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When it comes to improving your health and wellness, one of the most powerful tools you can use is goal setting. Goals provide you with direction, motivation, and a clear path to success. But why are goals so important, and how can you set them effectively? Let’s dive into the science and strategies behind creating goals that will keep you motivated and on track for the long haul. Goal Setting Theory: The Science Behind It According to the widely respected Goal Setting Theory  by Edwin Locke and Gary Latham, we look at two distinct areas when setting goals: firstly, how specific they are and secondly, how challenging they are. They postulated that clearly defined, challenging goals help direct your attention, boost your effort, and increase your persistence and performance over time.  Conversely, vague goals like “I want to be healthier” rarely create real, lasting change. Without specificity or urgency, your brain simply doesn’t know where to focus your efforts. But when you set a clear target—something you can see and measure—you give your brain a roadmap for success. Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman has shared in multiple episodes of the  Huberman Lab Podcast  that dopamine—the "feel-good" neurotransmitter—is key to motivation. When you set and achieve even small goals, your brain releases dopamine. This reinforces the behaviour and makes you want to keep going. It's a built-in system of progress and reward that’s wired into our very biology. In other words, every small goal you check off? It’s not just productive—it’s chemical encouragement. With these two theories in mind, we start to form an easy-to-follow recipe for creating goals which are designed to help you succeed. Firstly, we need to break up our goals into long-term, medium-term and short-term goals, which gives us small ‘bite-sized chunks ’ to tick off, leading to that dopamine hit and encouraging us to tackle the next one. Secondly, we need to make sure each goal is as clear and specific as possible.  Clear, personalised goals help keep you motivated, even when things get challenging, because they reconnect you with why you started. Step 1: Identify Your WHY Before setting any goal, think about your motivation. Why do you want to improve your health? Maybe you want more energy to keep up with your family, you have noticed your health is not what it should be, or you keep getting sick, or you would like to reduce stress for better mental health. Having a strong "why" keeps you grounded when motivation dips. We need to scrutinise each goal and peel back the layers as to why you would want to achieve this particular goal and what kind of satisfaction it would give you once achieved. Once we've found our WHY it's usually easy to start to strategise the how and when. Step 2: Identify your goals ( The Big Ones First) As I mentioned before, it’s important to break your goals up into three tiers: long-term, mid-term and short-term. Think of them like nesting dolls, they should each fit into one another. I like to start by thinking BIG, what are your overarching goals you are looking to achieve in the next year or 2 or even 5? Once you have a good idea of that, then start to look at what steps you would need to take in a month ( or how about our 6 weeks?), these would be your mid-term goals. Finally, with short-term goals, these are actions which need to happen daily or weekly in order to reach the larger goals within their predetermined timeframe. Remember, it's important not to set too many BIG goals all at once; rather, choose one or two long-term goals which fit realistically into your lifestyle. 1. Superordinate (Big-Picture) Goals These reflect your why. They reflect your values and long-term identity shifts. Example: "I want to live a vibrant, active life for the long term." Tip: These don't always need an exact deadline; they serve as your North Star. 2. Intermediate (Mid-Term) Goals Outcome goals that move you closer to the big picture. Example:  "I want to lose 5kg over the next 2 months." Tip: These are perfect to align with structured programs like a 6-week wellness challenge. 3. Micro (Daily or Weekly) Goals Tiny, achievable habits that you can hit consistently. Example: "I will prep healthy lunches every Sunday evening for the next month." Tip: Micro goals create momentum and positive reinforcement. Here’s how you might layer goals for different aspects of your wellness journey: Eating Better Superordinate: "I want to nourish my body with whole foods." Intermediate: "Eat at least 5 servings of vegetables daily for the next month." Micro: "Prep a veggie-packed lunch 4 days a week." Exercising More Superordinate: "I want to feel strong and energised every day." Intermediate: "Do 3 strength sessions per week for the next 6 weeks." Micro: "Follow an Inspired Movement workout video every Monday at 8AM." Improving Sleep Superordinate: "I want to wake up feeling rested and clear-headed." Intermediate: "Sleep 7–8 hours a night for the next 30 days." Micro: "Turn off screens at 9:30 PM and stretch for 10 minutes before bed." Reducing Stress Superordinate: "I want to feel calmer and more in control of my emotions." Intermediate: "Practice deep breathing or meditation 5 times per week." Micro: "Use a 5-minute breathing video after work on weekdays." Step 3: Create clear goals ( Be SMART) Setting goals gives you a clear direction. