How about working on flexibility. It’s so important, but something (myself included) probably don’t do enough of. So here is a 10 minute session to add into your day, give it a go this week.
Fitness
5 min cardio blast
Yep just 5 minutes! Simple exercises you can do anywhere. Try to build up from 5 minutes to 20 for more benefits.
Push up challenge
Push ups are tough, but there are variations – start on your knees and build up from there. It won’t take long! Just keep practicing – try this 30-day challenge!
Get strong
How about a bit of a strength workout this week? Give this a go 3 x a week.
Squats
Everyone loves a squat – but sometimes the same old thing gets boring. Try out some of these variations to keep it interesting and add a challenge.
No treadmill cardio
How about trying out some non-treadmill cardio workouts. Not everyone loves the treadmill….
Summer legs
How about getting those legs out for summer. Try this workout as part of your usual routine!
Cardio challenge
For this month I thought we would add in some cardio. Go at your own pace and build it up if you’re just starting out, for the more frequent exercisers go for the harder version of each exercise. Enjoy.
Ab work
Lets get those summer abs! Try adding this to your current workout and check out the nutrition tips too. However hard you work you won’t see those muscles unless you eat right.
Legs workout
Try out this legs and bum workout to get some tone (add it to the latest 30 day challenge).
30-day challenge
I love a wall sit, so thought this challenge would be perfect to work those summer legs and bum and core. to keep yourself busy how about hold some hand weights and try front raises, side raises, bicep curls. Get the benefit of working many muscle groups and seeing some good results in 30 days. Good luck!
Summer arms
Summer is coming, lets get those arms working so you can wear those little tops with confidence. Try this work out as part of your routine.
Bodyweight workout
No gym required, just a mat and you! Sculpting moves in a workout created by Tracy Anderson.
Fat-busting circuit
Try out this at-home circuit! You can follow the video or just read through (and see pictures) each exercise. Give it a go as part of your workout this week.
30-day challenge
A simple but effective workout – two different plans to keep you from getting bored. Give them a try and see how good you feel at the end of the month!
5 minute Glute workout
Everyone has 5 minutes! So why not use it wisely and get that toned bum for summer. Try this out as part of your at home workout plan!
14 minute workout
If you can find 20 minutes in your day, then you can get a workout done! This workout requires only you! If you want to add some challenge to it over time then add in some dumb bells. Give it a go!
Grab a band
A workout you can do anywhere, all you need is a resistance band! Try different strength bands to increase the challenge.
30-day HIT Challenge
High Intensity is not for everyone, build up to it. But if you have been doing it regularly as part of a routine, you could try this challenge out!
Lower body workout
If you feel like you’re always doing squats and not much else, try out this lower body workout – no squats! Add a little variety to your sessions.
Outdoor circuit
If the gym isn’t your thing, or you want to improve general fitness or running distance or time, why not try out this circuit. All you need is you and some steps….
Workout with a bike
Instead of going to the gym and sitting on the bike at a steady pace, why not try mixing it up with this interval workout!
Working hard but can’t shift the pounds?
I am sure most people trying to lose a few pounds have wondered why they can’t shift it. Could you change up the workout? If you always do the same thing then your muscles adapt and the body is more efficient – using less energy, and therefore burning less calories. Or maybe it’s your diet? A few tweaks could make all the difference. Work smart, eat well and be consistent.
Workout with a chair
How about using a prop to mix up your workout routine. Here’s a chair circuit to get you started.
Ab blast
At the gym I work out we run hourly ab sessions, if your gym doesn’t (or you want to try something different, try out this blast.
Toned up
Toning up is a phrase every Personal Trainer will hear…. It means something different to each person, usually women want to look lean but are nervous of weights.. don’t be! read more here.
In the meantime start your ‘toning’ challenge by following this workout as part of your weekly routine.
