You might have heard someone say, “Everything you need is already inside.” It sounds deep. But what does it really mean? Here’s the truth. You’ve got what it takes. Your body. Your brain. Your bounce-back. It’s all there. You just need to work with it and not against it.
So, what do you need to know about starting your daily wellness routine before you end up like a stressed-out croissant? Our wellness expert, Damien Fairley, gives us his top tips for a wellness routine.
1. Trust your inner compass
Your body is smarter than your smartwatch.
- Feel tense? Move.
- Feel drained? Rest.
- Feel snacky? Ask yourself if you’re hungry or just bored.
- Do a quick check-in during the day. You don’t have to wait for a meltdown.
- Trust your gut. It knows the way.
2. Move how you feel
Movement doesn’t need to be a mission.
- Dance around your lounge.
- Take the stairs like you mean it.
- Join a Virgin Active class that matches your mood.
- Need a push? Try Grid.
- Feeling stiff? Stretch out in Pilates.
- Overloaded? Unwind in a Yoga session.
- Move in ways that energise you. Not to exhaust you.
3. Keep your meals simple
No need to log every bite or count every calorie. Just aim for balance and better understand the food you eat:
- Protein gives you power.
- Carbs keep you going.
- Fats fuel your brain.
- Veggies add the magic.
- Eat to feel strong, not guilty.
- Grab something fresh, balanced and easy to eat after your gym session. Maybe you’re near a Virgin Active with Kauai or Nü.
- Speak to a dietitian if you need help with your diet. Virgin Active offers you convenient access to online dietitians to get you on track.
4. Hydration is your hidden superpower
Aim to drink two to three litres of water a day. More if you’re sweating buckets or living through a summer heatwave. Watch out for these symptoms:
- Feeling foggy or tired? It could just be dehydration.
- Pale yellow pee? You’re good. Darker than that? Drink up.
Keep a bottle on you like it’s your gym wingman. See a doctor for medical advice and care if you have any health concerns.
5. Build on small habits that stick
Motivation shows up late. Habits never flake. Make exercising easy, and it’ll become automatic. Start with these habits:
- Set yourself up the night before.
- Pack your bag. Book a gym class.
- Stretch while the kettle boils.
6. Let people power you up
You’re not doing this alone. Buddy up with someone who gets you moving. Starting with one group session or a “you coming?” text can be the game changer.
Are you starting on your own? You could join a class and soak in the good vibes. Do you feel that you need help on the gym floor? Ask a Personal Trainer to tweak your technique.
7. Recovery is where the gains happen
Going hard is only half the story. Rest is the other half. Muscles repair while you chill. Your mind reboots when you slow down. Try these recovery techniques:
- Hit the sauna.
- Take a nap.
- Flow through a gentle Yoga class.
- Sleep is your silent superhero. Prioritise it.
8. Make mindfulness part of your day
No mountain needed. Just pay attention. Here are some tips to be mindful:
- Taste your food. Don’t just gulp it down.
- Feel your feet when you walk.
- Take one deep breath before opening that next email.
- Even a few seconds of awareness can reset your mood.
9. Know when to chill
Sometimes your body says stop. Listen to it. Watch out for these signs:
- Constant muscle soreness.
- Mood in the bin.
- Zero energy for workouts.
These are signs to scale back. Talk to a trainer at Virgin Active. They’ll help you balance your routine so you can bounce back stronger.
10. Be your own wellness bestie
Some days you’ll feel unstoppable. Other days will look like banana bread and reruns. That’s normal. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep going. Be gentle with yourself. It’s a skill worth mastering.
Bonus tips: Create a rhythm that’s yours
Forget one-size-fits-all. This is your wellness journey. So, make it work for you. Work out your own rhythm. Be aware of these factors to work out your daily routine:
- Notice when you have energy.
- Switch up your classes.
- Adjust when life gets busy.
- Virgin Active gives you all the options. Yoga on Monday. Strength training on Wednesday. Sauna on Friday. You’re in charge of your mix.
- You don’t need another app or another plan. You’ve already got the blueprint inside you.
Virgin Active is here to support you with everything from expert Personal Trainers to energising gym floors and classes. You bring the commitment. We’ll bring the rest to our Social Wellness Clubs.
Let’s unlock everything that’s already inside you at a Virgin Active Club near you. Join today or try a free guest pass. Learn more about everything you need inside here.