general well being

try something new

TIME TO TRY SOMETHING NEW!

BY PAUL PEROY

As the New Year ticks over we start to take stock of our lives and make plans for the year ahead. Are you happy with how you look and feel? If the answer is YES, congratulations, you are part of the 16% minority of people who are. If you answered no, why put up with it? Make some simple changes and find the health and happiness to make your 2010 new years resolution a reality.

Speak to a Professional:

If you are new to exercise, let a Dr know you are about to start a new training regime & what you have in mind. If you are currently exercising at a gym and have an eating plan, it may be as simple as a conversation with your health professional. Ask your group fitness instructor, personal trainer or any team member at your local fitness club about how to get the results you want. Book in for your free program or session with a personal trainer. But (never start a sentence with but), to get an effective result ensure you do your home work.

  • Set a goal: what do you want to look, feel like or be able to do in a few months.
  • Keep a diary of what you are eating & what exercises you are currently doing for a few weeks. It is important that your fitness advisor knows where you are at.
  • Ask them for advice on how to change your routine to get the results you want.

Mix it up:

If you are a self motivator and exercise alone, the tip for you is to shake it up a bit. Change your workouts, i.e. the type of exercise you do and increase the intensity and/or duration. Remember that rest and recovery time is also a critical element of your training.

PERSONAL TRAINING is an awesome way to get that one on one attention on your workout. The trainer’s sole purpose is to get to know your limits, challenge them & get you to your goals quickly and safely. They will mix it up for you and keep you motivated and inspired, while ensuring your safety with proper execution of each exercise. It really is all about you with a trainer.

Did I mention I LOVE GROUP FITNESS?

If you normally use the Cardio Machines, get your butt into a Group Fitness Class NOW!!! Not only are they the most effective way to do your cardio but the Group Fitness Professionals will guide & motive you to a new level of fitness. No need to be fit enough or coordinated as used to be the case.  Group Fitness has come a long way since the Olivia Newton John days of leg warmers and G-strings (however feel free to indulge if you so wish….no judgments here). There are classes for every type of fitness level and coordination ability. All classes allow you to work at your own fitness level. Following is a quick rundown of what each class type will do for you:

SPIN: is fantastic for beginners and conditioned cyclists. It requires no coordination as you are stationary and you control the amount of resistance on the bike. This means that although you will get a great workout, you will absolutely be able to get through the class with no problem. This is my favourite class for beginners. And possibly, the easiest.

BOXING: requires minimal coordination and is great for getting some of the built up aggression out of your system, while sweating and getting that heart fit & healthy.

BOOTCAMP: is outdoor group personal training at its best. Drills and exercises designed to get your fitness levels in tip top shape. It is something that everyone can follow and gets quick results if you also follow a healthy eating plan.

BODYPUMP, BODYATTACK, BODYCOMBAT and BODYSTEP: require minimal coordination and after about 3-4 weeks you will be able to follow the class just like the best regulars in the front row. Just because you don’t get every move doesn’t mean you won’t get a work out. These programs are designed for beginners to the most advanced athlete’s.

Take comfort in knowing you are not the first person to enter a Gym or a Class for the first time (not even that day). Nor are you the first person to not get every move. (if you can get every move on the first go then you should seriously think about becoming an instructor-come talk to me laterJ) Most people who try something for the first time feel a little self conscious. But within the first 5 minutes of starting a class, this will pass as our team of instructors, ensure you remain focused on achieving your fitness goals. And you realize that everyone else in the class is busy working their own butts off.

So the secret to success is to mix it up. If you’re doing the same classes each week try a new one. Never done a class, try some. Not doing any weights, add some. Did you miss your class or workout this morning at the gym? Go for a run! Do you see the pattern?

If a change is as good as a holiday then what are you waiting for? Get on the phone or web contact your gym to find out what new activity you will be trying today. Shock your body into success and your life into happiness. HAPPY NEW YEAR from the Lifestyle Team, and best of luck in 2010.