Gym Session and.................HOLIDAY!

So I finally feel like I'm getting back into it but I'm hesitant to say anything like 'Hey, I'm back for good'. Don't want to count my chickens!

However, I did go to the gym today! It was meant to be an abs class but no-one else turned up, so the instructor decided I would be having a personal training session. Yay for me!

The trainer (Greg) started me with 3 minutes on the cross trainer to get me warmed up. We had a little discussion about my prolonged absence. He was very understanding but he was keen for me to get back into it, as was I at the time. Strange that just need someone to believe in you and encourage you and you're raring to go again!

Once warm-up was over, he had me do 20 squats with 5kg weights and then 12 lap pull downs at 55kg. I had to do this 3 times and man was it hard! I swear my face looked like this most of the time :(

Very, Very Sweaty!

After that I had to cycle 3km on the bike. A little bit of Cardio he called it! Such a charmer.

Next was 12 lunges with 4kg weights and 10 box press ups. He commented my form in my lunges was excellent :D Happy Emily.

I struggled with the press-ups. I always have and always wondered why. Recently I realised my left wrist is much weaker than my right which I think is due to my ganglion cyst (harmless, so don't worry about me) on my left wrist.

This is what mine looks like. This is NOT my wrist.

Once I told him that, he asked me to use the weights whilst doing my press-ups and it caused there to be much less pressure on the wrist. However the press-up got a whole lot harder and I ended up only doing 6 on the final round of 3 sets.

The exercise that followed was 3 sets of 20 bunny hops over the weight bench. Hard as it put pressure on my wrist but I persevered, only dropping to 10 on the last set. I'm still proud.

The last thing of my work out was reverse crunch exercises. Had to do 2 sets of 10. Painful as haven't done a whole lot of abs in a long while but I pushed through. So proud of myself. Even considering going swimming tonight.

Greg did suggest that I needed more protein in my diet, especially in the morning and recommended I try a female friendly protein shake for breakfast and after work-outs. The one he suggested is called 'Diet FX' (picture below).

Think I will try the Banana flavour.

I'm keen to try it for at least a month and see how it goes. I also plan to cut back on the pudding :(

My last bit of news for you all is that I'm going on HOLIDAY!!!! My family are going for a lovely week in the (fingers crossed) sunny Mallorca, Spain. I'm really rather excited. The added bonus... we are going to go walking, swimming, cycling and scuba diving. So we will be extremely active!

Right catch up with you all soon!

Emily xx

Eat well, Exercise strong and Be happy!

Getting Back On It

Wow went to the gym today finally and I'm feeling really good. I signed up for an abs class tomorrow and another on Friday. Then going to do circuits Thursday, rest day day Saturday. Then Sunday I'm going Horse Riding and Swimming. I'm feeling mega pumped :D

This challenge round I'm focusing massively on the exercise, keeping active, keeping my body moving and therefore keeping my metabolism from slowing down. I'm also trying to eat less processed food. So that means fresh, fresh, fresh all the way!

Someone posted this photo of me today from last month and I think I look really good. It's given me a massive confidence boost, just need to get back into the swinging of exercising after my illness.

Life is really busy right now but I'm determined to keep focused on exercising. I'm loving this weather just makes you feel good inside :D

Ta Ta for now :D

Emily xxx

RFSC Week 1 Goals

I can't tell you how excited I am that Ready for Summer Challenge is here :D

Why hello sun :D I've missed you!

I have been slacking and naughty heehee :D Getting in all the good stuff before I get back on it!

So I've decided to re-adjust my RFSC Goals slightly. My leg is still causing me issues, so I don't think the running goal is a good idea. Will definitely try and run some but I'm going to focus on other things.

So my new OVERALL GOALS are:

1) Get to 12 Stone

2) Cycle 20km

My WEEK ONE GOALS are as follows:

1) Lose 1lbs

2) Exercise 4 times

3) Try a new meal

4) Go Swimming

5) Go for a walk

Right I can't wait to get started, it's going to be an amazing SUMMER!

