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When opportunity knocks – open that door!

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 11:31:33 GMT

When opportunity knocks – open that door!

The iconic Fred Astaire once said “Do it big, do it right, and do it with style”

It wasn’t until I received an unexpected call back in March 2022 that I knew it was the perfect opportunity to put Mr Astaire’s advice into action.

After picking up the mysterious call I was greeted with these words: “Hi, my name is Claire and I am choreographer for Peter Kay.” As soon as I heard the words Peter Kay all I could think was, how on earth have my sons managed to set up such an elaborate prank call? We had been watching Peter Kay on Netflix a few nights before and I assumed this was the ultimate set up.

However, much to my surprise and excitement, this wasn’t a prank call at all and in fact an invitation for some Zumba Gold Students and myself to participate in a fundraiser at Alexander Palace. I was informed that ‘The Dance For Life’ concert, organised by Peter Kay, was taking place on 29th April and was being held in support of Cancer Research. This was an opportunity like no other and such a big achievement for my students and I – saying no was never an option!

Do it big? Check.

For weeks leading up to the big event, we rehearsed and perfected our moves. Knowing we would be performing in front of a large live audience definitely gave us the motivation to make each routine as flawless and fun as possible. With that in mind, we picked three lively, feel-good tracks to dance to:

Up Town Funk – Mark Ronson (feat. Bruno Mars)

SAX – Fleur East

Making Your Mind Up – Bucks Fizz

Do it right? Check.

Time certainly does fly when you’re having fun because before long, we were having our final rehearsal on the stage at Alexander Palace.

We had the honour of being the only dance group on stage that night – that's right, stage fright swiftly exit to the left please and thank you! Knowing the spotlight was really and truly on us, we were determined to make sure the audience had as much fun watching us as we did performing for them.

It was finally our time to shine and that night, we danced in front of 8000 people. To say that adrenaline was pumping would be an understatement! The atmosphere was vibrant, the crowd were energetic and of course, the cause was inspiring. In the wise words of Billy Elliot, it felt like electricity.

Do it with style? Check.

Although it is almost impossible to put into words and explain how we came together as a group and how fulfilling it was to be part of this experience, the memory of the evening will stay with my students and I forever. Despite being completely out of our comfort zone, we absolutely nailed it and I am so proud of everyone that took part.

Opportunity does not come knocking very often, but when it does you should embrace it with both arms and that is exactly what we did.

https://youtu.be/kNZF1rsvlqI

https://youtu.be/-KTY2pEglVU

Spring Into Action

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 11:55:55 GMT

To Spring into action is to become suddenly very active and energetic.

“They sprang into action as soon as they received their orders”

“The crowd sprang to life the moment the first goal was scored”

The biggest mistake people can make when it comes to starting or returning to a fitness programme is that they tend to overdo it. They end up feeling fatigued, worn out, or at worse, suffer an injury. The body and mind need to be prepared for the extra activity levels you are placing upon it.

Low-intensity workouts, short durations or less frequency is a good way to reintroduce the body to exercise. Longer warm-ups and cool-downs are also a good way to get back into the swing of things and to avoid injury and DOMS (delayed onset of muscle soreness).

Once your body has become acquainted with the level of activity you are placing on it, then maybe you can increase the intensity, lengthen the duration and increase the frequency.

Getting fitter and maintaining fitness levels is not a quick sprint but more like a marathon. Sticking to a sensible fitness programme over a longer period of time is far more beneficial than going full throttle for a short period of time and then giving up.

Spring into action – but prepare yourself!

The bottom line is the health benefits of movement cannot be understated!

Enjoy post lockdown life.

Keep moving!

Changing habits

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 11:48:44 GMT

In a recent number of polls carried out by market research companies and social media, it has been established that over 40% of people have gained weight during the pandemic.

This does not come as a surprise, as routines have been disrupted and for some it has been a time of anxiety and stress.

Working & Schooling from home
Home cooking 3 meals a day
A more sedentary lifestyle and exercising less.
Snacking more and drinking alcohol
Lack of motivation
Late nights and sleeping patterns disturbed

I don’t think anyone should beat themselves up about this. It has been a challenging time.

