Opening Times:

6.00 AM - 21.00 PM

Call Us:

077699 02529

Category: Personal Training

Soma Fitness Personal TrainingBlogPersonal Training
Altrincham Altrincham Personal Trainer Hale Hale Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Near Me Personal Training Personal Training Personal Training Altrincham Personal Training Hale Personal Training Near Me Weight Loss steliosshengas

The #1 Reason Most People Quit Their Fitness Plan (And How to Avoid It in 2026)

“This Year Will Be Different…”

It’s the promise we all make at the start of January.

We set goals, join a gym, download a meal plan but by February, the motivation’s faded… and so has the consistency.

At Soma Fitness in Hale, we see this every year and not because people aren’t serious about their goals.
The issue isn’t willpower. It’s the plan.

Here’s the #1 reason most people fall off track and how we make sure you don’t.

The Real Reason People Quit: They Go Too Hard, Too Fast

It’s tempting to overhaul everything in January:

  • Cut all carbs and sugar

  • Train 6 days a week

  • Say no to social plans

  • Track every calorie

And for a week or two… it might even work.

But then life kicks in. Work ramps up. Kids get ill. Energy dips. You miss a session… then two. You feel like you’ve “failed” and the cycle starts again.

This isn’t a discipline problem. It’s an expectation problem.

At Soma Fitness, We Do It Differently

We don’t throw you into an unsustainable routine and hope you survive.
We coach you through a system that adapts to your life and grows with you.

✅ Start with 2–3 sessions per week
✅ Build habits that support your routine
✅ Focus on strength, structure, and mindset before chasing extremes
✅ Learn how to train when life gets hectic (not just when it’s easy)
✅ Track wins beyond the scales strength, sleep, energy, mood

Motivation Fades, Systems Stick

The goal isn’t to stay motivated forever.
The goal is to build systems so that when motivation fades (and it will), you keep moving forward.

That’s why our clients stay consistent:

  • Their plans are realistic

  • They’re coached, not just trained

  • They’re supported through the ups and downs

  • They see progress, even when life isn’t perfect

What to Focus On in January (If You Actually Want to Succeed)

Here’s our January checklist for long-term success:
✅ Find a coach, not just a gym
✅ Choose consistency over intensity
✅ Set realistic, specific goals (not just “get fit”)
✅ Focus on your process, not just the outcome
✅ Don’t fall for 6-week gimmicks
✅ Track small wins weekly and celebrate them

Want This to Be the Year You Actually Stick With It?

Let us help you build a plan that works and stick with it long after January ends.

Train at Soma Fitness, 37 Hale Road, Altrincham WA14 2EY
Book a free consultation: CONTACT US

Altrincham Personal Trainer Hale Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Near Me Personal Training Personal Training Altrincham Personal Training Hale Personal Training Near Me steliosshengas

Why You Don’t Need to “Start Again” in January And What to Do Instead This Christmas

“I’ll Start Again in January…”

It’s the most common phrase we hear this time of year and it might be the one that’s keeping you stuck.

At Soma Fitness in Hale, we work with busy men and women who want to enjoy Christmas without losing control and hit January already in motion, not starting from scratch.

Here’s why you don’t need to “restart” in the New Year and what to do instead.

The All-or-Nothing Trap

Most people fall into one of two camps over the festive period:

  • All-in indulgence — food, drink, no training, “I’ll fix it in January”

  • All-out restriction — guilt, shame, “I can’t have that,” missing out on social occasions

Neither work.

The key to long-term results isn’t perfection, it’s momentum.

And you don’t need to be in a fat loss phase right now to make progress.

What You Can Focus On Over Christmas

Here’s what we coach our clients to focus on in December:
✅ Keep training 2–3x per week (even short sessions)
✅ Stay active steps, walks, light cardio
✅ Manage portion sizes without restriction
✅ Enjoy the indulgences but don’t let them bleed into every day
✅ Stay hydrated, sleep well, and avoid “screw it” mentality

This way, you maintain control, enjoy the season, and avoid the January regret spiral.

Why “Starting in January” Rarely Works

The January gym rush is real and so is the February dropout rate.

Here’s why:

  • People jump into unsustainable routines

  • Motivation fades because there’s no structure or accountability

  • Unrealistic goals set them up to fail

  • They try to undo all of December in 3 weeks

At Soma Fitness, we coach our clients to avoid the cycle completely by starting slow and steady before or during January with a plan that actually works.

