Weekly Update 7th December – Cut yourself some slack this December and focus on the small things you can do!

“I am so please to be back face-to-face outside. The running bugs run groups have kept me running but also sane this year. Giving me a chance to get outside safely, run and chat with like-minded ladies, It’s been my saviour and kept me motivated and moving. Thank you and the instructor team so much for working with all the restrictions and working so hard to keep all of us active during these strange times.” Running Bugs member, 2020

Well here we are.
December.
Can you believe it?
Just where has the year gone?

Since the first lockdown back in March I’ve spoke about how being consistent, building and finding a routine is key to keeping motivated and building results.

And 100% that is the way forward. BUT hasn’t this year played havoc month to month with our usual routine? I am not even sure what my normal routine was now pre-covid !

I do know that coming out of the recent lockdown I’ve struggled to jump straight back into my covid routine, I had only just started to settle into my lockdown 2 routine then BOOM, everything changes again, kids activities are back, Saturday morning football matches, training sessions, the track and gyms are back open and here we go again building and establishing that next new routine once more.

Having spoke to a few clients this week the whole in and out has really played with our day to day schedules on every level, trying to set a routine is great but not if you set one that you then can’t even establish right now in the midst of the usual December crazy let alone stick to. Then as a consequence we spend most of the time beating ourselves up because we didn’t get that Sunday run in that was scheduled on the plan or we never made it to our regular class.

How about instead of fighting against the busy of December we just cut ourselves some slack and take each day as it comes?!

Take small steps.

Recognise the small achievements.

We all have that ‘Perfect week’ where we get to exercise or run 4-5 times a week for 30-45 minutes but sometimes we have to except the smaller things we can do instead that still help us build and work towards a routine.

Perhaps that 10 km run didn’t happen but how about trying a short 1 km out and back run instead? Any run is better than no run afterall.

Maybe you didn’t get to your regular class but is there a shorter 5 minute online challenge you could do instead? Using the Tabata timings 20 seconds work / 10 seconds rest x 8 for any exercise is the most effective timings for fat buring and only takes up 4 minutes, perfect for those days when a full class just won’t work or fit. You can then still feel good about having done something.

Perhaps you didn’t feel like doing your usual HiTT class so find something that works with your mood. A Yoga or a stretch class that will help calm your mind and leave you feeling more relaxed.

Look outside the box for some simple ways that you can bring exercise more in your day-to-day life during this time — the things you can do while you’re at work, during time spent at home or while running errands on the weekends.

Stand up to take phone calls.
Go for a walk at lunch or in your breaks.
Use the bathroom upstairs.
Try an short exercise class at lunchtime.
How about holding a ‘moving’ meeting where you walk and talk instead of sat over zoom.
Get playing WiiFit or Just Dance with the kids
Clean. (This totally counts as exercise.)
Play with your pets.
Walk or ride your bike to your destination whenever possible.
Park your car as far away from the door as possible when running errands.
We have to meet outside with friends anyway so why not plan some more adventurous meet ups like a bike ride, walk along the river or local park instead.

I absolutely believe we all want to end the year strong and this is one way to end it stronger. Acknowledging the little things you achieve daily to keep you moving not just the bigger runs or longer exercise classes. You’ll soon find that routine will build naturally without really having to think to much about it and can still enjoy the festive period without the negative self talk around failure.

The Elite Conditioning website is undergoing an overhaul to reflect all the new additions to our offerings this year but it has been updated with all our groups and programs heading into 2021 so do pop over and have a look.

From our 20 minute Shred 20 virtual program, to our Stronger Together program with 30 minute classes from Insanity HiTT training to Pilates Stretch, our outdoor small group PT sessions, Shred 40 and of course all our Running groups are back too. There really is a program to fit around your routine and time available.

Kirsty and I have also just released some more 1-2-1 slots at the Elite Conditioning Studio in Binfield where one of our recent clients has just lost 9lbs in 8 weeks working on building nutritional balance & regular exercise. Drop us a message to see how we can help you with your 2021 goals.

In the meantime remember to give yourself a pat on the back for any exercise you manage to do, no matter how big or small. Now is the time to congratulate yourself for keeping moving and active during a very, very unusual year.