Get fit for spring
Every year it’s the same mantra: “Get fit for spring”. Virtually every magazine, newspaper and television programme start offering plenty of tips on how to get fit.
Both the retail and fitness industry such as yoga studios and gyms, as well as numerous travel agencies, have all jumped on board. We want to get you in the mood for spring with a few facts about the fitness industry that may surprise you:
The fitness market in Germany was worth over 5 billion euros in 2017, putting Germany in second place behind the USA, which turned over more than 30 billion dollars. In 2017, almost 11 million people were members of one of the nearly 9,000 fitness clubs and studios in Germany. And there is no end in sight to this fitness boom since enthusiasm for fitness and health trends has really taken off. Impressive figures: more than 180,000 fitness clubs exist worldwide with over 145 million members and a turnover of 80 billion US dollars.
What many people have forgotten. It all started in 1810, when Friedrich Ludwig Jahn, who would later become known as Germany’s “Turnvater Jahn”, introduced gymnastics to improve the population’s fitness. Sports clubs only followed much later. This breakthrough was successful in the fitness industry with body culture coming from America. The protagonists were Arnold Schwarzenegger for men and American actress and two-time Oscar winner Jane Fonda for women. With her numerous aerobics videos, which later also included stretching and yoga videos, Jane Fonda became known as the global queen of fitness – even in Germany. For men, it all became about muscle definition.
Endurance sports also gained in popularity because older people now also wanted to improve their health and fitness. In the meantime, premium fitness studios and highly specialist providers emerged. These focussed on promoting health, which was becoming a major topic, and targeted population groups such as women and seniors.
The fitness industry is now treading new paths and exploring ever larger sectors. Well-being, health management and nutritional advice as well as programmes for sustainable and healthy weight loss are all now part of the agenda. Individual consultations are in higher demand among those seeking advice in gyms. Even personal training is becoming more popular and is allowing the entire industry to experience sharp growth.
But how do we now get fit and healthy for spring?
Some achieve this by hiking, cycling, mountain climbing, rock climbing, yoga or pilates, and some people even eat healthily by following a specific diet. In doing so, many people forget that being fit does not mean applying too much pressure or overexerting yourself; instead, you should always remain focussed on your health.
It’s no use doing a hard hour of yoga or cycling 136 kilometres at an altitude of 2,300 metres such as over the Tramuntana mountains in Mallorca to then have to spend several sessions with an osteopath or chiropractor afterwards.
Unfortunately, many people tend to overestimate themselves which often leads to serious injury, preventing you from getting spring off to a good start. Never overdo physical activity! Our tip for cyclists who prefer things quieter and healthier. Get on an electric bike and explore surfaced paths and quieter roads. This protects the back. Take regular breaks and enjoy a café latte or glass of wine in the spring sunshine, and don’t give yourself any stress.
Spring is a feast for the senses
Spring also means the flowering season and you should enjoy the first signs of spring on long walks. Just a little exercise is enough to stay fit, following the motto “running without panting”.
A few tips: the apple blossom in Schenna in southern Tyrol, the orange and lemon blossom in Söller on Mallorca, the camellia blossom in Tessin, the water lily blossom in the Mecklenburg lake district, the orchid blossom on the Isle of Mainau, the rose blossom by Lake Starnberg or the alpine rose blossom around the Wilder Kaiser in Tyrol. These are heavenly with white, enchanting scents, floating beauties and crimson natural wonders that all make up spring.
But, regardless of where and how you get fit, your priority should always be your health. Endurance sports, endurance training, swimming, Nordic Walking, jogging, cycling, mountain climbing or brisk walks are no problem for fit people under the age of 35. However, no later than age 35, or even over 25 for extreme athletes, you should constantly monitor your health or rather always keep it in mind. But how do I do that? This is a question that we want to answer here.
Comfort in mobile health
Many providers have set themselves the task of overseeing the monitoring and responsibility of personal health. Free apps such as VitaDock+ from MEDISANA now make it possible for everyone to monitor their own vital signs, such as blood pressure, weight, steps, blood sugar levels and oxygen levels using comprehensive daily, weekly, monthly and yearly views.
These values are automatically transferred via Bluetooth onto the smartphone and VitaDock+ app, offering the ultimate comfort in mobile health. App users can always have their vital data wherever they go.
Oxygen deficiency
An example: for athletes, cyclists, mountain climbers and skiers who often exercise at high altitudes it is extremely important to constantly monitor blood pressure and oxygen levels. An oxygen deficiency can have serious consequences.
With virtually every type of sports activity, the level of oxygen saturation reduces because the body requires more oxygen than it is able to take in. Optimum oxygen saturation levels are 98-99%. If this value falls below 94%, the rule is to stop and rest, which is exactly what the VitaDock+ app tells you to do.
It is always about knowing your own limits as many people often overestimate themselves when doing sport. The main thing is to stay healthy and lively!