Set the Right Goals — Not the Loudest Ones

When we set goals with clients in January, we don’t say:
✖️ “Drop 10kg by February”
✖️ “Train every day”
✖️ “Cut out all carbs and sugar”

We say:
✅ Let’s build consistency
✅ Let’s establish a routine that fits your life
✅ Let’s focus on strength, structure, and lifestyle first then fat loss when the time’s right

This way, you actually stick to it and by March, you’re still going strong.

What to Do Now Before the Year Ends

If you’re in Hale, Altrincham, or nearby, here’s how to finish strong and start smarter:

✅ Book a consultation with us this December
✅ Get a clear plan that carries you through the holidays
✅ Hit January with structure, momentum, and confidence
✅ Avoid the overwhelm of starting cold in a packed gym with no plan

Ready to End the Year on a High?

You don’t need to wait for a new year to become a new version of yourself.
Start now even if it’s at a lower gear and January will feel like progress, not punishment.

 

Altrincham Altrincham Personal Trainer Hale Hale Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Near Me Personal Training Personal Training Personal Training Altrincham Personal Training Hale Personal Training Near Me Weight Loss steliosshengas

Training vs. Exercise: Why Random Workouts Don’t Deliver Real Results

Are You Working Out… or Training?

There’s a big difference and it explains why so many people hit the gym consistently… but never actually see results.

At Soma Fitness in Hale, we coach clients to train with purpose, not just “burn calories.”
Because if you want real change strength, fat loss, energy, confidence you need more than just sweat.

Let’s break down the difference between exercise and training and why it matters for your results.

What is “Exercise”?

Exercise is movement for the sake of movement.
It might be:

  • A random circuit class

  • A YouTube workout

  • A gym session where you just do what you feel like

  • A run to “burn off” last night’s takeaway

It’s not bad movement is great for health and mood.
But when you’re just exercising, you often hit a plateau fast.

What is “Training”?

Training is structured. It’s goal-driven. It’s progressive.

Training means:

  • Following a plan based on your goals

  • Tracking your progress (not just weight)

  • Managing load, volume, and rest

  • Adjusting over time based on results and feedback

  • Training for something strength, fat loss, performance, longevity

At Soma Fitness, every client has a personalised programme with clear targets and coaching support.

Why Random Workouts Stop Working

Here’s what we see all the time:

  • People training hard… but not smart

  • Constant soreness but no visible changes

  • No progression in strength or fitness

  • Chasing sweat and fatigue instead of results

  • Injuries from poor movement patterns or too much volume

Random effort leads to random outcomes.

Why Training With a Coach Changes Everything

We don’t just give you a workout. We build you a system.

At Soma Fitness, you’ll get:
✅ A structured programme tailored to your body and goals
✅ Progress tracking strength, measurements, photos, lifestyle markers
✅ Expert movement coaching so you train safely and effectively
✅ Adjustments when life gets busy, stressful, or you hit a plateau
✅ A long-term strategy not just a workout of the day

The Difference in Results is Huge

Clients who train with us see:

  • Lean muscle gain and body recomposition

  • Strength increases (even in their 40s and 50s)

  • Fat loss that’s sustainable and doesn’t rely on cardio

  • Improved confidence, posture, and performance

  • Less joint pain and fewer injuries

  • Clear understanding of why they’re doing what they’re doing

If You’re Tired of Working Hard With No Results Train With Us

You don’t need to kill yourself in the gym to change your body.
You just need a smart plan, some expert guidance, and consistency.

Train at Soma Fitness, 37 Hale Road, Altrincham WA14 2EY
Book your free consultation here: CONTACT US

 

Altrincham Personal Trainer Menopause Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Near Me Personal Training Personal Training Altrincham Personal Training Hale Personal Training Near Me steliosshengas

Menopause: Why Resistance Training is Essential for Women in Midlife

Menopause Can Feel Like a Rollercoaster, But You’re Not Powerless

Hot flushes. Weight gain. Mood swings. Poor sleep. Sluggish metabolism. Muscle loss.
If you’re navigating perimenopause or menopause and wondering why your body suddenly feels unfamiliar, you’re not imagining it.

