Getting Fit For The Lazy and Un-coordinated

Anyone that knows me a long time would not associate me with being in any way sporty. Ever. I was the girl that hated P.E class in school and always felt below average when it came to it. When I left school I never did any physical activity until I joined a ballet class for a short time when I was 20 years old (and unfortunately does not run anymore). Even joining that class was a big milestone.

It came to the point in 2014 when I became very unhappy with the way I looked and a severe onset of depression/anxiety that I made the plunge to join the gym; I simply had to do something. I joined a local DW gym. Mainly locality was something I needed; if it was miles away there are more excuses not to go. I wanted something different too - I hate running so a cardio based gym was not asthmatic little for me.

I booked in for a gym induction and was pleasantly surprised by what they offered. A £30 monthly membership for students, which is open to me 6.30am-10pm weekdays and 8am-8pm on weekends. The cost has suit me perfectly; I would have easily spent that money on a big takeaway splurge instead. Also the opening time availability; as I have previously mentioned working for myself can mean I have a crazy schedule, so flexibility is required to when I can actually go. DW also boasts a steam room, swimming pool and jacuzzi (bliss after a heavy training session!) The staff are pretty friendly too.

The big question is 'Do you get a personal trainer?'
Personally, I did at the start and absolutely hated it; we didn't have much in common and felt I could train by myself more effectively independently. It wasn't for me; but if you get a good PT it can make all the difference. I guess it depends on your own motivation.

Since my first and last disastrous PT session, I've trained by myself; not easy at the start, granted that, but it does take time. I've found watching other gym members an invaluable way to learn (look at their, posture, stance, how they hold a weight) and try it yourself!

It will be a year in April that I'll be part of DW gym and honestly it has been a great decision. I've found the gym picks my mood up even on my worst days and looking a year back can say I've come a good way from it.

Of course, like most people diet is the big struggle. My sweet tooth overrules me and I am finding it hard to substitute fruit for chocolate (it's just not the same!) Diet Is a long-term factor that I think I'll have to work on for awhile.

2015

Hard to believe it's a new year! As usual all the cliched resolutions have been made...

It took me until April last year until I eventually joined the gym; but I did and it's definitely one of the best decisions I made in 2014. This year I plan to tone up and build my strength up even more; I'm lifting more than I would ever have dreamed possible and want to continue progressing! I also want to increase my level of flexibility; it'll help with my weight training. 

Another resolution is to stop procrastinating so much. Be it assignments, housework, walking the dog on a rainy day. Usually if you do something when you are supposed to, it makes life easier (especially in the case of assignments!)

I'm trying to eat better too. I've crash dieted before and all it does is make you insanely miserable. Sofar I have cut out all carbs (such a pasta, rice potatoes etc) and replaced them with leafy greens. I actually prefer wild rocket and watercress to spinach so would eat more of that currently. No fizzy juice or my beloved Fanta, tea or coffee. I've replaced this mainly with either water or milk or the odd diluted juice. I've cut out all chocolate, curries, crisps too. Basically if it's not vegetables or fruit, eggs or meat I'm not eating it.

The aftereffects of all this? Some hunger, at times. Mainly due to my job and university, my eating patterns are not regular, but I have started eating a regular breakfast. Temptation is big; a lot of people I work for offer coffee/tea and usually biscuits. I'm just saying no thanks or ask for water instead. As for temptation when I'm out and about, I just have to quickly walk past.

Sofar so good.

As for assignments it's the first day back and it's been alright. Patterns assignment is in this Friday, so a busy week ahead. Marketing deadline has been rescheduled as our tutor was away in Australia for nearly three weeks so that's a relief. Sewing isn't going great as I'm such a slow learner/doer but I'll get there; at some point ha.