How to tackle health and fitness going into the New Year
There is no better time to start leading a healthier lifestyle than now.
Ayanda Mchunu is a personal trainer who has been in the fitness and health industry for over seven years. He shares his fitness tips and how to live a better life starting with the new year.
What are your fitness resolutions as a trainer and as an individual?
“I never have resolutions because they are hard to stick to. I have seen this in both my personal and professional capacities. People who start the new year or a new season with resolutions usually don’t stick to them.
“It then contributes negatively to their mental health because they feel like failures for not achieving things. My best advice to anyone who wants to start exercising is to just start. Don’t think about it. Because the more you try to convince yourself the more you will delay and find reasons not to start.”
Are there fitness trends people should be looking to follow this year?
“The trend that seems to have stuck especially in the fitness and beauty industry is the summer body look that has women taking on a more hour-glass figure. This includes toned legs and arms, a small waist and a more rounded figure waist down. For the guys, it’s more of a defined body that looks natural but toned.”
When is the best time to start a fitness journey?
“The best time to start your journey into the newer and healthier you are today. Fitness and health are a lifestyle and not something to be taken lightly. Don’t wait to have a life-threatening illness or lifestyle disease such as high blood pressure to take better care of yourself. Prevention is better than the cure.”
People often struggle to afford the gym and the eating plans that accompany being active. What are the more affordable alternatives?
“With the cost of living going up daily, it is almost impossible to afford certain things. The problem is people regard health and fitness as a luxury and not a necessity. This often leads to things such as leisure and excessive spending on comfort food and unbudgeted things coming first to activities that are good for you such as the gym.
“Granted, the gym isn’t cheap, but it is a worthy investment. But for those who can’t afford it, exercise apps or YouTube videos are usually a good source of inspiration. Alternatively walking and running will always be recommended and the best part is that it’s free.
“When it comes to eating healthy, simple changes to your existing diet can be made until you can opt for healthier alternatives. Reducing the amount of sugar and salt you eat daily will make a difference. Also, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and limiting the number of times you eat junk food.”
What is your go-to exercise regimen that you swear by?
“Playing sports. It’s an all-around fitness regimen and it helps you connect with people.”
What are the best ways to stay fit in the new year?
“Do something that you’ve never done before. As long as you keep moving and you’re not in one place. That’s good enough for me.”