At Soma Fitness in Hale, we work with many women in their 40s and 50s who are going through exactly this transition. And here’s the key message:

You are not broken, you just need a new approach.

And resistance training is one of the most powerful tools you can use.

Why Resistance Training is a Game-Changer During Menopause

Hormonal changes during menopause especially the drop in oestrogen affect muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, and mood regulation.

Without intervention, this can lead to:

  • Increased body fat (especially around the belly)

  • Loss of muscle tone and strength

  • Higher risk of osteoporosis

  • Slower metabolism

  • Decline in energy, confidence, and mood

Resistance training directly counteracts all of that.

With just 2–3 weekly strength sessions, you can:
✅ Preserve and rebuild lean muscle
✅ Support your bones and reduce fracture risk
✅ Boost your metabolism
✅ Improve sleep and brain function
✅ Increase energy, confidence, and resilience

“But I’ve Never Lifted Weights Before…”

That’s okay. Most women we work with started from zero no experience, no gym confidence, and sometimes a bit of fear around weights.

We meet you where you are and guide you safely through:

  • Technique and movement patterns

  • Mobility and joint support

  • Progressive strength work that builds you up not burns you out

  • A plan that evolves as your body adapts

You’ll be amazed at how quickly your body and mindset shift when you start training properly.

What About Cardio?

Cardio has its place especially for heart health and mental wellbeing.
But on its own, it won’t stop muscle loss, won’t strengthen your bones, and often doesn’t address the hormonal shifts happening in menopause.

That’s why we recommend a balanced approach:

  • Resistance training as your foundation (2–3x per week)

  • Walking or low-impact cardio daily (great for stress and fat loss)

  • Optional mobility and breathing work to support recovery

Lifestyle Interventions Matter Too

It’s not just about the workouts. At Soma Fitness, we also coach:

  • Nutrition: High-protein, high-fibre, nutrient-dense meals to support fat loss and satiety

  • Stress Management: Cortisol levels affect belly fat, sleep, and energy and we help you manage it through movement, breathwork, and routine

  • Sleep Support: Sleep disturbances are common during menopause we guide you through habits and supplementation options to improve recovery

  • Community & Confidence: You’re not doing this alone. We create a space where women feel heard, supported, and empowered.

Real Women. Real Results.

We’ve helped dozens of women across Hale, Altrincham and Cheshire:

  • Lose stubborn midsection fat

  • Rebuild strength and body confidence

  • Improve joint pain and flexibility

  • Train without burnout or restriction

  • Feel like themselves again

This Isn’t About “Bouncing Back” It’s About Moving Forward

Menopause is a new chapter not the end of your fitness journey.

And with the right training, coaching, and support, it can be the strongest chapter yet.

Train with us at Soma Fitness, 37 Hale Road, Altrincham WA14 2EY
Book your free consultation today: CONTACT US

Altrincham Altrincham Personal Trainer Hale Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Near Me Personal Training Personal Training Personal Training Altrincham Personal Training Hale Personal Training Near Me Weight Loss steliosshengas

How to Stay Consistent With Your Training When Life Gets Hectic

Life Happens. But That Doesn’t Mean Your Training Has to Stop.

If you’re like most of the clients we work with at Soma Fitness in Hale, you’re balancing a demanding job, a busy family life, and very little spare time.

You want to stay fit, strong, and in control but when life gets hectic, your training is often the first thing to go.

Here’s the good news:
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need a system that works with your lifestyle not against it.

Let’s break down how to stay consistent even in your busiest weeks.

1. Lower the Bar But Don’t Ditch the Standard

One of the biggest mindset shifts we teach is the gear system.

Think of your training as a car. You’ve got 5 gears and you don’t always have to be in top gear.

Some weeks, you’ll be in 5th smashing your workouts, tracking everything, and dialled in.
Other weeks, you may only hit a few shorter sessions and that’s okay. The key is to keep the wheels turning.

Something > nothing and that’s how you stay consistent over time.

2. Make Training Appointments With Yourself

If you wait until life calms down to train… you’ll never train.

We help our clients schedule sessions like meetings protected time slots in the week where the focus is on you.

At Soma Fitness, we make it easy:

  • You train by appointment in our private Hale studio

  • Sessions are time-efficient and focused

  • We help you plan around work, travel, and family obligations

3. Follow a Plan That Doesn’t Require Willpower

Most people fail because their plan demands too much too much time, too much effort, too much thought.

