Body pump and the weigh-in!

Hey everyone.

After deciding I wanted to try out a new class again, I booked onto onto Body Pump. I wasn't really sure what to expect but yesterday I went, feeling a bit anxious. Much like I was when I tried Boot Camp the other week.


I knew the instructor as she also teaches Zumba at my local leisure center, so that was somewhat reassuring. As I arrived some of the other women were collecting various bits and pieces out of a room? A long bar, some different coloured weights etc... Hmmm. Rather awkwardly I followed suit and some of the women recommended that I get two yellow weights and two green, yellow being the lightest.

After collecting the various things, including a step, a mat and then going back to get some clips, to of course hold the weights on the bar, novice alert! I was finally ready to begin. Eek!


We started with a quick warm up e.g. side stepping and marching etc etc... After that, the class generally consisted of lifting weights in various ways. For example, we lay on the step and pushed the bar, with the weights on either side, up and down in varied ways, up for 2 down for 2, up for 3 down for 1, yada yada. That was a particular killer and I only used the yellow weights! I need to remember to look at the colour values next time for you really!. 


We also held the weights over our head so that the bar was resting a little on our shoulders. Then with this we did some lunge and squat/bend exercises. I actually really enjoyed this...but then again I am a lot stronger in my legs than I am in my arms. They get more use, I guess! Which is also why I'm aiming to improve my arm strength, equal it out a little. 


Another exercise that I liked, which I'd never have thought of doing myself, was to place a weight, this time I used a heavier green one, on the stomach whilst doing stomach crunches and sit ups. Brilliant! I also like working my stomach...again, stronger than my arms hehe!

Overall, I did enjoy the class. It was a very different kind of workout though. I'm used to high impact cardio with lots of jumping about and sweating like crazy! This wasn't as 'sweaty' or quick paced but afterwards you could definitely feel the work-out. This morning my arms were particularly achy, however nowhere near as bad as the ache I felt after my first Boot Camp sess!


All in all I'd def recommend people to give this class a try, especially if you're looking to get into using weights a bit more. The good thing about this class is that it shows novice's, like me, how to correctly use the weights and gives you ideas for the different exercises that can incorporate them, such as sit-ups! I may go and buy some weights of my own at some point...so I can continue using them when I have to return to uni and stop doing the classes. Not looking forward to stopping my routine, AT ALL! Guess I'll just have to create a new one!

Now...for the dreaded weigh-in! Well, sadly it wasn't great this week. Nothing happened! Yes, unbelievably I stayed the same. I still have no idea for why this is. I did everything right as far as my ProPoints were concerned and amazingly the only real thing I changed was 'up-ing' the amount of exercise I do. Last week I did AT LEAST 1 hour of intense exercise and unlike normal I didn't have a day off (usually Saturday). I got bored so decided to 'gym it'.


Doesn't make sense, right?! After speaking to some WW members they have suggested that I may have retained more fluid from the increased exercise or it's possible that I should have eaten a few more points to fuel my body for it... If anyone has any other theories about why I only maintained, then please share.

Don't get me wrong I was disappointed...seeing the scale go down every week is an amazing feeling. But, oh well...let's hope my next weigh-in will be more productive!

Onwards and upwards guys!

Stay stong this week ;)

Does Slendertone really tone?

Hi everyone. Having a good weekend?

So I have one of these...

A Slendertone flex belt. And before you ask...no I didn't buy it! It was my mums but she let me have it a few summers ago. So mine is possibly an older version- perhaps the original?

Now, I actually get along with the belt quite well. The sensation is very strange and you can feel your stomach muscles contracting. Be aware that if you turn it up too high it can be painful! Lesson learned on that one!

If you can get by the weird pulling feeling, then it's important that you find the time to use it on a daily basis. But... does it work?!

Well, two summers ago I used the device on a daily basis, sometimes more than once per day, and I did feel it helped to achieve a flatter stomach. However, if you are looking for a magic quick fix then don't be fooled into thinking that this will give you one. In fact, is there any such thing as a quick fix? No pain no gain in my eyes.

However, saying that I have experienced some soreness around my stomach muscles after using this repeatedly (I suggest building up usage gradually to avoid this discomfort). The fact that you can feel where it's been suggests that it does SOMETHING?! Right?

