August in the Gym - weeks 5-8 *update*

Week 5

Mon PT was a legs session, it was dare I say ok.. yes I worked hard and sweated like a dog BUT I left after my session on jelly legs feeling like I had given 100%

Tues – Star week arrived and I was glad I was o na rest day because my already aching body was in bits!!! Panadol, hot water bottle, small bit of chocolate and early night for me!

Weds PT was upper body, I did mention to my trainer that the dress I have to wear in 3 weeks doesn’t zip up passed my bra strap, so he worked me well and kept telling me to push throw and “think of the dress” I’ve a feeling that this will be my mantra for the next 12 months… haha

Thurs was a rest day and my food was 100%

Fri  - I went out for my lunch (salad sambo) and out for my dinner also… I made better choices than I would have previously, but definitely not my best idea day before weigh in!!!!

Sat morning spinning & weigh in – If I’m being honest I wasn’t expecting a loss this week, I tend to maintain and bloat when time of the month arrives!!! So I was happy with my 1 pound loss.. my week wasn’t perfect no…. BUT I didn’t use my monthlies as an excuse to eat shite everyday (I wanted too, but I didn’t)

Week 6

Started this week feeling very motivated and positive, hit a slump on Weds but over all I had a good week

Tues PT – First session of the week is always Legs, my left calf was sore during this session, (it niggles in spinning during mountain climbs, this is the first time I’ve felt it in a PT, but my weights are getting heavier!) So using the machines was extra challenging, I hobbled out of there, cold shower and feet up for an hour helped J

Weds – I can’t explain today! I was just off form / in a bad mood and achy and everything felt like an effort! I fought the urge to eat my feelings all day but gave in to a Boost Bar at 10pm and I don’t regret it! Sometimes it just has to be done!! (*note to self* must work on will power)

Thurs PT was upper body with a trainer I had not met before  - he was excellent, he really put us through our paces and we did a few new exercises which were good for the body.. great session, a good sweat…

Fri – feeling the effects of last night’s training but in a good way… Feeling good about the scales tomorrow

Sat morning spinning  was as energetic as ever…. weigh in was cancelled as there was no one to weigh me (I had a sneaky weigh in at home and it said I’m down 3.5lbs, but not sure if it counts)

Week 7

12 days til my cousins wedding – so this is the final push for me to get the scales moving aswell as the inches melting away

Tues PT – a one on one leg session, I was a very sweaty betty after this session, we finished with 3 minutes on the crosstrainer (going hard for 20 seconds, 10 second breather and repeat!) I did it tho…. Woohoo

Thurs PT – tonight was the first time that I DID NOT want to train!!! I slept badly and had a dodgey stomach!  I was feeling bloated and exhausted!! But yes I went, and yes I struggled through (nothing new there) I was never so happy to get out tho, home, shower and early night!! Getting a full night’s sleep makes an awful difference

Sat morning spinning & weigh in

Week 8

Busy week ahead for me, training 3 days in a row, then wedding prep and then I’m on holidays from work for 10 whole days.. yipee

Mon evening Spinning – it’s been months since I went to Monday spin class, the music and the energy was fab, left feeling good about the week ahead

Tues PT – I know the first T of the week is usually leg, but because I went spinning last night (And my fellow trainee turned up in crocs) we did a heavy lifting upper body session, it was a slow burning sweat session but my god am I feeing the affects 24 hours later (my bingo wings are BURNING)

Weds PT – last session of the week before a 8 day break from training (and my week off work) I found tonight tough, the back of my bingo wings were aching before I even began! I had to do a little bit of jogging in my warm up (a first for me) and I survived it, so I was happy to feel that my fitness is improving

The Results are in

Total lost in 8 weeks = 5.5kgs = 13lbs

  Area Data Transfer Rate Digital Storage Energy Frequency Fuel Economy Length Mass Plane Angle Pressure Speed Temperature Time Volume

  Tonne Kilogram Gram Milligram Microgram Imperial ton US ton Stone Pound Ounce  

  Tonne Kilogram Gram Milligram Microgram Imperial ton US ton Stone Pound Ounce

I have decided that now that I have a base level of fitness that I will carry on with PT’s for hopefully another 8 weeks, and then start going to classes and finding my own routine in the gym..

I’m happy with my weight loss to date. Yes people lose it quicker and I could have been down more BUT I feel that losing it slowly and toning up, will benefit me more in the long run and help me to maintain my losses better..