Our training and nutrition systems are designed for busy people.

We do the thinking for you so you just show up, follow the plan, and keep moving forward.

You’ll have:

  • A progressive training plan that adapts when life gets busy

  • Flexible nutrition strategies that still get results

  • A coach checking in and keeping you accountable every week

4. Embrace Imperfect Action

Missing one session doesn’t mean the week is ruined.
Going off plan at a meal doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

This all-or-nothing mindset is what keeps people stuck.

At Soma, we coach consistency over perfection because that’s what actually works.

5. Use Support Systems, Not Just Willpower

We’re not here to give you a one-off workout. We’re here to coach you and support you through every phase of your journey.

We help you:

  • Stay focused when motivation dips

  • Adjust when work or family life gets intense

  • Reframe “bad weeks” into opportunities for growth

  • Build habits and routines that make consistency automatic

Want a Training System That Works With Your Life?

If you’re based in Hale, Altrincham, or nearby, and you’re ready to stop starting over we can help.

Book a free consultation with our team and let’s build you a system that works long term.

Soma Fitness, 37 Hale Road, Altrincham WA14 2EY
CONTACT US
Follow us on Instagram @somafitness to see how other busy professionals are doing it

Altrincham Altrincham Personal Trainer Cantonese Speaking PT Hale Hale Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Near Me Personal Training Personal Training Personal Training Altrincham Personal Training Hale Personal Training Near Me Resistance training Weight Loss steliosshengas

Strength Training for Men Over 30 in Altrincham: Where to Start

Think You’re Too Busy or “Past It” to Build Muscle? Think Again.

If you’re a man over 30, chances are your life looks very different from your early 20s. Work is demanding. You’ve got family responsibilities. And training might have taken a back seat for years.

But here’s the truth:
You’re not too old to build muscle. You just need a smarter approach.

At Soma Fitness in Hale, we help men in their 30s, 40s, and 50s regain strength, build lean muscle, and finally feel in control of their health again even with a hectic lifestyle.

Why Strength Training Is Essential After 30

As we age, our natural testosterone levels start to decline, and we begin to lose lean muscle mass a process known as sarcopenia.

This doesn’t just affect how you look it impacts your metabolism, energy, posture, joint health, and even your confidence.

Strength training becomes a non-negotiable for:

  • Maintaining muscle mass and joint integrity

  • Supporting fat loss and metabolic health

  • Reducing injury risk and improving longevity

  • Boosting testosterone and mental clarity

  • Looking, feeling, and moving better as you age

The Biggest Mistakes Men Over 30 Make in the Gym

We often meet men who are training hard but seeing very little progress or worse, constantly getting injured.

Here’s what we see all the time:

  • Lifting too heavy too soon without good form

  • No structured progression or plan

  • Ignoring mobility and warm-up work

  • Training inconsistently due to work/family stress

  • Neglecting nutrition and recovery

If any of this sounds familiar, you don’t need to train harder you need to train smarter.

How We Help Men Over 30 Build Strength at Soma Fitness

At our private studio in Hale, we provide a results-driven system that’s built around your real life.

Here’s how we do it:
✅ 1-1 tailored training plans that adapt as you progress
✅ Mobility and movement assessments to prevent injury
✅ Periodised strength programmes (with tracking built-in)
✅ Coaching on lifting technique, tempo, and execution
✅ Optional support with nutrition, lifestyle, and stress
✅ Flexible scheduling to work around your career and family life

Real Strength. Real Results. No BS.

This isn’t a bootcamp. This isn’t about shouting or punishing workouts.

We’re here to help you become the strongest, leanest, and most consistent version of yourself and we do that through expert coaching, accountability, and a proven system that works.

Ready to Get Started?

If you live in Altrincham, Hale, or nearby, and you’re ready to stop winging it and start training with purpose book a free consultation with one of our coaches today.

Visit us at Soma Fitness, 37 Hale Road, Altrincham WA14 2EY
CONTACT US
@somafitness

Altrincham Personal Trainer Hale Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Near Me Personal Training Personal Training Personal Training Altrincham Personal Training Hale Personal Training Near Me Weight Loss steliosshengas

You’re Busy, But That Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Lose Body Fat

 

If you’re a busy professional juggling work, family, and social life, it’s easy to feel like fat loss just doesn’t fit into your schedule.

