 Getting
into shape can be so difficult
at this time of year. Most of us want
to kick start our New Year by losing weight
and getting fitter but it's quite difficult
to get motivated when the weathers so
harsh and the days are often dark and
gloomy.
By far the best way of shedding some weight
is to join a slimming club where you will
be offered all kinds of support. Many
people struggle knowing just how to loose
weight sensibly and to keep it off but
when you join a club there is a wealth
of help and experience and also moral
support to give you the best possible
chance.
If just getting fitter is your aim, then
the best advice is to keep moving - literally.
Doctors are concerned that we lead to
sedentary life styles these days, travelling
by car, sitting at computers all day,
watching TV at night.
Those who are fitter are those who are
on the move for most of the day. If you
are at work at a desk all day it's really
important to incorporate movement into
your daily routine. Could you walk to
and from work, or walk in your lunch hour?
Women who work in the home are often fitter
as they are often up and down stairs several
times a day, pushing a Hoover around,
possibly gardening, pushing a pram etc.
Just keeping moving is key to fitness.
If it's impossible to include movement
in your day then do consider joining a
club or a sports team rather than joining
a gym. You are much more likely to stick
to a routine if other people  are
involved. Team mates and groups are more
supportive than attending a gym alone,
where you're much more likely to skip
sessions. Consider joining a netball or
badminton team, even if you're a little
rusty or a complete beginner, you'll soon
benefit enormously from both the exercise
and camaraderie. If you've joined a slimming
club, try to persuade a couple of members
to join a team with you where you'll all
benefit from each others support.
Meeting new people can be a real boost
to a new fitness routine. Surveys show
that people who are part of a group achieve
their goals more often than those who
try to go it alone. Psychologically it's
beneficial too - we benefit not only from
others support of us, it makes us feel
good to support others too.
Having a target is mentally strengthening
too - if you set your mind to join a sponsored
run, or swimathon etc you put yourself
into 'training' mode and are far more
likely to stick to your planned schedule.
Give yourself a realistic time frame to
prepare for an event and choose something
realistic. Do try to a friend involved
and chances are you'll stick to the task
and what an achievement it will be when
you succeed.
|
|
|
|
