A new year, time for a new you?

The holidays are a distant memory, you’re facing mounting deadlines and pressure at work and the stress levels are already building to unbearable levels. But you’ve got options here … you can either retreat into a bleak space and grind painfully through the rest of the year, or you can get your act together, get stronger, eat healthier and get in top shape for a great year ahead.

In the picture: Exercise, Umhlanga style. The 2011 Umhlanga Summer Carnival Trail run.

At The Ridge we’re firm believers in a fun, active, outdoorsy lifestyle. Just take a gander at the sensational environment we live in. You have no excuse, everyone can find an extra 30 minutes a day for exercise. Just think about all those happy endorphins you will be releasing into your body.

Here are some of our top exercise picks for 2012.

Surfing: A no-brainer, the ocean is there and it’s free. Beg, borrow or buy a board and get out there. Short boards, longboarding or SUP, it’s all good.

Swimming: Costume and goggles equals R300, the ocean’s free, swimming pools cost about R7.50 a session. Brilliant exercise that has very little negative impact on the body (just don’t swim into a pier).

Road running: Put on your takkies (and some shorts and a shirt, we hope) and go.

Trail running: Sessions weekly in Durban North. Get involved. See link for more info.

Cycling: On or off road there are plenty options in our area. Try hiring a bike from the Green Hub at the Umgeni River mouth. Cycle Durban’s stunning promenade.

Strength and flexibility 

Kettlebells is a mean, lean exercise regime

Kettlebells: Flux gym at Lincoln on the Lake. Build your strength, flexibility and endurance:

Boot camp for women: Regular sessions in Umhlanga, follow the link for more

Gym, pilates, spinning etc: Loads of gyms to choose from on The Ridge.

Walk: Our beachfronts (Umhlanga, Umdloti, Ballito etc) are in fine form, go out there and enjoy the world class environment.

Editor’s note: Try to exercise early in the morning or in the early evening, to avoid the worst of the summer heat. Eat properly and always drink plenty water or other fluids to maintain hydration.

Healthy eating 

So now you’ve got one key part of the puzzle sorted, let’s turn our attention to what we put into our bodies.

In the morning: Yoghurt, smoothies, cereal and fruit. Toast if you must, but try get something in there before you kick-start the day.

Treat yourself to colourful, healthy, wholesome salads for lunch

Lunchtime: Salads, pasta salads, fruit, energy bars, soup, sandwiches if you must have bread. Stay away from fast food at all costs. It’s really simple, actually, just remember that what you put in is what you get out. If you’re going to take part in some of the sporting activities mentioned above, then it will greatly help the cause if you eat well during the day. Eating smaller meals more often might be a good idea.

In the evening: Don’t overdo the red meat. Fish is brain and muscle food. Steamed or braaied chicken is fairly healthy. Vegetarian options, such as stir fries, stews, curries and salads are good alternatives. Again, forget about the junk food and rather look for freshly prepared, real, home-cooked food. Watch your energy levels soar.

For more healthy eating ideas click here

More healthy eating ideas here