Focusing too much on weight gain will only make one more anxious or distressed.

If you are one of these people struggling with weight gain, now is probably a good time to start focusing on small changes. With the promise of lockdown being lifted, brighter days ahead, we should try and control the bad habits we have developed and look at ways to improve our lifestyle.

Remember even though we cannot control the lockdown, we can control our eating and activity.

There is no magic pill or quick fix solution to losing weight but there is a simple calculation – calories in vs calories out. This is the aim for anyone trying to lose weight. Eat fewer calories and become more active.

Even if you increase your exercise levels but continue to eat more calories, you will not lose weight. We all know that eating too many calories can lead to weight gain, obesity and health issues. In addition, eating too few calories can lead to nutrient deficiencies and eating disorders.

A healthy balanced nutritional diet is the key going forward.

If you want to lose weight. Have a little chat with yourself. Set yourself some realistic goals.

Make those changes.

Your desire to change must be greater than your desire to stay the same!

Post Lockdown Fitness

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 16:35:55 GMT

We are heading towards the light at the end of the tunnel. Fingers crossed, if plans go accordingly, lockdown is due to be lifted by the end of June. Some sort of normality will return to our lives. We will be able to return to classes in person and not just virtually.

If you’ve been following me over facebook or Zoom, you would have heard me continuously say things like “keep moving”, “if you don’t use it you lose it”, and “keep that mind and body strong”.

The key throughout this lockdown period was to keep our bodies and minds active and not to put our health at risk – both physically and mentally. To keep our hearts pumping, our muscles moving and to improve/maintain our flexibility and mobility.

The lockdown period would have proved difficult for some people to exercise, whilst others have found exercise to be their saviour. When we start our post lockdown life, we will have the freedom to choose what exercises we do, and where and when we do them. It is so important to remain active and to continue or return to our exercise disciplines.

According to the Chief Medical Officer and government guidelines, each week, adults should accumulate at least 150 minutes (2 1/2 hours) of moderate intensity activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity (such as running). Adults should also aim to minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary and, when practically possible, should break up long periods of inactivity with at least a period of light physical activity

Post lockdown physical activity – things for you to consider:

What are your fitness and personal goals?
What fits into your lifestyle and schedule?
Doing something is better than doing nothing.

If the idea of a 45 min workout feels frightening or unattainable, just start slow.

Starting slow with a few minutes at a time helps you establish a routine and can feel less overwhelming.

The bottom line is the health benefits of movement cannot be understated!

Enjoy post lockdown life.

Keep moving!

Learning to Love Oneself

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 16:04:02 GMT

Valentine’s Day is almost here. A day for professing your love or desire for someone else.

The hardest part for most people, when loving someone else, is learning to love oneself first. For if you do not love yourself, it is hard to give yourself completely to someone else. When you are at ease with yourself, love yourself for who you are, not only can you love others more, but more importantly teach others how to love themselves.

For some, Valentine’s Day is a reminder of lost love, a lost one or being on ones own without a love interest. This can be a very lonely time for some people, and even more so through this current lockdown. It is at times like this when we need to feel loved or to do things that make us feel better.

This Valentine’s Day, I challenge you to celebrate ‘YOU’.

Don’t rely on someone else to make you feel good about yourself.

Do something nice, spoil yourself, pamper yourself. Do something that wraps you in that warm loving feeling. Something that gives you a lift and lights up your day.

Maybe a long soak in a bubble bath, a lazy day with a novel, a delicious meal followed by your favourite dessert, something new to wear, gym attire or some sexy underwear – whatever floats your boat!

In the words of the song ‘The Greatest Love Of All’, originally sang by George Benson,

‘Because the greatest love of all is happening to me

I found the greatest love of all inside of me

The greatest love of all is easy to achieve

Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all’

Tis the season to be Jolly

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 09:08:38 GMT

After the last 9 months we have had and with current lockdown rules, I do not blame anyone for trying to make the most of their Christmas. It is of course the season to be jolly.

Most people will have spent more time indoors this year, over indulging in wonderful food, vino, sweet treats and savoury items. Leggings and lounge suits, with elastic waist bands, will have been the comfortable choice of clothing to wear around the house. For most people, fitness activities will have been put on the back burner.

