Fitness: Getting Started...

At this time of year we tend to see a lot of people embarking on new fitness routines - if that sounds like you, here are our ten top tips on how to start with a bang and stay on track.

1. Accountability

If we had to pick one thing that separates those who stick with their programme - particularly in the early stages when exercise hasn’t yet become a habit - from those who don’t, it would be the ability to set a clear and realistic goal (notice we say one goal, not several) that inspires them. Exercise winners then break that goal down into manageable chunks and hold themselves accountable for reaching small milestones along the way. Book in with one of our Fitness Instructors to have a personalised programme created in which you can document your goals and work out how you will achieve them step by step.

2. Visualise

Did you know that the subconscious mind controls over 95% of our behaviour? If you want to programme your subconscious to work for you (rather than in spite of you) then get a clear picture of how you want to look and feel in a month, three months and a year’s time from now and visualise that image often. It’s also really helpful to become your own best friend in this venture and make your self talk as positive as possible. 

3. Slow Down

We suppose it’s natural in this world of instant gratification, but one of the reasons that some people struggle with sustaining an exercise programme is that they want everything to happen now. Mother nature doesn’t work that way, so slow down, relax and let things unfold in their own time. By the way, losing weight and getting fit may take a little time but feeling good happens almost immediately.

4. Pain

If you’re into pain, feel free to knock yourself out in the gym, but the reality is that “no pain, no gain” is a tired old cliché that has little relevance in the modern health club. Nobody is saying that you’re going to get very far by lolling about either, so work hard by all means but, if and when things get unpleasant, shift down a gear and remember that you’re much more likely to stick with your programme if it’s a pleasurable experience.

5. Barriers

Be prepared for the fact that every now and again things are likely to go pear-shaped. That’s okay, it happens. We all go through periods when we find exercise tough, or we can’t get in to the gym as often as we would like, or we hit a training plateau where nothing much seems to be happening or we just get bored. Nine times out of ten you will work your way through it, but if that doesn’t happen ask one of our coaches to rekindle your fire with a new programme.

6. Support

It’s really helpful if you can create home and working environments that constantly remind you why you started working out in the first place. Try putting inspirational images and messages in places like the bathroom, the fridge door and on your office desk. You could even subscribe to our daily Twitter feed by clicking here and following us. Anything and everything that helps you stay upbeat and focussed is valuable.

7. Yippee

Avoid the “yippee, now I’m working out I can eat anything I like” trap. It’s quite common for newcomers to exercise to fall into this one - particularly as regular exercise makes you feel hungry. While you may need to take on board a few more calories a day when you are more active, working out is not a licence to eat what you like. Just eat sensibly and monitor your alcohol intake and you’ll be fine.

8. Mindful

Pay attention to your body. Some days you will feel full of beans and ready to go, other days will be more of a chore. When you are in the zone and everything is flowing easily give your workout everything you’ve got, but when things are a struggle don’t be frightened to throttle back a little, cut your programme short and hit the shower or sauna a few minutes early.

9. Routine

There is a great deal to be said for creating an exercise routine and sticking to it. For example if early morning on Monday, Thursday and Saturday works for you make those your set exercise times and let nothing interfere with them (or as little as possible at least). That doesn’t mean you have to do the same exercise routine every time, in fact keeping your body guessing by mixing things up a little is a good idea. Try thinking of exercise as a menu rather than a diet.

10. Active

Now that you have started exercising, you will find it much easier to find ways of enhancing your results in the gym by being more active in other areas of your life. Walking instead of taking the car, cycling when the weather is good, taking the stairs instead of the lift - there are loads of ways of burning a few more calories each day.