5 Healthy Rewards For Hitting The Gym
If you have recently embarked on a fitness journey, no doubt you will have discovered that it takes mental as well as physical willpower to stay the course. Half the battle can be just getting your kit on and showing up, especially in the winter when it seems so tempting to retreat to the sofa with a few treats.
However, the effort is well worth it as you meet your fitness goals and improve your overall sense of wellbeing. Sometimes we deserve some reward for our efforts, to celebrate what we have achieved and to keep us motivated to carry on. Here are some suggestions that are enjoyable but won’t undo all of that hard work!
Have your favourite food
If you are regularly hitting the gym you may also be keeping an eye on your diet and sticking to healthy food options, which is very sensible. However, it’s OK to have a treat now and then if you love foods such as chocolates, biscuits or chips.
If you completely deny yourself food that you love, you can end up giving in to cravings and having a guilty binge, followed by a sense of failure. The key is moderation in all things, so allow yourself a planned treat every now and then. If you are worried about overindulging, top up with a hydration drink first to help you feel fuller.
Buy some new workout gear
Having the right fitness equipment not only makes you feel great about the way you look, but also enhances your performance. For example, if you want to treat yourself to some new running shoes, track down a specialist shop where the staff will measure your feet and watch your running action on a treadmill to ascertain exactly what type of shoe will suit you best.
Alternatively, if you have dropped a clothes size thanks to your workouts, treat yourself to a new fashionable item for your wardrobe.
Have a pampering session
Working out makes you feel great, and this deserves rewarding with some serious self-care. If you want to go all-out, book yourself a spa day for the treatment of your choice, such as a relaxing deep tissue massage, a rejuvenating sauna session, or a skin therapy to give you a radiant glow.
Take it easy
Rest and recovery time is important when we are putting extra demands on our body. Give yourself a break with a long lie in or an afternoon with a good book or some box sets. This gives your muscles a chance to recover and allows you to recharge your mental batteries.
Get out and about
The gym is an excellent place for an all-round workout whatever the weather, but getting some fresh air and new sights and sounds is also important. Plan an outdoor activity such as a hike or a bike ride to change things up a little and vary your routine. You can combine this with some socialising if you want to catch up with friends or meet new people.
