Thinking winter fit

"Dear Busy Girls Guide. I'm sick of going to the gym and getting no where. No matter how hard I try I just end up giving up too soon. II want to lose a stone before Xmas and really need to tone up. Please help! Harriet, Manchester"

Dear Harriet,

That's what I'm here for, so ask away. I'll get you on the road to fitness, no probs... here's my quick guide to getting motivated this winter....

What do you really want?

Ensure that your goals are realistic, aim as high as you want but set realistic deadlines. The human body does have its limits & you may struggle to get the whole stone off, try looking at daily or weekly goals instead.

It can only get better

The motivation becomes much easier when you start to see results. If your goals are too high & you fail at the first hurdle, you'll lose the will to carry on. Be fair to yourself & give yourself regular pats on the back.

Get writing

Write your goals down & look at them every day. It's just as important to create a positive thought process into your program as it is to take action by exercising.

Will yourself to succeed

Empower your expectations - think & say to yourself "I can lose weight & enjoy it" or 'I'm going to feel great after this workout' or 'I will fit into this little black cocktail dress and eat more healthily"

Avoid limiting thoughts "I can't lose weight no matter what I do" or "I would but I don't have the time" or "Does my bum look big in this?"

Program your mind for success

Why do you want to achieve these goals?

This is your driving force, your fuel for success. Do you have something to prove? Are you getting in shape for the hols or the Xmas ball?

Rewrite your goals in the present tense as if you have already succeeded and make them personal and positive. This may seem strange but if you write a goal in the future tense, your subconscious mind will make sure it always stays in the future.

These techniques will go a long way into improving the psychological mindset required. Your potential can then be maximised by the experience, knowledge and skills brought to your exercise and nutrition program.

A personal trainer would be the fastest way to realise this and also help keep you on the straight and narrow!

Good luck Busy Girl, hope this helps & do let me know how you get on!

Mike Bach - Body Planner, Cheshire

For more information on personal training with Mike, email him now click here

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