How Being a Parent has kept me fit

I have never travelled so much and walked so much since becoming a mum. My son loves to visit different places and so like today we walked from London Victoria to London Bridge and thankful for the legs I have been given and for my son, because he keeps me fit. 

The one thing I noticed about visiting London was how miserable everyone seemed. Has the sense of humour gone? In Epsom people will say good morning and apart from a coach driver, noone seemed that they cared that you let them pass and got out of their way when running and I always acknowledge if someone has allowed me to pass and it just not as friendly as it used to be.

However it was good and went a different route we've not been and it was nice to just walk and we had a empty train back and it was a really good morning walk and looking forward to more. We walked around Guildford on Monday, Tuesday we walked into town, via the bus route and tomorrow we are off to play tennis. 

I love spending time doing the things we both love. It is good to continue to bond and I like that he enjoys walking. He can often pretend to be a bus or a train and he was getting annoyed with me continuing to take photos but I never get sick of London, I just wish people would be happier and on the train this morning everyone would be engrossed in their laptops and phones. 

So I thought I'd just enjoyed the journey and not be on my phone all the way. 

My son likes to spot other trains and we will guess where they're going and the buses we see as we explore and take away the length of the walks we do. 

As a baby he loved the motion of a train or bus and when walking with him and running in his pushchair. He loved being out and going on walks. I feel its just come a part of his life to be out and explore. He loved seeing me and his dad workout he would join in. I like that he likes to walk but often his choices can be a bit of extreme. Walking from London Waterloo to Epsom. 

We have done Epsom to Kingston, Epsom Morden and walked from London Waterloo to Fulham Broadway which is a fair distance. I would like to continue. I have always walked. My dad would walk a lot and my mum and I did the Thames Walk, 25K but now my son is here I am still walking and its better than being in all the time. I am doing a squats challenge in August. It is 100 squats a day for Cancer Research: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/carries-giving-page-23102806

I am doing it because I haven't done a challenge for a long time and it came up on my Instagram and thought okay I can do that and my son is like my coach. I'd like to do a fundraiser with Henry at some point. There were parts of London that was new. I would like to book a week off and walk when Henry is at school because he didn't want to walk through the parks on route and walk outside them and there are some little gardens along the route we took.

Next week we are off to St Albans and looking forward to it. 

I do have a Parenting blog and doing Summer Holiday series so check out this recent post: https://theparentingadventurestipsandtricks.wordpress.com/2026/07/21/letting-someone-else-make-arrangements/

I will be sharing our walks and things we are doing in the summer on my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Carriechalloner

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

It doesn't matter about the time you have

I exercise at home for about 10 minutes doing different types. Leg raises, squats, jogging on the spot and weights and I do still feel the benefits. 

Time is not important it is what you put in and there are APPs where you can do 7 minute workouts and I will move to music and dance. I will raise my heals. It helps the strength in my legs and can be as simple as that. 

Also it is dependent on the reason. I want to strengthen my legs as I love walking and want to get back into running again and would want to get back doing my Sunday run as I really enjoyed it and in August I am going to be doing 100 squats a day for Cancer research. So will post my page where you can sponsor me should you wish to in another blog and I am looking to get back to doing fundraising walks and runs. 

This so be a good way of getting back into it and it will be tough but looking forward to it and so will be continuing to do my walks, start practicing and thought I start now and going to really train for it and see how it goes and see how much money I can raise and perhaps do it in the morning and I do a lot of training when in bed too. I will stretch and do leg raises and  I do have a mat but the flooring is wood and I can trouble so a soft service for me is better. 

I even exercise on the sofa and even on a chair. I did a workout that Davina McCall did and it was using a chair and it was really hard and still got a good workout so you don't need that much equipment. I love a mat and would like to do more floor workouts, but I like standing and dancing whilst I wait for my son to come home from school. 

Also it is the weather. We have had a huge heatwave in England and I have been sweating a lot and so doing short workout is good but also time of day. I am not good a working out when it is super cold but not too hot either and why I love doing my morning walks. I enjoy it so much. 

I wouldn't change it. I love where I live due to my morning walks and realised how lucky I am and not feeling sorry for myself any more. Noticing what I have around me and what my body can do when it wants to get stronger and my mind too. I am lot more positive about things and just would like to run on a Sunday morning too to add to my fitness but been a while so taking it one step at a time.

Check this video I did: https://youtu.be/YMmlsGjUCFY

Have a good week all. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Walking in the rain

As always this morning I was allowing the voice in my head, because it was raining to not go out and not walk. Originally I was going to go to Ewell Village but instead got off bus at Epsom High street for a coffee, journal and edit some of my next book I am writing and picked up some shopping. 

I wasn't going to walk back but feel so good that I did. Yes it was raining but it was nice. Its not cold and it was nice to feel cool and glad that I didn't allow the weather to stop my plans of doing my morning walk and now after feeling super tired after watching some of the world cup I went to enjoy a coffee and a walk which has made me feel fully awake now.

