the challenge: week 5 - what i've learnt so far
I've been on my training plan now for a whole 5 weeks, it�s not long, and there was a little wobble in the middle when I was ill, but I thought now would be a good time to talk about what I've learnt and discovered so far, because obviously after 5 weeks I'm a total pro now when it comes to Health and Fitness�
1. Washing, all the bloody time! I've got a pretty extensive wardrobe which means usually, I can go a good couple of weeks without needing to do a wash,(don�t worry, I've got a pretty impressive knicker drawer), but since doing workouts 5/6 times a week those sweaty clothes need washed, a lot. The simple answer is, I need to buy more workout gear, which I'm more than happy to get on-board with, but it still requires much more washing than I currently do, and that is something I don't enjoy.
2. Smugness � there is no greater feeling than finishing a gym sesh and knowing you've just worked your ass off. It�s even better when I do it on my lunch break and can spend the rest of my day bragging to my office mates how I've just pumped some iron (yep, I'm that person).
3. Strength quickly builds � I recently started going to Body Pump classes, in my first class I could barely lift the bar, let alone any weights on it, but I'm gradually understanding what I can manage and increasing it slowly, even if it�s just a kilo at a time, I've now more than doubled what I squat with and I'm working on my biceps and triceps.
4. Exercising on an empty stomach � this isn't something I�d ever intentionally do, but last night I was rushing out of work to get to my class on time, usually I grab a banana or have something in my bag to give me an energy boost, but due to a hectic afternoon I just completely forgot, and I�d only had a salad for lunch. To note, a Body Combat class is HARD WORK when you've got no energy to burn off, so make sure you always have an emergency snack in your bag...
5. Motivation � it�s much easier to keep myself motivated knowing I'm working towards something (Ism doing Total Warrior if you didn't already know � read this post!) plus I'm raising money so it�s given me even more of a kick up the arse knowing friends and family are giving their own money for me to do this, if that didn't get me to the gym then nothing would.
6. Overnights oat are da bomb � seriously, these bad boys have changed my life. Now usually they�re a breakfast staple, but I've discovered they�re great for making up and bringing to work for my lunch on the days I go to gym. My favourite combo is coconut milk, a grated apple, some Greek yoghurt and maple syrup, it is soo good (let me know if you�d like my own personal recipe) but I'm also trying to expand my repertoire and have this pineapple and coconut combo lined up to try this weekend.
7. Enjoyment � dare I say it, I'm really enjoying it, ok that�s an exaggeration, I'm not enjoying the running, and if you asked me half way through a combat or circuits class when I can�t breathe from exhaustion then I probably wouldn't say I'm exactly having fun, but I do like this feeling of being fitter and pushing myself to work harder. Plus knowing I can now climb a flight of stairs without needing a rest is definitely a good thing.
8. My ass � I've always been one of those people who had a bit of a pancake ass, I never really thought of anything of it until I've now noticed my bum is looking a bit perkier, it's made me realise how flat it was before, I think I kinda like it�
