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 

  

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  

Walking With my son even when its not always blissful

I love my son to bits and today we went for a walk because he wouldn't leave his dad alone, who was doing his training with his weights and I was a bit doubtful in case getting him home is tough like on Friday when my son kicked off because we didn't go the way he wanted. 

In playground near home we use and from when I walk around it whilst my son rode on his bike

We often go on walks and it not always bad and going to be doing a new Walking event called the Winter Walk, in London in January and so glad to be back doing fundraising events. It has been a long time.

It is so good to get out in the fresh air and if its just spitting or grizzly we still go out and walk. We live where there are a lot of places to walk and often Henry has gone on his Scooter whilst I walk and built up my speed to keep up. 

My dad was always walking as he would work up into the center of London and so I feel it is in my blood and I just find it so good to do. I plan my walks and I do some on a treadmill to help strengthen my legs and once I get to a good pace where I still feel comfortable and can still walk, it helps me to walk longer distances and would like me and my son to do a charity walk together but work on short walks to do before doing longer ones. 

He, my son has wanted to walk from London Waterloo to Epsom, because he loves trains and wants to pass the stations, but I am not sure if he knows how far it is but don't want say no because I want him to be active and continue to do walks together and so we have been building up to do that. He has said anything since last week, but if he wants to give it a try then we will. I just hope it won't take a year. He likes to pretend he is a train whilst walking and we have got lost or not sure of the way to be able to do that, so will take some planning but as said, if he wants to do long distant walks like that then I not going to destroy his enthusiasm. 

The weekends is usually when we walk and it is good to break up the day. Sundays' are off because my son goes to rugby and a football club, along with me who does a radio show on Epsom Hospital Radio 4 to 6pm and so we walk on Saturdays and when we were using the playground near where I live in Wimbledon I walk around, whilst my son rode his bike. 

So if you want to spend time outdoors and your kids are driving you mad indoors, walking can be just what you need.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Exercise on the go if you struggle with fitting into your plans

 Yes so if you think you have no time to exercise then guess what, I bet you do. I exercise a lot on the go, like doing running on the spot whilst waiting for the kettle to boil and when I am watching to see when my son comes back home from school, raise my heals so I am standing on tippy toes and help tone the back of my legs. 

I will when cooking do leg raises and doing housework, do some lungs or squats and I used to when my son was first born whilst I was waiting for his milk to cool down, in the morning, pick up my dumbells and do some training toning the arms. 

Dancing whilst doing the vacuuming with your headphones on and walking the dog. I often see parents when waiting for my sons taxi to arrive see parents taking their dogs and cycling and when my son has a after school club I will walk to his school. It takes an hour and a half but nice walk, and when I worked for at weekends for a company in Chessington I would walk there and back. 

This morning as I continue to write this blog did a ten min walk on the treadmill as I had time to kill, with my son dressed and ready for school and walking up and down the stairs and my next door neighbour walks around the block every morning as she works from home, and I have to move as I find I get more tired from sitting down for too long. 

Looking around the shops and walking with a coffee from a store or made from home, and through a local park. When I want to go to the shops in Colliers Wood, in London will walk via Wandle River and back. One of my sons favourite things to do and places to walk. It is good to be with nature and tomorrow going to do some writing in a coffee shop but also walk around the Garden Centre in Morden Hall. 

You can also do a workout seated. I use it to stretch and expand my muscles and love doing a floor workout and will be something I'd invest in is an exercise mat. I love mine and working on my muscles lying down, and do a mixture of yoga and Pilates. 

So you can still exercise without having to replan your plans to exercise, not changing your schedule but on the go.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Building My Steps

It has been so good to get outdoors and walk. I like to take my time and take in what is around me and going to different places. Today we (mum and step dad) took my son and I to the RAF museum, which was completely free.

A picture I took inside the RAF Museum 

If your kids love planes and helicopters then this is a place to go. I had never heard of it, until today and can get there via Thames Link trains and then hop on the bus, 302 and there is a cafe and playground, along with a Red Arrows 4D experience and simulator of being on an RAF plane.

