Over the past few weeks I have stepped up my own training somewhat and can say with confidence that I am feeling fantastic for it. I always have a good level of fitness and strength as I always do some form of exercise throughout the year, however, over the winter months I succumbed to let’s say a ‘sluggish’ routine with a slightly lax regime of eating and exercise which in turn lead to my fitness levels decreasing and my body feeling a tad ‘softer’ than it should. This is a good thing for me to experience as I know first-hand how many of my clients feel in the sense of the word ‘sluggish’ which is that feeling of not being at your best or not feeling comfortable in your own skin to a degree.

Many people reading this would agree that the winter months are certainly more conducive to a level of hibernation in terms of not moving as much as we should, eating a little more than we should and being a little lazier than we should be. This in turn leads to a ‘sluggish’ feeling and of course increasing that ‘winter coat’ – a layer of extra body fat, oops!

For me getting started on my new regime was the biggest task, or at least getting my head around it. I find this with every single person I ever work with also. It is indeed all in your head to get started or to change something, particularly anything that is not working for you. The first week or two are always the toughest to stay focused on your goals and settle into a new routine and there after it gets easier until it becomes a part of your new routine. This is how we change our habitual ways. We humans are definitely creatures of habit and most of us will have at least a few bad habits that are not good for our health particularly when it comes to food and exercise. As well as setting my own goals which I am currently on track for, I have been prepared to make certain sacrifices and to get a little uncomfortable as this is a part of what it takes to succeed. Yes that’s right. Being uncomfortable doesn’t mean being unsafe, it simply means that humans need to take a step out of our comfort zones in order to challenge ourselves in accomplishing our goals and this is often more so mentally than physically.

I believe it is important when focusing on creating change in your fitness, health, body shape or the like it is pertinent to have a starting point and a destination. Be clear on what you want. Understanding and accepting what it takes is always half the battle. Research what you need to do to get from point A to point B and get help if you need it in the way of a qualified fitness and or health professional and don’t forget to enjoy the journey – the best part.

So if you are still wearing a winter coat of excess body fat and feeling a little sluggish from the cooler months, then now is the time to get started on a new regime. Ramp up your exercise and ‘spring clean’ your diet. It really isn’t that hard. Once you get past a couple of weeks you will be pretty much in a new healthier routine feeling fit and fabulous in no time.