In the new year we naturally start to think about new beginnings, a fresh start, and ways to start improving ourselves. Then, we’re confronted with the daunting task of doing something to get active or pursue self-care.
Have no fear, local Waterdown Village fitness and training experts are ready to help you kick your new year into high gear!
Keep Moving
When it’s cold outside it can be challenging to make motion happen; you would much rather stay warm and cozy indoors!
That’s where the convenience of a downtown gym like Free2Be Fitness comes in. Can’t ride a bike in the slushy streets? Hop on a stationary cycle and pedal till your heart(rate)’s content.
Finding it difficult to run in your winter boots? Get your run in, on an indoor treadmill. In addition to membership, Free2Be offers classes to stay active and motivated with like-minded peers and energetic instructors.
Find Balance
Yoga is different from other types of exercise because it focuses on the unity of the mind, body, and spirit. It can help you develop inner awareness, improve your mood, and achieve a balance between physical fitness and mental stability.
Owner and instructor at Bound Yoga, Eli has some tips to avoid burnout and recharge your immune system with Yoga:
Active Yoga styles like vinyasa will promote circulation, giving you energy and encouraging healing.
Restful practices like restorative Yoga can help bring balance (sattva) to your being, especially after the overwhelm of the holidays.
Kick it Up a Notch
Ready to try something new? Martial arts offer a unique mixture of physical activity and mental discipline, while also teaching self-defence. Prolonged pursuit of this life-skill is sure to boost self-confidence and awareness.
Here are some tips from Master Sarah at OMAC Waterdown:
OMAC offers ongoing intake Teen/Adult Taekwondo classes. It's never too late to try something new and get in shape, regardless of your level.
Classes are indoors, so you can benefit from training year-round without worrying about the cold or inclement weather.
Don't try to tough winter out on your own. Strong connections are very important to beat the winter blahs. The OMAC family works together as a team to have fun and encourage each other through challenges.
Relax with some ‘me’ time
Once you’re all done working out, it’s important to take time to relax and recharge.
Visit a local RMT (Registered Massage Therapist) to help you release any built-up muscle tension.
Feel the serenity from the moment you step into a studio like OM Massage and Wellness, with fresh plant vibes and calming long-toned music and nature sounds.
Some tips from clinic owner Rebecca:
Winter blahs are real! Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in Canada as we have short days with minimal sunshine in the winter months. Sunshine and enough of certain foods are what we need to keep our levels at an ideal range. Vitamin D deficiency can present as feeling more tired than usual, trouble sleeping, pale skin, hair loss, muscle weakness and in other not-so-fun ways.
Our Naturopathic Doctors at OM will test your vitamin D levels and help bring them back to their ideal levels quickly and easily while supporting your health in all areas along the way. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.
Motion is lotion! It's important to keep moving throughout the year, even when you'd rather stay inside. A great treatment combination at OM is a physiotherapy appointment to get a custom exercise plan designed for your body, and a massage or osteopathy appointment to fine tune your body head to toe.
You need to keep moving, especially as your body is aging, to maintain muscle that you've got, and ideally build more. Muscle on your body is what keeps you warm, agile and ready to bundle up and go for a walk on a brisk sunny day. If you live close enough, walk over to OM and visit, we always have a bowl of chocolate at the desk waiting for you.
Enjoy winter and thrive, with these tips from your neighbourhood businesses in the Village. You can have it all in Waterdown Village.
