Some of you may laugh but I’ll be ready when they come. 

“Rule #1 Cardio”

I am not and never will be, a gym bunny. My 2018 will not be starting off with false promises of gym membership and how I’m going to be there before work, after work and all weekend.

I think I’ve been in a gym once in my adult life and I don’t intend on going back.

Everyone is judgy and I haven’t the foggiest about what to actually do in there. Plus you have to pay! You have to hand over money to be judged on your physical abilities in front of other people and be forced to deal with the stench of their body odour too. Preposterous!

This is exactly why I prefer to stick to running and yoga, it’s cheap, relatively easy to get started with and I don’t have to talk to anyone.

I started running about 3 years ago [insert stupid joke here] and I admit have been pretty rubbish at sticking to a strict routine but I’ve been hard on myself for the last couple of months and although I may have given myself a week or two off whilst rehearsing, starring in panto and that inconvenient little celebration we like to refer to as Christmas, I’ve managed to stick with it.

I alternate between running and yoga and have one day off a week.

If you’re thinking of taking up running I suggest a decent pair of running shoes and not just random trainers, which I started with and ended up knackering my knee leaving me unable to run for about 6 months.

They only cost around £35 and that’s about as expensive as it gets. Here’s a list of my running paraphernalia and most of it is personal preference and stuff I already had  anyway.

• A bum bag (or fanny pack as the Americans call them).
• Panic alarm.
• Thin jacket.
• Buffs (weather dependent).
• Water bottle.
• Gloves. (Weather dependent).
• Running socks. (Slightly indulgent of me but so comfy)
• Running leggings.
• Leg warmers. (Shush, it’s cold)
• T-shirt.
• Sports bra.
• Headphones.

You probably don’t need half of what I have listed here. I only use a bag to keep my phone and keys in as I don’t have zip pockets on my jacket. The best thing to do is wear whatever you are comfortable in, if it’s cold thrown on an extra layer if it’s hot make sure you don’t overheat and be sure to drink plenty of water.

If the thought of running fills you with dread then I definitely recommend using an app such as Couch25k, without that I would never have been able to run and now I just run as far as I can without dying!

Now, yoga is even easier to get started with. I bought a DVD from a charity shop and I use that, I’ve never attended classes, you can even find some decent yoga channels on YouTube. You don’t generally need any equipment. I have a blanket instead of a yoga mat and for a couple of the poses you might need a belt for stretches.

Yoga is not only great for your body as it tones and stretches but it also does wonders for your mental health.

I find this with running too, yoga is obviously associated with meditation and relaxation and it’s a wonderful way to calm your mind and release stress but I find that running can be just as helpful.

It’s an incredible feeling to just run, I stick my headphones on, turn my music up and shut the world out, even if  it’s only for an hour. Plus it’s always good to practice for when the zombies come…

Have a wonderful 2018!