Emily xx

I AM SO READY FOR SUMMER

I'm actually really looking forward to starting this challenge. I need these challenges to help keep me focused and on track. I've decided this time to keep it simple and focused otherwise I get too overwhelmed.


1) Weight loss - Goal 12 Stone 
2) Exercise - Cycle 20km


I plan to get involved with the mini challenges and will continue to eat healthy and exercise regularly.


BRING ON THE SUMMER :D


Emily xx

Tonsillitis = Food Binge

Yep... you got it... a case of tonsillitis to finish my oh so fantastic month off in style. It's been pretty bad over the past few days to be honest. Waking up in sweats, swollen glands, feverish, quite overwhelming at some points but alas I finally saw the doctor today and she gave me some magic pills :D Well not magical pills but you get my drift. I think I am already on the mend!

I do think the best part about being ill is that you get to eat whatever you want! That might be quite a controversial statement here on the blog-spheres but I stand by it. Everyone needs comfort food when they feel crappy. Oddly my list of comfort food for my sister to buy was the following:

Grapes

Tomato Soup

Hummus with Toasted Pitta Breads

Ice Cream :D Medicinal I promise :p

Chocolate...yeah I know naughty me but hey I'm ill :D

Orange Juice

Strawberries

Bit random really but I guess some of my favourite things aren't all that bad for me. One day when I reach my goal weight I will be able to eat these things in moderation and enjoy on normal days but for now I'll save them for sick days!

I'm quite bummed about being sick on my 'Holiday Days' from work but my dad says as I'm actually medically proven sick, I should be able to claim back my days off!! I hope I can because I had to cancel all my plans. I'm going to try and reschedule most of them for Easter time :D

I read about the new Summer Challenge that is being proposed and I'm keen to get involved. I've found, although I've been plagued with many challenges since the new year, my determination to keep trying has been kept up by being involved with the Spring Chicker's. Once I'm better I'm hoping the new challenge will give me a renewed burst of enthusiasm for losing weight.

I find weight loss much easier in the summer, as I'm sure many people do, so I will hopefully be able to start shifting some proper weight again.

I wish you all the best of luck with your weight loss this week :D

Keep smiling!

Emily xx

It's nearly over.....

My Spring Chicks Check In will be late this week, as I'm going to tie it in with my round up of my February Challenge.

Things are work are still a little tough, but got a meeting next week with the big boss. So hopefully we will know more then.

I'm off home tomorrow to see my family and my dogs tomorrow :D Wooo! Looking forward to getting home and relaxing, been uber stressed and I do not like it one bit.

My ankle is feeling better. However I am being really careful as I don't want to damage it again. I went to the gym today and did:

10 mins cross trainer, then 

3x 15 squats

3x 12 lunges,

3x 8 press ups

3x 15 lap pull downs

3x various arm weight exercises

5 mins cool down on bike

Worked really hard and felt good :D

My ankle seems ok now, so will see how it is in abs class tomorrow. Going to try and keep the momentum going whilst at home but again not going to push it.

I'm looking forward to finishing this challenge. I feel like I've learnt a lot but will blog about that on Thursday!

So ONLY ONE DAY MORE WITHOUT ALCOHOL :D (although don't miss it as much as I thought I would)

Nearly over :D

Ta Ta for now!!

Emily xx

Hell of a Week But I'm Doing Okay!

It's been a bit of a bumpy week for me. Lot's of ups and downs.

First things first, my boss resigned on Wednesday, which basically puts my job in a certain amount of jeopardy. It wasn't done out of spite or anything but it was a fairly upsetting event. I'm now looking for a new job (I still have mine) and I'm feeling really out of balance.

I've also damaged my ankle, every time I think it's better it takes another funny turn. I'm taking the weekend off and will begin exercising again on Monday. I will do some abs work however over the weekend. I tried some arm weight exercises on Thursday, which I enjoyed. Next time I get new circuits I shall be requesting some of those exercises.

One more thing that has really got me down is my lack of money. It's been really hard to eat healthy or even eat properly due to lack of funds. I should be paid in the next few days. I'm going to try budget better this month, so that this doesn't happen again. I also need a new swimming costume as mine just gapes open when I swim. Rather embarrassing I can tell you! I've heard you need to replace your costume very 6 months or so when you swim regularly. as the chlorine damages the elasticity of it. Anyway I shall be investing in a new one.

