So here we are, right back into the swing of things after the festivities. I don’t know about you but my clothes are certainly more snug, and energy levels aren’t quite where they were before consuming several tubs of miniature heroes and wheels of cheese! I have not set any New Year resolutions as I want to naturally incorporate new challenges and habits into my life, rather than declaring anything, but I am glad to be eating more healthily and to pick back up with my Zumba classes.

I am guilty of not being as active as I could be; as mentioned, I attend a Zumba class once a week and do a couple of sessions of skipping. I get a huge amount of wellbeing from doing this and I could definitely incorporate more fitness into my week. I have recently been in discussion with one of the Directors at WKM about a fitness app that’s provided as part of Vitality, our health insurance provider at WKM. This app (Fiit) has several options for classes, and short hiit (high intensity interval training) sessions, and you can do them in the comfort of your own home.

Research (Centres for disease control and prevention, Aug 1^st 2023) suggests that regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities.

This is not new news to us but, despite knowing this, 37% of people in the UK never exercise or play sport and the proportion who don’t has increased gradually in recent years, according to Kantar data.

I completed one of the 25 minute sessions, on the fitness app this week, with an instructor that actually said that the session was pretty tough – you’re telling me! Some people I know that are into fitness love “the burn” and the DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) I am definitely not one of those people. I took pleasure in knowing that the rest of the night was mine to sit on my comfy sofa, knowing I had done something good for myself. My advice; find that thing that motivates you and gives you the urge to do more of it, it’s only going to be a good thing!

In essence, if you’re feeling a lack of motivation to be active, or don’t enjoy exercise, I encourage you to talk to friends and colleagues as they might educate you about something you’re not aware of, that you learn to find pleasure in, that will make you feel great. You’re worth it not to be in that 37%!

Thanks for reading and enjoy the journey!