now the weather is getting nicer i’m walking a lot more #KCACOLS
I never understand why people chose the most miserable time of year to start anything. I start in summer, when it’s summer and I’m happy. #kcacols
Charlotte is 6 months now and I really want to up my fitness in terms of health…but I have to be careful as I have diastasis rectii so I can’t do many exercises, just low pressure stuff. I am trying to walk everywhere possible and eat healthier though #kcacols
Hi Franca! I am so excited, we sprung forward, meaning it will now still be daylight after work! That leads to family walks in the neighborhood, bike riding, playground and all around activity! Much more energizing with sunlight! Best of luck! #kcacols xoxo
What a great informative post.
Definitley a good amtress is needed!
I try and do some speed walking and dancing with the kids! #KCACOLS
I love going to the gym, I do a lot of weights sessions. Stretching is so important when you finish any finess activity, you have to look after your muscles.
#KCACOLS
Great tips, I’ve fallen off the fitness wagon hard this past month and a half and I desperately need to get back into it soon! #KCACOLS
I joined the gym this year and thought I would hate but I am LOVING it and feeling so much stronger! It’s quite addictive! #KCACOLS
You know what they say – a summer body is made in winter! #KCACOLS
I keep saying that I will get my fitness back on track but I am seriously lacking in motivation! It’s so hard when you’re so busy with a family to care for! #KCACOLS