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.
Tuesday, 28 February 2017
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
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