There are so many NEW YEAR, NEW YOU messages in early January and whilst most of us do feel sluggish after the change in routine and festive fayre, it’s hard to cut through the mixed messages re exercise and diet.

So many of us, set out with great intentions, fuelled by the marketeers who tempt us with ‘healthy food, diet plans and gym memberships. So why do so many of us fail to stick to these plans?

The good news is that it’s not only YOUR fault if you signed up to a gym and did not attend more than a couple of sessions or if you embarked on a diet plan and lapsed within weeks. The simple fact is that unless you ENJOY the exercise and can FEEL the benefits and see RESULTS quickly, you are unlikely to build a HABIT that you will stick to.

So lets explore these vital words in more detail and look at what makes some programmes more effective than others.

ENJOYMENT

Our time is precious and if the exercise or plan you commit to does not make you SMILE, you will soon find excuses to give it up!  If you find yourself dreading going into the gym or wanting to avoid logging on the diet app or smart watch that is supposed to be motivating you, the simple fact is that THEY are failing YOU and not the other way round!

Research tells us that exercise adherence is directly linked to enjoyment and until you find something that was more fun that you expected PLUS felt as if it was going to be effective but not torturous, you are not likely to stick to working out.

Walking feels natural and comfortable rather than intimidating but its a unique mix of being in nature and walking with others that turn it into an enjoyable activity that can be life changing!

RESULTS

But are you likely to FEEL the workout value from just walking alone? Initially yes but knowing how to change pace, add upper body exercise and increase calorie burning are the key to making it something you want to do regularly without having to spend hours going further. A skilled Instructor will help you gain benefits from every step you take and provide a variety of walks to keep you interested.

Would you actually climb the hill if you were not with others and being motivated by an Instructor who is inspiring you to do that little bit more than on the last walk? Would you choose a different route that challenges you more or would you repeat the same one and lose interest quite quickly?

Would you pick up some poles and master how to use them to feel lighter on your feet, walk further and faster yet feel less fatiqued if you were on your own in a park? Would you know if you were actually working 90% of your muscles, and doubling the calories you burn unless someone supported you to get it right?

These subtle elements will help to make walking work for you and the difference is that the Instructor knows what level is right for you to start with and how to gently add PROGRESSION and VARIETY week on week.

If all of these things are in place there is only one final thing you need to consider……

Stick with it for a minimum of three sessions, preferably four and you will not only see and feel better but you will have formed a HABIT. Suddenly, with the support of a sociable group, good Instructor and the power of nature, You will find yourself returning every week – especially as you begin to feel more energy and change shape too.

All you need to do is to take that first vital step – search for a group near you and leave it up to THEM to inspire you to keep coming back.

Look for POWER OF POLES Induction sessions, DISCOVERY sessions or our 6  WEEK WALKING PLANS – your local groups will help you to break those bad habits and adopt a new one!

Go to the Search page to find classes near you click HERE