20 minute workout with Jillian
I am a huge Jillian Michaels fan, love her attitude and enthusiasm as well as her workouts. So here is one from her that you could fit in to your week for a change.
18-minute workout
A band, some dumbbells and 18 minutes, twice a week, that’s all you need. Not much to ask… Give this workout a try, it might become part of your regular plan when you don’t have time for anything more.
21-day challenge
Since February is a shorter month and (hooray) means we are heading towards spring and summer! So here’s a challenge to get those arms ready to be seen after months of hibernation…
Quick cardio
Here’s a video to help you complete a blast of cardio. It is just 10 minutes of work! Fit it in a few times this week!
Kettlebell workout
If you have access to kettlebells at your gym, you could try this out. Make sure you learn the technique. The work comes from the glutes, hamstrings core – not your back! If your back hurts then stop! Maybe get a gym instructor to show you before you start using them…
Ab workout
These ab exercises are ideal for those who may find getting down onto the floor tricky, making them suitable for almost everyone. The workout shows weights but a resistance band could do the same (just tied to a rail/door handle. Why not add it into your weekly routine!
Simple quick workouts
If you are away, if you don’t have much time or limited motivation (especially at this time of year), then maybe these workouts can help you! Quick and simple. Take a look….
A day of eating right
Now this plan may not be suitable for you 7-days a week, but maybe once a week? And use a few of the tips each day to help you build in more sustainable and better health choices for your lifestyle. Healthy living doesn’t have to be a chore!
Quick Tabata workout
Give this 4-minute workout a go when you’re short of time! Read and watch first, make sure you concentrate on your technique so run through it slowly to make sure you can do it safely before you go all out!
30-day challenge
Start the New Year off with this challenge. It might help you get motivated during January. Add it into your usual workout or use it as the building blocks of a new routine.
Box away the blues
This box/kickboxing session will not only give you a cardio blast but boxing can really help you blow away the blues or stress (and who doesn’t get stressed – work, family, Christmas shopping, queues, traffic jams – I could go on).
Enjoy!
Core & glutes video
Here is a video workout for the core and glutes, fit it in to your workout a couple of times a week!
Upper body workout
How about toning up the upper body. Try out this workout as part of your weekly routine.
Healthy habits
Sticking to a detox/diet/clean eating plan of any sort takes lots of willpower. And at this time of year it’s even harder…
These tips show how a few simple tweaks to your everyday life can make all the difference. A bit more exercise (easy – walking around Christmas shopping!), cutting down on treats (but not cutting them out so you can still have the odd mince pie), and swapping your daily fix of coffee to a healthier option (you can still have coffee just reduce the size or extra syrup/toppings).
And don’t forget to get your health checks done – knowing what’s going on inside will help you make the right choices for you.
30-day Squat Challenge
How about adding in this squat challenge to your regular workout!
Simple exercises – great results
Why not include one or two of these exercises to boost your workout, make sure you focus on technique first and then worry about weight and reps. Simple exercises done well, working many muscle groups will give great results. Give it a try!
Lower body workout
Even if you aren’t planning on getting ‘bikini ready’ this is still a good workout for your lower body – the biggest muscles of the body! Use this workout as part of your weekly workout.
2-in-1 fitness
This routine is great for when you are short on time – a total of 4 rounds will be only 30 minutes. PLUS it offers cardio and weights in one workout. Some of the moves may be a bit advanced if this is your first time, make sure you can do all the moves first (without weight) and then add in a weight that’s challenging but not too heavy.
Enjoy
Circuit training newbie
If you have never been to a circuit style class before, these pointers might highlight why you should give it a go. Note – they might not be called circuits anymore but HIIT, Bootcamp or Tabata all have the same thing in common – they are effectively a circuit.
It’s a great way to train – you can get through lots of exercises – strength and cardio – in a set amount of time, just set a timer for each station (and rest) and you’re good to go. To do a lot of strength work you may need to add in weights, but to get started just use your own body, keep it simple and you’ll get a good workout.
