Christmas is nearly here, and many of us are looking forward to enjoying ourselves, particularly as many of us are enjoying our social lives in a way that we haven’t since 2019. But once the celebrations are over, January hits us with a thump, and lots of people then start to think abo0ut overhauling their lifestyle. Hopping on the “New Year, new me” vibe? Not sure where to start? I’m a fully-qualified Personal Trainer, and I’m here to help with your January fitness kick! Read on to find out exactly how to approach your January fitness mission…
Getting started with January fitness
Believe it or not, I’ve been there and done it myself. Back in 2016, I spotted my 30th birthday looming in the distance and started to get scared. I didn’t do any kind of exercise, and I’d always hated it, but the milestone had made me think about my longer term future. My mentality was that I had to now “be a grown up” and accept that exercise needed to be part of my routine.
I thought that fit people ran, and as I was on a low income, I also needed something financially accessible. All you need to run is a pair of legs and a pair of trainers, right? Was what I thought to myself. I had one of those things, and managed to find the other. But I wanted some support.
My local Council organises a “Learn to Run” course which is free, so I tentatively enquired and, in December of 2016, booked myself a place to start in January. What does this mean? I had accountability, and I had a fixed plan. I’d made a commitment to myself and to someone else. The scheme is funded, so I felt I had to honour my place and show up.
And my advice to you would be the same: book a class or a session with a coach. If you’re able to sign up with a friend as well, see that as a bonus rather than something to rely upon – friends can flake on each other, or your friend may get ill or sustain an injury preventing them from participating. Do it for yourself, and it becomes all the more powerful.
What kit you need for starting exercise
Activities that mean you can start with a minimum are ideal, from a financial and practical perspective. We’ve all got cupboards and drawers full of accessories and supplies related to hobbies we began with the best of intentions, only to give up on for one reason or another. A lot of the time, you just don’t know whether something’s for you until you try, and that’s ok.
So start with the basics: clothing which is comfortable, allows you to move, in usable condition. You’ll likely need your own footwear, but it doesn’t need to be brand new. Specialist kit tends to be something you can borrow – things like boots, helmets (though do be cautious here), or non-clothing items. If you’re not sure, check with the instructor beforehand as to what will be available to you. It’s also worth asking what facilities are available on-site – is there water refill? Do they have changing rooms with toilets and showers? What’s it like to park, or access via public transport? Are there lockers available?
Keep it simple, allow yourself time to experiment, and consider investing once you know that this is a long-term habit you intend to maintain.
Firm foundations – how to find the perfect sports bra
One other piece of equipment I did have when I embarked on my fitness journey was a sports bra. At the time, I worked with horses, and I found sports bras the most comfortable and effective option whilst at work.
It’s vital for our breast health, and our performance, that sports bras fit properly, not to mention comfort and confidence. They can be costly, so keep an eye on the sales for a bargain – just make sure that you get the fit checked, as it’s not a good deal if it doesn’t fit you!
I’m currently an ambassador for online retailer, boobydoo, and if you use the code BECKY15 at checkout, you can get 15% off. My favourites at the moment are these Freya and Panache styles. The website has so much information about fitting (video calls are available to help you shop too, both to consult on style and check that it fits once it arrives), and my favourite thing is that each bra lists the activities it’s suited to, plus the breast shapes it works best with. You really can’t go wrong!
I urge everyone to avoid many of the high street fitting services. Sadly, the quality of most products on the high street is also poor, even in specialist sports shops, but particularly via fast fashion retailers. Some of them have a nasty habit of referring to crop tops as sports bras, which really grinds my gears! If the band isn’t adjustable, and it just pulls over your head, it’s not going to give you the kind of support you need and want, so steer clear.
The magic M word – staying motivated on your fitness journey
If I could bottle motivation, I’d be a millionaire! The cool thing about motivation is that it’s self-manufactured. Rather than me giving you a finished product, you actually make your own. But how?
Remember to notice the progress you’re making. This takes time, but it’s important. Knowing that you are progressing within your exercise, will help you to keep going. Make a mental note of any improvement, no matter how insignificant you think it is.
Another thing to make an effort to notice is how you feel. Have you enjoyed a session, or a particular element of it? Are you smiling or laughing? Have you made new friends? On a wider level, are you sleeping better, noticing you have more energy, and accomplishing day to day tasks easier?
See your fitness journey as a long-term commitment, rather than a fling, and you’ll be able to stick with it. Want my one-to-one support? Get in touch and we can chat about personal training options.