It is good to have that time. It calms my thoughts down, it clears the air and yes I like the sunshine but I feel so good I didn't give in to my inner critic and not go out. I like to have days in doors but not too much as I start to feel couped up and in need of fresh air and I do use the treadmill we have but doesn't beat the outdoors. 

All types of walking is beneficial for wellbeing. It clears the cobwebs, it opens up my creative side of my mind, hence this blog and I will be writing another few blogs on my other blog sites and one blog that will be posting on Friday (check out Everyone can build a castle) about how the things you do and is around you, can be therapy. For me that is writing, being active and reading. 

Shopping can have its benefits. Read this blog: https://getfitgetactivewithme.blogspot.com/2025/09/shopping-can-have-its-benefits-when.html

I have been to rugby and football matches where it has rained a lot and never put me off. Living in England I have to remind myself that the rain is part of the country and so I have to remind myself that I should embrace it sometimes. I am glad today that I didn't go to Ewell Village today but glad to have still gone out and that sometimes you have to go out in the rain. Yes take an umbrella and I will be getting this year for Autumn and Winter a Waterproof jacket, but I was in a vest top and jeans and it was fine, It was refreshing. 

So I love being active. It was good to go out and now I can write and watch a bit of Youtube, do some cleaning and later get ready for the football. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X

 

Doing House work is Physical Activity which fitness is all about

So  I was going to go for a walk to Ashtead but the weather was supposed to be rainy and it is sunshine so I did some tidying, decluttering and housework and I still worked out a sweat and yes I used my new fitness tool from Tik Tok which I have used everyday but housework is still being active and walking around the house is still walking and I have been out this morning so I don't feel to bad about not walking to Ashtead because I know I'll be spending money and on things I don't need and wanted to use up my cold coffee as I hate waste and save my coffee for the weekend. 

I would still like to go to Ashtead so going to go and if it is raining get a bus. It is good to go out so I am going to make the effort as it will break up the week. Yet I have done my chores as said and now catching up on computer work. 

It is good to have had a declutter because we had bugs in the bins so glad I did that today. It is good to stand whilst I did a clear out, put some clothes in a suitcase as I rotate my clothes and will be dusting and cleaning my room this afternoon as I noticed some cobwebs and it is good to not avoid the home when it needs to be cleaned and tided. 

I am going to go round with a duster that can reach my high walls to clear the cobwebs and my books.  Sort out the top of my Ottoman. I will be standing and dancing to music and just move. 

You don't have to do running if you don't want to. You don't have to do a 30 minute work out. As long as you aren't sitting down all day you still burning calories and being active. 

Doing the ironing whilst you watch a TV show or listening to something. I am later when making dinner going to play something on BBC Sounds. My new obsession listening to Eras. So far I have  listened to Queens Eras, Phil Collins and now, recently it is Bob Marley. 

I cleaned under the radiators, swept the floor in the living room and my husband cleaned the stairs and the corridor and it is good to see clean and empty spaces and fill my body aching like doing a Pilates workout and strengthening my legs. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X  

There is so much conflict about exercise

Hello I have just come back from my morning walk which I really enjoy and had a coffee whilst out whilst I journal and go through plans, brainstorming content and whilst walking I was thinking about the conflicting advice about exercise.

There is stop doing cardio, do Thai Chi, Pilates and I have done gym classes and did dancing and that was good and I have done running and by moving my body I have learned what exercise suits me. Not listening to the next best thing. 

I believe that you don't need equipment but I enjoy doing weights and strength training and I love missing it up. Whilst I am looking out the window in the afternoon when his finishes school will put some music and dance. I will do arm circles, squats and waiting for the kettle boil exercise and I enjoy that. 

If you don't like cardio then don't do cardio. If you don't like dancing fine. Your don't need to go the gym, a neighbour of mine cycles and many parents where I live in Surrey will cycle doing the school run and I like fitting exercise around my lifestyle and just ten minutes of leg raises or jogging on the spot is still being active and it is what makes you feel good and what outcome you want. 

I love my morning walks. It gives me so much joy. I love doing my weights in the afternoon and you don't need to work out first thing in the morning. It is what suits your lifestyle and where you can be free and what your body wants. 

Having a kick about with your kids or going on a nature trail. I have a lot of parks and recreation grounds near to me and even in London there are walks you can do and activities. I want to try Paddle. Me and my son in the holidays play tennis. 

There is confusion about how long you should exercise for. You can just do 7 minutes a day and still benefit and just for a minute or two. Do this through out the day. I often when I am on the sofa do leg raises and in bed too. 

Less is more and I do use the treadmill to walk and feel lucky that I have one but don't rely on it and will play four songs to walk on a high speed and I like keeping it simple. 

So get ideas but it is always personal and if you like to workout when your family are out then do it. There are no real rules. I don't like working out on an empty stomach and make sure I hydrate and allow it to cool down and a nice shower or bath is another joy afterwards and so it can be a pleasure and working out in front of the TV, watching your favourite programme. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Can Exercise Really Help Your mood?

