It’s the New Year once again, and with it comes lofty promises to eat well, get fit and cut back on vices like spending hours grooming your beard and binge watching Netflix. But have no fear, we’re going to arm you with some easy to implement tips which are going to give you real results.
You don’t need a life coach or cheerleading squad in order to get results. Joking aside, we have carefully selected great tips, including some pointers from our resident Champions Olympic medalist Adam Kreek and CFL star Shea Emry to make things easier!
1. Move a little
If you need a kickstart, park your car further away from work or take the stairs instead of the elevator a couple of times a week. If you’re ready for more, aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day. A brisk walk or doing some at-home jumping jacks, push-ups and sit-ups count towards your exercise quota.
2. Get some ZZZs
“Proper sleep can be your secret weapon,” says Olympic champion Adam Kreek. Avoid food within four hours of shuteye, and aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep to feel your best. Check out more of Adam’s sleep tips here.
3. Try a food swap
There’s more to life than giving up your favourite meals for salad. Trading one bad food for something healthier can go a long way to improving your body and mindset. Over a period of time, your body will crave the more nutritious option and phase the others out (don’t knock it until you try it, it actually works!).
4. Hydrate between drinks
After New Year’s Eve, you may be on a week-long (or, for some of you, a month-long) detox. But don’t let a bad hangover be your only motivation to lay off booze. Did you know that guys who consume more than 10 bevvies a week are doubling their risk of developing type 2 diabetes? Most guys are also dehydrated, so swap the beer for a pint of water every so often, and your body will thank you.
5. Laugh it out
Be open, laugh, and share what’s real and relevant in your life with your buddies to shrug off everyday stress. “Vulnerability does not expose weakness, but rather strength – and men need to find the courage to show it in order to live better lives,” explains Champion Shea Emry.
Regular blood pressure checks are a good idea too! Then if you see that your blood pressure is too high for too long it’s time to see your doctor. That’s true for men and women.