by Mollie Millington | Mar 24, 2025 | motivation
Words have incredible power, especially when it comes to motivation and achieving success. Many top athletes swear by mantras they repeat during tough times, while successful business leaders often hang inspiring quotes in their offices. As the Happiness Personal Trainer, my mission is to help you reach your goals in a holistic way, whether through 1-2-1 coaching sessions, my 8-week Virtual Training Program (VTG), or my popular annual advent calendar of motivational quotes. I’m here to support and strengthen your success journey. In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite motivational quotes that keep me going when I struggle to stay active.
Feel free to print them, post them around your space, or save a screenshot as your phone’s lock screen to stay inspired throughout the day. And don’t forget to let me know what sayings keep you on track. Comment below to share with all of my readers.
“When you are not practicing, remember, someone somewhere is practicing, and when you meet him he will win.” – Ed Macauley
-Harvey MacKay
“What a man thinks of himself…determines, or rather indicates, his fate.” – Henry David Thoreau
-Adapted from Lucille Ball
“There’s a difference between interest and commitment. When you’re interested in doing something, you do it only when it’s convenient. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses; only results.” – Ken Blanchard
“Never underestimate your power to change yourself. Never overestimate your power to change others.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
“Many people fail in life, not for lack of ability or brains or even courage, but simply because they have never organised their energies around a goal.” – Elbert Hubbard
“Commitment is the wedge that drives open the door of momentum.” – Anonymous
by Mollie Millington | Mar 17, 2025 | product review, ski, travel
Spring skiing offers a unique experience that can’t be beaten. Blue skies, warmer temperatures, and abundant sunshine elevate your mood while on the slopes. A ski holiday is always a great time, but add in the opportunity to enjoy a cold drink under the sun, and it feels like you’ve found the perfect balance between a mountain getaway and a beach vacation. (Don’t forget to apply sunscreen!) If you’re considering a spring ski trip, Cervinia, Italy, in the Aosta Valley, is a must-visit destination. Known for its reliable snow and breathtaking views, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy skiing in Italy while soaking up some spring sunshine.
Never-ending season
Sunshine was not what I was expecting when we planned a trip to Italy to ski. We chose Cervino Ski Paradise based on a friend’s recommendation that you are guaranteed for there to be snow. At an altitude of 2600 metres, the temperatures should stay cold enough during the winter months to allow skiing without any risk of brown patches. And now Cervino Ski Paradise boasts a never-ending season. Open 11 months of the year (with September off for lift maintenance), there is never a bad time to hit the slopes. From 4 May, 2025, summer fares will be offered with skiing primarily limited to the Plateua Rosa glacier on the Swiss side and accessible by three chair lifts.
Our trip to Cervinia
We had a five day trip planned, with two travel days and three days to ski. Flying in and out of Turin, we ended up hiring a car rather than booking transfer to Cervinia as the car was slightly cheaper and gave us more flexibility. With a 7pm flight on our last day, we were tempted to plan a 4th day of skiing before heading home. Unfortunately, I had a pretty bad fall on the Sunday which meant no skiing on Monday.
From Turin airport, it was about a 2 hour drive to Cervinia. As we got higher up into the mountains, more snow started to appear along the roads. In the last few kilometers to our accommodation, we had to put on tire covers/socks (instead of chains) to give us enough traction to climb the hill (we only got stuck a few times before this). We rented a studio apartment through Booking.com that had parking, a ski equipment room, and was ski in/out. When we travel, we usually just look for a place to stay that are convenient, safe and clean. We are normally out all day so just needed a place to eat, sleep, and shower. While this place was a tight squeeze (we ended up using the bunk buds instead of the pull out couch to sleep), it was perfect for us to make breakfast, pack snacks for the mountain, and then have dinner. Even thought it could sleep four, I can’t imagine how everyone else would have fit.
It was a short walk downhill to get to Cieloalto lift, where we could strap on our gear (sadly, James is a snowboarder) and ski about 90% of the way to Breuil-Plan Maison lift. Our first morning, we tried to leave the flat ‘early’ but it took us some extra time to get organized. Once we got to the main ticket office, we learned that high winds were keeping the slopes shut and no lift tickets were being sold until the lifts opened. The Cervino Tourism board kindly provided me with a 3 day lift pass, so I was able to pick that up while James had to wait. It totally makes sense not to sell the lift tickets unless they are sure the mountain will open up. We waited over an hour, to the point where I badly needed a Red Bull or Diet Coke. I went up the road to try to find a shop or cafe which would help me get some caffeine into my veins. The ticket office had numerous vending machines but they were stocked with coffee, tea and healthy snacks whereas I was after sugar. Because we arrived so late the night before, we didn’t have time to stop at store to pick up any fizzy drinks for me. I made sure we did at the end of the day. Soon thereafter, the winds resided and we were able to make our way up the mountain to meet our friends and their kids.
The choice for families
Our friends, The Williams, have been to Cervino Ski Paradise twice, one time booking everything themselves in 2024 and this year they came as past of a package holiday with Crystal Ski. They are a family of five and it is because of their recommendation we booked our trip to Cervinia. Serendipitously, they were there on holiday at the same time we were. It was much easier having someone familiar with the mountain and village to guide us around to the all best spots when we were not there for very long.
In 2024, the Williams, Jenny, Chris, Max, Milo, and Penelope, stayed for 10 days at Basecamp Apartments at Cieloalto lift. While this is a ski in/out lift, you have to be fairly advanced (and good at planning) to make it back on your skis by the end of the day. There is a bus that runs from the city centre up to the Cieloalto lift (and beyond). We also used this bus to get back to our flat because it would have taken forever to walk back uphill while carrying our kit. While the skiing in/out is convenient, Jenny said they wanted to be closer to the lifts and village centre (thus not needing a car), so they booked a package holiday for the following year before they had even left from their first visit.
How did the package holiday compare? First off, it was slightly more expensive than their DIY apartment and for only 7 nights instead of 10. But the benefits outweighed that. The kids ski lessons, the airport transfers, and daily breakfasts were all included. The Williams still paid for their ski hire, ski passes and for Jenny’s private lessons. Staying at the Hotel Europa, they were 150m from the Cretaz lift – the closest they had ever been to a lift when skiing. It made things so much easier if they had to go back to the hotel to fetch something like extra layers. The hotel had a spa and pool (which they used each day). As the hotel was bed and breakfast only, they went out for dinner each day in the village and enjoyed lunch on the mountain. One tip Jenny has to share is to book restaurants ahead of time for dinner as they get busy in the evenings (because all the tourists are eating dinner out). I would add that if you want to enjoy time at a spa during your visit to Cervinia, be sure to book a hotel that has one. We could not find a spa with public access in the town.
