How To Stay Fit: Issue 2

6 Watch while you work out: Choose a regular TV show to enjoy at the gym, or a favourite podcast you let yourself listen to only when running/walking/working out. It’s a great motivation: you will look forward to exercising.

7 Set one goal at a time: The biggest mistake is to try to change everything at once. Instead of saying, “I’m going to go to the gym every day, and stop eating sugar, and go to bed early, and stop drinking alcohol”, just say, “I’m going to move more.” After a few weeks of building confidence by sticking to your resolution, think about changing your diet. Normally people set a couple of goals in January and by the summer they have achieved neither; this way you are more likely to manage both.

8 Stay hydrated: Drink two or three litres of water a day. Most people are chronically dehydrated – don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Coffee and tea don’t count. Fill up a two litre bottle and keep it at your desk (I squeeze a lime into mine), so you can track how much you drink.

9 Don’t forget to stretch: If you’re over 40, stretching and mobility are vital. I do yin yoga once a week – it’s a very slow type of yoga, where you hold each stretch for three to five minutes – and I find it hugely beneficial. Move around often and stretch your shoulders and chest to stop your body from stooping over.

10 Look around you: You don’t need to join a gym: whether it’s your living room or a local park, there are so many places – and so many ways – to create a great workout. Be imaginative and have fun.