After Boxing Day most people start to talk about how much they have eaten and how little they have done. They start to feel sluggish and lacking in energy. They then say they will start a new regime in the New Year.

Well folks, I hate to alarm you, but the New Year starts in just a few days, so best start planning now.

Set yourself a challenge! It doesn’t have to be hard one.

A brisk walk is one of the easiest ways to get active, manage weight and become healthier. It is also free.
Join online classes, follow fitness videos on Youtube.
Invest in inexpensive equipment such as light weights (dumbbells) and resistance bands.
Anything that gets the heart pumping faster can make you feel better, improve energy and improve mood.

‘ If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little or not too much, we would have found the safest way to health ’

Hippocrates

Be Fitter4U because it is ‘U’ that matters

Lights, Camera, Action - Meltdown

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 12:21:16 GMT

This week I was asked to present at an event over a virtual platform. I was well prepared and had everything planned.

When my time came to present, and having completed many test runs, the technology failed us. The access to the virtual platform was denied. So there were lots of people at home, on their computers, waiting for my talk, which never happened.

Now I would like to think that I handle stress well, but I must admit my heart rate increased and I could feel a sense of dread washing over me. After a good while I decided to have a chat with myself to calm things down.

Maggie …. Did you prepare well? Yes

Maggie …. We’re you ready to deliver the presentation? Yes

Maggie……Was it your fault that you could not access the platform? No – their server crashed.

Maggie…… Why are you stressing?

Sometimes, some things are just beyond our control and no matter how much we prepare, things can go wrong. It is how we manage the fallout that is important.

Stress, anxiety, depression and mental health issues have been on the rise since lockdown, and as we enter another uncertain period of time they will undoubtably keep rising.

Exercise has been proven to help mental health by creating a feel good factor, but as we know exercise is not everyone’s cup of tea. You may prefer a walk, a chat over coffee with a friend, watching a movie that makes you laugh out loud, or dancing like no one is watching to music that you love. Some people find meditation and relaxation techniques help. The important thing is to do what is right by you in order to keep your mental & emotional wellbeing in check.

Please care for yourself as you care for others

Fitter4U because it is ‘U’ that matters.

Virtual Reality

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 09:39:34 GMT

I remember our first day of lockdown, 17 March 2020.

Classes were cancelled and students were asking how they could participate in classes from home. After a couple of weeks of testing different platforms we managed to deliver our classes through social media.

I t was not an easy transition and was only achieved after much trial and error with the help and support from students. People found it strange at first, going from a live group class environment to a virtual class from home, watching from their PC, lap top, tablet or phone.

Fast forward 5 months and exercising from home has become part of our daily routine. In addition to that we have all become a lot more ‘Tech Savvy!’. We are now quick to link our lap tops to the TV, or screen mirror our phones or tablets. We are quick to set up, organise the furniture, angle the camera and adjust the sound. We have come along way.

Looking forward to the next 5 months and who can predict what will happen? One thing for certain is the importance of keeping active – both physically and mentally. We must make the most of the Summer days and weeks we have left. Enjoy some long walks, exercise in the great outdoors or simply dance in the sun, wind or rain – our virtual classes will continue to be here for you – we are only a touch of a button away.

Finding the Right Balance

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 15:56:12 GMT

Finding the right balance in life can be so difficult.

It often feels like there are not enough hours in the day with elements of life getting in the way. Work, career and family commitments taking over.

Find the balance, find the time to have fun, quality time with friends & family, time to invest in your health, fitness and mental wellbeing, time to relax & unwind.

Balance is key. Look after yourself because it is ‘U’ that matters.

New Year, New You!

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 08:50:05 GMT

New Year is here and everywhere you look there are adverts for weight loss supplements, slimming clubs, gym memberships, fitness equipment and fitness apparel.
Before you rush out and buy into this marketing campaign, just take a moment to consider exactly what it is you want to achieve and ask yourself:

‘What is my goal? Why do I want to achieve it?’
‘What do I have to do to achieve it’?
‘Is it realistic?’
‘How will it fit into my lifestyle – work, family?’
‘What changes will I have to make?’
‘What barriers prevent me from achieving my objectives?’
‘If I am going to achieve the things I want to achieve and I am willing to make some changes, then what time scale am I going to set myself’

When you have had a chat with yourself and decided on what you want to do, visualise how you would feel when you achieve your goals.

