Laura Todd Fitness

If you keep comparing yourself to strangers, please stop doing that.

Your body is unique. Your health needs are unique. Your metabolism is unique...

All of these things make you, YOU.
It’s good to have a group of people you can reach out to for support in your fitness journey... But DON’T compare yourself to anyone.

Walk your journey in a way that makes you comfortable... And celebrate your body every single day, no matter what the scale says… 💜

After all, your body deserves to be loved!

Here’s some selfies of me not in gym gear for a change…

Since I finished some lovely nightshifts yesterday I decided to take an active rest day.

Here’s some ideas on what you could do on an active rest day:

1. Low impact workout
2. Light run or bike ride
3. Go for a walk (get those steps in)
4. Foam roll
5. Stretch
6. Stay hydrated

So after a solid time of grafting I FINALLY dragged myself to Glasgow to sit my practical exams and I can now officially say I am a QUALIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER!! 🫶🏼

Apparently nursing wasn’t tiring enough and I just had to become a personal trainer as well 🥹

I just want to give a massive shoutout and thank you to for being my amazing client and for your ongoing support. Definitely couldn’t of gotten through it without you 🥰

Happy Monday!

I want to invite you today to set the tone for the week...

So take 5 minutes out of your day to think about your intention for the week

What do you want to focus on?

Whats something that you can improve you?

What can you do better?

For me, my aim is to stretch every night! Ive been slacking a bit in that department

So ive decided when I sit at night to watch Netflix....

Im going to stretch!
I want you to focus on ONE thing too.

Lets get better a something and focus on just 1 thing that will make a difference.

To your health and happiness!

‼️BODY DYSMORPHIA‼️

Body dysmorphia is a mental health condition where a person worries too much about flaws in their appearance.

Hating your body is something you learn and it DAMN RIGHT is something you can unlearn too.

Seeing your strengths, seeing your weaknesses, seeing your imperfections is something that we should be learning to love and to embrace.

We all look different from one another yet we aim to look like one another?

A bad body image day is so common and happens to all of us, regardless of size & shape. We all have bad days (even us PTs!), tired days, stressful days & we have motivated days. We have our own expectations, standards & goals for ourselves but unfortunately along side this we are also our worst critics.

I spend days happy with the way I look, proud of the progress I’ve made and I take pictures/ videos to show my hard work.

But on the day these photos were taken on my birthday night out in Newcastle I picked myself apart to the verge of tears.

‘I’m too chunky’
‘I’m bloated and I’m putting on the lbs’
‘My legs are too fat’
‘My underarms are too dark’
‘My cellulite is too noticeable’

We pick out our flaws and elaborate so much on them we can’t see past it.

Take the time to look at yourself, really look at yourself. And I hope you see what everyone around you sees, which is that you are BEAUTIFUL. No matter where you are at on your self love journey.

~

Tips for body confidence:

👭Surround yourself with people who are good to you and good for you - People really do have a massive influence on you.

💗Realise that beauty is deeper than your skin - For every part of your body that you’d change, find something you love about yourself.

🔍Focus on what your body does and not how your body looks.

🪞In front of the mirror is where we experience the most body hate. Post positive notes on your mirrors, such as, “I am enough”, “ I am loved”, “I am beautiful”.

👑Learn to accept a compliment for example “Your skin is glowing”, “I love your hair” not accepting a compliment you’re putting yourself down.

💬Be your own best friend - Ask yourself - would you speak to your best friend like that? Give yourself the respect you deserve.

I sent this quote to a client of mine and they really liked it!

So I thought, I have to share it with everyone!

“Be stronger than your strongest excuse.”

We have so many excuses that we tell ourselves...

That make us fall of the wagon, give up on our workouts or think F it and eat everything if we've had 1 small enjoyable treat.

Self sabotage is something I see happen to MANY women.

And its actually all down to a weaker mindset.

A mindset that unfortunately, we've conditioned to listen to and believe.

Learning to push past excuses and self limiting beliefs is where the true happiness and magic lays.

So today, think about the BIGGEST excuse you feed yourself. What you tell yourself when you give up or cant believe.