DIY circuit session
If you haven’t tried a circuit class before – you could give this a go! There are several options to keep your body guessing and working hard. Change it up every session and you will get a good all round workout.
3-minute blast
Perfect way to end a session A 3-minute blast – simple exercises that will make you work hard but for only three minutes.
It’s also a perfect blast for when fitting in any kind of exercise seems impossible!
Read through the feature to make sure you understand any variations, watch the video and then give it a go! Once you’ve got the hang of this one, tweak it with other exercises (burpees, walking lunges, mountain climbers & bicycle crunches are a few examples), but keep to the format. Focus on your technique and push yourself hard – it’s just 3 minutes!
30-day Challenge
Try this 30-day bodyweight challenge for November!
Core challenge
We all need to keep our core strong, as it sounds – it’s the core of our body, like a trunk for a tree, and if it becomes weak it causes all sort of problems with our posture and ability to carry out everyday tasks.
Here’s a great addition to your workout to keep the core strong. As with any exercise, start at your own level and progress – so you might not achieve all of it first time round but after a few times you can add in more.
No equipment needed!
No equipment – just you – and 30 minutes! Try this out for the next week.
80/20
The rule you hear is 80% diet and 20% exercise to lose weight, but is that right?
Well yes cutting out unhealthy options will ensure you are able to lose some of those pounds – but it’s a battle. By adding in exercise you can rev up your metabolism and help your body burn the stored fat. It also means you don’t have deprive yourself of everything you like. So the truth is you need both!
Have a read and see how you can incorporate small changes into your daily life to get you to your goal.
Squat
Squats are a girls best friend! Not only will they get you that toned bum, they can help you lose weight (because as you probably know strength training boosts your fat burning potential) and did you know they can help you run faster, and generally help in everyday life.
One size does not fit all – take a look at the best option for you!
18-minute workout
Here’s a workout that can take only 18 minutes, try to fit it in 3 times in a week. That’s less than an hour of work!
30 days of Tabata
Four weeks of Tabata training….. If you like your workouts short, but aren’t sure how to change it or progress it, then this 30 day challenge is for you! Enjoy!
Just remember to pace yourself if you haven’t trained like this before.
A bum workout
Try this out to get the bum you want…. Just remember to work to your level!
Circuits
Here’s a great circuit for anyone, it’s based on the idea of getting hiking ready….for those who are only used to gym or flat terrain. Why not give it a try, just to vary your own workout – or set yourself a goal to train towards a real hike.
Reach your goal
Reaching your goal, whatever it may be, can seem impossible at times. This article has some great tips and inspiration from people who set their goals and met them. Everyone has a different method, finding one (or a few) that work for you will help you stay on track until you get there…and you will.
Remember it will take time and effort, but if you don’t make any changes, then nothing will change. Take inspiration and beat that goal!
12 week taster
Here’s a taster of something from my 12-week programme, why not try it this week as part of your usual routine and if you’d like to see more. you can sign up here.
Upper body:
Beginner: 8-12 repetition. Intermediate: 12-16 reps. Advanced: 16-20 reps. Rest 30-45 secs and repeat another once or twice.
Make sure you choose a weight you can complete the repetitions with using good form – but that are hard enough for your last two repetitions to feel tough!
Bicep curls
Tricep dips
Shoulder press
Side raises
Push up (can be done on knees)
Bent over row or single arm row
Top tips for a flat stomach
Nothing new here, but these bite-sized tips are really useful reminders. The only way to get that flat stomach is to work at it – watch what you eat and how much. And don’t forget to work out – your full body, not just endless crunches…
Try a full body work out like this one. and refuel with a post workout snack – just choose wisely!
No equipment needed
This circuit can be done anywhere because you don’t need to anything except yourself and some motivation! Try it out this week.