Eat. Ski. Sleep. Repeat.
It is hard to show you here in photographs just how impressive the valley looks with blue skies surrounding you. Aside from the windy first day, the others were a repeat of: ski in the sun, stop to enjoy a morning coffee in the sun, ski some more, stop for al fresco lunch admiring the Matterhorn (should have worn more sunscreen), few last runs, apres ski drinks, and then bed. Keeping in mind that the Matterhorn is the world’s most photographed mountain, I did what I could to preserve this title. You will have to pop over to my Instagram to see some video footage of our trip because as I have said, these photos do not do it justice.
Things to know about the region
- New chairlift in Goillet area, which is a 6-seater with individual footrests, heated seats, and a transparent bubble to protect you on windy days
- To encourage younger people to ski, there is a new pricing scheme for those under 24. A regional agreement in the Aosta Valley aims to make skiing more accessible by giving those under 24 years old a 20% discount and under 16s a 30% discount.
- The 3S Matterhorn Alpine Crossing opened in July 2023 and connects Testa Grigia with Little Matterhorn, linking Breuil-Cervinia and Zermatt (which are only separated by the Matterhorn
- We enjoyed the Cretaz treadmill, which is protected by a clear tunnel and serves the baby hill. No ski pass required!
- The SnowXperience Plateau Rosa has snow tubing and a beginner’s slope.
- Other winter activities in the local area include: freeriding or heleski, cross-country ski, ski mountaineering, and snowshoeing.
For couples too
Even if you are just travelling as a duo, as compared to a large family, I would say Cervinia is still an ideal destination. It was easy for us to get around with our ski/in out accommodation with options to ski, walk or take a bus. Our studio flat was big enough for two of us and gave us the option to save some money by eating in. Lift passes were very affordable at 172 Euros for three days*. Although we had a big breakfast and packed snacks, we did enjoy lunch on the mountain each day. The first day, we ate near a lift because the wind caused it to close temporarily. We also lucky enough to enjoy lunch at Love* and Les Skieurs D’Antan*. One night, we had dinner out with The Williams in Cervinia village at Jour Et Nuit. There seemed to be a variety of restaurants and food trucks, from steak to Thai to pizza, that everyone should find something they like. Although we bought pasta and a few other bits for dinner, the lunches on the mountain were so filling we managed without dinner the other nights.
Exploring Aosta Valley
Unfortunately, on our last day of skiing, I had a nasty fall which ended with me taking a taxi (at a flat rate of 20 Euros) from the chairlift back to our apartment. I had to lie on the couch with ice on my leg for the rest of evening, which wasn’t much fun. The following morning, we had to be out of our apartment by 9am. As my leg and arm still hurt from the day before, we decided to explore Aosta Valley a bit more by driving over to Courmayeur for lunch to see Mount Blanc rather than squeeze in another day of skiing. We quickly left the snow behind as as we descended. Driving through Aosta Valley was beautiful with all the mountains off in the distance. And of course, the windy roads were fun to drive along. Before we returned to the airport, we stopped at the Turino Outlet Village because they had a Salomon and Ferrari outlet stores (and many high end brands). With longing memories of snowy mountains, we returned the car at the airport and boarded our plane.
This was my second time skiing in Italy (last time was in the Dolomites a long time ago). Both times I had blue skies and plenty of open piste to enjoy. Next year, I am going to forget about the French Alps and explore more of the Italian ski scene. After all, the coffee is much better in Italy (so I am told). Care to join me?
*My lift pass and our lunches at Love and Les Skieurs D’Antan were complimentary. Thanks to Cervinia Tourist Office for their support. All views are honest and my own.
My ski jacket is #gifted from Tog24. It was warm and toasty, as well as making it easy to spot me on the slopes.
by Mollie Millington | Mar 7, 2025 | ski
The tallest peak in Great Britain is 1345m at Ben Nevis in Scotland. This is a far cry from the Alps in Europe (4810m at Mount Blanc) or Scandinavia (2469m at Galdhøpiggen). On average, the UK gets 13 days of laying snowfall a year. These stats make it very challenging to learn how to ski if you live in the UK. Sure, up north in Scotland, you can access some outdoor ski resorts but the majority of people will struggle to find enough snow through the winter to make much progress when learning how to to ski.
Infinity Slope at South Wilts Ski Club
Aside from indoor ski centres, there are two other options to learn how to ski throughout the year in the UK. The first is South Wilts Ski Club (SWSC). It is one of two options I tried at the beginning of this year, with the other being a dry slope near home. To save you time and money, I am going to tell you all about both of these options so you will be ready to hit the slopes next year.
South Wilts Ski Club opened in October 2024 and it located about 20 minutes west of Stonehenge. It is an indoor ski slope which has a Infinity Slope Think of it as a giant treadmill which the slope’s angle and speed can be adjusted. I have had two lessons there (both #gifted) and found the instructors to be very friendly and approachable. They are able to communicate simply and effective instructions. Sadly, my stamina meant I only lasted about 10 minutes before my legs were too tired to carry on. Think about how often you stop for a rest on a long run. Would you be able to ski for 30 minutes without stopping? We were told that most people split their lessons with someone else.
This was my first proper ski lesson. My dad taught me to ski when I was little and my favorite runs are blue squares. I can make it down a black diamond but it will take me a while! During my first lesson, we took it back to basics with the pizza pie and french fries (IYKYK). My confidence was quickly bolstered and I was nearly carving by the end of the session. James came along to share the lesson with me as he has never tried skiing. He found them focused due to the nature of being 1-2-1 and felt he progressed rapidly over the session. Of course, it was physically tiring too. Being a snowboarder, his thighs are not used to working that way. Luckily, he is pretty athletic and caught on quickly. James and I split a 60 minute session and that was more than enough time for us both to spend on the slopes before our legs went to jelly.
My second session, I went with my friend, Elle, and we had a blast. She hadn’t skied in years and was looking for a refresher. Her lesson started off similar to James’ (using the bar and moving across the slope) but she quickly found her feet and was practicing her pizza pies. I was able to pick up where I left off from a few weeks prior and was able to spend more time on carving. Unfortunately, I did ski off the side of the treadmill a few times but the instructor always had the emergency stop button in their hand to prevent accidents.
