Fitness

Here’s a four week plan to get you into weight training and feeling stronger, week by week you will increase your efforts, and by the end of March you will notice some changes and hopefully will be loving your weights sessions if you’re not already.

This circuit can be done at home or at the gym, depending on what fits into your life! Give it a go as part of your weekly routine.

Strong glutes are important for everyday life and for developing your strength and power in training – whether that is for running a 5k or a marathon, a triathlon, a hike or achieving a personal best in the weights room. Poor activation of these muscles could cause other problems such as over using hamstring or lower back muscles. Try this simple workout to get started or improve technique and strength.

If you want to get your cardio, strength & core done in one workout, this circuit could be for you. Build up as you feel able, increasing weights and duration/repetitions as you start finding it easier. Working out should be fun and leave you feeling worked but not wrung out! Enjoy…

Not for the faint-hearted,,, here’s a 30 day burpee challenge to see you through February. Work at your own pace, that may mean walking through the burpees initially. Work up to all the reps and variations. Enjoy!

Here’s a simple but tough little circuit to get you going. Give it a try….

This core workout can be done four times a week, add it into your cardio sessions and get a stronger core (back and abs). No equipment needed, just your motivation. Give it a go.

Get your heart rate up with this little circuit, no equipment required which makes it handy for home, park, hotel or gym. Add it into your weekly routine or make it your new one for a few weeks.

It’s going to be hard to get back to your fitness routine after Christmas and New Year celebrations, so how about starting with a simple challenge like this, working on those glutes. Add in some cardio, walking, cycling or swimming, take part in a new class or get an updated gym programme. You don’t need to spend hours a day, just aim for 3 sessions a week and tweak it until you find what works for you!

Most importantly, keep active each day – sit less, move more and that will make a lot of difference.

Happy New Year!

Tis the season to be jolly, so instead of a very structured workout, why not try a game with your mates and won’t take hours! Fit this in over the Christmas holiday to keep some of those extra pounds at bay….

12 exercises of Christmas:

Sing on the song, on the first day 1 sit up, on the second day 2 leg raises and 1 sit up – and so on! Make it to day 12 and you’ll have burned off some of those treats.

Day 1 – sit up

Day 2 – 2 sit ups

Day 3 – 3 glute bridges

Day 4 – 4 x jump lunges

Day 5 – 5 x press ups

Day 6  – 6 x squat thrusts

Day 7 – 7 x crunches

Day 8 – 8 x jump squats

Day 9 – 9 x jacks

Day 10 – 10 x mountain climbers

Day 11 – 11 x squats

Day 12 – 12 x burpees

It will burn but it’s less than 15 minutes work even with rest! Look up technique for any you are unsure of. Take out jumping or put in an alternative exercise if you find some of these too challenging.

Merry Christmas x

While you can’t actually get fit in just 14 minutes, at this busy time, you can fit in a 14 minute workout at least once this week – maybe twice? And that will go some way to getting you fit. Give it a go!

This workout requires a bit of equipment, but it will be worth it. Give it a go!

Time is precious, at this time of year even more so, so why not add this at-home workout into your day, it will be easier to get it done if all you need is a spare few minutes – no travel to the gym and you can always break it down into parts.

The lights (and in some cases trees) are up, the party food is everywhere, so now would be a good time to get party ready. Try this simple challenge in the run up to Christmas, a little a day can make a big difference, so try to fit in this and as much activity each day as you can! Don’t forget that even Christmas shopping will burn calories and make your muscles work…

How about a quick tabata circuit to challenge yourself. Build up to the full circuit if you are new or find it hard, progress the time and moves as you can. Enjoy!

Sometimes all you need to get a bit fitter, maybe even lose a few pounds, are a pair of trainers and a path, whether that be in the park, along a river or just around the block. This walking plan can get you fit, try it with some friends – so you get a catch up at the same time, just don’t reward yourself with cake after!

This is perfect if you have limited space – you just need to get on a floor and work those glutes! Add this in to your routine, glute work is ideal for any of you who want a toned behind in that party dress, or if you are training for a marathon (walking or running). We all need strong glutes, if we don’t work them we can end up with other muscle being used and that can cause imbalances in our body – ending in possible injury. So get working those glutes!

It may seem a bit too early, but believe it or not, we are rapidly heading towards party season, so lets get party ready with this little black dress 30 day challenge.

Notice I didn’t actually use the word beginning in C and ending in mas… But if you are looking to see some results before that day, you need to get moving now! A good workout routine will also help you feel great as you head into this crazy time. Enjoy.

A simple interval based workout called Tabata. Nothing except you needed. Why not try this out at home or in the gym.

If you love kettlebells then try this workout. Not for everyone and technique is key! Make sure you ask a qualified instructor to get it right, that way you will have an effective and safe workout.

Try this workout from Men’s Health for a body boost.

Lets get working on those abs – 30 day challenge, add it into your usual workouts, don’t forget to rest too and stretch. Enjoy.

Set a timer for 20 minutes, that’s all you need, and of course your own body (and water). Try this quick circuit to give your workout a boost. 

This is a great workout for that area that most of us want to work on, legs and bum – definitely my preferred workout day! Add this in to your week.

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.

Yep just 5 minutes! Simple exercises you can do anywhere. Try to build up from 5 minutes to 20 for more benefits.

It’s the start of autumn, new school term and the lead up to Christmas (can’t believe I wrote that word already!). So lets have a double challenge to get us ready for the winter months.

Work your glutes and your arms with these two challenges!

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!

How about a bit of a strength workout this week? Give this a go 3 x a week. 

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.

How about trying out some non-treadmill cardio workouts. Not everyone loves the treadmill….

How about getting those legs out for summer. Try this workout as part of your usual routine! 

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.

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.

Try out this legs and bum workout to get some tone (add it to the latest 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 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.

No gym required, just a mat and you! Sculpting moves in a workout created by Tracy Anderson.

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.

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!

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! 

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!

A workout you can do anywhere, all you need is a resistance band! Try different strength bands to increase the 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! 

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.

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….

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! 

How about using a prop to mix up your workout routine. Here’s a chair circuit to get you started.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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…

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!

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…

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!

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….

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!

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.

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!

Here is a video workout for the core and glutes, fit it in to your workout a couple of times a week!

How about toning up the upper body. Try out this workout as part of your weekly routine.

How about adding in this squat challenge to your regular workout!

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!

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. 

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

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.

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.

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!

Try this 30-day bodyweight challenge for November!

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 – just you – and 30 minutes! Try this out for the next week.

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! 

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!

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.

Try this out to get the bum you want…. Just remember to work to your level!

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.

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

This circuit can be done anywhere because you don’t need to anything except yourself and some motivation! Try it out this week.

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). 

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….

How about a 7-day strength training plan…here it is!

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…..

How about using your holiday for a chance to try out a new workout? Here’s a swimming session to keep you fit! 

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…..

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….

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

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?