I can't afford the gym...HELP!

I don't know if you know, but apparently the world is having some money issues....

Oh you do?

I know money can be tight all year round and we're all having to cut back, but it can be especially tough around this time of year. Christmas is looming and presents, food and booze need to be bought. The holiday season can take over and as well as having fun, cause a lot of money worry. You may start to think - HOW on earth am I going to afford the gym? And WHEN will I have the time anyhow!?

Well have no fear! If you really can't get to a gym/afford the prices, why not look for alternatives!

Firstly, if you look at your local noticeboards/newsletters/magazines there will be many health and fitness professionals selling their wares. Classes in or outside will be running for a fraction of the cost and will be just as challenging and fun as a gym workout. Plus, most of the time you can just drop in, without having to sign up or commit.

With my Personal Training business The Wright Direction, I,  for instance, run Boot Camps (either with or without equipment, and either in or outdoors) all year round (come rain or shine!) and ask for no more than half a day's notice that you're coming. Simples.

Secondly, you do NOT need professional equipment to have an effective workout. Start looking at your home as your own personal gym! I'll start you off....

Can of beans = Dumbbells

Basket of washing = Med Ball

Stairs = step-up bench

Perfect!

And who needs equipment when you have your own body weight?! Squats, lunges, push-ups, crunches - they require nothing but space!

So start getting inventive this Christmas, have a shop around for things to do to stay fit and healthy, but most importantly, enjoy the holiday season.

Louise x

Quick fixes? I don't think so...

A while back I was happily reading the news with a nice cup of tea when it was spoiled completely by something I read. It made me literally put my head in my hands...A supposed 'celebrity' (if you can call them that at all) was papped walking out of the gym holding weight-loss pills.

Now I know many people, especially at this time of year, will be starting to think about that 'little black dress', or the company dinner, or just generally the excesses of Christmas dinner! A time where you panic because you feel the need to look good and be trim before going all out at the Christmas dinner table...But please, PLEASE don't feel the need to use weight loss pills as a 'quick-fix'. There simply is no such thing.

Thermogenics are drugs or supplements that are designed to facilitate weight loss by simulating exercise. Most thermogenic products generally contain strong stimulants that enable weight loss by boosting energy levels and increasing blood flow. Sounds great huh!? Why am I making such a fuss!?

Here's why: unfortunately, even over the counter thermogenic supplements are associated with significant side-effects, many of which can be life threatening.

They can cause:
ADDICTION (including fatigue, headaches, dizziness, apathy, depression)
ANXIETY (psychosis has been reported)
INSOMNIA
GASTROINTESTINAL PROBLEMS (abdominal pain and diarrhea)
CHANGES IN HEART RATE (elevation in HR and Blood Pressure)
SEVERE REACTIONS (heart attack, seizures, comas, death).

So why risk it? Why go for a 'quick'fix' and end up damaging, maybe irreparably, your health....Why not try that age-old method of decreasing your calorie intake and upping your exercise output to reduce your weight instead?

As exercise goes, it's a far healthier habit than popping the pills! Get fit, healthy and happy the Wright© way.

Sources: 
Adrew Weil: Thermogenics
FDA: Adverse Events with Ephedra and Other Botanical Supplements
Picture found via Amy Wyrick @ Fitsugar