Study after study demonstrates that exercising, particularly cardio such as running, cycling and HIT (High Intensity Interval Training) offers a great release endorphins that can reduce depression and anxiety and give you a natural high. Endorphins are the body's natural pain — and stress — fighting chemicals.
It’s fair to say that everyone wants to be fit but there’s a big difference between wanting and being. It can be the starting out that cripples a lot of people and resides them back to the sofa. The hardest part of getting fit is actually making a deal with yourself that you are going to do this and sticking at it. Once you actually get into a routine of exercising regularly your body will crave it, exactly like it craves chocolate. Ok maybe it craves the after affects, those amazing endorphins.
I have successfully used all kinds of things to motivate myself to exercise, from putting my kit on in the morning (I know that I will never put it on and take it off without doing exercise), I know that unless I exercise at least 3 times a week I feel like I have let myself down, that feels rubbish! I got massively unfit when I had children and it took a lot of work to get back into it and I mean a lot! But hell was it worth it? My first run felt like I had a bag of potatoes attached to my back, I kid you not! Now I run a 10 or 15k to get a break from my kids, again I kid you not! Running is my therapy.
But whatever it is that you want, whether it’s HIT, running or cycling, yoga, find one that you really enjoy and keep at it. We all need to medicate with exercise right now for our sanity and our health. Focus on how you will feel after it, not during it, that is key!
The good news is you can find easy ways to exercise from home! There are loads of cost-free ways to get fit, why not set up a home gym in your garage? Here are some getting fit at home ideas.
Yoga from home
YouTube Yoga Offers a great way to do yoga for free. You’ll be spoilt for choice. If you’re looking for an offer or discount on yoga mats and / or clothing then check out of Planet Warrior offers and discount codes.
Daily Running
We are allowed out once a day let’s use it wisely! Well running is certainly a great way to do this. Make sure you do a walk after a run, like I do to cool down and which is recommended then you can pack more into your daily outside time. Check the latest Government advice on time outside as I am no expert and it’s changing all the time.
For some great deals on running gear check out the following exercise brands:
-Under Armour offer discounts on loads of products from running leggings to sports bras to training tops for men. Plus check out Under Armour outlet offers too.
-Wiggle Voucher Codes and Discounts on running wear and fit watches including offers on Garmin watches.
Gym Equipment
-Best Gym Voucher Codes and Discounts on gym equipment Best Gym offers one of the largest selections of specialist Fitness Equipment in the UK. With a great range and unique products, plus great reviews, Best Gym is rapidly becoming the first choice on home fitness equipment and wellness products.
-JTX Fitness Voucher Codes and Discounts on gym equipment. JTX Fitness are specialists in home gym equipment including treadmills, cross trainers, exercise bikes, rowing machines and vibration plates.
-Mirafit Voucher Codes and Discounts on Garage Gym equipment. Mirafit weightlifting and fitness equipment company specialises in low-cost, high-quality kit, their mission is to make fitness accessible for everyone.
For some of us who are used to going to the gym we aren’t set up to exercise at home so it’s worth pushing the boat out now before you get out of the fitness routine, it may be costly but the gym membership cost you are no longer paying should cover it.
For those of you who aren’t used to the whole fitness from home or setting up a gym in the garage sort of thing then simply put your gym kit on and start small, a HIT class or yoga on YouTube is a good way to start.
A word of advice, only do what you feel comfortable with and do not push yourself too hard. Pick an exercise and pace that suits you and for extra motivation check out our check out our latest health and fitness vouchers and discounts to get inspired to get moving and feeling great!
Miranda Coombes, mother of 2, passionate about the environment,
keen horse rider, marathon runner and a business owner
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