Wednesday 13 January 2016

Beat The January Gym Rush

It's January and a New Year! I can tell.....You know how I can tell??? There's suddenly NO space in the car park at my gym, nor is there a locker or treadmill free!



Now I'm all for people bettering themselves and changing their lives etc....I mean that is what we are all there for, but I'm sure regular gym goers will agree with me its incredibly frustrating when there isn't a machine free!

So here are my ways to deal with the post Christmas rush:

* Change your schedule!

Yes I know its annoying but lets face it it is only for a few weeks! I've started going at 3:30pm to avoid the after work tea time rush! Now I know i'm lucky as I've finished work by this time, but if you're not as lucky try going early in the morning - there won't be that many people that are dedicated enough to go at that time!
Alternatively go later in the evening. Usually after 7:30pm is a good time as all the after work stragglers have gone home!

* Change Your Routine

A change is as good as a rest or so they tell us? Why not use January as the perfect time to get yourself out of an exercise rut and try use some of the other machines that you wouldn't necessarily use?
As a regular gym user you've got the benefit of your years of knowledge! 
Using a treadmill, cross trainer or bike is the easy option for the newbies. Why not use what you've learnt to do a cardio HIIT workout in a matted corner rather than waiting to get on your usual machine?

* Get Outside

If cardio is your thing, why not get outside? Yes it's colder than being inside, but grab some warm weather gear and hit the streets. You can still get in a good cardio workout at your own pace and avoid the masses.

* Offer to Help

Controversial I know but offer to help any new starters looking a little bit lost! Remember back to when you first set foot in your gym and remember how intimidating it was trying to find your way around all the equipment when the world and its wife already looks like the know what they are doing?
You'll feel good for helping and all being well by showing new starters how to use things properly it'll speed things up and you'll get on the equipment quicker! Win Win!

* Be Patient 

Probably the crappiest piece of advice anyone could ever give but it might actually work! After all this is January just 4 (long) weeks. By the end of the month resolutions will have ended and normal service will be resumed!

Do you have any January gym tips?

P.S Dry January still going strong! Not one drop of alcohol has touched my lips!

FIND ME AT THE CLAIRE DIARY

Sunday 3 January 2016

It's 2016 - Time for Resolutions


I can't believe it's 2016!

I also can't believe how long it has been since I lasted posted on this blog.

Christmas has been and gone in a flash, seriously it went by crazy fast. I ate and drank far too much and seriously enjoyed some family time with the kids!
I'm really gutted that the holiday period is over, it's been so nice not having to get up but it will be nice to get back into the normal work routine from tomorrow.

My New Years eve was spent at home with the kids having a quiet night - not a drop of alcohol touched my lips. New Years Eve has been spent this way for many years now and although I sit here looking at other peoples instagram shots wishing I was out having a party, I wouldn't change my New Years Eve for anything, and the added bonus no hangover for me on New Years Day!!! BOOM.

Whilst I was sat waiting for the New Years Fireworks to start I got to thinking about what my resolutions should be?
I try make them every year, but like most people I tend to fail so this year I decided to do something a little bit different.





Resolutions

My first resolution this year is simply to BE HAPPY - This is something that I seriously struggle with. I suffer with anxiety and depression and although I am working hard to sort through my issues happiness isn't something that comes easily to me.
As I'm sure anyone with depression will tell you allowing yourself to feel that you deserve to be happy is a really tough thing!
So this year I will be working on it. I'm well aware that it is going to take time, but hopefully more often than not there will be good days.

My second resolution this year is to stop trying to make year long resolutions. Overall I would like to be happier and healthier in 2016 so I plan on making 12 month long resolutions that will hopefully lead to healthier habits for the future.

So January will be dry January!
I know a lot of people are doing this as a detox after the festive season. I don't really tend to drink a lot but I'm as guilty as anyone of having a glass or two after a long day at work!

So wish me luck......January could be a seriously long month!

How do you feel about resolutions and have you made any?

FIND ME AT THE CLAIRE DIARY