FROM putting recruits through their paces in SAS Who Dares Wins to climbing Mount Everest - Ant Middleton knows a thing or two about fitness.

The ex-military man, 38, has also starred on the front cover of Men's Health and has made a career out of pushing his body to its limit.

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Here, Ant, who is the face of Garmin, talks us through his top tips to getting in shape - without splurging your hard-earned money on an expensive gym membership.

He told The Sun Online the key is balance when it comes to both dieting and exercise.

As someone who does most of his exercise in the harsh outdoors, Ant says it's a myth that the gym is the only place you can get fit.

In an exclusive interview, Ant says: "You also dont need a gym membership to stay in shape, just go out into the garden or a local park and do some circuits training.

"Anything that raises your heart rate will help keep you in shape."

It may sometimes be tricky to fit a workout into your busy week, but Ant says making a plan for your fitness schedule can really make a difference.

He also emphasises not to worry if you do miss out on exercise days sometimes.

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Ant says: "This is obviously not always possible but if you plan to work out seven days a week, you will probably end up working out four days a week which is definitely enough to stay in shape.

"If you plan for four days and it doesnt work out, because life just does get in the way sometimes (!), you will start to miss out on exercise days."

He may look as though he's solid protein, but Ant urges those wanting to lose weight to focus on "balance".

"I think you just need to listen to your body, I personally eat a lot of carbs and protein but this isnt necessarily right for everyone," he tells The Sun Online.

"As long as you have a balanced diet, you cant really go too wrong."

Ant is keen to emphasise the importance of working on your mental as well as your physical health.

Ant, who runs Mind Over Muscle day camps across the country, says: "Physical and physiological simulation comes hand in hand, if one suffers it tends to have a detrimental effect on the other.

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"We must challenge ourselves psychologically on a daily basis, as well as physically at least every other day, even if it just walking the dog or walking to the shop for that pint of milk.

"Physical activity has always been part of my life and once it becomes routine in your life thats when it becomes a lifestyle and you cant do without it."

Dieting can not only be draining but also have a negative impact on your mental health if you're trying to lose weight.

"I lead a sustainable lifestyle and tend not to diet, even when I lose extreme weight," Ant says.

"I let my body gradually build its way back up to the weight that I function efficiently at on a day to day basis."

Ant says if you're trying to shed the pounds or boost your fitness, not to rush.

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He says: "Its all a gradual process, these extreme weight drops and gains arent good for the body so I let natural run its course."

Ant recommends investing in a fitness watch which can help you track your progress.

Ant says he's a fan of the Garmin Fenix 6 watch as it means he can plan running routes wherever he is in the country.

The watch also comes with other features including full topographic maps and GPS, as well as PacePro which gives you a full view of elevation changes when out running or training.

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Ant says: "I have had a relationship with Garmin for the past 15 years, since I was in the military to now, the brand is always evolving and changing with the times which is something I love about it.

"One feature that has always helped with my training is the GPS system.

"It means I can go on a run wherever I am in the country and they will create a route for me, so handy when you are on tour and still trying to keep fit."

See more here:
Weight loss: Ditch the gym AND fad diets Ant Middletons easy tips to get in shape - The Sun