It was so good to see, and love going somewhere different. 

By going to museums you'd be surprised in how many steps you do and that is the great thing with walking you can work it around your lifestyle, even if it is 10 minutes. One of my neighbours in Epsom in the morning goes for a walk around the block as she walks from home and today I popped to the shop, it was short, but good to get out whilst I have the time to myself and at my own pace.

On Friday I took my son to a park for him to ride his bike, then went on a bus ride and got train and then did some walking along a local river to pick up some shopping and even that can build up your steps and I really enjoy it. 

I know there are other exercises you can do outside, but with walking you can do it anyway you like, and it costs nothing. It doesn't have to be long walks and so I set my self to walk 6000 a day. Now I don't always do this a day its just what I aim for and a rough target. I know I can do this in a day and use the time with my son to walk. 

Walking is great to do with your kids or when they are on a scooter or bike trying to keep up, making sure that it is a safe area to walk and often walk by the river and take in what is around us.

The summer is good for walking and good to walk and not need a coat or a jumper and just stay hydrated to continue to walk on pavements and paths, exploring new places and old, and just enjoy the outdoors and discovering new things. Like the RAF museum and taking it in all of the good things in our world. Times have been tough, but for me walking is my favourite and love seeing how many steps I can do each day. 

There are charity walks you can do. I did the Moon walk for breast cancer and The London Bridges walk for the Garden House Hospice and there are many that you can do.

I hope this gives you the motivation to walk and if you know of some good walks then please let me know. There is a comment box below. 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Having fun getting fit outdoors like walking and having a coffee

Hello and welcome! It has been a while since I have shared a post on this blog site. I like to exercise and the one thing I love, is to have a cup of coffee when I am doing my other favorite thing, walking or getting a pastry and sitting by the river and now the weather is changing going to use it to do lots of walks with a coffee in my hand, and then have a picnic and do some writing. 

Picture of Wandle River where my son and I love to walk 

I love the parks in London and in Epsom and would like to discover more and if you know of some good walks then please leave a comment below. 

It is nice to explore and my son wants to walk to different places, because he loves trains and wants to walk to each of the stations that go to places like to Epsom and Dorking, which I have no idea of how to get to on foot, so said we'd go there by train and walk around once we're are there. If we do then I will vlog. Check out my Youtube channel, where I post vlogs: (77) Typical London Gal Carrie Holmes - YouTube

I have been planning some walks to explore London, of places love, like the Southbank and see people jogging along there and I used to do that too and then go and meet my mum for lunch.

On Tuesday we are going to the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, which is free and if it is a nice day, plan to walk through Hyde Park, and there are many walks you can do in London, my mum has a stack of cards of different walks you can do, and there is a group called the Ramblers who do different walks around the UK.

Or if you are a confident cyclist then this is also good exercise but I often see people on them jumping lights and not wearing visual clothes, which can put them and others on the road in danger.

Then there are clubs and many people now who do fitness classes outdoors and when Henry my son was a baby and toddler, I did Buggyfit and good to get outdoors, or have a playdate if you have children which includes walking with a coffee especially if you find getting exercise on your own with children, to be difficult. It is nice to spend time with other mums and dads. 

There are walking fundraising events. I have done the Moonwalk, raising money for breath cancer, and Race for Life and Thames Path challenge and got to have a coffee on route, as we did 23 kilometres. We meaning my mum and me. 

I did a walk for the Garden House Hospice, doing the London Bridges walk, and great way to see the sites and was a lot of fun, and was got picked up by a mini bus. 

I hope you find this blog helpful and fit in coffee and walk could be a a good way to meet up with friends or family, and exercise should be fun, not a chore or something you feel you got to do, rather than what you want to do. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

 

 

Find your own time to workout

The idea of this blog came about when watching a Influencer called Victoria on Youtube and whilst watching I went on the treadmill and is Tuesday afternoon. I like morning walks outdoors too, but I also like using the treadmill, but once I have had lunch and finished on the computer for the day. 

For my own experience, it is what works for you that makes your life easy and doesn't have to be a hard struggle in fitting exercise into your life.