I definitely think that the device is best paired with regular exercise to achieve optimum results. I personally feel that if a 'couch potato persona' is thinking that 30 mins of this a day, in front of the TV, will perform wonders, then they'd be wrong.

If something feels too easy and seems too good to be true then it usually is. However, my mum isn't able to do workouts or strenuous exercise due to back problems, yet she believed this to work. I can't help but think that this could be the placebo effect but she seemed pretty adamant so maybe, just maybe it does work to some degree on its own. Of course, she paired healthy eating or dieting with the device...and that's a whole different story ;)

So...I thought I'd give the belt another try for myself. In fact, I started using it on Thursday but forgot to put it on yesterday so I'm starting afresh from today. Obviously, I'll still be doing my exercise routine and following the Weight Watchers plan, so it won't be a test solely using the ST belt. But, I will have some idea of its results! I'll keep you posted on this.

As for other Slendertone products, well...I stupidly went ahead and purchased...

The Slendertone flex shorts. At a overpriced £99.99 I was bitterly disappointed. The silicone pads inside the shorts (6 in total) made them really difficult to get on.

And after a good 5 minutes applying the shorts, I found them to be very uncomfortable with a cold wet feel to the pads. This literally made my skin crawl! So much so, that I had to physically stop using them! 

As for the sensation...it was similar to the belt, yet unlike that device, I didn't feel they pulled in any muscles as such. I never felt a difference after I'd worn them and often the pads would remain stuck to my legs when removing them. The process of peeling them off myself and reapplying them to the metal studs was tedious and frustrating and generally the whole experience was rubbish!

I assume, like many, I was drawn into buying these shorts by the fact that they appeared to tackle most women's main problem areas- the bum and thighs. However, sadly I never felt any 'tackling' was being done and after persevering with the shorts for a few months I put them in the back of my draw with no intention of ever wearing them again. Later, I sold them on Ebay...hope the buyer got on with them better than I did!

Of course these are only my personal opinions and not everyone will agree with them. If you have them and like them, then I'm pleased...at least you didn't waste your money! But, in terms of me recommending the Slendertone Flex shorts...it's a big thumbs down!

Any Slendertone experiences out there? I'd love to hear about them. Feel free to get in touch with me via Twitter also- @ellie1989

Bye for now!

Treadmill countdown

Hey guys...hope you are all well!

Ok, so I wore my impulsive buyer's hat and took the plunge and bought a treadmill! I know, I know. It was only yesterday that I started considering one!

I actually clicked the buy button last night after a very hard boot camp class. Guess I was feeling motivated?! In the end I went with one from Argos...

...It's the Reebox Pure+ Treadmill. I bought it for £319.99, down from £499.99. Bargain!

Now, sadly it's not being delivered until Friday 10th of August as this was the earliest date I could opt for. Hence my countdown title! But I am rather excited :)

This particular one had two 5* rating reviews, but it's little brother (the Reebok Pure Treadmill) had over 20 very positive ones. I figured they were essentially the same but the Pure+ would be slightly better, if only for the mp3 speakers. Yes, it has speakers! Big plus for me. There's no better motivation than music in my eyes!

Sooo...that's my news! When it arrives I will no doubt let you know what I think and do my own user review. To treadmill, or to not treadmill? I'll let you know! ;)

Bye for now!

A wise investment?

Hey guys. How are you all doing?

So I wasn't sure I'd be able to blog in a while because I am laptop-less. I have one poorly computer. Not ideal. So it's gone in for repair and some much needed TLC! With a nice £35 bill for a total reinstallation. Again, not ideal.

However, taking advantage of my dad's computer (he won't mind he's at work!) I thought I'd share with you my latest idea for keeping my fitness on track.

As the weeks are drawing nearer to the end of my uni break I am starting to get a little panicky that my new found fitness will go out of the window and I'll go back to feeling unfit and crappy. Why is it that time goes by so so fast when you want it to go slowly, but when you're wishing time away it drags?! Typical.

Sadly, despite digging in my heels, I've reluctantly had to accept that I won't made a shred of difference and sure enough the weeks will continue to fly by, regardless of my digging! So, with this realisation I've come to the conclusion that I need to buy...

