5 healthy swaps

We all know we should take the stairs instead of the lift but that’s a little tiring and quite frankly dull. Plus you can’t check your lippy on the stairs. Here are 5 healthy swaps that don’t have to be so boring

1. Take a flight

Instead of vegging out every evening on the sofa why not get off your backside, take a class and fly? Pole dancing, anti-gravity yoga or even an aerial hoop class (it’s a thing!) are all good options. Aerial hoop is a circus discipline that’s been adapted to provide a great studio-based workout. Think less clown and more trapeze. As well as being a fantastic core workout, you’ll also develop confidence and grace.

2. Go Dutch

Swap getting sweaty and clammy with strangers on a packed bus and opt for your two wheels, instead. Release your inner kid, take your feet off the pedals and squeal with delight as you free-wheel down hills (we will not speak about the going up bit – just remember what goes up must come down). Bikes are so beautiful now – fall in love with yours. Name it, spoil it. Buy it beautiful saddle bags or a fabulous basket and become besties! The Dutch – they get it. Not only is it uber fabulous for our health and wellbeing it’s also great in terms of congestion and parking, plus, it saves pounds.

3. Easy like Sunday morning

The hangover is lifting and you’re simply aiming to make it to lunchtime, but let’s say you swap lazyville for the hills. Get out of your PJs, whack on some wellies and get marching across the fields. Fresh, crisp, clean air – take a deep breath and release the hangover toxins. Instead of wallowing in the Sunday morning blues, swap it for an uplifting walk. Meet friends or simply stroll hand in hand with a loved one. Walking is good for the soul, and who knows, you may end up at a nice country pub. #hairofthedog

4. Getting juicy

You’ve thought about it. Lots. Got recipe books. You’ve even purchased the most expensive state of the art juicer/blender thingy but as yet you’ve failed to swap your morning sugary mocha for a filled-to-the-brim-with-goodness juice. We promise, not only will it taste good but it’ll fill you with the smug ‘I have had my five-a-day before you even got outta bed’ glow. Not only is it the swap of all healthy swaps, but you can now join in the healthy lunchtime chit-chat. “Do you juice? I juice. Love juice.” No, actually – don’t say Love Juice – totally different ball game….

5. Pimm’s o’ clock

Swap social networking – whether it be virtual or an evening down the pub – grab a racket and hit the courts. Try badminton, squash, tennis or even a good old-fashioned game of ping-pong! Release your inner Serena and organise a game with friends. Not only is it jolly, good, clean fun but it can actually be quite the workout, burning 350 calories an hour for a doubles match. Extra calories will also be burnt from the hysterical laughter that’ll undoubtedly flow and you’ll use muscles that yoga and Pilates will simply never reach.

For more from Vickie check out the awesome Elephant Juice Mum blog.