I ended last month’s article encouraging you to look into a sauna as a health and wellness treat in 2021 and perhaps more than ever, regular use or investing in a sauna might be the best thing you do all year. With the available technology, owning an infrared sauna is now more affordable and less hassle than a traditional steam sauna.

Infrared saunas are becoming a common wellness tool around the world and have been used in different formats by cultures all over the world for generations. Having a sauna in the home is becoming the Northern Hemisphere equivalent of a pool in the garden in the Southern Hemisphere!

The proven benefits range from reducing inflammation and pain, and strengthening the cardiovascular system, to revitalising dermal cells for healthy skin. If I win the Euromillions, that’ll definitely be going up in my attic!

It’s easy to be distracted or overwhelmed

With all the competing fitness fads, health hacks and wellness trends we are bombarded by daily, over and above the many other things you do and concerns about the future, it’s easy to be distracted or overwhelmed.

One simple, effective way to reduce this type of stress is to remind yourself that sometimes, the most important things that matter are what you’re doing in this moment and focusing on right now.
The great John Wooden said “Do not mistake activity for achievement” and I fear that is a trap that many of us fall into with respect to our fitness regimen.

Workout with intention

Of course, getting the mileage in or ‘grinding out’ the reps in your garage gym are necessary elements in your fitness journey. However, intention is key – if every rep, mile, effort and workout is accompanied by an intense focus to develop good form and to improve your movement quality (focusing in the moment) you will have achieved so much more than just hitting PBs.

Some tips for participating in an online fitness class as a beginner to intermediate enthusiast:
• Focus on correct technique – speed, tempo and weight can come later. Conditioning is secondary to safe technique.
• Familiarise yourself with the equipment – get your saddle height sorted! Also, If you don’t have the equipment, no problem – a good program will enable you to follow along using bodyweight variations.
• Online training is not a competition (unless it is one!) Work at your own pace and don’t try to keep up with the trainer/online fitness masochists; be conscious of the cues from your own body.
• Be mindful of your breathing. Some trainers will make a recommendation, otherwise just focus on slow steady breaths – in through the nose, out through your mouth. Mask up if sharing a training space within a bubble!
• Depending on the type of online platform you’re training on, you don’t have to have your camera on, but please remember to mute yourself during the training!
• If you can’t keep up, focus on your form until you’ve built the confidence and fitness to get after it.