Mel B’s fitness tips for a happy healthy life
Thursday 02 December 2010
Have you seen Spice Girl Mel B’s bod? If so, then no doubt you’re wondering how she does it, we certainly are! That is why we asked the 32-year-old former Ultimo lingerie model to give us her best tips for a sexy figure this Christmas and New Year. And, refreshingly, they aren't to eat like a rabbit and exercise all-day long; but rather sensible realistic tips that are easy for everyone to incorporate into their everyday lives. Now that makes a change. Check them out below!
Ø Make your workout part of your lifestyle. Keep your metabolism revving by exercising 10-30 minutes 3-4 times a week.
Ø Do It for Your Health. Exercise is about more than just losing weight. Recognizing the life-saving role of exercise can keep you motivated.
Ø Don’t expect too much too soon. Small and frequent activities help you obtain your goals.
Ø Make daily notes. Research has shown that keeping track of your daily exercise and food intake will increase the likelihood of success. “Get Fit With Mel B” makes it simplier allowing you to follow your own customized fitness&nutritional program.
Ø Reward yourself. A new pair of jeans, shoes or whatever motivates you. You deserve this kind of treatment when you reach your goals.
Ø Train after lunch. A brisk stroll after you've eaten lunch and before you start your afternoon's work could be a great way to raise your metabolism, stimulate digestion, clear your head and avoid that post-lunchtime energy slump.
Ø Never do the same workout twice in a row. Always switch around. It keeps it interesting and your body has time to recover.
Ø Stretch. Post-exercise stretches offer several benefits: they prevent soreness, increase your flexibility and may shorten your recovery time. As usual, start with light exercises and do not exceed with the efforts!
Ø Use accessories. For example, try resistance bands. Pulling on these lightweight, stretchy rubber tubes gives your muscles a workout. As a bonus, they're convenient for travel.
Ø Have fun. Exercise should be fun. If it isn’t, try a different kind of activity that you enjoy. As long as you’re moving, it’s good for you.
Ø Make exercise a social thing. Instead of many social interactions involving fatty food, alcohol or passive activities, plan a bike ride, a game or a run with friends.
Ø Don't skip breakfast. Research shows that the most successful "losers" never skip it. Try to keep it balanced and remember that the earlier you wake up and eat breakfast, the quicker your metabolism kicks in!
Ø Eat complete meals. People in good health should ideally eat meals including all three basic food groups: carbohydrates, healthy fats and protein. Your body uses all three to effectively absorb the nutrients it needs.
Ø Eat Slowly. It takes about 10 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain that it has had enough. Eat slowly, chewing your food well so you don't eat more than you need to.
Ø Stop the late-night eating. If you eat a lot of excess calories after 9 p.m., you wear them the next morning.
Ø Hydrate. Drink 2 cups of water two hours before you exercise, a cup right before you start, and a cup every 15 minutes during your workout.
Ø Sleep. 6 hours sleep will allow you to burn around 300kcal without any effort!
Ø Use the Internet. Use Facebook or other social networking sites for inspiration by updating your status when you've completed your workout.
Ø Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. This helps you to recover from all the noise of our hectic lives.
Ø Remember that 3 hours of cooking equal to 300kcal burned. Organise a few dinner parties, prepare a BBQ, or bake your way through those cookbooks that you received as a Xmas present, but have never been used!
Ø Live with the 3 E's. Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
Ø Stay positive and don’t take yourself too seriously. Smile and laugh more, especially when you are training!
For more information on Get Fit With Mel B visit the website www.getfitwithmelb.com