I want to… stop smoking

Stopping smoking is not easy and it often takes people four or five attempts to be successful. If your resolution is to quit then the best way forward is to choose a quit date and stick to it. Whether it is January 1st, or a random date later in the year, make sure you are physically and emotionally strong enough to withstand the cravings.

Make it easy on yourself by not picking a time when you have a lot of social events in the diary. If you need support, be sure to surround yourself with good friends who will encourage you to quit.

Swapping an unhealthy habit with a healthy one is a great way to take your mind off smoking and get your body back on track. Starting an exercise regime will help you to feel more focussed and energised. It will also help you to burn those extra calories and hold back the weight gain that often comes with quitting smoking.

If you successfully conquer the cravings, you will know that you have done the biggest thing possible to improve your health in the future.

Msn.com

I want to… lose weight

It’s easy to say ‘I’m going to lose weight and exercise more’ but that’s not a plan that you can put into action. You need to know how many calories you intend to lose on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. You also have to consider what you will do when faced with the pudding that you can’t resist.

With a clear, specific plan you have more chance of success, if you commit your plans to paper and share it with your friends, family and other members of your support team you have an even greater chance of success. Our latest Achiever of the Month, Martin Stuckey lost 3 1/2 stone with the help of a free calorie counter phone app – My Fitness Pal, check it out!

If you do commit to a diet then be sensible. By shrinking portion sizes, most of us will lose weight, so let’s go back to basics. And don’t starve yourself.  You’re not going to be able to exercise on this amount, so just eat more and be patient!

Msn.com

I want to… get fit

So many people join a gym in January and simply hop onto the first cross trainer they see. Unfortunately this bores them to death, they soon stop going and completely give up. So the first thing you need to do is arm yourself with some fitness knowledge. Speak to a fitness professional about the best exercise methods for you. Slow, boring cardio is not the answer.

However, exercise is not the most important part of the puzzle. Nutrition is 60% of the battle. So if you’re going to clean up your diet this January you’ll need to make sure you accept this as a lifestyle change. Otherwise you will more than likely fall off the wagon. There is a price to pay and cutting back on wine, chocolates, crisps, fizzy drinks and refined food is the cost of a leaner, sexier you in 2012.

Go at it as if it was all out war. Give your body just 28 days in January and then go back to doing everything in moderation. If you exercise with intensity and are strict with your diet, then you will see huge results, and this will spur you on into February and beyond. To overcome the end-of-January blues, make sure you have a goal in mind and write it down. Having set goals in place helps keep you focused and, once you’ve achieved them, simply write new ones.

Msn.com

Victoria Thompson’s next 6 week Pilates course will start next Tuesday 10th January.

With classes each week on Tuesdays 8pm – 9pm, this course is suitable for beginners. Pilates will help to improve your

• posture
• balance
• flexibility
• muscle tone
• aid recovery from injuries
• aid weight loss
• and much more!

You won’t find a better value course in the area with prices at just £30 for Members and £36 for Guests (Paid by cash or cheque in club).

Call us today on 01279 279763 to make your booking. Please note places are limited, max 12 per class.

Martin Stuckey, aged 27 has been a member at Challenge for 2 ½ years. 8 months ago he decided to begin training for the RAF Reserves. At 5 ft 8” in height and a starting weight of 16 stone 2 pounds, Martin wanted to lose weight and massively improve his fitness in order to pass the RAF fitness tests.

In order to achieve his goal, Martin has been training hard in the gym between 3 – 6 times per week. Completing both cardio and weights based workouts he focuses on maximum calorie burn! Martin aims to run for 20 – 30 minutes on the treadmill and works his entire body using resistance equipment.

Although Martin has been working hard in the gym, he’s also made a few changes to his diet with the help of the “My Fitness Pal” phone app. By monitoring his calorie intake closely, he has cut down on sweet treats and alcohol consumption drastically. As a result of his exercise regime and healthy eating plan Martin has lost a massive 3 ½ stone! Since losing the weight he feels much fitter, happier and healthier.

Martin is due to complete the RAF fitness testing in February/March time and is in great shape to pass with flying colours. We wish him the best of luck!

Keep it up Martin!

The Challenge Team

The end is nigh and our gym refurb is almost complete! The ladies’ gym is now finished with the installation of new mirrors, a new paint job and a slight change in layout. The studio will soon have a full wall of new mirrors and painting within the main gym and entrance hall is almost done. Take a look!

CLICK TO SEE PICS

Bootcamp starts on Monday 16th Jan! Spaces are going fast so call Robbie now on 07956 174204. 4 weeks of intensive training GUARANTEED to whip you in to shape!

Challenge Members – £95

Non Members – £110

STOP THINKING ABOUT GETTING IN SHAPE, DO IT!

Our fantastic new equipment has arrived. Take a look! And Merry Christmas!

We are aware that some of the gyms in the Bishop’s Stortford & Harlow area, including Grange Paddocks, are closed during the Christmas period. If your gym is closed and you don’t want those Christmas pounds creeping up on you, please feel free to pay us a visit!

From Tuesday 27th December to Monday 2nd January we will be opening our doors to guests on a pay per session basis. Pay a special rate of just £3.80 on the door to gain access to the gym.

See below for our opening hours -

We look forward to seeing you!

PT-Bootcamp returns in January 2012, don’t miss out. Four weeks of intense training, four times per week at 6am! Bootcamp takes place indoors and outdoors at the Challenge Fitness Centre.

Start date is 16th January, so get in touch to reserve your place “…if you are tough enough…”!

Here is some footage of some of the outdoor training during the Autumn 2011 Bootcamp. As you can see from the vid we have a sense of humour too…