Return to Boot Camp...

...and Step n Core :)

Hello. Hope everyone is well!

So as I mentioned on my previous post, I popped home for a few days whilst on school holidays (half term). And of course being the exercise addict I am, I just had to do some of my much loved classes!

First up was Boot Camp. Now, if you aren't familair with this class then basically the instructors are pretty strict and order you about...well at least my instructors do! :) The classes generally vary in terms of what sort of exercises are involved but this week was a classic circuit training setup. We started on a mat each which were labelled with different exercises e.g. crunches, push-ups, burpees etc.

For those of you wondering what on earth a 'burpee' is...

Yes, it is extremely tiring when repeated over and over again!

Anyway, some of the mats also had equipment such as weights for bicep curls and what not. We completed the assigned exercise for one minute before rotating round to the next mat and so on.

Once we reached half way we ran a few laps around the perimeter of the sports hall before being allowed a quick drink! Strict, but all part of the fun! We continued the different exercises eventually reducing the time per mat to 30 seconds each, eventually finishing with a cool down and stretches.

Next up was Step n Core....basically a fancy name for step aerobics with a quick abdominal floor workout ;) I don't have much more to say about this class really, pretty self explanatory so I won't bore you with the details!

I was worried that my fitness may have slipped since dropping down my exercise to every other day rather than everyday, like in the holidays. But generally I didn't find it a major challenge so all was good...

UNTIL....the next morning. I woke up and felt I'd aged by 30 years. Stiff as a board comes to mind! OUCH! It's ok, it'll be fine tomorrow...right?

WRONG! Oh my goodness...this morning I could barely move, get up or sit down! Not ideal haha but the signs of a GREAT workout. Goes to show that perhaps classes work you harder than an average gym session? Or maybe just work different areas? Hmmm...

Ciao for now!

A Naughty Week & Results

Hi everyone. Hope you all had a great week. Come and say hi to me on Twitter: @ellie1989 :)

So as you may have guessed by the title...I've been a bit naughty this week and have eaten loads! Oops! I guess after feeling like I'd indulged last week but still managing to secure a 2lbs loss, meant that this week I was very relaxed with counting my points. Infact so relaxed that I didn't even bother to record them all in my Weight Watchers app.

As some of you may know, I'm a student training to become a primary school teacher and have been in a school all week on teaching practice. It seems that school dinners aren't particularly healthy and often result in a calorific pudding! Sadly though I don't have the willpower to resist them, as I'm often drained come dinner time and in need of a hearty meal. So, I allow myself the treat of at least one decent/cheeky meal a day (with dinner time more of a snacky meal) yet it means point wise I have to estimate their values (usually around 15 PP).

However this week has been one of those weeks whereby the school has had cake sales and staffroom treats and what not, so I've definitely been nibbling more than usual. I also had a few nights where I felt like eating and then eating some more...We all get this from time to time, don't we?!
Tuesday evening for example, I ate my dinner and then finished off a box of my houesemate's poppadoms dipped in mango & chutney. Not sure why, but damn were they good! :)

Friday was the cake sale day at school and unfortunately my role was to take the children to buy their cakes. Lucikly this only involved two trips but each time I went I treated myself to a shortbread biscuit. I was hungry, honest. And then the staffroom had white chocolate chip cookies... Oh dear!

And then of course yesterday was Nandos day. I met up with a friend and I took advantage of my free 1/4 chicken, adding creamy mash and spicy rice as sides. It was so worth it, I have to say! But then I was just plain GREEDY and decided to buy sweets to munch on whilst watching Taken 2 at the cinemas. I felt like something sweet? :/ lol. The movie was amazing btw, yet can never live up to the first one.

So as you can guess, today I wasn't feeling particularly optimistic about my weigh-in! Again I had to head to my local Boots store and use their scales as my gym has seemingly lost theirs?! :S

RESULTS: (Drum roll)....

A STS!!! Yes, that's right, I stayed exactly the same weight. Pretty shocked I have to say but obviously my body didn't react too badly to the naughty week I had. Also I did go to the gym Sun, Tues, Thurs, Fri and again today so I guess that could have helped reduce the food impact. Haha.

Anyway...back on the wagon this week with only 2lbs to go until Goal Weight! (Although I may adjust slightly when I get there). Heading back to my much missed Boot Camp and Step n Core classes on Thursday during a visit home. Yes, it's half term for school's where I am. So I may just have to let you know how I get on with that. Hope my fitness level hasn't decreased too much?! EEK.

Wish everyone a good or better week this week , if you too didn't quite keep to it last week. At the end of the day we all have to be a bit naughty sometimes, but moderation is key! Keep going, you can do it :)

Hilton's Living Well Gym/Spa & Weigh-In

Hey everyone :)

As some of you may know, if you've read some of my past posts, I've recently moved into a new student house for my final year of University. Sadly this meant that my gym membership had to be cancelled and I've had to leave behind my beloved classes! Crazy, but I actually  really miss them!

