Christmas is making its merry way closer, which means colder days, darker nights and busier diaries –and these seasonal stoppers can make it tempting to put our activity plans on ice. However, something that has the power to improve our mood, help us sleep better, give us more energy and reduce our stress levels is probably much needed at this time of year.
Our Slimming World groups are full of bright ideas for ways to keep moving through winter, expert support to help you overcome your personal challenges and simple strategies for getting started – or taking your fitness to the next level.
Our unique Body Magic programme ensures that you feel supported to get active at a pace that suits you and that you’ll enjoy – like member Katie in our main image, who conquered Mam Tor! And, as well as bringing a long list of amazing health and wellbeing benefits, activity – combined with our Food Optimising eating plan – has been proven to help maintain weight loss long term, so you feel fantastic long after Christmas has been and gone.
Here are some top tips for getting started with activity – and sticking to it come snow or shine!
What’s your festive fitness barrier?
Barrier: I don’t have the right kit
Top tip: Start simple
You’ll get lots of ideas in your Slimming World group for activities that don’t require a trip to a fitness superstore.
A winter walk is an easy way to weave more movement into your week, and needs no special gear. As long as you’re comfortable, you’re good to go. A quick weather check will tell you whether you’ll want to grab your waterproofs, and if you’re planning an after-work walk (or jog or bike ride) reflective clothing and lights will help you to stay safe.
Slimming World Consultant Jo wrapped up warm for a frosty walk. She says;
“I struggled to motivate myself to get out of bed this morning! But 5K and 46 minutes later, I am so glad I found the motivation.”
Barrier: I’m too tired
Top tip: Buddy up
Planning to exercise with an encouraging friend can really boost our commitment and provide the extra shot of motivation we all need from time to time. Making an activity date is just one of the ‘foot out of the door’ strategies you’ll learn in a Slimming World group – we’ve got simple solutions for every stopper, and weekly support will help you put them into practice.
Slimming World target member Kirsty found a willing pal to pair up with for a kick-boxing session.
Barrier: I find exercise boring
Top tip: Try something new
If boredom’s a barrier for you, banish it by doing something different. A mix-and-match approach will also make it easier to work your whole body and maximise the health benefits – and it will also increase your chance of finding an activity you really love and will want to stick to.
Our target member Lizzie has fallen head over heels for hula-hooping, which helps her to maintain her 3st 8½lbs weight loss:
Your get-fit tool kit of Slimming World support
When you join Slimming World, you’ll get everything you need to guide, inspire and motivate you to increase activity at your own pace, including:
- Our unique Body Magic activity programme, which is rooted in the psychology of exercise and totally tailorable to you.
- More than 90 on-demand activity videos to suit all abilities, with both standing and seated workouts available.
- Expert support to help you recognise and overcome your personal stoppers.
- Body Magic awards to celebrate your success at every stage of your journey.
- More than 50 fitness-themed articles – plus member-exclusive podcasts – covering motivation boosters, exercise guides and activity ideas.
- An online tracker to plan and record your activity.
- A set of guided audio walks, for on-the-move motivation through your headphones.
Barrier: I’m too busy
Top tip: Do something that fits into your day
If an activity slots easily into our week, it’s more likely that we’ll do it regularly – and that’s is how exercise becomes a lasting habit. Just as our Food Optimising plan will help you make easy changes to the way you shop, cook and eat, our Body Magic activity programme will help you find enjoyable, achievable and sustainable ways of building fitness into your routine. And that doesn’t have to mean scheduling a gym session or committing to a class. Whether it’s a lunchtime lap around the block, energetic games with the kids or giving the cleaning an extra bit of welly, every bit of movement adds up to a more active lifestyle.
Slimming World member Laura sets aside time on Monday nights for a session in the gym.
Barrier: I don’t know where to begin
Top tip: Start small
Full-on fitness plans can feel overwhelming, especially if you have a lot on your plate – so don’t worry about racing ahead before you’re ready. Our Body Magic programme has been carefully designed to help you take a step-by-step approach to moving more and working towards the awards is a great way to build activity levels slowly and steadily, with support and encouragement all the way.
Our member Danielle is feeling on top of the world after hiking around the Lake District – and every hike starts with a single step!
Barrier: Christmastime is family time
Top tip: Get them involved!
For many of us, family is a big focus at this time of year – and what better way to spend time with your loved ones than by doing something active together? If you’ve got excited children (or grown-ups!) counting down the days, planning some activities for the Christmas break will help make the wait that bit more bearable, and help you feel those Body Magic benefits while having lots of festive fun.
Ashley has lost 3st 4 1/2lbs with Slimming World. She and her daughter bundled up and headed out on a winter walk, collecting ferns to add to their Christmas decorations as they went.
If you’d love to be more active and you’re struggling with stoppers, we can help. Whatever your barriers, we’ll work with you to find a way to break them down – so you can enjoy those brilliant Body Magic benefits and lead an active lifestyle that you’ll love!
