
January is here…again. ‘Oh dear’ is the sentiment most feel the first week back at work after the Christmas holidays. A month or so of festive over-indulgence, mixed with a serious lack of any type of physical activity and extensive couch lounging, has us feeling pretty lethargic and majorly guilty in the New Year (doesn’t it every year?).
So, aside from trying a major detox for the month of January, giving up half way through and deciding your original diet of only one takeaway a week was totally fine, how else can you combat your sluggish couch demon?
This could well be the time to dust off the cobwebs and get outdoors for some (very) fresh British air. Why not try out a new sport and start 2013 with a bang, and very likely a few achy limbs…you’ll feel all the better for it!
Spoketacular
Last year cycling saw a surge in popularity following the Olympics and Wiggo’s success, so surely a few of you got a shiny new bike from Santa? Or were at least inspired to dust off the one in the garage? If so, when better to start your new healthy regime than in January?
Cycling to work regularly is a brilliant way to get in shape and save some pennies. Just be sure to wear a high visibility jacket on the roads…and of course a helmet! If a daily cycle isn’t possible, then a weekend trip is a great way to see some of our lovely countryside and escape the stresses of city life, plus you get to pack a picnic (who doesn’t love a picnic?). Ideal.
Powder Fun
If you are trying something new, why not go the whole hog and get out on the slopes? Skiing or snowboarding lessons are a fun way to spend your weekends if you get your friends/family involved. Dry slopes or indoor real snow slopes, like Snow Factor or Sno! Zone, offer reasonably priced introductory lessons whether you’re learning in a group or by yourself.
Get ready for a few bumps, bruises and tired legs…but it’s all worth it, you’ll be a pro by Easter and planning a holiday in the French Alps with all your ski/snowboard friends for next season.
Walking Wonderland
Discover the spectacular views the great British countryside has to offer, and get outdoors this year! This is the perfect time to start walking, you’ll probably get to see some snow-topped hills and use that expensive new camera you got for Christmas. Just make sure to wrap up and get layers on, as it might be cold when you set off, but you’ll soon warm up and want to ditch a fleece or the like.
Surf’s Up
If you’re brave enough, why not take the plunge and try surfing or open water swimming? Great workout for the arms, legs and core muscles…you just have to get used to the chilly UK waters.
As long as you are kitted out with a good wetsuit, a full length wetsuit is probably advisable at this time of year, and you take a change of clothes that you can throw on once you dry off you’ll be onto a winner.
An extra bonus is you can show off in your bikini/shorts when summer eventually comesand you have plenty of tekkers on the waves…Baywatch ahoy!
Become A Gym Bunny!
Of course, you don’t have to actually go outside to enjoy a new sport or get fit and sometimes the cold and dark can be a bit off-putting. It’s no surprise then, that you’ll find your gym mega busy at the start of the year. But if you can muster up the motivation to go and continue going even when others drop off, you’ll be sorted and you’ll obviously want to flaunt your awesome new gym gear…
So get outside, do something a bit different and blast those flabby Christmas glutes, and your 2013 will be a massive success…we promise!