In order to maximise your fitness results it’s important to select the right fitness programme for you. Matt McClelland, Personal Trainer and Fitness Professional says, “Set your goals, consider your likes and dislikes - then go for it and enjoy it!” Use Matt’s five simple steps to maximise results and achieve your fitness goals...
Step 1: Assess your fitness level
Complete the following basic assessments to record your baseline fitness score so that you can set yourself goals and measure progress, vital for motivation. Do not view your scores as good, fair or bad but as a starting block to improve from. Try to complete the assessments regularly to see what improvements you have made:
- Take your pulse rate before and immediately after a one-mile walk (or distance of your choice)
- Time how long it takes to walk or run a set distance
- How many push-ups can you do at a time
- How far you can reach forward while seated on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you
- Measure your waist circumference at the level of your navel
- Measure your weight (best taken using the same scales, early in the morning)
You may also want to consult your doctor before beginning an exercise programme, especially if you've not done any exercise recently or have any chronic medical conditions.
Did you know that as a Country Club member you can book in for a free Health MOT with one of our fitness experts? Our Health MOT is a 60 minute, in-depth assessment of your overall health and wellness, based on a series of checks and tests. At the end you’ll receive a report on your health and fitness levels and our fitness professionals will use this information, together with your aims and objectives, to design a bespoke Body4Life programme which is geared towards achieving your individual goals.
Read more.
Step 2: Determine your fitness goals
Keeping your fitness level in mind, think about why you want to start a fitness programme. Perhaps your doctor has suggested that you start a fitness programme to loose weight or improve general mobility and fitness. If you're already active, perhaps you want to rev up your fitness programme to prepare for a 5K race or get ready for a favourite sport. Having clear goals can help you stay motivated. Why not book a session with one of our Personal Trainers will work with you to develop a plan that suits your life and provide support to help you make a lasting change.
Meet our PT team here.
Step 3: Consider your likes and dislikes
Focus on the types of physical activities you enjoy and you are more likely to keep up with your fitness programme. If you love riding your bicycle, consider attending a spinning class. If you have a blast on the dance floor, zumba, dance or aerobics would be a good bet. If you're a social person then give social tennis doubles or coffee morning tennis a go.
Step 4: Think variety
Varying your activities, or cross-training, will help keep exercise boredom at bay. Cross-training also reduces the risk of injuring or overusing one specific muscle or joint. Alternate across activities that emphasise different parts of your body — walking, swimming and strength training, for example.
Step 5: Go for it!
You've thought through your likes and dislikes and the pros and cons of various types of fitness programmes. Now it's time to get physical! Remember to start slowly and build up intensity gradually. Each workout puts you one step closer to reaching your fitness goals. If you get bored or lose interest in your fitness programme, don't be afraid to try something new. Reassess your fitness level and set new fitness goals. The result? A future of improved fitness and better health.