Spring is here, holidays are on their way and improving our exercise routine is our next goal! After all, exercise shouldn’t just be something you do, it should be something you enjoy. Looking for a little inspiration? We spoke to guests, models, presenters, and you, our lovely customers, about how everyone likes to enjoy the outdoors, so we can all be inspired to make some little life improvements in 2022.
How do you like to exercise?
Nicole, model:
“As I’m getting older, stretching is the most important thing for me. I find that just simple stretching can help me feel like I’m more in control of my body, because it’s like you become more aware of it.”
Alison, presenter:
“I introduced Aero Pilates, the Rebounder, into my routine, because sometimes the weather is just too bad to go out and have a walk. I’ve found it’s fantastic for tummy exercises and I love the fact you can lay down but move like you’re on a trampoline. It helps my back!”
Andii, model:
“I love zumba so much and thankfully I’ve found a really good teacher. I love her style of zumba and the music she tends to use – it goes all around the world! It’s also a workout for the brain, as you have to memorise the steps.”
Angela, customer:
“I like when my clothes feels good, and that’s my motivation for keeping fit. It won’t happen if I just stay sat on my backside on the couch, so I’ve got to get up and do something. I got into running after having my second child. For a time I was running by myself, but then that got pretty boring. I saw some people doing Park Run and I thought why not have a go at that?”
Anne, presenter:
“I want to attack my posture more, I want to strengthen my core, and how will that actually work? Is it going to be Pilates? Is it going to be zumba? I do love a boogie! If it includes dancing, that’s great.”
Charlotte, guest:
“One of my other favourite things to do is ending the day with some yoga stretches to really relax the body. Stretch out those tired, achey muscles and calm down the mind before you get ready for a peaceful night.”
Glenn, guest:
“Exercise is one of those things. Lots of people think, “I can’t run”. I can’t run, after two minutes I feel terrible, but actually, if you run for three to four minutes, all of a sudden you find that what used to feel terrible, starts to feel good.”
Wendy, customer:
“I’m actually going to try and prioritise getting a little bit more exercise. I have a Leg Master at home and I’ve been trying to jump on that every now and then to firm up my legs. I also want to do a little bit more walking with my partner and his dog.”
What about getting outside?
Nicola, model:
“Once you get outside, you never regret it. It’s the first bit that’s the most difficult, which is motivating yourself and making yourself do it. You never regret it, you always feel better.”
Anne, presenter:
“I love the great outdoors – don’t care what the weather, I love to be out and about. That’s what’s important to me, and that’s what I’ll be focusing on going forward.”
Charlotte, guest:
“Starting the day, waking up, being outdoors in the fresh air, getting your body moving for half an hour or 45 minutes is one of the best ways to start the day. I live in London, and I’ve made it my mission to find little places I can go where I can find those green spaces. It’s very easy once you start looking – you’ll suddenly discover little gardens around or a walk down by the river.”
Jackie, presenter:
“When I was 40, I took up running and that completely changed my life. I really value it for my mental health, as well as my physical health. I just feel that as I start to get older, I need it more. I need the exercise more. I need the fresh air more. I need the good food more than I did when I was younger.”
How will you exercise this April? Take a look at our Health & Wellbeing department for more inspiration.
