All things fitness

 As we all know, if we find something interesting, enjoyable or fun, we generally perform better and are naturally motivated to work hard. The injection of fun into your overall fitness and wellbeing programmes or goals is therefore a great addition to the mix. Conversely, if something is overly repetitive, and has no fun or excitement, the whole thing becomes a chore and the likelihood of achieving the best results is greatly reduced. So how can we make something which appears difficult such as weight loss or gaining muscle less daunting? The importance of motivation and the benefits of having a mentor or personal trainer have been discussed in my previous blogs, but if fun and enjoyment can also be combined, you are onto a winner. The inclusion of an active pastime, team or individual sport or simply being out and about, are all ways of making your programme more enjoyable and therefore more likely to be continued to fruition.  Everyone is different. Team sports offer severa...

Always wanted to start your fitness journey but have no idea where to start? Do you tell yourself you are going to ‘start tomorrow’ but never do? Do you get confused from all the misleading information online surrounding the fitness industry?    A common question I get asked as a personal trainer is “how do I start my fitness journey?” My answer never changes and always remains “Just start”. Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ time or circumstances - start today!   I know what you’re thinking… how to begin, what equipment to use, cardio or weights, what to eat, how many times to train, which exercises to do etc? It can be overwhelming, especially if you are a beginner. My aim in this blog is to explain the benefits of seeking the help and advice of a personal trainer or coach.   Having a coach to set you off in the right direction can be very beneficial and makes the task of maintain motivation and goals more easily achievable and relevant for those looking for sustainable ...

You may feel you fall well short of the media's idea of 'perfection' and what constitutes 'normal' (in their eyes) and feel under pressure from your peers and friends and social media to aspire or conform to a certain look, weight, level of fitness or lifestyle.  We all like to be part of a crowd at times and being different is often difficult. However, taking charge of your own physical and mental health need not be so difficult or exclude you from having fun. Taking control of your life takes some discipline and commitment but the benefits far outweigh the required sacrifices.  No matter who you are, setting short, medium and long term goals in terms of your fitness and health is always a good thing. Whatever your starting point, setting realistic and achievable targets is key. Success will follow if you adopt a positive mindset and the commitment required. Don't be overambitious, be firm but kind to yourself and remember progress is progress, no matter how bi...