SWSC provide boots, skis, poles, and a helmet as part of your fee (£100 for 30 minutes at peak time with packages available). They also have a club house lounge where you can relax before or after your lesson. Within a few short months being open, they have had to expand the number of instructors and are fully booked. Most recently, they have added a SkyTech Ski Simulator which allows you to perfect your stance and build up your ski specific muscles year round.
The other benefits of SWSC include:
- Personalised one-on-one coaching with recorded video feedback for precision improvement.
- No time wasted getting back up the slope. In contrast, a run on a dry ski slope is 10-20 seconds and takes five times longer to get back up again. Even in a ski resort the ratio of skiing to lift time is 1:5.
- One hour non-stop at full speed on our slope is the equivalent of skiing from the top of Everest to sea level!
- In a one-hour session we can teach you as much as a whole morning on the nursery slopes.
- The surface is always the same, the weather is the same and there is no one to crash into you. You can focus on your technique.
- Great for introducing children to skiing before their first ski holiday so you can quickly skip the nursery slopes.
Dry slopes
If you are not close to SWSC or it is a little bit out of your price range, dry slopes are also an option. I have one a short drive away from me as part of the Better Gym Gosling Park. One Saturday morning, I headed over on the bus to give it a try. For £14, I was given skis, boots, poles, a helmet and one hour lift pass. I took the button lift to the top (only 40m up) and surveyed my options for the decent. The dry slope is made of thick bristles which I found made it quite slow to get down the hill. This particular slope was pretty wide and I had the place to myself. You definitely need to wear long sleeves and long trousers (which the gym recommends) because if you fall, it could be extremely abrasive on your skin.
40m is not a very long descent so I could only a few turns in before I was at the bottom. I was afraid I would hit a joint in the ‘carpet’ and trip but I only fell at the top as I went to start my run while filming a video selfie. One hour was plenty of time for me to get some (very short) runs in. Lessons are available and I think would be a good option for people wanting to learn how to ski on a budget. At this slope, you are not allowed to teach friends and family to ski but given the tricky nature of the dry slope’s surface, I think this is ok.
Which do you prefer?
In 2018, I was able to try Snozone in Milton Keynes which is an indoor facility with artificial snow all year round. In fact, it it Europe’s largest indoor real snow centre. One hour adult lift passes seem to currently start at £32.99 for off peak times and include the hire of skis and poles/ snowboards, boots and a helmet. The slopes and amenities may have changed since Covid, so if you have been there recently, please let a comment below and let me know what you thought of the facility.
Of course, skiing on a sunny slope is always best but I also like the idea of not having to “waste” my time at a ski resort in lessons. I see the above options as ways to supplement the time I spend on skis in the Alps. Since moving to the UK, we have only been able to go skiing once every two or three years. With local options in the UK now available, I will be able to get a few sessions in before out next trip to the mountains.
Thanks to South Wilts Ski Club for the complimentary session. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Feb 23, 2025 | race review, running, WMM
Many years ago, a friend challenged me to run 52 marathons in 52 weeks. I said absolutely not but I will do the Abbott World Marathon Majors instead. Fast forward 10 years later and she has run several hundred marathons and I am struggling to complete my 6 stars. But I am nearly there now! In 2024, I managed to complete my 5th star with the Tokyo Marathon. The 2025 race is coming up on Sunday 2 March so I thought I should finally share my thoughts on this race (as best I can remember).
My story starts in the summer of 2019, I woke up at 2am to secure a charity entry place for the 2020 Tokyo marathon (you can see where this is going). I donated about £700 to Florence Charity (which offers day care and schooling for children with special needs amongst other things) and then bought my race entry fee for £150. There are a few different ways to gain entry to Tokyo Marathon with charities. You can either make a donation upfront to the charity (similar to a bid) or fundraise as much as you can and then earn your entry. There isn’t a JustGiving (or similar platform) so it can be tricky to fundraise the money you already donated back. This was the cheapest donation entry I had for the World Marathon Majors, so I was happy to donate and not have to add more stress to my training by asking people for money.
Turns out, I had to reschedule my trip twice due to Covid and restrictions for foreign visitors not on an organized tour. Aside from March 2020, I was supposed to race in October 2021 but there was too much up in the air with international travel to commit. I finally made it in March 2024. There were still regulations in place to keep runners safe, such as to using an app to register whether you had a fever every day for a week or two before and after the race.
Sadly, I don’t have many photos from the race as I was filming on a small sports camera for a vlog. I lost this footage along with some Kyoto city tour photos I logged on to a temporary admin profile on my laptop in haste. Lesson learned!
Without further ado, here is information from my experience running the 2024 Tokyo Marathon.
Entries and fees
As mentioned above, I decided to enter via a charity route in 2020, which the organization and charity kindly let me keep my place until 2024. While I paid an entry fee in 2020 (and received a large parcel with all of the 5Km race and marathon finish line goodies plus my 2020 medal at the 2024 expo). I was required to pay an additional race entry fee for the 2024 race and completely understand why. There was so much logistics and communication over the four years, I am surprised they didn’t charge people every time their rescheduled. Compared to the other WMM races I have done, it wasn’t too expensive (not counting the flights and accommodation).
Course and bogs:
The race starts on the west side of Tokyo in Shinjuku City and then ends near the Imperial Palace. There were not enough port-a-loos in our start corral for the number of people waiting which meant I split up from my friends. Just as I made it to the front of the queue, there was an announcement saying we had to start within 11 minutes but the start line was still a ways to walk. I was stubborn and stayed to use the loo and managed to start without any issue.
Along the course, there were many port-a-loos which were well sign-posted both with a warning that a toilet was near by and then volunteers were there with signs where it was time to come off the course. We didn’t run by too many famous landmarks (see the route I ran below). We did go close to the Hanazono Shrine (I think) and a shopping area that was on my tour. Otherwise, we passed a lot of 7-11s.
The course is said to be ‘flat’ but I would say that it is undulating. Strava tells me I had an elevation gain for 157 feet. Of course, I am very literal so would have preferred 0.
Location
Tokyo, Japan (see map above). The expo center and many events leading up to race (including the lululemon shake out run I went to) were in the Koto City area. I went back there nearly every day before the race (including for museums). Most people stayed in Japan either before or after the race to travel a bit. I will say that the jet lag was killer. I slept nearly an entire day after I arrived.
Atmosphere
Even though there were lots of people along the route, both spectating and working, there was not a lot of noise. I don’t know if it is true, but I was told culturally, Japanese people will not cheer unless you speak/cheer to them first. Of course, there were some international family and friends who had traveled with the runner that brought silly signs and they kept up the vibes. It was a sunny day so everyone was smiling.
