It's National Fitness Day, so, to help you on your journey to better health and driving excellence, here are some top tips and gadgets that are sure to keep you motivated and keep you safe while doing it.
Little known fact, Formula 1 drivers are some of the most athletic sportsmen and women on the planet. Despite ‘only driving cars’, they commit to a ridiculous regime of working out, healthy eating and mental strengthening and well-being.
Now, shocking as it may be, we are not all Formula 1 drivers, but that doesn’t mean we can’t follow their example and get ourselves into better shape; not only will it make us healthier, but it might also make us better drivers.
Safety
Before starting on your voyage of fitness supremacy, it’s best to make sure that you are staying safe while you do it. This can be split into two main categories: understanding your body’s limits and remaining aware of your surroundings.
The first category is probably the hardest – there is no set limit for every person, we are all different, so different exercises will have varying effects on our bodies. However, there are a few universal tips that should always be remembered.
Stay hydrated
It doesn’t matter what you decide to do exercise-wise, if you are working hard, you are going to need to drink water, lots and lots of water, to replace that lost fluid. However, don’t just drink once you’re done, you should be drinking plenty of water before, during (if possible) and after the exercise. To help you reach your hydration quota, a water bottle is an absolutely essential piece of kit, and one of the easiest to get. However, if lugging around a 2-litre monster is too much hassle, the Autopart’s Mini Water Bottle 700ml may be more your speed. However you do it though, make sure you stay hydrated.
Give it a rest!
Another part of understanding your body’s limits is knowing when to rest. It’s all very good to start off training full of mustard, but if you end up overdoing it on day two and you can’t move for a week and a half, it’s not much use for anyone. Building fitness, at its essence, is about breaking down your muscles and allowing them to rebuild stronger than before. If you don’t give your body the chance to rest, you never rebuild those muscles and you just end up hurting yourself. Give yourself rest days and take your time building up your training regime, this is just as important as the exercise itself!
Visibility is key
If your chosen exercise involves the wide world, such as road running or cycling out in public, you need to make sure you are aware of your surroundings as you go. It can be tempting to throw caution to the wind when chasing a personal best time, but safety should always remain your top priority. For example, it’s a good idea to keep one headphone out to help hear traffic and to stick to routes you are familiar with and know are safe.
Of course, it also pays to invest in some hi-vis equipment, as, in a worse-case situation, if you don’t notice a driver, at least they will notice you! There are plenty of options to choose from depending on your exercise, but something like the AA Car Essentials Hi-Vis Safety Vest Pack, or this Hi-Vis Reflective Rucksack Cover offer plenty of visibility options.
Gadgets
Personally, the bit I enjoy most about starting to train again is finding fun new gadgets to help inspire me. Is this a reliable or healthy way to motivate yourself to get fit? Probably not, but I do find a shiny new piece of kit is the best way to get me out on the road again.
Wireless headphones
One of the big drawbacks to exercising is trying to find some headphones that don’t constantly pop out your ears while you’re out and about. If you also have this issue, then the Bitmore Flexi Wireless Headphones are the answer to your prayers. Comfortable, reliable, and they don’t cost an arm and leg, these fantastic headphones will keep you supplied with banging tunes (or podcasts if that’s your thing) every step of the way.
Bluetooth Activity Watch
Exercise is just one part of the battle when it comes to a healthy lifestyle – nutrition is equally important. But it can be tricky to keep track of everything or know what your best options are. That’s where the Healthspan STYR NutriCoach Bluetooth Activity Watch comes in. Pairing with your iPhone or Android phone through a free app, this handy gadget helps keep you on track with expert suggestions and advice while monitoring your day-to-day activity. And, even better, it’s an absolute bargain gadget, with a great battery life and pretty stylish to boot.
Bikes
For any level of fitness, cycling is a fantastic option, but it can be a bit daunting knowing where to start in terms of kit. Thankfully, the Autoparts store has everything you could ever need to start your cycling regime. From bikes to safety kit and anything in-between, you can find everything in one spot at prices you’ll love.
Check it out for yourself:
Portable Hand-Held Muscle Relief Massage Gun
Finally, the most important part of any exercise regime – the resting. There are lots of ways to maximise your rest-time. Hot baths are a great idea, hot water bottles, or even just not moving, really anything that helps with the muscle ache. However, if you’re a fan of massages but your significant other refuses to give them on demand, then you need the Massage Gun Hand-Held Portable Muscle Relief Adjustable Device from Autoparts. With 20 levels of intensity offering deep muscle relief, you’ll be wanting to go out for runs just so you’ll have an excuse to use it.
So happy trails, and remember to stay safe with whatever exercise you decide to indulge in.
If you enjoyed this blog, you might also enjoy reading:
- The best bikes from Autoparts
- Learning to ride a bike: Top tips for children and adults
- Top tips for looking after your bike
Header image credit: Pixabay via Pexels.com
