Sunday morning, around eight o'clock, and it's still dark outside. The splitting headache and bone-dry mouth tell you Saturday night was a good one. Beyond a few more beers than were strictly wise, the crisps went down rather well too. And to see off the light-headedness in the middle of the night, those two kebabs with extra garlic sauce were very welcome indeed. All while you were actually planning to start exercising and eating well this week. But another week's delay won't hurt…
Does that sound familiar?
Don't worry – you're far from alone. We'll help with some tips for getting started with training and a slightly healthier lifestyle. It often begins with small changes to your daily routine. And once you've got the taste for it, the spark becomes a pilot light and then a proper fire.
Everyone is busy. With work, children, school, friends, family and the rest. But here's a question for you:
Suppose a day had 26 hours rather than 24. What would you do with those two extra hours?
Would you start exercising then? The chances are you'd fill those two extra hours with exactly the activities that fill the 24 you already have. One more episode of your favourite series, an extra hour scrolling your Facebook timeline, or another hour's work.
Which is why we say: time equals priority. Your digital friends can manage 30 to 45 minutes without you, so you can go offline and get some exercise in.
It needn't be complicated. Start with a walk outside, or go up and down the stairs a few times while you're tidying up at home. You'll find these small actions raise your heart rate easily enough and slowly shift your mindset.
Turn passive into active in tiny steps.
Do you need something to hold yourself to?
Ask your partner to join you. Challenge them to train with you. Make arrangements – to walk for 20 minutes together outside, say, or to get the bikes out. Make small changes to your food together. One potato fewer, perhaps, or a few cherry tomatoes with lunch. Challenge each other to drink two litres of water a day.
One thing leads to another.
Start with some simple mobility work, or train with resistance bands. Begin with small, light exercises and let your body get used to them. You don't have to bench press 100 kg or run 10k straight away.
There's always someone stronger or faster than you, AND there's always someone weaker or slower than you.
Our tips for getting started, at a glance
- Have some tomatoes with your sandwiches
- Drink more water
- Don't skip breakfast
- Take your time over meals
- Eat a little less
- Time equals priority
- Walk over to someone rather than messaging them
- Start with small, light sessions
These days you can track all your progress easily and get tailored sessions through Bowflex's JRNY app. Almost all Bowflex products come with it.
Would you rather have some personal tips from one of our personal trainers? Then do get in touch through our contact form.
