Fitness | Gyms in Solihull

Solihull (and the surrounding areas) and Birmingham have a number of gyms that cater for the varying needs of those looking to get fit. Whether you are looking for a big or small gym, franchise or one off – there is a gym to suit all requirements.

Over the last week and a half, as part of my quest to get fit and attain a six pack by summer, I have frequented a number of them by using free passes that most offer. In the coming days and weeks I will be reviewing them breaking down the good points, bad points and eventually joining one that I think fits my requirements.

Wish me luck!

Fitness | A Six Pack by Summer?

You have probably come across this blog hoping for some tips on how to attain a six-pack by summer and erase the memories of summers gone by where you have frolicked in the surf in you best ‘Lifeguard’ t-shirt.

In truth, my own search for such information is what has lead to me writing this blog. Over the next few months I am going to embark on a challenge to get myself a six pack or a close as I can by the beginning of June. Follow my progress and hopefully we can learn something together.

‘How am I going to do this’ you might ask?

Having only visited gyms infrequently over the last couple of years I know this is going to be tough. I’m going to use program of regular exercise, supplements and mild dietary changes (as I eat quite healthily already).

What I don’t want to do is sacrifice enjoying things like crisps and drinking, in the hope of proving that you can still achieve the results you want without having to make drastic changes. Hopefully, through hard work and commitment I can achieve what I want to but if things don’t seem to be working out I will re-evaluate my strategy mid stream - so wish me luck.

But first you need to know some things about me so that you can compare my results and how they might work for you!

I am 27 (28 in Feb), six foot tall and weigh 12 and a half stone (177.8 lbs). I work for a PR firm which means quite a lot od sitting down and meeting food which isn’t always the healthiest. But I eat fairly healthily, with fruit and veg factoring frequently in my diet but am prone to snacking and enjoy going for drinks on the weekend and the odd glass (or two) of red wine in the evenings. I have always had a fast metabolism but as people continually tell me it will slow down so, in a way, this may be my last chance to get a six-pack before it all goes pear shaped.

I play golf and touch rugby every week but apart from that don’t do much else physically. In order to achieve what I am setting out to achieve I am going to have to increase my activity. Therefore, I am going to join a gym, take up kickboxing again (I kick-boxed for two years between 19-21) and start skiing once a month on a dry slope for a more diverse plan which will hopefully keep my interest.

There are already a couple of key dates that I need to work towards. The first is the Birmingham Publicity Association HardCorps Ultimate Miltary Fitness Challenge – a mixed race taking place on the 19^th May and Water Wipeout – an extreme 10km water based obstacle course taking place in June.

That’s about it for the moment and as you can see I have my work cut out for me in terms of the events I am entered in and my ultimate goal to get a six-pack! I’ll keep posting blogs on my program and pictures to help evaluate my progress. My next post will be about the gyms I am trying and will review how good they are – eventually choosing one at the end of the month to join.

Thanks for reading and please feel free to comment, ask question or make any suggestions that may help me reach my goal (supplements, nutrition, programs…anything).