The truth is, most fat loss plans fail not because people aren’t motivated — but because the plan isn’t built around your life.

At Soma Fitness in Hale, we help busy men and women lose body fat in a way that’s structured, realistic, and sustainable — no crash diets, no all-or-nothing extremes.

Here’s how we do it.

1. Focus on Fat Loss Without the Fads

Forget cutting out carbs, juice cleanses, or starving yourself. These approaches don’t work long-term — and they often leave you feeling drained, miserable, and frustrated.

Our approach:
We help you build a calorie-controlled nutrition plan that keeps you full, fuels your day, and fits around your lifestyle — whether that’s eating on-the-go or family meals in the evening.

We even include meal-prep guides and practical options for busy weeks so you never feel lost.

2. Short, Efficient Training Sessions That Get Results

You don’t need to train 6 days a week to see progress. What you need is quality over quantity.

At Soma Fitness:

  • Most clients train 2–3x per week

  • We maximise every session with a plan tailored to your goals

  • We focus on resistance training, with added cardio strategies if needed

  • Sessions are booked by appointment, so they fit into your calendar — not the other way around

3. Accountability That Keeps You On Track

Busy weeks will happen. Work stress will spike. Social events will come up. The difference is you don’t have to face it alone.

Every client at Soma Fitness gets:

  • 1-1 coaching and regular check-ins

  • Ongoing progress tracking (photos, measurements, performance metrics)

  • WhatsApp support and guidance between sessions

You’ll always know what to focus on en life gets hectic.

4. Sustainable Lifestyle Changes That Actually Stick

We don’t just help you lose fat we help you stay lean, strong, and in control.

Whether you’re preparing for a holiday, a wedding, or just want to feel better in your clothes, we teach you the habits, routines, and mindset shifts that lead to real, lasting change.

Are You Ready to Finally Make a Change?

If you’re based in Hale, Altrincham or surrounding areas, and you want to lose fat without turning your life upside down we’re here to help.

Book a free consultation with one of our coaches and let’s build a plan that works for your life.

Soma Fitness, 37 Hale Road, Altrincham WA14 2EY
Contact Us

Altrincham Altrincham Personal Trainer Hale Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Near Me Personal Training Personal Training Altrincham Personal Training Hale Personal Training Near Me steliosshengas

The Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Trying to Get Fit Alone

Trying to Get Fit on Your Own? Here’s What Might Be Holding You Back

If you’ve been putting in the effort but still not seeing the results you want whether that’s losing fat, building muscle, or just feeling fitter you’re not alone.

We speak to people all the time here at Soma Fitness in Hale who’ve tried everything from random gym workouts to YouTube routines. And most of them have one thing in common: they’re unknowingly making simple mistakes that are stalling their progress.

Here are the top 5 fitness mistakes we see people make when they try to go it alone and what to do instead.

1. Training Without a Clear Plan

Showing up to the gym without a structured plan is like driving without directions  you’ll end up wasting time, energy, and motivation.

What to do instead:
At Soma Fitness, we build personalised, progressive training plans that align with your goals, fitness level, and time availability  no guesswork involved.

2. Chasing Fat Loss with Endless Cardio

While cardio can support your fitness, doing hour after hour on the treadmill isn’t the answer to long-term fat loss.

What to do instead:
Resistance training combined with nutritional support is the most effective approach especially for busy professionals looking to build a lean, athletic physique.

3. Inconsistent Nutrition (or Overthinking It)

Trying to follow fad diets or being “good” Monday to Thursday and then losing all structure on the weekend is a vicious cycle. It’s not about perfection it’s about consistency.

What to do instead:
We’ll help you find a sustainable, flexible nutrition strategy that works for your lifestyle and doesn’t feel restrictive.

4. Lifting With Poor Form (or No Progression)

We often see people lifting weights with poor technique or sticking with the same weights and reps for months. No progression = no results.

What to do instead:
As personal trainers, we coach proper form, help you avoid injury, and ensure you’re progressing week to week with smart programming.

5. Trying to Do It All Alone

Accountability is one of the biggest drivers of success. Without support, it’s easy to lose motivation, fall off track, and start over  again and again.

What to do instead:
When you work with a coach at Soma Fitness, you’re not doing this alone. You’ll have someone in your corner keeping you focused, on track, and moving forward.

