Fitness life hacks

By Kody Galea 
Everybody (including fitness instructors) knows how it feels to get stuck in a fitness rut. There are so many factors that play into our ability to exercise, and the most important thing to remember is that it will always ebb and flow, and that is a-ok! So, whether you’ve been a little time poor, celebrating your birthday all week (like me), or just bored with your current regime, here are some tips to get moving again!

Set walking dates​

Next time you’re catching up with a friend, ask them if they want to go for a walk (or ride) around a local park, beach or river. It’s a great way to socialise, stay fit and to enjoy the positive effects of nature together. If brunch is your thing, use it as a way to digest, or grab a coffee to go! ​
more from the November publication

Incidental exercise wins every time​

When can you walk (or ride) to work, transport or school? Can you park your car a little further? Take steps instead of the lift? Everything adds up. In fact, sometimes these little spurts of movement add up to a bigger workout than anything else you do in the day.

Act like a kid

Remember when you were a kid and all you wanted to do was run around playing chasey, ride your bike and swing on the monkey bars? Fun fact: adults can do everything kids can do too! So, head down to your local park, play sports with your friends and family, swing around on the playground and remember to HAVE FUN! Bonus points if you have or can borrow a kid to help you out with this one!​

Take your reading on the go​

One of my favourite things to do is listen to a podcast or audiobook while I walk (you can pick your favourite way to move). It’s a great way to enjoy nature, soak up some vitamin D, and feed your mind while you exercise your body. If you work or study near a nice park, it’s a great way to boost your lunch break!

Schedule, schedule, schedule​

Whether you’re suffering from a lack of time or lack of motivation, it can never hurt to book in your workouts. Add in your walking dates, fitness classes, walks and playtime to your diary or calendar. And don’t forget, these meetings are important, make them your non-negotiable time for self-care!

Just keep moving, moving, moving

Household chores may already be a decent workout, but can you add in some squats while you wait for your oven timer? Push-ups between Netflix episodes, hang the washing out instead of using the dryer, roll out some fresh dough or practise some handstands against the wall. Home is somewhere you likely spend a fair bit of your non-working hours, so get creative!