Lets get spinning
Spinning classes scare a lot of people – everyone else seems to know what they are doing, or do they? If you can’t face attending one, try this out in the gym (or on a real bike in the park).
15 minutes is all you need
Quick workouts work for me – why not try this all over 15 minute blast. Keeping it short means you are more likely to fit it in! No excuses….
Strength training
How about a 7-day strength training plan…here it is!
five minute workout
Who doesn’t have 5 minutes? Watch this workout video and see if you can fit it in whenever you have 5 minutes! An ad break is 3 minutes so you could get it done in two breaks! That’s got to be better than just sitting watching ads…..
Make a splash with this workout
How about using your holiday for a chance to try out a new workout? Here’s a swimming session to keep you fit!
Tips for a healthy balanced life
There are hundreds of tips for weight loss, some better than others, but some of these tips are just good common sense, or helpful hints for a general healthier lifestyle, whatever your goals are.
This article does that too, some of the points such as getting more sleep, changing your workout routine and eating from smaller plates, are useful and well-known tips. However, being reminded to focus on our daily non-exercise based activities are a simple way to keep us healthier. For people who don’t like gyms, this is a godsend – if you like walking, gardening or spend a lot of time doing chores – it all counts! Just keep active!
Grab a band for this workout
I love working with resistance bands, a simple bit of kit that enables a great workout, wherever you have a little bit of space (and time). Try the one…..
Hard work makes you hangry
Working out first thing in the morning is not only a great way to start the day, but it makes sure you get your exercise in before the day really gets under way (and therefore less likely to skip it). But, you could undo your hard work if you get too hungry post workout.
These tips highlight the pitfalls and suggest easy solutions to fix them. You know that pre and post workout eating is important, but what should you eat? Have you had enough sleep and drank enough water… All these little things can help ensure you don’t eat more than you work off! Which means results will come quicker.
Hotel room workout
When you are away with work or on holiday it can be hard to keep up with your fitness routine. Here’s a workout that can be done in your hotel room before you hit the bar….
Making exercise your priority
We all know that good exercise and eating habits make you healthier and can improve your life in all sorts of ways – from self esteem to living longer, so I was pleased to read this interesting piece, which is well worth reading if you are struggling with your work/life balance (who isn’t), and could be worth forwarding to your manager!
It also reminded me that I have to focus on the balance of my life too. I might train other people to make my living but fitting in my own training can be really tough and I am not alone! That’s why trainers often hire other trainers – because the commitment means you won’t forego it. I am making that time – even if it means I have to adapt my training plan – so far so good!
Grab plate to work out this week
How about paper plates as a work out tool. Try this workout – all you need are some paper plates, a suitable floor to glide and the ability/patience to master the exercises without falling over! Enjoy
Fat-busting Tabata
Tabata workouts are quick, simple but very effective. Here’s a few ideas that may surprise you! The bike, treadmill or swimming can work if you are at the gym, but so can high knees, mountain climbers or box jumping (or step) and they can be done at home. Mix it up to keep it fresh. All you need is 20 seconds of hard work followed by 10 seconds of rest – repeat 14-20 times and you’ll have completed a touch workout in 10 minutes Who doesn’t have 10 minutes?
Boost your metabolism
As we get older we notice many outward changes, but just as many happen on the inside. A particularly annoying one is that our metabolism slows – which can help cause weight gain. Unfortunately the usual reaction to weight gain, is to try to lose it, but a slower metabolic rate makes it much harder.
While reading, I saw this article and how to help yourself, not all of the points are groundbreaking, but there are some very interesting points which could help. Such as, lifting weights (nothing new – we are constantly being reminded we need to increase bone density, better posture etc), but what about doing it in the morning – setting your metabolism up for the day. Small changes could make a difference. Definitely worth a try!
Take your abs to the next level
How about taking your abs to the next level.? We all get stuck in a rut – repeating the exercises we know, but you need to change it up if you want to see results. Easier said than done – well here’s a helping hand – some truly tough abdominal exercises to keep your ab workout fresh for a while.
