It’s the same every January - we’ve all overindulged and now our jeans are feeling a little tighter than usual.
Come the first week of January, many of us will vow to follow a strict fitness regime and get back in the gym.
But one fitness pro has shared her tips on how to get fit and lose weight - without forking out on an expensive gym membership.
Paige Verity Davis, also known as The Fun Fitness Coach, gets that the gym can be an intimidating place, and so strongly supports toning up from the comfort of your own home.
“I’ve found when talking to my clients that gyms can feel pressurised for the average person.
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“They see hardcore gym goers squatting high weights off the racks, marathon runners on treadmills and people posing in the gym mirrors. This can all feel extremely daunting.”
The personal trainer, 30, from Nottingham, added: “But the main fear I see in clients who attend gyms for the first time is no instruction - you are just left to work out what the equipment does after a brief induction.
“The gym doesn’t suit everybody. Instead, you need to find your own workout that excites you - that’s what makes a habit stick.”
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, Paige reveals six ways you can get fit without stepping foot onto the gym floor - and that includes making the most of your weekly shop.
SHOP TILL YOU DROP
Who needs a gym when you’ve got the local supermarket?
“When you are completing your weekly shop, or going out anywhere in the car why not try and park further away so you are burning an extra few calories and strengthening those leg muscles?
“If you’re at a supermarket, why not use two baskets – one on each arm to add the additional weight lifting on the way round.”
NO KIDDING ABOUT
In Paige’s eyes, this is one of the easiest changes to make - and will result in some fun memories for you all too.
“Go to the local park with them, run around, push them on swings.
“Even carry them, which is a bit like – honestly don’t underestimate how much a child weighs when you have to carry them for a long period of time!
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“Good old-fashioned games such as Twister also can help - it uses strength, balance and coordination which are all vital to your fitness journey.
“A massive bonus to working out with your children is the fact you will also be installing healthy habits into them as they grow older.”
HOME ALONE
“Another amazing tip is to work out at home, as long as you have plenty of space - please don’t kick a chair or a table in the process!
“There are plenty of online workout videos on YouTube that you are able to stream at any point.
“ And if you’re wanting that extra push, why don’t you head to an online trainer who can teach a variety of classes, and give you that accountability?
“You can find a variety of workouts such as dance-based, Pilates, HIIT classes and more online so you can keep them fresh and challenging.”
LOOK LOCAL
If you’re wanting to tone up but also make some new friends, Paige also recommends checking out fitness classes in your local area.
“Community classes are a fantastic way to kick start your fitness goals as they are affordable and flexible – they normally have PAYG and bulk bundle options to suit your needs.
“There are some amazing instructors out there who will really challenge you, and you can find these at your local village halls, scout huts, churches and schools.
“Plus you’ll get the community feel - you could meet amazing friends who will become your cheerleaders.
“You then be more likely to stick to these workouts as you will have that team spirit where you’ll feel motivated to go.”
She recommended checking out Meetup to find sporting opportunities near you.
GET OUTSIDE
“During the pandemic, we all appreciated the fact we could head outdoors for free.
“There are some superb walking trails where you can have fun with the family.
“If you’re after an extra push you can take some light dumbbells with you, or pick a hillier trail to really challenge the legs this New Year.
“Remember you can spice up your workouts by using lunges, running down a path for a distance, or trying some interval training to really get your heart rate up.”
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE A QUICK DIP
“If you love the outdoors, there are some great workout options available, including open-water swimming and paddleboarding.
“Swimming is a fantastic way to really connect with nature while burning some calories.
“Paddleboarding is an amazing option for the obliques as it involves balancing and muscle strengthening.
“Just please research where you are planning to go – and if it says no swimming in an area, don’t ignore this.”