1. THROW AWAY THE SAD STEP.
We all know that feeling after Christmas - you know how much of a good time you've had, and you think "oooh, just one look at the scales won't hurt!" It will. It always does. Throw away the sad step and focus on making progress and getting lean - you shouldn't put your happiness on losing weight. It's about being fitter, stronger, and feeling better about yourself.
Helping turn your Blue Monday, Red
2. BE A BIT GUILTY.
Really. Don't beat yourself up for having an occasional treat! You're allowed to treat yourself every now and then, as long as you balance it out with smashing your workout.
3. YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO OUTSIDE TO EXERCISE.
The one thing everyone dreads in winter is sticking on their warmest gear and going out for a jog - and trying not to break their necks on the ice! - but you don't have to run outside to get a good workout in. You can go to your local Fitness First, or if you really don't want to see anyone for the day, you can always smash out a quick twenty minute HIIT workout in your front room, your hotel room, or the guest bedroom at your parents' house. Make your workout work for you.
4. DON'T PUSH IT.
Saying all this, it's way too easy to obsess about keeping fit every day. You might feel really dedicated, but this is the worst thing you can do for you body. Give yourself rest days where you just do a few simple stretches to stop your muscles shutting down completely in the cold winter air! Then you can just bundle yourself in front of the TV, no questions asked.
5. DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS.
I know it's really tempting to stop before you've even started. "Well I'll never lose as much weight as so-and-so so there's no point". Like I've said before, it's not about the weight and it's not about numbers. Everyone has a different body and a completely different metabolism. You can only do your best, and as long as you know you're smashing it, there's nothing left to do! If you can find a brilliant community around you to support you, like my leanies do with each other, that's always a huge bonus for staying on track!
Joe Wicks is teaming up with Fitness First to help boost the mood of the nation on what is considered the most depressing day of the year. On Monday 18th January, Red Monday will see Fitness First open its doors nationwide for non-members to take part in free HIIT classes. For more information visit Fitnessfirst.co.uk.
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