...a treadmill! Ok, so need is perhaps a bit strong. I mean, I have considered taking up jogging around the streets. But somehow I don't think that'll work for me. My new uni house this year is pretty much smack bang in the middle of the city and the nearest park is over 2 miles away. I think. Want, or desire, is probably a little more realistic though.

But, the price tag is enough to put anyone off, with a decent one being around £300. I definitely wouldn't be able to afford more than that! Then there's the model...what makes a good treadmill?! I've been reading a few customer reviews to gain an idea but it's still pretty tricky. I know that I'd require a fold down or fold away version- for reasons of space and also transporting it to my new house!

I mean, would I use it? I'd have to, right? Would it be worth it? If I kept my fitness up then, too right! I'd love to hear from anyone that has a treadmill or knows of a good make that would be affordable to me? Best place to buy from? At the moment Argos is looking like my best option...?

Still debating over whether I can afford it...hmmm. I'll have a long hard think whilst at Boot Camp tonight. Love that class...can't wait :)

Have a great day everyone!

Personal goal...achieved!

Hey guys. So, today was weigh-in day, just like every Monday. And like every Monday I always feel a little bit nervous. Granted, last week I was more anxious as it followed a rather large chinese, but still, the butterflies were there.

I'd been beyond good all week, with just under half of my weekly points left untouched. Says a lot for my social life this past week. Dull, very dull! And as you may know if you saw my post about Boot Camp, I definitely have been giving my all when it comes to exercise. Two high impact classes in one evening, hardcore. Or crazy!

So like normal, I went to my Spinning class and worked my butt off! Tonight's session was perhaps unusally hard due to the humid warm weather cast down on us East Midlands folk today. I can't comment on anyone else's forecast. Don't get me wrong, I like sun and after the buckets full, or rather ocean's full, of rain we've had lately it was appreciated. Just not a fan of the sticky, 'hot and bothered', air. However sadly, England doesn't tend to do any other kind of warm weather... Rant over!

Drenched, I got on the scales. I've used the same scales since I started Weight Watchers and always worn my trainers, so it stays fair and consistent. Result! Definitely -1 lb !

Now, it's quite difficult to get a completely accurate reading on the scales as I have to try and stand straight, whilst also leaning over to read the damn things. And they aren't digital. I repeat this a couple of times to double/triple check my results. At one point I thought I'd lost 2 lbs but it was hard to be 100%, so I went with the definite -1 lb.

I can't help but be a little dissapointed that I couldn't say that I had lost at least 2 lbs, as losing the most weight you've lost in a week is always a desire. But I shouldn't be greedy, hmm ironic really and should be happy with the loss!

I then also realised that this in itself is a personal achievement. When I started exercising this summer I weighed roughly 9st 10lbs and was seriously pushing the overweight territory at just 5ft 3ins tall. When I started Weight Watcher's I had dropped to 9st 7lbs but still felt seriously unhappy and unfit.

Recalling that I weighed around 9st when I started university 3 years ago, not a huge weight increase I guess unlike some that plonk on a good few stones, I told myself that it would be great to get back to that. I set myself the unspoken goal of dipping under that 9st mark. And...here we are! One personal goal, ticked and counted for at 8st 13lbs!

I am very proud of how far I've come since May...any of you out there that have achieved either weight loss or something similar will understand how much it means. However I did think just under 9st would be enough but I'm nowhere near as supple or as toned as I was before university. And so my next goal is underway...My WW goal weight of 8st 7lbs.

Of course I am only too aware how addictive weight loss can be and I know that when I reach that goal I'll probably give myself a new goal. But I will not be stupid. Healthy is what I aim for, perhaps defined too, definitely not ill! For my height, to be within the healthy section of my BMI I can weigh a minimum of 8st 1lbs. I doubt I will ever reach that to be honest but if I did I'd make sure I didn't go lower...the emancipated look isn't for me guys!

Hope all my WW family did well this week...let me know?! And I hope everyone is keeping up with the motivation?! I find some cracking inspiration on Twitter. This one made me chuckle:

Think of sweat as your fat crying.

