WORKOUT WORRIES SOLVED!

10 common exercise conundrums... and their simple solutions

WORK OUT WORRY: I DON’T GET TIME TO EXERCISE

Simple solution: “People will always find an excuse if they don’t want to do something, whether it be going to the gym or cleaning the house!” says Trevor Box, Fitness Manager at Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat ( www. moddershall oaks. com). “But, if you are serious about your health, and you want to feel better and look better, then you will find a way.

“Consider getting up a lit- tle earlier and doing half an hour of exercise before you go to work or take the kids to school. Or maybe you could go straight from work to the gym before going home so you avoid the temptation of the sofa.

“If your work or school is within walking distance, try leaving the car at home. Or, if taking the bus, try getting off one stop earlier. Once your body is in a routine it will get easier – at first your body will say no way, but JUST DOIT!”

WORK OUT WORRY: I DON’T HAVE THE BUDGET TO JOIN AGYM

Simple solution: “If joining a gym is impossible financially, then the great outdoors is free,” says Trevor. “Caveman- style training has really taken off, as have outdoor boot camps using little or no equipment. Also, walking in the countryside is a great activity – both physically and mentally – and there are some amazing hikes to be done right on our doorstep across the UK.”

WORK OUT WORRY: I STRUGGLE TO GET MOTIVATED

Simple solution: “One of the biggest motivational tools is a partner or friend,” says Trevor. “So, exercise with someone, play a sport with them, join a club or go to the gym together – if you think you are going to let them down that’s all the motivation you will need to get up and go.

“If you can afford to invest in a personal trainer then one of their main goals will be to keep you motivated.”

WORK OUT WORRY: I FEEL EMBARRASSED EXERCISING IN FRONT OF OTHERS

Simple solution: “This is a common problem, but the more you go to the gym the more this feeling will pass,” says Trevor. “To build your confidence, can you find a gym that is quieter than others? Alternatively, try buying a DVD to exercise to at home until you feel more relaxed about working out in front of others.

“Swimming is a great exercise for the overall body and people will be concentrating on swimming rather than looking at everyone else. The other option is to have a personal trainer who can work with you at home or outside of a busy gym.”

WORK OUT WORRY: I DON’T KNOW WHAT IS HOULD BE WEARING

Simple solution: “A trip to the local sports shop will sort this problem out,” says Trevor. “There are so many brands and styles available on the market there is bound to be something for everyone, no matter what their shape or size. Ask the shop staff to advise you on what you will feel comfortable in depending on what type of exercise you are going to be doing. There are some great brands that offer sports clothing that is fashionable and aids performance. If in doubt, a good old track suit or shorts and a top will be fine and always make sure you have the right shoes to avoid injury.”

WORK OUT WORRY: I ALWAYS GET BORED WHEN EXERCISING

Simple solution: “Slogging it out on the treadmill can be boring, so mix it up a bit,” says Trevor. “Try some different classes – there are so many to try, from boxing to weights, yoga to pilates, or straight cardio to indoor cycling. If you can play a sport with a friend then you won’t have time to be bored. And simply switching around your music can give you that extra boost if exercising alone.”

WORK OUT WORRY: I DON’T WANT TO EXERCISE ON MY OWN

Simple solution: “Easy! Find a group exercise class or join a local running, swimming or cycling club,” says Trevor. “You can go with a friend, but you will also make new friends there. You will find that people who exercise have the same things in mind – they are all working to be healthier and have an improved lifestyle.”

WORK OUT WORRY: I’M SOUN FIT I FIND IT HARD TO EXERCISE

Simple solution: “We all have to start somewhere, but doing too much too soon with

will only de- motivate you,” says Trevor. “Start off with simple forms of exercise to break yourself into it gently. Try walking and swimming, then progress towards more energetic types of exercise when you have attained a greater fitness level. You will come to the point where you will love going and working out – in fact, it will make you feel so much better you will wonder why you found it so hard to get going.”

WORK OUT WORRY: I WANT TO TRACK MY PROGRESS, BUT HOW?

Simple solution: “First of all you need to fix in your mind what you want to achieve – what is your goal?,” says Trevor. “Then set a programme in order to keep moving towards that goal – you can use different fitness apps and websites to record your information and form a graph to see how you are improving.

“Of course you can’t beat a good old pencil and notebook to record where you started and where you are going, too. Monitor weight, measurements, body fat, what weights you are lifting, plus how fast you can run a certain distance – and then watch your progress...”

WORK OUT WORRY: I WANT TO B EMY OWN PERSONAL TRAINER, BUT I’M NOT SURE IT’S POSSIBLE?

Simple solution: “That’s a difficult one, especially if you don’t have the knowledge about training techniques and how the body will respond to exercise,” says Trevor.

“However, there are several phone apps and websites that can help by giving you a workout programme to follow.

“Knowledge is the biggest factor here, so it’s up to you to research training techniques and nutrition so that you can understand fully what is needed to get results. Training yourself requires a lot of self- motivation, so are you that type of person? If not, invest in a good personal trainer – you won’t regret it.”