The Voice host Renee Bargh gives tips on how to keep motivated

Entertainment reporter Renee Bargh took to her new role as The Voice host really well this year. But as it comes to an end, with the grand finale on Sunday, she reflects on how she kept fit and happy during isolation.

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If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past few months, it’s that there’s clearly two different kinds of people in lockdown.

You know what I mean, I’m sure. There’s the people who have treated the whole experience as a self-help camp. They’ve learned a new language, picked up a musical instrument, become master sourdough bakers and experts in home fitness.

Then there’s the other camp. The ones who’ve becomes masters of the Uber Eats menu, ninjas of the Netflix library, and great talents of the tracksuit pants.

And if I’m being totally honest with you, I reckon I mostly had a leg in both camps over the past few months, depending on the day, my mood, and my motivation levels.

The Voice host Renee Bargh reveals how she stays happy and motivated.

But there’s no doubting where Channel 9’s The Voice host Renee Bargh landed. The US-based entertainment reporter and TV star was in Los Angeles when the lockdown measures took hold, but a little thing like that wasn’t going to dent her energy.

“I got friends together over Zoom to do online workouts together, like pilates and dance classes, which gave us all accountability and also gave us the chance to catch up at the same time,” she tells Health Hacker.

“A friend also started an ‘iso’ gym workout group and ran us through HIIT classes which kept me motivated and feeling strong.

“I’d never been a fan of online workouts until ‘iso’ and I wasn’t great at self-motivating. I also rarely cooked before all this, so I’ve really enjoyed being back in the kitchen and challenging myself.”

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Like all of us, though, Renee says she did feel some impacts of isolation, especially around mental health, turning to TM, or Transcendental Meditation, as well as her family and friends, to guide her through.

“My TM meditation practice has also been a saviour for me, especially for my mental health,” she says.

“I found that staying in touch with family and friends also kept me motivated.”

I’m chatting with Renee this week to discover her secret recipe for staying motivated, fit and healthy — even in times of crisis.

And the good news is, there’s no magic pills or potions, just a simple and holistic approach to health and wellness.

HACKING HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

… with Renee Bargh

1. Take the first step

“The secret to motivation is taking that first step,” she says.

“You’ve just got to start. Once you get going and are on a roll it’s much easier to keep going.

“Having a friend or partner involved will keep you in check and inspire you to push yourself further.”

2. Don’t worry, be happy

“For me, happiness is mindfulness. It sounds so simple, and it is, but I think life can get busy and we get overwhelmed and forget to appreciate the little things,” she says.

“Getting out in nature and connecting to the earth always makes me feel grounded. The people you surround yourself with will impact your health and happiness in a big way, so choose wisely.”

Renee Bargh says she mixes up her exercise routines to keep motivated.

3. Mix it up

“When it comes to exercise, you need to mix it up,” she says.

“I really think you need to have variety to stay motivated and excited about exercise. Sometimes you just feel like stretching or walking and that’s enough.

“I do pilates some days, and other days yoga, HIIT or dance. Also starting a group or getting friends involved really helps with accountability.”

4. Home it where the heart is

“It’s no secret but I believe diet is all about balance and nourishing your body,” she says.

“I try to pay attention to what fuels me and gives me energy. Remember, there is nothing better or healthier than a home cooked meal.”

* The star-studded Voice grand finale airs this Sunday at 7pm. Voting for your favourite artist is now open

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Originally published as The Voice host Renee Bargh gives tips on how to keep motivated