How to stay fitness motivated in the new year

Happy New Year my loves xoxo

It's been a hot minute since I've had a chance to sit down and do this blog post. I have been crazy busy for the past few weeks with work and time just managed to slip away from me. We are now 3 weeks into January and I'm only starting to feel somewhat normal again. 

It can be really hard sometimes when you are constantly on the go and have very little time to squeeze in a workout or prep meals. January is the month where almost everyone joins the gym for their new years resolution of 'new year, new me' and it can be quite stressful getting back into the swing of things after indulging over Christmas. We joined the gym in the middle of December to keep us motivated over Christmas and I have to say it was the best thing we could have done. We eased ourselves in slowly and made sure we went at least 3-4 times a week to get the most out of our membership but to also try and keep ourselves in some sort of fitness state so it wasn't a complete shock to the system in January. 

We decided to join +Flyefit Swords after hearing great things about it on Facebook and on their website http://www.flyefit.ie/ and we weren't disappointed. The gym is huge and they have pretty much everything to suit everybody. The swords branch is located at the industrial park beside +WrightVenue. It has 2 floors and it will cater to everyone. All of your classes are included in your membership fee and they have no contract so you can choose to cancel at any time. It is open 24 hours (with specific opening and closing times for the lockers and showers) so you can workout at whatever time suits yourself. So far I have to say I'm extremely impressed with it. It doesn't have a pool or sauna so it's a no frills gym, just like it says, That's why they can charge the lower membership fees which suits us perfectly. 

Myself and my husband joined together to help keep each other motivated and so far it has helped a lot. I highly recommend joining with someone so you can both keep each other motivated to go workout. Set yourself some realistic goals to maintain your workout routine. If you start with getting up at 5am and going to the gym but come to the realisation that its just too difficult to juggle with a 40 hour a week job and kids then be realistic and re-jig  your schedule rather than giving up altogether. 

Buy yourself new gym gear that will make you feel like you can conquer the world. Feeling confident in your gym gear will help you stay motivated without feeling self conscious. 

It can be a bit intimidating being in the gym and wondering how the hell you are supposed to use all those fancy machines. The staff are there for a reason, don't be afraid to ask someone for help. If you are still unsure about what you should be doing then look into hiring a personal trainer for an hour or 2 to show you what machines will suit you best and to tailor you a specific workout based on what you are looking to achieve. Most gyms have contacts for personal trainers, ask who they would recommend.

Instead of setting yourself one long term goal that might seem unreachable at times, set yourselves a series of small goals that you can tick off along the way. Setting a goal of getting to the gym 5 days a week can seem daunting and might not be achievable with a busy work schedule so how about a goal of maybe 2 or 3 days and then if you can make it more than that its a bonus. 

If you find that after a while of doing the same thing over and over again your workout is becoming boring and you feel like giving up, switch it up a bit. Do something that you have never done before, push yourself a little further out of your comfort zone, it will be worth it I promise. 

Going to the gym and exercising in front of others can be quite scary for some people. It's intimidating and can be uncomfortable. You are exposed and vulnerable. If you sure not sure what you are doing and are feeling slightly awkward you need to remember that most of the people in the gym that know how to use every machine and walk around with the utmost confidence had to start somewhere. They were beginners at one time too and they understand that there are always going to be newbies to the gym and most will be patient with you. Don't be deterred by anyone else, you are there for a reason and you need to hold that reason close to your heart, if you do you will be unstoppable. 

Focus and effort are all you need to achieve your goals. Its as simple as that. Always remember that exercise is only 20% of the battle, nutrition is 80%. No fad diets or quick fixes, as much as we would like them, good old hard work and focus will get you your results. 

That's about it guys, there are no magic tricks or silly gimmick's involved in achieving your goals. If the gym isn't an option for you financially then you can find other ways to exercise. Walking for 30 minutes 4-5 times a week would be enough to kick start your weight loss. There are always alternative options to the gym and walking, cycling and swimming and the top 3 that any fitness expert would recommend. 

I hope 2016 is good to all of you and that all your hopes and dreams come true. Goals are made to be reached no matter how long it takes, never give up. 

Love 

Kim xoxo