Being in the business of wellness, I find that my clients often ask me what Shannon and I do to stay in shape. We’re human, too, so we can run up against the same problems you do – struggling to make the time to workout while juggling family and work or finding the motivation. But if there’s one thing about working out, it’s this: no matter how challenging it may be to put on your sweats and get to the gym or that class, once it’s over, you never regret it and you feel better than the moment before you began.
We’ve finally arrived at spring after a very long winter, so now is the time to start thinking about what you want to look like in your swimsuit and that family beach photo this summer. Here are 3 things you can do to help your body now. In helping your body, you’re helping your every aspect of your well-being, from inside to outside, head to toe.
FOOD: If you want to shed a few pounds, you can’t sit on the couch with chips and guac and a cup of hot cocoa. Clean out your cabinets so the temptation isn’t there, and restock with healthy snack options both at home and at the office. Dried fruits, nuts, healthy granola without any added sugar or oils, and any fruits that are in season are a great start. Start drinking more waterm to keep your body hyrdated and help it to flush out toxins. This will likely send you to the bathroom once an hour, but if you’re at home or work, that’s not a problem! Alcohol is full of calories and sugar, so if you’re going to imbibe, limit your intake, and keep it out of the home as well, for that work happy hour or cousin’s birthday.
WORKING OUT: If it’s too difficult to carve out dedicated time, start making the most of the moments of time you can grab; do some high powered walking for 15 minutes before sitting down to lunch. Ask a colleague to join you. Build up your stamina by adding an additional 5 minutes every week until you reach 40 minutes. If you’re going to binge watch your favorite sitcom at night, spend some time moving through a series of sit-ups, push-ups and stretches and ask your husband, wife or roommate to join you! Break up the exercises or rotate them so you don’t get burned out. Sign up for a class or runners group. If you make a financial or paper commitment, you’ll be more likely to honor it. And just like our article on the theme of the month at DASHA®, Rebirth, says, announce your goal to family and friends who can hold you accountable and check in with you: “I’d like to lose 15 pounds by the 4th of July.”
CLOTHES: Invest in a great pair of sneakers or shorts that will make your workout better. There’s a reason expressions about looking great while working out exist. If you feel good about the way you look, you’ll feel even better about the way you look after you work out in those great new sneakers. Similarly, buy one new item of summer clothing in the size you want to be, whether that’s a swimsuit, a pair of pants, a shirt or blouse. Hang it up where you can see it every morning.
Dedication to your fitness is a wellness prescription for your life. At DASHA®, we can support you by designing a customized fitness program that meets your interests, need and goals. Email us or call us now at 212-755-5500 to inquire!
DASHA® is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
