Many of us will be starting the New Year feeling too full of Christmas cheer and wondering how we’ll ever shed those excess pounds. The New Year’s resolution to be healthy is the most popular among UK residents. In a survey of the UK’s top ten resolutions, the top three involve our health.
According to research, the number one priority is healthy eating, with 71% of people resolving to go on a diet or eat more healthily in general. The next top resolution is getting fit, with 65% of people vowing to join a gym or exercise more and 54% resolving to lose weight.
Gyms in the UK experience a boom in memberships every January as people flock in, filled with New Year enthusiasm, but for many of us, this is short-lived. Around 14% of the new starters have already given up on their fitness ambitions just eight weeks later!
Physical and mental health
Getting (and staying) fit actively reduces the risk of developing heart disease. When you’re overweight, you’re more at risk.
Giving up on a New Year fitness regime is bad news not only for our physical health but also for our mental wellbeing. Exercise makes people feel good because it releases mood-lifting chemicals, such as endorphins and serotonin, into the body.
Exercising regularly can help to reduce stress and the symptoms of mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. This is why it’s doubly important not to let your healthy new year resolutions fade before the end of February! So, how can people help to keep those resolutions going throughout 2020?
Eating and exercise
The benefits of eating healthily can’t be ignored. Doctors advise eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, as they are a good source of vitamins, fibre and minerals. The recommended intake of fibre per day for an adult is 30 grams. Also, cut down on salt and saturated fats in your diet.
When it comes to exercise, vary your routine so it doesn’t get boring. If you’re going to the gym and doing exactly the same routine every day, you can lose enthusiasm through boredom. Try circuit training so you’re doing several different disciplines, or get a gym buddy to go with you and encourage each other to keep going when you’re flagging.
Spa treatments
When you’re working out at a leisure centre, try incorporating a spa treatment into your visit. As well as the health benefits, it can become more of a social event to enjoy with a friend, which will encourage you to return to repeat the experience.
Having a spa treatment offers its own positives. It goes without saying that it helps to de-stress you and is a fabulous way to relax. The feeling of relaxation can promote better sleep. It can also relieve aches and pains, improve blood flow and circulation, help to prevent varicose veins and increase your feelings of happiness.
A spa treatment offers something for everyone, whether you simply want a relaxing massage, or you fancy trying a more unusual or specialist treatment. It can help boost your feelings of health and happiness, remaining a staple of your new year health regime that extends throughout 2020.
Crown Sports Lockers provides a range of bespoke lockers suitable for spas and leisure centres.
Our self-install and bespoke spa treatment room furniture will enhance any facility. Please contact us for further details of our products and services.