Five good reasons to take up small group outdoor training

1. You will be outside!

There is a lot of research to support the benefits of being outside for at least some part of the day. But you don’t need research to tell you that. There is something about being outside that makes everything (even exercise) better! I have vivid memories of being stressed out with a crying miserable baby but the minute I took them outside and lay them down on a mat in the sun on the grass their mood (and mine!) would turn around. If you spend a long time at home or in the office each day you will really start to notice the benefits of being outside on a regular basis for training. Even if the weather is not the best you will still feel your spirits lift as you set foot in the park ready to train. Being outside also means you can bring your dog. Both of you get some exercise.

2. You are not on your own

In a small group the instructor is able to keep a good eye on your form. You are not left to flounder around hoping you are doing things properly and risking injury. You also know that you will do more than you would do if you were by yourself. You do not need to think or plan – it’s all done for you. You are motivated by other women who are fitter than you. You know that you will be like that too if you keep going. The group is supportive so you do not feel inferior. You are encouraged by the trainer who notices you training hard. You can choose to be “in the zone” or be as social as you like. Some people like a chat to make the session fly by. Others like to put their head down and just get it done.

3. You will have more energy

Many women make the mistake of thinking they are “too tired” to train on a regular basis. They think they have too much on and they couldn’t possibly exert themselves any more than they already do. What they do not appreciate is the energizing effects of training when combined with rest. Sure, if you trained at 100 per cent levels every day your energy levels may be depleted. When you go hard 3 or 4 times a week with rest periods or more calming training in between, your energy levels will go up. Who wants more energy?? Use it or lose it becomes so much more relevant as we age.

4. You will build muscle and lose fat

We all know that what we eat is going to have the most impact on the shape and size of our bodies. If, however, we want to make sure we look firm and “toned” building lean muscle through regular training is key. As we age we will all lose muscle if we do nothing to preserve and build it. You do not have to worry about “bulking up”. You would have to train for hours each day and have the right genetics to get really big muscles. Your time in the park using mostly body weight exercises will help you to achieve a higher muscle to fat ratio which looks better and moves better too. Regular training is also important to maintain bone density so that a minor fall does not result in a broken bone.

5. You will be motivated to eat more healthily

All of our clients report that when they are training, they are much more likely to make healthier choices with food. They are thinking “health” and after a great session in the park in the morning they want to keep it up throughout the day.

Try it and see.