From the Summer Issue of NOIR.

Let's get fit for Summer!

The first sun came out a little earlier this year. I put away coats and cashmere cardis, happily thinking about how cool we will look in our summer dresses. But here it comes: the sudden realisation that that skirt or that dress doesn’t fit any more… Reflective moment: did I go over-board on the berry muffins? Did I forget the way to the local gym? Is my body no longer a temple, but a snack-bar? Is that hour of yoga that I am trying to do “to take it easy at the beginning” ever so painful? Oh yes, it is time to get fit for the summer. Determined not to take a trip to self-pity and depression, first of all I tell myself that it’s only a few bits I have to drop in order to get my size to fit comfortably. I want to have the pleasure of lifting up the zip of my summer dress without holding my breath or calling the neighbours for help. So if you feel the same way, follow the steps I am taking towards a healthier life and a fitter body.

Set a Goal

If you haven’t exercised for a while, it is important to have a will-power boost, something that will make you feel challenged. For my fitness boost, I chose to participate in a 10k race for life against breast cancer in July. And I am doing it with a couple of girlfriends, which always helps you keep your motivation strong.

Remember, marathons and races are not just for pros. Whether you decide to go for a short run, a half marathon, a marathon or a simple walk, these are very friendly approaches to a healthier life. Most of these events are charity based, which adds on a selfless deed, as well as a whole lot of love that you are giving to your body by training for them. There is a vast choice of locations you can choose from. Just to mention a few: the Race for Life organised by Tesco and Cancer Research UK offers opportunities all over the UK to run 10k and 5k runs

during the whole summer. Although it’s a bit late for the Virg in London marathon, you can still get into the other events that Virgin organises which you can enter with a Charity purpose. For example, the Virgin Half Marathon is a great way of keep fit and, incase you are braving it for next year, prepare for the London Marathon 2012. Another popular option is to walk the Edinburgh Moon Walk. A very beautiful summer night walk organised by the Walk the Walk against Breast Cancer. They also organise a half marathon in Glasgow and other runs all over Europe. Nike also offers various marathons events for women, which are great if you have a group of fitness buddies to go with. It’s a challenge, a travelling adventure (as most Nike marathons are based in the US) and a charity to raise funds and awareness for the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Society. All the websites for these events have downloadable PDF files where you can find the suggested training program for every level of fitness. You’ll be spoiled for choice!

Get that bum to the gym

Setting a goal is important, but it is also important to have the right guidance throughout the training. For me a simple six weeks training programme was not enough, as I decided to start getting fit longer before the race. Everyone works and everyone is tired. Look around you, there are many women sitting next to you on

The the train to work with their gym kits packed in a rucksack. If they can do it, you can do it. You just have to decide what part of the day you are keener to spend for exercise and where. If you are an early bird, the best option is to pack your work suit and leave home early in order to have a good session at the gym and still have the time to get ready for a new day. Working out releases endorphins: feel-good substances that reduce pain and stress. So don’t think that you’ll be too tired to face the day, you’ll start off in a great mood instead! If rising with the sun is not your thing, exercise is a great way to relax and forget about decision making stress. Aim at an evening work out when you know that you will still have a good two hours of time between your meal and your bed time. In most gyms, it is easy to find a great variety of classes: from yoga to zumba to kick boxing, it is easy to find the exercises that suit you best. But most of all, at the gym a personal trainer will suggest a

programme according to your goals, your weight and your experience. A good combination of twenty minutes cardio exercise, a few weights to tone up and a couple of abs focused exercise is a start that will give you visible results within four weeks – I promise! But don’t be lazy; remember every week to increase the level of your exercise: e.g. run a bit faster, pull a few kilos more, or add some weights to those painful lunges, and don’t be afraid of doing a couple more crunches on the Swiss ball! Also, many people forget, you

can make a new appointment with a personal trainer after six weeks, to work on new aims, the new resistance you acquired and a new workout, in order to keep your interest high and your consistency level. We all work better when we know that someone will test us.

If you want to read the rest of the article, check out NOIR, The Summer Issue.