Why is it important to look after yourself physically, mentally and emotionally? Our bodies aren’t like machines that function when you put fuel into it and stop working when you run out of fuel. While we tend to compare our bodies to machines, we are obviously much more intricately made and are also the sum of our emotions and thoughts. Look after your body and mind, and they will look after you.
My Top Tips for Getting the Most out of your Gym Routine:
Stay focused.
You may day good days and bad days, days when you feel you could lift a mountain, and days when you feel like you can barely lift your feet off the ground. You may miss entire weeks of training, but never lose focus of the end goal – your own fitness and health. No matter how often you fall down, always get back up and get back to the gym. It takes 21 days to create a new habit, so do not allow yourself to give up. Stay focused, stay trying. Check in with your Personal Trainer at GymPlus so adjust your routine or class schedule if necessary. Always make time for exercise. Even if it is only a walk in the park some days. Keep moving.
Eat well.
This might sound obvious, but it cannot be stated often enough just how important good nutrition is for good health. When choosing foods and when planning for meals, consider that every time you feed yourself is an opportunity to nourish yourself. Nourishment is so much more than calories, carbs, proteins or fats. We need vitamins, minerals, plant derived phytochemicals, and even different types of fibre to stay well and grow well. The plant world has given us a rainbow of colourful foods to enjoy. These vibrant colours are phytochemicals designed to keep plants (and humans) healthy. When choosing vegetables and fruit, make sure to pick from every colour of the rainbow.
Take breaks.
Physical training happens in the gym, recovery happens at home. Rest and recovery are absolutely essential parts of a good training regime as it is during times of rest that our bodies recover (and repair and build up). Especially after a hard weight lifting session in the gym, it is essential to allow your body to recover. Rest and recovery can be active, as in light cycling, walking and gentle stretches. But rest and recovery can also mean putting your feet up and enjoying a good book to read. These breaks are not just essential for physical health and wellbeing, regular breaks also feed the spirit and mind.
Be kind to yourself.
I really mean it, be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to explore new hobbies, gain friendships, or simply sit in quiet. Being constantly switched on and switched into the internet, social media, news updates, etc. has our minds running and can foster negative self-talk. The others seem to manage the demands of modern life and look good/have the perfect weight/have lots of spare time/etc. I ask you to be kind to yourself, look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are lovable and perfect as you are. And with that, join the gym, eat well and take lots of breaks for yourself.
