Longtime Natural Ketosis client and Keto advocate Victoria is embarking on an amazing 3000 mile journey on the World's Toughest Row across the Atlantic from La Gomera to Antigua later this year. Read on to learn about why Victoria loves to stay active not just in training for her row but for the overall benefits it brings.


"Whilst you don’t ’need’ to do any exercise when following a keto diet plan, I think it would be sad to miss out on all the joys of movement. I love to move, anything from a walk, hike, jog, cycle, kayak, row or swim – I love it all. To move the body is such a joyous experience. This year, a lot of my focus has been on weight training too because I will need to be stronger for my ocean row than I have ever been before.

My principals with exercise are simple, USE IT OR LOSE IT, our bodies are designed to be active. Your body wants to move and you will benefit from adding in some sort of strength work too. Pilates and Yoga are very effective too. Especially as we get older, strong muscles are even more important than ever.  Some of my top tips, whatever your chosen activity:

1.       Don’t go too hard too soon – keep your heart rate at an easy aerobic pace, that meant making sure I was slightly out of breath but could still talk.
2.       A fast walk is just as good for you as a run, for some it is crucial initially to keep it easy paced.
3.       Build up your distances week by week – whatever activity you do.
4.       Make sure you drink a pint of water before a session.
5.       Track your progress, it’s very satisfying to see your improvements.
6.       Train first thing in the morning if you can, before eating.
7.       Enjoy being outdoors, in the fresh air, it is invigorating.

Remember, USE IT OR LOSE IT, our bodies are designed to be active. Your body wants to move and you will benefit from adding in some sort of strength work too. Especially as we get older, strong muscles are even more important than ever. 

In training for my ocean row I am doing proper strength training 3 x a week, this is not something I’ve ever added in to my regime before but I’m really enjoying it and building strength across the whole body. I’m not a fan of going to the gym to do it, so have created myself a nice little set up at home and a program to follow that was recommended by rowers. 

I think the core is the most important, if you don’t have a strong core then movement will be difficult all round. Don’t forget you will want strong muscles to hold your amazing and slimmer body together. 

Indeed, I think a loose core is a part of why people put weight on in the first place. When you have a strong core you are so much more aware of what is in your stomach. A strong core with be one of your greatest friends as you shed your excess weight.

So why not make May your month to get out there and enjoy being more active? Feel free to share with me what activities you have been doing.  Just tag in Natural Ketosis and Totally Oardacious on social media when you do.

Victoria
Totally OARdacious"