Some of these may be too extreme for right now, but take a look and build up to them.
Bad day buster
Bust out of your bad day or mood by working hard! This circuit will get you moving, the blood flowing and your bad day a thing of the past. Give it a go.
Lean tips
Who doesn’t love a list? Here’s one that has some very useful tips to keep you lean. Obvious some may be, but are you actually following them? Some more tricky than others (no. 10 for example), but most of them can be added in to your everyday life and it’s the small changes that make the difference. So have a read and see what changes you can include in your life if you want to get a bit leaner.
Tabata Time
If you have little time, then Tabata will work for you – this workout is only 20 mins and requires only you and your willingness to work hard. Short and sweet!
Perky glutes
As a trainer I have been asked to lift bums (not literally), but if you don’t have a trainer, why not try this workout instead…. Enjoy!
Try this 30-day challenge, adding in some weights (and cans from the cupboard will do) can make even a short workout valuable. Give it a try. Remember to work at your pace and progress as you feel ready, don’t over do it!
Enjoy!
Strength moves
How about hitting the gym for a quick weight session, it could help you lose fat and gain strength, that means lean muscle – which looks good on the outside and means you carry less fat on the inside.
Start off slowly and build up as your strength increases. Take a look and add this into your weekly visits (try twice a week),
Rev up your hormones for weight loss
Nothing new here, but sometimes it’s the way you say it…. This article, highlights what has been said so many times before. To lose weight and build lean muscle you need to focus on decent sleep, eating right (and that means all macros), and lifting weights (which seems to terrify women).
HIT your lower half
Try out this for a lower body workout Don’t forget to work to your own limits and increase intensity as you feel able. It should be tough but not leave you in agony…. Technique is key so watch first. Enjoy!
Sabotage!
If you don’t feel like you’re achieving those fitness goals, it could be that something away from the gym that is hurting your progress.
If you are following your plan, your form is good, and you are mixing it up enough to keep your body guessing, then maybe you need to check your eating, sleeping and stress levels. Anyone of these could be sabotaging your goals.
Have a look at this article to help you avoid common pitfalls.
Summer holiday workout
If you’re planning a spring/summer break soon – try this video for some inspiration.
As with all workouts, warm up and cool down, and only work at your own level – change exercises if the ones suggested are too hard you right now, or hurt you. Feeling sore the day after is one thing, feeling pain is not ok!
Fitness motivation
Working out can be hard – even for the most committed! There will always be a day when you want to skip the gym – sometimes that’s not such a bad thing, rest and recovering is important, but so is staying on track with your goals.
To keep motivated you could try these tips, simple but effective.
Full body blitz
If you don’t have weights, grab some cans from the cupboard or bottles of water, other than that you need a mat and that’s it. Have a go at this 3 times a week….
Workout nutrition
For people into serious training the nutrition element is really important, this article talks you through, pre, during and post workout nutrition, including supplements.
While supplements might not be something you’re interested in, the article gives a good explanation of what your body needs and the reason why.
At the very least, consider the pre and post workout nutrition of protein and carbohydrate to help your work out and recovery.
What is a portion?
Counting calories was always seen as the key for managing a healthy balanced diet, but like all health and fitness news, something else always comes along to change our thinking. Portion control now being used as the way to keep your meals and snacks under control.
Ultimately it’s what works for you – counting calories or managing portion sizes. But are your portions right? This article is a simple guide.
If you want to look into further help with portions the British Heart Foundation guides are interesting.
Cardio complete in 30 mins
No equipment or gym membership needed. Why not get outside in the sunshine (take water), maybe get some friends along, set a stopwatch and off you go! Less than 30 minutes and you’ll have done your cardio for the day. Repeat 3 times this week (more if you can).
Adapt a lower level of intensity if you are just starting out, work for 1 minute and rest for 1 minute.