I am on track for my goal of 3 stone by the end of 2016 and that makes me very proud.. I’ve a long way to go, but I’m off to a great start

I’m on a week off work and the gym from tomorrow… I’m looking forward to taking it easy and letting my body relax for a couple of days, but I will be back training next week raring to go once again 

Everything I eat is posted to my Instagram and Snapchat accounts and I update my Facebook with stats daily also

You can find me on the following:

Facebook >>> HERE <<<

Twitter  >>> HERE <<< 

Instagram  >>> HERE <<<

Snapchat  >>> HERE<<<

***ALL PHOTOS FROM GOOGLE IMAGES***

July in the Gym - My 4 week update

I was nervous about starting personal training, I had done it in 2010 and the results had been fantastic,

but I remembered the constant body ache and finding the food very tough and restricted.

This memory wasn’t enough to put me off trying it again, but it was in the back of my mind

WEEK 1

My assessment took less than 15 minutes, I was weighed, measured & photographed, then I was talked though the food plan (it was 1 x A4 page) I asked a couple of questions and was told to message them if I had anything else to ask (I made a list and emailed them all my thought and worries..)

So I figured out a food routine that would work for me, made my shopping list on Sunday and started the food plan on the Monday morning (as you do with anything new & also started my new food diary notebook)

The training…..

My first PT session was Tuesday evening, I arrived early and spent 20 minutes on the cross-trainer to “warm up” I then met Brian and was told we would be starting with a leg session…. After 2 mins of switching between squats and lunges my legs were burning and aching and I knew that I was going to feel this for the week, but I also felt a familiar feel good aspect come through, I was proud that I’d decided to not give up on myself, proud that ache meant that I was alive and working. It was a very tough session for me I must admit and I was very relieved when the 30 minutes was over… I felt like I walked to my car on jelly legs.

Sure enough the following morning I was shuffling along rather than walking and going down the stairs at home almost had me in tears! I just kept telling myself it would be worth it…. Day 2 I was almost walking normal but still very sore, that evening I had another session, this time Upper Body, (I was glad to be giving my legs a break) I thought upper body would be “easy enough”  I was wrong, who knew that holding an empty belle bar straight out and pulsing, could be so difficult!

Saturday morning was my 3^rd session of the week, which was a class – Spinning, I go to this spinning class regularly and always enjoy it… that morning was no different and it definitely helped to lossen out everything.

By Sunday  I was feeling back to normal and was ready to start another week

WEEK 2

I stuck to the same nights for training, Tues, Thurs & Spin on Sat

My food diary was checked and a couple of adjustments made (more protein with breakfast & snacks)

I’m missing carbs with my dinner and strangely enough cheese! I did have some chocolate biscuits on Weds (I was having a moment of weakness/star week)

The training…..

Tues – legs session,  I was dreading it after last weeks 3 day recovery period BUT it was good and I managed pretty well I thought

Thurs _ Upper Body – this was tough, lifting my full body weight using the TRX straps was an eye opener, the reps got tougher the more we did, and my arms felt like they were gonna fall off ( I was assured that this is normal **haha**puke)

Sat – Spinning @10am

Week 3 SICK

So after spinning I was in  hurry to get out and get ready for a hen party, we went to Dingle.. We had a great time. Got home Sunday evening and decided to leave the food shop to Monday after work. I was an hour in work on Mon and they were talking about burgers on the radio and I had to run to the bathroom!! I had to leave work and go home to bed! I only started coming around that Thursday! So I had the longest hangover in history OR caught a bug over the weekend…

So all 3 of my classes  were cancelled and I was booked in for the following week to try again!

“WEEK 3 – do over”

Back on the healthy eating food wagon on Monday, unfortunately we had a death in the family, so Tuesday was an off plan day & had to cancel my PT and attend the funeral!

Thurs - I got back to the gym 12 days after my last spin class!! My trainer caught the bug so was unable to train me that evening, so I went to a spinning class instead (I was secretly relieved)

Fri – Upper Body work out was on the cards as the filling in my 3 days in a row sandwich

Sat – Spinning @10am – really enjoy this class and it was a great way to start the long weekend

WEEK 4

Weekends are always my down fall.. long weekends in particular! And I struggled Sun & Mon to eat well!

So because my PT last Thursday go cancelled, I have 3 x PT’s in a row this week and spinning

Tues – legs session – I started off giving it great gusto and burnt myself out after about 10 mins, it was a good session, dare I say “enjoyable”

Weds –  upper body – don’t think lifting weight over my head will ever not be a challenge for me

Thurs – Arms – this was a tough session and I knew after 5 mins that I’d be feeling it for a few days (I was right)

Sat – Spinning @10am - I always enjoy my Sat morning spin – found it tough this morning with the heat & body ache

THE RESULTS.. Thankfully even with a week off being ill and a long weekend that derailed me I did loose 7.5lbs

I also lost 1 inch from my hips, 1 inch from my stomach and half an inch from my Neck

THE PLAN

I have signed on to do another 4 weeks of training, I have no plans for the month of Aug and with sickness now behind me the only thing stopping me from losing 14lbs before 1^st Sep is myself

Everything I eat is posted to my Instagram and Snapchat accounts and I update my Facebook daily also

You can find me on the following:

Facebook >>> HERE <<<

Twitter  >>> HERE <<< 

Instagram  >>> HERE <<<

Snapchat  >>> HERE<<<

***ALL PHOTOS FROM GOOGLE IMAGES***

A change is as good as a rest.....