I used to do a Sunday run after I'd been out in the morning having a coffee and something that I enjoyed and is something I would love to do again, but need to focus on my walking and build the strength in my legs again by walking so I can eventually get back into running.

I enjoy building my steps and do a Sunday morning walk by a local river and just being with nature feels so therapeutic, and not sure if we can do this now, because my son has joined a rugby club which I am happy about, so going to fit it in to do on a Saturday morning or afternoon when my son finishes his swimming lesson. 

Some like to go for an evening exercise class or run, and I have done that too.

Because of lifestyle changes I now take on what I call the "Flexibility mode" so schedule it so me and my son can exercise together, do my indoor workouts in the week in Epsom as I have more space and it takes the pressure away and doesn't become a chore. 

Going shopping can help with walking and why I spread my errands like shopping each week like buying food to walk and get outdoors. Your time is your own. 

I even when my son was a baby and would waiting for the kettle to make my sons milk, I would do a workout with some dumbells and now we play sports, to exercise and going to be going swimming again to get fit and really looking forward to it and then going to see if can workout in the gym on Friday. 

I know a lot of people like working out in the morning, and I have nothing against that, my husband does his in the mornings, and I used to, but now I workout once I have woken up and concentrate on one thing at a time, and once I have a free moment will do a workout or like I say do some exercise with my son, and love that routine.

Its all about getting fit and getting active and enjoying it.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X

Getting fit for 2024

So Christmas day tomorrow and then it is another year over, and so it is time to set our goals.

I set my goals into three categories, Home, Work and Play, and was putting my fitness in Play but going to go into Home. Getting fit for the first time, is to start slow and then work your way up. Or if you already exercise, then it is progressing to the next level, which tests the body but not to over do it. 

Then it is choosing your workouts and location. I miss going to the gym, and so have a local pay as I go gyms, and so going to do once a week go, as the gym also has a swimming pool, and so will be taking Henry there too,  I will still be working out at home and walking, to continue to build my steps and then eventually return to running.

This year I did too much too early, instead of spreading it out, and caused me to stall, and the top of my right leg hurt and felt sprained, and so going to walk and build up my fitness, and just progress, by listening to my body.

Be realistic when it comes to your goals. What results do you want to see? And what results do you want?

It is important to be specific, so I want to exercise because I want to lose a stone, and so will workout every morning, before my kids wake up. I enjoy short workouts, and in the afternoon lunch and using my husbands treadmill, and walking around the local park, and love my Sunday morning walks with my son. I love walking by the river. So your goal could be, to jog along the river between Putney to Hammersmith bridge. Just an example, and I have done this and makes me feel a peace when walking or running along the river. 

Tomorrow, on Christmas day, I will be going for walk, and I like to do this each year, and so set this as a goal, to start my fitness journey on Christmas day and work up an appetite, and many people workout to prepare for Christmas, as we tend to eat a lot.

Go through them as you go through the year, and journal or log it in a notepad of your progression and building your fitness. Go through the year to plan your fitness, and mark of days where you won't be able to workout. Such as a family event or your travelling, and like me, a parent, school events going on, that it will be hard to fit in some exercise.

I create a Pinterest board each year: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/thetypicalLondongal/sports-and-fitness-coaching/

So, lets work together and if you'd like to share on setting fitness goals, you can leave a comment below.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Love building my steps and short workouts

It has been so nice to go out building my steps and doing short workouts because it has taken the pressure off and I know I will do it and puts me a good mood and good amount of energy, and I am lucky in that, in Epsom where I am in the week, has a treadmill if like today, it is cold outside, and gonna increase my workout and do 15minutes. I will be still be walking outside but wasn't prepared enough to walk outside so going to make sure I am tomorrow. 

One of the places I love to walk in London the River Wandle 

Since starting this blog I did do my 15 minutes and at first I thought no, but once I was in a good stride carried on and next I want to get back into running again once my walking speed improves and gradually build up to run again. 

Exercise for me is good for the soul and when it comes to short workouts it really has helped me in making sure I do a mixture of do floor workouts and then with weights, and feel each movement rather then rush. 

