Monday mornings session was great. Hard work and I got a stich for the first time but still rewarding and I pushed myself hard this session. After warming up we did a circuit which included running, lifting weights (powerade bottles filled with sand!), going over some small hurdles, skipping with a rope, crab walks (oh so attractive for those of us with a big butt!) and lifting a weight ball. We did the circuit once, then had a break then went for it twice. We then did it in reverse, started in the middle and went left and right so a simple exercise course was made interesting with just a few changes. We were encouraged and pushed to perform our best and that's probaby why I got the stitch! Bianca had a video on a tripod, just to get some footage of what the sessions are about. I hope she isn't going to use it to count all my lifts or skips, just incase I got it wrong!!
After the session I came home and showered and then made my way down to Starshots at the Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydoore for my 'BEFORE' photos. I took some gym gear and some underwear and was quite nervous about having these shots done. I changed and the girl said I could put on my gym gear and put the robe over the top. I just told myself to go for it so when she came to get me, I was bravely in my knickers and a bra with a little crop top over it.
I just thought "This is me. This is who I am and why I want to change." I have covered up my body for ages, unhappy with how it looks. I told myself that it wasn't humiliating but was a very brave thing to do. I had three shots taken, one in front, one to the side, but I looked to the side and I don't know if that was OK and one from the back. One of them will probably be used in Profile Magazine. I hope my 14 year old isn't embarrassed when the time comes. I will talk to him as I don't want him being teased at school as his mum is a magazine in her knickers. Sort of thing you don't think about. If he thinks it will be a problem, I know Bianca took one of me as slightly more covered up, which may not be so embarrassing for him! Hopefully he will be proud of the After shot!
Today is Wednesday and I missed my session today as I had a sick daughter. I didn't think it was fair to leave her not force her in a car to come with me on the 1hr 20 round trip to the sports field and then sit in the car while I ran about.
H2O update.... I managed to drink a lot more on Monday, Tuesday I struggled, today has been better. It is just a matter of getting into the habit of carrying round a bottle all the time or having glasses of water regularly if you are at home.
Hopefully my daughter will be well enough to go to school on Friday and I can work hard at the session to make up for my loss today.
Fingers crossed!
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
Monday, 27 July 2009
Starting Week 2
Friday's session was great. I was the only one there at 9am, so Bianca and I started with some ball skills. It took me back to being about 13 and playing netball. I had to throw the ball into the bucket from various different points and if I missed, run and get the ball and run back to the poin and try again.
We then did squats, bouncing and throwing, lunges up to the line, whilst holding a ball, then run to the next line and back again and lunges back to the start. I felt very unco-ordinated. It seemed an amazingly simple thing to do, but I was concentrating so hard on doing the right steps and holding the ball out to the either side that I felt very wobbly.
At about 9.30 a nice lady with a baby in a buggy came along to join in. Bianca was great as she incorporated the buggy and baby with some of the exercises! As I was doing another set of lunges up the field, the baby was being power walked around and Bianca even suggested holding her whilst doing squats, but she was happy to sit in her buggy chewing something and watch!
So now is the start of week 2. I have enjoyed eating healthily but have struggled to drink 2-litres of water a day as I just forget. My mini goal this week will be to concentrate on increasing my intake of water.
I am having my 'Before' pictures taken today down at Starshots at Maroochydore. This will be the photo in Profile Magazine once I have completed my 12 weeks. I am really nervous about the photos and what I will wear to reveal my lumps and bumps. Don't think I am confident enough to stand in my bra and knickers as some of the previous winners have done.
Wish me luck!
We then did squats, bouncing and throwing, lunges up to the line, whilst holding a ball, then run to the next line and back again and lunges back to the start. I felt very unco-ordinated. It seemed an amazingly simple thing to do, but I was concentrating so hard on doing the right steps and holding the ball out to the either side that I felt very wobbly.
At about 9.30 a nice lady with a baby in a buggy came along to join in. Bianca was great as she incorporated the buggy and baby with some of the exercises! As I was doing another set of lunges up the field, the baby was being power walked around and Bianca even suggested holding her whilst doing squats, but she was happy to sit in her buggy chewing something and watch!