So some of ye might be aware from my posts on facebook, snapchat & Instagram, I’ve decided to change things up for the summer

I was disappointed with my June results from Slimming World, I felt like I gave it my all and the results didn’t show for me! (not the goals I’d set myself anyway)

(and not I’m not blaming SW, I have friends that have lost a fortune of weight on the plan, so I know IT WORKS, its just not for me at the moment)

 Anyhu...

A change is what is needed, Slimming World is like an old friend at this stage and I think it’s time for me to kick my bum out of neutral and get going again.

I go spinning twice a week as you may know already and I was chatting to a few of the girls that take the class but also train at the gym.. (you'd know they do, they look good)

So I booked a consult about joining the gym, getting a programme and seeing about changing up my exercise regime.

They recommended that I start with some personal training sessions (PTs)  before I join, so that when I join I will be familiar with all the equipment and will feel more confident about working out and also actually working/ sweating while I’m there and not just waste the hour changing my music as I stroll on a treadmill(*we’re all guilty of this at some stage*)

So I went home, had a think about it and a chat with some friends and have decided to go for it… 

a change can be good thing and maybe it’s just what my body needs.. a total shake-up..

I have signed up for a 4 week programme…  what does that mean I hear you ask (even if you didn’t you know I’m gonna tell ye anyways…..)

·         2 x 30 minute personal training sessions

·         1 spin class per week

·         Follow their food plan 100%

·         Forget about Slimming world for the time being

I’m not sure if I will be weighed weekly or at the start and end but I will definitely let ye know how I get on…

Wish me luck  & watch this space over the next few weeks

You can find me on the following:

Facebook >>> HERE <<<

Twitter  >>> HERE <<< 

Instagram  >>> HERE <<<

Snapchat  >>> HERE<<<

BACK ON THE SPINNING BIKE......10 class gym pass

I bought a 10 class gym pass in an attempt to kick my ass back into fitness, get me out in the evening, get a hobby and help with the weight loss.

I got a great deal on Groupon, 10 classes for €19, and I purposely picked a place I’d never heard of/ been too before (fresh start and all that jazz!)

I decided that I would keep tabs bout my experience after each class,(incase I forget/ blank it out by the end)

The plan being to go to 2 classes per week to get my metabolism, motivation and fitness all working again and also to get into the next stone bracket (I’ve been sitting  more or less in the same spot for over 10 months now)

WEEK 1

First class this year (it’s the 8^th July) Wednesday Night, Circuits @6pm….

Just about kept up doing the warm up!! Jumping jacks are tough! We were then talked through the 7 different stations that we would visit for 1 minute at a time. After the 3^rd station I could see why the others had decided to bring their water bottles along with them!!! Managed all 7 stations, got back to my water, but was ready to be done at that stage!! I got 3 stations into the next round (45 seconds per station) with my legs burning and couldn’t catch my breath.. started to feel faint and dizzy.. next station was Burpees and it was the one that “broke” me.. I felt like I was going to vomit, I had to apologies to the trainer, who told me to take a drink and go at my own pace…. I tried this for the next 2 stations, but I knew I couldn’t carry on…. I was mortified admitting defeat but it was probably better to leave than to collapse in front of all my brand new gym friends / vomit on said new gym friends!!! I sat in my car for 15 min before I felt well enough to drive home!!  Not surprised that I no longer have any kind of fitness level, but its been years since I felt like that doing exercise!!! Went home feeling hopeless!!

Thursday Night – Spinning @7pm……..

Silly me booking 2 classes for 2 nights in a row! I was very tempted to cancel it, but decided I’d go and try, at worst I’d leave again if I didn’t feel up to it. I got chatting to the girl at reception and told her what had happened last night; She called over the trainer that was taking the spinning class I was about to attend and he had a chat with me, it was a real boost, he told me to take my time… I went into Spinning not knowing what to expect, yes it was tough and I sweated buckets, but it reignited something in me, I’d forgotten how much I used to enjoy going to spinning classes.. the class was tough but in a really good kind of way, I know I’ll enjoy it more when my fitness improves.. I think for the time being I’ll stick to 2 spinning classes a week.. but spaced out to avoid the all over body ache I suffered this week.