But of course being the fitness freak I am, I could not go cold turkey on the exercise front, I had to search for a new local gym. I had a few priorities in mind when selecting one, e.g. a gym with a pool, fitness classes, good facilities like showers etc and also the location/easyiness in terms of getting to and fro.

Consequently, when I came across the Hilton- Living Well it seemed perfect as it appeared to tick all of the boxes (based on their webpage). However, when I got there I realised that this particluar health spa/gym didn't run any exercise classes bar aqua aerobics, due to space limitations.

But an all honesty I was so impressed with the things it did offer that I went ahead anyway and joined. I also got a special deal whereby the usual £75 joining fee was scrapped and the monthly student price of £35 was cut to £10 for the first month. Bargain! :P

So, my initial thoughts...Well I must say I am quite happy with my choice. I have probably been around 6 times now (I joined the other week) and each time I've started off in the gym and then finished up in the pool and the steam rooms. Yes, I am really enjoying the novelty of the steam rooms at the moment! :) The jacuzzi is pretty fun too!

As for the showers and changing areas, they are always really clean, modern and quite posh. I absolutely love that they give you a towel when swiping in at reception- it really does make my life a lot easier. Instead of travelling home all sweaty and still having to wash and shower, I get all of that out of the way before leaving. They also have hairdryers (free of charge) so I can also get my hair all sorted whilst there too!

Like I say, I do miss exercise classes but for the short time I require the gym membership it really isn't a massive deal. I also plan on going back to my home gym during uni breaks...get my fix of classes! :D Can't get enough!

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Weigh-in!

Ok so since I've been in my new house I've been a little slack with following my Weight Watcher's plan. Unable to turn down my housemates on an 'all you can eat' chinese lunch last week and then a clubbing night out leading to a 2am KFC feast, it's safe to say that I wasn't entirely within my propoints entitlement! However the good news is I still LOST, weighing in at just under 8st 11lbs. So, I lost just under 1lb, which yes isn't amazing but it is certainly better than I expected! :)

Also, my goal weight is now 4LBS AWAY!!! Wooo....cannot believe I've almost achieved what I set out to! I suppose maintaining will also be a challenge but I'll have to just see how I get on with that and work out what works best for me.

For now though, I'm going to continue with the plan but perhaps be a little more relaxed with it, afterall I can do it in my sleep now after 4 months! :)

And to those of you that are battling with the desire to give-up...don't think about how far you have left to go, but how far you have come.

Or, if you are just starting out...think about why you need to do it for yourself....why do you want to change? And imagine something that will inspire you. For me, the thought of not feeling completely vile in a bikini on holiday and instead having more confidence to wear one was in the front of my mind when I started. And guess what....I achieved that! I didn't die at the thought of getting into swimwear but actually felt good about myself, of how much better I looked than I ever have before. I didn't reach perfection, but perfection doesn't exist. I just felt more comfortable. BIG CHANGE! :)

Hope this spurs you on. Feel free to message me. Twitter: Ellie1989

Post holiday weigh-in!

Hey guys. Hope you all had a brill week! :)

So as you may know if you read my last post...last week I was holidaying in Gran Canaria. I had a great time and decided to go all out and have a week off my Weight Watchers plan.

However, as you may know if you read my last blog, the workout obsessed me required a exercise fix whilst away. I found a nearby gym and did about an hours session each morning. I also did some swimming during the day in the lovely pool...

It's weird because I guess I've been so active during the summer that my body now expects it! I literally get 'twitchy' if I haven't done anything in a day haha. Yes, I got it bad :p

Diet wise I certainly didn't restrict myself though with alcohol, ice cream and fast food all a part of my daily intake! And although I enjoyed what I ate I certainly was glad to be retuning to my much healthier eating towards the end the week. I had forgotten how crap junk food can make you feel after excessive amounts!

Convinced that I'd gained 3+ lbs during the week, I nervously got on the gym scales once home.

Amazingly, I had gained less than a lb!! Something silly like 0.8 of a lb! Unbelievable right?! I guess I forgot how gradual gaining weight is, just like losing it.

So, very happy with the results. Worth it but pleased to be back on my plan :p

Stay strong and remember it's ok to occasionally treat yourself!!!

P.S. I've never felt so happy on holiday before. What a difference feeling good about yourself can make! It's so worth it, so keep going!

Gyms abroad...

...obviously don't require the same safety regulations! Haha

Hi everyone. Currently blogging from Gran Canaria. Im not sure where the image is going to show on the blog as I've never used this blog app before...but you should see my pool shot!

It's a rather nice pool :)

So being the exercise junkie I am I knew that there's no way I could go a whole week on holiday without a workout fix...so this morning (I arrived yesterday afternoon) I went on search for the gym I saw on the complex's map.

Despite having a long walk around, the gym was actually right in front of my room, literally about 15 metres away!

Free for complex guests I just showed my key card and then was able to use the equipment straight away.

Sadly a lot of the machines were out of order which meant that there was only one working treadmill and one cross trainer. Both were being used so I started with some weights. These were quite rusty and perhaps not entirely 'safe' looking but they did the job!

I then sort out the exercise bike. Funnily enough there was no resistance change option so I pedalled faster than usual. The rust was also apparent and the seat didn't appear truly safe but it was comfy so silver lining!