So now is the start of week 2. I have enjoyed eating healthily but have struggled to drink 2-litres of water a day as I just forget. My mini goal this week will be to concentrate on increasing my intake of water.
I am having my 'Before' pictures taken today down at Starshots at Maroochydore. This will be the photo in Profile Magazine once I have completed my 12 weeks. I am really nervous about the photos and what I will wear to reveal my lumps and bumps. Don't think I am confident enough to stand in my bra and knickers as some of the previous winners have done.
Wish me luck!
Thursday, 23 July 2009
Is Shopping Exercise?!
What today showed me was that you must be prepared if you are going out for the day, otherwise you may find yourself stuck for the right thing to eat at the right time.
I had my breakfast, took the kids to school and then went to do a number of errands before the weekend. I am one of a team organising a huge birthday party for a friend on Saturday night so I needed to get a few things down in Nambour. After the costume hire shop and party shop to get forks, I found a few items in the op shops and then realised it was snack time. I had brought some mixed nuts with me so got my tub out of my handbag and nibbled on those as I walked through the Plaza and then went and picked up an apple and some water at Woolworths.
I found myself having a spontaneous manicure just before 12 and explained to the staff about Bianca's programme. I was looking at my sheet again working out where to go for lunch. Kathy from Nambour Beauty, kindly offered to go to the new cafe a few doors down in Queen Street to get a salad for me. The cafe is a new organic grain-and-wheat-free cafe and Kathy took my sheet with menu ideas from Bianca and came back saying that when I was finished, there would be a chicken salad waiting for me. Hows that for service! It was devine, fresh zuccini, warm chicken, organic tomatoes, spinach and lettuce. It was yum and I helped myself to the complimetary water. The lady who did my nails also suggested getting a wrap from Subway as they will fill it with whatever you want so you can pass on the cheese, creamy dressings and ask for healthier choices. I will keep that in mind for next time.
I had cold meat after school for my snack and then a chicken and stir fry veg for tea and I actually feel extremely full, having not eaten as much as I would do normally. It might be all the water though.
So todays exercise involved charging round the shops and running up and down the stairs a few times. Not as vigourous as a session with Bianca, but probably the equivalent of a decent walk, which begs the question "Is shopping exercise?!!"
I had my breakfast, took the kids to school and then went to do a number of errands before the weekend. I am one of a team organising a huge birthday party for a friend on Saturday night so I needed to get a few things down in Nambour. After the costume hire shop and party shop to get forks, I found a few items in the op shops and then realised it was snack time. I had brought some mixed nuts with me so got my tub out of my handbag and nibbled on those as I walked through the Plaza and then went and picked up an apple and some water at Woolworths.
I found myself having a spontaneous manicure just before 12 and explained to the staff about Bianca's programme. I was looking at my sheet again working out where to go for lunch. Kathy from Nambour Beauty, kindly offered to go to the new cafe a few doors down in Queen Street to get a salad for me. The cafe is a new organic grain-and-wheat-free cafe and Kathy took my sheet with menu ideas from Bianca and came back saying that when I was finished, there would be a chicken salad waiting for me. Hows that for service! It was devine, fresh zuccini, warm chicken, organic tomatoes, spinach and lettuce. It was yum and I helped myself to the complimetary water. The lady who did my nails also suggested getting a wrap from Subway as they will fill it with whatever you want so you can pass on the cheese, creamy dressings and ask for healthier choices. I will keep that in mind for next time.
I had cold meat after school for my snack and then a chicken and stir fry veg for tea and I actually feel extremely full, having not eaten as much as I would do normally. It might be all the water though.
So todays exercise involved charging round the shops and running up and down the stairs a few times. Not as vigourous as a session with Bianca, but probably the equivalent of a decent walk, which begs the question "Is shopping exercise?!!"