WEEK 2 – Monday Night – Spinning @7pm

Wasn’t sure what to expect tonight! I was late arriving and was on a bike up the front!! Eeek.. trainer Siobhan was really good.. 3 songs in and we were all working our asses off and sweating buckets!! I had a fringe of sweat hitting off my forehead (I don’t actually have a fringe, so that a bit mad!)

I wore the wrong tracksuit pants (had no strings to pull) So I spent the hour trying to pull up my pants every time everyone else was drinking water!!! It was a really good/tough hour on the bike… and I left feeling like I’d actually done something J

 Thursday Night – Spinning @7pm……..

Fab class, I just put the head down and got on with it.. found that 45mins flew, music was good.. the squats before cool down were a killer tho!!

WEEK 3 – Monday Night – Spinning @7pm

Siobhan took this class and there’s no other way to describe the hour other than a slooooow burn, the sweat was everywhere by the end, it didn’t help that it was 21 degrees outside…. Really enjoyed the class and the other of “me time” I could defo get used to it

Wednesday Night – Spinning @7pm

I found the class tough, I was tired going in, which didn’t help, but I stuck with it and was delighted I had gone afterwards.. Last class before my time off, so I skipped outta there J

WEEK 4 – Took a break from work / training and eating well!!

WEEK 5 - Thursday Night – Spinning @7pm Back to work on Tuesday after a 10 day break, so it was time to get back to exercise… I’m not gonna lie, it was tough, I gave it my all but still could not keep up or get going! It was like it was my first class ever all over again!! I left feeling dizzy & pukey!! That means I tried tho doesn’t it!!! Dreading next Monday already!! I. CAN. DO. THIS….

WEEK 6 - Monday Night – Spinning @7pm, Is it weird that I feel less motivated when the trainer isn’t on a bike with us? I know they’re still calling out the instructions, but I like when they’re doing it too, it allows me to match their pace and have my hands in the right place but it also makes me feel like they know exactly how we’re all feeling too (could just be me being weird) But anyway! Our instructor was not on a bike and it was a full house, it was also 30 degrees according to my car temp!! I found the class really Intense, could have been the heat, could have been that every song we were expected to “give it our all” it could have been that 2 turns on my bike and I was climbing a very steep hill.. the fact that I’m really unfit may have crossed my mind too. I struggled through the class.. It was like spinning in a sauna so it was extra sweaty and gross. .It was a relief to be done after 45mins…. I’m on the waiting list for Wednesday, so not sure if I’ll get a second spin in this week…….

Wednesday Night  – Had to cancel my space on the waiting list, I seem to have hurt my back after Mondays class L

 WEEK 7 - Monday Night – Spinning @7pm -  Really enjoyed spinning tonight, I was in a good mood, the music was great, and I was able to keep up with the push up’s (bonus) I wouldn’t go as far as to say the class was easy, but I felt like I was able for it and I didn’t clock watch for the 45 minutes, I just got on with it.. over all an enjoyable work out

WEEK 8 - Monday Night – Spinning @7pm – Cancelled – bad cough, sent home for work today to recover!

WEEK 9 - Monday Night – Spinning @7pm Almost back to a healthy me so decided to chance spinning…. Since it was my last “free one” Siobhan was leading the way, it was a really good/ tough class…. I went through all the emotions tonight from coughing fits/ sneezing / tissue hunting/ sweating/ laughing / singing / adjusting my trousers / dropping my bottle / not keeping up with jumps / crazy random thoughts (why do I do this? / Do I really enjoy this? Really??….) So over all a fab work out and hours escape from being me J

This post is not sponsored. I was not asked to review anything or write this post, I’m glad I kept tabs as I went tho because I definitely would not have remembered all of these classes individually.

Isn’t it amazing how your own frame of mind affects how your training goes!! I know that’s not rocket science, but it really clicked for me while writing this…

I have not given up on exercise since doing this. I have classes booked for next week and I plan to buy a new 10 class pass when I get paid at the end of the month.  

For anyone that is in Cork, I would highly recommend the Cork Studio Fitness.   They have been friendly, welcoming and very helpful so far

I’m really happy to have found my happy place again…. Even if it turns out that its on a spinning bike… haha

You can find me on the following:

Facebook >>> HERE <<<

Twitter  >>> HERE <<< 

Instagram  >>> HERE <<<

***Photos from Google Images***

Its the little things & Weigh In Week 1

Its the little things

Last week 3 good things happened to me

1. I had a none scale victory and bought my winter coat in a size smaller than I normally would, its     my first Parka style jacket and I love it, I had expected to have to buy it bigger to make it all cosy and snuggly, but no :) Also my boyfriend treated me to it, so it was doubley good

Parka from Tescos

2. I went to Spinning class last Monday evening even tho I wasn't feeling 100% and survived. I was proud of myself for not cancelling when that's what I really wanted to do.