Funny though, after about a minute I was dripping thanks to the hot humidity, so I felt as if I'd already done 10 mins.

I also managed some floor exercises before noticing the cross trainer was vacant. Rather quickly I moved over to the machine and did about 10 minutes worth. The cross trainer was a little more modern and felt much more like home!

I forgot to take water so I didnt stay too long...but it was definitely an experience. Made my local gym at home seem like the Ritz or something! :p

Off to do some laps round the pool now and I'll probably continue to use the gym for the rest of my stay...I think maybe early morning would be better to ensure a good machine though!

As for the Weight Watchers side of things...Im having a week off but not going overboard. To be honest my stomach has shrunk in size so I'm finding I can't finish a meal as the portions are much bigger than I'm used to! There's a change from my old eating style.

Hope everyone has a good week.

Before I came away I was down to 8st 11.5 lbs so when I'm home I'll let you all know about any weight gain! It's inevitable I assume.

Slendertone Update & Weigh-In

Hey everyone. Hope you are all fighting fit this week :)

Right so, a few posts back I blogged about Slendertone toning devices. I was pretty dismissive of the toning shorts and still stand by this. Not a fan! However, I did say I was going to give the abs toning belt a good go and having previously quite liked the product, I was keen to get back into it.

As modelled above, the belt is fairly chunky yet fairly flexible. I would usually sit down whilst using the device...I mean 30 minutes isn't pleasant standing time. As for the 3 gel/silicone textured pads...brace yourself when applying the belt. They can be rather COLD!

As I said in my last Slendertone post, you can actually feel your stomach muscles being pulled in and out. Quite forcibly too on a high setting! And afterwards I had experienced some soreness, hence suggesting that it has worked something?!

However, despite my best efforts I just couldn't get 'in to' using the product! :( I really tried...but the cold application and the unpleasant pulling sensation was a big turn off for me.

Also, the reason I enjoy a good workout is that 'after' feeling you get...a sense of achievement knowing how much effort you have put in. Sitting in front of TV or whatever wearing the belt just didn't give me that same buzz. Personally I've rather WORK for my results and to be honest a gym session is far more enjoyable than the 'noaring' and 'repetitive' feel of the device.

I expect, judging by the countless reviews, that these products either fall into the love or hate categories, depending on the users preference. For me, I'm definitely leaning towards the hate I'm afraid. However, I've given my mum the ST belt (back, as it was hers originally) knowing that she will make better use of the device. Suffering with lower back problems, exercise is limited for her and so I think something like this will really help...either with toning or just for peace of mind, we'll see! (I'll try and keep you all updated on this to determine its actual toning abilities).

All in all I'd say that if you are healthy enough to exercise and manage to eat a balanced diet then you ultimately don't need any fancy gadget. And, with a price tag of around £100, you may as well take to the floor every night and do some crunches or sit ups! I've heard exercise is a mood lifter, so not only will you be one sit up closer to your perfect stomach but you may even have a smile on your face by the end! :)

Hope this is helpful to somebody...again, just my experience and opinions!

WEIGH-IN

After the previous two weeks totting up to a 4lbs loss...I was seriously expecting a STS (stay the same) this week.

Wrong! Another lb loss. Woohooo :) So, I'm getting very close to my GW (goal weight) of 8st 7lbs now and have to say, feeling better than ever! Achievement really is the best feeling. However, just to clarify, I am 5ft 3inches tall, so by BMI guidelines for my height this weight is considered a healthy one! Whilst I do want to reach my ideal GW it's all about the fitness and health for me, the skinny emaciated look is not my aim!

It's very weird to think back to May, when I was feeling unfit, fat and generally crap! I never imagined that I would come anywhere close to today's results. My self belief was so rubbish that it never even occurred to me to take a 'before' photo...in fact taking a picture of myself back then in something like a bikini would have been quite a depressing action! But now, that it my single regret...WHY DIDN'T I TAKE A PHOTO?!!! :p

So...if you are just starting out and you are thinking your goals are so far off that you'll never get close. STOP with these thoughts. Take a god damn photo and believe in yourself!...cause more often than not, nobody else will. It took a while for people to realise that I was actually serious about getting fit...now nobody can question it. The results speak for themselves!

I'm often tweeting or instragraming or pinning something motivational so come and say hi if you need a extra push! In fact, I also post for myself too...keeps me focused along the way!

Twitter: ellie1989
Instragram & Pinterest: elliee1989 (Yes, ellie1989 was already taken, damn! haha)

Remember:

Update & Achievement!

Hey everyone.

So, Monday was my weekly weigh-in and I was really happy to see a 2lbs loss this week! :)

And when I inputted my weight into my Weight Watchers tracker app...

It appears that reaching the 9st mark was an achievement in itself! It's so nice to see that all of my hard work is finally paying off.

It really is true when they say you have to work for results.

Hope it was as good a week for you as it was me; whether it be a good workout, a Weight Watcher's weigh  in or just simply turning down extra helpings of pudding/dessert! :)

Keep going!