“I’m able to do the things in my life that are important to me”
We speak to two fitness pros about finding new ways to feel healthier
It’s the end of January, which means you might be kicking yourself for not sticking to your New Year’s resolution of getting healthier.
Of course, there’s no pressure. So long as you’re comfortable and happy, that’s what’s key in life.
But if you do want a little bit of inspo, this week we’ve chatted with two brilliant exercise experts who are passionate about their specialisms and helping others.
“I’m able to do the things in my life that are important to me”
By Eve Smallman
If you’re reading this on the couch, that’s okay. Getting up and moving can be difficult to work up to.
I’m not just talking about walking up and grabbing another can of pop from the fridge.
Yes, I'm referring to that resolution you may have had to move your body more.
I’m writing this from the perspective of someone who, this time four years ago, hated the idea of exercise.
Snuggling up under a blanket will forever be my idea of a good time. But now? I lift weights, run 5k, and do the odd spell of yoga.
I’ll be honest — I’m no saint. I do feel so much better in myself, though. And I wish I’d been inspired sooner to get going.
Starting out
It can be daunting to know where to start when it comes to actually choosing the right exercise for you — let alone doing it. Luckily, Nottingham is filled with experts who are ready to help if you want to give something new a go.
“My passion for coaching came from my own desire to improve my health and lifestyle,” says July Styles, personal trainer and founder of Train with SCULPT. “I’m all about encouraging people who don’t feel like a ‘gym-goer’ to engage in exercise — particularly weight training.”
When whittling down exercises to do, jumping onto slinging weights may seem intimidating initially — but don’t stress. You’re not going to become a bodybuilder if you don’t want to be and you’ll gain a lot more than muscle.
July explains, “Strength training builds resilience, as well as confidence, which are two things that are huge in terms of our ageing bodies.”
She continues, “It's also a great way to create routine and structure, and the benefits of this soon leak into other areas of your life.”
If you want to start slower, you could also get into the flow with something with a little more zen.
“Yoga can create flexibility, improve posture, build strength in the body, calm and relax the mind, and can be used to benefit ailments and illnesses,” says Tim Foyster, yoga practitioner and founder of The Yoga Place in Sherwood.
He adds this can also be used as a balance to other forms of exercise, helping to prevent injuries and maintain flexibility.
The benefits
For both of these experienced teachers, practising their respective exercises has been transformative.
July explains, “It has provided me with a 'constant metronome' during times of chaos and difficulty — a reliable source of structure and routine.”
“I have a hip injury and strength training keeps me moving pain-free. I’m able to do the things in my life that are important to me, like climbing mountains with my mum and learning to roller skate,” she adds.
Doing some form of exercise can also help not just physically, but mentally, too.
Tim tells me, “I appreciate the way yoga integrates body, mind and spirit. This holistic approach gives the system such depth and takes it way beyond just being a physical stretch and exercise session.”
For me, if I’m having a bad day, moving for even half an hour or so can change how I’m feeling. I’m not opposed to chasing it down with a G&T, but exercise has certainly changed the way I approach things.
July also says you can feel the benefit in places beyond your body. “My relationship with fitness has improved my relationship with so many other aspects of life, from work to food.”
Giving it a go
Feel like getting started on either weight training or yoga? You can take both steady by bringing in a few key moves.
“Each individual might be suited to different moves, but a simple technique that anyone can benefit from is watching the breath,” Tim says. “Sit or lay in a comfortable position and just be aware of the breath as it enters and leaves the body through the nose.”
From here, Tim says to not try to control the breathing — just watch with awareness. “A few minutes of this can help to calm and relax the mind.”
Or, for those looking to try strength training, you can start by bringing in a consistent yet beneficial routine.
July explains, “It really is specific to the individual, but if I had to keep it super simple, two full-body strength programmes and two aerobic sessions per week will cover everything you need for overall health and fitness long term.”
No matter what you’re thinking about doing, both July and Tim recommend sticking with the process and trusting it. Yes, patience really is a virtue when it comes to upping your fitness game.
“Rather than looking for a quick fix, allow the yoga to build over time, and for the benefits to deepen with practice,” Tim says.
July adds, “Don't overhaul your whole life or change too much too soon. Your health and fitness is a marathon, not a sprint — pardon the pun.”
The most important thing of all is taking care of yourself. Exercise can be a brilliant way to change yourself for the better, as long as you’re choosing something that inspires you and that you enjoy.
I found that it took me trying a few things to find what I loved — hey, let’s just say I’m not a dancer. Just give something you like the look of a go, and you might just feel a little better.
Train with SCULPT offers in-person coaching, program-only training, and learn-to-lift courses. July is also running an online Health and Fitness seminar on Monday, January 29. trainwithsculpt.com
The Yoga Place offers yoga classes, 1-2-1 sessions, retreats, and more. theyogaplace.co.uk