So the past week has been crazy busy. We haven't really had much time to go to the gym but have made some important changes. Firstly, I have loosened the diet this week because, to be honest, emotionally I needed a break.
The next important decision has been to sign up for a course at our gym where I will learn all about nutrition and diet plus get an exercise programme tailor made. It is a competition and we all know how that drives me!
Finally I have upped my PT commitment to twice a week rather than once. Hopefully all of these changes will help to make my sessions more worthwhile and effective.
I will update next week on how week 1 goes!
Tuesday, 28 March 2017
Tuesday, 21 March 2017
PT and A Boxing Mishap
Usually Monday night's are stressful because I have Body Pump the go straight into Boxing. Last night was easier - it was just boxing, or so I thought. I had stupidly gone on an empty stomach. 20 minutes in to the class I almost passed out and puked. It was upsetting and embarrassing. Lesson learned.
Tonight I was much better prepared for PT. I had wholewheat rice prior to going and was totally ready to smash it afterwards. We started off doing a 10 minute cross trainer session then we did a bit of HIIT training. We had to take it in turns: one person ran with 2 6kg dumbbells back and forward twice while the other squatted. Then we swapped. This went on for 4 rounds of 3 minutes with a 2 minute break between sets.
The next part of the session was some fat burn. We did knee raises (30 seconds each leg), squat splits (30 secs) then squatted fast feet (30 secs). Again 4 times through but with 30 seconds rest.
By this point, I would like to add, I was totally done in. Sweaty and broken after my earlier enthusiasm. But we weren't done yet. Next one of us had to do shoulder presses with dumbbells while the other was on the ski machine. Again bursts of 30 seconds before swapping. 4 rounds. Surely we were done? No? Ok, it's fine I will die 😂 exhaustion will kill me. For reals.
Finally we had to plank for bursts of 30 seconds - 4 times. That's a 2 minute plank essentially. 2 minutes. I'm just going to leave that there.
After tonight's session I have signed up for a weight loss class in the gym. It's a 6 week block which teaches about nutrition and exercise. It starts on April 4th so I will update more on that later!
Tonight I was much better prepared for PT. I had wholewheat rice prior to going and was totally ready to smash it afterwards. We started off doing a 10 minute cross trainer session then we did a bit of HIIT training. We had to take it in turns: one person ran with 2 6kg dumbbells back and forward twice while the other squatted. Then we swapped. This went on for 4 rounds of 3 minutes with a 2 minute break between sets.
The next part of the session was some fat burn. We did knee raises (30 seconds each leg), squat splits (30 secs) then squatted fast feet (30 secs). Again 4 times through but with 30 seconds rest.
By this point, I would like to add, I was totally done in. Sweaty and broken after my earlier enthusiasm. But we weren't done yet. Next one of us had to do shoulder presses with dumbbells while the other was on the ski machine. Again bursts of 30 seconds before swapping. 4 rounds. Surely we were done? No? Ok, it's fine I will die 😂 exhaustion will kill me. For reals.
Finally we had to plank for bursts of 30 seconds - 4 times. That's a 2 minute plank essentially. 2 minutes. I'm just going to leave that there.
After tonight's session I have signed up for a weight loss class in the gym. It's a 6 week block which teaches about nutrition and exercise. It starts on April 4th so I will update more on that later!
Sunday, 19 March 2017
Reflection, Diet and Knowing How to Move Forward
My last few posts have been particularly short, huffy and unhelpful - both to you and to me! Now it's time to re-evaluate and step back up to what needs doing. This blog was meant to be about the boxing class I didn't go to. The hours of training I didn't do this week. The excuses to find fault in the gym, my weight, my eating and my routine. A dreary ramble about my hatred of my lack of ability to lose any weight. If I had written this post when I had intended to - Thursday night - then that's exactly what it would have been. I decided that this is not what I started blogging for and or do I want to look back and see myself struggling through miserable times.
I'm Wednesday night I got home from work and went to sleep. I slept and slept for hours. My body was done in and screaming at me to just stop for one bloody minute and let it rest. I cancelled boxing and stayed in bed. Guilt-ridden but relieved. I stopped and thought about how I felt and realised that I was simply expecting too much from my body. I had just pushed and pushed and not realised I was emotionally hurting along with the physical pain. Beating myself up for wanting a piece of chocolate or some carbs wasn't going to do me any good. That's when my real low point hit me. I felt powerless to change anything and was gutted.
On Saturday morning I had told myself I would go to the gym and do a legs workout - my favourite - which I hoped would be a nice way to ease back in. Before I left I happened to look at my gym stats for the past 30 days (which have not been as active as my usual months) and realised that I had spent a whole 24 hours and 5 minutes in the gym. A whole day. That was the point I decided to have a word with myself. It was then I knew I was doing all I could to realistically challenge myself and to be fit and healthy.
I went into leg day feeling boosted and even had the guts to go back into the scary weights room I usually steer clear of. A full and thorough workout was had and then - to prove to myself I was over beating myself up and living on next to no food - I went to Starbucks and got myself a cheese and mushroom croissant and a large toffee nut latte (skinny - because we don't want to go too mental 😂). I had to show myself ideas out of my rut and that I would stop hating myself every time I ate something. It worked.
While I am embracing this new found peace of mind I am obviously still conscious of the task at hand: my wedding is 118 days away and, while my wedding dress now fits perfectly, I still have to keep a goal in mind (albeit a little looser than the goal I had previously set).
Today I weighed in at 12st 11lbs. I'm moving I the right direction now and I honestly believe it's a direct result of me just letting go of the pressure I have been putting on myself and my body. Long may the new positivity continue.
I'm Wednesday night I got home from work and went to sleep. I slept and slept for hours. My body was done in and screaming at me to just stop for one bloody minute and let it rest. I cancelled boxing and stayed in bed. Guilt-ridden but relieved. I stopped and thought about how I felt and realised that I was simply expecting too much from my body. I had just pushed and pushed and not realised I was emotionally hurting along with the physical pain. Beating myself up for wanting a piece of chocolate or some carbs wasn't going to do me any good. That's when my real low point hit me. I felt powerless to change anything and was gutted.
On Saturday morning I had told myself I would go to the gym and do a legs workout - my favourite - which I hoped would be a nice way to ease back in. Before I left I happened to look at my gym stats for the past 30 days (which have not been as active as my usual months) and realised that I had spent a whole 24 hours and 5 minutes in the gym. A whole day. That was the point I decided to have a word with myself. It was then I knew I was doing all I could to realistically challenge myself and to be fit and healthy.