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Weights and Measures
2nd training session. I was and wasn't looking forward to it but when I got there and I was still breathing (though a little heavier) after the hours session, I felt great.
I wasn't looking forward to doing it as I had a sore toe yesterday and it was hard to do my exercise dvd that I have as it hurt everytime I put pressure on it. I still did it though but took it lightly with the stomping and stretches where you put pressure on it. I think it is just got irritated between the nail and skin and perhaps some dirt or the nail pressing into it from Mondays session. Not sure, but I know it will get better and then I can hopefully jog a bit faster.
Bianca had a couple of helpers today who were both lovely. With only 4 of us in the group and three Personal Trainers assisting you it was great support. They helped with technique and shouted good moral boosting words and encouragement just when you needed it. I am still on level 1, running the shorter distances or walking up a hill rather then running, whereas the others there are fitter so some of their exercises are harder. I wonder how long it will take me to get to level 2!
Today we did a combination of stretches, running, boxing, squats and lunges with weights and exercises to tone our arms and shoulders.
After the session, I was given my one-to-one where Bianca helped me set my goals for the 12 weeks, one of which is being able to touch my toes, which I hope to be able to do comfortably in 6 weeks.
I was measured, had my photo taken, which was quite shocking from behind. I apologise now to my husband as he must see this view quite regularly as I waddle through to the bathroom. I never knew I had 2 folds in my back. New goal to myself... THEY MUST GO!!!
Eating plan is healthy, 3 meals a day plus morning and afternoon tea, protein only in the afternoon and evenings plus water (plenty of it). A 'meal off' (not day off) each week, so that means I can still go out every Thursday night with my husband, but I will make healthy choices and not drink any wine as I have to train in the morning.
I also got chatting to one of the mums at school, Julie who recently had a back operation and has to do a lot of walking. We have decided on Tuesdays and Fridays to go for a walk after school and this way the kids can come too and we can have a chat. I never thought exercise could be so social!!
My son does boxing on a Thursday down in Nambour at the PCYC and I go and pick him up every Thursday about 6.30. So I called them this afternoon and found out that if I go down early, my two girls can join in gymnastics and I can go to the gym or join a fitness class. Surely that is killing 4 birds with one stone! However if I end up with a grumpy 6 & 11 year who don't like gymnastics, then I may have to find something else on another night for us.
Food today has been weetabix, a hand full of nuts for snack, tuna with spinach salad for lunch with rye bread, some slices of turkey for tea and dory with stir fry veg for tea - Yum! ... and the best bit... I'm not hungry!
Off to tidy kitchen before husband gets home and I have to cook all over again!
I wasn't looking forward to doing it as I had a sore toe yesterday and it was hard to do my exercise dvd that I have as it hurt everytime I put pressure on it. I still did it though but took it lightly with the stomping and stretches where you put pressure on it. I think it is just got irritated between the nail and skin and perhaps some dirt or the nail pressing into it from Mondays session. Not sure, but I know it will get better and then I can hopefully jog a bit faster.
Bianca had a couple of helpers today who were both lovely. With only 4 of us in the group and three Personal Trainers assisting you it was great support. They helped with technique and shouted good moral boosting words and encouragement just when you needed it. I am still on level 1, running the shorter distances or walking up a hill rather then running, whereas the others there are fitter so some of their exercises are harder. I wonder how long it will take me to get to level 2!
Today we did a combination of stretches, running, boxing, squats and lunges with weights and exercises to tone our arms and shoulders.
After the session, I was given my one-to-one where Bianca helped me set my goals for the 12 weeks, one of which is being able to touch my toes, which I hope to be able to do comfortably in 6 weeks.
I was measured, had my photo taken, which was quite shocking from behind. I apologise now to my husband as he must see this view quite regularly as I waddle through to the bathroom. I never knew I had 2 folds in my back. New goal to myself... THEY MUST GO!!!
Eating plan is healthy, 3 meals a day plus morning and afternoon tea, protein only in the afternoon and evenings plus water (plenty of it). A 'meal off' (not day off) each week, so that means I can still go out every Thursday night with my husband, but I will make healthy choices and not drink any wine as I have to train in the morning.
