If you’re still feeling the post Christmas slump and Januarys 'New You' plans have gone out the window, why not try joining a regular exercise class? Being active has many health benefits but staying motivated to keep exercising through the cold, winter months can be difficult. Attending a regular exercise class can really help you stay focussed and committed. If you just plan to go for a run on your own you have no one to keep you accountable and if the weather is bad it’s easy to keep putting it off until tomorrow. If you arrange to go to a class with your friends you are much more likely to achieve your fitness goals. Bootcamp Classes Bootcamp is a great way to get fit and meet new people. Our Bootcamp classes are held indoors and outdoors allowing us to perform a greater variety of exercises. The main aim in the Bootcamp class is to have fun while getting fit! Bootcamp uses HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) as the basis for the exercises. HIIT allows us to burn more calories in a shorter amount of time (Bootcamp classes are 45 minutes long). Using circuits, race layouts, team exercises etc Bootcamp is never boring and each class is designed to push each individual to their limits. What We Do at Smart Fitt Bootcamp:
All classes are aimed at all abilities and the classes are designed around each individual. At our most recent Bootcamp class we used old mats and folded them over to use as focus pads. In pairs the class performed 10 punches, then side stepped across the room, then swapped who was holding the mat and repeated the sequence. Next, 2 punches standing followed by 2 punches in a low squat. Then ab curl up followed by two punches and finally high plank and punch. We went on to Gliders (discs that slide/glide across the floor). In pairs again, one person placed their hands onto the gliders and ran across the hall and back (monkey runs) while the other person did jumping jacks. Then swapped and repeated the exercises. Next, one person placed each foot on a glider and took a high plank position then used their hands to pull themselves across the floor while the other person did high knees. Then everyone swapped and repeated the exercises. The class was finished with a metabolic raiser where the group was split into groups based on their ability, beginners, intermediate and advanced. Each group was then given 3 exercises and each exercise had to be performed 10 times, then 9 times, then 8 times etc with a 5 minute time limit. The challenge of the exercise was to see the lowest number that could be achieved in the set time. This set will be re-done in 6 weeks to test fitness improvements. Improve Your Well-being Regular exercise really improves our general well-being, helps with memory and can help with depression and anxiety. To really get the most out of your exercise regime we recommend working with a personal instructor who can guide you and offer continued support. Personalised Training Sessions If group sessions are not for you, we offer one-to-one sessions or two-to-one sessions for those whose work and life schedules mean that going to classes is almost impossible or for those who want to achieve a goal but are not quite getting there with their gym membership
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A recent study conducted by Alzheimer’s Research UK has found that half the UK population has no idea of the risk factors for dementia. In fact, the study revealed that a fifth of people believed it was just an inevitable part of aging. But the truth is we can all play a part in reducing our risk factors of developing the disease, simply by adopting a healthier lifestyle and exercising!
We all know how great exercise makes us feel so it makes sense to make regular, enjoyable exercise part of your routine. This NHS article really highlights how social physical activity can play a big part in helping depression and anxiety in old age which in turn could lower the risk of developing dementia. Exercise can increase: Memory and thinking skills Harvard Medical School showed that moderate regular exercise can improve your memory in only 6 months. Exercise works on the brain directly and indirectly. Directly by increasing the volume of the parts of the brain which control memory and indirectly through improving sleep and reducing stress and anxiety. Life Expectancy According to the World Health Organisation regular exercise can increase your lifespan by reducing the likelihood of coronary disease, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancer. Regular exercise improves muscle fitness and body mass. Cardiovascular Health John Hopkins Medicine suggest that physical activity can be just as much of a benefit to your heart health as medication. Exercise can help by lowering blood pressure, keeping your weight under control and strengthening your muscles. Overall Wellbeing Exercise can help treat depression and anxiety. The endorphins (hormone that makes us feel good) released through exercise give you an enormous sense of well being as well as helping you feel energised. The benefits of regular exercise are vast but as we get older it is common to ease off on the amount of physical activity we do. Decreased mobility, illness and isolation are all factors that affect how active we are in old age. Taking part in regular exercise classes such as The Move it or Lose it classes with Amanda Abbott at Smart Fitt will help increase your overall well-being, heart and brain health as well as improve your balance and reduce your risk of falls. You’ll get to meet up with like minded friends to help motivate each other. The classes are designed to help people remain active and healthy as they age. Classes started this month, a full class schedule can be found here: Move It or Lose It Class Schedule contact Amanda on 07535788756, or email amanda@smart-fitt.fitness for more information. Getting older doesn’t mean you should stop exercising. You might be a bit less agile and slower than when you were younger but regular exercise can help improve flexibility and mobility and you will look and feel so much younger! We recently wrote a piece about this, check out The Importance of Keeping Fit in the Golden Years.
There are so many reasons why it’s important to keep active as we age but it’s not easy to stay motivated, especially if you lack confidence or feel a little isolated. That’s one of the reasons an exercise class is such a fantastic way to stay in shape. As well as the physical benefits associated with regular exercise you will also meet new people and form new friendships. The chance to have a good natter with some like minded friends after some gentle exercise is a really great motivator to get yourself out to a regular class. The NHS recommends regular exercise to help you stay healthy and active. Ensuring you exercise regularly can help improve sleep, relieve stress, improve your balance and give you more self confidence. Move it or Lose it classes are a perfect way to start exercising and improving your overall well being. Move it or Lose it classes began in 2010 by Julie Robinson in order to help motivate older people to stay active. The company has grown and now has a network of instructors across the country, including Amanda Abbott at Smart Fitt so you can now join a class near you, we have put one on for every day of the week. Even better your first class is free! Move It or Lose It classes: Monday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
For more information call Amanda on 07535788756, or email amanda@smart-fitt.fitness. We hope to see you at a Move It or Lose It class soon! |
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