Enjoy!
Non-diet diet tips
Sounds good…. Sometimes concentrating too much on what you’re not having makes it even harder, so how about living a healthier lifestyle, improving fitness, losing weight or just improving your general mood as a by product of a few tips that make you feel good?
Try these tips and see what a difference it makes.
Break your work day up with a walk. Yep even a few minutes every few hours, walking around the office will improve your overall health and can help reduce the risk of later life chronic conditions. To take it further, take the stairs, walk or cycle your commute (or part of it).
Water as you know is vital, but drinking it plain for some people is just too dull. Add in pieces of fruit – berries, lime, lemon, mint, cucumber – whatever you life, if it tastes good you’re more likely to keep hydrated.
Watch an hour less TV a day…. What if you used that time to do gardening or house chores (burning calories while you’re at it), spent time with friends or family, went for a walk? It would give you a bit more time to hit the gym too…..
Most importantly, spend less time being critical of yourself. Too much time telling yourself you aren’t able to do something or you can only do it/wear it/be it if you lose weight isn’t going to help you achieve your goal – it will only help stop you. Be your own cheerleader.
Tabata session
Just 20 minutes is all you need for this workout. If you can’t complete all these exercises change them to something similar – just keep moving in the work period and rest when you’ve completed them. Try to complete it 2-3 times this week.
Enjoy!
Eat right & Workout – not just for weight loss!
If every you need motivation to keep up the healthy lifestyle, this article can help. It highlights so many benefits to eating well and exercising regularly. There are the obvious ones you’ve heard a million times, but what about improving your self esteem, boosting your sex life, having better sleep, clearer skin and reducing mental health issues.
There are so many more reasons, not just to beat the scales (or beat yourself up about them). It’s not all about weight loss – there are so many positive health benefits for your everyday life (and for your family too).
Treadmill workout
If you’re feeling inspired by the marathon runners but aren’t planning on signing up – why not revamp your own treadmill session – here are a few options to try out this week!
Why do people have Personal Trainers?
Sometimes it may seem like an indulgent expense. Everyone has their own reason – mostly it’s because if someone else tells the what to do they will do it! But this article points out why you might want to consider it and what you should consider. Cost is one issue but most trainers do offer deals on block bookings and added value by including nutritional support.
If you feel inspired contact me!
six-pack workout
If you fancy setting your self a challenge for summer –try this six-pack workout. Enjoy!
What’s the difference?
If you’re unsure of what counts as circuits and intervals or you’ve never heard about pyramid training methods, this simple guide can help you create your own short exercise routine – which can be done anywhere.
If you’re stuck for exercise ideas – try theses:
Cardio:
skipping (with or without a rope)
high knees
jumping jacks/star jumps
running on the spot (or between to points)
Strength:
Squats (add a jump to make it cardio too)
lunges
press ups
tricep dips (off a sofa/bench or on the floor)
Core:
bicycle
leg raises
curl up
plank (if you do only one core exercise do this one!)
GOAL!
So when you’ve hit your fitness/weight goal – what happens? It’s hard to know how to maintain – you’ve spent so long trying to achieve the goal, to finally make it (or at least this goal), you need to learn what to do next – this article keeps it simple and achievable.
But don’t forget to set yourself another goal – it keeps you motivated, ideally something that keeps you fit and healthy without excess. Maybe take part in a charity event or become a workout buddy to a friend that needs a little extra motivation……
Bring a friend
Why not find a workout buddy and try this workout. At the very least you can have a laugh.
Eating post workout
So you hit the gym for an hour, worked hard, and you’re really hungry, but haven’t planned ahead……
You’ve probably made at least one of these mistakes, as highlighted by Women’s Health. .
Eating a pre-planned snack or meal (depending on the time of your session) is key, you need to replenish your body with healthy food, but sometimes (and we’ve all done it), what we actually do isn’t always the best option.