I want you to push past this today.

I want you to be stronger than that. Be better than that.

Because you are.

P.S: If you want to learn how to actually get rid of negative thoughts and build a consistent, positive mindset, then apply for my coaching in the link in my bio. 💗

Despite being a crucial part of every fitness routine, stretching is frequently the aspect of exercise and daily living that is most neglected.

Stretching both before and after exercise can have a lot of positive effects on the body. Stretching can help athletes perform better and lower their risk of injury. Strains, sprains, and other injuries are more likely to occur in muscles that are tight and inflexible.⁣
⁣
There are two different approaches to stretching. Dynamic and Static.
What is the difference?

Static stretching is holding a stretch, usually near the limit of a muscle's range of motion (imagine stretching your hamstrings while seated on the floor).

Dynamic stretching, which involves actively moving the joint while moving the limbs through a wider range of motion (ROM), is more functional than static stretching. (Think leg swings forward and back).

There is conflicting evidence regarding which is preferable to perform and when during your workout.

Personally, we think that performing dynamic stretching before a workout is essential to prepare the muscles for the activities they will soon be performing. While static stretching is ideal for maintaining long-term flexibility after a workout since the muscles are heated. 💪🏼

Stretching has too many advantages to leave it out of your workout regimen:

1. Increase ROM and flexibility
2. Dynamic stretching can help you avoid injuries
3. Encourages good posture
4. Quickens tissue healing and lessens muscular discomfort
5. Improves blood flow to the muscles

Being a fitness coach/trainer, I’ve seen all type of excuses.

Seriously, all of them…

And the one thing that I REALLY hate seeing...

Is women putting themselves last.

It upsets me seeing women holding themselves back from what they truly desire.

Holding themselves back from confidence and more happiness.

Or even holding themselves back because of self doubt.

Thinking they cant do it, and ultimately self sabotaging.

What’s one of the excuses I’m seeing now?

Summer excuses.

Women not wanting to start something now, because they have a holiday in 4 weeks...

Or them thinking, what’s the point i’m going away soon...

Well, there is a point!

The point is, starting something now, makes a difference tomorrow.

Starting now will actually boost your confidence more for your holiday.

Starting now, means learning great habits for the whole summer and for after.

You starting NOW, means you are one step closer.

Please stop making excuses.

You are WORTH it. You are worthy of what you want and desire.

& I am waiting to help you, to get you closer to your goals.

Closer to full confidence and a life you truly deserve.

Stop wasting time and apply now for coaching with me.

It’s time we make a change together.

DM me ‘COACHING’ and we’ll get started.

I’m going to be real with you. I haven’t been feeling myself recently.

Although I constantly encourage and promote body positivity and self-love, this does not mean that I have mastered it personally.

Being a female is CHALLENGING, and being a female personal trainer can be even more CHALLENGING.

Unfortunately, the fitness industry still places a lot of focus on aesthetic goals and appearance, which can put a lot of pressure on fitness professionals to maintain a certain image.

The phrase, "You wouldn't hire a PT who was fat and weak," has always bothered me. It makes me feel very uneasy to think that someone is investing in my body and physical well-being, almost as though it's an object by which they can assess my professional worth and value.

Just like a lot of other people, I have STRUGGLED. There have been times when it came to exercising and staying active, that I felt incredibly demotivated. I've struggled with food and the want to binge because I used food as comfort. Am I a bad person because of this? NO. Does this mean I'm a bad PT? NO.

When in fact, do you know what makes me a fantastic PT? I've been there... I can relate to your hardships because I experience them myself. I struggle with body issues, worries about my appearance, and self-deprecating moments, but that's why I became a personal trainer.

Your fitness journey should be about you as a whole person, not simply about appearances. I want to be able to support others in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, finding a passion for exercise, and developing self-confidence in their own skin. They want to FEEL good about themselves, not because they want to appear a specific way.

I have been debating for awhile about posting these progress photos because I was worried that it might discourage people from my PT services. I know how crazy this sounds and I realise how much pressure I’m putting on myself.