I went into leg day feeling boosted and even had the guts to go back into the scary weights room I usually steer clear of. A full and thorough workout was had and then - to prove to myself I was over beating myself up and living on next to no food - I went to Starbucks and got myself a cheese and mushroom croissant and a large toffee nut latte (skinny - because we don't want to go too mental 😂). I had to show myself ideas out of my rut and that I would stop hating myself every time I ate something. It worked.
While I am embracing this new found peace of mind I am obviously still conscious of the task at hand: my wedding is 118 days away and, while my wedding dress now fits perfectly, I still have to keep a goal in mind (albeit a little looser than the goal I had previously set).
Today I weighed in at 12st 11lbs. I'm moving I the right direction now and I honestly believe it's a direct result of me just letting go of the pressure I have been putting on myself and my body. Long may the new positivity continue.
Tuesday, 14 March 2017
Metafit
This week has seen no improvement on my feelings towards diet and exercise. In fact I'm sitting here contemplating a chippy. If anything the weekend has made it worse. I was good as gold except my cheat meal and lost nothing.
Gutted.
Today I had PT. We did a 15 minute cross trainer then 25 minutes metafit training. Metafit was mostly combat moves. We did an accumulated - a round of each exercise with 20secs rest in between then build up to 2 exercises, 3, 4 etc. Until we got to all 7 in a row no rest.
1. Squat big knees
2. Leg ups
3. Take downs
4. Press ups
5. Sprints
6. Pop ups
7. Squat jumps
It was intensely difficult. We were sweating buckets. Afterwards we did some heel taps to work on core strength. It was super intense.
I did yoga straight after which was great for a proper stretch out too.
Next time: boxing week 5!!
Gutted.
Today I had PT. We did a 15 minute cross trainer then 25 minutes metafit training. Metafit was mostly combat moves. We did an accumulated - a round of each exercise with 20secs rest in between then build up to 2 exercises, 3, 4 etc. Until we got to all 7 in a row no rest.
1. Squat big knees
2. Leg ups
3. Take downs
4. Press ups
5. Sprints
6. Pop ups
7. Squat jumps
It was intensely difficult. We were sweating buckets. Afterwards we did some heel taps to work on core strength. It was super intense.
I did yoga straight after which was great for a proper stretch out too.
Next time: boxing week 5!!
Thursday, 9 March 2017
What I Ate Wednesday + Done With Dieting (+boxing)
So today I have gone from down to more down with my weight journey. The last few weeks have seen my weight pretty much plateau which is making me so frustrated. I wake up every morning and step on the scales totally weighed down by how bad I feel. They are barely moving down and I want to scream and throw them through the wall. It might seem dramatic but it's literally the most frustrating thing ever.
Yesterday I had a busy day at work so my meals were pretty basic but tasty. I have to say I never thought I'd be ok with a lunch time salad but I'm actually ok with it now.
Breakfast: a banana (exciting right?!)
Break: small apple
Lunch: lettuce, tomatoes, spring onion, cucumber and sliced roast beef in a salad.
Dinner: I had 2oz of steak chopped into bitesized chunks and cooked in Chinese 5 spice, medium curry powder and tinned tomatoes. It comes out like an Indian style sweet and sour curry. I serve it with Tilda wholegrain pilau rice (microwave stuff).
Because we had boxing (week 4) we are dinner late and so really couldn't fit any more mini meals or snacks in.
Boxing this week was extremely difficult. We learned a new sequence involving crossing, jabbing, upper cutting and ducking. Sequencing is something I really struggle with. Anything after 4 or 5 parts and I literally want to crumble into a mess! My boxing partner isn't great with the sequencing either but he is helpful because between us we help each other. I must admit I felt great once I conquered it (after taking the whole bloody hour!)
This week is a total write off for me really. I've lost next to no weight and know that it's because of two things: 1. Not eating enough. 2. Not drinking enough water.
This is honestly the first week that I want to give up. I want to order a big fat Chinese and go to my favourite Italian and order all of the carbs. I started this blog as an honest and open overview so that is what it will stay as. I'm completely down this week and really really want to curl up, nurse my sore body back to health and cry.
I really hope my mood and motivation pick up next week. Really hope. Nobody needs to be around me when I'm as grumpy as I am right now!
Yesterday I had a busy day at work so my meals were pretty basic but tasty. I have to say I never thought I'd be ok with a lunch time salad but I'm actually ok with it now.
Breakfast: a banana (exciting right?!)
Break: small apple
Lunch: lettuce, tomatoes, spring onion, cucumber and sliced roast beef in a salad.
Dinner: I had 2oz of steak chopped into bitesized chunks and cooked in Chinese 5 spice, medium curry powder and tinned tomatoes. It comes out like an Indian style sweet and sour curry. I serve it with Tilda wholegrain pilau rice (microwave stuff).
Because we had boxing (week 4) we are dinner late and so really couldn't fit any more mini meals or snacks in.
Boxing this week was extremely difficult. We learned a new sequence involving crossing, jabbing, upper cutting and ducking. Sequencing is something I really struggle with. Anything after 4 or 5 parts and I literally want to crumble into a mess! My boxing partner isn't great with the sequencing either but he is helpful because between us we help each other. I must admit I felt great once I conquered it (after taking the whole bloody hour!)
This week is a total write off for me really. I've lost next to no weight and know that it's because of two things: 1. Not eating enough. 2. Not drinking enough water.
This is honestly the first week that I want to give up. I want to order a big fat Chinese and go to my favourite Italian and order all of the carbs. I started this blog as an honest and open overview so that is what it will stay as. I'm completely down this week and really really want to curl up, nurse my sore body back to health and cry.
I really hope my mood and motivation pick up next week. Really hope. Nobody needs to be around me when I'm as grumpy as I am right now!
Tuesday, 7 March 2017
3 Hours at the gym...where has my life gone?
Monday night was an epically long session. I left for the gym at 16:30 and got home at 19:30. It started off with Body Pump where I managed to keep my weights from last week but definitely feel stronger this week - basically it didn't hurt as much as usual. I am most proud that I managed to stick with the whole and track and do the planning section without falling.
Straight after Pump the new boxing class started. It was the techniques session for the people who haven't been to the Wednesday session. I was flying solo since the Mr was working away. The class was good but I don't like working with strangers. Social awkward capacity levels were reached, blown past and exploded. Could. Not. Deal. The class was good but for some reason I still seem to be boxing favouring my left side. Weird!
