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Step outside your comfort zone
The payoff
BODY: Confidence is like a muscle. Exercising it regularly will make you more likely to take on new challenges and, in turn, your fitness will skyrocket.
MIND: Breaking through the fear barrier is one of the best ways to build emotional grit, so when life gets tough you’ll have the strength to tackle it.
SOUL: Thanks to the endorphin surge, you’ll feel more alive, energised and joyful than you have in years.
Put it into action
1: Pick a goal. Think of something that you’ve always wanted to try like dancing or learning a new language. Voila!
2: Lead by example and let go of what others think. Rather than being shocked, they’ll likely admire you or wish they had the courage to take it on, too.
3: Remember that although stepping outside your comfort zone can be scary at times, according to Dr Susan Biali, the author of Live a Life You Love: 7 Steps to a Healthier, Happier, More Passionate You (Beaufort Books), the fulfilment you’ll experience from living authentically is more than worth it.
Focus on fun
The payoff
BODY: It’s a fact: enjoyable activities keep you motivated—which means you’ll make time for them, no matter how busy your schedule gets.
MIND: In just a matter of weeks you’ll be viewing exercise not as work but as time for yourself. Before you know it, it’ll become a habit and you’ll be addicted to the mental clarity it brings.
SOUL: The silliness and childlike fun will boost your spirits, topping up your emotional piggybank and your energy levels. A win-win!
Put it into action
1: Turn fitness into something to smile about with classes big on motivation, energy and fun, like salsa or Zumba.
2: Join an adult team in your favourite sport, whether it’s tennis, volleyball, soccer or Oztag. Working out in a group is proven to build your stamina, your fitness—and your social connections.
3: Book yourself into novelty races. Find a fun run near you at runcalendar.com.au. You’ll have such a good time, you won’t even realise you’re exercising.
Train for a challenge
The payoff
BODY: Training requires you to get focused and commit to regular workouts, helping to speed up your fitness results—and shatter any plateaus.
MIND: Trying new sports prevents boredom from setting in, making exercise instantly more enjoyable.
SOUL: You’ll feel unstoppable, driven and satisfied.
Put it into action
1: Triathlons not for you? No problem. Jump on the net and find an event that is, whether it’s a century bike ride (100km), a duathlon (no swimming) or even just your first 10km fun run.
2: Don’t like the idea of competitive racing? Find a local eight-week boot camp program or a 30- or 60-day yoga challenge and sign up, today.
3: If you prefer a solo challenge, revamp your usual strength-training routine by trying something new, like battle ropes or kettlebells.
Master something
The payoff
BODY: Regular practice will perfect your form and technique, taking your fitness to the next level, fast.
MIND: Memorising new moves and learning muscle groups helps to keep your brain sharp and flexible.
SOUL: Helping others grow and reach their own personal goals delivers true joy and a sense of accomplishment. Inner peace? Yes please!
Put it into action
1: Not ready for a full certification? Do a mini immersion and sign up to a weekend course instead. You’ll still reap the benefits.
2: Sites like yogaglo.com and dailyburn.com let you stream workouts from top instructors online. By practising daily, you automatically get better faster. Consistent practice is the way to go.
3: Strengthen your practice through study by reading books like Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health by B.K.S. Iyengar (DK Adult) or if you’re just starting out, Simply Pilates by Jennifer Pohlman (Hinkler Books).