I wanted to post these progress photos today as a reminder. Not only for my clients, but also to remind myself that our physical appearances does not define who we are as people, and it CERTAINLY does not prevent you from being an amazing coach!

Just like that I have RESIGNED from my very first nursing job 🥹

Right now, I am feeling a mix of emotions. I am nervous and scared, but most importantly I am excited and prepared to totally dedicate myself to my personal training business.

I can FINALLY claim to be living a self-employed life.

It has been a long time coming but I am eager to feel more invigorated, less exhausted (no more working four nights or three days straight), and hopefully much less stressed.

I now have the freedom and a lot more time to devote entirely to my amazing clientele and be able to properly expand my business.

I haven't fully abandoned my nursing career (I studied at university for three years and it was hard work, so there's no way I'm throwing all that away 🤣). I will occasionally take on shifts to stay up to date with my skills, but everything will be on my terms, giving me much more freedom in my career, which I'm really looking forward to!

Even though I am very excited about my new adventure, I am also very sad that I am leaving such an amazing group of people.

I will always be so grateful for the opportunity I have had to work alongside such amazing nurses and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to welcome me into my very first nursing job.

Here’s to my next chapter! 🥹🩵🩵

If you have been feeling unmotivated lately…

… could be due to the extra work you have to juggle, or because you might not be seeing much progress or any other reason…

Then I just want to remind you to keep going…

Transforming your body is a journey… it’s NOT a sprint…

There will be days when you’ll feel low…

There will be days when you just want to stay in bed…

And there will be days when all you want is to give up.

So, during those days acknowledge how your body is feeling and respect that.

See, if you can squeeze in even 5 minutes of exercise and if you can’t…

Then don’t sweat it!

Make sure to rest, fully recharge your body and be ready to get in those reps the very next day.

Recently, and like always, I enjoy posting about mindset alongside fitness and nutrition.

We know how important mindset is...

So I wanted to share a quick message to you!

On the days where you NEED to rest and have taken a day off training, don’t feel guilty about it!

Its okay to rest!

So instead of sitting there and feeling unsure...

Remember:

- You are taking a rest day
- You are recovering
- You are taking time for self care
- I rested!

All these things are viable and should come into your head!

Dont ever feel guilt!

Here’s a throwback to when I went away to the Lakes District at the start of May and never stepped foot in a gym for a FULL week! (I know shock)

Was my training effected the week after? Absolutely not. If anything it helped me MORE.

So here’s your reminder to listen to your body and take your rest days 🩷

I have spoken a little on this topic before...

But I’ve noticed that when our summer holiday is literally around the corner, a lot of us tend to stop and think we can’t do anymore to get "into shape" or feel confident.

But is that true?

NO!

Yes our "summer bodies" are made with consistency and working out the whole year round.

But changes can happen in a small amount of time.

Especially with dedication and a plan.

With my coaching, I don’t just encourage you to work out for your personal goals, whatever that might be, I encourage you to stay on track with your healthy lifestyle all year round.

Joining my coaching or even subscribing to my members area, can get you into a routine and plan so you can stay consistent.

Want to break the "sumer cycle" and continue working on your healthy habits?

→ If YES, click the application form in my bio or simply DM me the word “COACHING”.

And let’s get started! 🩷

📣ANNOUNCEMENT

My old logo and brand was more focussing on fitness physique and my own journey. That is not what my coaching is about.

My passion is about helping people find a balance with their health, fitness, busy work schedule and finding confidence in their skin.

I want all my clients to exercise so they can feel better mentally not because they feel they have to look a certain way.

So I’m introducing my new branding which will cover all things mindset, nutrition and fitness.

This will include both my hybrid Personal Training and my online coaching services.

I have BIG plans for the team, the services I provide and my own level of education.

If you’re interested about my coaching and what that entails then send me a message and I will let you know all the details! 💌

Struggle to lose weight whilst eating out?
Is your social life getting in the way of you getting the physique you’ve always wanted?

Read the caption below to find out how to enjoy your social life and still lose weight with my top 3 tips!

