How to get in shape: 10 tips for getting fit and staying motivated

 
22 January 2014

We are well into January and sticking to that 'get fit' resolution is increasingly tough. If you feel yourself waning (we feel your pain), here are 10 tips from an LA Fitness trainer to get you motivated again...

1. Wake up early

Start your day early. By getting plenty of rest you enable your body to perform. Training early isn't always feasible depending on your timetable but the right training suited to your lifestyle will leave you feeling agile and alert.

2. Eat Breakfast

A healthy breakfast in the morning gives your body the fuel it needs to successfully perform both mentally and physically. Plus, it kick starts your digestive system, boosting your metabolism and helping you burn more calories. An example of a good breakfast is porridge oats with raspberries and banana or scrambled eggs with avocado and tomatoes.

3. Stay energised.

Don't stop with breakfast. Stay energised throughout the day with small meals on a regular basis (every two-three hours) to help your body and mind function the way it should. A great pre-workout meal, eaten at least one hour before training, is three eggs with brown toast and avocado.

4. Try something new

Learn something your body is capable of doing but hasn't tried yet. Functional training is all about tailoring a programme towards your daily needs by training in different planes of movement. With functional training steadily growing in popularity, more people are reaping the rewards.

5. Variety

Vary your workouts to keep them interesting. LAX20s and LAX30s workouts cover everything. In just half an hour you will burn calories, tone muscle, train in different planes of motion and test all of your motor skills, keeping you switched on and well balanced. Classes are switched up every four weeks so your fitness levels don’t plateau.

6. Cardio, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, motor skills.

Combining the above five physical components in your workouts will keep you balanced and strong: cardio for overall fitness; muscular strength for developing your muscles, bones and joints; muscular endurance training for the ability to exercise for longer; stretching to help muscles return to their normal length; and testing your motor skills to improve physical and cognitive function.

7. Set goals

Give yourself an incentive to exercise by signing up to an event. Have you always fancied completing a 10k or charity bike ride? Training with a goal in mind will keep you motivated. Whatever your goal is, you then need to break it down into small, manageable targets and reward yourself every time you achieve one of them- but not with food.

8. Increase daily activity

Increasing your movements outside the gym will burn calories and keep you fit and mobile. Even a few minutes extra per day can make a difference - walk to the shops instead of catching the tube, cycle to work, or take the stairs instead of the lift. Make the most of the outdoors by inviting friends for a game of footy in the park or walking the dog - a dose of sunshine will leave you feeling refreshed.

9. Join a class

If the idea of getting on the treadmill has you running back under your duvet, try a group fitness class. They are fun and great for socialising. LA fitness has just launched new LA20™ high intensity, small group training classes to help you fast track your way to fitness, maximise your workout, burn calories and achieve fantastic results quicker.

10. Get functional

Functional Training focuses on the "functions" of your body and aims to enhance strength and stability to improve its performance. Everyday motions such as turning, jumping, walking, lifting and bending are improved through the use of functional training. Usually performed on a mat in the gym with equipment including Swiss balls, medicine balls, bosu balls, kettlebells, foam rollers and free weights, this training method is all about helping your muscles to work together, instead of in isolation, to perform everyday actions efficiently and without injury. Going to the gym doesn't have to be about body-building or athletic training and functional training ensures several members work out simply to help them use their body in a healthier way.

For membership information or to book classes visit www.lafitness.co.uk

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