Everyone knows that exercise benefits you both physically and mentally – but how can you make sure you’re getting enough of it crammed into every week?
The experts recommend you get thirty minutes of moderate activity at least five times a week. Yes, five. It seems like a lot. It is a lot and no, it won’t just happen – so you need to get off your hindy and make a plan.
You need to choose an exercise that is right for you rather than one that makes you want to do the following; a. Vomit b. Give up before you’ve started 3. Throw yourself off the nearest tall object.
If you really, really hate exercise the best activity is start walking. This doesn’t mean going for treks but instead choosing to walk places rather than get in a car. I know it’s tempting to say ‘screw it’, especially when it’s raining but maybe choose a good playlist to listen to while you walk and take your mind off exercising.
You could also try investigating what is on in your local area. Phone around leisure centres or choose a trainer. In my area, there is a really great personal trainer in Tonbridge; so I’m sure you’ll find someone who will support you.
Don’t always assume the gym is the answer – in many instances, it’s not. Where I come from the exercise classes in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells are a bit hit and miss; the only solution is to try them all out. However, if you hate them – just don’t go again (but make sure you pick something else like a rambling club or similar).
Try to make sure you start gradually and slowly increase the amount you’re doing and the intensity you’re exercising at. There’s no point in doing exercise five times a week for the first week, then burning yourself out so you can’t perform for the next three. Start at twice or even once a week and work your way up to five sessions.
If you’re finding motivation is a real problem then pen the sessions into your diary. That way, ‘being too busy’ isn’t an excuse. You’ve put it in there and dedicated time to it so get on with it!
Whatever you decide to do, please make sure you remember to warm up and cool down, I don’t want to be responsible for any overzealous exercising resulting in injury! Try to keep all of this at the top of your mind before you go – trust me, you’ll feel so much better once you’ve done it.
