Effective fitness programme for busy parents

Time strapped parents may be interested in a new fitness guide just launched by the RAF.

Recommending breaking down the exercise into manageable ten minute slots, the ‘fit for life’ programme is based on training techniques and is designed to be a long-term fitness solution.

Former Gladiator winner and Personal Training Instructor at RAF, Corporal Simon Wray Cranwell says: “There are hundreds of ‘experts’ this new year giving advice on how to get your body looking its best. The RAF ‘Fit for Life’ cuts through this confusing minefield and provides a no-nonsense, step-by-step guide to getting your exercise regime right. It can be tailored to your ability and can be followed anywhere, with no need for expensive gym memberships or costly new equipment.”

RAF exercise tips:

1. 30 minutes of exercise, three to five times a week is a good amount of exercise to undertake, and realistic too. Break this down into manageable 10 minute slots.

2. Combine a full range of stomach exercises with aerobic exercise to help build up that six-pack or washboard stomach.

3. Don’t just focus on one area. Do a range of exercises to tone your whole body.

4. Warm up – avoid static stretching, perform dynamic stretching to warm up specific muscles for the exercise you’re about to undertake.

5. Cool down – perform static stretching. Hold the stretch for at least 20 seconds.

‘Fit for Life, which is downloadable from the RAF website. For more information, visit: www.raf.mod.uk/careers to download your own exercise guide.