2017 will be different for your fitness goals. Why? Because this year, it’s all about taking a holistic approach to your fitness routine. It’s not just about cardio and weight training. It’s about quieting your mind, challenging your body, feeling confident, proper recovery and eating the right foods to keep fueled. Here are our tips for a year stronger than ever before!
1. Get outside and take on winter sports
Winter doesn’t have to mean months of staying cooped up indoors, longing for warmer temps. Take your workout to the slopes and appreciate a whole new side of the season that’s fun, challenging and breathtakingly beautiful. Skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing are intense, heart-pumping workouts that definitely count as cardio, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.
If you live in a place warm enough for your favorite summer activities to be enjoyed year-round, then try challenging yourself to pick up a new active hobby during the winter months!
2. Fuel your body
We all know by now that a good diet is just as important, if not more, as exercise to create and maintain a balanced lifestyle. That means clean foods, lots of veggies, fewer processed products and feeding your body the right mix of nutrients to support your exercise regimen. That means a balance of sufficient protein. Enter, Ancient Harvest. All our products are loaded with ample protein from quinoa and lentils to keep you feeling strong and provide the nutrients that are crucial for recovery and muscle building. And we have tons of delicious, balanced, gluten-free recipes to put you on the right track for 2017.
3. Get the right gear
Don’t let the cold, sleet and snow scare you off—use them to your advantage! Say goodbye to long hours on the treadmill and embrace the winter elements. With the right gear, you can get your run in even on the coldest, wettest days. Light insulating jackets, long-sleeved shirts and pants come with a higher price tag, but they’re well worth the investment. Here are some of our favorites. And don’t forget ear-covering headbands and gloves—they’ll make your run exponentially more pleasant.
4. Sleep more
Experts’ orders: Americans should be sleeping more. The National Sleep Foundation recommends getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night—and it needs to be good quality sleep—in order to reap all the benefits. Sleep is crucial to metabolism, weight and cardiovascular health, and helping you recover from those grueling workouts. But everyone’s sleep needs are different, so it’s important to listen to your body and figure out the ideal amount you should be getting every night. Well, if the experts say so!
