Joe Wicks’ guide to staying healthy after lockdown

Lockdown has been tough, but if anything comes from it, hopefully it has given us a timely reminder to get active and look after our minds. 

Hands up if you joined in with the ‘nation’s PE teacher’ Joe Wicks at some point during lockdown? With around 2 million people streaming each daily workout, you’re probably at least aware of Joe’s new status as the man getting everyone off the sofa despite schools and gyms being closed. 

He’s collaborated with food box creators Gousto after a study by the company found that 58% of Brits have made a conscious effort to get active during lockdown – and now Joe is sharing his tips on how to keep up the motivation into the summer.

*disclaimer – this post is in conjunction with Gousto and Joe Wicks, although we didn’t receive payment or anything in return – we just like his tips.

8 Tips For Staying Healthy This Summer From Joe Wicks

It’s an uncertain time for everyone at the moment, so it can be really difficult to put your mental and physical wellbeing first. My top tips for you this summer are all about making long-term lifestyle changes.

There are loads of amazing activities people have been getting involved in during lockdown, with more people cooking and walking than ever before, and there’s no reason why this should change.

But equally, if you’re someone who’s struggled to find a healthy balance during this time, I hope these tips will get you going.

Give them a go and they’ll transform how healthy you are and how you feel physically and mentally.

Make the most of your home

You don’t need a gym or lots of equipment to get fit and healthy. Lots of people have been getting creative and finding space at home for exercise.

I’ve always believed in the power of home workouts because it’s so much easier to maintain a daily routine when you’re exercising on your own terms. I’m a big fan of HIIT training and you can do it anywhere; at home, in the garden or even in the park.

Rise and shine

I love to exercise first thing in the morning. It wakes me up, boosts my energy and sets me up to win the day. It’s also a perfect way to make the most of the longer days.

Plan your workouts in advance and try and stick to them like appointments you can’t miss. 

If you can’t train in the morning, that’s fine, it’s all about finding what works for you. Remember, whatever time of day you exercise, it’s going to make you feel awesome both physically and mentally.

Keep cooking

Cooking at home with fresh ingredients means you know what’s going into your food. You can have loads of fun experimenting with different recipes and that’s one of the things I love about Gousto. You have 50 recipes at your fingertips every week, including four from my new Lean in 15 range.

The new recipes combine high carb, post workout recipes with low carb recipes for less active days, so there’s always a banging, balanced recipe to try. 

Try some new recipes to keep things interesting – there are loads of good recipes on the web, and cookbooks are fairly inexpensive.

Make exercise fun

Exercise should be fun, not something you dread. We’ve all found new ways to workout during lockdown and most don’t need equipment, or even much time.

Put some fun into your routine: do a HIIT workout in the front room, walk a new route, offer to walk a neighbour’s dog or go for a run with someone from your household.

It doesn’t matter what exercise you do, find something you enjoy and you’ll find it much easier to stick to. 

Get some fresh air

I love getting outside and going for a long walk in the summer. We’re all finding a new appreciation for getting outside, so try to keep that going as we get back to normal.

Get out into the garden if you’ve got one or find a local, quiet space to do your workout. If you’re not feeling a heavy workout every day, a light walk and some fresh air will still make you feel great.

Don’t fear the carbs

Carbs give you energy, help your brain function and give your muscles fuel to recover after a workout. Carbs are not the enemy, so don’t be afraid of them.

I like to refuel with a high carb meal after a workout. Try my Creamy Chickpea Curry Loaded Sweet Potato recipe after you exercise. On days that you’re not as active, give my lower carb recipes a go, like my Cheesy Pizza Topped Chicken With Mixed Salad. Both recipes are part of my new Lean in 15 range with Gousto.

Find a balance

Cutting any food group or depriving yourself of the foods that you love is not sustainable. If you make balanced food choices most of the time and stay active, you absolutely shouldn’t feel guilty about treating yourself to an indulgent meal or a delicious dessert.

Make the time

So many people are super busy at the moment, juggling home working, childcare, home schooling and other responsibilities. Other people are finding they have more time on their hands than ever before.

As we get ready for our routines to change all over again, it’s important to make time to look after yourself. Quick daily workouts and easy home cooking are a great place to start. 

No matter what pressures you’re feeling during this time, be healthy on your terms. Find exercises that get you up in the morning, food that you’re excited to eat and make goals that work around your lifestyle. 

Many thanks to Joe and Gousto for sharing their tips – look out for Joe’s recipes coming soon to manvfat.com

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