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the idea of "getting healthier" or "improving fitness," a specific goal breaks the process into manageable steps. According to research published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, people who set clear, specific goals are more likely to stick to their health and wellness plans than those who don’t. Having specific goals makes it easier to hold yourself accountable. Whether you’re tracking your water intake, steps, or sleep hours, measurable goals allow you to see where you’re succeeding and where you might need to refocus. So, how do you set clear goals? By using the SMART Goal strategy. SMART goals are: Specific Each goal needs to be as specific as possible. When we look at a goal such as ‘ I want to get stronger’, it is not very specific, and there is no quantifiable way to assess your progress, so when we set goals, we need to have clear wording and a well-thought-out goal. We could change the goal to read “ I would like to improve my push-up performance” Measurable Our goals need to be measurable, which means that there needs to be some quantifiable element involved in the goal, a number, value or measurement. For example, with our goal above, wanting to get stronger is vague and unmeasurable. We could add, “ I would like to be able to complete 10 more push-ups during a minute push-up test” Achievable We all want to be able to do amazing things and find ultimate success. However, we are all faced with challenges and limitations that present themselves in various ways. For example, injuries, financial constraints, geographical or logistical limitations, relationship or family commitments, etc. So when we set out our goals, we need to be honest with ourselves and set goals that we know we would be able to achieve given our current circumstances. This does not mean the goals should be easy ( or worse, non-existent ), but we may need to be realistic in our approach. Again, our push-up example can be used, say the goal setter had recently had a shoulder operation, and the doctor has suggested limited movement for the first 3 weeks post-op. Setting a goal for increasing push-ups within a four-week time frame would be unachievable, but perhaps increasing the time frame to 6 months may make the same goal more realistic. Relevant Relevance is of paramount importance, both for achieving larger goals but also to enhance motivation. If you set a goal that does not resonate with you, serves no purpose in relation to achieving bigger goals and doesn’t enhance our quality of life, then is the goal really worth pursuing? Time Bound It is always important to adhere to some kind of timeline with your goals, as this keeps you striving and motivated. Open-ended goals often lead to a lack of commitment and apathy for completing daily tasks. We need to always be specific about a time frame for each goal. Our example could be “ I would like to be able to complete 10 more push-ups in a minute push-up test in 6 weeks.“ Goal Setting Prompts: Reflect Before You Set Your Goals Before jumping into goal setting, take a moment to reflect with these powerful questions: What do I really want my life to feel like in 6 months? What’s one health habit I know that would make a difference right now? What feels realistic and kind to myself at this stage? What would I be proud to say I achieved by the end of this month? If I had more energy, how would I spend it? Common Goal-Setting Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them) Even with the best intentions, some common mistakes can derail progress. Here's how to stay on track: Too Big, Too Fast : Don’t try to change everything in one day. Break goals down. “Exercise every day” becomes “Move for 30 minutes three days a week.” Not Tracking Progress: Some form of tracking helps us to see our progress and subjectively assess how our goals are going. Use journals, apps, or simple habit trackers. No Emotional Anchor:  Remember to tie your goals to a deep why—your health, family, confidence, or future self. All-or-Nothing Thinking: Remember, consistency is better than perfection. Life happens, and that’s okay. If you hit a roadblock, don’t give up. Reassess and adjust your goals as needed to keep moving forward Not having support: We don’t always feel motivated and determined every day, which is why we sometimes need someone else supporting us, encouraging us and reminding us why we are on this path. Setting goals is more than writing a list—it's about creating a personal framework that turns your goals into reality. If you are ready to set your own goals and take actionable steps to a healthier you, why not sign up for my 6-Week Thrive Challenge to kickstart your path to wellness?

