Q
Do you have any tips for staying on track with
my fi tness goals in the holiday season, when
I’m away from home?A
One of the great things
about a holiday is that it
gives your body time to
recover from all the training you do
at other times! Doing the same
exercise routine over and over can
lead to plateaus and boredom, so
look upon your holiday as an
opportunity to do something
different. Before you go, make a
simple fi tness plan. If you aren’t
doing them already, become familiar
with some essential bodyweightexercises that can be done
anywhere, such as squats, lunges,
push-ups, plank variations and
pull-ups as these will keep your
whole body muscular strength and
endurance up to speed while you’re
away. Then, keep things simple and
fun. Scenic walks, swimming, or
exploring the area on a bike are all
forms of low intensity exercise that
will keep you aerobically fi t while
allowing your body to recover from
your usual fi tness routine.SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS ON:
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Email [email protected] TSFITNESS EXPERT
Simon Cass is a personal trainer and co-founder of
Invictus Training (invictustraining.co.uk).Q
I’d like to do some weight
training at home. What do
I need to get started?A
There’s a vast array of equipment
available, so choosing the right gear
can be daunting. Key considerations
are safety, budget and space. Whatever
equipment you buy, it’s essential that you
know how to use it safely and correctly so
I strongly recommend you invest in some
personal training sessions with a REPS
(Register of Exercise Professionals)
accredited trainer. The most versatile,
effective and affordable items are free
weights such as dumbbells, barbell sets and
kettlebells. They don’t take up much space,
and as you progress, you can buy additional
weight plates. You can work on every muscle
with these, and with kettlebells you can do
some great cardio workouts as well. You’ll
also need some soft matting for comfort and
to protect your fl oor. Ensure you use the
weights safely and if you do move on to
using heavy ones, always ask someone to
spot for you, which means they watch and
assist you with the weight if necessary.TOPSANTÉ 107ASK THE EXPERTS | YOUR QUESTIONS