?KS asks, how can I get fit and lose baby weight with a toddler and newborn when I don’t have time for the gym?

Many of my clients say they just don’t have the time to train. I always say that with 168 hours in the week surely you can find 2 or 3 to exercise?

A lot of clients are able to find this time with a little extra thought and restructuring of their routine but having two young children myself I know it’s tough to do this, and when you do finally stop you’re too tired to do anything anyway.

I think firstly you must eat properly. If you are eating processed foods or just aren’t eating enough you’ll find it tough to drop fat or have the energy to get going.

Two children should be keeping you on your feet during the day. You could try going for brisk walks with the buggy or even jogging with it. If you go to playgrounds try playing as much as your toddler does, it’s tough keeping up with a three year old! Even just dancing manically to music at home will help and your children will love it too! With eating right and being busy you may find the pounds drop off.

With regards to proper exercise you need to be selfish. Maybe you need to organise with your partner or family member to look after the children so you can train. Even if it’s evening and you feel tired the endorphin release post exercise will make you feel much better about yourself. Seeing your former body returning will give you renewed confidence and the motivation to continue on your fitness journey. Fitness groups and classes are good places to start as you will find like minded people there. If that’s not your scene then maybe invest in a trainer to come to your house.

?ST asks, I use heart rate monitors to run with and was going to buy a new one, which do suggest?

Heart rate monitors are good bits of kit and these days they can do almost anything bar the washing up! You can spend a lot of money on various features as they now come with sat nav, pedometers, GPS, and speed sensors to name but a few. The choice of which one comes down to what you intend to use it for.

Is there much point of having all the extras if you just want to check that you’re not slacking? Or are you more analytical with your progress?

I am not a runner myself but I do approach my training with a scientific head. I like to see results week on week so I make extensive notes. If you are like me in that sense then get one with bells and whistles on it. If you run to drop fat and stay on top of health issues then I wouldn’t waste your money, just go on how you feel after a set route and time.

Regarding brands Garmin and Polar are top dogs in this field but what information you want from your run will determine which model you buy.

Do keep your questions coming in. You can email me directly at alistewart254@gmail.com or you can find me at www.teamstewartpt.co.uk  or River Bourne gym Chertsey, Surrey.?