The food along the course, both officially supplied and by the crowds, was a bit unusual for me so I didn’t try very much (nothing new on race day!). As a ran along, I saw people giving out Coca Cola and was grateful to have a 1/2 cup for a boost while I was flagging.
Race bling and goody bag
For this race, I walked away with two medals. No, not for my 6th star but for the 2024 and the 2020 races. I would like to commend the Tokyo Marathon race organizers for how well they handled all of the uncertainty during the pandemic. Financially and administratively, it must not have been easy for them.
The goody bag had bath salts and limited snacks. It also had a McDonald’s gift voucher. After I received by 2024 medal, I went to over to the Florence charity celebration for their runners. It was a bit confusing to get to as it involved sub-terrain walkways. Many runners headed here as it was where the official changing rooms are. Since it took me a while to finish the race, there wasn’t much time to enjoy the free snacks and drinks with Florence. My main priority was the sports massage which I was able to receive. After I changed, I can’t believe I went to McDonalds (even when I had to climb stairs to enter the restaurant and then needed a lift to find seating). I knew once I got to the hotel, I would not leave again and just wanted something very salty.
Tips if you want to take part next time
Communication: Organizer emails can be tricky to read because they are written in very formal English. Take your time to read through them as they do contain lots of helpful info. You can also log on to the race portal for more helpful info there.
Expo: Wear comfy shoes because the lines are long to both enter and collect your bib on Thursday. Bring food with you because there are only a few vending machines and one shop in the building where the expo is. There is a larger shop outside but it quickly was depleted in stock. Everyone going crazy for official WMM kit (the videos I saw were crazy!) but I wasn’t that bothered about it. Personally, I don’t think the 2024 WMM designs were that cool anyways. It is no where near the size/energy of the other WMM expos I have attended. Do stop by the charity stalls as there are many and you can let your friends know which ones to register for next year.
Strict rules for start area: No liquids allowed and they mean it. I had to throw away an opened tin of anti-chafe wax which made me very sad. If you plan on carrying water during the race, you need to fill soft flasks within the starting corals (which are huge and do not have many rubbish bins).
Along the course: Remember, Japan doesn’t not have rubbish bins on city streets and no one litters. Plan on carrying your rubbish with you until there are bins along the course.
Finish line: I had to pay to have my checked bag transported to finish line. It was not very expensive and definitely worth IMO. I did receive a towel poncho at the finish line which would have helped keep me warm, but I preferred having dry clothes too.
Best of luck to everyone running in 2025. Be sure to leave comments below with tips from this year’s race.
by Mollie Millington | Jan 17, 2025 | ski, travel
Winter ski season is here and many people will be headed out soon for quality time on the slopes. It can be hard to know what to pack and how to maximize your luggage space, especially when the airlines keep changing the rules, so I though I would share my tips on how and what to pack for a skiing holiday.
Tip #1: Check airline regulations for baggage. Some airlines consider ski boots and skis to be one item, while others count them as two bags. Don’t forget to check how much a checked bag is when booking flights on budget airlines. It may be a better value to pay for a flight that includes one hold bag if you are earning airline miles rather than paying for each little extra (like a reserved seat, drinks, and snacks). Be sure to read the luggage and sports equipment policy of the airline you are flying with. Snowboard bags can usually hold boots too so you just need to check your bag falls within the allowed oversized luggage dimensions.
A recent tip I saw on Instagram was to use a double ski bag even if you only have one pair of skis. For example, British Airways says the maximum ski/snowboard bag size you can have is 190 x 75 x 65cm. This expandable ski/snowboard bag (with wheels!) measures 145-175 x 17 x 32cm. Use this massive luggage allowance to your advantage and all you need to do is stay within the maximum weight. If you are feeling generous, feel free to send me the Tramline Quad 170 Hardside (in pink, of course). Measuring 180 x 35 x 22cm, it has built in compartments for your helmet, poles and clothes.
Tip #2: Use clothes to pad equipment. If you don’t have a hard cased ski bag, pack your soft goods (long underwear, ski socks, snow pants, comfy clothes, pajamas, and swim suit) in your ski bag. By wrapping the clothes around your skis and poles, you know your kit will be protected from damage in the hold. Toiletries and sneakers can go into your boot bag (which can be used as a carry on) which limits the need to check an additional bags for an added cost. It is much more fun to spend that money on the après ski.
Tip #3: Wear snow boots and helmet (read my tips on how to choose one here) on plane. You probably know this, but wearing your bulky clothes on the plane will save room in your luggage. If you have big boots for the snow, you should wear these along with your ski jacket and any other big layers. Of course you can remove the extra layers once the flight is underway but this tactic will save space in your luggage. Also, it is best practice to carry your helmet on the plane with you. Checking it in the hold puts it at risk for damage from being crushed or banged up which means it will be less effective or need to be replaced sooner.
Tip #4: Dress for the weather. You never know what the weather will be like in the mountains. Be sure to pack outerwear that is versatile, such as being breathable and waterproof. You need to be warm as you ride the chair lift but then also cool as you make your way down the hills. It is usually best to wear layers in case the weather changes. Merino wool allows for temperature regulation and comes in a variety of thicknesses to suit the climate you are in. The other great thing about merino is that it doesn’t smell after a few sweaty wears. That means you can pack less for longer trips (although it is good to have a back up in case you get wet).
If you don’t ski often enough to justify buying ski clothes, check out Ecoski. They hire out ski gear and also sell used kit in w wide variety of sizes. They only sell sustainable brands so no matter what you purchase or rent from the site, you know you are making an eco-friendly choice.
Tip #5: Think about snacks and an easy lunch. We make GORP (equal parts peanuts, raisins, M&Ms and granola) to eat on the mountain and pack protein bars too. Food and drinks on the mountain can be very expensive and take a long time to queue for before struggling to find a seat. I prefer having portable snacks I can eat on the chair lift, or a large sandwich, to maximize my time on the slopes. A hot breakfast and proper dinner balance me out. The trails and lift lines tend to be empty while everyone is getting lunch, so I prefer to be on the slopes from 11am-1pm. I suggest you plan your day around that window.
Tip #6: Don’t forget the little things. Even thought I wasn’t in Girl Scouts for very long as a child, I still like to always be prepared. Tissues, sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, a water bottle, hand warmers, a battery pack with cable, and sunglasses are the essentials I like to have on hand when I am out skiing. By wearing a small rucksack, I have everything with me to prevent trips back to the hotel room. A bag is also handy to hold your hat, gloves, and goggles when walking around the resort village.