What gives me the greatest pleasure is seeing people jog. Not that I am returning to running but it does help me get up and do some form of exercise each day. Walking, doing weights, swimming and playing sports with my son. 

It is good to have an active lifestyle. but not over do it but a bit a day goes a long way. 

I will do a fast walk rather then a stroll depending on distance. 

The mornings are for me my most energetic time and will walk through the local parks and commons and just taking in what is around me. Listening the birds and just feeling at peace with myself. It for me calms the mind and helps me creatively and I tend to do weights in the afternoon. 

Taking your mind off exercise is to watch or listen to something.  I tend to watch Youtube whilst I do some weights and not putting too much pressure and listen to my body when it wants to exercise and when it needs rest. 

It can be great for waking you up and I love going out early because I can go into a coffee shop whilst its not busy and enjoy it because I like to go to a coffee shop, journal and working on a new book whilst I wait for the shops to open and then walk back and away from the high street but where it is quiet and love a pond, river and love visiting the coast and a great places to exercise. 

When I started running I would run along by the river. I have run between Putney and Hammersmith, along by the River Thames, Southbank and Hyde Park by the Serpentine and during the Easter Holidays my son and I went to Wimbledon Park to play tennis. It was so enjoyable and looking to do this once a week, when my son comes home from school as he has tennis lessons on Saturday and work of some energy. 

It gives me a buzz and good when there is sunshine and no rain. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Working out in my jeans

Yes I like to workout no matter what I am wearing. I used to think you needed a load of gym gear but actually I don't. If you are in private even being in your underwear. Its your space your time so it is good to take advantage. 

I like versatility. I like comfort and I even workout in my PJ's, naked in the bath and in bed. 

It all depends on what type of exercise you are doing. If it is running I would not recommend because of Chaffing and also how long your working out for. I do short workouts, I walk so I can wear what I want and the one item I love to buy is good swimming gear and I am starting with swimming again. 

Something that is my weekly thing, like some days I walk on the treadmill in the morning or walking outside and going to start doing an evening walk on Sundays and would like to do Tennis and play with my son as he loves Tennis and feel when it comes spring is being out the garden playing football and would to start working out in the garden in a pair of shorts and T-Shirt. 

I am wearing more trainers rather than leggins all the time and so I know if it good quality because I can still wear them and love buying socks and trainers. I like the slip in trainers but do own a few lace ups and durable. I am in the hunt for a pair of second hand trainers for when I take my son to Rugby as I find Wellington boots difficult to walk in. 

A pair of boots is a good item for walking. love a good jumper and thermal clothes. 

Last year I tried Park run but I don't like mud and so wasn't for me. I felt bad in saying that but find it hard to play rugby when it is super muddy and was not for me. I am glad I gave it a try and so if it is comfortable wear it and honestly you don't have to spend lots on fitness clothes. It is good to have a few pieces but not too much. 

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Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

How Fitness Helps with my anxiety

So not been doing a lot of fitness recently. My son was being tutored at the Library and so felt I had to be there because of  my son going to the toilet because he didn't liking to the toilets on his own, but I have been still building my steps still when I can. I find when I do I feel so good and just the fresh air just goes through my body and eases the anxiousness, I feel and now my son is now in a school, as he would want to take the bus to the Library, I will be able to destress and go for a walk in the mornings again. 

I am still working out on the go, like now as I write this blog rotating my food and feel the flexibility of my ankles and fitness is good for the joints and bones. I like slow and easy exercise and will be doing my afternoon workouts indoors and going to be using the treadmill again too. I feel such a boost of energy and positivity when I do and means my son gets to play outdoors rather than cooped up in the Library. 

It was good this week to play out in the garden again and practiced taking penalties and this is also exercise, so I still do bits, but would like to do a continuous workout again and would like this winter to do some exercise out in the garden and get my mat out. 

I even exercise in the bath and in bed. Honestly trust me you don't have to use anything and still do crunchies, leg raises and push ups against a wall and seated down on a chair. 

I am going to find out if I can book a Tennis court around the corner so my son and I can play when he comes home from school as he has Tennis lessons on Saturdays and see if I can book some swimming sessions for myself, locally too. 

It is good to have places to go and I like pay as you go activities. Last year I tried Park run but it wasn't for me and like to do my own walks and the pace that is suitable to me and decide what route or direction. 

I think Wimbledon Common where the Park run was located is a good place to walk or run but, doing Parkrun I just felt like I was around utter chaos and like to walk where it is less busy and now I have moved back Epsom for a bit, then there are plenty routes around and so be good to walk and for as long as I want. 

With fitness I find when doing slow movements on my legs which some may find strange but relaxing and can't wait to use my fitness mat again and I have leg and wrist weights as it is good to raise my legs, bum lifts and listening to chill out music or other kinds and just concentrating on my breathing and the feelings of my joints and helps build the nerves and boost my energy levels and now I am going to chill now and getting back this week into my fitness and will report back. 

