Simple steps to a healthier life

It’s said that by now, two-thirds of people have abandoned their New Year’s resolutions. Anna Boyes, Assistant Gym Manager at BLOCK Plymouth puts this down to people starting with an unrealistic goal, which can become overwhelming and see them revert to bad habits.

She suggests that instead of saying ‘I’m going to hit the gym every day, eat only clean food, lose 10 pounds and get a solid 8-hours sleep’, that it is easier and more sustainable to take simple steps to a healthier life.

Here are Anna’s top 10 tips to help you start as you mean to go on:

1. The best and most simple one - move more! Hit a few more steps each day. Park a little further away from work or walk to work.
2. Eat healthy protein, carbs and good fats. Have a varied diet. Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean cutting out everything you enjoy; it’s all about balance.
3. Hit your five a day with fruit and veg. Try 80% clean wholesome foods and 20% ‘soul’ foods.
4. Sleep is extremely important. If you’re having restless nights and broken sleep, try cutting down your caffeine intake. Perhaps don’t have your three coffees a day but have two instead – it makes a difference!
5. If your goal is to trim back, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to slim down too quickly. Aim to lose just a pound a week and if you do that, simply repeat what you were doing the following week and you’re bound to lose another! Small steps over time are the best way for getting back on track and back to a weight where you feel comfortable.
6. If your plan is weight loss, sign up to a gym with a positive atmosphere, where you feel comfortable to train. Make sure to have a gym induction so you understand how to us the kit properly and don’t be afraid to ask staff for help if you’re stuck. That’s whatthey’re there for and what you pay your membership for!
7. Try a mix of strength training and cardio. Strength training is great to change your body shape and strengthen your muscles to prevent injuries. Cardio, as you know, is great for the heart and keeps your body working as it should.
8. Simply start with three sessions a week at the gym (or at home if that works better for you), even if they’re just 30 minutes each and if you feel like you could do more, then go for it.
9. If you feel like you’re lacking motivation, try a session with a PT for both an extra push and the advantage of gaining new knowledge in your training. Knowledge is power!
10. The best thing about training, in my opinion, is all those lovely happy endorphins your body releases after your session which promote a positive, happy attitude and help with all-round better wellbeing.

Just enjoy moving (and resting) your body more and if you need any help or advice, get in touch so we can help you on your wellbeing journey. Contact gym@blockplymouth.co.uk