So we are well into 2016 now and hands up who has already broken their new years resolution?!
Yep, me too!
Mine was your standard ‘exercise more & get healthy’ resolution and after a keen first week or so of stretching every morning and gym most nights, this past week has seen me eating out a lot and exercise has taken a back seat.
So as we enter February, I have put together a little motivational guide with some tips on how to get back into the fitness swing. I am by no means a fitness expert (give me a sofa and my pj’s over a treadmill and trainers any day) so these are just a few tricks I am using to help me stay on track this 2016.
Take small steps...
The gym isn’t my fave place in the world but recently I have been setting myself little goals each time I go to make it more exciting (if that’s possible).
I want to run further and build my stamina this year so I have been adding on 5 minutes to my run each time, I feel great if I can do it but even just equaling last times goal is an achievement and better than nothing, right?! If like me, you get bored in the gym easily setting yourself little goals or adding small times on equipment can keep you interested and gives you a real sense of reward afterwards. Having a friend to go to the gym with can really help too, so grab a gym buddy and motivate each other to go no matter how tired you feel after work…
Book some classes...
I really like fitness classes and find booking onto them a week in advance great motivation to go. Spin is hell when I am there but at least I got myself through the door, by booking it the week before and actively fitting it into my day. I have been packing my gym stuff and getting changed before I leave work at night which means I can’t talk myself out of it on the drive home, (which happens far too often). Classes are great if you need group encouragement, you are less likely to drop out and the hour flies by when you are there.
Conquer the sweet tooth...
I have a major sweet tooth, I'll take pudding over a main meal any day, so trying to cut out bad sugars has been hard. My trick is to just not buy them. Sounds simple but since moving out into my own house it has gotten easier to control what I eat and I have made a conscious effort not to buy any treats especially biscuits. Removing temptation helps but I still get the 8pm munchies and craving for something sweet.
Fruit is my saviour, I have been fooling myself into cutting out refined sugar but replacing it with fruit and nut butters. Still sweet but a lot more healthier. I have been swapping ice cream for frozen bananas and raspberries blended into a creamy sorbet, and biscuits with peanut butter spread over a rice cake… ok not quite the same and a little more effort but completely guilt free.
Do a little everyday...
Doing something little each day can add up and really make a difference, even if you don’t notice it straight away. I am trying to actively add in some stretches to morning routine, which is making me feel a lot more flexible, but it is so easy for life to get in the way. I find a little trick is not to be too hard on myself and just do them when I remember. So even if it gets to 9 pm on a Tuesday night and I haven’t done anything all day I’ll try not to rule that day out by doing 10 squats, 10 lunges and 10 sit ups. It’s really easy and quick, then I can go back to blogging or watching gossip girl repeats feeling a little less guilty.
Last but not least, don’t beat yourself up...
One lesson I have learnt in the past month is not to be too hard on myself, some days I really don’t feel up to going to the gym so will just do my own little exercises at home and have a healthy meal, it’s all about moderation and small positive changes that add up to the end goal.
I hope this little post has inspired you and given you a little motivation with you new years fitness goals!
Thanks for reading!
Anna
x
No comments
Post a Comment