I also got chatting to one of the mums at school, Julie who recently had a back operation and has to do a lot of walking. We have decided on Tuesdays and Fridays to go for a walk after school and this way the kids can come too and we can have a chat. I never thought exercise could be so social!!
My son does boxing on a Thursday down in Nambour at the PCYC and I go and pick him up every Thursday about 6.30. So I called them this afternoon and found out that if I go down early, my two girls can join in gymnastics and I can go to the gym or join a fitness class. Surely that is killing 4 birds with one stone! However if I end up with a grumpy 6 & 11 year who don't like gymnastics, then I may have to find something else on another night for us.
Food today has been weetabix, a hand full of nuts for snack, tuna with spinach salad for lunch with rye bread, some slices of turkey for tea and dory with stir fry veg for tea - Yum! ... and the best bit... I'm not hungry!
Off to tidy kitchen before husband gets home and I have to cook all over again!
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Aches & Pains 1
Boy did I feel stiff and sore this morning! I used muscles yesterday I didn't know I had. I carefully did everything I needed to do upstairs before coming down as I didn't know if I could make it back up stairs again!!
The girls were up and dressed in good time this morning, must have been helped by yesterdays earlier start, which we do again tomorrow.
I must do some stretches, go for a brisk walk and drink lots of water today. I have just letting my soup settle from lunch and have a good hour in which to do some exercise before I need to be at the school.
I enjoyed 3 weetabix, milk no sugar, for breakfast and tomato soup and 1 piece of wholemeal toast for lunch. Think it's fish for tea with stir fry veg.
I am having my one to one consultation to weigh & measure after tomorrow's session and from there will set goals and start a good eating regime. Can't wait for the guidance.
Off to put on my sports gear and get that heart pumping!
The girls were up and dressed in good time this morning, must have been helped by yesterdays earlier start, which we do again tomorrow.
I must do some stretches, go for a brisk walk and drink lots of water today. I have just letting my soup settle from lunch and have a good hour in which to do some exercise before I need to be at the school.
I enjoyed 3 weetabix, milk no sugar, for breakfast and tomato soup and 1 piece of wholemeal toast for lunch. Think it's fish for tea with stir fry veg.
I am having my one to one consultation to weigh & measure after tomorrow's session and from there will set goals and start a good eating regime. Can't wait for the guidance.
Off to put on my sports gear and get that heart pumping!
Monday, 20 July 2009
1st Training Session
As I was getting ready this morning I wondered what I needed to wear. I knew included in the deal is a 'one to one' session to weigh and measure me, talk about goals, get a food diary and have some photos taken. I assumed this would be my first meeting with the trainers, before I took the plunge and actually started exercising. So although jeans were calling, I thought I would wear my sports gear just incase I had to bend and it would hopefully get me into 'focus' whilst I was chatting about the new body I was going to have in October.
I arrived at the sports ground dead on 9am and was so glad I had my exercise gear on as I met Bianca and Sasha and 3 other ladies and we started a training session. So I was thrown into it with quite a bang and was relieved I hadn't worn my jeans!
I realised after a warm up, training with a netball and then running round some trees that I am incredibly unfit. However it not going to deter me. The session was really good and Bianca and Sasha were very supportive. They obviously know just how far to push people dependent on their fitness levels and what they want to achieve.
After today, my goals are to be able to run up the hill, instead of walking (but I am really happy Bianca, just so you know, walking for the near future!!) and being able to touch my toes with ease and do the stretches without a roll of fat in the way and my knee bent!
I ate a healthy lunch of sushi rolls and had tea of a small bit of chicken and steamed vegetables. I will do some stretches tomorrow and go for a walk or do my exercise video so I don't seize up before Wednesdays session, but I have a feeling Wednesday will hurt!
Well you know what they say.... No pain - No gain!!
I arrived at the sports ground dead on 9am and was so glad I had my exercise gear on as I met Bianca and Sasha and 3 other ladies and we started a training session. So I was thrown into it with quite a bang and was relieved I hadn't worn my jeans!