These are my top tips on how to pack for a ski trip. If your accommodation has a washing machine, you can do laundry and pack even less. I prefer to bring two changes of long underwear and regular clothes in case something gets wet.
Did I forget anything? What do you always pack when you are headed towards the slopes?
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by Mollie Millington | Nov 29, 2024 | gift guide, product review, ski
Happy Black Friday! If you’re new to the tradition, Black Friday falls the day after Thanksgiving (on the 4th Thursday of November) and is known for incredible deals and discounts. To kick off the winter season, I’m excited to share my Black Friday Gift Guide for Skiers and Snowboarders! Over the next few months, my content will focus on all things related to skiing, snowboarding, and snowy mountain adventures. This guide is just the beginning. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, snowshoeing, or enjoying après ski activities, these hand-picked gifts are perfect for anyone who loves snow days and winter sports. Get ready to find the ultimate gifts for outdoor enthusiasts this season (or for yourself)!
Before you go
We start off with getting ready for the trip, you may want to refresh your skills with ski lessons. The options in the UK are limited and I recently tried a new option in Wiltshire. The South Wilts Ski Club* (1) is located in Bapton and offers 30 and 60 minute lessons on a dry slope. James and I shared a 60 minute lesson and after 10 minutes my legs felt jelly. We swapped every 15 minutes and my calves need a good stretch during that break. Even though James had never skied before (he is a ‘boarder), he picked up the basics of “pizza pie” and “French fries” quite quickly. My lesson was a bit of a refresher with pizza pie to get used to the carpeted slope and after my first break, I started to move towards parallel skiing. The instructor, Craig, said it can take people 1-3 sessions to get used to the slope so we were quite happy with how we did on our first go. Even though it has only been open a month, the sessions are full and folks are coming from 1-2 hours away to brush up on their skills before their 2025 ski holidays. Currently, there are membership packages available for both peak and off-peak slots. This club has loads of potential and after sure an explosive opening, I see it continuing to build and create amazing skiers in the Southwest.
The elephant in the room is that skiing is not a carbon-friendly hobby. A lot of travel is involved to find the snow. One way to offset this to repair and refresh your ski gear rather than replace it every trip (especially if you only manage to hit the slopes every other year). Nikwax Glove Proof (3) is a sustainable way to re-waterproof your gloves for the snow without having to replace it. If you want to make sure all your gear will stay dry on the slopes, you can use TX Direct for washing your ski jacket and trouser. They also have down wash and base layer detergent if you want to take care of your kit.
What to pack
Since my ski lesson, I have been reaching for Muscle Mechanics pain relief balm (2). I came across this female-owned small business at Wild Goat Festival and keep my supply nearby at all times. Not only do they have pain relief, but they also have Muscle Balm, Respiratory Balm and a Calm Balm to help with sleeping. Since they come in 50g tins, I keep them in my gym bag and travel bag to help me no matter where I am. You can event take them in your carry on.
If you are lucky enough to be headed out for your first ever ski trip and need to shop for the mountains, you will want to find outerwear that is comfortable, breathable, waterproof and warm. A hat is a good place to start. While I have never skied in Austria, there is meant to be some great slopes there. If you find yourself in St Anton, blend in with the locals with the Frans hat (5). Moving on, you need to have a solid set of base layers to keep the chill away. Artilect Flatiron 185 base layers* (4) are great for temperature control (I took them to Antarctica), with a nice stretch to the fabric, and merino wool helps hold off the smell if you need to wear them a few days in a row (needs must with limited luggage allowance!). A TOG24 Hilder fleece pullover in a bright Starry Night print (6) is useful to have as an extra layer in case you get chilly out on the slopes (it will also make you easy to find in the pub). For outerwear, Ellis Brigham now carries Descente ski gear for men and women (7). I have not tried this line but I have tried their premium running gear and loved the trouser and zip up hoodie I had (to be honest, I am not even sure if they still make running gear).
Being the good Girl Scout that I am, I always like to be prepared. Carrying a bag when out skiing allows me to have a few things on hand in case I need them. In case you don’t have time for a proper breakfast as you aim to get first tracks on the slopes, keep a Hydroflask Insulated Shaker* (8) handy. Pop some protein in with warm or cold milk and head out the door. You can enjoy in the car or keep on hand for the chair lift, then refill with water later in the day. The Osprey Firn bag (9) is a good way to carry your shaker, along with snacks and sunscreen. This bag is perfect for the slopes too because it has a ski lasso system which allows you to strap your skis on the pack without having to take it off. This is so helpful if you need to carry your skis from the car to the slope or if you prefer to skin up the mountain. Throw a Paramo Grid Neckwarmer (10) in your bag too because it is so versatile, wicking and quick drying. The fabric also offers temperature control, helping you remain warm or cool. Wear it around your neck, your head, or use as a hankie. The last key item to keep in your bag is a Fold N Roll (11). This innovative packing organizer will keep a spare set of clothes for you or the kids in a neat little bundle. Once you get off the slopes, it is a quick change into dry clothes more suitable for après ski.
These days, a proper skier should wear a helmet. Salomon’s unisex Brigade helmet (12) is the first fully recyclable helmet on the market. It is very light, weighing less than 500g, and offers medium ventilation. It is so important to protect your brain when you head out for adventurous sports. If you don’t have a helmet yet, this is a must-have from Santa. With your head protected, you can head out for speed on the slopes. Leki’s Airfoil 3D aluminium ski poles (13) are perfect for tight turns and the teardrop shape allows for fantastic aerodynamics. The seamless glove to pole contact allows for high responsiveness and the gloves unclip easily when it’s time to ride up the chairlift.
Après ski
After an amazing day outdoors exploring the mountain, it is time to relax back at the chalet by the fire. Enjoy Baileys in your hot chocolate while wrapped in your Simba Hybrid duvet with Strata temperature control* (14). We received one a few weeks ago and it has been perfect to keep us snug at night with the weather changing daily outside. Before heading to bed, apply Voila Pure Retinal Moisturizer (15) to help repair and protect your skin after a day in the sun and wind (don’t forget to wear sunscreen during the day).
