I thought I would take the opportunity to talk about group training and the benefits that you may get from participating on the week I start my new mornings in Highclere. Two new classes and a coffee morning, building and extending the community of LiveFitNow. 

This form of exercise can be a great way to increase enjoyment of exercise and the likelihood of you attending and stick with it for the longer term.

What is group exercise? 

• an exercise class, with a leader or instructor, setting a routine for a number of people, the participants, to partake in. They may be doing the same thing or something different. There are numerous kinds from formal to informal affairs. 

Benefits of group exercise

• motivation - an organised event, that you have signed up to, increases the chances of you going, its an appointment with a set time, you can build it into the routine of your week and you don't have to decide what to do. You will also have the support and encouragement of the instructor and other attendees. 
• structure - you don't need to worry about planning your workouts, you can simple turn up to a class and follow along. 
• competition - with yourself and with others, as much as most classes involve people pushing themselves, it is often the case that people will try that little bit harder when they can see how hard other people around them are trying. It is motivational to see other people putting effort in to a class (rather than it being a competition to "win").
• accountability - if you are meeting with a friend or have booked a spot in a class, you need to turn up, if you don't show up chances are someone is going to be checking up on you, supporting you to keep it up!
• progression - you have a greater chance of progressing with your fitness, strength, stamina or flexibility if you have a workout to follow.
• social interaction - a great way to meet new people and catch up with old friends.
• fun and enjoyment - some people far prefer working out with others, rather than alone, this in itself can increase the chances of the workout taking place and enjoying doing so.
• support - from the trainer and the other class members, you are in it together, taking care and challenging yourself

It can sometimes seem a little daunting and there are factors that may make it all seem a little scary. But remember, the teacher is there to help and welcome you, everyone starts as a beginner, there are always adaptations that can be made, maybe choose a "leveled" class so you can build up your confidence and fitness, because if you go to an advanced class and you've never done anything like it before you may feel overwhelmed. But if you choose a class that you feel that is achievable you are far more likely to enjoy yourself. 

So why not give it a try!? Grab a friend and join a class or find a class you like the sound of and go and see if you can make some new friends! Push yourself out of your comfort zone :) 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on group exercise, especially if you go and give a class a go for the first time! 

It's funny because more often that not we do not think about ways in which we can relax but instead we can all think of a thousand ways in which we can fill our time.
In 2018 YouGov published statistics that stated "74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope."
This shocking statistic shows that this really is an important area to address. 
​
What do you do to relax? 
This may just be a matter of some quiet time. Ideas include: 

• reading a book
  
• taking a bath
  
• going for a stroll through the park and connecting with nature
• journal
• listen to music
• meditation
• stretching
• close your eyes
• dance
• talk with a friend 

We all relax in different ways but it is something that is so useful for us all to make time for. And find your own favourite way to relax!

Why?

• For out overall mental health and well-being
• Improving productivity
• Physically it can help to slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, breathing rate slowed, improve digestion, reduce stress hormones, reduce muscle tension and chronic pain to name just a few. 

Action Point
Try and take 5 minutes each day for yourself, think of something that makes you calm and relax. There is no right or wrong answer, but rather what works for you.