Do you need some inspiration? It’s a tough time to set new goals and work towards something positive when our lives have become so restricted. However, this also provides an opportunity, a window in time to focus on you.

My journey into personal training began a few years ago. Beginning to exercise was something I dreaded, I was the typical new-years gym recruit who would exercise hard in January, only to give up by the end of February. 

Initially, my motivation to exercise had been shallow, I wanted to be slim, toned with a “perfect” bum. However, seeing people very unwell in my nursing career made me realise I needed to take my own health more seriously. That was when I started exercising.

After some time, I noticed most of the physical improvements I was hoping for; but this wasn’t what kept me coming back. It was more the mental benefits. My confidence improved, I found it easier to deal with stress, my self-esteem and body image no longer felt like an issue, I could face challenges and problem solve in ways I had struggled with before. I had more energy, a better immune system, and the postural aches I had previously suffered with were gone.  

I wanted to help others see their strength and find their confidence, so just over a year ago I chose to make the transition from caring for those who were already sick to helping people maintain their own health for longer.

Finding motivation isn’t always easy, so here are my top tips for when you need a little extra:

• Move your body every day. The reason, routine. By making exercise something you do without too much thought or apprehension it becomes much easier to stick to. Beginning with 5, 10, 20 minutes at a time could be the perfect start. P.s. walking still counts!
• Build on it. This could be 5 extra steps walking or 1 more push up. Even the smallest increments will help you get fitter. Some days it’ll be easy, other days impossible. Just remember, pick yourself up and try again the next day.  
• Make it fun. Start with what you enjoy and build up to the things that will be most beneficial – this will keep your interest sparked.
• Focus on positives and celebrate small victories. It’s easy to think about the bad, like the muscle soreness or fatigue. Look for the benefits, and you’ll soon find your reason to keep showing up. 
• Don’t compare yourself to others. Fitness is a process, your process. It’s a commitment to yourself, so try to focus on your goals, your progress, not others. 

I offer each client an individualised plan getting them from where they are now, to where they want to be; whatever their goals. My role is to troubleshoot and help you understand why you may have struggled in the past and how you can overcome those challenges to get fitter and stronger.

I specialise in women’s health and fitness and I’m qualified to train pre and post-natal clients. I will soon be undertaking a further specialist qualification to help rehabilitate women with pelvic floor and other pregnancy related complications as there is very little information given to women on how care for their bodies during pregnancy and fully recover after birth. 

If you are interested in personal training or you know someone could benefit, contact me via my website or social media pages. If you would like to support a fellow alumnus, follow me on Instagram or Facebook, recommend me to a friend, or share my story.

Thank you for reading.

Clara