Today I was exhausted from the workout. I felt like I had no time to myself last night and by the time I had my shower it was bed time already. Because of the stage in at my weight loss is at a bit of a plateau which means my motivation and drive is in major decline. I'm trying everything but I feel like I may not actually be eating enough. I'm not sure really. What I do know is it took a LOT to drag myself to PT tonight.
PT started with an incline fast walk for 10 minutes then a bit of HIIT training - no pyramid this time a straight 5 sets of 5 exercises with a break of 30 seconds, 1 minute, 1 minute then 30 seconds. The workout was as follows:
30 secs - kettlebell swings (6kg)
30 secs - kettlebell squat raises (6kg)
30 secs - shoulder press (bar plus 3.75kg)
30 secs - burpees on stepper
30 secs - step ups on stepper
We finished the session with some ab crunches. Then I went with the Mr to yoga.
Yoga was a lot of fun, very relaxing and exactly what I needed today. I feel very much robbed of time due to commitments at the gym. From now on I am going to drop body pump on a Monday I think. I haven't fully decided. What I have decided is that I am going to do a weekly yoga session. I really love it.
Hopefully Thursday will be a more cheery post!
Straight after Pump the new boxing class started. It was the techniques session for the people who haven't been to the Wednesday session. I was flying solo since the Mr was working away. The class was good but I don't like working with strangers. Social awkward capacity levels were reached, blown past and exploded. Could. Not. Deal. The class was good but for some reason I still seem to be boxing favouring my left side. Weird!
Today I was exhausted from the workout. I felt like I had no time to myself last night and by the time I had my shower it was bed time already. Because of the stage in at my weight loss is at a bit of a plateau which means my motivation and drive is in major decline. I'm trying everything but I feel like I may not actually be eating enough. I'm not sure really. What I do know is it took a LOT to drag myself to PT tonight.
PT started with an incline fast walk for 10 minutes then a bit of HIIT training - no pyramid this time a straight 5 sets of 5 exercises with a break of 30 seconds, 1 minute, 1 minute then 30 seconds. The workout was as follows:
30 secs - kettlebell swings (6kg)
30 secs - kettlebell squat raises (6kg)
30 secs - shoulder press (bar plus 3.75kg)
30 secs - burpees on stepper
30 secs - step ups on stepper
We finished the session with some ab crunches. Then I went with the Mr to yoga.
Yoga was a lot of fun, very relaxing and exactly what I needed today. I feel very much robbed of time due to commitments at the gym. From now on I am going to drop body pump on a Monday I think. I haven't fully decided. What I have decided is that I am going to do a weekly yoga session. I really love it.
Hopefully Thursday will be a more cheery post!
Friday, 3 March 2017
Friday PT + Measurement Update!
Today's PT session was tough but also a bit flat. I made the mistake of not eating properly before going to the gym due to an epic power nap which over ran (oops!) as a result I felt shocking. It wasn't a great plan.
PT was mostly HIIT training again. We did it a different way this time though, not the pyramid style we have been doing. It went as follows:
30 secs shoulder presses (5kg)
30 secs kettlebell swings (8kg)
30 secs burpees on step
30 secs push ups
30 secs warrior ropes
6 times over. 6 times! I was feeling faint, dizzy and sick through it all and had to stop a few times to pull myself together. After we finished the HIIT we went up to the cross trainer and did 10 minutes on that. I was knackered but I had pulled it together a little bit by this point.
To end tonight's session we went to the exam room and got measured up. I was totally shocked to have lost 10cms off of my waist and 7cms from my hips. In total I have lost 17cms from my waist and 7 from my hips. I'm really pleased with the outcome.
My total weight loss is: 1st 13lbs (I know - so close!!!).
Next blog: New boxing class on a Monday and body pump!
PT was mostly HIIT training again. We did it a different way this time though, not the pyramid style we have been doing. It went as follows:
30 secs shoulder presses (5kg)
30 secs kettlebell swings (8kg)
30 secs burpees on step
30 secs push ups
30 secs warrior ropes
6 times over. 6 times! I was feeling faint, dizzy and sick through it all and had to stop a few times to pull myself together. After we finished the HIIT we went up to the cross trainer and did 10 minutes on that. I was knackered but I had pulled it together a little bit by this point.
To end tonight's session we went to the exam room and got measured up. I was totally shocked to have lost 10cms off of my waist and 7cms from my hips. In total I have lost 17cms from my waist and 7 from my hips. I'm really pleased with the outcome.
My total weight loss is: 1st 13lbs (I know - so close!!!).
Next blog: New boxing class on a Monday and body pump!
Tuesday, 28 February 2017
One-to-One Boxing Lesson + An Injury
Since last Wednesday's boxing session my right hand has been sore and bruised following an awry punch. Just one. All this pain because I didn't land one silly punch. In fairness I think the fact I have kept training may not be helping my poor hand recover!
Monday was always going to be tough. I'd booked in for my weekly body pump class but I had also booked my pad session with one of the trainers for straight after body pump. I am really not sure what I was thinking in all honesty especially with an injured hand. Body pump was great. I upped my weights for every area - legs, arms, back and shoulders - except chest. It still has too much impact on my dodgy shoulder. I was feeling pretty pleased with myself. Then came to preparing for my training session.
As I sat wrapping my hands for boxing I kind of knew it was a mistake so I wrapped them extra tight. The session started off just jabs and crosses but soon I was ducking blows and sequencing up to 20 punches at a time. I was sweating, out of breath and so thirsty. I felt great though. Until I took my wraps off. My hand was uncontrollably shaking (more so than the usual after boxing) and I couldn't grip anything. By the time I had got home it was swollen and the bruise loomed darker than before.
I'm distraught. I won't lie. For me an injury used to be a great excuse to not do any exercise. Now I can't think of anything worse. I want to be at my prime and working out as much as possible.
I'm going to boxing tomorrow night to see how it goes but to be honest, in my heart of hearts, I know it will be a mistake. I'm feeling super frustrated today I must say. It's making me so grumpy and down. I just hope I heal quickly.
On Friday I will update on the injury and how well training has gone for the rest of the week.
Monday was always going to be tough. I'd booked in for my weekly body pump class but I had also booked my pad session with one of the trainers for straight after body pump. I am really not sure what I was thinking in all honesty especially with an injured hand. Body pump was great. I upped my weights for every area - legs, arms, back and shoulders - except chest. It still has too much impact on my dodgy shoulder. I was feeling pretty pleased with myself. Then came to preparing for my training session.