It's surprisingly motivating! But they aren't all silly...there is some good tips floating around such as:

Reminder: Skipping breakfast won't make you skinny. Skipping ANY meal won't. It actually puts your body on defense and it stores fat!

I retweet many of the motivational ones, sometimes the funny ones to keep me focused for the day. Why not follow me on Twitter @ellie1989 ... I'd love to hear from you!

Stay strong peeps. New day tomorrow! Good night.

Butternut chips?!

Hello. Hope you are all well. I'm still a little stiff from Thursday's classes...see the Boot Camp post! ;)

So a friend also following the Weight Watchers plan recommended that I try butternut squash. Yes, in my 22 years I haven't tasted the vegetable...I take it it is a veggie?! Haha. Given that the thing is propoint free I figured that it would be worth a try!

Hunting these suckers down was tricky...it seems only larger supermarkets around me stock them! And after it being out of stock at one big store, I located it at another. Finally.

It cost me £1.13 to be precise...I got a large one it seems. When I got it home I realised that I didn't actually know how to go about preparing it?! So I called upon my trusty pal, Google, and discovered that cutting it in half then peeling it is advisable. Brilliant, I am the world's worst peeler...no joke! :/

Eventually, after a massive struggle peeling the damn thing, it was prepared. I stored what I didn't need in these plastic containers and put them in the fridge. By the looks of it I'll be having butternut squash for the forseeable future! Let's hope I like it.

 I chopped some of the butternut squash into quite large chunks, as apparently it shrinks when cooked, and put them into a oven tray/dish. I then lightly sprayed them with Fry Light cooking oil (no propoints) and put them in the oven, preheated at 200 degrees.

I left them the oven for a good 20-25 minutes, turning them over half way through. I didn't get a picture of them fully cooked but they didn't look much different to the above picture. I tested them with a fork to see that they were soft. Their texture resembled chips or potatos and I was surprised to notice that they also tasted akin to chips. Result. I lightly salted them and added them to my dinner of chicken and baked beans.

I definitely cooked too much and left about a 1/3 of the chunks. I found the butternut squash really enjoyable in a small quantity but it did become a little sickly after a while. Next time I would perhaps leave them longer in the oven to crisp. But yes, there will definitely be a next time!

I'd say, if you're looking for something healthy, propoint free if you're a WW member/follower or something to resemble chips without any of the guilt, then give this a try! It won't be everyone's cup of tea, so to speak, but you won't know until you've tasted it!

Pleasantly surprised :)

Boot Camp! ...Yes Sir!

Ouuuuch!!!...I mean hello.

So I'm a little bit sore today...ok, I'm stiff as a blinking board! Eek! It seems that perhaps trying out Boot Camp and then following it with another exercise class (Step n Core) was probably quite ambitious to say the least! However I felt I gave both classes 100% and at the time I had a blast :)

What was Boot Camp like, you may ask? Well, surprisingly enjoyable. There was something very motivating about two 'fit' men, shouting at you to do more and push harder!

Prior to starting the class I was a little nervous, I have to be honest. But I made sure I spoke to some of the women waiting, afterall they are the experts after clearly attending the session each week.  I was somewhat assured by their postivity towards the class, but I still had no idea what it would consist of. One member said it was similar to circuit training and I nodded as if I knew what that was. I've never done that either!

We were told to stand, abruptly, by the instructors. One poor lady was talking, although standing, so she got a very loud shout in her ear! Was pretty funny really though, perhaps not so much for her burst eardrum haha!

We started by running in a long line around the room. I should mention that there were 15 of us doing the class, so not a bad turn out! And I was 1 of 3 whom hadn't been before. We added various arm movements in, as instructed, as we ran. We were then briefed on what numbers 1 to 4 would mean, whilst still running around. Getting pretty tired now! 1 meant touching the floor with the left hand, whilst 2 with the right hand. 3 was both hands and 4 was a jump and change in direction. The leaders fired the different instructions, speeding it up towards the end of the run. Thankfully after probably 5-10mins we did stop running!

Then I think we stretched a little bit and were told we could get a drink. It was strange that we had to be told when to drink, heavens for bid if you just went on your own accord! But weirdly I liked this setup.