I realised after a warm up, training with a netball and then running round some trees that I am incredibly unfit. However it not going to deter me. The session was really good and Bianca and Sasha were very supportive. They obviously know just how far to push people dependent on their fitness levels and what they want to achieve.
After today, my goals are to be able to run up the hill, instead of walking (but I am really happy Bianca, just so you know, walking for the near future!!) and being able to touch my toes with ease and do the stretches without a roll of fat in the way and my knee bent!
I ate a healthy lunch of sushi rolls and had tea of a small bit of chicken and steamed vegetables. I will do some stretches tomorrow and go for a walk or do my exercise video so I don't seize up before Wednesdays session, but I have a feeling Wednesday will hurt!
Well you know what they say.... No pain - No gain!!
Sunday, 19 July 2009
Competition Winner
OMG! I entered a competition in the Sunshine Coast Lifestyle magazine called Profile. It was to win a 12 week challenge where you work with a personal trainer to win a new body. The progamme was being offered Exclusive Personal Training. http://www.exclusivept.com.au/. I had to write in 50 words or fewer why I needed a total body trasnformation.
I wrote:
My family moved from England in December. I’ve gained 20kg through stress eating. I put my kids and other people’s needs before my own. I want to learn to look after myself, rediscover confidence, start working, become a desirable wife, a yummy mummy and enjoy life on the Sunshine Coast.
I received a call on Friday to say I was down to the final three and I had a chat with Sam from Exclusive Personal Training. I had to say again why I wanted to win, what was important to me and what commitment I would give the programme.
I wrote:
My family moved from England in December. I’ve gained 20kg through stress eating. I put my kids and other people’s needs before my own. I want to learn to look after myself, rediscover confidence, start working, become a desirable wife, a yummy mummy and enjoy life on the Sunshine Coast.
I received a call on Friday to say I was down to the final three and I had a chat with Sam from Exclusive Personal Training. I had to say again why I wanted to win, what was important to me and what commitment I would give the programme.
The top picture on the right is me when I turned 40 and when I was about 20kgs lighter than now. The picture below is me in Noosa in June, which is actually quite flattering considering my weight gain.
I was so chuffed when I received a call back to say I was the lucky winner for July. My twelve week challenge is worth $1200 and starts tomorrow at 9am down at Glass House Mountains. My two girls (6 and 11) will walk to school and they have promised to help me by being ready and independent and allowing me to get organised on the days I am training.
I am a bit nervous. I know I am having a 'before' and 'after' pictures and I will be featured in the magazine when I have completed the challenge, but I am really commited to doing it. I have 20 kilos to lose and if I lost 1kg a week doing this, I will be well on the way to getting a new body for Christmas!
I have decided to write this blog as a record of what I am doing. I hope it will benefit me as I can write down my thoughts, my achivements and also write when I am struggling and it will help me to get through it.
We went out for a meal last night, not because I don't think I can go out for a meal again, but it was a nice thing to do. I shared a bottle of wine with my husband, some garlic bread with the kids and a lovely plate of homemade gnocci with sweet potato in cream sauce! I know I will still be able to enjoy a meal out, but next time it might be something lighter and hold the GB!!
The thing I am looking forward to doing is actually learning to enjoy and make time to exercise. At the moment, I struggle to put on socks, ache in the morning getting out of bed and have made little effort to be active since our arrival in Australia. So much for wanting to enjoy the outdoor life. My life over the last seven months has been hectic, moving house three times, trying to start up a business, having visitors for over a month and between all the unpacking, packing and organising, I tend to sit on my bum at the laptop. So many things are done on line now, meaning some days you can shop, bank, pay bills, chat to your friends (even in the UK) all with your butt on a chair whilst eating chocolate!! Not a healthy lifestyle at all. So why am I now writing a blog??!! Hopefully after today I can just write a quick note each day saying how I am doing and so friends, family and supporters can check to see how I am doing if they want.
Wish me luck!!
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