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Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Difference Ways To Measure Your Fitness

Hello it is so great to see people jogging in the streets and partners that I am back doing my own workouts. I do like to take a break towards and over Christmas and so back going for walks and walking on treadmill once a week, until I feel I want to do more.

This is a video of me walking in London last 

Summer from Earls Court to Marble Arch

On Youtube Channel Typical London Gal Carrie Holmes 

I am no longer doing Parkrun but I am pleased I tried it out and perhaps I can eventually see if there is Parkrun somewhere else, because also I will be moving from Wimbledon. However it is a new year and it is time to focus on just growing and like to exercise through out the day and to measure my fitness. I will use time, but when walking on treadmill I set a target to walk on treadmill listening to 4 songs and in doing that I did 17 minutes. 

Use a pedometer to measure steps and there are APPs too. I have watch, not set it up yet, but will get that done. I now go for a 45 minute walk towards the end of my sons lesson he has at the Library, until we get a school placement, when it isn't raining constantly. That is if the buses are not running like last week after an Accident on one of the local main roads, and has been good and it just to get some fresh air and just allow my feet to walk. 

I would do a chart when I was running and see like, when I would run through Hyde Park how many benches I could pass or benches, I'd run up hills and on the treadmill walk using the Incline for 5 minutes then down hill for 5 minutes and build. 

Mel Robbins says that you should plan what your going to listen to when hiking or walking. It can be good but don't feel comfortable in doing this when walking on high street and other big roads where I live and going to live, but I will listen to the birds, walk by a lake and take in what is around me. When walking on the treadmill I will plan what I want to listen to.

Create a song list and many, when I used to see when I did go to a gym see people reading whilst on an exercise bike. I find going by time can put me off so listening to songs, podcast or a video on Youtube is better and takes my mind off the walking I am doing. Do a workout whilst watching a favourite TV programme or a film even. 

It is good when I am out to plan my route when walking and I find it gets rid of the pressure when not worrying about the time and getting into the zone and it is not just good at the end of it but whilst you workout. 

So feel good. Not been out this week so far due to the weather but done bits which I still count and walking around the home. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

 

Getting Fit On The Go

I have really enjoyed getting fit on the go. At the bus stop the other day I just raised my heals and back  down again, whilst seated waiting for the bus and when tidying and going up and down the stairs. Playing football with my son and rugby. On New Years Eve I did some weights to exercise the upper body, as I do lot of leg exercises.

The Park we love to walk

Tip# Have your weights near you rather putting them away as yesterday I was able to grab them and whilst watching a favourite TV, did some weights. 

Carrying shopping, making sure the bags are even and the same when carrying a Rucksack. Don't carry too much as it can cause injury and strain your muscles. When sitting down raise your upper body seating straight up not slouching and do pelvic exercise. Dance whilst cooking, aswell as exercising your vocal cords. 

I like to potter around the home and did that today and cleaned and tidied the kitchen, then the living room and starting to put the Christmas decor and tomorrow whilst my son and husband get their haircut I will go for a walk and continuing this blog, walked from the Cinema to home via the park and I feel so good for doing that. I love walking. For me it is the best thing after the busyness of Christmas and so felt good to walk the back way from the Cinema and just gives me so much joy.

It is okay to take a break over Christmas it is personal choice but if I can just do 5 minutes of exercise then I will use that time to fit in a quick workout. It is good to just work exercise around your lifestyle and love being with nature and just feel so uplifted. 

Tip# Create a playlist for your workouts. I love creating playlists and playing different types of music and get bopping. I love to put one on whilst cooking dancing around the kitchen. Often my son will join in so use technology to work for you to workout the body.

It is good to not look at the time if your on a treadmill so gonna get back into using the treadmill and perhaps by doing it once a week aswell as walking outside. 

So Get if on the go and still benefits and for me it has reduced the pressure on my self in continue to exercise for my health and wellbeing.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

New Alternative Workouts

Every bit you do is something and so doing short workouts through out the day, is still a workout. If I am on the sofa I will do leg raises and when I am in bed. Carrying shopping and walking around the house is still a physical Activity. There are so many workouts you can do at home, watching TV.

Invest in an exercise mat and some dumbells. I love having a set and got ankle and wrist weights which are good and really helps tune into your body and mind. If it helps you physically and mentally then it is the body signally that it likes the activity you are doing and helps raise the endorphins, to continue to do the exercise. 

One of My Favourite Walks, South Park Gardens in Wimbledon and getting in touch with nature 

I am still going to walk outside. I am a little hesitant about walking on the treadmill at the moment. Not sure why, I just can't find the momentum at the moment, so I now do alternative exercise and still feel the benefits in doing so. 

The one thing I am going to invest in is a watch that measures my steps as I do a lot of walking around the house and would be surprised on how many steps I do, rather carrying my phone to measure my steps outdoors but indoors aswell.

I have shared before about working out when waiting for the Kettle to boil and cooking and often will dance: https://getfitgetactivewithme.blogspot.com/2024/09/exercise-on-go-if-you-struggle-with.html

Any form of physical Activity is still being active and Winter is the best time. 

