Get Fit For Summer!

Getting your fitness back is easy if you make it a priority. “One of the most common excuses for not being healthy is not having time to exercise,” says former Ironman Champion and fitness guru, Guy Leech. “Make some time in your calendar and make it a priority. If you cut out 30 minutes a day, it’s not a lot to regain some power as far as your health goes.” Here, he shares his tips for getting back in shape.

Strangely, people often say they’re too unfit to exercise. What would you recommend for people who want to ease themselves back into it?
Putting on a pair of comfortable shoes and taking a walk is the first step. It’s free and it doesn’t take much effort – moving more is the starting point to getting your fitness back on track and taking some ownership of your health.

How often should we be exercising?
If you start telling people they have to do something every day, they become a slave to it but you should aim for most days. Build it into your every day life; incorporate your family and friends so it’s not boring. Look at your calendar, mark some time for yourself and treat it as a priority.

You’re attempting to break the world record on Saturday for the biggest every fitness circuit class – why is circuit training a good way to exercise?
They cover all kinds of exercise – body weight workouts, resistance band exercises and cardio. They’re also inexpensive and transportable – you can do them at home, in the backyard or at the park.

What’s better for weight loss – diet or exercise?
If you want to do it properly, you need a combination of diet, exercise and behavioural change to get a good result. That can mean brushing your teeth a bit earlier so you don’t snack in front of the TV, or getting up early and having a health breakfast to start the day. It’s not rocket science. Limit your alcohol intake, fast food and fatty food. Focus on natural foods and keep it simple with grilling and steaming.

What are your top three workout moves?
1. Walking, jogging or running. In a short period of time you can get a great workout for your legs and also your heart and lungs.
2. Body weight exercises, such as push-ups, are great for your upper body.
3. Stomach work like sit-ups and other movement around your mid-section will be great for protecting your lower back and strengthening your core.

Guy Leech will be leading the world’s biggest fitness circuit class at Sydney’s Manly Beach on Saturday November 10. For more information or to register, head to www.fitnessworldrecord.com.