WATCH: Discover The Power Of Balance With Fitness Guru, Kathryn Thomas

In partnership with Avonmore Balance Milk, IMAGE?is’seeking to help women to find?better?balance in all aspects of our hectic lives with a new series, Discover The Power Of Balance.

From greater equilibrium?in our work lives to practical ways to incorporate exercise into our often cluttered days, and from the tricky tightrope that is our financial juggle to that oft-overlooked balance in our personal relationships, we want to develop strategies to bring back that longed-for sense of calm amid the clamor of career, relationships and health matters.

Watch how fitness guru, Kathryn Thomas of Pure Results Bootcamp suggests some simple yet practical ways for IMAGE reader, Karen, an office-based young professional with a varied and demanding schedule to incorporate regular activity into her life. Karen uses cycling as her main mode of transport but, as is often the case, life can get in the way of her best intentions.

IMAGE and Avonmore enlisted the help of five experts across a diverse set of disciplines (relationship psychologist, fitness guru, dietician, personal finance advisor and career strategist) to guide five IMAGE readers with practical advice and tips on how to regain some essential balance in their lives. By bringing a little harmony back into our packed schedules, we are then free to enjoy our lives to the fullest and to feel?invigorated by our commitments rather than enslaved to them.

We asked you, our readers, how you felt the about the balancing act of your day-to-day. Our survey was completed by over 1000 Irish women and shone a light on some of the biggest concerns for living and thriving in today’s?fast-paced world.

Physical health is clearly a priority for our readers, with half of those polled exercising an average of 2-4 times a week. Walking and running are the two most popular pursuits with gym classes a close third. Nearly one-quarter of participants feel they are not in good physical shape and just 30 percent of readers use any strategies for relaxation such as meditation or yoga. Unsurprisingly, if given an extra hour in the morning, just 27 percent would choose to exercise with the majority opting for an extra hour in bed.

Kathryn advises identifying the physical activity that you enjoy most as you will be more likely to do what you like.

?A lot of people make the mistake of trying to do too much, too soon? that’s not approaching it with a balanced rationale,? says Kathryn.

New Avonmore Balance Milk with extra protein and added iron, is specifically designed to put back in what life takes out.