Revealed! Top tips to kickstart your healthy journey

You've made a choice to get healthier. Now what? Let these top tips from Vitality experts guide you on your way.

Start strong. Stay strong.

You know that 30 minutes of moderate exercise like walking, running, cycling or swimming can strengthen your immune system, help you sleep better, boost your mood and reduce stress and anxiety. You also have loads of simple and free workouts you can do to stay active.

But how do you stick to your exercise goals when life gets in the way? It's simple. You live life with Vitality every single day.

1. Get a workout buddy or join a team.
   
   Behavioural research shows that training with an emotionally supportive workout buddy or in a group taps into our human desire for approval and our capacity to motivate others.
   
   Joining group events like a parkrun can serve as powerful motivation to keep going when everyday training gets tough. So, commit to moving more today by grabbing yourself a workout buddy or joining a running or cycling club.
   • Bonus tip: How to pick the perfect running partner
2. Put out your workout clothes the night before.
   
   Did you know that your exercise clothes can motivate you to keep moving? Your workout gear is a reminder or a contextual clue that it's time to exercise now.
   
   So, make it the first thing you see when you wake up in the morning. Plus, invest in good quality sports gear like the right shoes or a sturdy sports bra to feel safe, confident and supported during your workout.
3. Take advantage of gym discounts.
   
   One of the easiest ways to commit to your fitness is to join a gym. It's quick and easy, and you don't have to buy any special equipment. If you're a newbie, you'll quickly learn the ropes in structured classes or from professional gym trainers. Plus, exercising with people who love their workouts can be a great motivator, too.
   
   So! How do you take advantage of gym discounts? By joining the gym with Vitality. Vitality members can now join the gym, save 75% every month for a club membership, and pay an amazing flat activation fee of only R499 for any gym membership at any Virgin Active or Planet Fitness
   Now there's a great reason to move!

Take time to rest and practise self-care

Rest days are a vital part of building strength and stamina. In fact, the word 'REST' stands for:

• R - recover
• E - eat
• S - sleep
• T - time to heal and grow

While you can go hard at the gym, remember to be kind to your body by giving it enough rest and tender loving care. Make sure you put lots of love into your body with nourishing, healthy foods and by choosing healthier meals when you eat out or dine in.

Breathe. And prioritise your mental health

Your mental wellbeing should always be at the top of your to-do list. Take a deep breath in and a long breath out, and then:

1. Do a mental wellbeing assessment to find out which areas of your wellbeing may need a little help.
2. Set mental wellbeing goals for yourself, like being mindful every day and getting enough sleep.
3. Spend more time in nature and combine it with a physical activity like mountain biking. Added bonus? Mountain biking can boost your memory.
4. Do something you love like listening to music, watching your favourite shows or cooking a healthy meal with people you love.
5. Give back. There's nothing more fulfilling than being kind to others and feeling that you're making a difference in the world.

Finally, a message from a two-year-old when asked what's the first rule in life:

"Don't panic. Have fun!"

Live life with Vitality

At Discovery Vitality, we understand that making healthy choices isn't always easy. That's why we love rewarding you for living a healthier and active lifestyle.