MY ROCKY RELATIONSHIP WITH EXERCISE

Finding a way to keep semi-fit as an adult has proven difficult for me over the years and many of you guys, unfortunately, have had to witness my moaning and pre-workout jitters on Instagram stories. It wasn’t something I ever had to think about as a teen, not only was I a naturally slim person but I genuinely loved sport and did enough of it for fun that keeping fit wasn’t a concern at all. Then I went to Uni. I think that’s where most of us start to become quite aware of our health and fitness levels, well towards the end of Uni I guess. After spending three years drinking a lot, eating microwaved meals, having late nights and joining gyms but never actually stepping inside one, I realised I couldn’t run for the bus without feeling like I was going to pass out.

Aside from the odd tennis match with my dad during the summer, playing sport for fun stopped being a thing as an adult. I didn’t have a school team and joining an adult team seemed far too competitive and serious, so kicking a football around at a picnic was about as sporty as it got. My career became my main focus and although I tried to join a few gyms I found them terrifying and as someone who’s always suffered from a bad back, I’d always end up doing more damage than good. But having a very healthy, fit boyfriend meant he was constantly working out, running to work, cycling in races and I just became more and more aware of my lack of any fitness routine.

I started pilates and actually really liked it; for someone like me who’s partial to a back spasm, it’s controlled but still really hard and toning on your body. It’s not cheap and reformer pilates, the one with the machines, is even more expensive, but totally worth it. I find that floor work is better if you’re more experienced whereas reformer is better if you don’t really know what you’re doing, it’s also a bit more fun! Pilates ticked the toning box for me but I wouldn’t say it got my heart racing and for someone as unfit as me, a bit of cardio is pretty important. My only motivation for working out, because I hate it so much, is to keep my heart healthy, to live a longer life and to just look after myself.

Going the gym didn’t work for me, so I started to see a personal trainer. I always thought they were just for really fancy, rich people, but actually a PT works so well for someone like me. Having someone there to encourage you, plan the session and give you one-on-one attention to make sure you’re doing it right is worth paying extra for. All of the PTs I’ve used in the past have worked for themselves, not a gym, and so they’ve been more affordable and more flexible with where you can do the sessions. If they’re not having to pay for a gym, they can charge less and you can work out in the park or at home. I’ve found that traditional gym equipment hasn’t been necessary because we’ve either used my own body weight, hand-held weights or got creative with balls, tree trunks… all kinds of things!