Samantha Bluemel: 7 ways to shake up your health routine

Every now and again it's a good idea to take a look at your fitness and wellbeing habits and see if they need a bit of a shake up. You need to keep things interesting otherwise you'll get bored and lose interest. We all want to make sure we're getting the most out of the time invested in to looking after our bodies each day.

Staying inspired is without a doubt the best motivator. With that in mind, here are some fresh ideas to spruce up your routine ahead of summer. It's not all about green smoothies and yoga you know...

1. Sprint Training

One of the fastest (though I won't claim easiest) ways to melt fat extremely quickly - sprint training will take your normal cardio workout to a whole new level. The best part? Just 20min will burn through enough energy to say you've hit a hard workout and deliver some serious results. Try setting yourself a 10-set challenge across a long flat space or up a decent hill. Rest minimally between each sprint, and, if you can, add things like lunges or squats to break it up.

2. Swiss Ball Workouts

Incorporating a swiss ball into your resistance workouts, either at the gym or home, will add elements of balance and core stability to your strength sets, providing exceptional benefits to the bod. You'll use every muscle in your body for balance while strengthening inner core muscles that promote good posture and prevent lower back pain. Try push ups with your feet on the ball or body curls from the same position, tucking or piking your knees to your chest while rolling the ball from shin to foot.

3. Guilt-Free Banana Pancakes

This delicious treat is something I enjoy without an ounce of guilt at least once a week. They are 100 per cent refined sugar free, low in carbohydrates, and absolutely delicious. Combine one mashed banana with two eggs, 1tsp of vanilla essence and 1/2 tsp of cinnamon before whisking together. If you want to bulk it out for two use a few tablespoons of almond meal and a splash of nut milk. Cook in the fry pan and top with your favourites - I like berries and yoghurt. Happy breakfasting.

4. Active Commute

Longer days and lighter evenings mean there is more opportunity for movement in the warmer months - the perfect time to turn up Spotify and cruise on foot. Walking or cycling at an easy pace won't exhaust you to the point of arriving red-faced and sweaty. Challenge yourself by increasing the pace on your way home. This is a great way to increase your fitness routine each week with only a small time investment (depending on where you work!).

5. Smoothie Bowls

Forget green smoothies, smoothie bowls are in. Add seeds, fruit and other healthy toppings to your smoothies and eat with a spoon - giving the impression you're eating rather than drinking. Chewing is a natural part of feeling full and satisfied. Blend up your favourite super smoothie using more fruit and less liquid for a thicker texture, top with your favourite super foods (think chia seeds, buckwheat, cacao nibs, nuts..) and voila!

6. Run by the Sea

Ditch the treadmill and hit the beach for a much more enjoyable and satisfying run. Running will open your pores and get your sweat glands going before jumping in the sea, taking advantage of the natural healing properties of salt water. Go bare foot along the sand for an extra, beneficial challenge. If you're lucky enough to live by the ocean I'd recommend taking the plunge even when it's cold in the mornings, a refreshing shock from the sea is one of the best ways to get yourself going.

For a much more enjoyable and satisfying run, hit the beach. Photo / 123RF

7. Mini Yoga Stretches

Following a good workout, it takes at least ten minutes to stretch out properly. I suggest including your favourite yoga poses. You don't have to get too complicated - downward dog is a personal favourite - but take the time to breathe into your diaphragm and wind down, appreciating your body for what it's just gone through while giving your muscles a good release. Next level post-workout feel good factor right there.