As I sat wrapping my hands for boxing I kind of knew it was a mistake so I wrapped them extra tight. The session started off just jabs and crosses but soon I was ducking blows and sequencing up to 20 punches at a time. I was sweating, out of breath and so thirsty. I felt great though. Until I took my wraps off. My hand was uncontrollably shaking (more so than the usual after boxing) and I couldn't grip anything. By the time I had got home it was swollen and the bruise loomed darker than before.
I'm distraught. I won't lie. For me an injury used to be a great excuse to not do any exercise. Now I can't think of anything worse. I want to be at my prime and working out as much as possible.
I'm going to boxing tomorrow night to see how it goes but to be honest, in my heart of hearts, I know it will be a mistake. I'm feeling super frustrated today I must say. It's making me so grumpy and down. I just hope I heal quickly.
On Friday I will update on the injury and how well training has gone for the rest of the week.
Friday, 24 February 2017
Boxing (round 2) + Solo PT
You may remember last week after boxing I explained that my whole body hurt for days afterwards. Fortunately for me this week it has been a lot less painful. Except my hand which feels a little bit broken after a rogue punch 😂
This week the pace of the class stepped up a notch. Everything we started last week we added to. Our sequences were longer and much more demanding. Everyone in the class was pushing themselves. Even though I was totally sweating and red faced I found myself getting more and more into it. Every time I try something I genuinely feel like I can see huge improvements in my fitness.
One change I have made this week is to tweak my diet plan. I have removed the majority of the carbohydrates through the day and am eating them at dinner time instead. I've convinced myself (probably incorrectly) that this is the way forward. 😂😂 Again it is one of those "wait and see" things that I try every now and then. #desperatetolosemore
Tonight PT was intense but really good. My gym buddy couldn't make it but I felt confident enough to go on my own. Turns out it was leg day. We started with a 12 minute treadmill session on a high incline and fast walk. From there we went down to the scary weights room (real body builders go to that bit). I think in my entire gym life I've been in there one time and it was to fetch my other half. So tonight I used the Smith (?) machine to squat. I am not sure what the bar weighed but my PT added 10kg to each side. Legit thought that I might die on more than one occasion. I did 3 sets of 10 reps. I felt good that I had managed to do it. Even though I didn't think I would.
Continuing leg day:
Leg press: 3 sets of 12 reps at 145lbs
Leg curls: 3 sets: 10, 8, 8 - can't remember the weight but it was low.
Hamstring curls: 3x12 - again, can't remember the weight.
Finally 8 minutes on the rowing machine.
I must say I am totally exhausted but feel great.
My target for tomorrow's weigh in is 13st 2lbs if I want to be on track for the wedding. Next update will be Tuesday when (hopefully) I'll be able to say I achieved it!
This week the pace of the class stepped up a notch. Everything we started last week we added to. Our sequences were longer and much more demanding. Everyone in the class was pushing themselves. Even though I was totally sweating and red faced I found myself getting more and more into it. Every time I try something I genuinely feel like I can see huge improvements in my fitness.
One change I have made this week is to tweak my diet plan. I have removed the majority of the carbohydrates through the day and am eating them at dinner time instead. I've convinced myself (probably incorrectly) that this is the way forward. 😂😂 Again it is one of those "wait and see" things that I try every now and then. #desperatetolosemore
Tonight PT was intense but really good. My gym buddy couldn't make it but I felt confident enough to go on my own. Turns out it was leg day. We started with a 12 minute treadmill session on a high incline and fast walk. From there we went down to the scary weights room (real body builders go to that bit). I think in my entire gym life I've been in there one time and it was to fetch my other half. So tonight I used the Smith (?) machine to squat. I am not sure what the bar weighed but my PT added 10kg to each side. Legit thought that I might die on more than one occasion. I did 3 sets of 10 reps. I felt good that I had managed to do it. Even though I didn't think I would.
Continuing leg day:
Leg press: 3 sets of 12 reps at 145lbs
Leg curls: 3 sets: 10, 8, 8 - can't remember the weight but it was low.
Hamstring curls: 3x12 - again, can't remember the weight.
Finally 8 minutes on the rowing machine.
I must say I am totally exhausted but feel great.
My target for tomorrow's weigh in is 13st 2lbs if I want to be on track for the wedding. Next update will be Tuesday when (hopefully) I'll be able to say I achieved it!
Tuesday, 21 February 2017
Yoga Newbie
After weeks of promising myself I would make time to go to Yoga but failing miserably I finally made it to my first class and dragged my long suffering fiancé with me too.
I won't lie. Standing outside that studio at 10am on Sunday was daunting. I had all kinds of the fear. This was definitely not helped by the posse of woman who all arrived with their own yoga mats looking like seasoned pros. The relief I felt when a clear fellow newbie turned up and throughout the class mirrored my own confused expressions and wide eyed terror. I was secretly a little but pleased whenever I managed to get into better positions than her. Purely because every other person in the room was better than me already (except maybe my other half).
The instructor was a little out there but in a really good way. She was so supportive and encouraging. After showing us different positions she came round to check we were doing it right. I managed to do most of the advanced positions and was really pleased with myself. I felt like I was very relaxed and able to clear my mind for that time.
I enjoyed the class so much that I am already booked in for the next two weeks.
After the class the OH had booked in for an absolute class so I decided to do a short 20 minute HIIT session - a repeat of the one from last week's PT session. Much more tricky when you have to time yourself on a phone on the floor and you are jumping around like a dafty.
Monday was the usual body pump situation. I always loOK forward to pump on a Monday night. Tuesday night I went with ym training buddy and did some cardio and shoulder training. It wasn't too intense for the sole reason that I am training in one way or another every night Monday through to Friday this week. Boxing is Wednesday, Yoga class on Thursday and PT Friday again.
I intend to do a catch up on Friday due to the crazy amount of training time this week so next blog: Boxing (round 2) + a new Yoga class + PT update.
Current weigh in: 13st 2.5lbs
I won't lie. Standing outside that studio at 10am on Sunday was daunting. I had all kinds of the fear. This was definitely not helped by the posse of woman who all arrived with their own yoga mats looking like seasoned pros. The relief I felt when a clear fellow newbie turned up and throughout the class mirrored my own confused expressions and wide eyed terror. I was secretly a little but pleased whenever I managed to get into better positions than her. Purely because every other person in the room was better than me already (except maybe my other half).
The instructor was a little out there but in a really good way. She was so supportive and encouraging. After showing us different positions she came round to check we were doing it right. I managed to do most of the advanced positions and was really pleased with myself. I felt like I was very relaxed and able to clear my mind for that time.
