We know how easy it is to become unmotivated and how easy it is to fall off the wagon during the winter months and we pay a heavy price for it come January or whenever we decide to jump back on. At Rebel Barre we try to offer classes that cater for the busy Christmas season and all the nights out and parties that can bring. We have added a 7am Wednesday morning class @urbanhealth and we have lots of other classes at various times and days. We are also delighted to announce we will be keeping a light schedule on during the holidays to keep those pounds at bay!
Now it is all too easy to convince ourselves that during these months we should relax and hibernate and although Orla and I think relaxation is an important component of a balanced lifestyle, it is crucial to keep on top of your training during winter. In fact it's probably more important than working out during the summer because we slow down, we start to eat more, we have more nights out and we spend a little more time on the couch and in our beds. This is not only a nightmare for your skinny jeans or our little black dress but it also wreaks havoc with your health and wellbeing.
The biggest obstacle for not coming to class is often the weather. The weather, come on are we really going to go there with the weather, it's freezing, it's raining, it's dark, it's windy, so what we have to combat the urge to use weather as an excuse. Ireland is constantly ‘surprising’ us with all sorts of weather disasters so let's get prepared and not get downtrodden every time we see a grey cloud. Bringthe right clothes, leave a kit bag at work and at home, try to prepare meals so we don't have to leave the office for lunch if the weather is unusually mental and most of all don't skip your workouts we can't let the weather prevent us from that, if you have a habit of using the weather as an excuse than try and change it, catch yourself and others using it and check yourself and them. Set a goal whether that's a couple ofclasses per week, running for 20 minutes, losing a couple of pounds or just needing more energy, whatever you want you can have but you mustn't make excuses about why you can't have it. If you ever need any help or advice shoot us an email and if either of us can help we will!
As we all know well exercise boosts your energy, increases productivity and keeps you looking and feeling great. Here are my top 3 reasons for keeping fit over the winter months:
1. Boost your immune system
Regular workouts along with lots of vitamin laden foods will help keep colds and flus away as well as maintaining a strong and healthy immune system.
2. Stay trim and burn calories
Stay in shape during Christmas and you won't have to kill yourself trying to get ready for summer! It's not healthy for your body to yo-yo in weight so stay active and eat plenty of vegetables, Organicproteins, fruits, nuts and whole grain foods. Comfort food doesn't have to be terribly unhealthy so look for alternatives and don't scrimp your workouts! We’re not saying bury the cadburys roses down the back of the garden to stop yourself from horsing them down but keep your workouts frequent and the treats at a minimum and you'll be fine. Our barre classes can burn up to 500 calories!
3. Improve your mood
It's all too easy to feel down or run-down at this time of year so get your energy boosts when and where you can whether it's a barre class or simply finding 20-30 minutes in the day for an activity like a walk/jog or home workout. You'll feel so much better. Remember exercise releases endorphins which make us feel happy so beat those winter blues by staying active. Also eating warming wholesome foods will make a difference, I'm not a fan of eating cold foods when it's cold out. Choose something warm and comforting like a vegetable stew, fish and steamed vegetables or homemade soup!
So there you go gang, hope this helps and look forward to burning up the floor in class.
Jade xx