Exercise Tip of the Week: Phone a Friend

Even the fittest and most motivated person can sometimes get bored of the same old work out. When exercise starts to feel like a chore it becomes much harder to meet your goals. We all know that feeling when the novelty has worn off and the couch starts to look inviting. So our best tip to deal with this is simple. Tell a friend. Friends, partners, neighbours and relatives can provide fantastic support and motivation when you are feeling down. We find that a walk with a friend goes twice as fast and gives you the chance to chat and laugh together instead of sitting at home comfort eating and feeling defeated. There is always someone who is free to join you at the gym, for a swim or just a 30 minute brisk walk round the block before Coronation St! All you have to do is tell your friend that you need their help.

Exercise Tip of the Week: How Long?

Getting exercise can be a delicate balancing act. You need to get the right kind of exercise, in the right amounts, at the right times in order to make the most of your body. Most health promotion agencies will tell you that 30 mins exercise per day is enough to keep your body healthy and they are right. But if you are trying to lose weight or tone up your body you need to do a little more. To feel as fit and healthy as possible you should try to get an hour of exercise each day. This can be 6 ten minute sessions, or a half hour walk at lunch and again in the evening. you body doesn't mind which way you break it down. You just need to give it the stretching and movement it needs to get the blood flowing and keep your heart and body healthy. Once you reach your fitness goal you can cut back to 30mins per day to maintain your fitness level and body shape.