When it comes to your health and overall weight management, the road to success doesn't always have to involve grand lifestyle overhauls or extreme measures. Recent research underscores the effectiveness of small, manageable lifestyle changes, often referred to as micro-goals, in enhancing your weight loss journey. A study done in association with the Griffith Health Institute concludes that “small changes in nutrition and physical activity behaviours can prevent weight gain. In the context of weight management, it may be more feasible for most people to make small compared to large short-term changes in diet and activity”.These micro-strategies are easy to incorporate into your daily routine, delivering quick wins and accumulating over time to produce remarkable results. Start With Hydration: The first step to your weight loss journey begins as soon as you wake up. A tall glass of water in the morning can rehydrate your body after a night's rest. This simple act can prevent you from confusing thirst with hunger and provide an energy boost, especially beneficial if you plan to kick-start your day with a workout. Protein Power at Breakfast: For many, breakfast is lacking in protein, leading to mid-morning cravings and overeating during the course of the day. By increasing your protein intake with foods like Greek yoghurt, eggs, nuts or tofu, you'll stay satiated longer and be better equipped to adhere to your daily calorie goals. A study done by the Department of Nutrition at Arizona State University “indicates[d] an added energy-cost associated with high-protein, low-fat diets and may help explain the efficacy of such diets for weight loss.” While I don't advocate for extreme or exclusionary diets I do think that increasing your protein intake can help with overall weight loss. An increase in dietary protein from 15% to 30% of energy at a constant carbohydrate intake produces a sustained decrease in ad libitum caloric intake that may be mediated by increased central nervous system leptin sensitivity and results in significant weight loss. Study from the University of Washington School of Medicine Choose Whole Grains: At each meal, you're presented with choices between whole grains or other complex carbohydrates and refined grains or simple carbohydrates. Opt for whole grains, as they are packed with essential fibre. Fibre not only contributes to a feeling of fullness but also supports healthy digestion, making it a valuable ally in your weight loss journey. In addition to assisting in overall weight loss the benefits of choosing whole grains can be significant for your overall health. A study done at the Department of Nutrition at the University of Oslo concluded that “Inflammation-related death was inversely associated with whole-grain intake.” Read more about the benefits of whole grains here Lunchtime Strolls: Exercise is a key component of weight management, and it doesn't require marathon efforts. Making small changes, like spending part of your lunch break walking, can have a cumulative effect. Over time, these additional steps add up, enhancing your mood and helping you handle food triggers and cravings later in the day. In fact, the benefits of walking are often highly underestimated, there is a range of health benefits including counteracting the effects of weight-promoting genes, boosting the immune system and even reducing the likelihood of certain cancers. Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Highly tempting, unhealthy foods can often lead to impulsive eating. To counter this, remove these triggering foods from your immediate environment, whether it's your home, office, or car. Instead, fill these spaces with healthier alternatives like fruits and nuts, helping to set you up for success. I have also found that doing your grocery shopping online prevents you from picking up the odd snack or overdoing your food shopping often leading to overeating. Keep Prepping for Success: After grocery shopping, dedicate 5-10 minutes to meal prep. Cut up veggies for roasting or quick sautés and store them in clear containers at eye level for easy access. If you have the time you can set aside a day (or morning) of the week to plan and prepare meals. I like to pre-prepare meals such as overnight oats, slow cooker stews and soups and even cooking some chicken breast in bulk to have them readily available for salads , and wraps or to be served with veggies. Recover from 'Bad' Choices: It's perfectly normal to make occasional dietary choices that aren't aligned with your goals. The key is not to let these choices ruin your entire day. Acknowledge them, understand their context, and move forward with a positive mindset. Research indicates that a forgiving approach to your diet can contribute to sustained weight loss.I often see clients who have decided to eat say a biscuit, afterwards they feel guilty and start to feel despair that they have ‘ fallen off the wagon’ so to speak, they then think, well all hope is lost I may as well eat another one and very soon the whole packet is finished. The difference in calories and ‘bad’ elements such as transfats in one biscuit is 90% less than if you've eaten 10 biscuits. Prioritise Quality Sleep: One of the most potent strategies for weight loss is ensuring you get at least seven hours of quality sleep each night. A good night's sleep keeps your metabolism functioning optimally and curbs hunger, preventing those nagging cravings. According to a study by Papatriantafyllou E, et al. “Disturbed sleeping patterns, in terms of both quantity and quality, have been documented to lead to an increase in energy intake, mainly from snacking, especially on foods rich in fat and carbohydrates.” Furthermore, the study highlights that “there is an evident disregulation of the neuroendocrine appetite control system during sleep deprivation that alters the metabolic rate, with a negative impact on weight maintenance or weight loss interventions“ Be Prepared to Workout: Remove the early morning or evening workout decision-making process by setting out your weekly movement goals ahead of time, you can take this concept one step further by taking out your exercise clothes and shoes the night before. These small action minimises the chances of skipping your routine and increases the likelihood of following through with your fitness plans. Another trick is to only commit to 10 minutes of exercise, tell yourself you will go for a 10-minute walk, or commit to doing 10 minutes of a live online workout. More often than not it's the initial phase of the process that is the most daunting, the phase which you are most likely to back out. Once you've done your 10 minutes you will in all likelihood go on much longer, and even if you don't, at least you got 10 minutes of movement in. Make Exercise Fun: If traditional workouts leave you uninspired, consider pairing exercise with entertainment. Combine it with your favourite audiobooks or podcasts. This clever association transforms exercise into an enjoyable experience you'll eagerly anticipate. I encourage clients to incorporate exercise into their social life, instead of asking a friend to meet for coffee or lunch, next time invite your friends for a walk in the park, or to go on a hike. There are even more exciting options such as rock climbing, mountain biking or even joining a class together. In the realm of weight management, it's often the subtle, gradual changes that accumulate into overall success. These micro-strategies may seem small and insignificant, but their long-term effects can be transformative both in terms of weight management but also in living a healthier life. Need a little more inspiration to get going on your journey to a healthy lifestyle? Why not join our 30-Day Reset Challenge?

