As Melburnians emerge from a frosty winter and spring begins to dawn, many may begin to wonder how to reinvigorate themselves for the summer ahead. Aside from a need to shift pesky seasonal kilos, the passing of winter normally leaves many feeling lethargic.
But with a new season comes new opportunity and Melbourne has everything you need to carry you through this period of transition.
Here are some useful ways you can milk all Melbourne has to offer on your fitness journey.
Run in style
Running in winter is one of the hardest activities to self-motivate. The thought of dragging bones out of bed when the sun is yet to come up and the temperature is near-zero is a mean feat. But warmer weather and earlier sunrises can put an end to this. Melbourne has a litany of parks and gardens that make running a picturesque adventure, rather than a monotonous chore (treadmills are never the way to go, ever).
Running not only increases your happiness levels, as most exercise does, but it is one of the most effective ways to burn calories. And if you go on a quick run before breakfast, your body will utilise body fat for energy, meaning those kilos will drop off at a faster rate. So pull on your Asics – leave the Nikes for less strenuous exercise – and go for a jog. That sloth-like feeling you’re carrying will be banished very quickly.
KEY TIP: Melbourne hosts a number of charity runs throughout the year, which can provide great running motivation. Sign up to one a couple of months out and pay the registration fee instantly. It will bind you to the commitment and ensure you maintain your practice.
Charity runs can provide great motivation for fitness goals. Photo: Chris Phutully via Flickr
- Places to try:
The Tan Running Track, Royal Botanical Gardens, Southbank
Bolte Bolt, Docklands
Treasury Gardens, East Melbourne
Become a yogini
For many, yoga has been viewed as a way to unwind, find inner peace and channel a higher being. For many others, it’s just plain boring. But yoga is now recognised as one of the best ways to build lean, strong muscle, given its reliance on repeated body weight exercises – the best proven way to gain muscle. So drop those dumbbells and join one of the many yoga studios peppered around Melbourne. It may not be the cheapest membership going around, but you will certainly reap the rewards from your investment. FYI – yogini is a term given to the less experienced yogi. Keep up the practice and you’ll be a yogi in no time.
KEY TIP: Opt for the vinyasa or power flow classes if you are looking for a more intense work out. If you are still one of those yogis who focuses on the meditative sides of things, the yin practice is the way to go.
Ommmm no more. Yoga is the the way to go to build lean muscle. Light Space Yoga by Catherine Durkin
- Places to try:
Light Space Yoga, Belmore Rd, North Balwyn/ Whitehorse Rd, Mitcham
213 Yoga, Chapel St, South Yarra
One Hot Yoga, Chapel St, South Yarra
Nourish, nourish, NOURISH
A healthy diet is not only the key to shedding kilos, it also gives you more energy to do all the fun activities you’re now packing into your day. Foods high in added sugar or saturated fat may instantly satisfy you and provide a quick burst of energy, but they will plummet your blood sugar levels just as quickly as they raised them, leaving you feeling sluggish and tired. Not to mention they turn quickly into body fat if the energy they provide isn’t burnt off immediately with intensive exercise.
So, eat a plethora of fruits and vegetables, as well as a mix of whole grains and complex carbs. These foods will provide sugars which are slow burning, meaning they will keep you energised for longer and won’t turn to fat anywhere nearly as quickly as those high-sugar nasties. Proteins are also essential in building muscle and sustaining you throughout the day. Melbourne is packed with fresh grocers and markets which hold all the necessary nutritious goodies which will fuel your new lifestyle.
The Queen Victoria Market is just one of many fresh food havens Melbourne has to offer. Factoids via Flickr
- Places to try:
Toscanos, High St, Kew/ Victoria Gardens, Richmond/ Toorak Rd, Hawksburn
Queen Victoria Market, Elizabeth St, Melbourne
Prahan Market, Commercial Rd, South Yarra
Swimming, minus the kid pee
If you’re looking to increase your aerobic capacity, swimming is a fantastic way to do it. It also works practically every muscle in your body, meaning you are increasing muscle mass. Increased muscle mass allows your body to continue burning calories even when you’re sitting still. But your local recreational centre may not be the ideal place to do it.
Steer clear of the places you may have gone to when you were first learning to swim and look to places that are predominately adults-only. A fun fact for you – the stronger the smell of chlorine when you walk into a swimming facility, the higher the chance the water you are about to plunge into is mixed with all sorts of human nasties. Chlorine doesn’t actually have a smell – what does smell is the reaction between the chemical and bacteria.
KEY TIP: If you keep up the swimming through the spring and into the summer, maybe think about venturing down the coast and participating in one of the various ocean swims which take place throughout January. Some to consider include the Portsea Classic or the Lorne Pier to Pub.
Be discerning where you swim. Rexness via Flickr
- Places to try:
The Stephenson Centre, Xavier College, Kew
Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Albert Park, South Melbourne
The Melbourne Baths, Swanston St, Carlton
Lead image: Alex Proimos via Flickr
