Staying active in autumn.

Okay summer is on the wane but you don’t need to start thinking about winter programmes for at least another couple of months yet. August is one of those months where a range of other activities tend to take over and the gym programme sometimes gets put on the back burner for a couple of weeks. Nothing wrong with that, but now is a good time to get back into your training routine.

If you’ve missed a few sessions your fitness level won’t have dropped too much but just take it easy for the first couple of workouts before you get back up to full speed. If you’re happy with what you’re doing that’s fine; if not, we think September is a pretty good time to mix things up a little. Here are a few ideas:

1. You may have noticed our personal trainers working with their clients on exercise balls and half exercise (BOSU) balls. There are loads of really good exercises that our coaches can show you on the exercise and BOSU balls that will hit a range of new muscle groups and spice things up a lot.

2. Talking of personal trainers, why not book an autumn tune up with one of our PT team?

3. Our group exercise programme is bigger and better than ever. Maybe now is a good time to sign up for one of our classes.

4. Make the most of being outside before winter comes. It’s not too late to enter and train for an autumn 10k or fun run or whatever suits you. Here’s a nice site that might help you find a suitable run near to you: www.runningdiary.co.uk

5. Learning to relax is all part of being fit and healthy. Try taking a sauna after your workout or booking in with one of our therapists for a relaxing treatment.

6. Change your tunes. If you work out with an MP3 player for company, try putting together a new gym-mix for autumn.

7. Set some new exercise goals for autumn. It doesn’t matter what the goal is as long as it is achievable, and powerful enough to inspire you for the next few months.

8. Interval training is a more intense way of working out, which produces great results in less time. It’s not for everyone, but if you would like to turn up the heat on your workout this autumn talk to one of our coaches and they will put you through your paces.

Autumn is a great time to ramp up your exercise programme, so let’s go to it.