Get motivated to exercise

In the cold and dark winter days, it is hard to find the motivation to go outside and get that heart beating. Why leave the cosy comfort of your bed?

Statistics show that far too many of us are not getting enough exercise and that we are larger than our equivalents from previous decades. This is something that should suitably motivate and/or worry us to want to change. Yet it still remains a struggle for some.

If increasing risk of heart disease isn't enough to inspire the most sedentary to get active, perhaps some of the tips below could be of help: 

Set a goal
Whether it's reaching a certain weight on the scales, fitting into that new dress, attempting a half marathon, the desire to wear a bikini on holiday this year or to improve your fitness; having a goal is essential. It gives you something to work towards, something that, when the going gets tough, spurs you on. Additionally, the satisfaction gleaned from meeting that goal is incomparable. The sense of achievement will last a lifetime.

Get the right gear
No matter what activity you undertake, there will be a requirement for shopping (shame!). Wearing new and appropriate clothing, however shallow it may seem, can really motivate you to get up and go. Plus the right gear protects you against the elements - ladies' North Face shoes ensure that feet are properly cushioned when trail walking, for example. A breathable jacket keeps the water out yet maintains body temperature. Plus you'll look the biz!

Do it with friends
Exercising alone requires some discipline, after all, it's easy to talk yourself out of an early morning jog or an after work swim. However, knowing that you might let someone else down is enough to dissuade the sleepiest person to pull on their trainers. That's why it's a good idea to enlist the support of some friends. It's much more fun to exercise with someone else and you can motivate each other to go farther. If you can't persuade a friend or two to join your cause, why not join an already established group? There are plenty of running groups or netball teams, etc, you could find out about. 

Find a new hobby
This could be your chance to try something new, something different and to find something that you absolutely love. Think beyond the gym or an exercise class and consider the myriad other options out there. How about rock climbing, trampolining, street dance or potholing? Failing that, kayaking, caving, wake-boarding or kite-surfing? The possibilities are endless, so don't restrict yourself.

Naturally, the biggest inspiration for getting some exercise should be to improve your health and well being. However hopefully the ideas above might help encourage you in the right direction.

Who knows? You might even find you enjoy it!

Four essentials for a successful country walk

Country walks have the potential to be the ideal family day out or an exciting adventure with a friend, depending on what you are in the mood for.

They can be anything from a leisurely stroll along the South Downs to a stunning and exhilarating climb in the Lake District. However no matter where you go or who you are walking with, there are some things that you would do well to consider each time you set off.

If you are planning to go on longer walks or on more dangerous routes, then be sensible and pack a comprehensive bag of kit. It can also be useful to speak to someone who has done the hike before recently. However, at a basic level, you cannot go wrong by always keeping in mind the following four things.

Maps

Unless you have grown up around the area you are exploring, then a map is an essential, since it can be very easy to go wrong on a route and much more difficult to correct your journey without some assistance.

Not only is there an element of danger to losing your way; you may also be berated by companions who had not signed up for a long and confusing hike.

Footwear

Arguably your most important item of clothing in many cases, since wearing the wrong kind of shoes can transform a pleasurable walk into a hellish odyssey. Invest in some solid footwear such as North Face boots so that you always have a pair on hand for outdoor adventures.

Weather-appropriate dress

While in some countries it may be easy to judge what to wear on a walk, in the UK it is always recommended to take a lightweight waterproof, no matter what the weatherman says. As well as this, you may wish to consider a cap just in case the sun comes out one day.

Liquids

Even if you are dressed appropriately and have brought a map with you, there is the chance that a walk will take longer than you think or that you will end up altering course, so it is essential that you bring liquids. This does not mean bringing a huge sports drink on every little stroll, just a small bottle of water will do the job on most little routes, although this will change according to how many people are with you.