We were then devided up into two groups. One group was standing in a line, whilst the others were on the mats. Both groups were facing one another. The instructors also spilt to lead one of the groups. I was on the mats first and we were shown 3 different types of floor exercises. For example, a basic sit-up, touching the heels whilst on the back, and lowering the knees up and down etc. We then had 3 minutes, 1 minute for each exercise. In which time the group opposite had 3 standing exercises to do. After the 3 minutes were up, we swapped sides and did the standing exercises; a lunge using only the right leg, a lunge using only the left leg and a bend with both legs. During the exercises the instructors would shout to encourage you to push and to not give up. It worked. Again we were instructed to grab a quick drink.

Next we were put into pairs. As I didn't know anyone this could have been a bit awkward. However, my partner was really nice and it wasn't too bad. I'd say that she was one of the fittest there so I did joke about not being as 'good' as her. Person number 1 had to lie down on their backs ready for full sit-ups whilst person number 2 had to hold their partners feet. Boy could my partner do sit-ups! It was a bit weird at first holding a strangers feet down, but it became normal. No.1's did 1 mintue then it was swap time. Luckily I've never been too bad at sit-ups and as my stomach hadn't been worked in a while I found the minute relatively easy. I think we repeated this process again, before grabbing a drink.

Still in our partners, No.1's were told to head for the mats, whilst us No.2's were told to line up. My partner had to hold a 'plank' for as long as it took me to run the length of the hall and back, twice. Great, planking is my weakness! For any of you that don't know what a 'plank' looks like...

This woman clearly makes the plank look easy, but try it out and you will soon discover how hard it is to maintain! The key is, is to make sure your bum is down...if it's up in the air then you're cheating and it will feel easy!

Anyway, my turn. Like I say, I had a fit partner so she ran quickly. Thank god! And I found the first plank surprisingly easy. Perhaps after practicing the plank so often in Aerobics and Core, I'm actually getting the hang of it?! Unfortunately we had to repeat this process 4 times! Although I still was feeling strong at this point.

Another drink stop and then we again spilt into two groups, with like before, one group allocated to the mats whilst another group standing. We were given 3 new 1 minute exercises and this time they were definitely much harder! The hardest one on the mats was basically a sit-up but your legs also had to come up, straight into the air. I'm getting tired now! The standing exercise were harder still I thought, with a lot of getting down onto the floor and jumping up. Ouch. Finally drink time.

Now, I'm not sure if this came next or before the previous activity but again we had to hold feet down and do full sit-ups but with a twist to each side, before repeating the process. This was a killer! Luckily we only did this once though, before starting the plank/running activity again. By this point the plank hurt big time and I was shattered. My stomach muscles have never been worked so hard and I was starting to feel it. We repeated the planking/running a total of 3 times.

After a much needed drink, we began to start the cool-down part of the class. In a line we followed the instructor; jogging, side stepping, weaving in and around the hall in whatever direction he chose. We gave our arms a good stretch, still following the line and then gathered in the middle. We lay down and did some floor stretches and then stood back up to further stretch the legs. Done...oh wait, only another 1 hour class to attend! But who's fault is that?! I have no one else to blame bar myself.

Actually though, although fairly tired, after a half an hour break I feel quite 'up' for Step n Core. And even though I definitely found the class harder than normal, I find some hidden energy from somewhere and I complete the class well.

I begin to ache after I've showered and I have a feeling I'll be sore tomorrow....Correct! Ouch! Turning over in bed this morning I felt like I'd been beaten in the night. And actually getting out of bed I felt as though I'd aged overnight and awoken to a 90 year old's physique! Hmmm, not ideal. However it is nice knowing I've really worked out. I mean I can feel I've really worked out.

As for Boot Camp, I shall definitely be going back. Infact I booked on for next week after I finished both classes. Luckily though, Step n Core isn't on for the next two weeks, meaning I'll only have one class to attend on Thursday! I mean, I know I could just do one anyway but because I like them both I know I'd end up doing two every week.

I'd love to hear about any Boot Camp experiences out there?! ...Did you feel the pain the next morning, or is it just because I did two classes? I'm intrigued!

I guess I'll find out next week, if Boot Camp is the root cause of the aches or whether it's just a combination of both, though!

Hope you're all having a motivated week.