It's only a few more days before Christmas so as you prepare to slow down, eat plenty and put your feet up! We thought you might need a little help to keep you from grinding to a STOP. So here's Linda's Top Tips to help you stay motivated! 

Music 

Music can be massively helpful when you are trying to muster the energy to train. As well as providing an upbeat, fun environment, slower more rhythmic music can help calm and focus your mind helping you switch off to all the other things you feel need your attention. What ever rocks your world, put it on, turn it up and have the session you deserve!

Charge your device 

This is by far up there in the most frustrating things to experience when training. Whether you are in the gym or in your living room, no one likes having to break the flow of exercise by having to go and charge your device. Slowing your heart rate and cooling the body, a long break in the middle of your session is not great for results, so be prepared and get organised before you start. 

Give yourself space

If you are anything like me you cannot be around clutter. A healthy room is a healthy mind. Take a few minutes before your session to clear a small space for where you want to work out. Set up any equipment that you will need during your session and have a glass of water at the ready, this way you will not get frustrated wasting precious 'you' time during your workout. 

Turn calls and messages off 

You may feel that that call or message is urgent but in reality, is it? If it can wait 45 minutes or so then make it. Stopping for calls or to reply to messages really does effect your results in the long term. It's so easy to be 'on call' these days but allow yourself some time where you focus only on you, your mind and body will be far more productive afterward!

Image 

A picture paints a thousand words! Many of us are hugely visual creatures and having a picture in mind or actually pinned on your wall or fridge can really help with gearing up to those tough sessions. Whether it's a picture of you a few years ago or your best body idol, having something to focus on will really help you achieve success. Just remember though to keep it achievable, although a Victoria Secret model or Brad Pitt is what most of us would like, this may lead only to frustration and irritation! 

Intention

 
Set you intention before you begin your workout. By this I mean what it is you would like to achieve. 'Just getting through it' maybe a victory but its not the best intention. You body does what you mind tells it so take a minute and think about what you would like to feel or accomplish over the next 40 minutes or so. Feeling more energised or getting those core abdominals to finally stitch on are just two good examples. 

Tracking 

This is key and the secret to success! Having a trainer, both personal and/or virtual will help massively with this. The main pitfall about training but not tracking, is that you quickly loose motivation as it may seem that you are not getting anywhere. Whether it's your weight, distance on the bike per hour or how long you can hold a plank for, tracking is a great way to stay on track and motivated.