insideKENT Magazine Issue 58 - January 2017 | Page 104

HEALTH + WELLNESS

KICKSTART YOUR EXERCISE REGIME

As hard as it seems to comprehend now – off the back of a good two weeks spent eating , drinking , generally being merry , and probably not worrying about whether you ’ ve hit your 10,000 steps daily – when exercise becomes a habit , it really does become an automatic part of your lifestyle . Habits are as easy to form as they are to break , however , so don ’ t be disheartened if you ’ re lacking in the fitness department ; the new year is as good a time as any to kickstart your exercise regime and here ’ s some simple steps to help you do it . BY POLLY HUMPHRIS
Set goals
What is it that you want to achieve in terms of fitness this year ? Would you like to shift a few pounds ? Gain muscle ? Look lean and feel strong ? Or work on your distance running ? Make a list of your goals ; it ’ ll help you visualise what you want and find the best type of training to achieve them .
Be realistic
Realistic is the key word here . Realistically , if your goal is to lose weight , you ’ re not going to lose a stone in a week . Realistically , if you want to get stronger , you ’ re not going to lift your own bodyweight during your first weights session . Don ’ t make your goals impossible . Instead , start small and build on your progress , otherwise you run the risk of getting discouraged and throwing the towel in altogether .
Plan for you
When it comes to working out everyone is different – some prefer the bustle of the gym , some the comradery of group classes , and others , the solitude and time efficiency of working out at home . Decide who you are before you start exploring your options – perhaps you ’ d benefit from a few personal training sessions to get you started , or a trial membership at a gym to try out some bootcamp , CrossFit , or spin classes . Many people opt for a combination of all of the above to keep things fresh – trial and error works well here .
Lean on a friend
Committing to a fitness plan with someone makes it a lot easier . Your goals can be completely different , but working out together will give you both an extra motivational push , which is also where group fitness can be helpful . If you do end up going it alone , keep a diary of your progress and share it with the world – that way you ’ re far more likely to stick at it .
Banish excuses
If you have a niggling injury , or overwork a particular part of your body resulting in soreness , just work out another area and rest the sore spot . If busy executives and single parents with two jobs can find time to work out , remember so can you , and , if you ’ re facing a particularly hectic day , even 15 minutes of exercise at home is better than no exercise at all . The key is to stick to the plan resolutely .
Clean up your diet
The way you eat accounts for about 80 per cent of how your physique looks . But , Rome wasn ’ t built in a day ( and neither were Jennifer Aniston ’ s abs ), so don ’ t try and give up all of your vices immediately . Start by cutting down foods that aren ’ t good for you with a view to eliminating them completely six days out of seven , then throw in a ‘ whatever you really want ’ cheat meal over the weekend .
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