I enjoyed the class so much that I am already booked in for the next two weeks.
After the class the OH had booked in for an absolute class so I decided to do a short 20 minute HIIT session - a repeat of the one from last week's PT session. Much more tricky when you have to time yourself on a phone on the floor and you are jumping around like a dafty.
Monday was the usual body pump situation. I always loOK forward to pump on a Monday night. Tuesday night I went with ym training buddy and did some cardio and shoulder training. It wasn't too intense for the sole reason that I am training in one way or another every night Monday through to Friday this week. Boxing is Wednesday, Yoga class on Thursday and PT Friday again.
I intend to do a catch up on Friday due to the crazy amount of training time this week so next blog: Boxing (round 2) + a new Yoga class + PT update.
Current weigh in: 13st 2.5lbs
Saturday, 18 February 2017
Boxing Class + PT
This week was my first week at the Ricky Hatton Boxing Academy (who would have thought - me back at boxing!) and boy do I feel it. The class was absolutely amazing. We paired up and took turns at sequences of pad work. A full hour of 3 minute rounds, constantly moving, jumping, twisting and punching. I forgot the rush that it brings. After a frustrating kind of week I felt amazing being able to channel it into something positive.
Skip to Thursday morning, Friday morning and today. Agony. Sheer. Bloody. Agony. I mean I expected to hurt. I expected my shoulders to be a bit sore. I never expected to not be able to stand up properly, sit down properly, roll over in bed or just to move in general without excrutiating pain. My shoulders barely hurt, my wrists, obliques, back, core, legs, abs and hands feel like I was actually the punchbag rather than doing pad work with a partner. No regrets though the emotional and mental benefits along with the physical results will be worth it for sure.
One thing I really wasn't sure I could do was PT on Friday night. I'll be honest I almost backed out right until I walked into the gym. I couldn't understand how my body would hold up to another heavy session. The negativity started to sweep in and convince me that I just shouldn't do it. For the first time since starting the gym I was having real anxiety about going. I convinced myself I would go and just try. I am glad that I did.
We started our session with a new HIIT accumulator:
30secs kettlebell swings (8kg)
Rest
30secs kettlebell swings (8kg)
30secs shoulder press (10kg)
Rest
30secs kettlebell swings
30secs shoulder press
30secs weighted punches (jogging)
Rest
30 secs kettlebell swings
30secs shoulder press
30 secs weighted punches (jogging)
30 secs burpees
Rest - 1min
Then we worked backwards taking one exercise off each session.
After this we did some warrior ropes for 2 minutes each then returned for a different HIIT session.
This time another accumulator:
30secs shoulder raises with kettlebell (8kg)
Rest
30secs shoulder raises with kettlebell
30secs barbell squats (10kg)
Rest
30secs shoulder raises with kettlebell
30secs barbell squats
30secs step ups
Rest
30secs shoulder raises with kettlebell
30secs barbell squats
30secs step ups
30 secs heel taps
Rest - 1 min
Then again backwards removing the last exercise each round.
We finished our session on the rowing machine red faced, numb, sweaty and eager to escape. It was a tough one when I was already in so much pain but I know it will pay off in the end.
I hope my next post will be less painful to type up - new diet recipes and workout plans.
Current weight loss: 1st 9lbs
Skip to Thursday morning, Friday morning and today. Agony. Sheer. Bloody. Agony. I mean I expected to hurt. I expected my shoulders to be a bit sore. I never expected to not be able to stand up properly, sit down properly, roll over in bed or just to move in general without excrutiating pain. My shoulders barely hurt, my wrists, obliques, back, core, legs, abs and hands feel like I was actually the punchbag rather than doing pad work with a partner. No regrets though the emotional and mental benefits along with the physical results will be worth it for sure.
One thing I really wasn't sure I could do was PT on Friday night. I'll be honest I almost backed out right until I walked into the gym. I couldn't understand how my body would hold up to another heavy session. The negativity started to sweep in and convince me that I just shouldn't do it. For the first time since starting the gym I was having real anxiety about going. I convinced myself I would go and just try. I am glad that I did.
We started our session with a new HIIT accumulator:
30secs kettlebell swings (8kg)
Rest
30secs kettlebell swings (8kg)
30secs shoulder press (10kg)
Rest
30secs kettlebell swings
30secs shoulder press
30secs weighted punches (jogging)
Rest
30 secs kettlebell swings
30secs shoulder press
30 secs weighted punches (jogging)
30 secs burpees
Rest - 1min
Then we worked backwards taking one exercise off each session.
After this we did some warrior ropes for 2 minutes each then returned for a different HIIT session.
This time another accumulator:
30secs shoulder raises with kettlebell (8kg)
Rest
30secs shoulder raises with kettlebell
30secs barbell squats (10kg)
Rest
30secs shoulder raises with kettlebell
30secs barbell squats
30secs step ups
Rest
30secs shoulder raises with kettlebell
30secs barbell squats
30secs step ups
30 secs heel taps
Rest - 1 min
Then again backwards removing the last exercise each round.
We finished our session on the rowing machine red faced, numb, sweaty and eager to escape. It was a tough one when I was already in so much pain but I know it will pay off in the end.
I hope my next post will be less painful to type up - new diet recipes and workout plans.
Current weight loss: 1st 9lbs
Tuesday, 14 February 2017
Visiting a New Gym + Body Pump
This weekend I ventured down to Blackpool to see my family. I was anxious about a few things:
1. No gym (who would have thought I would worry about this 3 months ago!)
2. Being able to stick to my diet plan (oops)
I was really good on Thursday night and stuck to my water and no snacks policy but Friday was a disaster- even I can't stretch it to call it a cheat meal.
Dinner out at my favourite restaurant wold have been OK if I hadn't eaten all of the nibbles plus a starter before my main arrived (I know, I know). To top it off I drank several glasses of prosecco and wine THEN went out clubbing. Oh the shame, the guilt!
Saturday I was feeling a bit rubbish that I'd blown it so spectacularly that I was glad when my sis-in-law offered the chance to train with her on Saturday night. We worked our whole upper bodies arms, chest, shoulders and back in what turned into an epic 2 hour gym session. I was in so much pain afterwards! It was non eventful except me getting stuck on a pull up weighted machine and my pants unravelling due to a loose thread. Epic. Embarrassing. So glad that is not my usual gym!!
One thing I learned was that it's so weird training somewhere you aren't familiar with. Granted most of the equipment was the same but it just felt so strange!
