With the summer fast approaching, leading Lancashire developer Barratt Homes has partnered with a local personal trainer in light of Nutrition and Hydration Week (14th – 20th June).
As the nation went into lockdown for the first time in spring 2020, Sport England saw an increase in walking, cycling, and running, as well as working out at home to remain active. When compared with spring 2021 and the re-opening of sports facilities, retail, and hospitality, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of people working out from home.[1]
Michaela Lancaster, Sales Director at Barratt Homes Manchester, said: “Many of us are still working home, so it’s important we form good habits before returning to the workplace. As the UK’s leading housebuilder, we want to encourage the community to stay healthy and hydrated as the warmer weather approaches.”
With this in mind, Barratt Homes has teamed up with local coach to put together some tips for those looking to keep active while working from home. Becky Lovatt, who spends her time ensuring that people across Lancashire are living a healthy lifestyle, and her tips are as follows:
Transform your space
Sports facilities may have re-opened in the spring, but one location that will always be available to workout in is your home. Couples looking for their ideal home could consider a three bedroom home as opposed to something smaller, or even a three storey townhouse.
Barratt’s townhouses at Highgate Park in Warton come with a number of rooms that can be transformed to suit the owner’s needs. While the floorplan may label a room as a lounge or bedroom, they have the opportunity to be adapted into a yoga room or home gym so that people can stay active without even leaving the house.
Michaela said: “Buyers can design their own perfect three storey townhouse when visiting www.barratthomes.co.uk/create-your-perfect-house and use Barratt’s unique, interactive doll’s house to imagine what their workout space might look like.”
Becky Lovatt, Creator of Body Fusion by Becky Lovatt, said: “Some of my clients have converted their garage space into a mini gym, and another option is a summer house in the garden. Finding space at home isn’t always possible, so getting your workouts done in the kitchen or garden is still a good way of achieving your goals.”
Stay hydrated
Whether you’re working out from home, or just working, you might not drink as much as when you’re gathering around the office water cooler to chat to your colleagues, and unbeknownst to you, you’re starting to get dehydrated.
Becky said: “There are a number of benefits to staying hydrated, including muscle efficiency, improving digestion, mental clarity, and it’s also good for your heart.
“My number one tip is to have a bottle with a straw at hand so that you can sip water throughout the day. Bottle types are the key to keeping things interesting as we don’t always like drinking water. Look for bottles that show volumes, times of day, or ones that you can place fruit in to give you some extra flavour.”
Stay healthy
Working from home has changed people’s eating habits massively, with comfort eating becoming the norm during lockdown. However, now might be the time to get closely acquainted with the kitchen in your new home.
Becky said: “The benefits of good nutrition go beyond weight, and can help reduce high blood pressure or cholesterol, improve your wellbeing and immune system, and increase your energy level.
“Be mindful of the food choices that you make. No food should be off limits, it’s all about finding the right balance and portion control. Fill your plate with protein, fibre, and plenty of veggies.”
Set a goal
Staying healthy and hydrated can be hard work, and it might seem that setting a savings goal for a new home is easier than setting a lifestyle goal. But while a savings goal comes with the reward of a brand new home, a lifestyle goal comes with health benefits, and can make you feel better physically and mentally.
Becky added: “There is no quick fix or magic diet, so don’t get caught up in fad diets, and research any diet that you want to try. If you need to snack, choose something healthier with a good nutritional value. My favourite is peanut butter and apple slices.
“Sometimes it’s just about taking your mind off of the cravings you have. Maybe go for a power walk, or call a friend for a chat. But make sure you have a water bottle to hand and keep sipping it throughout the day.”
Nutrition and Hydration week began in 2012 and usually runs in March, but was rescheduled this year due to the pandemic. Put together by a team of experts, the week aims to educate people on the value of a healthy lifestyle.
For more information about Becky Lovatt and Body Fusion, visit www.bodyfusionbybeckylovatt.co.uk or www.facebook.com/bodyfusion or www.instagram.com/bodyfusionbybeckylovatt.
Barratt Homes is currently building homes at Highgate Park on Lytham Road in Warton. There is a number of three and four bedroom homes available with prices starting from £204,995.
For more information about Highgate Park, please call the sales team on 0333 355 8474 or visit www.barratthomes.co.uk/highgatepark.
[1] https://www.sportengland.org/know-your-audience/demographic-knowledge/coronavirus?section=research