3. I celebrated going out with my boyfriend 3 years by cooking dinner at home.

Dinner cooked by Moi

Cake = 8 syns

So I was feeling good and positive going to group on Thursday evening ( I was also mad to show off my new coat..lol)
I was up 1.5lbs.. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement, I felt like I've been pretty good these last few weeks and I saw a result in my new coat this week, so I was expecting a loss on the scales!!

So the gain could be down to exercise or cake, I don't regret either.

I'll take my non scale victory and my gain and keep going.. that's all I can do.......




Weight lost to date: 4.5lbs
Onwards and Downwards, the Slimming World way :)

WEEK 19 WEIGH IN 2013

Hi Guys,

I bring good news this week, great news even, so I thought I'd share that first before I tell you about my week.
I was down 2lbs on the scales, down 5lbs in fat and up 1lb in muscle. A FANTASTIC result.


FOOD
After last weeks weigh in, I was off to Dublin to see the wonderful Beyonce. I was aware that being away I tend to make bad choices, so I went away and decided that I would make smarter decisions rather than eating whatever crossed my path. So before we went to the concert, we went for Chinese, I had Chicken Skewers and Chicken Chow Mein, both were very tasty and filling and didn't fill me with guilt or calories.
Plus I then went to the concert and danced and sang my heart out.. Beyonce was AMAZING.. 2 hours and 10 costume changes later, I was a happy bunny. It was  a great day :)
The following morning we went to a cafe for breakfast. I choose the Vegetarian brekkie rather than the full Irish, I even tried Spinach for the first time, and it was nice.. Again I was full and happy and didn't try to steal the boys sausages or pudding (trust me, that's huuuuuge, lol)
Back to work and routine on Monday and my foods stayed on track, I even managed to eat 2 pears most days. So the rest of my week food wise was good


EXERCISE
The weather wasn't great this week, so lunch time walks were off the cards! I decided to chance a Rip60 suspension class on Tuesday evening. we had to do 600 reps, so 100 lunges, 100 jump squats, 100 burpees, 100 chest presses, can't think of the others, I may have blanked them out. It was a very tough 50 minutes and I struggled throughout it, but I didn't give up, even though I wanted too. I left feeling like every inch of me had been thoroughly worked out.
I couldn't move on Wednesday, well I could move but very slowly, I went for a walk on Weds evening to try and ease my bones out, I would be walking along fine and then my knees would just wobble and I'd feel like I'm gonna hit the floor! It was a very funny feeling and I was wrecked after the short walk!!
Waking on Thursday I was feeling worse than the precious day, (isn't day 2 always the worst) The muscle ache was awful!! everything hurt, I was feeling very sorry for myself and my achey body!! I had to cancel my Spin & Abs for that evening and take a total rest day!!
Friday I was almost back to walking like a normal person, but my legs were still achey and starting to feel like two lead blocks attached to me!! I was DREADING going to spinning class that night, but I made myself go and it really helped my legs, the standing up sprints were tough and I thought that my legs would go from under me, but thank gawd my legs were strapped in, the instructor done a brilliant cool down and stretch session at the end of the spinning class and it really helped me


So there you have it, I had a tough week body ache wise, but my food was more or less on the ball and I got a better loss than I had expected, so I'm happy.

Oh on the way home from Dublin we stopped off in Kildare Village for a little retail therapy and I treated myself to new runners, aren't they lovely and pink? I had to show you all. They were a bargain too :) Should have been €85, I paid €33.50.. I love them and I also loved the price (heehee)

My aims for next week

• To keep going as I have been, be more aware of what I'm eating and WHY.
• Eat my pears and yogurts everyday (this is a tough one for me)
• Be down 2lbs

17lbs lost, 43lbs to go.... 

WEEK 16 WEIGH IN 2013

Happy Monday,

I bring good news.. I was down 3lbs this week... wooo hooo
I had a good week, so I was hoping for good news J
I think that 3 spinning classes in the week is really helping me at the moment, I also managed to squeeze in 4 walks. So my exercise was good and I had 6 great days with food too.