I will be doing my Christmas Day Walk and once Henry starts to have tutoring lessons I will be using the time to go for a walk, because at the moment, he wants to get the bus. 

He was at one time wanting to walk, but extreme walking which is fine. I'd prefer to build up to do extreme walks. 

This time of year I do often take a break from doing exercise so why I do bits when on the sofa, but still like to walk and being out doors. I build a lot of my steps going shopping: https://getfitgetactivewithme.blogspot.com/2025/09/shopping-can-have-its-benefits-when.html

When at the dining table I used one of my sons tennis balls to exercise my feet and legs.

There are so many things you can use to get fit. 

You can use the steps. I did this one a lot and during the break of a programme I get up and do something like climbing the steps and when out seen people run up steps in a park and down again. 

Skipping, playing tennis, cricket and walking backwards.

When my brother was a kid he would do Judo and now plays rugby and cycling. 

In Epsom I see a lot of kids riding their bikes to school along with their parents. 

It not always about running or doing aerobics. 

It is about moving and feeling good about in your mind and loving your body, seeing what it can do to help you stay fit and healthy.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Shopping can have its benefits when staying Active

When I was young I thought to be active was running, lifting weights and not eating. 

That is not the case. In fact just going to the shops can be included. Yesterday meeting my mum, my son and I took a walk along the river whilst my mum was getting her hair cut and then walked back and looked around the shops to find my son a wedding outfit. 

Borough Market in London 

(Just to say my son is being homeschooled at the moment and including walking, playing sports and just be out. At the moment he is out in the garden, playing football and we go swimming too and it all counts, whilst we await for a place, for my son get go to Secondary school)

The Benefits of shopping is that it takes your mind away from snacking, which we are cutting down on and it helps us from stopping in all day. Yes I do like it when we can relax too, but it is good to get out and go to a market, even. One of my favourite things I enjoy this time of year is the food markets and love Christmas markets. 

Great places to get different gifts and like investing into small business, aswell as bigger stores, if it's affordable and reasonably prices and worth the price. Check out my Financial Living Youtube Channel: (7) Financial Living - YouTube 

Meeting friends to join you and make a day of it. I love to stop for a coffee and checking out charity shops. I love that in Epsom and Wimbledon, where I live I have some nice parks nearby and can have a coffee, after checking out the shops and markets, and just helps enjoy the present moment.

Not even a big shop. Today it was stationary and food for lunch. 

I like to get ideas of food to make that is healthy, so not just to spend money, but to be inspired as I like different meals. Example ASDA's do delicious meatballs and I had a sausage casserole sachet and so made a casserole and instead of sausages, used meatballs and slow cooked it and was so nice homely meal, with a nice crusty bread and a great family meal after being out and is healthy. I love my vegetables. I love Brussel Sprouts, Broccoli and carrots, along with peas and keep in the freezer and preserves them. 

It is good excuse to catch up with friends and family. Like my husband I took a trip West Sussex and bumped into my cousin. When shopping, when I lived in down in the South Coast, bumped into my auntie and when I used to shop with my nan we often bumped into family and friends. 

It is good to chat about an item with a friend and if it looks okay and make a day of it. 

I do feel at the moment we need to save the high street as many shops are closing and we need the high street and is another benefit, because it is an incentive. I like shops like M&S, New Look and miss Debenhams. 

So reading this blog will help you in feeling guilty about shopping as its not about spending but being outdoors and seeing people, bumping into friends and family and have a playdate even.

Lets get active and save the high street.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Don't Rush Your Workout

I have been walking this week. I completed over 30,000 steps and I was walking at a steady pace but at a pace that I wasn't far away from my son who wanted to do the walk and I find if I take my time I get more out of it. 

I used to rush my workouts, but I like to feel every movement now. I did a bit of exercise tonight whilst my son had his bath. I did leg raises, squats and sometimes in bed I will do some leg raises, just taking in one movement at a time and it is a lot more enjoyable and since doing so, felt that I am a lot more flexible in my body, which helps with my walking.

It doesn't need be rushed through when you workout and resistant training like weights can really be good, whilst watching TV or playing music and using your own body weight. 

Swimming is good, that is where my son and I did this week and really helps to wake me up and take my time. I am not a fast swimmer and we have so much fun swimming together.

I am thinking of going back to Park Run since walking with my son and my walking has improved my and now would like to run part of it. What put me off was some of the runners going because I felt they slowed me down being a walker but I think its not their fault, as such but should split for runners and walkers or those that want to jog it which is my plan until I am ready to go faster.

It is what is good for your body. If you want to do high intensity then that is fine, I do a mixture but its getting the right signals that helps you enjoy it, to keep going and not too much so you dread it. 

Military fitness was very high intensity but too much for me.

Not saying it was bad. It may be suitable to others, but wasn't for me but felt good in giving it a try. Try out different workouts. I like doing my own workout but started to want to join a gym again. 

