KICK-START YOUR FITNESS GOALS Struggling to stick to your fitness regime, or perhaps unsure how to get started? Bounce editor, Joanna Lewis, sits down with Kym Bailey, a certified fitness trainer and running coach at 7 Mile Fitness.
What’s the best way to stick to your fitness goals? “Do something you enjoy. A common mistake people make is to leap head first into an intense regime and then injure themselves, burn out, or lose interest. So, pick something you enjoy doing and ease yourself in. Fitness should be for life, not just the first few weeks of each year.”
What are some of your top work out tips? “Make your new workout schedule part of your daily or
For those who are new to exercise, how would you suggest they get started?
weekly routine. It should become part of your life and
“Most importantly, if you have any pre-existing injuries
something you look forward to doing and miss if you
or health conditions make sure you see your physician
can’t do it.
prior to starting any exercise regime. Then, ease in to
Try and do your chosen activities at least three
it slowly. Suddenly putting your body under extreme
times a week to see results and become fitter, stronger,
stress is never a good idea and will totally negate any
and healthier. The time of day you work out should be
benefits you will get. Go for a walk a few times a week
based on when you can commit to completing your
and gradually build up your distance and endurance
workout. Don’t chose the morning if you know fitting
and then think about what type of exercise you enjoy.
in dropping kids at school and getting to work on time
Not everyone wants to run a marathon or bench
leaves you maxed out timewise.
press 120 pounds. Whatever exercise you choose you
And, finally remember the key rule - what you put in
need to enjoy it or sticking with it will be too hard.
your body affects what you get out of it. Healthy eating
Additionally, try to find a workout buddy or hire a
and a good, balanced diet will not only help you see
personal trainer. You are less likely to skip your workout
results but give your more energy to get through your
if you risk letting someone down, plus it then becomes
workout and enjoy it.”
a social activity if that’s what you enjoy.”
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