
Leisure Centres Aim to Combat Falls in Activity Levels
EB Health & Leisure
As a health and leisure charity based in Cheshire East, we seek to make participation in any activity an enduring habit from the earliest years to later life. Our vision is to help people to live well and for longer by providing ‘Leisure for Life’.
Published: January 16th 2025
Category: Nutrition & Diet, Starting Out At The Gym, Strength Training
For so many of us, a New Year means goal setting, shifting mindsets and trying to be the healthiest versions of ourselves. Signing up to the gym, putting on your running shoes or simply taking the stairs are great places to start.
But how do we make sure that our healthy habits are here to stay and become just that – habits! Here are seven ways to make your exercise routines stick beyond January.
1. Start small
It’s great to try and push yourself out of your comfort zone when it comes to exercise, but make sure you’re choosing something that works for you and your fitness level. Rather than signing up to an Ultra Marathon straight away, start by building up your stamina on a treadmill at the gym, or jogging at your local athletics track.
There are people who can help you get acquainted with your local gym and the equipment. Everybody Activation sessions can also get you the most out of your membership by talking to a member of the fitness team about your goals and what you can do to achieve them. Personal training is also a great way to grow your confidence in the gym, with a personalised programme just for you and your needs.
2. Fit your fitness around you
Our lives are so busy, and we can often put time to ourselves on the back burner. Manage your expectations and try to introduce exercise around your schedule. For example, a stroll on your lunch break, increasing your movement on a weekend or starting with just one gym session a week after work can really help. Even a little movement can go a long way.
3. Be your own competition
It’s easy to compare ourselves to the people around us, particularly on social media. Don’t let other people’s progress or actions deter you from moving forward with your own goals. Remind yourself how far you’ve come compared to last year. The first step is already the hardest, so just signing up to the gym or taking that first step on the treadmill are moments to celebrate.
4. Keep it exciting
You don’t have to limit yourself to just one type of movement. Keeping your routine interesting means you’re less likely to grow tired of the same exercise, and therefore more likely to stick to your new habits. It can also help you to decide what you enjoy and want to do more of in the future, whether it’s finding your Chi in a Yoga Session, working your jab with a Boxing Class or feeling the burn with a Les Mills BODYPUMP™ session.
5. Reward yourself
Creating new habits on top of everything else can be hard work. A little post-workout incentive is a great motivator for getting out the door, especially in the colder months. Some sauna time or meeting a friend for a coffee can make the perfect finish to a tiring gym session.
6. Grab a gym buddy
Recruiting a friend or family member to join you on the gym floor can make all the difference to your workout routine. It could mean having someone there to cheer you on, push you to try those heavier weights and have fun with!
When you use the Everybody app, you can even share your plans to attend classes with friends to encourage them along too! (Psst… did you know when you refer a friend to Everybody you receive one month membership FREE?).
7. Use tech to keep you motivated
Apps and smart watches are great ways to keep track of your progress and help you stay on track. Our body analysis equipment such as Tanita and Boditrax can provide information such as body composition (including water, muscle, fat and bone mass) to help you decide your fitness goals.
Did you know Everybody Health and Leisure pools are SWIMTAG registered? Grab a wristband from one of our pools to get stats about your swim. You can also try swimming the coast of Cornwall or across the English Channel at your local pool with SWIMTAG challenges.