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4 ways to get fit for 2015

4 ways to get fit for 2015 January 12, 2015Lifestyle0 Comments

Back in 2012, I had a great year of fitness. Working with a personal trainer and really pushing the boundaries. Alas, two three years later it all seems to have slipped a little. Too much wine at the weekend, too many hours in the office… I’m still the same weight as I have always been but I don’t feel as toned.

So… to my latest hashtag; #fitfor15. Here are my top four ways to get fit this year, and as much as possible I make them free options. A gym membership can be very expensive these days. For me, the best way to workout is using your own body weight with key exercises.

parkrun – free weekly 5k time trial

I’ve been taking part in parkrun’s since 2009 and I love it. Yes it does mean getting up early on a Saturday morning for a 9am start, but it is a great way to exercise for free, set your own goals and see progression and sets you up for a great weekend. So what’s it all about? parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, easy to sign up to.

Flying around Basingstoke parkrun in 2011

I choose between Basingstoke (my home town), Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, but I have also taken part in one in New Zealand. It’s so fun, you run your own pace, set your own goals and make great friends from it too.

Check out the parkrun website for a parkrun near you and for more information.

30 day Squat Challenge

I spotted the 30 day squat challenge over at Pop Sugar’s blog. Having previously taken the 30 day plank challenge, it seemed like a sound next step. So, what’s it all about? It involves five different squat variations that you repeat and eventually work up to 200 reps in 30 days. A great way to tone down the thighs and buttocks and for me, a great way to get in shape for my holiday to Hawaii!

At the time of writing I’m at day 5, so I have a way to go. I have to admit that I do a lot of squats during my gym workouts anyway, so I don’t think I’ll feel it for a while. But 200 squats at once.. eek! There are rest days so don’t panic!

Head to Pop Sugar to check out the challenge, tell her LadyM sent you!

Drink 2 litres of water a day

Ok, so this one isn’t a fitness challenge but it is something that a lot of people find hard to do. Drinking 2 litres of water a day has SO many benefits I’m not sure where to start! Your body is made up of around 55% of water, so you need to make sure you have enough water to have your body functioning properly. I know that if I don’t drink enough water (at least eight glasses) in a day, I get migraine symptoms and I know I’m in for a tough time.

Drinking enough water also helps with the following:

Women who drink more than 1.5 litres see a reduction in wrinkles after 6 weeks
Often hunger signals are actually thirst signals – make sure you are drinking enough water, drink a glass of water before having a meal – you might be less hungry thank you think!
Water will make your eyes sparkle, your skin glow and is great for flushing out toxins in your body

Weight Training

I know, I know – think weight training, think bulking up.. Well that’s not always the case. I deadlifted 75kg in my personal trainer sessions back in 2012. I regularly lift 16kg kettlebells during my gym workout. I’m not all muscleman, Mr Strong, I’m just toned (well trying to be).

Training at The Gym during FIT 2012

It’s a common myth that women who push weights will be scary muscle women. But this is a key way to have lean muscle. Add some resistance training to your regimen. By building more lean muscle, you’ll burn more calories and get leaner faster.

I recommend a session with a personal trainer in your gym, if you can. Usually they offer one for free at first. This way you can learn about all the weights machines, free weights and most importantly technique – make sure you know what you are doing to avoid injury.

Set yourself some goals, make the most of what your body can do – push your boundaries and achieve success

Good luck with your fitness this year. I’ll be writing a few pieces for here, I’ll be guest blogging, with a few fab bloggers such as Parties, Pearls and Being Precious and I’ll be instagramming so make sure you follow me here.