Women reveal their biggest fitness struggles
THERE is no denying that getting fit is every woman’s dream. But starting this fitness journey and staying committed can be a huge challenge. Gisel Harrow, personal trainer and fitness expert at Express Fitness, Liguanea, has given tips to a few All Woman readers who are struggling on their fitness journey.
Dionne, 36, nurse
Struggle: Getting enough recovery time, so I get tired often and skip my workout sessions.
Harrow: In order to get the best from your training, you have to ensure you’re fuelling your body in the right way, so eat balanced meals, take vitamin supplements, and drink plenty of water. That way you’ll have the energy you need to perform at your best during your workouts. Skipping sessions only makes it more difficult, as you’ll feel like you’re starting over each time.
Patrice, 26, make-up-artist
Struggle: Working out on my own; I am a beast when in groups
Harrow: Sometimes we are motivated by working with others, and that’s good. Participate in more classes or find persons of like interest and continue to motivate each other’s journey. Also, you may want to consider music and/or other rhythms and videos that will make time pass more quickly and perhaps will keep you interested.
Sheree, 40, entrepreneur
Struggle: Discipline
Harrow: The fitness journey is not an easy walk in the park. You have to want it and make the sacrifices necessary to achieve desired results. Commit to small achievable goals and keep a list as you go along. You can also get a trainer who can assist in keeping you focused and consistent. If you can’t afford a trainer, get your partner or your friends who are committed to the fitness journey to motivate you, and perhaps this will help you to become more committed.
Ren-Neasha, 23, social researcher
Struggle: Time, balance and maintaining a healthy diet
Harrow: We all have 24 hours in our day. Spending 45 minutes to one hour in a gym or at home working out is just a small fraction. Think of it as an investment in yourself. Do quick and functional workouts such as circuits or HIIT (high-intensity interval training). As for a healthy diet, eat small, frequent, balanced meals. It’s best to prepare them at home and take them with you so you don’t have to worry about what to eat. If you must snack, keep healthy fruits and nuts instead of buying unhealthy snacks in the canteen at work.
Tamoy, 22, university student
Struggle: Getting rid of my tummy. It seems the more I exercise the bigger it gets
Harrow: If you are exercising and maintaining a proper diet, then your results should be different. I’d say take a look at your overall diet and make the adjustments necessary to see the results you desire. Also, you will need to do exercises that target that specific area. You may want to do some research on what works best for you with a trainer.
Sashel, 29, teacher
Struggle: Maintaining my diet and finding the time to go to the gym regularly
Harrow: The easiest way to maintain your diet is to do your meal preps at home and minimise eating out; this way you’ll know exactly what you’re eating. Find a gym that’s open 24 hours. There are quite a few here in Kingston; for example, Express Fitness Ltd and its many locations. Schedule your gym time and make a commitment to stick with it.
Natalie, 33, entertainer
Struggle: Being consistent with the right kind of exercise and drinking enough water
Harrow: Being consistent is the key to achieving any goal. Your exercise, however, depends on what your body goals are. Whether it’s losing or gaining, it’s best to speak to a personal trainer in person so that he/she can help to write a programme that will help you in achieving your workout goals. As for drinking water, get a nice water bottle that you can take anywhere, label it with funny quotes as reminders, and keep it within reach so whenever you feel the need you can grab your water bottle instead of juices or any unhealthy sugary stuff.
