The fitness industry is HUGE and often can become overwhelming when many claim there is one way to achieve to the body of your dreams. Where do you start? What should you do? How physically exerting should your exercise be? Here are my tips around what exercise you should include in your week.
Move and don’t overthink it
First of all, there is no single solution to achieving your dream body or fitness level. This will differ for everyone and change dependent on your goals. The main thing is you just need to MOVE more. Another key is embracing the truth in the Nike saying ‘just do it’. Don’t overthink it, don’t fear it, movement is simple.
Planned exercise
Make your movement FUN! For example, I love zumba classes I always leave with a smile on my face from laughing at how uncoordinated I am! I also enjoy inviting a Mumma friend over to do a Voome post pregnancy home workout (these ones are best: pelvic floor perfection; core on the floor and learn to plank).
Other ideas of exercise you might enjoy include a dance class, barre, crossfit, boot camp, spin, running, swimming or pilates. Not sure what you will enjoy? Most places have a free trial period so jump on that opportunity!
Incidental exercise
Look for extra ways you can fit movement into your day – incidental exercise is pressure free and enjoyable! Can you walk to the shops or get off the bus a stop earlier? Can you carry the groceries instead of pushing a trolley with bags to the car? If you work, you might want to try my 3 ways you can move more at work.
Challenge yourself
Go outside your comfort zone. Don’t let fear hold you back…you’re stronger than a few cautious thoughts aren’t you?! Show those negative thoughts who’s boss because this is where all the good things happen! We learn new skills and see more change in our bodies and minds when we leave our comfort zones.
It doesn’t have to be a long workout
Workouts don’t have to be long to be effective. In fact, most of my workouts are maximum 20 minutes and I’ve lost my baby weight from this (now just looking to tone up again!). Consider where you can fit 5 minutes of exercise in if you don’t have a large block of time. Eg. switch five minutes on social media for a 5 minute workout. You can burn some serious calories in 5 minutes! Not sure what to do in a 5 minute workout? Check out these great ideas for 5 minute workouts.
Don’t give up if you have to pull back due to an injury
Like any journey, a fitness journey will have obstacles and setbacks. For example, after my first 5km park run post pregnancy (see on instagram here) I had a feeling of heaviness that meant the physio said 6 more weeks no running or jumping. I was shattered, but I pushed myself to embrace other forms of exercise so I was still moving forward toward reaching my fitness goals. I bought a spin bike for cardio and my physio helped me modify the Voome workouts to remove the jumping & instead focus on the strength. So if you have an injury just ask yourself ‘how can I keep moving in the meantime?’. Sometimes you will need a complete rest. Be content with this knowing that you are putting your body on the road to recovery and that is part of the journey. Don’t beat yourself up! Staying positive and focused is key to long term enduring fitness.
This post is sponsored by Voome, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Check out the Voome reviews on their website to see what others have to see about the program!
Amy Darcy
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