There is a pretty good reason gyms across the world are packed to the gills come January and that every year, almost like clockwork, a large percentage of those new recruits will be gone by Easter.
“One of the biggest problems is that people set themselves unrealistic targets, they’ll be fixated on unachievable goals in ridiculous timescales and will be looking for a quick fix,” says Matt Danvers, Wellness manager at Edenbridge Leisure Centre
“It’s always a good time to be thinking about your health and fitness levels but to say on January 1 that you want a flat stomach, rippling pecs or to lose four stone in six weeks is almost certainly guaranteeing you frustration and disappointment, unless you have the dedication, iron-will determination and commitment of a Hollywood star in training for their next blockbuster.
“The biggest danger is that people don’t see the results they expect or they get bored with a particular programme or activity, so they become frustrated. Frustration leads to disenchantment and, as quick as you can say ‘treadmill’, they’ve disappeared.”
So, how do you stay motivated and, crucially, how do you stay in the healthy living habit for the long run?
“The most important thing to recognise is that we are all different and what inspires us to exercise and keep exercising will vary from person to person,” says Matt “So, yes, for some working out in the gym will be exactly their thing but for an awful lot of people it can be an environment they find hard to warm to and adopt.”
That’s why, like a lot of fitness professionals, Matt is a big fan of the group exercise environment and the benefits it offers in terms of inspiring and encouraging people. Not to mention the fact there are dozens of options to choose from.
“There are a number of things that are great about group classes. There will, almost certainly, be one to suit your goals and existing level of fitness, and it’s much easier if you are booked into a class on a specific day at a specific time to honour that commitment. They have a social element to them so you will not only be pushed and encouraged by an instructor you will be on the journey with other people. And it’s great if you can team up and go with a friend, or just make a new exercise buddy by getting into the habit of attending a regular class.
“One thing we tend to lose sight of, both as fitness professionals and as individuals trying to get or stay fit, is that exercise should be fun. Yes, fun! The best piece of advice I’d give to anyone struggling with motivation is to talk to a fitness professional about what’s available - we know the gym is not for everyone – and then try one or two classes you like the look of and see if you can find one that grabs your interest.”
And there’s certainly no shortage of choice. Pilates and yoga are more gentle options but both have large and loyal followings and can be hugely effective in building overall fitness. For those worried about the impact on joints, a pool-based class such as Aqua Aerobics can be a great option, and if you’re one of those people lucky enough to be enjoying more free time in later life then Prime Time activities are designed especially with you in mind.
Since its development in the 1980s by South African athlete Jonathan Goldberg, Spinning has become a beacon of longevity and enduring success in an industry where fads, like shades of lycra, come and go with swift regularity.
The concept of indoor group cycling on specially constructed bikes (stationary, obviously) to a music soundtrack has gone from strength to strength, instilling in many of its fans an almost evangelical like devotion.
“The wonderful thing about Spinning is that it appeals to people of all ages and is a really effective way of staying in shape,” says instructor Dia Szakal. “It’s a highly effective calorie burner, is great for cardiovascular health, it has a low impact on joints, the good posture required to Spin correctly is also great at working stomach muscles, you can exercise at your own pace and, perhaps most importantly, time flies and the classes are great fun.”
And the selection doesn’t end there. Belly dancing, line dancing and the current Latin-inspired dance and fitness craze Zumba all feature on programmes at Sencio Community Leisure centres, while for those who like a high-impact workout stalwarts like Body Pump and Body Attack are on offer as are Boot Camps and Boxercise (a class that combines the basic techniques of boxing within a high energy circuits class).
Another class that is attracting a growing band of followers is Pole Fitness, as Dia Szakal explains:
“This is an excellent way of gaining strength, developing co-ordination, increasing flexibility and muscle tone, and improving general fitness levels. And it can be enjoyed by men and women looking for a fun, dynamic and effective way of exercising.’
Matt Danvers adds: “We are also always on the lookout for new ideas because the fitness industry is one that constantly evolves. For example, we’ve just introduced Gymstick, a new fitness tool from Finland that utilises a stick and a resistance band and combines them into one effective workout offering cardiovascular, muscular endurance and flexibility training.
“So you see, it’s hard to imagine there not being a fitness class to suit most people and all ages. From those wanting a really serious workout to people looking for something that concentrates on gentle stretching, it’s really a case of having a go and finding the one that suits you. And we promise you it can be both habit forming and fun.”
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