New Year! New You!
Start simply
You don’t have to do everything at once. If you do, you may find you loose interest in exercising very quickly. If you start simply, you are more likely to enjoy yourself and also keep yourself safe by preventing injury. If you are trying something new, take it slow and let your body get used to what you are asking it to do. Remember you do not need to do something every single day. Current guidelines suggest 5 days of 30 minutes moderate exercise is sufficient for a healthy you.
Set a schedule
After Christmas a lot of people decide to join the gym without really knowing what they are going to do there. It is important to know how to use the equipment and machinery that you are investing in and how they can help you reach your fitness aims. If you decide to take up running, a schedule can help you to keep on track. You need to think about what you want to do, how long for and when you want to do it. Having a schedule can help with those of us with hectic lifestyles. It is important to incorporate some movement into your daily routine.
Make it manageable
It is important to set out with reasonable exercise plans or fitness aims. Whether it is to get fitter or to shed some pounds, you need to decide what you are working towards. Set one goal at a time and once you achieve it, set another. E.g. I would like to be able to run for 20 minutes by the end of January. Be realistic though!
Variety is victory
You do not always have to be in the gym to get fit. The more things you try the more likelihood that you will have success. You could join a team or a club of a sport you like. Being part of a team can spur you on. If you are tired after a long day of work and the last thing you feel like doing is heading to the gym, why not set up your own gym at home? You can start your exercise with simply an exercise mat. In time and if you enjoy working out at home you can start to add in kettle bells, dumbbells, pull up bars and machinery. You do not have to limit yourself to the same exercise day in day out. Variety will keep your interest and motivation levels higher.
Invest in it
Invest your time rather than your money. You do not need to spend a huge amount of money on equipment, especially if you are little strapped for cash after the festive season. You need to think about what you want to do before spending your hard earnt money on something you are not going to stick at. If you decide that running is for you, simply a good pair of trainers will get you a long way on your exercise journey.
New Year! New You!
It may not seem appealing to start exercising in the winter months but exercise really benefits you in many ways – not just physically! Exercising can boost your mental and physical health. You will soon feel better about yourself and will be pleased with your achievements, whether that be trying a new class or working out at home. You may find that you soon look forward to exercising!