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GuavaPass’ tips for 30 minutes for 30 days

Whether you are using it to make some serious gains or simply to kick start a more active lifestyle, we hope our list of top tips will help you through this month. The tips are presented by our GuavaGuy, Simon Bower @sibower and you can read more about his GuavaPass adventures on our blog.

Rohma

If you want to follow Simon’s 30 steps to a better workout, step 31 could be to start with a GuavaPass. GuavaPass gives you access to a variety of classes all over UAE.

  • 1. Warm up – I’m not talking about sitting by the fire here. Most classes I’ve been to in Dubai don’t have a sufficient warm up. So if you’re like me, and made of wood, arrive 10 mins early and get a proper warm up in - 5 min jog/cycle/row, and 5 min dynamic stretching (relevant to your training).
  • 2. Drink water – Don’t drown yourself or make yourself sick by downing 2 liters of water before you exercise, but make sure you keep yourself hydrated (especially if you’re training outside). Always make sure you take a bottle of water with you, as not every class will sell water.
  • 3. Eat at least 1 hour before exercising – For me this is actually more like 2 hours (anything less results in intense heartburn and some occasional mouth sick), but it is important to get some carbs and protein in your system before you exercise. Fasted workouts are ok if you know what you’re doing, but no-one wants to be the pale guy being dragged out of a class after fainting.
Fitness Routine
  • 4. Streeeeetch – This is important when warming up, but even more important post exercise. If you’re new to exercise, or getting old (like me), this is even more important. Many classes don’t have any cool down, so ensure you finish every session with a light walk/jog and some static stretches of the muscles you’ve used.
  • 5. Mix it up – Make sure you’ve got a good soundtrack mixed up and ready yes, but I’m talking about mixing up your exercise. If you’re new to exercise and not sure what you like, or if you’re experienced and a bit bored with the same old routine, this month will give you a great opportunity to try some new stuff. Maybe your inner Zumba dancer is dying to get out…
  • 6. Avoid midday heat if you’re not used to it – I’m English, pale, and sweat a lot. Therefore outdoor training during the day is still a no no for me. Be conscious of where you are training (outside vs inside) and what time of the day it is. We live in the desert people, it gets hot.
  • 7. Wear the right shoes – As someone who tries (and fails) to look cool, I’m a fan of overpriced branded trainers. Whilst they might drive an additional 7 likes on your Instagram post, they might also cause you physical damage. Make sure you wear proper and relevant footwear when exercising, especially if you’re running. Do some research and visit a specialist store if you’re not sure.
  • 8. Wear comfortable training gear – Nothing puts an end to a session quicker than unwieldly chaffing. Believe it or not, training gear from the major sports brands is designed to be worn whilst training. Crazy right? You don’t have to pay a fortune either. Some of it actually looks good aswell (+11 Instagram likes).
  • 9. Do it with a mate – Not what you’re thinking you rascals. Arrange to train with a mate. This not only makes it more fun, but also gives you the kick to actually go, as you don’t want to let your mate down.
  • 10. Invite your friends and family – Another option is making it a larger event. Why not invite friends and family down to the beach for a game of footy.
  • 11. Document it on Instagram, so everyone thinks you’re super cool – With my super engaged 332 followers, I consider myself one of Dubai’s hottest influencers, so why not follow in my footsteps. Whilst the benefits of looking super cool are obvious, adding pics to your social media is actually a great way of spreading the positive message around keeping active. It might even encourage someone to start exercising.
  • 12. Try not to be hungover – I fail at this most weeks, but trust me, avoid it. Whilst it’s funny for everyone around you to point and laugh, it usually ends in tears.
  • 13. Be punctual if you’re attending a class – Nothing more annoying for a teacher than having to run through the instructions 3 times. Aim to get there 15 minutes early to get your warm up in.
  • 14. Get your protein in – Whatever exercise you’re doing, it’s essential you get protein in your system. I’m not saying guzzle 14 protein shakes before and after your training, but just be conscious that your body needs protein to recover. A protein filled meal after training will suffice.
  • 15. Push yourself – If you’re going to do it, do it properly. Whilst it might be horrible at the time, there’s nothing more rewarding than the feeling after you’ve properly pushed yourself. Set goals, and then smash them.
Diet
  • 16. Eat healthy – It’s not rocket science, but if you train everyday and then eat junk food, you’re not going to get anywhere. Regardless of what your goals are, take this month as a chance to properly focus on your diet, and get into good habits.
  • 17. Get enough sleep – The 3rd pillar of making progress is sleep. This is when your body recovers and evolves. Regular exercise also improves sleep, so if you struggle to sleep, get out there and do your 30 minutes. Make sure you get a minimum of 6 hours a night.
  • 18. Train the mind – Whilst this month is about getting the body active, why not use it as an opportunity to train the brain. Start reading that book that’s been sat by your bed for months, or start writing that blog you’ve been chatting about. Healthy body, healthy mind.
  • 19. Be friendly – The best thing about fitness is the community, so don’t be afraid to say hello to the sweaty monster beside you. I’ve met a lot of people through exercise.
  • 20. Provide feedback – the only way these classes improve, is if you provide feedback. But be positive. If the class is rubbish, tell them how it could be improved. If it’s awesome, tell them.
  • 21. Commit – It’s only 30 days. I’ve had relationships that have lasted less time. 30 mins exercise could just be a walk, so even if you’re not feeling it, get out there and get it done.
  • 22. Cut down on drinking– I’m using the next 30 days to cut down on my drinking. If you know you’re training in the morning, just keep it in the back of your mind when you’re out at 2am.
  • 23. Stop smoking – A few classes should get the alarm bells ringing if you’re a smoker. Why not use this month to see if you can cut down, or even quit.
  • 24. Measure your progress – The best motivation is knowing you’ve made progress. Whether your goal is to lose weight, lift more or run faster, make sure you keep track of where you began and where you’ve got to. But don’t rest on your laurels, keep setting new goals.
  • 25. Be positive, especially about yourself – Don’t be hard on yourself if things don’t go exactly to plan. Focus on the plan moving forward, and don’t give yourself a hard time. I can occasionally be a negative Ned, but it’s amazing what a little bit of exercise can do to the spirit. Love those endorphins.
  • 26. Wash your training gear – Sounds obvious, but no-one likes that smelly person in class.
  • 27. Don’t be a showoff – As a child who was occasionally sent to their room by their mum for “showing off”, I was occasionally guilty of this. No one likes that guy, so don’t be that guy.
  • 28. Wear sunscreen – Pretty self-explanatory.
  • 29. Encourage others – If you see someone struggling, offer to help or give them some positive encouragement. What goes around comes around.
  • 30. Enjoy yourself – This is the most important, and imperative for continuing an active lifestyle. You might not enjoy it at first, but I promise you will.