The holidays may have gone and past, but the extra weight we gained from the plentiful feasts and over indulgence is unfortunately still more than evident, especially as we try to squeeze ourselves into this season’s most popular trend: denim!
Here to help give us the best advice to keep fit in the new year and help shed those extra kilos for good, is Jeddah-based personal trainer and fitness consultant, Sherry Nassif. A former gymnast with more than 20 years’ experience in sports and physical education, Sherry shares three basic points that everyone should adopt in their resolutions to ensure a long and healthy life!
Stretch!
Everyday, preferably first thing in the morning, lightly stretch your muscles to increase your flexibility and mobility. Yoga poses, such as the sun salutations are perfect, as they will warm up the body, increase flexibility and improve breathing.
Move!
Just 30 minutes of cardio exercise, four times a week will strengthen your heart and lungs and help burn fat. Walk, cycle, jog, swim, kick box, play tennis — anything that elevates your heart rate! Also, try to increase your movement in general by taking the stairs up to your office, or walking up the escalators while shopping at the mall.
Lift!
Strength training two or three times a week will strengthen your bones, improve your muscle tone and burn calories. Alternate between focusing on your lower body — legs, thighs and glutes and bottom, and upper body — arms, chest, back and abs. As you get stronger and healthier, you’ll feel you can take on the world!
