Hayley Newton is keeping you positive this week
Keep positive!
When you first start exercising, it’s easy to get disheartened when you don’t see the results as quickly as you would like to. But don’t worry. Although they may not be instantly visible, changes to your body ARE happening so it’s important to stay motivated and stay positive. Keep at it and, I promise, you will achieve the results you desire.
I’ve come up with my top 7 tips to help you stay positive and motivated. It may be hard now but when you start to see those results, it’s the best feeling ever. Go on, you can do it!
1) Don't let life's changes throw you off track.
Remember that most extenuating circumstances are temporary. Gain more clarity by staying the course and channeling your energy in a positive direction. Believe that your strength and intelligence can help you deal with anything.
2) Never feel like you can’t do it or that it will be too hard.
Sometimes it’s really easy to want to give up when you don’t feel your diet or exercise regime is working but it’s really important not to get disheartened if other people seem to be getting results quicker than you. Even the most successful people have to deal with disappointment and, if you don’t try, you’ll never achieve the body you want. The trick is to process your feelings and then take some kind of action. Join the gym and cut out that chocolate cake. Remember: small changes make big changes.
So let’s start getting into the right frame of mind and start work!
3) Ignore the myths.
Contrary to popular belief, exercising doesn't make you tired. It literally creates energy in your body. Don’t believe what other people say, stick to what works for you.
4) Motivate yourself by trying something new.
Do you feel too pooped to drag yourself to your favourite Spinning class? Try something new. I love burning calories by hitting the pavement. Running is an effective cardiovascular activity that will burn lots of calories through the high-impact activity. This is my form of workout in the weekday as it’s a great way to combine taking my dog for a walk with some exercise for myself. It really stretches her legs as well, and after I've finished I always feel set for the day. Bonus! You need to start slowly and invest in good training shoes to protect those knees… This is a good thing as running shoes are very personal. One runner might love a shoe that another one hates, and they can both be right. Get what makes you feel comfortable.
Note: If you are recovering from an injury or suffer from joint pain, try to avoid running until you are fully recovered. I would recommend trying something like cycling instead as is a relatively safe calorie-burning exercise which doesn't put stress on your bones and joints as much as other exercises during which your feet repeatedly pound the ground.
5) Clear your head and energise yourself.
Swimming is a great way to keep fit, tone up and clear your head at the same time. It’s a great way to ‘indulge’ in some all-important ‘me time’ too. Refreshing and motivating, I can NEVER go for a swim without leaving invigorated and positive.
Swimming is full of benefits. Like cycling, it’s fantastic for people who prefer low-impact activities or have joint problems as you can go at your own pace and the impact won’t distress your bones and joints. It’s a relaxed but extremely toning form of exercise.
I would also recommend swimming whilst pregnant, as it’s extremely calming. My sister swam 30 laps the day she went into labour. It was something she did everyday of the pregnancy and we believe it's what helped her get on her feet again quicker after the birth.
6) Choose the right workout for YOU.
Most people don't fully understand how these different types of exercise elicit very different responses within our bodies. Choosing the right workout for you is essential. If you HATE it then you will never stick to it. The key is to find something you can do at least 3-5 times a week. We are all different and our bodies react in different ways. As your fitness improves, you will be able to perform higher intensity exercise for longer periods of time. Keep positive!
7) Get interactive
It’s important to keep interacting with people whilst exercising and eating healthily as the support will help you to stay positive and to stick to your regime. Whether this is with your gym class friends or at home, this is proven to give you better results.
You can also tweet me photos of you exercising, making healthy meals etc. on Twitter @HayleySNewton It will help to keep you motivated and I’d love to see them too.
You can follow Hayley on Twitter @HayleySNewton / www.hayleynewton.com
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