If you’re putting off exercise because you can’t bear the thought of yourself in workout clothes, help is at hand. If you feel comfortable in what you wear, you’ll not only enjoy exercise so much more, but you’ll be more likely to stick with it. Accept that when you go to exercise you are doing it for your own benefit — not anyone else’s! So consider these pointers when choosing your workout wardrobe:
Good Shoes: Your One Must-Have
Whether you’re doing aerobics, playing sports or walking, it’s vital that you choose the right shoes for the activity — not the most attractive ones. Preserving your precious knees and ankles should be your number-one priority and it’s worth spending the majority of your budget on footwear. When shopping for shoes, visit a proper sports shop rather than a high-fashion outlet and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Good shoes are a long-term investment.
Start With the Basics
When it comes to choosing your workout clothes, you can be a bit more flexible and exercise your personal taste. But for your comfort and safety, here are a few wardrobe essentials to consider:
• Wear what you feel comfortable in, not what you feel you should wear.
• A layer of cotton (or other natural fiber) worn close to your body to ‘wick away’ moisture and preserve body heat, while preventing overheating.
• A medium-weight tracksuit top. Air conditioning can feel cold when you first enter the gym
• Reflective patches, if you’re going to be out walking, jogging or cycling at night.
Exercise Hint
Counting Steps
I always talk about brisk walking, but if you want to make sure you’re moving quickly enough during your walking exercise, try counting your steps. You don’t have to count for the duration of your walk, but take note of the number of steps you take in one minute. The minimum should be about 140 steps for a brisk walk. Count for one minute then rest for two minutes, or just check during random minutes throughout your walk. No time for a walk? Well even if you only do my Mini-Morning Workout every day that will be better than nothing. Just send a blank email to [email protected] for a free copy.
Recipe of the Week
Spinach Fettuccine with Artichokes
Serves 6
Ingredients
450 g spinach Fettuccine
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
900 g tinned artichokes, cut into 2 cm pieces
1 cup chopped tomatoes
salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped parsley
Method
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add Fettuccine and cook until al dente. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the artichokes and tomatoes, season with salt and pepper; cook for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain Fettuccine, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid. Return Fettuccine to the pot; toss with half the Parmesan cheese and the reserved cooking liquid. Add the artichoke mixture and toss again. Divide Fettuccine among 6 warm bowls and garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and parsley. Serve immediately.
Ask Alva
I’ve been riding an exercise bike for three months and am finally seeing results. However, my hips seem to be getting bigger and not smaller. Their curviness prevents me from fitting into smaller clothing sizes. What can I do to make them smaller? Maha
Do upper body exercises. It sounds strange, but weight training exercises for your upper body will help you increase your overall lean body mass, and you’re already giving your legs a thorough workout. Lifting weights will help you burn more calories throughout the day by raising your resting metabolism. This in turn will help you lose overall body fat, especially from your hips, where you seem to be storing the most fat. Weight training for your upper body will also help you pack a bigger punch. Just keep in mind that the only thing that is going to develop your muscles is weight training. And give yourself time to see a change in your body. Don’t be discouraged by hitting a plateau in your progress — just keep looking forwards. Alva
