Charlotte Holmes' top tips on staying fit and healthy

Charlotte Holmes is a fitness model and TV presenter. Here she offers her top tips on staying fit and healthy - from planning your workout to trying new classes at the gym. You can follow her @MissCharHolmes

Trust me when I say, I love cake and cookies, and chocolate, and all those things that people think I'd never go near. For me, 'fit and healthy' is a lifestyle choice and a balanced one at that. I've always eaten a balanced diet and had an active lifestyle. I like to move, but I understand it's not for everyone and lots of people don’t feel this way. But if you’re looking for change then keep reading...

Staying motivated is key, so below I've created a little list of helpful hints, tips and foodie hangouts that help me along the way.

WORKING OUT WITH A FRIEND.

Working out with a friend (or a few) is one of my favourite ways to make training fun. You can keep each other motivated and it's always a laugh. Try the Fitness First online workouts that Hannah and I have done, like the one below, or Lily and Cat, grab a friend and get sweating together.

https://vimeo.com/175512993

TRY SOMETHING NEW

I often hear people saying they're bored with their training routine or class which I find crazy... Try something new. There are so many ways to get moving and to get your heart rate up; there is always a new class or studio to check out.

NO TIME?

This is one of the most common excuses for not getting sweaty. Well it's just not a valid one I'm afraid. Working out at home is one of the easiest things to do, it's so quick and you only need a small space and 20 mins before you jump in the shower in the morning. Try this at home workout for a total body blast.

1 minute on for each of the five exercises, no rest in between. Then a minute rest between each set.

Beginner: 3 sets

Intermediate: 4 sets

Advanced: 5 sets

1. Squat jumps
2. Mountain climbers
3. Plank jack knives
4. Military press ups
5. Bicycle crunches

Get sweating and let me know how you get on via social media @misscharholmes !

TAKE A RECOMMENDATION

People often get stuck in their training, I often hear 'my way is the best way and I don't think I'll enjoy that...' Well you never know if you never go, right?

HEALTH FOOD HANGOUT

So I'm a massive foodie... You'll see from my Instagram that I don't always eat clean. But when I do I frequently find myself at Juice Baby on the Kings Road. Try their taco taco bowl and coconut water (@juicebabyuk)

IT'S ALL ABOUT BALANCE

A lot of friends and clients say they struggle with eating clean all the time. Well don't, I don't. It really is all about balance. I eat well all week and then have the weekend to enjoy myself a bit and eat the odd pizza or donut

Which brings me to saying that you MUST go and eat a ham cheese and egg crêpe from La Crêperie de Hampstead. It's better than any crêpe I've eaten in France. Then for a sweet treat, head over to Bread Ahead Bakery in Borough Market for the finest selection of donuts and sourdough bakes (@breadaheadboroughmarket).

GET YOUR OM ON

Yoga is such a huge part of my life, so much so that I can't remember when it wasn't. I urge you all to go and try it. It's not only a fantastic way to move, stretch and tone your body. It's a wonderful way to calm your body and mind. It's taught me to find peace in my hectic life here in London.

SWEAT STYLE

Lastly, there's nothing worse than trying to workout feeling uncomfortable or 'un-cool' in your workout gear. Nowadays there's no excuse because there is such a huge range of affordable high street sports luxe wear. Treat yourself to some good kit and you'll feel good before you've even started.

GET YOUR KICKS

And the same goes for trainers. I'm a proud wearer of Adidas trainers and not only are their shoes super comfy, they look fly! However I'm a firm believer in having the best trainers for you. Just because I wear a particular brand and model, it doesn’t mean they'll be good for you too. Have a go in a few pairs in the shop and chat with the guys that work there – they know what they're talking about and can help fit the right trainer for the type of exercise or activity. They do say if you give the girl the right shoes she can conquer the world. Well if you give yourself the right trainers... You are going to go far!

So there you go, I hope these tips help you along your fitness journey. Stay tuned to my social media channels for fitness tips and food hangouts and let's all sweat together in style and get fit not skinny!

Love Char X