One of the most common goals I hear from new clients is ‘I want to get fit, tone up and lose weight.’ Similarly, I’m willing to bet a decent percentage of you made a new years resolution under the general theme of bettering your health and fitness.
But where do you start? Who do you talk to and where do you go? First and foremost you must define your goals (use the SMART analogy – make your goals specific, measureable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound) and make a plan. Setting goals will help to establish the path you wish to take, and therefore begin to guide you in the right direction.
These days you’re fortunate to have a colourful array of fitness options available to you. So no matter what aspect of fitness you wish to improve upon, there will be a solution ready and waiting for you.
First and foremost there is guaranteed to be a gym near you. Gyms vary in the range of services they provide, but most have strength and cardio equipment, and gym instructors. If you’re wanting a bit more variety in your exercise sessions, then find a gym that also offers group fitness classes (i.e. BodyPump and Body Combat). Gyms are a fantastic solution if you’re simply just wanting to improve general strength and fitness.
Outdoor Group Fitness or Bootcamp-type sessions are brilliant for the individual who needs regular commitment, team motivation, unpredictable challenges, and a bit of outside-the-square exercise fun. The other positive to getting involved in this kind of exercise is the social network – it’s a great way to make friends and create new training buddies.
Perhaps you are somebody who needs accountability, commitment, and direction? Or you may be entirely new to the fitness scene and need re-assurance and a watchful eye? If this is the case, then you should seek the guidance of a Personal Trainer. And if yu don’t like the idea of others watching you while you train, then find a private Personal Training studio near you. Be sure to choose a PT who is a registered exercise professional, has great experience in the industry, and one you instantly connect with.
Pilates, Yoga, and Tai-Chi exercise sessions can be a very effective part of your fitness regime if you have poor body awareness, core strength, and lack of flexibility. These types of exercise modalities focus on breathing, as well as re-lengthening and re-aligning the body, and will simultaneously improve overall strength.
Running clubs or sports teams are a great choice if you’ve been a previous participant in a certain sport, if you’re a team sport enthusiast, or if you know that team or club membership will improve your accountability and commitment. There are sports teams galore out there, so do your research and sign up.
Finally, finding a friend, family member, or work colleague who has similar goals and ambitions may be all you need to help you better your health and fitness. Ensure they are as committed as you, and that you can be available to exercise together at the same times. It’s also very effective to run a little competition between you, to keep you both committed and excelling each time you exercise.
Starting a fitness journey afresh doesn’t have to be scary or daunting. With so many options out there, and so many industry enthusiasts available to answer your questions, you are guaranteed to find something that will suit your tastes and your needs. You’ve already made the decision to better your health and fitness, now all you need is to take the next step – literally. Just do it!
For comments email corinne@fitfixnz.co.nz
