I did Apple's 6-week Restart Your Fitness challenge — here's the results

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I always considered myself in pretty good shape and then I had a baby.

In my pre-baby life, regular exercise was an essential part of my day-to-day schedule.

I had weekly training sessions and did online yoga.

I had an active pregnancy as well, doing prenatal workouts with my personal trainer and pregnancyPilatesonline.

And after somepelvic floor exercisesfeaturing a lot of Kegels, I could return to playing netball.

But things shifted when I returned to work.

It didnt take long before I felt my fitness slipping away.

I noticed a change in my body, too.

Clothes Id previously felt good in suddenly felt tight and uncomfortable.

And once I stopped breastfeeding, I quickly gained five kilos in weight.

I needed something to help me get out of my fitness funk: could this be it?

What is the power cycle your Fitness challenge?

The6 Weeks To power cycle your Fitnessprogram on Apple Fitness+ features daily workouts of increasing length.

Then the final two weeks encourage an All-Out Finish, with mostly 30-minute workouts.

Each week consists of twoHIIT workouts, three strength sessions, one core class, and one yoga routine.

And so, I dug out mybest gym leggingsand got to work.

The user experience is slick, the visuals are pleasing, and the trainers are very motivating.

But what I found particularly effective were the insights it offered into my own performance.

It is shown as your calories burned, accounting for weight to ensure an equal comparison.

Honestly, knowing Id already ticked a workout off my to-do list left me feeling pretty darn smug.

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I found the same was true of this fitness program.

This can inspire us to continue setting and achieving more goals.

This was definitely true for me after starting the six-week challenge.

This response is typical, according to research.

Between that and the additional movement in my day, I found sleep came easier.

I felt capable, focused, and driven.

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However, she also says not to discount later workouts entirely.

Life sometimes got in the way

Making time for the 10-minute workouts was easy enough.

This occasionally resulted in feelings of guilt or not trying hard enough.

But, as Akabusi points out, “Being active doesnt have to mean a structured workout every day.

My greatest tip for sustaining exercise is to find something you enjoy.

However, Akabusi reminds me that weight is not the only indicator of fitness and wellbeing.

I wholeheartedly agree the most significant change I experienced was how I felt in myself.

As early as week two, I saw a marked increase in my energy levels.

Getting out of bed when my son shouted for me at 6 am felt easier.

My ability to get stuff done improved, too.

Ultimately, I felt happier.

It almost sounds cliche, but its a simple, scientific truth:exercise makes us happy.

Exercising can help us to have more energy and feel more positive, Akabusi confirms.

Ill definitely continue using Apple Fitness+ to do regular but perhaps not daily workouts.

Heres to a healthier, and happier, me.

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