My fashion style isn’t the most sophisticated and I love to wear a graphic t-shirt in the summer. For this winter, I would love a Joules Summit Cream Quarter Zip Ski Jumper (16). This long-sleeved top contains recycled wool and is still machine washable. Plus how cute is the back? Keen Howsers are casual slides* (17) that can double as travel slippers to keep your feet warm indoors and out. I took a pair to Japan earlier this year and found them great for flying too (because you don’t have any laces to tie). James is now a convert too and wears his indoors or to pop to the garage.
After a ski holiday away, a sports therapy treatment at Wellness and Beauty Clinic in West Hampstead, London (18)*. The treatment can help ease the pains of the muscles you don’t normally use day-to-day but were in high demand on the ski slopes. Use my affiliate code PTWBC10 for 10% off your first treatment (of any full price treatment, not just sports therapy). Of course, you can also visit the clinic before your trip too to make sure it is in tip top shape for the slopes.
Above is a variety of gift ideas in a wide budget range for your loved ones who are planning a ski trip. There is something for everyone and I hope it helps you find the perfect gift. If you noticed I have left something essential off the list, please do leave a comment below and let me know. For more ski content, keep checking back. In January and February, I am headed to Europe for skiing with the Outdoor Adventure Girls and James. The plan is to share info about the resorts and snow on Instagram in real time. Let it snow!
For items marked with * I was given a complimentary item or experience. All opinions are honest and my own. In addition, Amazon links in this post are affiliate links. Remember, affiliate links and codes cost you nothing extra to use and help me fund this website.
by Mollie Millington | Aug 5, 2024 | outdoors, product review
It has been a while since I was scheduled to complete the National Three Peaks challenge (N3PC). You may have seen on Instagram that I was hospitalized shortly before the scheduled weekend, which meant I had to cancel my place. From what I saw in the Whatsapp group, the women who were able to take part did incredible and were able to achieve their goals. Of course, I was a bit jealous of them but also very happy that they were happy. Plus now I have an extra year to train.
Over the last few months, I have been training for this event which also meant testing out kit and fuel to help me prepare. The Outdoor Adventure Girls provided me with a packing list. Most of the items I had, such as a rucksack that holds a Camelbak; waterproof and warm layers; neck pillow for the car; battery pack, and flip flops. I knew there were a few essential items that I would need to spend a bit more time locating that would ensure I was comfortable during the challenge.
First and foremost, I needed sturdy hiking boots. These boots would need to be waterproof, comfortable to walk in, and support my ankles. Luckily for me, my friends at Salomon gifted me a pair of X Ultra 360 Mid Gore-Tex hiking boots*. This stable shoe offers a high level of foot protection, all-terrain grip, and will keep your feet drive. As soon as I put this boot on, it instantly feel comfortable on my foot. There was barely a need to break them in. I just had to get used to tying the laces a little looser to avoid aggravating my Achilles tendinopathy. In early May, James and I went camping in (wet) Scotland and these boots helped keep my feet dry.
Most people suggest hiking boots for the National Three Peaks challenge as your ankles will need a lot of support as your body fatigues over the course of the weekend. Be sure to invest in a good pair of boots months before the challenge (if possible). Take the boots out for many hikes in varying terrain to make sure you are comfortable. I also suggest reading ‘Fixing Your Feet’ to help you harden your skin and preventatively tape them up. It is worth paying for the expensive athletic tape because it will last longer and keep your feet happy.
The next item that is important to your overall comfort over the challenge weekend is a pair of hiking poles. In the past, I have never been on Team Poles. Of course, I had them for the ultramarathon in Jordan but didn’t use them every day (looking back, I should have practiced with them more in sand). I never use them on other runs or hikes before I turned 40 (not even Kilimanjaro). I don’t know if I am older and wiser now, out of shape or carrying more supplies, but I used them in Antarctica and in Scotland for our camping weekend (which included climbing Ben Nevis which had snow at the top) and it made a world of difference. Now my Leki Sherpa mountaineering poles* will have to be content with warming up on the Surrey Three Peaks Challenge, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike over separate treks. They are ready to go though as I invested in rubber pads to prevent the poles from slipping on rocks. The baskets are handy for when I am trekking through snow again at higher elevations.
If you go shopping for poles, keep in mind they need to be the proper length for your height. Some can also fold down and/or be very light in weight. These features can come at a premium but depending on how often you will use them and if you need to carry them in your rucksack over long distances, it may be worth every penny. Leki has a very cool feature on some of their poles that are a strap that easily hooks on the pole and releases quickly if you need to grab something out of your bag. This feature is included on some of the higher end models that require quick release. You might not need this on a normal hike but for something that is timed, like the N3PC, it might be worth it.
A big element that will lead to comfort for the N3PC is fueling properly. Not only will you have to eat on the go as you climb, you will need to eat in the car with food you have packed. One my my friend’s who is very experienced with hiking recommended ham and cheese sandwiches for when you are on the mountain. Keep in mind that you need to be able to eat while you are walking when doing N3PC. There isn’t enough time to stop and eat as time is of the essence. My favorite snack when hiking is GORP (good old raisins and peanuts). Of course, I add M&Ms to make it a bit sweeter. Full disclaimer, this is NOT easy to eat on the go ( I drop crumbs everywhere) but agrees with my stomach. I also tried a variety of granola bars on my practice hikes and keep my leftover running gels leftover in my bag for emergencies.
Hydration is a key part of fueling too. It was suggested that we carry 2L of water for each hour of climbing. Maintaining a good balance of salts while exercising and sweating will be critical to succeed in a 24 hour challenge like N3PC. As part of my training, I was testing out Humantra*. Their little sachets are sugar-free, plant-based, and contain six essential electrolytes. I just wish they had a caffeinated option! All the flavours I have tried so far have been great (Himalayan lime, Elderberry, Berry Pomegranate). The sachets are light and very small, taking up little space. You can stuff them in your pocket and add to your water as needed. I keep a few in my office for a boost in the afternoon rather then having a caffeinated fizzy drink.
Lastly, I want to be mentally comfortable too. For me, that means knowing how far I have climbed, what elevation I am at, and my heart rate. The Suunto Race* has an outstanding battery life, an altimeter, barometer, heart rate monitor, blood oxygen sensor and so much more (like a vibrating alarm, receiving your phone notifications and queueing your music). Not only can you instantly upload your hike to Strava (once you have mobile data reception) but you don’t need to worry about charging your watch or having a back up watch (like I did for my desert ultra).
Don’t worry, I am going to give this challenge a go next year. I am always up for new advice on this specific hiking challenge or any endurance challenge (I am doing 100km Race to the Stone next year too!). Leave a comment below with your tips or suggestions on other crazy challenges.
