Fitness fanatics outline tips to keep up with exercise plans

Fitness enthusiasts have thought up a series of new rules to stop them from backing out of exercising, a new report has found.

Going to bed no later than 9.44pm, going to the gym first thing in the morning, having three sets of exercise clothes and telling someone else about your plans are among some of the ways adults are sticking by their fitness plans.

A poll of 2,000 adults found that 54 per cent believe they need to exercise more often than they do, with a lack of time (44 per cent), motivation (43 per cent) and money (18 per cent) proving to be the biggest barriers.

“One of the most important things when it comes to exercising is being motivated – if you aren’t, it can be easy to find any little excuse to talk yourself out of going,” said Andy Birch, product and fitness director at health club group Virgin Active, who commissioned the research.

“We all know January can be the hardest time of year to get yourself motivated thanks to the Christmas hangover, the short, dark days and the cold weather.

“One of the best ways to do this is to find a workout that works for you. Whether that’s classes, gym, swim or a mixture of all three. When you’re engaged with your workout, you’re more likely to remain committed to keeping fit and being a healthier you.”

37 per cent also revealed that they struggle more in January than any other time of the year, while 56 per cent blamed it on the dark mornings and evenings.