I miss doing the different weights and machines. It depends on affordability and how many times a week, if I do join again, will go. 

I'm thinking do swimming for definite once I know Henry has a school. We are still waiting as he is now due to go to Secondary School and wanting to book him swimming lessons again. 

Working out should be fun and therapeutic. If you not getting results or feeling defeated then it is good to take a step back, see what areas you need to build on and then go back. I have often done that and it is good to try different ways to keep fit. Listen to your body, gut and mind and what is good for you body and your mental health.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X  

Alternative Fitness

You don't have to run a mile to get fit. You don't even need workout equipment or a gym membership but carrying shopping, walking to the shops rather than the bus and do household chores, is still physical Activity.

Me at the weekend walking from London Blackfriars along the Southbank London   

I now to ten mins a day and it is a mixture of arm workout and a legs, obliques and abs. I walk a lot and and going to build up so I can run again, but for now, I am going to keep walking and a little bit goes a long way, to make a difference to my physical health.

When it comes to getting active is all about moving and even gardening counts.

Train engineers have to carry heavy equipment and dig, riding your bike doing the school run or walking and even when I would do the school run, after I dropped my son off at school, I would go for a run and saw many parents do the same.

I climb stairs rather than getting the lift or escalator. Walking on the underground, changing trains and walking up hill and when sitting down I often do, some leg raises and stretching. 

Even when in bed lastnight did some leg raises. I like to potter around and last weekend my mum, son and I took a trip to London and walked. We walked from Putney to Hammersmith the week before and I felt so good, that I want to do more. 

Dancing is a great activity to do. I would as a young girl did dancing and many of the teachers had learned dancing through having a serious injury and one my friends from school does Belly Dancing and competes in competition and a girl worked with participated in dance competitions. 

There are many sports clubs that do walking Rugby and Football. My brother set this up at his rugby club and there are a whole range of ways to get fit and active, including swimming. I often take my son swimming and we have such a good time when we do.

It is time for me to do some chores. Cleaning and even though I am not a fan it still needs to be done as I don't want to live in a messy home. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

If you don't feel like running

I like getting fit and being active because it gives me a good amount of energy. As a mum it can be non stop, because if your child is like mine, has tones of energy. So it is important to me to be active and look after myself, but you don't need to run, there are many different forms of fitness workouts out there. 

For me I find walking is better for me than running because I can do it wearing a dress, jeans and different comfortable shoes; I may eventually get back to running but not gonna rush it now and focus on strengthening my legs. I have put Parkrun a side for a bit, because I like watching my son do his football training and was feeling very self conscious and like walking through commons and parks, but in my own pace and not feeling pressurised. 

Many gyms offer classes but you can also search on YouTube and then there are workout DVD's one of the methods I used to get me started, aswell as going to the gym. 

I began to get serious about it and even kept up being active when pregnant but had to stop running because it caused me to be sick, so I did workouts suitable for pregnancy. Check out this video I have done for my Life Coaching programme, Summer Project 2025: Summer Project 2025: First video Habits I have applied in 2025

It is good to be active and I build up my steps doing weekly errands, like if I need to pick up something from a shop, such as food or toiletries and walking from the train stations to my home, picking my son up from school, when he does his afterschool club or taking my son out on his bike or scooter. 

I work it around my lifestyle and walking up and down stairs. Walking along the river to the shops and trying difference routes to where I live and just letting my legs stride and enjoy what is around me. 

You'd be surprised how many people train outside. Doing a class or with a personal trainer.

I'd like to workout in my garden so will consider this once the shed is sorted out as then I want to do this up to be my shed for crafting and clean table as I can write out there too. Where I live with my mum and step dad we use the playground and we play football and rugby.

Or indoors cricket and tennis. I do plan to book a tennis court in one of the parks local to play tennis and great way to be active and building your fitness. 

So if you don't want to run, then don't, so what suits you.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Staying Act All Year Round

I love being active. My love is walking and try to do a bit each day. Yes there are challenges and obstacles but I now always find a way to move my body and I have development some new training. It is mixed with Pilates and Yoga and doing dumbells and not rush but listening and getting Intune with my body.

Wimbledon Common on the places I do Parkrun

I don't do it everyday because I know it will become a chore, but twice a week and stretching is a must for after walking a lot and stops my legs and arms getting stiff. I do Parkrun and it is good but I have had an issue with getting a very dry mouth and throat, so doing all I can to prevent that and perhaps an orange for breakfast to help with hydration. 

It can also be how you feel seasonally. I find that I have more energy come Spring and Summer time, but many like the Autumn and Winter and like the crispy coldness and are able to, adjust well with the time changes and the darker mornings and evenings. I find I do get a bit of SAD. I do still stay active by going out during the warmer time of the day and indoors. 

I like walking through the local common during winter all wrapped up and having a nice large coffee and change my meals because in Autumn and Winter, affects my appetite. I find I eat more during the Autumn and Winter. This is not just because of Christmas but because I just tend to be a lot more hungrier, but still try to eat healthily like making Casseroles, soups and stews. 