On a slightly different note I have settled on a smoothie recipe that I like to drink:

In this bad boy: skimmed milk, frozen berry fruits, banana, spinach, oats, honey and low fat Greek yoghurt! It's absolutely amazing!

I'm off to see my physiotherapist a week on Monday and she hopefully will be able to sort my leg so I will be able to start running.Then I will start to burn some serious calories :D Although I must say I really do enjoy the strength work and I'm starting to really looking forward to my abs class on Wednesday.

So lot's of bad stuff but am trying to not let the negative get me down. Feeling ok, like I can get through this. Still no booze even after the week I've had..... I'm pretty proud of myself!

I will blog on Sunday about my week as usual but will be weighing in officially on the Tuesday for the grand finale, as it will be the end of my Month challenge. Even if I haven't lost much weight I feel much better about myself overall and I have lost inches. So something has to be going right!!

Love to you all, thanks for reading,

Emily xxx

Week 4 weigh in and week 5 goals!

So right I officially hates scales and being hungry :(

Weight: 13 Stone 2Lbs (+2lbs)

Oh dear after such a good week I think my naughty weekend caught up with me or the scales are stupidly silly. I really dislike them and I can't seem to get under 13 stone. It's really bothering me

It's weird if I lose weight I'm not hungry and want to exercise. If I put on weight, then I'm just massively hungry and feel extremely demotivated :( It's a cruel world!

Arms: 12.25" (-0.35")

Chest: 34" (-1")

Waist: 31.5" (-0.5")

Stomach: 41.5" (+0.5")

Thighs: 24" (-1")

Calf: 17" (same)

So some are up and some are down. I think my 3 day trial has toned me up a bit. Back on the horse I reckon. However on a bright note, my friend made me look at my beginning measurements from way back when and it turns out I've actually lost a whole 3.5" from my waist. I'm actually quite proud of that :D 

After seeing Erin's picture of herself in a swimsuit I took a better look at myself at Swimming last night and I realised I can see the differences. I may not be brave enough (Erin you are such an inspiration) like Erin but at least I can feel/see the difference. 

Things to discuss and/or consider...

What worked?

I really enjoyed having a gym buddy and going to a new gym. So I think I need to make sure I swap it up a bit. Keep it fresh!

What didn't work?

Having a treat. Apparently I still do not have any self control :(

What can you not wait to do again?

I can't wait to go back to Zumba class. I miss it soooo much!

This week has been a strange week, it started off brilliantly with my 3 day trial. I worked out so much. Then towards the end of the week I was treating myself, not just food treats but material treats and the exercise just tailed off. I need to whip myself back into Gear.

I purchased a new running top that will actually get rid of my sweat when I run :D, a new sports bottle, a new sports bra and some healthy food. I love it all but I think I now need to work hard to pay in exercise for my new stuff. Kind of like a exercise payment system! Copyright !!

In all honesty I've not eaten particularly well today but as we always say to one another 'Tomorrow is a new day".

So I say BRING IT ON!!!

Week 5 Goals

Stop snacking

Feel positive. 

Get back into my exercise routine

Love to you all :D

em x

P.S I created a list of 100 things I want to do before I die. Check it out here!

SCC Week 2 Weigh In and Week 3 Goals

So it was week 2 weigh in today with SCC update:

Weight: 13 Stone (-5lb)


Arms: 13" (+0.4")
Chest: 33" (-1")
Waist: 32" (Same)
Stomach: 40.2" (-0.8")
Thighs: 23" (same)
Calf: 17" (Same)


So most of measurements are the same, so I'm hoping when my leg is better and I can start to train again that I will trim up a bit. The big thing is the weigh loss. I'm fairly hesitant to scream and shout about the supposed 5lb weigh loss. I'm thinking I never really put any on, it was just my totm that made it seem like I had but its nice to know that I'm not that big.


