It can be difficult to find the motivation to exercise at home, especially if you’ve been sitting at a desk all day and want nothing more than to relax in front of the TV.

With a little help from retailer Next, who has recently partnered with Nike to create a home workouts series led by trainer Naomi Heffernan, we’ve put together some tips for working out at home, including suggestions for appropriate and comfortable workout gear, available to shop in-store at The Rock Shopping Centre.

1.      Shop the right gear

Having the right clothing to exercise in is super important. Comfort and breathability are an absolute priority – you don’t want anything that’s going to make you too hot or self-conscious.

Nike trainer and Barry’s instructor Naomi Heffernan stresses the importance of having a well-fitting sports bra.

“A sports bra is probably the most important item if you’re working out. You want to make sure   you   are   nice   and   secure,   you   are protected when you’re jumping around – you want to make sure you’re held in properly.”

Ideally, you should also own at least three tops, leggings and shorts to exercise in, of differing lengths so that you’re suited for all weather. If your workout wardrobe is in need of a revamp, Next has a great selection of sportswear available in store at The Rock Bury.

The correct footwear is also a must when it comes to exercising, as unsuitable shoes can lead to injury. Nike have recently released their latest Metcon 6 Trainers, available to order online and collect in store.

“They’re a really stable shoe to train in, so if you are doing things like squats or working with weights, they’re amazing because they’ve got such a solid base. They’re also really grippy on the sole [and] because they’re mesh-fronted as well, they’re going to keep you really nice and cool.”

2.      Make sure you’re eating right

Staying fit and healthy isn’t all about exercise. For a lot of us working from home, the temptation to make regular trips to the fridge has become a habit. While there’s no shame in that, it’s important to eat healthily and stay hydrated, especially when you’re working out.

The best thing to eat pre-workout are foods which release a lot of slow burning energy, and are rich in proteins and carbohydrates. These include oatmeal or porridge, bananas, peanut butter and granola bars. Any of these are a great way to start your morning and invigorate you for the day ahead.

3.      Set realistic goals

These days it can seem more difficult than ever to plan from one day to the next, especially with the demands of a busy work schedule. With this in mind, set yourself easy and measurable targets that you know you can commit to. Write your goals down and schedule them into your calendar to help you keep on track.

Trial working out in the morning and then in the evening to see which works best for you. According to Naomi, both have their benefits and it ultimately comes down to personal preference:

“If you decide to work out in the evening, you’re probably going to lift heavier and maybe run faster than you would in the morning purely because your body is so warmed up, you’ve been up for 12 hours already and you’re raring to go.”

Social media can also really help you meet your targets. Apps like Strava help you monitor your progress, and let you see how your friends are doing. Take it to the next level by creating an Instagram fitness account, and update it regularly.

4.      Mark out a home workout space

Marking out your own space to work out in is a must. It doesn’t need to be huge, so long as you’ve got enough room to move around in. Try not to exercise in the same place you work, eat or sleep – this will help keep you focused, and separate your workout time from your other responsibilities.

There are plenty of workouts that can be done without equipment.

If you’re in need of inspiration, the Nike x Next home workouts videos are available online until the 29^th October, offering equipment-free exercises designed to be carried out at home, along with info on the latest Nike product releases, available to shop online and collect in-store at The Rock Bury.

This season, the TV star’s designs are sophisticated and chic, with heritage-style prints and a classic feel – the perfect addition to your 2020 autumn wardrobe. 

Emma Willis’s newest collection with Next features outerwear, loungewear, lingerie and denim from sizes 6 to 22. 

Read on to find out about the design inspiration behind the latest collection, which is currently available online and in-store at The Rock Bury

Stylish Autumn Staples

While the previous collection consisted of bold colours and paisley prints, the colour palette for the latest collection is more neutral, striking the perfect balance between autumnal tones.

As well as neutral block colours (very à la mode for autumn 2020), Emma has designed a checked blazer, a staple for colder weather.

The checked blazer comes in two different colours that are easy to pair with most autumnal colours, ‘Port Check’ and ‘Brown Check’. If you love checked styles, you will be happy to know that the collection not only includes a checked blazer but two checked coats – perfect variations for your autumn wardrobe!

“Two things I love are blazers and checks…so we’ve done a checked blazer!! And we’ve done it in two different types of checks!” – Emma Willis 

Clothes to Keep You Feeling Cosy

The designer and presenter’s latest collection includes staple autumn colours such as navy, brown and tan with pieces that will keep you feeling cosy and toasty from autumn to winter.

The range also features roll necks that come in red, orange-brown and camel as well as long sleeved tops and padded jackets for ultimate warmth.

After the success of last year’s puffer coat, this year’s collection brings a revamped puffer, designed to keep you feeling cosier than ever and with darker colour options available.

“Last year’s puffer coat was really popular so we’ve decided to do it again but we’ve given it a little makeover! It’s slightly darker khaki, it’s got a bigger neck, bigger hood and we’ve also added in a black colourway!”

Working from Home Style

Emma’s latest collection also consists of chunky knitwear and wide leg trousers – easy to wear when working from home because of their relaxed fit and added manoeuvrability.

Chunky knitwear is back for this collection, available in several colour variations to keep you toasty when pottering around the house.

“We’ve revisited the chunky knit again this year in a lovely cream and a dark navy but we’ve made it shorter so it’s tuckable!”

If you want to get extra comfy, the presenter’s latest loungewear sets are also great, loose-fitted additions to your WFH wardrobe.

The sets vary from a knitted black to a pink two-piece to suit different tastes.

The latest Emma Willis Collection is now available in-store at The Rock Bury and online on the Next website.  

A giant thank you card to celebrate Bury’s lockdown heroes has been installed at The Rock.

The 8ft tall card has been installed at the shopping and leisure destination and customers are encouraged to write a message to recognise and thank those in the community for their efforts in 2020.

The campaign focuses on ‘Who has been your Rock of 2020?’ and shoppers can write a brief message on the card. There is also a photo frame where people can pose for a photo and share it with The Rock on social media using the #MyRock2020

The card will be manned daily and visitors can grab a pen and write their message.

The Rock’s Centre Director, Arnold Wilcox-Wood said: “This card is an opportunity to recognise the people in our community who have made a difference to people’s lives during the tough months of 2020. This could be anyone from our NHS and emergency service heroes, key workers, retail staff and volunteers, as well as mums, dads, friends and family members.

“We hope that our visitors will be able to enjoy this installation and we look forward to seeing their photos on our digital channels.”

The centre will have enhanced cleaning and social distancing measures in place at the card installation.

When the card isn’t manned, no pens will be available but visitors can still use the frame for a photo.