I cannot begin to talk about the new year without first recognizing how the past couple of years have brought about a major disruption to all of us both professionally and personally. For some of us, it’s even more so true when it comes to the state of our health!
Many of us are now working at home and/or homeschooling, and what’s true for too many of us is we are not getting enough exercise. Plus, now it is winter in Chicago, which means we have an added layer against us: unsatisfactory weather.
Spending much of my time in the health and wellness industry, I have seen firsthand how the struggles listed above when coupled with unhealthy nutrition, the consumption of too much alcohol and sweets, and/or the neglect of mental health, will quickly combine and lead to feelings of depression or anxiety.
Eating properly and following a fitness routine is essential, andwill help your mind and body. As I say, whenever you know better, you do better. Here are some healthy tips as we welcome in 2022:
1. It doesn’t have to take all day. Even as our lives continue to evolve and change, one thing has remained: we are short on time! Instead of scratching out your workout plan, be strategic. Here are the best workouts to do in thirty minutes or less:
-HIIT classes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-Cardio dance workouts⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-CrossFit WOD⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-Running⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-Virtual personal training⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-Total body circuit⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
In these workouts, you'll burn calories, get a good stretch in, and you'll feel invigorated and pumped, ready to take on your day, week, year!
2. Rethink your workout space. Many people are reluctant to work out in their homes because they are not used to doing it.However, when we think outside the box, we can find many hidden spots perfect for our own personal gym. This fall, I challenged my clients to share with us their at-home workout space. Here are some creative ways to add some pizzazz:
- Design it with your favorite workout in mind. If you enjoy yoga, create a peaceful and serene home yoga studio. If you prefer lifting weights, search out a rustic spot that is well versed to hold a diversity of weights and equipment. This will not only motivate you to get your sweat on, but it will encourage you to move the way that makes you feel best.
- Get creative with the location. Do you have a basement that is collecting old boxes? What about an attic that can easily be converted into a personal gym with no commute? Even carving out a nook in your living room and having that be your own personal workout space is beneficial.
- Don’t forget to decorate! After all, this is your space. Add greenery, lights, or motivational posters. While this is the perfect opportunity to let your personality shine, you can also use decorations to make the space more workable. Are you working in a small room? Add mirrors to give it a more open feeling. Install shelves or hooks to hang equipment on the wall in creative ways.
3. It’s all about nutrition. I know we don’t like hearing this, but what we eat matters! You simply cannot work your way to a healthier you in 2022 if you are going to ignore the foods you choose.
Proper preparation of healthy meals, frequency of eating, and appropriate ingredients are all important factors. I recommend finding a convenient and easy nutrition plan through a nutritional coaching program to find the best plan for your individual needs.These are just a few of my favorite tips for 2022.
My goal in sharing this information is to inspire and assist the Chicago Real Producer community to take control of your health, to motivateyou, and to inspire change—not only in your health but every aspect of your life. I believe in myself, so I know I can believe in you. Here’s to a healthy 2022!