When waiting for my son to come home from school and keep my eye out to wait for his taxi, I will do some leg exercises and I like doing leg raises, side crunches, circle my arms and with dumbells work on my biceps, triceps and pull downs and I gradually go into each movement and again take my time to really feel each move and do between 6, 12 and 24 reputations of each.

When I first started exercise on a regular basis, it would be "Lets get it over and done with" but I found doing a bit through the day can help, and would do this a lot to help me take my time. I would use Workout DVDS, but don't have a DVD player so not able to use them now, but learning from this I do a really lovely short workout and feels so good and helps keep my momentum going. 

I watched this video to day by Steph Pase talking about how she got into exercise and says not to make it complicated, but as simple as possible, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psXqsEOZ--E

I know a lot of people workout in continuously each morning but for me I have to change it up, and so when walking outdoors I like to do this in the mornings, when walking on the treadmill and doing my short workouts I like to do this in the afternoon after I have had some lunch. 

It what works for you, and one thing that Steph Pase said was, if you don't like doing running or cardio, then don'[t do it. Its your body and everyone has their on preference, so never feel because others like to workout in the mornings, doesn't mean you have to do the same, just do it when it suits you and work into your life and do a bit each day, still counts.

So lets work together and its about enjoyment and when it becomes like a chore it can be hard to stick to staying fit. 

If you like reading, I have book out called Mum&Me it is comedy and when I would go to the gym, would see people on bikes reading, and you can do just that.Here is the link to it: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mum-Me-Gucci-Tits-Virtue-ebook/dp/B0BGSS7H9K/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1LZILECROBKFM&keywords=mum+%26+me+carrie+holmes&qid=1697478967&sprefix=mum%26me+carrie+holmes%2Caps%2C132&sr=8-1 

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Where I am at with my fitness

Sorry it has been a while since writing this blog site. I have been super active and been focusing on spending time with my son and doing my Life coaching programme check this blog I created; https://everyonecanbuildacastle.com 

Image of Youtube video linked below. We were walking through Morden Hall Park in London

I started running again, but had a few injuries so stopped, but been walking a lot more, along with some home workouts to gain strength in my legs as I think with running it caused a bit of a strain and then had injury on one side near by ribs and so had to take it easy. 

However I have been enjoying my walks and building my steps with home workouts. 

Enjoyment is important, because if not, you won't get the benefits from it and are likely to give up.

I like to do short workouts to work my legs and I will use my dumbbells again, but because of side hurting, and think I strained my side using to heavy weights, been a bit dubious in using them again, so going to pick this up next week. 

It has been super hot and it has been hard to walk far when it is boiling hot, but I do feel so good once I have done a walk and need to invest in thin size rucksack as would be easier to walk far, rather than my tote bag, so going to find one and also want to have more nice fitness clothing to wear for my walking. 

Investing in good comfortable clothing for walking is important as want to avoid chaffing and blisters. 

My son and I go for morning walks where we stay in Wimbledon, at the weekends, and walk along the River Wandle or through our local gardens, and be with nature. I have filmed a lot in my week in a life videos of places we like to walk and discovered new places to visit, and really would like to explore some more, and just go where my legs take me. Check out my most recent week in a life video: https://youtu.be/UZlq8tbCtgY

There are so many places I'd like to walk, like taking Henry to the South coast, and see friends whilst we do that, and so I have booked a trip to Bognor Regis so we can do that, and do more as the School Summer holidays draw nearer, and have more nice weather at the weekends. 

You find that there are others doing the same. It can be a good community and really am itching to get back in doing fundraising events again and so going to keep building so I am fit enough and then get back running again, but slowly this time. 

So have a good weekend. It is Friday the 16th June 2023, and I will be posting more.

Many thanks for reading,

Carrie X 

Getting fit during half term

So not long since coming back from my walk being Tuesday the 14th February 2023, and Happy Valentines day, and feels so good and I love walking it really is nice and spending time with nature and seeing other parents and families walking too, makes me look forward to getting and measuring my steps and it just helps with my energy each day and the same with my son who came with me too. We weekly go for walks, when he spends the weekends with me and now he is half term, getting more walking done, and love fitting it in whilst I complete errands for the week. 

