So, this may be the week you are back at work, kids back at school and exercise is on the agenda! This week I am keeping the blog super simple and just giving you a list of my do's and don'ts to keep you on track:
- Don't go hell for leather in the first week - if you've taken a break or are new to exercise build up gradually, whether that is with the weights or with the distance you are running. This will prevent injuries (more on this in a previous blog here) as well as keeping you motivated and avoiding burnout.
2. Set a realistic goal for your first month - you can look back in 3 weeks and see just how far you've come! In addition, maybe a longer-term challenge will motivate you - a Spring 10k with a friend or building up to 3 classes/workouts a week come February?
3. Schedule in your workouts - there will be hundreds of post-Christmas jobs to do but if you get your workouts done early then you've already hit one target! And it is much more likely not to get pushed to the side as the day progresses.
4. Bored by your 2022 routine? Try something new this January! Step outside your comfort zone... (did you see last week’s blog?)
5. Remember if you are exercising again then you need to prioritise your nutrition - your body cannot function at its best on a poor diet. And the same goes for your sleep and recovery.
6. Remember your mental health - get outside for walks in January even if it's a rainy, gloomy day, it really does make such a difference to be amongst nature for your mind every day.
7. Write it down! It's a new year and you will feel committed - write down what you do each day and if you miss a session don't feel guilty about it just start again tomorrow, all is NOT lost. Don't put too much stress and pressure on yourself in the first few weeks of the year.
8. Don't embark on a crazy diet this January or be drawn into a new fad - just eat normally and try to get as many nutritious, healthy meals prepared at home ready to go. You can also try the 7-day reset on my website with Lizzie Loves as part of my membership – soups, smoothies and delicious dinners to fuel your week.
9. Finally - please be kind to yourself! Don't panic if you fall off the new year's resolution wagon - whether it is fitness or nutrition there is always tomorrow. Life is busy and stressful and adding mountains of extra pressure to yourself isn't going to help. Just keep doing your best to be consistent and the rewards and benefits will come.
10. Remember it is important to have support from others but don't forget these are your goals, your fitness journey and not theirs so stay focussed on you and do what works for you - no need to compare yourself to others.
I have long since been an advocate of strength training, particularly for women, and with this in mind I built my platform – Caroline’s Circuits. My workouts are 4 times a week for just 30 minutes. They focus on strength-based circuits which work different muscle groups and challenge the body, keeping the heart rate moderate to high with passive or active rest – they give the perfect mix of strength and cardio for the best results.
The workouts are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday (they are all recorded and available to you on demand within an hour of the session if you can’t make the live). Classes have been specifically designed to suit all fitness levels and create fitness habits which last & which produce results.
Intrigued to know more or have a go? Try a class for free here or read more about the platform here.
If you have any questions please do get in touch.
For more workout ideas and to find out a bit more about me check out my Instagram.
Caroline x