In the Spring and Summer I try not to stay in the heat for too long and I do suffer also with Hayfever. So far it hasn't been too bad but this year I have been sick. I had a nasty cough and was bunged up and so illnesses can stop me in my tracks and affect me in being active. 

If you are ill then and you exercise it can be counterproductive and so it is good to rest the body until it is back to normal or it the illness is fading away. 

My son has a lot energy all year round and so no matter what the season likes playing some sort of sport, mainly football and rugby. In the summer we often go swimming in one of the local leisure centers near us and indoors too. 

At the end of the day. you've got to suit it to you and what will benefit for your body, along with your mind and on the season, if you find some of the year you just find it a fight rather than something that is natural to you. Some people can easily get active no matter what time of year it is and others you find example I take a break during winter until it becomes warmer.

Just to let you let you know I am going to be doing Race For Life near the Epsom Downs on the 22nd Of June. I am raising money for Cancer Research and so if you'd like to donate towards this cause then please check out my JustGiving page: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/carries-sponsorship-for-race-for-life

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

  

When The Sunshine Makes a Difference

Have you had a good week? It is good that we have had sunshine, it can make you feel so good. I popped out and will be good when we don't have to wear a coat. Going to pick up my son from school on Thursday gone, I was boiling as in the shade in the morning I was cold. 

On the Train Travelling back from Guildford after seeing my niece in a show

Sometimes I think it is just luck that we have no rainy days and have sunshine and so it is get out and make the most of it. 

It is good to have the evenings lighter for longer. It helps with energy and that you have more time.

I did parkrun and then saw my niece in a show and ate out. We had pizza and it was nice but very filling and they didn't put out wine glasses which was strange. Its a bit like McDonalds putting chips in your hands rather then in a box, to put them in. 

I find as it gets warmer my habits change. When is the summer I love a pasta salad with some chicken, ham or a Pork Pie Salad. 

I am looking forward to wearing shorts or a dress without tights. It is good to not a drink tea a lot and have a cold coffee or a juice drink instead and I love a pub lunch. 

Playing out in the garden or working in the garden to read in the park and going for long walks gives me so much joy. I am lucky to have many parks I can go to and coffee shops. I like to check out the charity shops and yesterday, Sunday my husband took our son to get his haircut.

It is good to have a bit of a change and do different things going by the seasons and the joys that come with them. 

Spring is fresh food season, Autumn is comfort food like soups, sausage and mash and Winter, Stews and casseroles and summer, a lovely BBQ and eating out and visiting and going to many different places. 

I hope to travel by UberBoat again and visit North Greenwich. You can ride on these from Putney to North Greenwich and use your Oyster card. 

With done this two years on the trot and enjoyed it so much. My mum and Tot took my son on the Emirates Cable cars, there is a virtue rollercoaster ride, bars, shops and restaurants. 

It was so funny last year coming back by UberBoat to Putney, there were football supporters who thought there was a bar on the boat. Some of the UberBoat's do but this one didn't and was taking the mickey out of one of them and then we had a meal in Putney coming back and it was so much fun.

I will try to post through the week on my daily blog: My Daily Thoughts and feelings. On Tuesdays now, I like to go out and my son is at his holiday club, i will taking a trip. Not so sure where but just explore. 

Please follow if you like these blogs and you will be notified when I post. I write about various topics.

You can find more content on my Pinterest and you can follow me on there too. My Youtube videos will be on their too.

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

What I love About Going Out

It all depends on the weather, if I need to get anything, what route to take. I love to walk and felt good in completing the Parkrun, walking 5KM, last week for the second one, as I have been continuing but walking the first lap and then finishing. It was a hard but its not going to be unless I challenge myself. 

Rosebery Park Epsom. One of the places I like to walk 

I remember doing my first run outdoors along the south coast and felt like my heart was going to full out of my chest, 

What I love is the quietness. There are some wooded routes in Epsom and in Wimbledon. 

Getting away from the busyness of traffic and listening to the birds and love walking passed a pond.

When walking to my sons school there are stables and so see horses and there are some little shops on route too. 

You can see the trains going passed. 

Getting the train can be good too, but not all the time as you not able to use Oyster card if you travel outside London, depending how far you want to travel and so can be expensive so if it is once a week fine, but not everyday. 

The joy of walking is that it costs you nothing. 

Taking trips into London I do like the bus and listening to music. It can be a lot better than the train and can be cheaper. To walk I will get off before my actual stop and after doing the parkrun, to remember to cool down as doing long walks and then sitting down you can become stiff. When my mum worked in London would travel to Vauxhall and walk part of the way and love walking by the river and seeing the sights in London. 

I am Londoner. I lived in London as a child and I still get a buzz when I see big ben and Westminster Abbey, the London Eye and St Paul's Cathedral. 

Going out for the evening I would walk part of the way and see London buzzing with those who work in London, going for a drink and at one time I was one of them. It can be expensive doing this every week and I would take it for granted money and remember I still got to get home. 