SCC update:

• Losing inches - Like I mentioned staying roughly the same but think it will improve with time. 
• 1 mile time - Still 11.12, as had to take break from running
• Size - Clothes are definitely getting big, So I'm thinking this one will happen.
• Calories - Not doing calories at all. So restricting and time consuming. I'm trying to start again this week
• Water - Currently exceeding 6 Glasses a day. Whoop go me!
• Exercise  - Exercise 4 times due to injury
• Gym  - Went twice again because of injury
• Swimming - No 
• Zumba - No 
• Horse Riding - Complete for month
• Blogged - Have Blogged twice a week every week so far and have been supporting other challengers

How was week 2?


Did you have any a-ha moments?
When I went for a 7 mile walk, I realised just how fantastic it was to do exercise outdoors, even in winter.


What was your biggest success?
Got rid of the weight I had *put* on and didn't have any chocolates from the Milk tray sat in the office :D


What was your biggest struggle?
Not exercising due to my injury. I Wanted to exercise but knew it would be better to just not exercise and wait for it get better.


Week Three Goals:

• Enjoy my birthday.
• Work extra hard before and after so I can have a really good time.
• Get my leg healed up, so taking it easy and not rushing back in.
• Stick to healthy eating on non celebratory meals.
• Get into 12 stone realm on scale

Emily x

Weigh In Post-poned

Hello all,

Just a quick update. I have decided to postpone my weekly weigh in for a couple of days. This is basically due to me being on my period at the moment. I really want to weigh myself and get an accurate portrayal of my weight. I know it sounds like an excuse but I don't want to feel de-motivated for no reason. I'm also in a very positive mood, so I'm hoping a couple of really good days will make the scales kinder to me and therefore give me a boost of confidence.

So I will weigh in as soon as it finishes, so by the end of the week.

I'm also thinking of changing my weigh in days/times. When do other people weigh in and what time of the day do you do it?

On a positive note, I ran 2km last night. So I've already completed my weekly Goal! I also timed my Mile - I'm currently running 11.12 Mile, so have to lose 1.12 by the end of this challenge. I think this is achievable.

I also decided that not eating bread wasn't a good goal, so I've scrapped that. I don't eat a lot of it as it is and what I do eat is wholemeal nimble. So about 58 Calories for a slice!!!

Right will Blog more soon. Just wanted to keep you all updated.

Emily x

Starting Measurements for Spring Chicks

Hello All,

Been having some final 2011 fun and now down to the task at hand. I decided to start my measurements today, as I find Mondays are always a good starting point. You'll all be pleased to know that it seems I haven't put on any weight on over Christmas what so ever. :o I know!! Bluming heck! :D Very pleased though.

So here are my measurements (I'm sure you're dying to know).

Weight: 13 Stone 2Lbs
Arms: 13"
Chest: 35"
Waist: 31"
Stomach: 39.5"
Thighs: 23"
Calf: 16"

Currently a small 16/Big 14 in size

So I think I'm going to go Swimming today to start this off well :D

I wish you all good luck with your weight loss in 2012! We can do it! :D

Emily x

Spring Chick Challenge 2012

So I've decided to do my First Challenge 'Spring Chicks Challenge', which is hosted by The Big Butt Theory.

I want to see if it helps with my weight loss motivation. So here are my stats that I will try and achieve before 19th March!

1) Committment to a NSV (non scale victory)   

• losing inches - I want to lose 20 Inches from all over my body (will post inches on 1st January)
• improving my 1mile time - My Mile time si about 11/12 minutes. So I want to do it in 10 minutes.
• I want to be a size 14 comfortably

2) Committment to a set of nutrition parameters

• Calories - stick to my 1000 a day (make it up to 1000 if I burn it off to clarify)
• Water - 6 Glasses a day
• No Bread

3) Committent to a set of exercise parameters.

• Exercise 6 Times a week
• Gym 4 times a week
• Swimming 1 times a week
• Zumba 1 times a week
• Horse Riding once a month
• Try a new sport each month

4) Committment to blogging

• I commit to blog at least twice a week
• One time will be about my update for this challenge

  So there are my goals that aren't tied into my weight. I'll see how it goes!

Emily x