I do find that come Thursday and Friday, I’m almost tempted to give in and have some sugar or “something nice” but this is something that I’m becoming more aware of and I think its my own brain trying to make me fail. So I’ve been staying strong when these thoughts hit me! It’s a constant battle with myself. I know it sounds silly and its mad for me to try and explain how this works for me. But any kind of emotion = food for me. Happy = food, sad = food, tired = food, cranky = food, tired from exercise = food, bored = food. Or any reason at all. If my friend says she’s sad, I’m thinking “what kinda cake/choc could I buy to cheer her up” madness I know, but I’ve operated like this for years.. so the re-wiring process in my brain is gonna take a while to catch on as the new automatic response.. So I have to be extra vigilant with myself. Yip I’m self policing my thoughts aswell as my actions.
Its not even that I’m thinking that I’ll have whatever it may be as a treat because I’ve been so good the last few days. Its just purely because A.) its there B.) I want it, just cuz C.) Sure why not
These aren’t even real excuses, but at the time my urges take over and I want to give in, and I can tell you know, its never worth it. I’ve caved many times and its never worth it.

Source: Google Images

My other good news for this post is I've finally beaten my own personal mental block.  That's right, I am now the lightest  I have ever been in my adult life.. its taken me a while but I've beaten my own demons and now the only way is down form here. I was thrilled to receive this piece of news on Saturday morning as I’ve been so so close to this moment since mid March and I kept bouncing back and fourth from it. But I’ve done it now, I’ve finally broken through my mental block wall J
I’m sure I’ll face many more challenges and blocks and plateau’s as I continue on my weight loss challenge, but this is my first BIG BREAKTHROUGH and I feel like I want to shout it from the rooftops.. I didn’t give up on myself, yes it took me a while to get my head around it and get on the right track. BUT I DID IT, Nobody else but me.

Its almost a relief to prove to myself that I could do this. So this is the 4^th time in 12 months that I’ve lost the same stone. But this week my total weight loss tally for this year is 15lbs, which means I’ve lost 1 stone and 1 lbs and that little 1lb means that I’m now into my second stone… so there’s no going back. The only way is forward.

I know I’m gushing, but this feels like it’s a very big deal for me J so as my treat I bought myself some new gym clothes in the Nike Outlet shop. 2 pants (1 x long & 1 x short) and a pink vest to break my black cycle for the summer.


15lbs lost, 45lbs to go.... 

Week 15 Weigh-in 2013‏

Hello hello,
Its that time of the week again  and I've good news to report thankfully :) I was down 2lbs on the scales, down 4lbs in Fat and up 2lbs in muscle... So I'm happy with that result.


I  think the effects of Rip60 last week showed on this weeks scale reading. But I did work extra hard all week ,I made sure that my portions sizes were correct. I stuck to my food plan 98%
And that’s only because I went to give blood and you have to have sugars before you can leave so I had a cup of club orange and a bag of Taytos on Tuesday evening!


During the week I went to Spinning, Spin & Abs and I faced another Rip60 class. I also managed 2 x lunch time walks, so combine moving my ass everyday with eating 98% good and you get a good result on the scales.


The scales did dither between two numbers when I stepped on and it stuck on the higher one, so I’ve taking that to mean that I’m already 1lb down before this week has even started J which can only be a good thing really J

This week I have booked in for 3 x Spinning classes and I’m thinking about trying a Kettle bell class also (little afraid for my back with regards kettle bells, but I won’t know until I try)
I’m back on track and fighting my urges and I’m not feeling deprived, the weather is also starting to improve and with that comes the prospect of brighter and tighter clothes for the summer.

So that thought is spurring me along and keeping me away from the biscuit tin. Work had my favourite biscuits in the kitchen last week and I did not eat one! I may have had a sniff or two, but I did not eat one and they still disappeared just a quickly from the kitchen without my help. And I was happy once they were gone. Cuz the temptation had left the building and I had not given in J


For me it’s the little things that I applaud myself for. I’m delighted that I didn’t break for a biscuit last week! Had that been the week previous, I would have had 3!! I feel like I’m back on the right track and getting a good result on the scales proves that I can do this. I just need to keep putting one good day in front of another and the days will turn to weeks and the pounds will hopefully melt away.


I hope your weight loss journey is going well..

Week 13 Weigh-in 2013‏

Hey Guys,
I was very tempted to skip the scales this week. But after all the positive feed back I received from my last post I decided that I needed to bite the bullet and step on the scales and basically cope myself on!!

To my shock, surprise and delight I was down 3lbs on the scales, I had mentally prepared myself to be told I was up and I needed to pull my head in, wire my jaw shut and get on with things!!
My adviser was thrilled for me, especially after Easter weekend, I'd eaten 1.5 Easter eggs after all and I'd had red meat for dinner 4 days in the week. (which is a big no, no)
After she looked through my food diary she agreed that I should have been up this week too!
She reckoned that the last couple of weeks of low scoring weigh in's are starting to show and catch up and stand to me, and that kinda makes sense :)
I would say that in the last week I was 80% good with my food, I found myself picking and eating extras alrite, so I need to pull that back!!

