How to get moving this National Fitness Day

As today is National Fitness Day, we want to encourage you to be more active so you can look forward to the guaranteed health benefits associated with regular exercise, both mental and physical. It’s no secret that the hardest part of getting fit, is just getting started but we’re confident our tone-up tactics will get you up and running in every sense!

Get moving by:

• Keep a spare set of workout kit in the boot of your car or in your workplace. This makes it so much easier to slip in a workout before work or to ensure you go the gym on the way home, before you find yourself on the sofa.

• Exercising outdoors is a much more pleasurable experience when compared to the neon-lit steely surroundings of most gyms. Logically then, if it’s more fun, you’re more likely to stick at it and therefore more likely to see the results you desire. So, why not try a powerwalk in the park, get in the garden and explore your local area.

• Getting fit with the family is easy – in fact it’s child’s play!  Frisbee, hopscotch, hula hooping, skipping, catch and many other kids games are not just great fun and help you to bond with your children (or grandchildren for that matter) but will burn calories and help to improve your fitness.

• Perhaps because it’s so accessible, free of charge and just about anyone can do it, walking is often overlooked as a means to getting in shape. Surprisingly, however, it really can be effective for improving your fitness level and helping to control your weight. In addition, regular walking has been shown to reduce risks of heart attack, stress and osteoporosis.

• Different teaching approaches work for different people so it’s important to try different classes to find what works for you. For some, bootcamp is not the answer but maybe a yoga or Pilates class with a slower pace and quieter moments would be preferred. Invest a little time in sampling different class themes to find your fit.

• Music provides additional motivation and leads to us achieving more in workouts. There are many playlists designed specifically for working out or why not compile your own.

• If weight loss is your goal, don’t be fooled by the common misconception around cardio to burn calories and therefore lose fat. The quickest and most effective way to change your body shape is through weight training. It burns calories while you sweat, there is a greater after-burn that uses up even more calories as you recover, and it increases your lean body mass – meaning you’ll burn more calories even when you’re asleep!

However you decide to get moving, always take your time and find out what works for you. Always introduce new lifestyle changes gradually and if unsure to ask your doctor. If you would like to try something new on your next visit, why not take a look at our vast range of classes on our fitness page.