Health & Fitness

6 Weeks to Fit!

[fa icon="calendar"] 13-Sep-2018 15:14:44 / by Emily Apps

No Excuses bannerSo many of us are guilty of trying fad diets and ridiculously intense workout sessions to try and lose weight before a holiday or trying to fit in to our favourite outfit that has become slightly too tight. But how many of us put all the effort in for a few weeks and then go back to our old habits?

Weight loss is more likely to work quicker when at least 150 minutes of exercise is done a week and with just 45 minutes of exercise helping to eliminate 500 calories off your daily diet. So instead of spending money on fad diets and buying the latest juicer to whizz up vast amounts of kale, it’s worth investing the money on a good fitness programme.

For just £40 for a six week membership (plus a free t-shirt!), our NO EXCUSES programme allows you to get fit following a method which is sure to leave you feeling confident with your workout and wanting you to continue long after your six weeks are up…

STRETCH

I can already hear you asking if stretching is really necessary because it’s boring and if you’re going to the gym, you just want to lift weights and do the real stuff.

Stretching is definitely a necessity and just 10 minutes of stretching a day can help make all the difference. Not only will it prepare your body for the upcoming workout, it’ll help keep you flexible later in life, allowing you to keep active into your later years.

If you’re not someone who wants to count reps, try holding the stretch for a series of deep breaths as this will help release muscle tightness, make the stretch that bit easier and help ease muscle soreness.

SWEAT

Sweating is one of the most important parts of a workout. That old age myth that sweating means you’re unfit has been dispelled many a time. Sweating means you’re working your body and reaping the benefits in doing so. Sweat also clears out some of the toxins in your body, helps regulate your body temperature and helps clears out your pores. If you’re looking to get your sweat on, an indoor cycle class or a HIIT workout such as a Les Mills class, will ensure you to leave the gym with your tshirt dripping!

STABILITY

Think of your core as the foundations of a house. If you’ve got strong foundations it’s going to help keep the rest of your body strong and last longer.

Whether you’re a marathon runner or just enjoy going to the gym to keep yourself healthy, a few core exercises will be sure to help you reach your goals. From a healthier heart to improving your breathing, some simple sit ups or bicycle crunches will help you build a strong core and help you achieve those sought after abs!

SQUATS

Squats are an integral part of having strong overall fitness but they must be done right or else you risk injury. Not only do they help strengthen your legs, then also help create an anabolic environment which helps muscle growth throughout your whole body. Keeping your glutes, back and core muscles engaged at all times and keeping your weight on your heels, you should squat so your knees are over, but not beyond your toes.  You should reach a 90 degree angle and then return to your starting position and repeat 15-20 times. Once your confidence with squats has improved, try adding weights to the workout to achieve those extra gains!

STRENGTH

Once you’ve reached week 5 of the programme and the basics have improved, it’s time to start of the strength element. Even with the past 4 weeks improving your body, don’t be fooled into thinking you’re going to be able to jump straight into pulls ups or dead lifts and magically be a pro. All of our gyms have assisted machines to help you start out and don’t be afraid to ask one of the instructors to help you- this really isn’t something you want to get wrong!

STAMINA

You’ve reached week 6 and should be feeling fitter than ever. You should be enjoying fitness being part of your daily routine and should now be training incorporating all of the elements that you’ve trained over the last 5 weeks. As you come to the end of the 6 week programme, it’s essential that you keep up the regular training. Your stamina will improve and you will be able to keep adding different things into your schedule. Now you’ve mastered the basics, get involved up with some of the classes- the Les Mills classes will really show you how far you’ve come over the last 6 weeks or if you’re really feeling confident, head down to Newham Leisure Centre and take part in the Prince Regent Crossfit to really test yourself!

To find out more information and to get signed up to our So... No Excuses programme, head to our WEBSITE or pop into your nearest site and speak to a member of staff!

Topics: fad diets, fitness, top gym excuses, gym excuses, sport and leisure, Group exercise classes, So

Emily Apps

Written by Emily Apps

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