The gyms are back…..Are you taking that first step forward (again)?

It has been a long 4 months for all of us and it is understandable that many of you will have fallen into some pretty bad exercise and nutrition habits during this time.

Prior to the COVID-19 lockdown you may well have had a good routine set in with your exercise schedule. Hitting the gym at least 3 times a week, taking part in your favourite classes, chatting to your gym buddies and being in that positive environment you thrive in with likeminded, positive people. It really is an amazing place to be around.

That old saying “you are just one workout away from a good mood” really is true.

Those of you who have always been regulars in the gym know the importance it has in your life, not just for the physical benefits it can bring but also and perhaps most importantly the mental health benefits.

Although many of you, including myself, have been doing home workouts and online workouts during the lockdown I can personally say I have been doing it out of necessity rather than desire. I care too much about my health, fitness and physique to allow it to all go too far south which has been my biggest motivator.

It has by no means been perfect and on the odd occasion I have missed a few days exercise, it has coincided with poor food choices and bad sleeping patterns, all of which left me feeling pretty crappy about myself and moody. (Just ask Kelly).

It is actually scientifically proven that we make poor food choices when we are sleep deprived. And although probably not scientifically proven, I have found that spending more time at home on my bum with my head in my laptop has led to about 20 daily trips to the fridge. More often than not just to look at the same items that were there 30 minutes earlier. Now I know I am not alone with this, right?

I can speak strongly from personal experience that I feel so much better in myself physically and mentally when I am exercising regularly and eating healthy. I think clearer, feel more positive and more motivated with all aspects of my life.

How many of you can relate to this I wonder?

I would take a confident guess that most regular gym goers can.

The same can also be said when it comes to your nutrition habits. When you are eating healthy and fuelling your body with the essential nutrients it deserves you really do feel so much better about yourself.

Maintaining a consistent healthy balance is key. I say key because nothing is perfect and we all love a cheat meal or a treat now and again.

It is no secret that eating healthy does require you to spend more time cooking and prepping your meals each day and you will have to sacrifice that extra couple hours on the sofa or time with the family to get it done, but the positive impact it has on your physical and mental health in the long run will only benefit you and everyone around you.

I must also point out that from experience during my 15 years of coaching people, to achieve your goals wether it be fat loss or muscle building, healthy eating and exercise will almost always work side by side with each other like two wheels on a bike.

You can still lose weight through healthy eating alone but without regular exercise that motivates you and leaves you feeling all of the mentioned above, you will find it extremely difficult to maintain it for any sustained period of time.

Does this again sound familiar I wonder?

I know a lot of my clients who I have spoken to during the lock down have struggled massively to maintain healthy eating without the gym. That’s despite my best efforts to keep them motivated with the home workouts.

THE GOOD NEWS!…

Yesterday we received the news all gym goers were waiting for. The gyms will be allowed to reopen on the 25th July and we can finally get back to some sense of normality that we know will have such a positive impact on our lives.

This brings me onto taking that first step back to where you want to be…

For a lot of you, you will no doubt be screeching at the gym door like a scene from the walking dead come July 25th. Others will be feeling a little more anxious and nervous about heading back in the gym after such a long time away. You may feel frustrated that you have to tackle those nerves again but just remind yourself of all those positive adaptions that will occur once you are back up and running on a consistent basis. Use your past experiences to motivate and push you through.

And finally remember to stay patient when getting back on that health kick!

Right now you may well be heavier, waist line bigger, gym clothes tighter, fitness and strength levels lower. All of which may well leave you feeling apprehensive about starting back, but you know how much better you will feel in yourself once you are back at it on a regular basis so stay strong, stay positive and most importantly stay consistent.

It really is a case of ‘when’ not ‘If’ you get back to where you want to be…..

You just have to take that first step!

Have a great week,

Kev 😊