5 Fitness Tips

Number 1 - Nutrition

Ask any Personal Trainer and they will say regardless of how hard you train, you need to have a healthy eating habit.

Food is what fuels our body and we need good nutrition through a balanced diet of vegetables and fruit (organic if possible), complex carbohydrates, and good quality protein and fats.

Stay clear or limit processed foods and sugary foods, and drink an adequate amount of water.  Water is important for staying healthy, feeling energized and even losing weight. Hunger is often disguised as thirst and it is the best energy drink available and it's free!

Be mindful when eating, try and limit distractions such as TV, phones or working whilst you eat. Engage your senses and enjoy the food in front of you.

Most of all, prepare in advance!  Try and put aside a few hours on the weekend to prepare your food for the week ahead.  Make some meals and freeze them, cut up some carrot and celery sticks and have them ready to go when your hungry, and put a handful of nuts in a container and put in your bag so you have something to eat when out and about.

Number 2 - Strength Training

This is important!  It does so many wonderful things.

Strength training will increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

It will also help in losing weight and maintaining weight, as well as help with balance and reduce the risk of falls.

It will boost your energy levels and mood.

Strength training can reduce the signs and symptoms of many chronic conditions, such as arthritis, back pain, obesity and heart disease to name just a few.

Number 3 - Stretching

Stretching helps improve your flexibility and can help relieve muscle tension and improve your posture.

Better flexibility may also help improve your performance in being active or decrease your risk of injuries by helping your joints move through their full range of motion and enabling your muscles to work more effectively.

It will improve your energy levels, so when the day is dragging on, get up and do some stretches for a boost of energy, and help your mind and body be more alert.

Stretching promotes blood circulation which increases blood flow to the muscles, this in turn will help reduce soreness after your workout.

Always stretch after your workout, not before, as this is when your muscles are warm and pliable. Warm up before your workout with basic body weight movements such as squats, lunges, lateral slides and leg & arm swings.

Number 4 - Challenge Yourself

Don't always stick with what you know, try something different, you may surprise yourself.

Try working out a little longer, or do a few extra repetitions, or try a new fitness regime such as indoor rock climbing or yoga.

You will also avoid plateaus which can be a demotivater as you feel you are putting the time in but not getting anywhere.

Number 5 - Take Some Time

Give yourself a break!  You don't always need to exercise every week.  Sometimes our bodies are trying to tell us we need a break, slow down and recover.

You can actually gain more strength and muscle by occasionally slowing it down.

When you realise that fitness isn't everything, you are more likely to stick with it for life!