Tip 1: Have a rough idea of what you’d like to enjoy that night, and start cutting back on some calories during the week to make room for the delicious meal and treats ahead. By simply cutting out a hundred calories a day, you can add those 700 extra calories to your meal at the weekend!

Tip 2: Be sure to eat healthy and non processed foods during the day. Just because you are going out for a meal in the evening, doesn’t mean you should go wild for the entire day. Treat the rest of the day as you normally would, and then enjoy the evening.

Tip 3: Look at the menu ahead of time. Go on the website and look up the calories to give you an idea on how many calories you will need to bank ahead of the weekend. Go out for dinner, enjoy your favourite meal and still lose weight.

Go ahead and eat that burger.

Eating a balanced, non restrictive diet is the KEY to getting results.

My client the other day, told me she was so shocked how much food she gets to eat in my coaching programme...

Because all these years, her diets included low calories and cutting out food groups.

She said she was craving a burger, and I said "GO AHEAD"!

She made a tasty burger with some halloumi cheese, lettuce in burger buns.

So go ahead and enjoy yours and enjoy a balance life.

And come and see how to do exactly that with a simple method and food plan.

Message me today to have a FREE discovery call with me to discuss your goals.

And get you enjoying food and life, whilst seeing incredible results.

ARE YOU READY TO EAT A BALANCED DIET?

Carbohydrates make you fat, right? Low carb is the best way to lose weight. Aren't they the number one food to avoid on any weight loss diet? WRONG.

Carbohydrates are crucial for fuelling intense training, recovering from training, preventing fatigue, fighting off colds and flu's and overuse syndrome and injuries.

Carbohydrates are NOT the enemy.

All macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fats) are vital for a healthy and balanced diet. The best way to lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way is to put yourself into a calorie deficit (approx. 300-500 calories under your maintenance).

Prioritise a balance of all nutrients. The carbohydrates people demonise such as bread, pasta, chips, etc can be controlled or lowered to aid weight loss but should not be completely removed.

If you want to lose weight then you need to track your calorie intake, not your carbohydrate intake. That being said, carbohydrates are presented in many different ways: from highly refined sugar to whole grains.

Whole grain carbohydrates are jam packed with nutritional goodness as they contain fatty acids, minerals and vitamins, as well as some being digested in a way similar to fibre.

Repeat after me, quality carbohydrates ARE important!

Do you currently have struggles with your diet and fitness? Unsure on how to begin your journey? DM the word "RECIPE GUIDE" and I'll send you my FREE recipe book, which is filled with advice and a range of recipes to support you on your fitness journey.

✨FEEDBACK FRIDAY✨

Most of clients have very little gym experience when they sign up to my coaching.

Having me as their coach and accountability partner allows my clients to understand different exercise techniques correctly, broaden their knowledge with nutrition, helping them gain confidence to attend a gym and feel confident in their skin.

If you require specialised help with your nutrition, physical fitness, and body composition goals and wish to improve your strength, fitness, self-confidence, and knowledge of the gym.

Let me guide and coach you! I will advise and educate you on exercise, diet, and mindset.

Your lifestyle change is only a few clicks away.

Now is your time!

DM me the word READY to find out more. 📥

If you want to support healthy fat loss and get a lean, toned body, exercising is just ONE part of the equation.

The second part you need to take care of is nutrition.

See if your daily diet consists of unhealthy, processed foods...

It’s unlikely you’ll see a lot of positive results.

Yes, you might lose 3 pounds here and 7 pounds there, but it’ll quickly pile back on.

Why?

Because if you’re not eating the right foods, your body will not be able to replenish its energy stores after a workout.

Slowly and gradually you won’t have much energy to exercise…

And your workouts won’t be as effective as they were once you started - leaving you on a rollercoaster of losing and gaining back the same pounds again and again.

So you see, food gives you energy, and you need the energy to exercise and burn that fat off.

You need to EAT calories to BURN calories.

If you struggle with your diet and fitness and are unsure on how to begin your journey then DM the word “RECIPE GUIDE” and I’ll send you my FREE recipe book, which is filled with advice and a range of recipes to support you on your fitness journey.