*Items marked with * were gifted. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Apr 17, 2024 | product review, technology
For the last 5 years, I have been wearing my Suunto 5 nearly 24 hours a day. I invested in the watch after my desert ultra, where I had to switch between watches as there was no where to charge them. Technology is not my strongpoint, meaning I have simple needs when it comes to a GPS watch. My priorities are it being waterproof (for work, although I take it off when I shower), long battery life (I want to charge is less than once a week), different sports modes (my running, indoor cycling, paddle boarding, etc), GPS accuracy (if it’s not on Strava, it doesn’t count!), heart rate (to keep me in the correct zone), and ideally good sleep monitoring.
Suunto watches also have fantastic map features, including bread crumb trails to retrace your steps and the ability to upload maps. I have yet to try either of these as I mostly stick to paved roads when I am out running. #adventurestartshere is Suunto’s motto and my Suunto 5 made it to Antarctica and back. See my Strava profile to look at where I walked and camped on my 7th continent. I also noticed last week that there is also a digital compass and will be trying it out as I prepare for my National Three Peaks challenge and coastal navigation.
The Race was released in the autumn of 2023 and I was lucky enough to be loaned one for the last two months of marathon training before Tokyo. It is a little larger than my Suunto 5 which means it dominates my dainty wrist. Personally, I find the large bright display easy to read when I am running or teaching indoor cycling. On the way to Japan, I could tell who was a runner by the size of their watch and fancy trainers on their feet. I fit right in! The Race display will flash up when you move your wrist which is a helpful way to preserve battery. You can also have a ‘quiet mode’ where the display will not show with movement so it doesn’t wake you up at night. I charge the watch every other week when I am not marathon training. During the last two months before Tokyo Marathon, I had to charge it once a week.
Like the 5, you have to sync your watch to the Suunto app to log your workouts, which can then be automatically uploaded to Strava if your accounts are linked. The Suunto app also allows you to track friends and comment on their workouts. With the Race, I used the Bluetooth connection to receive notifications when out on morning runs before work. This saved me from having to pull my phone out of my running vest every time I heard a notification go off (we use Whatsapp to let each other know if we are running late or first the first person in has a question). You can also receive mobile notifications and adjust your music playlist via the watch.
The alarm feature was very handy in my capsule hotel the last night I was in Japan. We were not allowed to use alarms as to not disturb the other hotel guests. My friend suggested I set my watch to vibration mode and that did the trick.
Just before Easter, I caught a cold that was going around work that lasted 2.5 weeks (which is why this post is so delayed!). I found the Race to be incredibly helpful in justifying whether I should rest or not (it was usually rest). Suunto has their own algorithm for training and recovery: Chronic Training Load, Fatigue Acute Training Load, and Training Stress Score (which is the difference between these two scores). Aside from this, it also counts steps, burned calories, heart rate, sleep, resources. Recovery is monitored by heart rate variability. Sunnto says “If your HRV values consistently fall below your normal range, it is an indication of a compromised recovery state. This could be caused by chronic stress, inadequate sleep, overtraining, or an underlying health condition.” If you wear your watch 24/7, including when you sleep, the available data will be much more accurate and help you maximize your training plans. Looking at FORM (left side of above photo) shows your progress. You can see here that in my 3rd month of marathon training, I began to improve my fitness level (finally!). My Training Stress Score (middle of above photo) gives me the green light to start training while the heart rate variability (right side of photo) indicates that more rest may be needed. Note these screenshots are all from different dates so cannot be used in reference to each other. Hopefully you can see how each piece of data can be applied as an indication of how to proceed with your training.
Last week I discovered that the sleep monitoring is more in depth than I originally thought. It has a visual display on the watch itself of how much sleep is spent in different cycles, deep, REM, and awake. I always threaten to wake James up every time I do but he will probably relate better to a graphical representation. Being perimenopausal, sleep is a challenge. If I drink too much alcohol, I don’t sleep well. Body temperature can also influence my sleep. Being able to track my sleep quantity and quality will be useful in determining what impacts my rest and lead to a positive behavioural change.
Wearing this watch, I can 100% say #AdventureStartsHere. It was so useful while marathon training and then overcoming a cold while training to maintain my fitness for the National Three Peaks challenge which I am completing in late June. I know the mapping and compass features will be essential as I complete some intense day hikes over the next two months. Feel free to join me at Wild Goat Festival at the end of May for hiking, running, and gravel biking, along with talks and music. Use MOLLIEMILLI15 for 15% off your tickets and enjoy the outdoors with me.
Do you prefer to run with a GPS watch or ‘naked’? What data produced by your watch do you refer to most? Let me know in the comments below?
by Mollie Millington | Feb 14, 2024 | gift guide, health
Love is in the air. Happy Valentine’s Day to you! I hope you treat yourself to some amazing self care treats. In the spirit of self love and body acceptance, this gift guide is meant to help people who are going through perimenopause and menopause. It can be a dark journey (with over 30 different symptoms to combat) and I hope that these ideas can help you support people affected in your circle, or even help you cope. Most of these I have not tried myself (I will say if I have) so please do some research before investing in any products or services.
How about a spa break? Using elements ranging from acupressure to phytohormones and more to address the side effects of menopause and enable women to enjoy their wellbeing holistically. Spabreaks.com offer some of the best spa breaks for women in menopause. Spa Breaks.com has 27 different listings that offer this service. Gift vouchers are available if you are not sure which would be best. I know this treatment is on my list for 2024.
Earlier in the year, Charlotte Blackler launched the UK’s first food range specifically designed to incorporate plant oestrogens to bring women natural relief from unwanted symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Eating a diet which contains high levels of plant oestrogens can help keep those fluctuating hormone levels of perimenopause and menopause in balance. Mena Pause shop offers subscription services and bundles of their products to support women by providing tasty grab-and-go options they could easily fit into a busy lifestyle. If you are opposed to hormone replacement therapy, these foods might be of help.
You may recall that in 2022, I reviewed the Forth Perimenopause test and found it very insightful. I was able to take my results (shown above) to my doctor and that prompted them to order a hormone blood test via the NHS. While the at-home kits blood collection is not as good as one with a phlebotomist, I liked how the Forth test kits have you submit samples based on your menstrual cycle, rather than a random day/time like the NHS. Your results will be included in a comprehensive hormone report.
