By Megan Brooks, Personal Trainer, OneMedical Group

Megan is a qualified Personal Trainer and Fitness Yoga Teacher.

We asked her why she loves being a PT and this is what she had to say,

“I know how it feels to start from scratch and wanting to make improvements to your health & wellbeing and not knowing where to start. I love giving people the tools to begin their health & wellbeing journey, helping them become better versions of themselves and giving them the confidence to shine” ⁣

See Megan’s hints and tips for people of all abilities!

Build New Habits | Start Small

If you are wanting to start something new, start small and build new habits…

If you want to set yourself a goal of wanting to run a half marathon, start by running 2 times per week and identify yourself as a runner. Start with these small steps and then build up to 3 runs a week, then 4 and so on…

If you want to be more mindful and relax more – set aside 5 minutes each morning to write gratitude lists or a short priority list for the day and tick these off as you go. Then later on, set aside 5 minutes before bedtime to do 3 simple relaxing stretches to wind down and relax your body and mind.

New to Fitness?

If you’re new to exercise, jump in and find a workout, class or movement that you enjoy! Rest whenever you need to and take things at your OWN pace. Enjoying your exercise means you’re far more likely to stick to it, and embed it as a lifestyle habit!

Want to use weights?

If you want to incorporate lifting weights into your exercise routine, you need to start with a strong foundation to build upon.

First, work on refining your squat, deadlift and lunge technique before incorporating weights into your programme. This will help to avoid injury and to assist progress in the long term.

If you’re looking for help with your technique you can find useful resources online or reach out to our OneWellness instructor for help.

Fancy going for a run?

If you’re new to running, a plan can help you to feel fitter and stronger all whilst working within your limits! Couch to 5k is a great place to start, heading out for walk:run intervals to get your body used to running.

Be patient with yourself and strive for consistency and progress over perfection!

Morning Movement

Start small, plan to fit 5 mins of exercise into your morning routine.

You could practice squats, star jumps or dancing around your room to your favourite song!

5-10 mins of moderate movement before your morning shower will work wonders for your mental wellbeing and cardio health!

LISS | Low Intensity Steady State Exercise

LISS is a method of cardiovascular exercise in which you do aerobic activity at a low-to-moderate intensity for a continuous, and often extended, period. To incorporate LISS into your everday routine you could try:

• Getting out for a walk on a morning before you start your day
• Stepping away from your desk at lunch to fit in a 20min Walk
• Walk or cycle to work if possible when it’s dry weather!
• Plan your Sunday around a walk, include your family.

Join us at OneWellness, for our latest class timetable click here