Ready to Break the Cycle?

If you’re in Hale, Altrincham, or the surrounding areas and you’re tired of spinning your wheels, we’re here to help.

✅ Book a free consultation
✅ Train in a private, focused setting
✅ Get the structure, support, and accountability you need to finally see results

Visit us at Soma Fitness, 37 Hale Road, Altrincham WA14 2EY
CONTACT US

Altrincham Altrincham Personal Trainer Cantonese Speaking PT Hale Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Near Me Personal Training Personal Training Altrincham Personal Training Hale Personal Training Near Me steliosshengas

Why Hiring a Personal Trainer in Hale Can Transform Your Results

Cantonese Speaking Personal Trainer in Altrincham

Are You Tired of Spinning Your Wheels With Fitness?

You’ve probably tried it all gym memberships, home workouts, maybe even the odd online plan. But the truth is, if you’re not getting the results you want, it’s not because you’re lazy. It’s because you’re missing structure, support, and accountability.

That’s where hiring a personal trainer in Hale can make all the difference.

At Soma Fitness, based right in the heart of Hale on Hale Road, we specialise in helping busy professionals get leaner, stronger, and more consistent  even with a packed schedule.

1. Tailored Coaching for Your Goals

When you work with a personal trainer, everything is built around you. Your body. Your lifestyle. Your goals.

Whether you’re looking to:

  • Drop body fat without extreme dieting

  • Build muscle and strength without burning out

  • Train around old injuries or limitations

  • Simply feel fitter and more confident

Our coaches will create a plan that fits your life, not one that takes it over.

2. Expert Guidance and Accountability

There’s a reason even top athletes have coaches guidance and accountability are what drive real progress.

At Soma Fitness, we’ve worked with hundreds of clients across Hale, Altrincham, and surrounding areas, and we know how to get results. From exercise execution to habit-building and mindset, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

3. A Private Studio Environment in Hale

Forget the packed commercial gyms and intimidating atmosphere. Soma Fitness offers a private, well-equipped personal training studio in Hale, where sessions are focused, productive, and completely tailored to your needs.

We work by appointment only, meaning you get the full attention and space you deserve.

4. Results That Actually Last

What sets us apart isn’t just the quality of our training  it’s the long-term change we help you create.

We don’t do quick fixes. We do long-term results.

And that’s why many of our clients have stayed with us for years because the progress goes beyond the mirror. It’s in their energy, their confidence, their health, and how they show up every day.

5. What to Do Next

If you’re based in Hale, Altrincham, or nearby and you’re serious about finally making a change, we’d love to help.

Come visit us at Soma Fitness, 37 Hale Road, Altrincham WA14 2EY
Book your free consultation today and let’s chat about how we can help you get started

CONTACT US

Altrincham Altrincham Personal Trainer Hale Hale Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Personal Trainer Near Me Personal Training Personal Training Personal Training Altrincham Personal Training Hale private gym Weight Loss steliosshengas

Unlock Your Summer Body

As the days grow longer and the weather starts to improve, it’s time to shed those winter layers and prepare for the summer season so that you can be confident exposing your body. At Soma Fitness, we understand the desire to sculpt your body and feel your best for the upcoming holidays. Our holistic approach combines scientific principles with professional guidance to help you achieve your summer body goals effectively and sustainably.

Nutrition: The Cornerstone of Your Transformation

To kickstart your journey to a summer-ready physique, it’s essential to address your nutritional intake. Scientific studies consistently show that maintaining a moderate calorie deficit is crucial for weight loss [1]. At Soma Fitness, we advocate for a balanced approach, emphasising the importance of consuming adequate protein. Research suggests that protein intake between 1.8-2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight supports muscle growth and aids in appetite regulation [2]. 

  • Finding: This study looked at how our body manages energy and found that consuming fewer calories than we burn is essential for fat loss.
  • Explanation: Imagine your body as a bank account. If you withdraw more money (calories) than you deposit (consume), you’ll lose weight over time. This means being mindful of portion sizes and choosing nutrient-dense foods to support your weight loss goals. Tracking your intake is the best way to manage this.
  • Finding: Researchers found that consuming enough protein, around 1.8-2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight, helps with muscle growth and keeps you feeling full longer, making it easier to stick to your calorie goals.
  • Explanation: Protein is like the building blocks for your muscles. By including sources like lean meats, fish, eggs, and some plant-based proteins in your meals, you’re giving your body what it needs to repair and grow muscles, helping you achieve that toned look you’re after. Prioritise protein and hit your daily protein targets.

