No doubt you’ve come across the many videos of so-called influencers setting fitness challenges on the various social media channels. From waist training using uncomfortable corsetry to extreme cardio daily challenges, there are so many trends out there often being promoted by unqualified people. According to a survey carried out by Origym, a third of British people interviewed said ‘picture perfect’ social media images make them want to lose weight.
So this month we are going to take a look at some of the most popular trends and offer some alternatives to help you set realistic goals that you can achieve safely. Exercise Trends to Avoid
The best way to improve your fitness and body shape is to take part in moderate, regular exercise and eat a healthy balanced diet. Try not to aspire to unrealistic body shape goals and instead aim to have a strong, healthy body. Fitness classes and one to one sessions are a great way to get in shape under the supervision of a qualified instructor. There, you can get help and advice on how to tailor workouts to suit your ability and fitness level and set achievable goals for life-long health and well-being. Nutrition Trends To Avoid
The NHS Eatwell guide contains great information on how to follow a healthy and sustainable diet for the whole family. Balance is key- don’t deny yourself treats, instead focus on eating well throughout the week. Social media is a great tool for finding out about fitness and nutrition but should be done with caution. Research any fitness/nutrition advice and always consult your doctor before embarking on a new exercise regime or diet. Contact Amanda for more information on how you can improve your health and fitness, At Smart Fitt there are lots of classes to cater for all fitness levels and physical abilities as well as personal training sessions and nutrition advice.
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There’s been a noticeable change in the weather and the urge to hibernate might be tempting you to miss your exercise classes and stay inside instead. But stopping exercise as we face the colder months is the last thing we should be doing. In fact, exercising now while it’s still mild enough to get outside is a great way to prepare for the colder months and means you are more likely to keep up with exercise through winter.
Exercise to Boost Circulation If you have poor circulation, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the affected arteries is reduced. If you suffer from any symptoms of poor circulation such as chest pains or pain in your legs when walking you should talk to your doctor to discuss appropriate treatment. Regular exercise is great for circulation and heart health - it increases blood flow and gets the heart pumping blood around your body faster and flushes out your arteries. Exercise to Boost your Immune System As we approach cold and flu season your immune system will welcome a helping hand to help fight off the bugs and viruses. Exercise is a great way to boost your immune system and indeed studies found that the response from your immune system is immediate after exercising for 45 minutes. The key here is to make sure you continue to exercise regularly. Take your Workout Outside The cooler temperatures mean you need to warm up well before you start and wear layers that can easily be removed. Try walking, running or cycling for some fresh air and a chance to enjoy your surroundings. If you like meeting up with friends and you’re already quite active then joining a bootcamp class could be just what you need to help keep you motivated through the winter months ahead. If you find it difficult to get out, perhaps due to limited mobility, then there are some great ways to stay active inside your own home. Video tutorials are a great way to get your daily exercise without leaving the house. Set Yourself a Challenge A great way to help ensure you don’t give up after the first hurdle is to set yourself a challenge or target that will see you through the winter. There are often lots of events you can sign up to from walking challenges to swimathons and once you’ve committed to it you are much less likely to give in. You could ask a friend to join you in a challenge- maybe pledge to attend a regular weekly class together. If you have someone to make you accountable you will be more likely to stick to it. Do Something you will Enjoy There’s no point in promising to run every day if you hate running. Doing exercise you dislike will just make you resent all exercise and will make you more likely to give up. So find an activity you enjoy and you will get all the feel-good hormones as well as the improved fitness. So, get ready for winter and get started with your exercise routine now. What are your top tips for staying healthy and active over winter? Let us know in the comments. Contact Amanda for more information on classes, one-to-one training sessions and nutrition advice. As we take our first steps into 2022 many of us will be setting ourselves targets and goals for the year. From fitness goals to events, it’s a great idea to have something to aim for so you keep focused and accountable.
If you overindulged during Christmas and New Year it’s important not to feel guilty, now is the perfect time to reassess your diet and exercise regime and you'll soon be feeling more energised and positive. Remember, fad diets rarely work in the long term so focus more on eating well and making sensible choices rather than starving yourself or denying yourself treats. Here are our top tips to help you get your fitness back on track for 2022: Get Outside Aim to get some fresh air everyday by going for a walk, jog or bike ride. You’ll get some much-needed vitamin D, clear your head and get a dose of those uplifting endorphins. Exercising when it’s cold might not seem very enticing but the benefits are more than worth it so put on your warm clothes and head outside! Join a Fitness Class If you’re struggling to get motivated and need a bit of a push then why not join a fun exercise class or bootcamp? Make new friends and get fit at the same time. Being part of a class will help keep you accountable and you’re less likely to quit. Try Something New If you find exercising boring, then why not try something you’ve never done before? Running or walking can be a lonely experience if you go alone but if you join a walking group or a running club it might give you the boost you need to keep at it. Sign up to an event You don’t have to be a super fit athlete to take part in one of the many events available. From Sponsored walks, park runs, charity cycle rides or a Swimathon, you’re sure to find something to tickle your fancy. Signing up for an event will help motivate you to continue with your training and give you an immense feeling of pride when you complete the challenge. The start to 2022 has been a bit bumpy and it looks like it could be a bit rocky for the next few months which makes it even more important to focus on our well-being. Exercise is vital for a healthy lifestyle and really helps lift your mood. If you are training for a particular event and need a little support reaching your goal, Smart Fitt offers personalised fitness coaching, contact Amanda for more information. |
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