DO you can IT
INSPIRED TO TAKE ON A FITNESS CHALLENGE? JEMMA THOMAS SHARES HER TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Busy mum of two and personal trainer Jemma Thomas, also known as @Jemmas_health_hub, threw herself into training for September’s Simplyhealth Great Bristol Half Marathon. Now she has some words of wisdom to share with anyone who wants to embark on their own fitness journey but doesn’t know where to start…
Get organised
Alongside her half-marathon training, Jemma made time for three 30-minute home workouts each week. How did she manage it? ‘I have to be organised when it comes to exercise because I have a family and a business to run,’ she says. ‘It’s all about habit and consistency, so
I make sure I block time out in the diary – it’s essential as a mum, because I can’t just run off to the gym without any notice.’ If you’re training in the morning, get your kit prepped and ready to go the night before, too.
Be consistent
Once you find your groove, it’s important to consistently set yourself targets, says Jemma. ‘Doing the same thing all the time is no fun, and your body won’t thank you for it. I’m actually thinking of trying cycling or a triathlon next, because I’ve never done it before. Mixing things up with new goals keeps you going and makes you feel proud.’ Still struggling? Start by getting your trainers on. ‘Try not to overthink workouts at first; just focus on getting your kit on and getting out there,’ says Jemma. ‘That consistency will bring results.’
DON’T GO IT ALONE
Motivation is key. For Jemma, it’s her thousands of followers. ‘I know there are people online waiting for me to teach them. I show up because they show up,’ she says. Another great incentive is to make firm plans with a friend, or pay upfront for a non-refundable class, course or PT session. And get help from the professionals if you need to – Jemma says: ‘My Simplyhealth plan has supported my fitness journey by helping me cover the cost of health treatments, including a physiotherapist, for all the family without a GP referral.’