How to start a fitness or movement routine that works for you.

Just start! Don’t wait for motivation - it may not come, especially in the middle of winter in the UK.

If you are starting a new fitness habit or routine, do you feel like this?

a) I don't have time

b) I don’t know where to start

c) I think I’ve left it too late

Honestly, it is never too late and even 10 minutes per day will help those muscles and bones as we get older and let those endorphins boost your mood!

But often starting is the hardest part. We have ALL been there. 

So most importantly how do we motivate ourselves to get out of bed, or leave Netflix and just do it?

Let’s start with the basics.

Make it easy for yourself.

Find something you love to do.

7 things you need to know about finding a fitness or movement routine that works for you…

1. Check in with your limiting beliefs

   
   Like most things in life it is all about mindset...so get rid of those limiting beliefs that may be holding you back...that voice in your head that says "but I don't LIKE exercise", or "I will never change things, I've left it too late" because slowly but surely, you absolutely will make those health & fitness changes that work for you.

2. Find your WHY

   
   Do you want to lose weight, the menopause miseries and reconnect with your best self? Depending on your level of exercise your first step may be, what kind of exercise do I like?
   
   I absolutely love strength training but for years I have tried lots of other types of fitness such as yoga and horse riding was an absolute way of life. More recently I have become a convert to cold water therapy and I’m loving my winter sea swims!

   So, whatever it is,  when you find what you love & that endorphin rush, you will start to look forward to it I promise!
   
   

3. Find your best (and easiest) location

   
   Can you do a workout at home in a spare room, outside in the garden or will you head to a local gym or leisure centre when lockdown restrictions are lifted? What about a Park Run which has a real community and supportive vibe and is free.
   
   

4. When is the best time for you?

   
   Are you a morning lark or an afternoon and evening owl? I know I need to exercise before midday as I seem to think I will turn into a pumpkin after that! Again it is finding what works for you as we are all different.
   
   I am definitely better when I have planned my workouts say for specific days say Monday/Wednesday/Friday. Make a plan and make it your “non-negotiable”. You matter!
   
   

5. How and when

   
   With a friend for example, or is a class type exercise best for you? If you promise with a friend it is a great way to stay accountable for you both. If you need to book a class  get it in the diary. 

6. Record what you do

   
   A great way to see your results and encourages you to keep doing it and you will improve too, everything gets easier the more you do it.
   
   I love the way the Couch to 5K is laid out as you can either download with a podcast and different encouraging voices, or as an app on your phone. 

7. Your workout tunes

   
   I can't tell you how important music is to your workout! Get your favourite upbeat tunes on a playlist (the ones that make you want to dance in your kitchen!) Music is key to my workouts honestly, the wrong one is just as bad as NO playlist.
   I’ve got a few ideas for you here on Spotify and if you want to look at my home workout videos have a look here at my IGTVs on Instagram. You will see if I can YOU can!

5 things you may need to get you started with fitness…

• A yoga mat or similar to lie on

• Trainers. Make sure too they are right for “the job”

• Resistance bands (lots on Amazon for example)

• YouTube vids (or save your fave routines on Insta which is what I did)

• A BODY

It’s that simple. Just start. Your body and mind will thank you

If you have any existing health concerns chat with your GP first but ANY kind of movement is good for your mental health and your body.