I meet a lot of clients who are trying to get started on their health and fitness journeys.
The number one mistake that I see them make is trying to make things too hard too soon.
They massively restrict diet, change their lifestyle and start “killing it” in the gym or on the running trails.
The goals that we have often set are normally along the lines of losing a bit of weight, feeling a bit fitter, toning up and gaining some more confidence or energy.
These are great goals but the problem is that we do not exist in a vacuum.
Many of the problems that we suffer with are the result of our lifestyle and the environment that we find ourselves in.
It’s hard to be super active when you are chronically ‘knackered’.
It’s hard to feel fit when you are eating food that lacks any nutritional value.
It’s hard to feel confident when you are chronically deprived of sleep.
When you get started on your fitness plan this winter, started steadily and put good foundations in place.
If you have a goal of walking 10000 steps a day and you currently walk 1000, do not try and get straight to 10000. Instead try and increase to 2000, then 3000 and be progressive.
If you have never done the gym, just start off steady. Don’t go and destroy yourself on day 1.
This is where we end up with the notion of “It’s too hard”, “I haven’t got time”, “It hurts too much.”
Some quick ideas and principles to get you started.
1. Frequency beats intensity every time when you are getting started. You will not change the world in one workout so don’t try it.
2. You will be sore when you get started! That’s okay. Just be patient with yourself and build up slowly.
You probably won’t be very good to start with and that is okay! Just start turning up consistently and you will improve.
3. Try and build a climate around your efforts. Tell your friends that you are making some changes, tell your family so they know what you are up to and can offer you some support when you need it. Start to read about eating healthily and positive exercise habits.
4. Make sure you are getting good quality sleep. Get to bed early enough to allow you 6-8 hours of sleep and try to get off your phone for an hour before bed time. Poor sleep can often be a big driver of low motivation, low energy and poor discipline around nutrition.
If you need any help putting together your fitness plans for the winter, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I can offer Personal Training consultations or regular Personal Training sessions, according to your needs.
Get in touch today to get started.
Chris Adams
adfitness@live.com
07707242926