A Wellness Update That Made Us Smile

We're up and running with our Be the Boss of February programme and we've had some great feedback already including the message below that has cheered up our team who mostly live, work and exercise in a currently cold and wet UK.

If you haven't yet signed up for the programme please get in touch.  It's free and we've already got quite a number of colleagues participating and encouraging each other on to great things so the more the merrier.  Here's what one of our previous participants had to say about the current advice...

'Am enjoying the tips Jeff.

I've used the "Boss of February" as a catalyst to get back to the routine I had during the programme. So, it's a brisk morning run at 5 in the game park where I live with all sorts of odd glances from the antelope and warthogs; plenty of stretches; and watching the intake of chocolatey-cakey-muffinny-thingummies.

As a matter of interest for the sleep story (day 3 tip) - it's well documented that, past 40, the andropause starts kicking in and one of the symptoms is irregular sleeping patterns. Your tips today are relevant for this of us in that age bracket…Keeping a record is an excellent plan.

Thanks Jeff'

Read more on this article...

7 Basic But Essential Running Training Tips

There's a lot of marathon talk around at the moment so I thought it worth a reminder of some of the fundamentals in the quest for a good performance over the distance.

There's a whole host of things to consider in the lead up to running 26.2 miles, and with a few people incurring minor injuries as their event approaches they enter the business end of their training plan, keeping the basics in mind is ever more important.

Incidentally, you don't have to be training for a marathon for these tips to help.  These guidelines are relevant to get the best out of training for any distance of running, or even when just running for fun!

1) Increase the duration of your long runs steadily and progressively over the weeks.  Do not be tempted to make a big jump up in mileage from one week to the next, even if you feel good.  Gentle adaptation for the body is best for staying injury free.

2) Complete one or two short runs during the week to supplement your weekend long run.  These can be hill training or interval training sessions for maximum results in the shortest time.   

3) Include one dedicated strength training session each week.  You can include some strength training as part of your hill or interval sessions but try to keep one session a week for strength / core / stability training.

4) Include plenty of stretching in your schedule.  I know, why spend time stretching when you could be running?  Trust me, your overall progress will be best if you can follow your weekly plan without interruption by injury, and stretching can keep many likely injuries at bay.  Include a few minutes to stretch after every session and also stretch various muscles as you move around your daily routine.

5) Make sure you are always well hydrated

6) Fuel yourself well at all times. Follow a consistent day-to-day healthy eating routine so that you can get the best out of each training session and also recover effectively.  This doesn't mean a puritanical regime, it means striking the right balance for you each week.

7) Know when to rest.  By rest I mean know when to take a day or two off training to allow your body to recover and adapt fully and also know when to get some sleep.  Recovery is as much a part of your schedule as running so make it count.

If you'd like more running related advice and some sample workouts take a look through our recent series in Men's Running Magazine on how to fit your run training into a busy schedule.

Read more on this article...

Taking Wellness to the Next Level

Last week we shared some simple lifestyle changes that recent participants in our wellbeing programmes have made, along with the immediate benefits they experienced.  You can remind yourself of these at:

Wellness changes working already in 2014

More wellness changes paying dividends in 2014

Today I thought I'd put the spotlight on the impact that a wellness programme can have on an individual.  It's easy to get caught up in how to make wellness as far reaching as possible and we agree that it's important to inspire as many people as you can, but it's also great to be reminded that what we're teaching has a deep and lasting effect on those we work with.  It's very satisfying to know that as well as reinvigorating those who may not have held wellness as a high priority for a while, it's great to be able to help those who are already in good shape take things to the next level.  Just like this chap:

I was already an active, fairly healthy person, however, the programme has opened my eyes to different types of activities and the benefits they bring...  

I have also become aware of the impact of food and drink and how this affects my energy levels throughout the day...

I'm now enjoying the benefits of stretching properly and including elements from a selection of activities such as yoga and Pilates as well as understanding the need to include a variety of techniques and approaches in my running training schedule.

Get in touch with us today if you'd like to design a wellness programme that takes the health and performance of your staff to the next level.

www.the-tonic.com

Read more on this article...

Simple Stretches for Executive Runners

Runners who don't stretch regularly risk injury and compromised performance.  Thankfully though, good flexibility is well within reach.  All you need to do is follow our guidelines from Women's Running Magazine.

It's a common issue for busy workers who also like to run - the positions we adopt for our working routine can sometimes create problems with our running posture and position.

This article explains how to stretch regularly both to move more freely and reduce stress during the working day and to ensure you run efficiently and consistently.

Read more on this article...

Inspiring wellness success stories 3

Next up in our series, a guy who has lost 25+kg over the last 2 years and has more energy, much to the benefit of himself and his family.  Here's how he did it:

The date of your wellbeing programme:

Nov 2010 & Jan 2011

The lifestyle changes you made during programme:

Diet: avoid too much sugar, eat little and often, drink water throughout the day and stopped drinking sugary drinks

Exercise: Vary the running

The lifestyle changes you made following programme

Kept up with the diet elements as above, and have cut down on drinking (its taken a while!).  Exercise wise – kept up with varied running techniques (c. 25k a week), do stretching, weights, skipping sessions and min 60 press-ups a day (I could not do one when I was on the programme!)

The lifestyle changes that have stuck with you to the present day

No more than one coffee a day, no sugary drinks, eat little and often, plenty of water, reduced alcohol, and started to cook.

The secrets of your success with wellbeing

The programme was a key turning point and I feel healthier. Yes I may slip up on occasions (celebrating too much, a slice of cake etc..) but its all about moderation and awareness.

What advice that you received made the greatest impact on you?

The healthy eating advice

The biggest benefits of making your lifestyle changes?

Living longer I hope! Lost a lot of weight (25+kilos), have more energy for life  

Anything that got in the way of success with wellbeing

Diary challenges but I have a flexible approach to running sessions (as long as its 3 times a week)

When wellbeing is working for you, what are the key elements that make the difference?  

Running and improving my times, being able to exercise strenuously and wanting to do it again knowing that I need to pay attention to my diet if I am serious about improving. Being active feels better for both my family and myself. 

Read the previous instalment of our Inspiring Success Stories

Contact us to find out how we can help people in your organisation achieve fantastic wellness results.  info@the-tonic.com

Image by happy via Flickr

Read more on this article...