I think the thing that helped with my results was the extra exercise, since I've been in a bad mood and not in the form to be around people I have been hitting the gym (it also helps that I have a 30 day class pass, so its free) Last week I went to total Spinning bank holiday Monday night and I went to Spin & Abs on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. I also went for 4 x lunch time walks and on Friday night went for a 2.5 mile walk... So I would say that I was 100% good with moving my ass. 3 spins and 5 walks in 5 days.. I think that's a personal best for me :)

I'm going to try and get back to writing more positive posts which will in turn send out positive messages and vibes to others, because having a positive mental "can do" attitude is key to me succeeding on this journey and i do want to succeed  I've been self sabotaging and that has upset me also.. so I know I need to stop feeling sorry for myself, yes its a tough thing to stick with but its definitely worth while and its what I want.
Nobody is making me do any of this. Nobody has a gun to my head. This is all for me and about me.

I saw on twitter over the weekend that the skinny doll is BACK with her next challenge sign up today, Its a 9 week challenge that will take us through to the June bank holiday weekend.

I've decided that I need to start setting myself some targets instead of just talking about doing it.

• I plan to be down 2lbs next week
• I will also try new classes this week (zumba and rip60)

I hope you had a good week and weigh in xxx

10.5lbs  lost, 49.5lbs to go.... 

Week 3 Weigh-in 2013‏

Hey Guys,

I'm happy to report that I was down 2lbs this week.
I found the week a little bit tough, with the weather being all over the place!! Snow on Monday, ice and rain and cold for the rest of the week! I was lucky that I had 2 spin classes booked or I wouldn’t have gotten any exercise in at all in the week!
Its only when the weather turns like this that I regret not having a gym membership anymore!
But I definitely prefer walking the roads. It’s a great feeling to wrap up, plug the iPod into my ears and just walk, walk walk, blow away the cobwebs and leave my worries behind for just a little bit. But unfortunately with our indecisive Irish weather, this hasn’t been possible in the last 7 days.
We’ve been having the 4 seasons in one day. But never the appropriate weather at my allocated walking time!! BOO.


So I was extra careful with my portion sizes for my dinner this week and I had no slips at all this week, which I’m very proud of. I always find Thursday and Fridays evenings to be tough! I’m not sure if its because I don’t do classes on those days of because my inner demons are trying to escape out and sabotage my good days!! But I didn’t give in and I’m hoping that by not giving in, I’ll become stronger and the good habits will take over.


Everyday for me is a struggle if I’m honest! Not just with saying no to food (that will always be a toughie for me) but with things like deciding what to wear to work, this shouldn’t be as big of an issue as it is for me; and if you saw what I do wear to work half the time, you’d think I got dressed in the dark!! But even just deciding what top to put on with my black/grey trousers leaves me sleepless some nights!
 I hate feeling uncomfortable at work, it’s a long day sitting at my desk if my top is too short or my vest wont stay tucked into my pants! I feel super self conscious and extra rotten!
And I know that this is all in my head and nobody in my office takes any notice of what I’m wearing or how I look! But its an awful feeling and this can too leak into my social life, or lack of one.

If I’m not comfortable in my “work clothes” I’m definitely not comfortable in my “weekend clothes” I’ve started avoiding going out if at all possible. The cinema is probably the only place that I’ve ventured too this month, and that’s fine because I get to sit in the dark for a few hours.
At the moment being in my pjs is my outfit of choice, not very practical or attractive! I’ve been living in a bubble of work, walk/spin, shower, tv, bed. So there’s no room or option for an outing that requires me to put on my “skinny” jeans or make the effort!!! And it sucks. Big time.


This has happened to me once before and I let it take over my life for about 6 months! I didn’t go outside the door! The thoughts of getting dolled up to go to the pub scares the life out of me!
I just feel that nothing looks nice or right on me. And I do know that everyone feels like this at some stage. But I feel like this ALL the time at the moment.

I had hoped that as the weight started to melt away that I’d be happy to try on a few bits and go out and get out of my rut! But so far this hasn’t happened! I’m half blaming the January Blues and also the weather, but I know its one of my body issues surfacing again!
When will I be comfortable in my own skin? Its not a question that I can answer and I don’t like not knowing the answer.


