Being active has always been something which has been important to me, whether it’s going to a kickboxing class, boxing, doing some yoga, running, the gym or going outside for a walk and its something which became even more important to me whilst going through a particular tough life moment, I’m sure people can relate to this too? Perhaps something in your life triggered you to become more aware of your health, fitness, wellbeing? I have certainly met people in the gym class who were going through tough times or using excercise as a tool to manage everyday stresses. There have been loads of studies carried out to back up the fact keeping fit and active can help in times of dire straits. Of course, it’s not necessary to be having a hard time to get active but its one of the many reasons some do, and often the hard times will lead to good times, you just got to put the effort in to get there sometimes. There are many brilliant reasons to get active such as you’ll hopefully meet some lovely new people, become part of a positive community, learn a skill, have fun and get fit.

Personally, I have always had an abundance of energy and am definitely outdoors over indoors anyday of the week, unless its pouring down with rain (and even then I am partial to a refreshing run in the rain) or there is an option of a cosy fire. If you catch me indoors for too long I suddenly start to fade, like a flower wilting with no water, a writer without a pen, an MC with no mic, a singer with no song, a DJ with no decks, you get me? 

Being active feels like I am truly partaking in life, sweating, using my body for what it is made for and seeing what it can do, learning, progressing and achieving something, however big or small. For me, physical activity and fitness helps trickle over into areas of life too, one thing leads to another and ripples into another, like totally positive dominos. It can help with confidence, the way you feel about yourself and many other areas of life.

When I first started getting active it started in a gym in another Country where I didn't speak the language, which may have helped, everything was so alien there was no option other than to get on with it. It started with a little running, then cycling and the list goes on.

So why am I writing this? Well, firstly, it can be tough sometimes to begin, whether you have been active before or haven't, beginning is the tough part and then, consistency is key.

It can be hard to begin doing something new especially if you are self conscious, feel rubbish, depressed, in a period of low self esteem, going through a break up, grieving someone and anything else which may occupy your mind in a negative way. It maybe you want to make friends or put yourself out there more but find it intimidating to do so. All of these things are normal, in this thing called life. A lot of the time the things we fear or worry about the most are the very things that can help us improve and connect more, ultimately leading us to feel way better, which is why its important to give things a whirl and place the fear aside. In this case, stepping into the uncomfortable feelings, discomfort and into arenas which may be a little alien could be the things which unlock the best times and experiences.

For me, I like to be social when I'm working out so a bustling room filled with others, their energy and motivation really helps. It makes me feel we're all in it together and trying to achieve similar goals which is a great feeling. For others, thats probably not the case at all and would rather be running alone or doing something more one on one based. The best way to find out whats best for you is to try several classes or fitness workouts and see which ones work for you. There are so many options available from budget gyms, dance classes, bootcamps to martial arts. If you’re not feeling any of these, get yourself on a bike, out in the wide open space running, invest in a skipping rope or hula hoop, the options are endless.

Here are a few ideas of how to get started.

TRY A CLASS

I love doing a class as I enjoy the social element and connection it can bring but understand this view isn’t shared by all. I have spoken to people who find classes intimidating, feel self conscious or don’t like the instructor or class. If this is the case, I would say, don't give up, maybe the class you chose, this time, is not the right one for you but if you persist and go to a few more, there will be one for you.

The amount of times I have tried something and it just wasn't for me. There are so many reasons for this including the vibe of the class was off, a hostile environment, the style of the instructor wasn't my thing, the place wasn't very welcoming and so many other things. I have sometimes given classes a few tries to make sure it wasn't just me having a bad day but generally I know if i am going to like something fairly sharpish. There is no point in beating yourself up if you didn't like it, just move on and try something new. I used to believe I didn't like yoga, until I found a class, instructor and style I enjoyed but it took me many attempts to get there. Don't be discouraged.

Some classes I have tried that weren't for me

Drum n' bass fitness (was fun but not quite enough for me)

Crossfit (was a bit too intense for my body). Side note: I remember doing a workout once and falling on the block, scraping all my leg to the point of bleeding a lot and people were screaming at me to finish the workout, which I did, moments like this and other intensities, physical and non physical, lets say put a stop to my cross fitting. However, for some it might be the best workout in the world, we’re all different.

Yoga (too many classes to mention) - Finally settled on ashtanga which I highly recommend to anyone. I also love yin yoga.

JOIN AN ACTIVITY 

If you don't like the idea of classes or feel like beginning solo, there are loads of options.

You can join a gym, they are super cheap and usually well equipped.

www.puregym.com

www.movegb.com

FOOD AND DIET

With regard to food and diet its hard at first to change your eating patterns but personally for me when my diet is good and filled with fresh vegetables, fruit and food cooked from scratch it helps with everything else in my life. Its about embracing the whole lifestyle change rather than feeling you're depriving yourself of anything. It can be hard to be a bit creative with food sometimes but the virtual highway is filled with inspiration for meals.

MAKING EXCUSES

Its easy, especially in the UK, to make excuses as to why we can't exercise or get out of the habit of doing it. Its easy to say 'Oh, I'm tired', 'its raining' or 'its too cold' and so on, that’s why its important to find something you genuinely enjoy and want to do rather than something you feel you have to, as this will keep you motivated. Group fitness helps me as there are people in the same boat, there is a sense of community and sociability so not only will you look forward to the fitness but the social element too. You will no doubt at some points feel rubbish when you're doing a class or workout but guaranteed by the end of it you'll be smiling and a bit exhausted.

SETTING CHALLENGES

Challenges are a great source of motivation aim and focus giving you a goal or something to work towards. There are options of group challenges such as Tough Mudder and other outdoor events or the challenge could be a more personal one such as improving running times or stamina.

Enjoy finding your fit and being active.