Fitness Choice

When it comes to choosing a gym to start training in, there are literally hundreds to choose from. Particularly if you live in a large town or city, there can be numerous options out there.

The first decision to make is what budget you are willing to shell out. Some fancy gyms can cost upwards of £60 per month, the more basic or smaller gyms can come in at a much friendlier £20 per month. Obviously, depending on the services you are looking for, you may need to spend slightly more (or less!) than initially thought.

This leads into number two: what things are you looking for? If you want a basic gym where you can go to use some simple machines and complete a relatively simple workout, then a budget gym will do just fine. If you are looking for somewhere with access to a swimming pool, specialist classes or personal training options, then you may need to choose a larger, perhaps national gym company.

Kettlebells have been available in gyms up and down the country for many years, yet many people are afraid to add them to their fitness regime. Whether it is a fear of the unknown, or worry that the kettlebells are difficult to use, this feature should help to dispel some of the myths surrounding these lumps of metal.

Firstly, kettlebells are a fantastic weight loss tool. Beware falling into the trap of believing that by using weights you will “bulk up”. It is highly unlikely that by adding a small amount of resistance work to your routine you will turn into the incredible hulk overnight!

Another great reason to begin using the bells is that they can offer a workout for every single muscle group in your body. They are great for exercising the arms and torso as well as giving the legs and bottom a great workout. Try adding a few simple kettlebell squats and you will soon feel and notice the difference!

Whether you take your first tentative steps in running in order to lose a bit of weight, or to achieve a marathon, there are numerous benefits of running, both for your body and soul. Here are some of the reasons you should take up this sport.

Firstly, running is an activity than can be done anywhere! There is no need for fancy equipment or pricey gym memberships – you can literally run from your front door. This of course is a double whammy, as running could save you money – if you already have a gym membership, perhaps taking up running instead could save you the monthly fee.

There is scientific research that suggests that active people are less likely to develop some types of cancer, and women who take up running reduce their likelihood of developing breast cancer by up to 30%.

Alongside the obvious calorie burning effect of running, if you do not wish to lose weight, running gives the opportunity to eat more! Because your body will be burning energy as fuel, in order to maintain your weight, you may be able to get away with eating a little more than previously.

HIIT, or High Intensity Interval Training, is a method of exercising where you alternate between periods of hard, intense anaerobic exercise, and slower recovery periods for a shorter, more efficient workout. The high intensity sections should be done at almost maximum effort, and the recovery should be around 50% effort.

The benefits or HIIT training include:

· Getting you much fitter in a much shorter time period.

· Boost to the metabolism, including maintaining an elevated rate for a longer time after exercising.

HIIT training can be performed by anyone, as you can work out to your own maximum level. As your fitness increases (rapidly with regular training!), your own maximum may increase. It is not a form of exercise to be taken lightly, however, and total beginners, or those with a low level of fitness are probably best to build up a base level before embarking on a more intense routine.

People are busy, and it’s not always possible to visit the gym for several hours a day. If you only have an hour to spare then make sure you’re working yourself to the max. For weight loss, it’s recommended that you spend time on the treadmill, the cross trainer and the bicycle machines.

It can be wise to set a target of calories that you will want to burn during an hour, and then you should aim to build on this over several weeks. If you manage to burn 400 calories before or after work, you’ll certainly begin to see a drop in weight, as long as the food you’re eating is healthy.

If you’re looking to build muscle, then an hour long session can really take its toll on your body, so try to work different areas. Working your biceps only for an hour can leave you feeling destroyed, but by spending 5-10 minutes each on your back, legs, torso, chest and shoulders, you’re able to get a full body workout, feeling less sore the next day.