Lauren is a Myprotein PT and online coach specialising in strength and weightlifting. She is passionate about helping women overcome worries about the gym, unlocking their training potential, empowering them to train in the weights section with confidence, and improving their lives. Lauren is a L3 PT, indoor cycling instructor and currently undergoing study for her L4 strength and conditioning qualification.
Exercising regularly and consistently is one of the best things you can do for your health. And it’s never too late to start — you can start slowly and build up your stamina and overall fitness.
Benefits of exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Boosts energy levels
- Improves fitness and strength
- Improves confidence and sense of wellbeing
- Mental health and self esteem
- Improves sleep
- Reduces risk of chronic conditions
If you are overweight, exercise, alongside diet, is one of the best ways to reduce body fat. Weight loss occurs when you burn more calories than you consume — a calorie deficit — and exercising is one of the best ways of achieving this. A well-structured programme that consists of weight training and cardio is ideal if your aim is weight loss.
Exercise is also a good way to build muscle. The best way to achieve this is through a weight training programme with progressive overload. Benefits of weight training include building strength and endurance, stronger bones and joints, and reduced body fat.
As we get older, it becomes more important to include physical movement and exercise in your daily routine. Exercise in ageing adults can help mental health, social life, decrease the risks of fall and injuries, improve cognitive function and support overall fitness and wellbeing.
Benefits of exercise for your mental health
The best exercise for your mental health is one that you enjoy! Whether it’s running, walking or weightlifting, if you love it, do it!
I recommend getting outside in the first part of the day and moving your body, even if it’s a light walk or stretch.
Why start exercising?
Taking up exercise is important for overall health and longevity. Different types of exercise to try are aerobic, strength, calisthenics, HIIT/Tabata, group exercise classes, stretching, and stability. You can do these individually or combined as part of a varied programme.
If you’re completely new to exercise, I’d suggest trying out a few different things first and seeing what you enjoy most.
How to start exercising for a beginner
Start off small. Begin with two or three 30-minute moderate intensity exercise sessions per week and slowly build it up.
Try some group classes. This will help with motivation, ease nerves and make it fun.
Hire a personal trainer. This will help you overcome anxiety and learn correct technique.
Try lots of things, see what you enjoy and what you think you can sustain.
Why is exercise important to you?
Finding my passion for fitness and weightlifting has completely changed my life for the better. I now lead a more active and fulfilling life. I’m so grateful I have the ability to exercise.
It gives me routine and structure in my week, and I view my workouts as the time of the day when I can block out the world and focus on nothing but myself.
Weightlifting especially has given me confidence I never knew I had. Being a petite woman, it’s so empowering to be able to lift my own body weight and feel strong!
Take home message
Exercise is critical to overall wellbeing and it’s important we all include some form of exercise in our day-to-day lives. The most important thing when you’re getting into exercise is to find out what you enjoy doing the most and you can keep up in the long term.
Find more from Lauren here.
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