This strawberry balsamic salad is the perfect mix of tart and sweet, combining fresh greens, juicy strawberries, and a tangy balsamic dressing for a light yet satisfying dish. A delicious blend of sweet and tangy flavours, this strawberry balsamic salad is packed with nutrient-rich greens, juicy strawberries, and a perfectly balanced balsamic dressing. A fresh and vibrant way to stay healthy! Strawberry Balsamic Salad Ingredients 12 Handfuls Baby Spinach 5 Large Strawberries, quartered 20g Soft Goats Cheese 30g Assorted Toasted Seeds & Nuts 1/4 Cucumber Chopped into chunks 1/4 Avocado, cubed 2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar 1 Tbsp Honey Directions For the salad: Mix together the spinach leaves, toss in the cucumber and avo chunks. Cut the strawberries into quarters (all except 1 ) and mix in. Toast the seeds and sprinkle over the salad, crumble the goat's cheese into the salad. For the balsamic reduction: Over a medium heat, simmer the balsamic vinegar, honey and one strawberry until thick. Combine the other ingredients, drizzle over the reduction and enjoy. For more recipes and lifestyle tips subscribe to our newsletter

This mixed-level class is accessible to all levels, provided you have completed at least three beginner sessions prior to the class. Modifications will be provided to make the movements more accessible to novices and more difficult for those who would like to challenge themselves.

With inspiration from Pilates, Barre and traditional strength and cardio training, this class will have you toning, shaping and sweating.

Enjoy the benefits of a structured and instructed Pilates class, from the comfort of where-ever you are. Our instructors are able to see, instruct and correct just as if you were in a real life class but you are able to have kiddies, doggies and life going on around you. Or take us with you when you travel for work or for leisure.

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Get a 20% discount on your plan Apply reward when placing your first order. Get Reward Get 500 Inspired Points for each friend you refer Get special perks for you and your friends 1. Give your friends a 20% discount. * 2. Get 500 Inspired Points for each friend who buys a plan. Log in to refer * Applies to the first billing cycle of any plan.

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