Tips for Mums on Training Through Winter

Lucy Howlett has a degree in the performing arts and is creative, poised and balletic. As an expert postnatal personal trainer, Lucy gave a wonderful presentation about winter training for mums at an RSM Winter Warmer Event in Wandsworth a few weeks ago. The mums loved it so much they asked Lucy to share her tips more widely, so she agreed to write a guest article on my blog.

Lucy is sensitive to the individual needs of each client. She really gets the need to work on confidence and body image for many. She also understands the practical barriers to exercise for mums, especially in the winter. Lucy believes in a whole-life approach - focusing on diet and lifestyle as well as fitness.

Now is it just me, or is Xmas a really hard time to keep up the training? Well, for me and everyone else who ate-too-much-and-slouched-around-so-now-has-a-resolution-to-get-back-to-training:

Here are Lucy's tips. My trainers are on the radiator as we speak...


Lucy:

Lots of people find it harder to get outside in the colder months but once you do, not only do you realise it’s not as bad as it seems but you feel great for doing it! So resist the urge to hibernate and read on …

Here are my tips to help encourage you to carry on regardless! — To train for a stronger body, a flatter tummy, a positive mind and the sheer smug factor from not letting the weather get the better of your workout!

• Heat your gloves and trainers on the radiator before you go out (my favourite!)
• Put two pairs of leggings on for extra warmth. I love multiple layering at this time of year, legs especially. 
• Get on the RSM Facebook page and share your goals! Sharing provides you with motivation and it helps to have people to support and encourage you on your journey.
• Get into your sports kit first thing in the morning so that you are in the right mind set and geared up to go!
• Train with a friend or if not, tell a friend when you are about to do some exercise. This way they should ask how it went and you can have someone to answer to and congratulate you on your efforts.
• Join your Local RSM group or volunteer and set one up so you have a group of like-minded mums to exercise with for free every week.
• Read an inspiring book e.g. Born To Run, or a book by an Olympian.
• Buy some nice sports wear to inspire you to get out in it. Lorna Jane, Lululemon and Sweaty Betty are my favourites, for their feminine designs.
• Plan a fitness routine at home using your free Ready Steady Mums virtual personal trainer. 
• Clear some space in the house to do your exercise when the snow/rain/floods/dark means you're indoors.
• Use the Ready Steady Mums Pregnancy DVD to guide you through the moves (in yoga, Pilates, strength and tone) if you are expecting. 

Even just making time to do stretches is great. Stretching is good for many things; providing greater comfort, easing stress, preventing pain and injury. If you are sitting for long periods, as is often the case when breast-feeding, and holding your child then your posture is bound to suffer a little. So stretching, all over the body, at least once a day can do just the trick to help you feel great and improve your posture too!

Contact me if you would like any further advice or to do some boxing or kettlebell training.

www.lucyhowlett.co.uk
www.facebook.com/lucyhowlettpersonaltraining

"When performance improves, spirit soars, confidence evolves and character develops." Mark Twight