 

Resistance Training: The Key to Changing your Body Shape

While cardiovascular exercise is beneficial for overall health and longevity, resistance training holds the key to transforming your body composition. Contrary to common misconceptions, lifting weights won’t make you bulky – instead, it’s the secret to achieving a sculpted physique for both men and women [3]. Our personal trainers specialise in designing resistance training programs tailored to your goals, ensuring optimal muscle development. Our personal trainers will coach you to perform each exercise with correctly with the right intent with quality reps insuring that you get the most bank for your buck from eat set that you perform.

  • Finding: Contrary to common beliefs, lifting weights won’t make you bulky. Instead, it helps shape your body by increasing lean muscle mass, which gives you a toned appearance.
  • Explanation: Think of resistance training as sculpting clay. It helps define and shape your muscles, giving you that firm and athletic look. Plus, it boosts your metabolism, helping you burn more calories even at rest.

Optimising Sleep: The Unsung Hero of Fat Loss

In the pursuit of a summer body, don’t underestimate the power of quality sleep. Scientific evidence highlights the critical role of sleep in recovery, repair, and performance [4]. At Soma Fitness, we prioritise sleep optimisation strategies, including establishing consistent sleep routines and creating a conducive sleep environment. By prioritising restorative sleep, you’ll enhance your body’s ability to adapt to your training program and maximise results.

  • Finding: Quality sleep is crucial for your body to recover from exercise, repair tissues, and perform at its best.
  • Explanation: Sleep is like charging your phone. It rejuvenates your body and mind, so you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. By prioritising sleep, you’re giving your body the time it needs to repair and grow stronger after workouts. It has also been shown that sleep deprivation can increase cravings which will hinder your progress.

Increasing Your Steps

As daylight extends, seize the opportunity to increase your daily step count and increase your vitamin D absorption. Research suggests that increasing physical activity, such as walking, contributes to overall calorie expenditure and vitamin D synthesis [5]. Get outdoors and boost your step count to support your summer body goals while enjoying the benefits of fresh air and sunlight.

  • Finding: Adding more movement to your day, such as walking, not only burns extra calories but also boosts your vitamin D levels.
  • Explanation: Walking is an easy and enjoyable way to stay active. It gets your blood flowing, helps clear your mind, and exposes you to sunlight, which is essential for vitamin D production. Aim for a daily stroll to support your fitness goals and soak in some sunshine. If you need small bouts consider a morning and evening walk, this will also help with your circadian rhythm and improve your sleep quality.

The journey to transform your body for summer requires a multifaceted approach supported by professional guidance. At Soma Fitness, we’re committed to helping you unlock your full potential and achieve the summer body you’ve always desired. Trust in our expertise, stay consistent, and let us guide you every step of the way.

Book a consultation with our personal training experts today, and let’s make this summer your best one yet!

References:

  1. Hall, K. D., Heymsfield, S. B., Kemnitz, J. W., Klein, S., Schoeller, D. A., & Speakman, J. R. (2012). Energy balance and its components: implications for body weight regulation. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 95(4), 989-994.
  2. Phillips, S. M., & Van Loon, L. J. (2011). Dietary protein for athletes: from requirements to optimum adaptation. Journal of sports sciences, 29(sup1), S29-S38.
  3. Schoenfeld, B. J., Peterson, M. D., Ogborn, D., Contreras, B., & Sonmez, G. T. (2015). Effects of low- vs. high-load resistance training on muscle strength and hypertrophy in well-trained men. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 29(10), 2954-2963.
  4. Fullagar, H. H., Skorski, S., Duffield, R., Hammes, D., Coutts, A. J., & Meyer, T. (2015). Sleep and athletic performance: the effects of sleep loss on exercise performance, and physiological and cognitive responses to exercise. Sports medicine, 45(2), 161-186.
  5. Dwyer, T., Ponsonby, A. L., Ukoumunne, O. C., Pezic, A., Venn, A., Dunstan, D., … & Jones, G. (2015). Association of change in daily step count over five years with insulin sensitivity and adiposity: population based cohort study. bmj, 351, h4188.