Clean Living : Exercise Tips For Absolute Beginners

In today’s post, the focus is on how people who have never really exercised before can start to introduce exercise into their lives. Christina Hunter, certified personal trainer living and working in the UK has a few really great tips.

As I’ve mentioned a few months ago, following my PLAN H posts, I’ve decided to start a section called Clean Living that will focus on being healthy. Fashion is all about aesthetic beauty and without good health there is no beauty, I also firmly believe that owning a fit, healthy body is the best fashion statement you cam make.

I know that finding motivation to exercise, eat well, take care of your hair and skin and so on doesn’t come easy to everyone so hopefully, this series will help and inspire you to make small, effective changes. And also, this section is actually sponsored by PlanH, so expect some recipes, food giveaways and much more.

How can a person who hasn’t exercised in a while ease into a more physical lifestyle?

Be realistic – don’t expect to go from being sedentary to exercising 6 times a week. Start out by exercising twice a week, then slowly build it up.
This seems pretty basic, but MOVE more! We’ve heard it all before, but it really does make a difference. The more you move the more you want to move –

Use the stairs instead of a lift, walk to and from work if you can
Go for a walk on your lunch break
Go for a 20-minute swim before or after work
Wash your car (instead of sitting inside it whilst someone else does it for you).

We don’t always realise how just 5 minutes here and there can add up to big differences.

What’s the most important thing to consider when starting a new fitness regime?

Two things…

What’s your goal? Personal trainers bang on about goals all the time because they’re important – what do you want to get out of it? If you want to participate in Lifecycle then get on your bike. Want to take part in a 10k run? Then don’t spend 5 days lifting weights – get running outside! Want to lose weight – how much? If you want to build strength – measure it in press ups. By setting yourself a goal, you will be more committed to your regime. Remember that you can change your goals as and when you like.
Be patient. We all hope to see results immediately, although in my experience whilst there are times we can see some changes after 4 weeks, it’s not until 6 weeks where you really see results, by this time some people can get bored, but please stick with it! It will totally be worth it!

Is walking any good?

Walking is very good – good for the heart, good for the lungs, good for the mind. For an obese person, it’s a great way to get moving, but to see big changes we need to push ourselves and you’re never going to get a slim waist or sculpted legs from only walking.

Use walking as a social tool – go for a walk with friends instead of having a few drinks, use it to clear your mind on your lunch break, walk for active recovery on a rest day, but don’t rely on it to give you Beyonce’s figure.

Is there an age limit to beginning to exercise?
No way!

“I know people in their 50s who run marathons quicker than I ever could, someone in his 70s that takes part in boot camps – the only thing that limits you is yourself.”

What do you think a person stands to gain most from exercise?

More than they could ever imagine – exercise makes you feel good and gives you more energy.

You will feel better about yourself and find that this is turn makes your relationships with friends and family better, your performance at work will be better; you’ll feel stronger and more confident in yourself and ultimately, it will make you happier 🙂

The Clean Living Section is sponsored by PLAN H – Plan H is a truly innovative company that I personally make use of – that delivers daily planned meals and snacks for the entire day to your door – Read up about my 8-week challenge experience here and find them on FACEBOOK