Yes it’s that time of year again when the weather takes a turn for the worst, fitness becomes less of a priority and the festive foods take over!

While it’s very easy to get caught up with the cold weather, snow and generally jolly moods, let’s not forget to keep focus on the well being of our bodies.

This may sound like hard work given all the elements we are facing but in actual fact it’s not really that difficult.  If you can sustain 30 minutes of cardio/resistance training per day that will see you through the month of December very nicely.

The trap you don’t want to fall into is going to work and finding yourself eating the cup cakes and other goodies in large trays that your very generous peers have left.  This will result in you eating nothing BUT SUGAR for 8 hours and this will continue for weeks because the next day another friendly peer will also bring in some festive yummies.

Then there will be after hour drinks and bar nights resuting in late dinners and so forth…and you will casually smile and accept what is going on because its Christmas!…Well it’s not quite Christmas, it’s the “lead up” to Christmas but you will only be more than happy to tell yourself that it is…

Now before we tackle the do’s let’s just quickly get the do not’s out of the way first as I like to end on positive and lighter notes…

Do Not…

- Do not starve yourself during the day so you can over indulge on snacks, goodies and Christmas diners

- Avoid sitting at your desk and snacking for 8 hours on cakes and goodies that your work peers have bought in!

- Separate yourself from your nearest and dearests December habits, they may not want to look after themselves as well as you do

- Avoid late night diners and going to bed straight after

- Do not get drunk on every given opportunity & avoid “one for the road”

- Do not be bullied into eating and drinking more because friends and family members are saying “go ooooooon……you know you want to”….it’s a trap!

Do…

- Drink plenty of water during the day, this will help release toxins from your body

- Do try the odd cup cake but don’t get excited and get caught up in the moment and find yourself elbow deep in tray full of assorted cakes!

- Continue to eat 3 regular meals during the day

- DO 30 MINUTES OF CARDIO/RESISTANCE TRAINING EVERY DAY

When I say cardio I am talking about going for a jog, swimming, skipping cycling any fitness activity that will have your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes.

Not only will this help you burn calories but it will keep your mind, body and immune system fit during the month of December…this will not only keep you active but it sets you up nicely for your New Years Resolutions.

Resistance training could be body weight exercises such as push ups, sit ups, squats, lunges etc…these exercises will help keep your muscles remain strong, supple, flexible, toned and well conditioned! 

Other advantages to 30 minutes of exercise per day is it keeps your immune system finely tuned resulting in you minimising your chances of catching a cold/flu and other airborn viruses that tend to pop up during the colder temperatures of December.

 I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and wonderful “Lead Up” to and Christmas

Deepak Bhangu
Head of Operations & Personal Trainer
Musclemadness

Is it really a “Secret Weight Loss Formula” Day 4

Good morning, it is day 4 since I started this herbal tea Weight Loss diet and I am now starting to feel a big difference in my weight.

I was 13 stones and 6lbs when I started and I am now 13 stones and 2lb! 

Now remember weight loss is NOT a goal of mine, it’s actually weight gain so at the moment I am upset at having lost weight but am suprised at the speed I have lost 4lbs!

What I do have consider is I have also been continuing my training regime as normal, so there is a chance that my training combined with this herbal tea is a good fusion.

So when I do give you the ingredients on day 7 I am hoping you will do EXACTLY as I have been, exercising and taking the herbal weight loss tea every evening before you go to bed!…After all, it seems to be working!

I am still feeling very positive, alert, stomach feels brilliant and I am still feeling nice and light on my feet.

The total amount of money I have spent on this herbal tea is £2.35 and looking at the ingredients from both packages, this will be lasting me at least another month! 

More updates tomorrow…

Deepak Bhangu
Head of Operations
Musclemadness

How Much Exercise Do I Really Need To Do?

Do not over estimate how much you have to exercise to become fit and to remain fit…

Did you know that taking part in just 30 minutes of cardio exercise per day is a great way to kick start your new health regime?…didn’t think so!….well you can…

And did you know that once you are in a consistent routine of cardio training you can add body resistance exercises to your newly found routine to maintain muscle tone…Not having access to a gym or weights at home is no longer an issue!

And did you know that all this should only last you 45 minutes in total…so why not get in to the habit of starting with 30 minutes as soon as you get home from work and AVOID SITTING ON THE SOFA or going into the KITCHEN for a quick BITE as soon as you get out of your work clothes!….Instead get on that bike or get the skipping rope out or even put on those trainers and go for a run around the block…Avoid sitting down and tricking yourself into believing you will get up in 10 minutes and do something! 

Jump the BIGGEST Hurdle (TIME)

Jump the biggest hurdle used by millions of people worldwide EVERY DAY for not exercising (I DON’T HAVE THE TIME)…separate yourself from the crowd and be an individual…get on that horse you are constantly falling off from and GET FIT!….

Don’t make the mistake of trying too hard or rushing

Remember there is NO RUSH to become fit and healthy…health and fitness should not be treated as a seasonal chore…health and fitness is for life so lets start off slowly and pick up the pace gradually.

By rushing and pushing yourself too hard too soon will only result in your muscles becoming too sore and you having a good few days of serious muscle soreness.

Your muscles will build stamina, endurance and tolerance to exercise over a period of time with consistent exercise…so DON’T over do it! 

Conclusion

There is no excuse for not exercising unless you are restricted due to medicinal reasons or for reasons that are out of your control…and NO…time is not one of them!

Deepak Bhangu
Head of Operations & Personal Trainer 
Musclemadness