I like going to sporting events. My son loves his sport and is such good fun. It can be such a great day after a working week to do things at the weekends, that you didn't do in the week and again not all of the time as I would each week go and watch the London Broncos. I would walk then when I lived in East Sheen to Twickenham, where they played at one time and moved. 

When we visited friends in the Southcoast, in Bognor Regis, staying in a caravan park or hotel and walk. 

I remember working in Butlins and lived in Bognor Regis for a while, would walk along by the sea and have a drink in one of the pubs along the coast. 

Last year we went to Eastbourne for the day and it was so nice. 

There are many places to go and see and have fun. When my in-laws were alive, my husband's mum and dad, would walk to the Quay in Southampton and see the cruise ships. 

We even went on a cruise from there. It was a Iberia Cruise and was around the time when Prince William and Princess Kate got married. 

It was nice to meet other passengers and would share a table but we preferred the buffet type of restaurant and the food was nice. It is good to let your hair down and be somewhere different. I like visiting new places and planning to visit the English Coast this year again and have a caravan holiday.

So what do you love about Going out? Please share by using the comment box below. 

Have a good Easter Holiday and more blogs coming soon and you can subscribe. There is no cost and so, if you'd like to be notified of when I post on this site then if you subscribe you will. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

 

Let Your Legs do the talking

Normally on a Wednesday I usually walk to my sons school but his dad finished early so he drove and to pick him up instead. So to walk I used the treadmill and just let me feet walk. When walking I don't think about it and don't wear ear phones because of crossing roads but I do when I am on the treadmill. I will often listen to a podcast, a video on Youtube or listen to music and just adjust the speed as I walk and hide the time and say I only do 10 minutes but ended up doing 20. 

Steps count from last Saturday doing Parkrun. 

https://www.parkrun.org.uk/

When it comes to working out with my dumbells I slowly lift and again vision what I am going to do but pick my weights and start and not rush and but take each movement in, listening to my body. I like being active and walk everyday. So going to do another walk on the treadmill to prepare for when I do Parkrun Thursday and Friday.

I do this now on Saturday mornings. It is challenging but I really enjoy it. 

I look forward to it when weather gets warmer. It is good because last week I chatted to one of the Volunteer workers who helps guide us as we do the parkrun and you can run, but to build up the strength in my legs to eventually run I am going to walk it and enjoy it. 

I like to have a coffee as a walk and just enjoy what is around me. I try to walk 6,000 steps a day when I walk outside and there are some really good apps you can use for counting your steps. I use the APP that was already on my phone called Fitness and it measures it by rings and you can set targets. I set it to work off 110 calories a day and the other is StepsApp and that is the one I use to set 6,000 steps for the day and then gives you an overall count at the end of each week. 

There are walking workouts you can do. I have a few workout DVD's that I bought a long time ago that are really good. I just need to buy a new DVD player to use them, but there are some on Youtube too. 

So just allow your feet to do the work and go at your own pace. Make each step count and remember to do some stretching and cool down.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Working out in the Autumn and Winter

Yes it has turned cold now since for a while it has been mild and its like someone has pressed a switch. 

If it is possible workout later than usual or if you go out early morning when it is dark and icy or late at night you are wear visual clothing and wrap up still. 

Ashtead one place I love walking and route I take each week

Invest in good footwear if it is icy and you can get blades for trainers if you do running and I have hiking boots and a good pair of everyday training and have a different pair for walking on the treadmill. 

Use Youtube as there are a lot of workouts on there and it is free. 

I invest in good woolly clothes like jumpers, fleeced leggins and tights and thick socks. Check out hiking shops and charity shops as they have pairs and a good investment and I have invested in a pair of wellington boots. 

Investing good comfortable clothing doesn't mean blowing your budget, but on what will suit you and if they suit your needs and how much you want to get out of them. Check out my blog site: https://www.carriesversatilefashion.com  I go to Charity shops, hiking shops and Amazon. There was a time where I would use Sports Direct but they seemed to quite expensive and not much choice. 

Make sure you eat and drink, as when I went out in the morning would struggle to run and need food so would eat, like toast, porridge or cereal bar. Check sugar content. I found it hard to do any workout on an empty stomach and feeling thirsty, so would have a small cup of tea or some water, but not too much to avoid a stitch. 

I would try not to drink too much because being cold it always makes me needing the toilet more which would affect me running or walking so make sure I went to the toilet and can encourage you so if you are doing long distant, find out if there toilets anywhere and pre-planning can help and make you take your belongings like keys, phone and a bit of money. 

Yesterday when I did my walk to pick up my son from school as he has a after school club was cold but helped boost me on and it had warmed up, but by the time we were picked up to go back was cold again and that first strides battling with my walk and sit down, but carried on and the cold often be a good boost to warm your body up and so that inner critic still voices but have learned from continuing to walk or run, to ignore and push on. 

Keep yourself safe and lets encourage each other and still workout when it is cold and make sure you stay, if you can in a lit up area.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X