Southbank London 

Half term is a great time for the whole family to get exercise and I just find it so peaceful. I love doing trials and then getting a coffee or on the way to get hydrated and beats riding on a bus or train all of the time, or going out for the day to do a walk, and going to take my son to the English seaside and do more walking. 

It really is a good source of medicine and yesterday we went to another walking spot in London, The Southbank and took the Thames Link train to Blackfriars and walked to London Waterloo. I love being near water, it makes me feel so fresh and new. 

Half term is good to take your bikes out and if you don't want to go to get a coffee bring one out with you in a flask. and I am going to do this for more walks and for my son some water and take a packed lunch rather than going to a cafe or coffee shop all of the time. 

If you worry about needing the toilet then check before you walk what is near by and make sure even if they protest, make sure your children go to the toilet before they leave to walk and explore, and you can get portable potty's which I used for my son just in case, and was a great find and useful piece of equipment to avoid accidents.

Why not have all your kids do some dancing together and put on those tunes and create a playlist on Youtube of the songs you love, and if your child is at a holiday club, like my son is doing for the rest of the week, I am going to  use this time to do a run, tidy my bedroom which is good exercise and doing a indoor workout too. 

If they aren't have them all do a home workout too and have them help with chores great for burning calories and being active. Its about moving the body and great task for bonding and growing the relationship you have with your family and have them collect leafs as they can use them for arts and crafts and create scrapbooks of photos of your family going outdoors and at home to use fitness to build good memories and something they can do when they have children of their own, and it is good to do this whilst they are young as research has shown that if you have kids exercising whilst young they will stick to it and helps burn off the energy they have. My has so much energy and exercise helps me catch up and he sleeps so well when we do.  

So if you worrying about not getting exercise during half term it is possible and if they do sleep in exercise before they wake up, or when it is their nap time, depending on how old your children are. So we can get through it, without anyone getting hurt and avoid those tantrums. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Everyday Fitness

So as from Autumn my fitness took a back seat, yet thinking about that, reflecting I hadn't but was doing less. This is where I decided that I wanted to get back in walking long distances as I do love to walk, and build up to start running again, but like many trying to workout when I can begin. At the moment I make sure I do some walking each day and use the Crosstrainer at my son's home, where he lives with his dad, and play some football with my son, and just being active as much as possible. 

I like doing my own workout on some days in the morning after I have had my morning cup of tea and  take a break from my laptop doing some floor workout, like crunches, leg raises and using my dumbbell, mixed in with yoga and Pilates. I don't do long workouts but small ones to help give me a burst of energy. 

It helps with my legs and strengthening them ready to walk for longer and fit in some running, and it means starting from scratch but I don't mind that, as I know by building my walks up and strengthening I can get up and begin running again to a comfortable stride. 

When it comes to fitness you have to plan it out and I do set myself goals and this year it is doing fundraising events again, like Race for life for example because I really did enjoy them and love raising money for charity. 

So this means working on my fitness each day. I use what I have, and using the outdoors to walk and would like to join a fitness class, but I am fearing this at the moment, of booking it, but not going and so be a waste of money, so may start to use Youtube again as they have a lot of home workouts you can do and document it when I do to remember the buzz I feel. 

It is all about what you want and what you want to achieve and not making excuses but working around your everyday and get it done. 

Let me know what your goals are this year, and lets work together to e healthy and active. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Typical London Gal 

 

 

Exercising in the Autumn and Winter

It has been a while since writing in this blog because my exercise regime has changed. I play football each week with my son or rugby. I walk wherever I can, and use a Crosstrainer when in my son's home in Epsom, and use this whilst I am waiting for him to return from school. 

My diet has changed and it not all good, I still crave chocolate, but I will have good home cooked food thanks to my family and make sure I still have breakfast and jotted down today on my food habits and making progress. I am not spending a lot of food, and I am thankful for that, and cut down on waste. This all helps with motivation to stay active, and it is nothing strenuous, but helps clear my mind and get rid of the cobwebs.