Its my birthday next weekend and my lovely boyfriend is taking me to Edinburgh for the weekend. Which I’m super excited about, neither of us have been there beforeJ BUT it means that I have to pack for 4 days away and 2 nights out. Its been playing on my mind for the last two weeks, trying to decide what the hell can I pack and wear and look and feel good in? The only thing that’s soothes these thoughts is that we’ve been warned that its freezing there, so I have bought a big black duvet coat, so for 80% of the trip I’ll be hidden away.
Isn’t it terrible though that I’m half dreading the trip because I can’t decide what to wear!! A total first world and probably silly problem! But the thought of it fills me with dread!


BUT I refuse to let these feelings and negative thoughts win. NO WAY! I’m working hard and I know that my thoughts and attitude have to stay positive if I’m to over come this bought of “madness”
And I know that it will get better as I loose the weight and my lovely dresses start to look like dresses rather than tents on me.

So I have to look at the positives. I’m down on the scales, I’m being taken away for my birthday and I intend to enjoy every minute of that.
I’m not going to let these horrible feelings take over my head or wreck my birthday weekend away nor will it hinder my progress.

I can do this and so can you. Stay Strong and positive.

6lbs  lost, 54lbs to go.... 



**Apologies for the rant, this was not the blog post I sat down to write! But its what came out!

Do any of ye feel like this? What do ye do to over come it?

Spinning- my experience, my hobby

SPINNING

Spinning is my hobby of choice and I enjoy it.

There, I’ve said it, its “OUT” now. When I say the above to people they look at me like I have just said I like to eat scabby babies in my spare time!

I get that spinning isn’t a class that everyone enjoys, but come on, its not the worst thing that I could be doing right?

I do enjoy hearing people’s thoughts and comments on the class, especially of those that tried it once. “I couldn’t sit down comfortably for a week” “I was in bits for days after it” “I thought I was gonna vomit, so I walked out”  "It's soooo hard" When I questioned these further, I found that the majority of these people decided to try these classes randomly, as in hadn’t exercised before it, didn’t know what was involved and never went back again. So it was the start and the end of their experience with spinning, which made it a bad and negative experience!

This makes me sad because I feel like they’re missing out. Of course I’m being biased because it is something that I now enjoy. But I didn’t at the start, in fact I’d go as far as to say that the thoughts of a spinning class used to fill me with dread!! I had seen spinning classes in action when I was joined a gym about 4 years ago and thought it was an odd looking sport. I’d heard “horror” stories (like the above) and thought, no way, it ain’t for me.

When I joined a personal training gym in March 2010 it was part of the course that you attend at least one spinning class a week, and as those are the rules and rules must be obeyed (heehee) off I trotted, and it was tough, the seat was too small for my bum-bum, I couldn’t keep up with the class, my trackie bottoms got caught in the pedals, I ran out of water, I hadn’t brought a towel (rookie mistake) it was a long hour and the following day everything ached from my eyeballs to my toe nails!!! Ok a slight exaggeration, but you see where I’m going with this?

So the following week for my second class I was more prepared towel, big water bottle, short bottoms and I got through it, the music helped I found, yes it was as tough as the previous week, but because I kinda knew what to expect and I was a little more prepared, I got though it. I was sore the following day but not as bad as it had been the week previous.

Do you see where I’m going with this? Each time I went it got a little bit easier and more bearable, I got to know which trainers would be tougher than others, who had the better music and before I knew it, I was spinning up to 3 times a week and enjoying it, almost looking forward to going, because when you left you were sweaty and stinky yes, but I also felt like I’d achieved something. Before I realized it I was spinning at an advanced level. ME? Who’d puked during my first ever session..
 

I have been spinning on and off since then. Its great because it’s a hobby, it gets me out of the house, I feel like I achieve something in that hour (pat myself on the back) I can justify all my expensive gym clothes when I do attend classes and also most of the classes in my area are pay as you go, so there’s no commitment, although I do pencil in my spin classes like they’re an appointment that I can’t miss.

Why I’m writing this? Well I went to my first spin class of this year last Wednesday. After a 3 week Christmas break and a bough of the vomiting bug and a fecking head cold!! And it was not good or pretty. 10 minutes into the class it was like I’d never been on a bike EVER! That’s what brought the above memory flying back to me!!

I sweated and panted my way through that class, I almost fainted off my bike (thanks god my feet were strapped in) and yes I did puke in my mouth! Not pretty! It was scary to think that I could become that unfit in such a short period of time! But then I thought of what I had done during my break? And the answer was nothing! And I wasn’t feeling the better for it.

So I had my second spinning class of the year last night, and it was tough, but not as bad as last weeks, today I went for a walk on my lunch to stretch my aching muscles and its kinda helped.
I’m learning slowing the do’s and don’t of spinning.
The main one for me is DON”T GIVE UP.

Spinning number 3 is booked for tomorrow night! Wish me luck… eeek