You have to do long and exhausting workouts to burn some calories, right?

WRONG!

Working out regularly for long periods can exhaust you…

So as a result, you end up losing the motivation to keep up with your workout routine.

I always hear my clients and other people tell me that they have NO time to workout

And that they struggle to find the time for themselves

I know we all lead busy lives...

BUT…

Exercise is not only good for your physical health....

But also your mental.

It’s taking a few minutes during the week, to move your body and practice self care.

Remember… moving your body for 30minutes is MORE effective than not moving your body at all!

I have been speaking to a lot of people recently who still don't really understand what Online Coaching is!

The best way to describe what I do as an Online Coach is...

I'm a virtual Personal Trainer in your pocket. I provide you with everything you need to get results and reach your fitness & health goals.

I specialise in helping busy people to get strong and find confidence in their bodies, maintain a healthy lifestyle and find a passion for fitness.

To do this, I offer:
- Ultimate accountability and support
- Weekly checkin forms to track your progress and a more in depth 1-2-1 check in call once every 4 weeks
- A personalised workout programme tailored to your specific goals and abilities and a personalised roadmap to help you reach your goals
- Training, nutrition, recovery & mindset advice including meal plans, calorie and macronutrient calculations designed for you to hit your goals
- Access to the online hub via the Hapori Coach application which offers the following:
- A library of follow along workouts
- Well-being support and guides
- Access to nutrition advice, shopping lists, variety of recipes and ebooks
- Progress Tracker
- Exercise demonstration videos and guidance videos

What my Online coaching isn't....
❌ Workouts delivered via a PDF
❌ Zoom PT sessions
❌ Giving all clients the same programme
❌ 1 session a week in the gym

If this sounds good to you and you'd like to find out whether we'd be a good fit, DM me “READY” for more info!

Lets talk about 1 valuable thing many of you struggle with and something many clients have come to me for: consistency.

By establishing habits and routines, you can achieve incredible results.

I mean, the results from my clients speak for themselves and this is all from healthier habits

So, let's dive right in and explore three effective ways to improve consistency in your life:

Set Clear Goals and Priorities: Consistency thrives when you have a clear vision of what you want to accomplish. Take some time to define your goals, both short-term and long-term. Break them down into smaller, actionable steps that you can work on every day. By prioritising these steps, you'll be able to focus your energy on what truly matters and create a roadmap for consistent progress.

Create a Structured Routine: Consistency flourishes within a structured routine. Design a daily or weekly schedule that aligns with your goals and priorities. Allocate specific time slots for different tasks or activities, ensuring you have a balanced approach. It's essential to incorporate both work and self-care into your routine to maintain a healthy balance.

Embrace Accountability: Accountability plays a vital role for consistency. Get an accountability coach, like myself, or a mentor who can support and motivate you on your journey. They can track your progress, support you and give you the best advice for YOUR goals and body. This way, you can monitor your consistency, celebrate small wins, and identify areas that need improvement.

Remember, consistency is not about perfection!

It's about showing up and putting in the effort consistently, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.

If you feel like this is something you truly struggle with, then let me help and apply for a free call with me.

Embrace the process, stay committed, and trust that your consistent actions will lead you to extraordinary outcomes.

One effective weight loss tip is to focus on portion control.

Paying attention to the size of your food portions can make a significant difference in your calorie intake.

Here's how you can implement portion control:

1 Use smaller plates and bowls: When you eat from smaller plates or bowls, it creates an illusion of a fuller plate, which can help you feel satisfied with smaller amounts of food.

2 Measure and track your food: Use measuring cups, a food scale, or visual references to understand appropriate portion sizes. In my coaching, we start with the Hand Method which clients love and its so easy to follow.

3 Fill half your plate with vegetables: Vegetables are low in calories and high in nutrients. By filling a significant portion of your plate with vegetables, you can control your calorie intake while still feeling satisfied.

Remember, sustainable weight loss involves a combination of healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and a balanced lifestyle!

Let me hold you accountable and give you the support you NEED with personalised advice and guidance.

Message me for a FREE call!