Exercise is about moving the body, and so making sure I do get some, but I stop with the guilt. This just I have realised demotivates me and so I exercise when I want to and have a treat, but not too much, and make sure I do have vegetables and fruits to help me. It is about being healthy and not size and just writing makes me feel a ease, rather than under pressure.

I enjoy playing football with my son and I am sure we will play some today. That should what exercise should be, doing some that feels good and even though it can take a lot of persuading, once it is done it you wake you up and want to do it again. 

As it gets colder it can hit you like knife when it is super cold, but for my it is really good weather, just be careful of frost because this can make the pavement slippery but I like the fact I can layer up and let my feet take me. 

So lets get outdoors and grab a coffee on the way, and reward yourself as you do. 

I have a new book published. It is called Mum&me and is available from Amazon and available to read on Kindle: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mum-Me-Gucci-Tits-Virtue-ebook/ and paperback. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mum&Me 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Typical London Gal    

  

Getting fit with your kids and getting outdoors to explore

It has been a busy week and now it is Sunday I feeling the effects. I have been doing lots of walking taking my son out, now it is the School Holidays for the summer and even now I am yawning. It is good to get outdoors but it is also good to relax too, knowing I have another busy week ahead, and then the week after I get a break. 

Wimbledon Park London UK 

I haven't done any weights, but I know I can get myself get back into doing some more. It is good to be outside and exploring and I love walking. I even did a little bit of running and trying my son to do the same and help build his body up and be fit. 

I am not expecting to lift weights but just be active. It is good to go to different places, and in living in London and Surrey there is a lot to choose from and so making the most of it. 

The places that I like going is where you have a park, with climbing frames, swings and animals even and Bocketts Farm is a great place to go and did a video not so long ago of a visit there. https://youtu.be/SXLA7WMeZWc

I know this is a fitness blog, but going these places walking around and you can go on the bikes they have there all adds up. Then there is London and my favourite places are Hyde Park and the Southbank and really good place to walk with friends and family. 

It does get busy so I would advice to go up there as early as possible, and I have run this route too I would take trips to there to do running and walking, and why done charity walks along there too. 

So is a good place to explore and Wimbledon Park near where I live is a good place to run and take your dogs out to walk and they have a funfair this time of the year, and me and my son will be taking a visit back there, and you have two play grounds to choose from and a cafe which does really nice food for adults and kids. 

Getting fit is all about having and why not take a bat and a ball, a football and just making the most of each day and to help you and your kids get fit. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X 

Typical London Gal 

Getting fit around your children

Being a mum it can be a juggling act, so I workout around my son. Example today, as I pick up my son on Fridays for the weekend did a short workout indoors and did a bit of walking but have a sore ankle so couldn't do much but have fitted in some walking this week with the spare time I have, as it is a distance from the town where I live and train stations, and so fit it in wherever possible.

During the Easter Holidays we walked a lot, went swimming along with some football and exploring in Surrey and in London. Just getting out releases the boredom and that's if we don't go out my son will start jumping all over the furniture so it is good to have your kids be part of your fitness journey. Get them involved and do a fun home workout but in the summer why not get outdoors in the garden and do some exercise there too and get other kids involved and make it a thing you do each week. 

Even if it is dancing in the living room whilst you do housework and again get your kids to do the same whilst they do chores and put on a playlist and clean away.

I would often when taking son and I would do the same, is after I dropped Henry off would go for a run and other mums and dads would do the same. My son now gets a taxi to and from school because of the distance as he has had to change schools and so now when it is sunny play football out in the garden, or we would often do some dancing in the morning before I took him to school. 

When I go for a walk along the river or seaside it is great to see others doing the same or jogging and it is good to be part of that world and it took me a long time to get into running but glad I kept it up, but stopped when I was pregnant as it would cause me to be sick so had to stop, but when I was 8 week post pregnancy I started to get back into it, and would do a workout each morning. 

I know life is a juggle but when you work fitness around your life it is possible to get fit and have fun with your kids. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X