GetMoving Feel Fabulous!

Make this the year that you set yourself the goal of getting fitter – and stick to it

Start off by managing your expectations – this is really important and will prevent you from sabotaging your efforts before you even begin! Don’t attempt to write yourself an exercise programme that you’ll never have enough time for. Instead look for activities that you’ll love to do – they’ll be so much easier to fit into your life.

“As well as looking at the reality of the amount of spare time you have, you need to be absolutely honest with yourself about the kind of person you are,” says Behaviour Change Psychologist Dr Aria Campbell-Danesh ( DR-ARIA. COM). “Don’t get hung up on the newest, trendiest thing to do, and don’t try to keep up with the Jones’s either. Just because your best friend swears by yoga, or your neighbour is doing awesomely with her Couch to 5k programme, doesn’t mean you have to do the same – or that you’re a failure if you can’t!

“If you know you’re gregarious and motivated by being around other people, then think about joining a running club or signing up for a team sport.

“However, if you’re more reserved and like your own company, why not borrow a dog to take for regular walks? Or check out local classes that won’t involve too much interacting with the other participants.

“If you know you have a creative and enquiring mind, and you’re also quite co-ordinated, you’re likely to get a lot out of a dance class or a martial art, such as tai chi, which will challenge both body and mind,” says Dr Aria.

Physical exercise is not only good for your body, but has pay-offs for your mental health too. Not only do you benefit from the “me time” that exercise affords you, but getting physical also triggers the release of endorphins that pep you up, helping you think more clearly and creatively.

Build on that feel-good factor by getting more mindful and learning to meditate, says meditation teacher Jo de Rosa. “It gives you a different perspective on life, helping you step away from stress, and make clearer decisions. It helps you sleep better, wake up refreshed, and feel more in control of your life.” Find Jo’s guided meditations at WWW.QUANTUMSUPERPOWERS.COM/ PRODUCT/MEDITATIONS.

Ask yourself, “Am I leading an active life, or am I just busy?” Use a pedometer to monitor your movement