Claire Bellingham | PT & Nutritionist
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Make a smart start

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The On Demand Facebook page is an exciting place to be!  It's a wonderful tribe of people united in their goal to support each other and improve their health.  Seeing strong, fit, positive people is reassurance that the system works. But it can also be a bit intimidating to people starting out if the images feel out of reach and unattainable. The good news is that everyone in the group started somewhere, maybe not too far from where you are at the moment. There are four factors that will determine your success in the great move from sedentary to active:

Do what you enjoy
The first factor in making a smart start is doing what you enjoy. You might need to watch a couple of videos to see what appeals. When you begin an exercise regime you need to push through an initial barrier of discomfort. The easiest way to do this is to start with what you enjoy. Have faith that in time you'll be ready to try new things.

Make it easy on yourself
Ignore reports of people doing multiple classes a day. They have built up to that over time. One or two classes a week of 30 minutes duration is plenty to begin with, maybe even just half a class at a time.  It's fine to keep doing the same release while you build your confidence. Exercise at a time of day that feels right for you - again try to make the uncomfortable as comfortable as possible.

Choose the right mix of classes
When you feel you're over the initial barrier of discomfort it's time to experiment with introducing new classes. The ideal combination of classes is a mix of strength, cardio and flexibility.  If possible, choose one from each group every week:
Strength - BODYPUMP, CXWORX, BODYBALANCE/BODYFLOW Strength, Barre
Cardio - BODYATTACK, BODYCOMBAT, BODYSTEP,  RPM, The Trip, Sh'Bam
Flexibility - BODYBALANCE/BODYFLOW Flexibility, YOGA
GRIT and SPRINT are HIIT options suitable for more advanced exercisers (limit of two per week).

Increase your load gently
When you feel you're ready to do a bit more (usually a couple of weeks in) check out these four options to increase your class load. Stay alert for signs that you might be doing too much and entering an over-trained state.  Good things take time.  But with a smart start and a sustainable approach one day you could be one of those inspirational tribe members that other people admire.

CLAIRE BELLINGHAM | PERSONAL TRAINER | 027 274 5549