Sunday was a struggle - everything hurt. I knew it must have been a good workout to have caused that much pain. I was even still sore on Monday morning.
Body pump was on as usual on Monday but it haseems changed. The gym I go to has standardised the workout and the music. The tracks are longer and much more intense than before. It was a good workout. I managed to up my weights for legs and arms as well as back but not quite chest yet. I'm hoping that will come next week.
Since last Tuesday I have dropped 5lbs - not entirely sure how following on from my epic cheat at the weekend! If only that were the trick every week!
Next post: Ricky Hatton Boxing Course + Leg Day Thursday
Tuesday, 7 February 2017
Being Poorly Sucks!
This is a short, not so wet, update on my weekend/week so far.
In my last post I mentioned I was super excited to go to Yoga at the weekend. It seems a curse is on my wish to try it. I woke up consistently between 4am and 6am on Saturday morning feeling out of sorts. My head hurt, I was sick and my tummy was super unsettled. Add to this the mother of all headaches and you get the idea why I had to cancel the yoga idea!
I thought I was maybe just tired after a stressful week at work but even after resting all day I still couldn't shake it off. I had a little food but was really struggling with feeling sick. Early night and lots of water.
Sunday I was booked in for PT, Monday for Body Pump and Tuesday PT have all had to be cancelled because of how sick and poorly I feel.
I'm keeping resting as much as possible in preparation for my weekend away this week. Fingers crossed I'll have shaken it off by then!
In my last post I mentioned I was super excited to go to Yoga at the weekend. It seems a curse is on my wish to try it. I woke up consistently between 4am and 6am on Saturday morning feeling out of sorts. My head hurt, I was sick and my tummy was super unsettled. Add to this the mother of all headaches and you get the idea why I had to cancel the yoga idea!
I thought I was maybe just tired after a stressful week at work but even after resting all day I still couldn't shake it off. I had a little food but was really struggling with feeling sick. Early night and lots of water.
Sunday I was booked in for PT, Monday for Body Pump and Tuesday PT have all had to be cancelled because of how sick and poorly I feel.
I'm keeping resting as much as possible in preparation for my weekend away this week. Fingers crossed I'll have shaken it off by then!
Friday, 3 February 2017
Basic Shoulder Workout + Plank Challenge Updates
This week has been quite successful in terms of progress on my weight loss journey. We invested in the Fitbit Aria this week and it has blown my mind. I am really enjoying having an accurate scale set at home. According to the scales I am down just under 5lbs since last weigh in (yay). The gym scales agree which is always good!
This week I have been at the gym Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. I am going Saturday and Sunday this week too because PT falls on a Sunday this week. I have done two back and shoulder days and one leg day so far. I thought this week I would share my shoulder routine. It is pretty basic because of a previous injury I have to basically focus on rebuilding the strength on my left side.SO here it is:
Seated Dumbell Press: 3 sets 12 reps 4kg Dumbells
Standing Front Dumbell Raises: 3 sets 12 reps 4kg
Seated Side Lateral Raises: 3 sets 10 reps 3kg
Seated Bent Over Rear Delt Raise: 3 sets 12 reps 3kg
Bent Over Pulley Side Lateral: 3 sets 12 reps 3.4kg
Front Raise (pulley): 3 sets 10 reps 3.4kg
Delt Flies (pulley): 3 sets 12 reps 3.4kg
Row/Rear Delt: 3 sets 12 reps 5.7kg
This is proving successful in the whole strengthening process. I am tracking the weights and reps each time to see the progress from week to week. It is also having a huge impact on my plank challenge. So far this week I have managed to plank for 30 seconds twice per night and last night managed one 40 second plank. This is a huge step forward for me as I could never maintain the strength required before. It feels good to see the progress happening each week.
I still get these moments - usually when I am daydreaming on the treadmill - when I just think back 3 months when there would have been no way I would have even went to a gym, let alone be there 4-5 times per week. I also have to pinch myself when I look at the scales and see the effects my diet and training are having on my body.
Start Weight: 14st 12lbs
Current Weight: 13st 6lbs
Next post: PT Session, Cheat Meal Saturday and Yoga - my first attempt!
xx
This week I have been at the gym Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. I am going Saturday and Sunday this week too because PT falls on a Sunday this week. I have done two back and shoulder days and one leg day so far. I thought this week I would share my shoulder routine. It is pretty basic because of a previous injury I have to basically focus on rebuilding the strength on my left side.SO here it is:
Seated Dumbell Press: 3 sets 12 reps 4kg Dumbells
Standing Front Dumbell Raises: 3 sets 12 reps 4kg
Seated Side Lateral Raises: 3 sets 10 reps 3kg
Seated Bent Over Rear Delt Raise: 3 sets 12 reps 3kg
Bent Over Pulley Side Lateral: 3 sets 12 reps 3.4kg
Front Raise (pulley): 3 sets 10 reps 3.4kg
Delt Flies (pulley): 3 sets 12 reps 3.4kg
Row/Rear Delt: 3 sets 12 reps 5.7kg
This is proving successful in the whole strengthening process. I am tracking the weights and reps each time to see the progress from week to week. It is also having a huge impact on my plank challenge. So far this week I have managed to plank for 30 seconds twice per night and last night managed one 40 second plank. This is a huge step forward for me as I could never maintain the strength required before. It feels good to see the progress happening each week.
I still get these moments - usually when I am daydreaming on the treadmill - when I just think back 3 months when there would have been no way I would have even went to a gym, let alone be there 4-5 times per week. I also have to pinch myself when I look at the scales and see the effects my diet and training are having on my body.
Start Weight: 14st 12lbs
Current Weight: 13st 6lbs
Next post: PT Session, Cheat Meal Saturday and Yoga - my first attempt!
xx
Monday, 30 January 2017
Last Week Review + New Outlook
Last week was crazy busy but mostly because a lot of it was spent in the gym or doing fitness related projects. The usual Monday night Body Pump class was another killer. The class is super effective but each week I realise that my core strength needs some definite work (more on this later!). I realised that there is not much point in going to the gym to purely work on cardio. It is not as effective a fat burner as a lot of other things I can do whilst I am there.
I have spoken before about an old shoulder injury which does hold me back from time to time. This is something I am really focusing on to strengthen in the coming weeks. I have put together a basic shoulder workout which I did on Saturday morning as well as a basic leg workout which was my hour session on Friday. I think the structure of that really helps.
PT was a lot of HIIT training again this week. This time shifting the focus to strengthen my shoulder and to build my general core strength. I managed 7 whole minutes on the cross trainer - a new achievement for me seeing as I hate the thing. I also have lost another 3lbs this week which takes me to a whopping 18lbs in total. I am really pleased with that result and know it is what is motivating me to keep working hard.
