Finding the motivation.......

So what might encourage us to lead a happy healthy fit lifestyle? We are all facing the challenges of temptations around us every day but we recognise that sometimes we have to take stock.

At my age and that of my friends (50s and 60s) we agree the we need to take extra care.  The usual things come over again and again when we discuss health and fitness issues....which is often :)

- blood pressure
- cholesterol
- mobility
- tiredness
- health scares
- batwings
- tummy fat
- rolls of fat
- ill fitting clothes
- and the rest!!

They say that we end up with the "face we deserve" now we also end up with the "body we deserves".

Lets face it none of us are saints and have lapses of common sense but if we continue to give way to excess we will seriously affect our health and longevity.

The New Year made me revisit my previous resolutions.  I have managed to maintain my weight by having a low carb diet and being mindful of portion control.  I make 95% of our food from scratch, its healthier and despite what people say it is also cheaper.  You know exactly whats gone into the making of the food and no-one has sneaked in hidden sugar.  I heard a celeb on one of the chat shows say "you would be surprised how much sugar is in spaghetti bolognese" !!!  If you make it - one of the easiest meals - you won't have any sugar!!

My friends and family support each other and all try to be as healthy as possible.  We compare notes, we groan if we add on a few extra pounds and moan if a dress doesn't fit.....

If you feel you don't have thais kind of encouragement around you maybe a support group like Weightwatchers may be the answer where weight is monitored and advice and are offered and a team spirit provides the motivation to succeed.

On the fitness front, my trusty fitbit provided me with constant feedback on my daily progress - I know this may be a little obsessive but each to their own.

I read health and fitness magazines which provide useful advice and recipes and help to keep me on the straight and narrow!

I go to the gym where I also see regular attendees and we talk as we work out on cross trainers, bikes and treadmills and it is surprising how quickly an hour goes by. I aim to go every day but with other commitments it probably is about 5 on average and surprisingly I really enjoy it which wasn't the case at first. I can hear some saying "Im told older that".....in my gym there a soup of eighty somethings who exercise regularly and are keeping agile and they also enjoy the social aspect of regularly meeting up.

Today I attended my second Pilates class of the week.  I have had a years lapse on attending classes and was encouraged to revisit as I am having twinges in my back and shoulder probably from slouching on the sofa watching TV!!  So my resolution is to have a session once a week.  I have a Pilates DVD and I know some people find this works for them as they can exercise at home but I find that the class works better for me as you are pushed out of your comfort zone and achieve more.

Its never too late to make changes - you feel better, look better and have far more energy with a leaner, fitter toned body!!

It is a matter of finding out what works for you - a visit to your doctor would be sensible and have a checkup particularly if you fall into older category and then devise a plan!!

end of another year!!!

OK…Christmas officially over,  time to examine the state of mind….state of body……lets start with the latter….



Over the last couple of days at the gym we have had the usual influx of new people at our gym.  Over the past 30 years the gyms I have belonged  to - I have seen the same pattern emerge.  Conscience driven individuals decide at this time of year to take stock and be proactive - admirable.  The downside to this is that really overweight people embrace an unrealistic schedule. I see large men and women exercising using equipment as if they are being chased by a pack of hounds.  After 10 minutes many give up sweating profusely and looking decidedly ill.  They then talk with friends exchanginging thoughts on how hard they are working and disappear to the refreshment area where they have a full strength latte…..

I am not trying to be self righteousness but realistic. To sustain any sensible exercise plan you have to know yourself and develop a programme which works for you. The secret is then to make sure you can establish a regular routine which realistically can form part of your lifestyle.

From my experienced observations February marks the decline of the number of new December members who say things like "its a waste of time".  What they need to realise is that there is no quick fix.  Don't kid yourself that you are working hard - 10 minutes of little effort is not a workout!  Talk to the trainers at your gym and work out a regime which will work for you no matter how small…..a little and often will work wonders …..