5 Things I wish I learnt sooner about health and fitness

Now when I say one size does not fit all, I am talking about training programs. On numerous occasions, I would sit scrolling through google and social media finding the ‘perfect’ program for me. However, it was not there. Your body is unique, and we are all individual, my goal will be different to yours, and different to the next person that comes along. So what Abs Gabby is doing over on the mats on your social media feed, may not suit you or help you in any way, shape or form, to where you want to be in your fitness journey. Find a training program that is suitable for your level of experience in the gym, but also one you understand can be very important.

I’m talking about those in the gym, not your loved ones who are supporting your journey. I spent too much time hiding away in the gym, thinking everyone was looking at me, whispering to themselves about the way I looked, what I was doing etc. etc… In fact, they were just focusing on themselves, and so should you be. As said above, your goal will be different to theirs so they shouldn’t be worrying about what you’re doing (Unless someone sees your form will cause serious injury, but most likely they will not approach you). Get yourself a good plan to keep you focused and feeling confident to help prevent the pressure of everyone is watching… That way, the only reason they will be watching is because they want to have the confidence you are showing off!

3.Nutrition will play a huge role

Now if you already looked through the ‘About me’ section, you would know I suffered with a bad and unhealthy relationship with food for 4 years, and that really effected my training and 1000s of others who begin a fitness journey. When you start trying to get fitter and healthier, you suddenly believe food has labels… this is not the case. Your goal will determine a slight change in your nutrition, for example, if you are looking to lose weight then you do want to be in a calorie deficit and weight gain you would be looking to be in a calorie surplus. But you should never be restricting yourselves of any foods (Cake included!!)

4.Give it 6 months

Your progress will not occur overnight. You won’t wake up the next day and suddenly have lost 12lbs… Your progress will come eventually but give yourself at least 6 months to really see what your body can achieve, then look back at where you were 6 months prior. Consistency really is key and mixed with a good training and nutrition plan and your willingness to put in the time and effort then the results will speak for themselves.

5.Lower intensity does not mean minimal effects

Some days you might not be feeling it… I’m a PT and let me tell you, certain days of the month I just don’t feel like it either. So instead of completely dropping a session I changed it up. I’d either just go for a light walk or even drop the resistance being lifted in the gym. Still making progress? Absolutely! Just because you don’t come out sweating or unable to walk, does not mean you have hindered your progress! Your body will thank you later for not going intense every single session for the next 6 months