One of the hardest things I have had over the last few years has been poor quality sleep. For a while, I blamed Maple waking up several times a night (and then sleeping on the floor with her). I tried pillow spray, scented candles, essential oils, and couldn’t find a way to improve my sleep. While researching this gift guide, Earth’s Secret Sleep supplements came to my attention. These are formulated to help perimenopausal women sleep easier. For most women, menopause is when your oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate rapidly before eventually dropping. These hormones play a key role in regulating your energy levels. This fluctuation leave you exhausted with low energy levels and can also lead to other symptoms that may interfere with your quality of life. Anxiety, depression, hot flushes, night sweats, and frequent urination can also disturb your sleep or keep you awake and only exacerbate your fatigue and dampen your mood. Earth’s Secret Sleep Complex was formulated to provide the necessary rest that our bodies require to function correctly. Saffron, a rich Indian spice, and other sleep-inducing botanicals are used to improve the quality of your sleep. It is also combined with the power of tart cherry, passionflower, lavender, and chamomile. This may be another product I have to try (although marathon training has helped ensure I have slept soundly over the last few months).
In the research I have done about weight gain and fitness training during menopause to feel fit and healthy again, the answer seems to be lifting heavy weights. Therefore, working with a knowledgeable personal trainer can make a world of difference. Invest in coaching with my friend Elle, a Menopausal Coach and personal trainer. She recently completed a menopause coaching certification and now offers a three month coaching subscription which can make a great gift.
One of the hardest parts of perimenopause for me has been the incontinence. It took me a long time (and lots of pants) to find period pants that worked for my incontinence when at work and when exercising. Cheeky Wipes is a brand I only recently have been introduced to and yet to try. They offer period pants, cloth pads, and incontinence products. Pants and pads can help to manage leaks, floods and clots in a discreet and comfortable manner. Whether you prefer pants or pads is a personal preference. I prefer pants for incontinence and pads for my period.
These are just a few suggestions to help you (or a friend) through the change. With so many symptoms, each person experiences something different and needs assistance in a different way. I posted some of my coping mechanisms here and would love for you to leave a comment below with other products, services, and tips you have for surviving this transition period.
by Mollie Millington | Jan 15, 2024 | Uncategorized
Today is Blue Monday, which means it is the most depressing day of the year. Christmas is a distant memory and winter has set in on the Northern Hemisphere. You may be wavering on your new year resolutions too. Today doesn’t have to be the day you give up on anything. Whether is was a goal, a dream vacation, a promotion, or a seat on the morning train, you can obtain whatever you are dreaming off (I can coach you on setting SMART goals, just get in touch to arrange). Let’s say you joined a gym last month of this month to ‘get in shape’. That definition can mean a something different to everyone. Whatever it means, I assume you will be planning on going to the gym regularly. So once you are there, how can you make the most of your gym membership to achieve your goals?
After joining a gym, you will probably have an induction of some sort to give you a walk through the facility and potentially some instruction on how to use the equipment. After that, it is up to you. You joined for a reason and now it is time to get your money’s worth (you can read my tips on how to choose a gym here). Ensure you understand exactly what the membership offers and choose a facility that matches your interests. Some gyms have tiered memberships (on-peak vs off-peak, with group exercise classes or without, 24 hours vs 6am to 10pm) and each level will have different features. If you are primarily interested in group exercise classes, verify the timetable matches your availability. Once you join, try everything that is available to you- each piece of equipment, each area, each class- to see what else you can use to reach your goals.
Matt Reynolds, Business and Marketing Development Manager at Redbridge Sports and Leisure, also stresses that members need to establish a routine. ‘Gym users that find a routine in the first 12 weeks are far more likely to stick to their training programme and achieve greater results.’ Reynolds says. ‘Keep initial goals simple and think creatively about how you can increase activity in your daily life too.’ One tip to help ensure you make it a regular part of your day is to stop at the gym either on the way to work or before stopping home in the evening. Most people find it hard to leave the couch once they sit down (myself included), so prevent that from becoming an issue. Keep healthy snacks in your desk to fight off hunger pains that might tempt you to cook dinner first or change into your workout clothes before you leave the office. The good news if that we are only three weeks into the new year so you still have time to tweak your new routine and still stick to it.
Another tip is to keep the mental load low by renting a locker. Life is so much simpler if you can leave toiletries, a towel, and change of clothes at the gym rather than carry all that to and from work. It also allows for spontaneity should you finish a meeting early or pass the gym on the way home from brunch on the weekend. Another option is to leave a few things at work in case you do forget something, such as a sports bra, socks, clean underwear, face wipes, or deodorant. I would suggest protein shakes and granola bars too just in case you need a protein hit after a workout or fuel before you hit the gym.
Don’t forget that what you do outside the gym will affect how successful your membership is too. Beau Scott, of Cardiff Sports Nutrition, recommends feeding your body to compliment the time spent in the gym. He has two tips. First, consume adequate amounts of protein after a session. This will help your muscles repair and reduce the occurrence of DOMS (delayed onset of muscle soreness). Less DOMS gets you back on gym floor sooner, ready for the next training session. Second, Scott says “Carbohydrates are what will give you the energy you need to give 100% during your sessions without worrying about nodding off at your desk. Incorporate carbs, from sources such as sweet potatoes, fruit, pasta and rice, into your meals to keep energy levels up.” I find counting macros (carbs, protein and fat) a good way to ensure I am eating balanced meals and ensuring my body is benefitting too. Balancing macros also means you will feel fuller longer after a meal or a snack. Therefore, don’t avoid carbs or fats because they are ‘bad.’ Do some research (look for science-based evidence from experts) and learn what foods are the nest to provide you will the carbs and fats that you will benefit from. The gym may have a nutritionist or dietician on hand who can help you plan your meals so be sure to ask.
Lastly, find a buddy! I know this is a simple one but the accountability of having to meet someone at the gym makes it much more challenging to skip a session. Arrange to meet a friend, colleague, or neighbor (you can even introduce yourself to someone at the gym) at a specific time/day. It doesn’t mean you have to train together when you do meet (obviously, you can if you want to). The social aspect of spending time with someone can help your wellbeing too. Plenty of my clients come to me to vent as we workout together. I am happy to listen and your gym buddy may be too.
Ultimately, gym memberships will only “work” when you use them. I love the Henry Ford quote “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” Get yourself to the gym and give it your all if you want to see an improvement. Ask the gym staff for help if you aren’t seeing progress you want. Keep in mind that what you eat/drink outside the gym will affect the final outcome too. Moving your body will keep you young, as well as strengthen your heart (which is a muscle) and lungs. Congratulations for putting your health first.
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