I’m often asked about how I fit regular exercise into my busy routine and to suggest ways for others to manage it in a practical way. We all lead hectic lives packed with work, family and domestic commitments amongst many others, and I fully understand how difficult it can be to squeeze a bit of time into the day to exercise. Getting myself into the gym or outside to exercise is as much of a struggle sometimes as it is for anyone else, believe me. There are some days when I feel really revved up and ready to go, but others when I feel tired and unmotivated. And almost every day, there’s something ‘more important’ to be done first.
But one of my main sources of comfort, support, stability and feel-good factor, other than my husband, friends and family, of course, has been my exercise routine. Yes, it can feel like torture to get yourself to the gym or park, but have you ever regretted a workout? I certainly haven’t. Being self-employed and working in an industry where plans can change literally at the last minute, fitness has been a constant and reliable friend to me, always guaranteed to energise my body and brighten my mood. Here are my top five positive fitness tips.
1
VIEW IT AS TIME OUT FOR YOURSELF RATHER THAN A PUNISHMENT
I like to view it as time out from a hectic life. Plus it helps to calm me because I put all of my mental energy into focusing on the exercise I’m doing.
Exercise oxygenates the body and brain, releases happy endorphins and makes you feel strong, healthy and capable enough to take on life’s challenges. It’s also excellent for your heart and lung health, helps to maintain a healthy weight and to improve insulin sensitivity in a world where many people eat far too much refined sugar.
2
MAKE IT A PART OF YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE
Exercise is as much a part of my daily routine as my breakfast is. It’s not something that I have to think about and decide on – I just do it and get on with my day. Removing the decision to exercise because it’s as normal a part of your routine as brushing your teeth or showering helps to cancel out the temptation to skip it.
BRING YOUR GYM GEAR EVERYWHERE
I keep a pair of old runners in the boot of my car in case I meet up with a friend and we decide to go for a walk instead of sitting down for food or a coffee. Similarly, I take my gym gear on every overnight work trip I do abroad, as it’s normal for me to squeeze in a workout between the plane and whatever job I’m doing. If I’m tired from an early flight, a blast in the gym or run in the fresh air works wonders.
4
EAT TO SUPPORT YOUR BODY AND MIND
Good nutrition is crucial to fitness and emotional well-being. I know I couldn’t lead a busy life and stay fit and healthy without eating the way that I do, with foods that nourish every cell in my body. Back in my early twenties, when I was a sugar addict and unaware of the connection between food and my body, I used to eat whatever junk I craved and then wonder why I’d get constant colds, sniffles and sore throats. All the recipes in this book are designed to deeply nourish your body and support fitness, health and weight loss goals.
5
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS
One trait that all fit and motivated people share is discipline. It’s easy to make excuses to skip exercise or do a less than high-standard job at anything in life. But taking responsibility for your actions and knowing that nobody else but you is accountable for the consequences has always helped me achieve my goals. Hard work, intelligent effort and avoiding the temptation to blame somebody else when things don’t always go right is a key combination to success in fitness and in life.