IN THE UK, September is the harvest season, when crops get harvested for food and animal feed. The Harvest Festival is a longstanding tradition that is celebrated on the full moon closest to the autumn equinox, often between 21-23 September.
But, according to a recent article in the Telegraph, there seems to be even more to September. Apparently, September is the new January! When I looked to see if anyone else felt the same way, I found that this was not a new phenomenon – with similar articles Forbes, Wall Street Journal and Inc.
The more I dug, the more I found; Pinterest carried out a nationwide survey called the ‘Back to Life report.’ The research showed that:
55% of people in the UK feel September is the perfect time to make resolutions
37% of respondents want more “me time” after being busy over the summer
38% believe September is the month when they want to make small changes to their lifestyle
43% want to declutter and re-organise the home
22% want to give the house some repairs
16% want to purchase new furnishings
30% want to paint at least one room in the home with a new colour
Traditionally January is the time of year for self-improvement – marking the beginning of a new year. It also comes after the indulgence of a binge-eating, booze-swilling period over Christmas, so easily lends itself to resolutions to lose weight, eat healthily and save money.
Yet 80% of people never stick to their New Year’s Resolutions past the first two months of the new year. They set over-ambitious goals that they are unlikely to reach. They join a gym they will never use and continue to pay to alleviate the guilt. They try to quit smoking or take on another of the most significant challenges that they could set themselves in one of the most depressing months of the year?
Setting a resolution in September is a much better time to make a fresh start and set goals for the year, when the pressure is off.
All of this brings me to introduce the ‘Hood Fitness Challenge’ part of Ukactive’s National Fitness Day on 22 September 2021. The Challenge consists of six exercises for the gym with three variables for the home, all known as the Super-6.
The event is for everyone: from the newcomer who has just started their fitness journey to the seasoned athlete – all from various backgrounds and levels of ability. All age groups can take part, and there are four categories: Men and Women, Ages 20-30, 30-40, 50-60 and 60+. We can all celebrate our accomplishments together at the end of the Challenge.
The Gym Exercises
Cycle
Rowing
Treadmill
Press-ups
Sit-Ups
Squats
The one-minute Cycle, Row, Run Challenge!
It is brutally simple: to see how far you can cycle, row, run in one minute to record the furthest distance – an assessment of your anaerobic power. For example, row as hard as you possibly can for every stroke through the minute. There is no stroke rate cap; the recommended drag factor is as high as it will go.
Science says that, over three months, as little as one minute of intensive exercise could have the same health benefits for the heart, respiratory fitness and muscles as 45 minutes of more typical continuous exercise.
The Home Exercises
Jump Jacks
Step-ups
High Knee Run
Press-ups
Sit-ups
Squats
Jumping jacks, steps-ups and high knee running are a full body workout that can target major muscle groups, strengthen bones, and improve cardiovascular fitness and heart health.
Push-ups, sit-ups and squats are a universal test of body strength because they are easy to learn and don’t require any equipment. Depending on your age, you should be able to do a specific number of push-ups, squats, and sit-ups in one minute.
If you already have a routine in place, mixing things up can be great for the body. If you need a new challenge, why not participate in the Hood Fitness Challenge or try the Super-6 workout. Instead of waiting until January, why not make one simple positive change this September.
For more details visit: www.supera.uk/hood-fitness/