So core strength. Or the lack thereof. We have put together a nightly 5 minute challenge which involves just core workouts. It starts off with planking for as long as you can (timed), a 30 second rest, plank again for as long as you can, 30 second rest, heel taps for 30 seconds, rest, heel taps for 30 seconds, rest and then a final 30 seconds of heel taps.
Plank record (from last night's first attempt) - 30 seconds.
Hopefully I can beat that for next week.
A new recipe I have tried this week (to try and add excitement to my chicken and rice) is to turn it into a tomato based chicken curry. Just cook the chicken as normal, chop it into small chunks and let it simmer in curry paste with a 1/4 tin of chopped tomatoes. It went down a treat!
From this week I am going to be carefully planning out my workouts on a Sunday for the week ahead.
Next post:
Shoulder Workout - basic breakdown
Leg Workout - basic breakdown
Plank challenge update!
I have spoken before about an old shoulder injury which does hold me back from time to time. This is something I am really focusing on to strengthen in the coming weeks. I have put together a basic shoulder workout which I did on Saturday morning as well as a basic leg workout which was my hour session on Friday. I think the structure of that really helps.
PT was a lot of HIIT training again this week. This time shifting the focus to strengthen my shoulder and to build my general core strength. I managed 7 whole minutes on the cross trainer - a new achievement for me seeing as I hate the thing. I also have lost another 3lbs this week which takes me to a whopping 18lbs in total. I am really pleased with that result and know it is what is motivating me to keep working hard.
So core strength. Or the lack thereof. We have put together a nightly 5 minute challenge which involves just core workouts. It starts off with planking for as long as you can (timed), a 30 second rest, plank again for as long as you can, 30 second rest, heel taps for 30 seconds, rest, heel taps for 30 seconds, rest and then a final 30 seconds of heel taps.
Plank record (from last night's first attempt) - 30 seconds.
Hopefully I can beat that for next week.
A new recipe I have tried this week (to try and add excitement to my chicken and rice) is to turn it into a tomato based chicken curry. Just cook the chicken as normal, chop it into small chunks and let it simmer in curry paste with a 1/4 tin of chopped tomatoes. It went down a treat!
From this week I am going to be carefully planning out my workouts on a Sunday for the week ahead.
Next post:
Shoulder Workout - basic breakdown
Leg Workout - basic breakdown
Plank challenge update!
Sunday, 22 January 2017
Personal Training, What I ate Friday + Extra arms day Saturday
Friday was a tough one for me in terms of food. With colleagues going out for lunch to my favourite restaurant it took all my will power not to go! My food was much less exciting. So here is what I actually ate on Friday:
Breakfast: Bran flakes with almond milk - this was my first try of almond milk and it will be my last! Horrible stuff!
Morning Snack: A small banana
Lunch: Brown pita pocket with 2oz of chicken cooked in lemon juice with oregano and mushrooms (so tasty!)
I always miss my afternoon snack for some reason and skip straight to dinner! I know I shouldn't but I always just forget.
Dinner: Friday dinner is one of my favourites of the week. I get 2oz of steak with a cup of rice and some asparagus. I cook the steak with some chinese 5 spice and soy sauce for taste.
It was a good week for testing my resolve - Wednesday is sausage roll and doughnut day at work - I didn't have any, Thursday was a colleague's birthday so there was a huge chocolate cake and we already meantioned Friday.
So PT was 6-7pm on Friday which is a good time in the gym. There is rarely a lot of people in on a Friday which means we get to use any equipment we need. We always try to go a bit earlier so that we get a bit of a warm up on the treadmills just to start us off for the session. On Friday I wish we hadn't given ourself that extra work!
We started with some HIIT training. It is accumulative training which means we do 30 seconds of one exercise, rest for 30 seconds then do the first exercise again but add 30 seconds of a different exercise until we build up to 5 exercises each lasting 30 seconds then a 2 minute break. Our 5 exercises were:
1. Floor to sky jumps with kettlebells.
2. Weighted star jumps (free weights)
3. Weighted squats (bar - but for me kettlebell due to injury)
4. Stepped burpees
5. Planking (again, due to injury, altered to heel touches)
Once we did a continuous block of 30 seconds of each exercise and had our 2 minute break we had to start from the last exercise and do the whole block of 5 backwards, 30 second rest, then do 4 - so drop the floor to sky jumps off this time, then rest for 30, do 3 then drop one etc.
It was hard. There were times - going from the plank to the stepped burpees - on our way back I was just commando rolling myself to get off the mat. We were sweating like crazy and felt like there was no way we could keep going. But we did.
After our HIIT session was the stepper machine. One that (until now) I have not managed to work out before - I always just sink to the floor! I managed 5 minutes on that - boy were they tricky! Especially having done a fair lot of leg work during HIIT. The final step was 2000m on the rowing machine. By this time I must say I was clock watching - I just wanted to lie on the floor and recover.
Since Friday was weigh in day we decided to revisit our measurements for the first time since we started. This was a daunting prospect. I knew I had lost a fair bit of weight but I wasn't sure how that would look in centimeters. For me, a total of 9cms overall - 7 of those off my waist! That is a great result and one I am really chuffed with.
On Saturday morning I was feeling a bit sore and could really feel the workout that I had done the previous night. My legs were a bit tight and my back was really sore but it is all worth it. I'm not sure who had the idea (me or my OH) but we decided to get up early(ish) and head to the gym for a morning arms session. Something I am not great at due to my shoulder injury. We did a 10 minute treadmill warm up, I did some weighted squat jumps with free weights, we did some upper body resistance training on the resistance machine thingy (not sure of the actual words) and then ended with some tricep work with weighted pull downs on the same machine. It felt so good that we rewarded ourselves with a trip to the Nike shop for some new trainers!!
Next post: I will work out how to add photos! Cheat meal - what we ate, body pump - the after effects!
Breakfast: Bran flakes with almond milk - this was my first try of almond milk and it will be my last! Horrible stuff!
Morning Snack: A small banana
Lunch: Brown pita pocket with 2oz of chicken cooked in lemon juice with oregano and mushrooms (so tasty!)
I always miss my afternoon snack for some reason and skip straight to dinner! I know I shouldn't but I always just forget.
Dinner: Friday dinner is one of my favourites of the week. I get 2oz of steak with a cup of rice and some asparagus. I cook the steak with some chinese 5 spice and soy sauce for taste.
