Shape up in 2010 - with Mike Searle

It’s the start of a New Year which means New Year’s resolutions, motivation and probably some work to do following the festive holidays! So NOW! is the perfect time to focus on your personal health & fitness. Why not make 2010 the year when you make a commitment to getting fitter? Whether you’re looking to lose a few pounds, tone up, train for an event, or simply to get more from your workouts, locally, there have never been more opportunities to exercise.

For example, Chester’s newest health club, the luxurious clubandspa at Hoole Hall opened in November and has already attracted plaudits for its amazing state-of-the-art gym and spa facilities, containing the very latest equipment in Europe! So if you’re thinking that it’s about time you got back in shape, follow my Five Step Plan to improved fitness:
Mike’s Five Step Plan to improved fitness.

1. Choose it! When joining a gym, choose a Health Club where you feel comfortable and relaxed, with knowledgeable Instructors and Personal Trainers, so that your workouts are a pleasure, not a chore.

2. Start it! Seek the support of a fitness professional so that you train safely and correctly and maximise your gains. Decide what YOU want to achieve, YOUR goals, not anyone else’s and write them down for reference.

3. Stick to it! It’s much better to work out at your gym twice a week EVERY week, rather than eight times in the first fortnight and then tail off to sporadic workouts a couple of times a month.

4. Feel it! For optimum results, you should target all-over body training, which means cardiovascular, resistance, core and flexibility training in your overall programme.

5. Log it! Record your workouts and training in a diary or training log so that you can see your progress and celebrate your achievements.

Finally, looking after your health and fitness should be for life, so for sustainable results, enjoying your workouts is key. Choose exercises and work out on equipment that you enjoy because that way, you’re more likely to continue with exercising long-term and that means you’ll reap benefits long-term as well. Enjoy your training!