{LIFESTYLE} Walker

This Bank holiday Monday I decided it was too beautiful of a day to sit inside. Rather than head to town where it would be full of shoppers I walked to the station and caught a train to Berney Arms, a rural stop in Norfolk so I could walk to Great Yarmouth from there. I'd never done this walk before, but it seemed an easy one to do solo and a chance for delightful fresh air and great views. It is surprising how soothing it is just to be outside in the sun surrounded by wildlife and the stretches of countryside.

At times it was a bit breezy as you can probably tell from the photo of me here, alas that is the coast for you! If you need something free and therapeutic to do alone or with loved ones, walking is an ideal solution. I'm fortunate I live in Norfolk, quite a rural area with plenty of trails to follow but it is easy to check them out routes near you online, many train stations have maps too. I walked about 10 miles yesterday and feel I got a great work out from this mentally and physically, I got to see lots of cute dogs and birds too.

I'd recommend investing in comfortable shoes, sun cream and wearing some leg covering like jeans or leggings to protect from long grass. It is also a good idea to take some snacks and a good size bottle of water.

BEAUTY// SLIMMING MY WORLD

Whatever I do with my day it always makes me happier if I have exercised and eaten as healthily as possible. I may mourn that cake I see some one else eat or miss having cheese with most meals but I genuinely feel more alive without all that. This week I have been 100% on plan with my eating and have really gone out of my way to do as much exercise as I can. Most of all I've found returning to my Slimming World eating has really helped, I'm not going to the club as such as I can't afford that right now but I have all the books and hope I can join a group when I have a bit of cash again.

Feel free to follow my food diary/progress over on my instagram here.

LIFESTYLE&BEAUTY// BODYPUMP (LES MILLS)

My new gym has a good array of classes, I've been trying to experiment with a few of them. In a previous post I spoke about my ZUMBA experience which was overall fun and brilliant cardio. Today I tried the BODYPUMP by Les Mills workout class. On arrival I let the trainer know I was new to the workout and he was very helpful, letting me know the equipment I'd need and helped me choose weights for the workouts. Bodypump involves high rep, low weight lifting with barbells and free weights. Although I was a wee bit nervous it was all very straight forward, the trainer would spend 2 minutes explaining good form and then on with the workout. Something I enjoyed quite a bit was the music, it was upbeat and not just chart songs, it really made you smile doing the lifts to the beat and the trainer's enthusiasm was very infectious.

This is great for weights newbies and those that like lifting regularly, it is sociable and fun, I would definitely attend this class again!

LIFESTYLE// ZUMBA FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Tonight I had my first Zumba class. Initially I was very apprehensive as I'd never done it before and arriving at the class it felt like every one knew where to stand and what was to come. I decided to just see where it went from there. The instructor took centre stage at the front after putting on some great Latin music with a mix of current dance and pop songs. There were no instructions, simply follow what she did and to start it was a little intimidating but after the first song I found myself laughing and moving lots with out it feeling like a workout. It most definitely was though, covered in sweat (sorry TMI) and drinking plenty it felt crazy that this was working out so many muscles and yet time was flying and it was amazing fun.

Honestly I can't wait to book my next session which sadly due to popularity won't be for a wee while. This class is free as part of my membership at my gym but you can find classes for 3-8 pounds all around town. I liked it being at the gym though, as it gave me a chance to go in the pool after to cool down and refresh myself. I've had a brilliant work out and so much fun today, I would recommend it to any one that feels working out is something too tough to stick to due to boredom or not wanting to workout in a gym environment.

Unfortunately I feel taking photos would be inappropriate so check out some videos on Youtube if you're curious. I'm sure most folk know what it is all about by now, I'm a bit behind haha.

.

Rubbish Blogger & 30 Day Shred Result update

I know, I am a crap blogger. I've been neglecting this as I've been busy working and working out. Managed to get some over time at work which is great since I plan on buying weights an work out kit next month!

Anyway, following up from my previous post about initial thoughts on the 30 Day Shred, I am just about half way through and I must admit it is tough to stay motivated with other things going on. Spending 8 hours on my feet at work and integrating Couch to 5K running plan into my week I am pretty knackered. Saying that I am a bit of a newbie when it comes to fitness, in the past I did go to the gym until I got Glandular Fever.

Losses - 

Waist: 1 inch 

Hips: 1 inch

Stomach: 4 inches

Chest: 1 inch 

Below Chest (Just beneath lady bumps): 1 inch 

Left Arm: none (I’ve noticed this is more muscular though) 

Right Arm: 0.5 inch

Left Wrist: 1cm 

Right Wrist: 1cm 

Left Thigh: 0.5 inch 

Right Thigh: 1 inch 

Total: 10 inches 2 cm

Weight loss: 4lbs

(If you’re wondering why I measure my wrists it is because I’ve always wanted slender wrists, I hate having chubby arms they drive me barmy! I think it is far more mature and feminine to have dainty hands/wrists. )