December fitness advice - easier than you think

[Catherine W]

Carpe Diem

I am a strong believer that we can integrate activity into our lives all year round, but the temptations of December and the inertia that so often stands by it's side end up in a not so happy new year.

What if you could enter 2016 with a strong fitness foundation to build upon? It's easier than you think.

Little and often:

Exercise doesn't have to be something you pay a membership for, or travel miles in a car to get started. You just need to get outside the front door and walk or run fast. Getting breathless for 20-30 minutes not only boosts your metabolism (the rate at which you burn calories) but it actually reduces stress levels and makes you feel in control and energised. Get off the bus a few stops earlier, walk up the escalator, meet your friend for a walk and talk with a take away coffee rather than sitting in, create your own HIIT (high intensity interval training workout) by walking/ running as fast as you can for 2 minutes, walk/jog back and repeat 10-15 times trying to beat the distance you covered the last time. If you find yourself making every excuse under the sun to get out of exercising plan ahead, put aside time in the diary well in advance. The only workout you regret is the one you don't do.

For tech I recommend:

'Spotify Running' which matches your every stride with a beat to keep you motivated https://www.spotify.com/uk/running/

You could also get a pedometer app for your phone http://appcrawlr.com/ios-apps/best-free-apps-pedometer

Or the real deal from your local pharmacist for less than a glass of mulled wine: http://www.lloydspharmacy.com/en/lloydspharmacy-stepometer-15967

What could be more festive & British than going for a brisk walk whatever the weather?

Don't drink your calories:

Be aware of the number of calories you are taking in over the festive period and how they turn into fat stored around the waist line:

"Did you know that a glass of wine can have the same calories as four cookies? How about a pint of lager ? surprised to hear it?s often the calorific equivalent of a slice of pizza?"

https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/check-the-facts/health-effects-of-alcohol/appearance/calories-in-alcohol

If you are not intending to burn these calories off immediately they will be stored.

Enjoy running?

"parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in."

http://www.parkrun.org.uk

You'll be back in time to have a healthy brunch and read the papers!

If you want to avoid the potential money pit of buying gym membership in January speak to me (Catherine Wilkinson), at Move Well London about results driven Personal Training options at my private studio in SE22. I have helped so many people get fit and stay fit and enjoy the process.

I wish you a healthy December and welcome your enquiries at [email protected]

http://www.movewelllondon.com

[Lucyelf]

I have been using Catherine for personal training. I am not a gym bunny but was just tired of being overweight and unfit after a year of inactivity after an illness. I have never looked back. She is amazing, funny and intelligent. You will never look back if you instruct her. Best money I ever spent - I look 10 years younger!

[GrumpyGrindall]

If you can be encouraged by a radiant smile that exudes the firm determination from someone intent on finding the very best that you can give, the holistic blend of fitness styles and the understanding given by Catherine Wilkinson at MoveWell London will be just what you are looking for.

[barneyg]

Hi

I just wanted to add my recommendation for Catherine at Move Well London as well. I've been training with her for about 6 months to help improve my bike fitness (mainly core work and improving flexibility) and I've been really pleased with the results so far. Catherine's knowledgeable, supportive, and has a great attitude which has genuinely helped me progress.