Fitness

Lifting weights will make me muscular – I don’t want to look like a man. Errr, ladies, you won’t. Why? Because you don’t have enough testosterone in your body. Yes, there are women bodybuilders who have incredible physiques – but they are training and eating in such a specific manor that most of the female population would never do.

The twice a week body tone/pump/weight session isn’t going to get you to that level! Weights will, however, give you strength, improve posture, increase bone density and make you look leaner/slimmer/fitter. Ignore the grunting men in the corner of your gym – they are just focused on what they are doing – learn the techniques from someone qualified and pick up some weights, use resistance machines or just your own body. Do what suits you and enjoy it!

So you religiously hit the gym, in fact you increased it to every day for an hour or more but you’re not seeing the result you used to – it’s frustrating, de-motivating and makes you want to give up. Well, give up, not permanently, but for a week.

Rest up, take a look at your usual routine and see what you can do to shake it up. If you go to the same classes, and do the same gym routine every week for weeks (let alone months or years!) then your body isn’t being challenged in the same way it was when you first started your training routine. With most classes the routines should change every few weeks, so if you love the class and feel like you got a good work out then keep it, if you don’t – give it up. Try getting a programme written and reviewed frequently for the gym, maybe book some personal training sessions just to help you get back on track.

Work harder not longer. Cut out the stuff you really hate – don’t do the extra spinning class if you can’t stand it. Mix up your sessions with cardio and weights. Don’t stick with it too long. Results will soon come with a few simple alterations – you don’t need to be at the gym/class every single day. And of course – look at your diet! One does affect the other

Looking for performance gains? Trying to maintain, lose or gain weight/muscle. Then look at your nutrition – working hours on end in a gym won’t do you any good. Yes you need to work hard if you want to change your body, but if you don’t have the right fuel then you’ll end up with a lacklustre session – it’s frustrating and demotivating. And probably more likely to make hit the self-destruct button we all have – the one where you head to the pub or grab something quick and comforting to cheer yourself up on the way home….

Take a look at your diet, have you been eating enough protein (probably not), have you skipped carbs (probably) and not had enough water? Just one of these things can give you a set back. Use your food as fuel – you expect a car to have problems if you don’t put in enough oil/water/fuel (or put in the wrong type) – we are just the same. Eat before and after your workout – just chose your food carefully!

Welcome to my fitness page!

Fitness isn’t just about what you do in the gym, it’s in every day life – the walk in the park, to the shops, DIY, gardening. All these things (and many more) require a certain level fitness, and we can always improve! This page will include useful information, that can help you achieve or improve your best level of fitness. It’s about what you can do, to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

To find out more on healthy living why not visit my nutrition page, catch up with me on my blog, or to find out more about 1-2-1 Personal Training contact me.