Don’t feel pressurised to join the gym, enrol in a diet club or buy huge pieces of fitness equipment that end up as a clothes hanger. Think about what U want and then decide the best course of action.

There is no magic pill for maintaining weight loss and fitness levels. Just a combination of good eating habits with increased activity.

Some simple tips to help you on your way:

Set a realistic goal.
Make a gradual change to eating plans and lifestyle
Eat a well–balanced meal plan. Little and often. Never go hungry or skip meals - this leads to a craving for naughty snacks.
Keep hydrated and drink plenty of water.
Use tape measure readings as well as weighing scales to measure fat loss progress.
Get Active!
Take the stairs instead of the escalator
Leave the car at home for short journeys
Get off the bus or train one stop earlier and walk the rest of the way
With desk bound jobs make sure coffee & lunch breaks include moving – a walk around the office, to the shops, up and down some stairs.
Take up a fitness class near your home or work place. One that fits in with your home, family work timetable and one that you enjoy doing. If you enjoy doing the class the likelihood is that you will keep going.
Walk or workout with a friend or family member

Be patient – Be prepared for obstacles – Keep visualising the end result

Small steps lead to a great stride! Good luck on your journey!

Loving You for You

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 11:52:58 GMT

"Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself." - Coco Chanel

Focus On Positive Communication

According to a recent report from the Mental Health Foundation, changing the way we talk and think about ourselves may help us to feel happier in our own skin.

When we continuously speak about our bodies in a negative way, “I feel fat today”, “I look old”, “I do not have the body to wear that”, it can lead to us feeling worse about ourselves and leave us with poor body image.

Instead, if we try to focus on the more positive things about our body, and what it does for us, this may help to support and improve our body image, ’I am strong’, ‘I am healthy’, ‘I am pretty good for my age’!

Another good approach to building body image is to focus on activity and healthy eating habits for the benefits they provide, instead of just focusing on dieting, losing weight or building muscle.

Be kind to yourself!

Your Health is Your Wealth

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 10:22:04 GMT

Health & wellbeing is not measured purely on a weighing scale!

Why exercise and try to get fitter?

It is not all about size and weight! At fitter4u we meet a lot of people - different ages, different sizes, different abilities and living different lifestyles. Some people want to lose weight, some people just want to get fitter, others may have a medical condition or injury where exercise has been recommended to them.

Taking part in some form of activity or exercise programme has proven to have many health benefits both physically & mentally. Health & Wellbeing is not purely measured on a weighing scale.

It’s about keeping your joint and muscles working as well as they can for as long as they can.
Its about keeping your cardiac and respiratory systems functioning as well as they can.
It can make you feel happier . It can help your brain health and memory
It is an investment in YOU! Your health and wellbeing – your future self!

0d24e78a

When opportunity knocks – open that door!

Spring Into Action

Changing habits

Post Lockdown Fitness

Learning to Love Oneself

Tis the season to be Jolly

Lights, Camera, Action - Meltdown

Virtual Reality

Finding the Right Balance

Finding the right balance in life can be so difficult.

It often feels like there are not enough hours in the day with elements of life getting in the way. Work, career and family commitments taking over.

Find the balance, find the time to have fun, quality time with friends & family, time to invest in your health, fitness and mental wellbeing, time to relax & unwind. Balance is key. Look after yourself because it is ‘U’ that matters.

New Year, New You!

Some simple tips to help you on your way:

Be patient – Be prepared for obstacles – Keep visualising the end result Small steps lead to a great stride! Good luck on your journey!

Loving You for You

"Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself." - Coco Chanel

Your Health is Your Wealth

Health & wellbeing is not measured purely on a weighing scale!

Find the balance, find the time to have fun, quality time with friends & family, time to invest in your health, fitness and mental wellbeing, time to relax & unwind.

Balance is key. Look after yourself because it is ‘U’ that matters.

Be patient – Be prepared for obstacles – Keep visualising the end result

Small steps lead to a great stride! Good luck on your journey!