It was a good week for testing my resolve - Wednesday is sausage roll and doughnut day at work - I didn't have any, Thursday was a colleague's birthday so there was a huge chocolate cake and we already meantioned Friday.
So PT was 6-7pm on Friday which is a good time in the gym. There is rarely a lot of people in on a Friday which means we get to use any equipment we need. We always try to go a bit earlier so that we get a bit of a warm up on the treadmills just to start us off for the session. On Friday I wish we hadn't given ourself that extra work!
We started with some HIIT training. It is accumulative training which means we do 30 seconds of one exercise, rest for 30 seconds then do the first exercise again but add 30 seconds of a different exercise until we build up to 5 exercises each lasting 30 seconds then a 2 minute break. Our 5 exercises were:
1. Floor to sky jumps with kettlebells.
2. Weighted star jumps (free weights)
3. Weighted squats (bar - but for me kettlebell due to injury)
4. Stepped burpees
5. Planking (again, due to injury, altered to heel touches)
Once we did a continuous block of 30 seconds of each exercise and had our 2 minute break we had to start from the last exercise and do the whole block of 5 backwards, 30 second rest, then do 4 - so drop the floor to sky jumps off this time, then rest for 30, do 3 then drop one etc.
It was hard. There were times - going from the plank to the stepped burpees - on our way back I was just commando rolling myself to get off the mat. We were sweating like crazy and felt like there was no way we could keep going. But we did.
After our HIIT session was the stepper machine. One that (until now) I have not managed to work out before - I always just sink to the floor! I managed 5 minutes on that - boy were they tricky! Especially having done a fair lot of leg work during HIIT. The final step was 2000m on the rowing machine. By this time I must say I was clock watching - I just wanted to lie on the floor and recover.
Since Friday was weigh in day we decided to revisit our measurements for the first time since we started. This was a daunting prospect. I knew I had lost a fair bit of weight but I wasn't sure how that would look in centimeters. For me, a total of 9cms overall - 7 of those off my waist! That is a great result and one I am really chuffed with.
On Saturday morning I was feeling a bit sore and could really feel the workout that I had done the previous night. My legs were a bit tight and my back was really sore but it is all worth it. I'm not sure who had the idea (me or my OH) but we decided to get up early(ish) and head to the gym for a morning arms session. Something I am not great at due to my shoulder injury. We did a 10 minute treadmill warm up, I did some weighted squat jumps with free weights, we did some upper body resistance training on the resistance machine thingy (not sure of the actual words) and then ended with some tricep work with weighted pull downs on the same machine. It felt so good that we rewarded ourselves with a trip to the Nike shop for some new trainers!!
Next post: I will work out how to add photos! Cheat meal - what we ate, body pump - the after effects!
Thursday, 19 January 2017
Me, myself and 15 stones
For the best part of 10 years I have struggled with my weight. I have fluctuated between the 13st mark to my heaviest: 14st 12lb. An unhealthy emotional connection to food, a lack of slef-restraint, a particular fondness for Chinese takeaway/pizza and most importantly my hatred for anything to do with exercise is what I blame. As a result of my weight I have had low self-esteem and even lower self-confidence. I definitely feel that this had an impact on my life through school and university because I just felt like I didn't really fit in.
I can't remember when the first fad diet started but I do know a few things for sure:
1. I was under the impression that going to one Slimming World class and the weight would just come off a week later.
2. There was no way I knew what I was getting myself into - or the dedication that it would take for the diet to succeed.
3. No matter how I tried to twist it there was no way I was getting away with the sneaky takeout I was ordering each week.
The hardest part was certain acquaintences and family members who would constantly make comments about my weight. I kept resolving to start a new diet but it would never last long. My inspiration to really take this seriously came from a few moments (good and bad) in 2016. The first was getting engaged and setting my wedding date for July 2017. The second was my dad taking seriously ill at Easter - it gave us all a boost to get healthier, stop smoking and get fit. Finally my little brother. A fitness fanatic who has worked every day for the past 5-6 years to gain muscle and get super fit. We sat down one day and I (smoking a cigarette and eating leftover Chinese) was telling him all of the reasons why I couldn't or didn't want to exercise, go near a gym or get fit. It wasn't until a few days later when I re-hashed the conversation in my head that I realised how ridiculous this must sound. It was all bull**** excuses.
In November 2016 I joined my local branch of PureGym with one of my bridesmaids. We hired ourselves a personal trainer who works with us together each week, put together a diet plan for us and is there for constant support and guidance. It was the best thing I could ever have done.
In 8 weeks I have lost over a stone in weight and converted a lot more fat to muscle tissue. I won't say it is easy but it definitely is making a huge difference to my relationship with food.
This is just a background to my journey. It's taken me this long to prove to myself that I will keep this diet and fitness routine up long enough to blog it!
Next blog: a rundown of my PT session, what I ate Friday and a progress picture comparison.
I can't remember when the first fad diet started but I do know a few things for sure:
1. I was under the impression that going to one Slimming World class and the weight would just come off a week later.
2. There was no way I knew what I was getting myself into - or the dedication that it would take for the diet to succeed.
3. No matter how I tried to twist it there was no way I was getting away with the sneaky takeout I was ordering each week.
The hardest part was certain acquaintences and family members who would constantly make comments about my weight. I kept resolving to start a new diet but it would never last long. My inspiration to really take this seriously came from a few moments (good and bad) in 2016. The first was getting engaged and setting my wedding date for July 2017. The second was my dad taking seriously ill at Easter - it gave us all a boost to get healthier, stop smoking and get fit. Finally my little brother. A fitness fanatic who has worked every day for the past 5-6 years to gain muscle and get super fit. We sat down one day and I (smoking a cigarette and eating leftover Chinese) was telling him all of the reasons why I couldn't or didn't want to exercise, go near a gym or get fit. It wasn't until a few days later when I re-hashed the conversation in my head that I realised how ridiculous this must sound. It was all bull**** excuses.
In November 2016 I joined my local branch of PureGym with one of my bridesmaids. We hired ourselves a personal trainer who works with us together each week, put together a diet plan for us and is there for constant support and guidance. It was the best thing I could ever have done.
In 8 weeks I have lost over a stone in weight and converted a lot more fat to muscle tissue. I won't say it is easy but it definitely is making a huge difference to my relationship with food.
This is just a background to my journey. It's taken me this long to prove to myself that I will keep this diet and fitness routine up long enough to blog it!
Next blog: a rundown of my PT session, what I ate Friday and a progress picture comparison.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)