Admit it – losing weight and getting fit are probably the top goals in your New Year’s resolutions. However, it can be difficult to get into the groove especially if you do it alone. ArmyNavy got two members of its South Tri Team to give some useful tips on how you can get a head start on your goals and maintain your health and fitness all year round.
Tri-athletes Bea Azcuna and Vanessa Agdon know for fact that getting buff can be quite a feat for working pros with hectic lifestyles. After all, both are career women. Bea works for the Philippine Judicial Academy which trains justices, judges, those aspiring for judicial posts, and court personnel, while Vanessa is a fitness instructor. Together, these two ladies have come up with useful tips that you can incorporate in your day-to-day routine to bring you closer to your fitness goals.
Bottoms up! Make water your best friend. “I’m sure you’ve heard of this before, but it’s true; drink at least eight glasses of water per day. If you need a reminder, get a water flask and bring it with you 24/7,” shares Vanessa. “If your job requires you to travel, increase your intake as flying dries out your skin,” adds Bea.
Eat smart. Food choices matter, which is why you should “Avoid processed food and those with hidden sugars,” cautions Bea, who admits that she limits rice and pasta – although she has a “cheat day” which helps prevent the feeling of deprivation.
“It’ll help if you plan the kind of food you’ll eat according to the activities you’ll be engaging in throughout the day. Pack healthy snacks like fruits, nuts or granola bars in your purse or satchel to munch on when your schedule gets erratic,” Vanessa advises.
Sweat it out. Get those endorphins flowing. Bea runs three times a week and bike the rest of the days that she doesn’t (run), but you don’t have to train as hard. “Doing at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day works wonders!” she exclaims.
Vanessa, for her part, reiterates the importance of enrolling in a gym. “It’s provides added motivation, since this forces you to put in more effort compared to working out alone.”
Just remember though that good things never really come easy, and achieving your resolutions require wholehearted effort. But the rewards are great and transcend the physical, as it allows you to gain control of your personal life and help reduce stress in your work life, too.
“Looking and feeling good gives your confidence a boost. And generally, people who are confident in themselves also tend to better manage the stress they get from work,” says Bea. Vanessa concludes, “You’ll definitely face challenges. It’s difficult to start; much more to sustain your efforts, but think of the long-term benefits you’ll reap. The only way to do this is to keep at it.”
Formed in 2009 by a group of nine from spin class, the ArmyNavy South Tri Team has since grown to 40 members, all with the common goal to celebrate life and fitness through swimming, biking, and running. Composed of professionals from various fields who are mostly residents of Santa Rosa, Parañaque, and Alabang, the members come from varying age groups who all share a deep passion for multi-sport.
For more information, visit armynavyburgerburrito.com or Army Navy Burger Burrito Philippines on Facebook.
