Tag Archives: Fitness

A new year…and it’s time to jump

2 Jan

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Happy New Year Diva Readers!!! My oh my it’s been a while since I’ve written to you, and I do apologise for my hiatus, but I’m happy to be back writing again.

2012 was a huge rollercoaster for me. There were highs, lows, and many a lesson learnt.  I started out last year with grand intentions about different aspects of my life, set specific goals, and really worked hard towards achieving them.  Some goals were a complete success, others….not so much.  But all in all 2012 was a great year, and the world didn’t end as the Mayans predicted which means…Hello 2013!

This new year brings with it a new outlook.  A fresh start in which many people make resolutions about their health or fitness.  And of course there are plenty of books, weight loss pills, and fad diets promising results which pray on these innocent people.  The fundamental flaw is not the products, the flaw is us.  They make us believe that we NEED something or someone to fix our problem, when in fact the truth is we are the only ones who can control our destiny.

This was the biggest lesson I learnt in 2012.  I must confess that for years I have been a ‘serial searcher’.  Always looking for something external to help me solve a problem or reach my goal.  I had lost faith in my own abilities; I had lost belief in myself that I ,indeed, could do anything.  I had to face the harsh reality that I was in charge of making things happen.  But why had it taken me so long to accept it?

FEAR.

It all boils down to fear.  

I realised that in order to reach my goals I’d have to do lots of scary stuff all the time.  I knew it was going to be hard and uncomfortable but I needed my self belief back and this was the only way.  In psychology they call this ‘radical acceptance’.  Knowing it’s going to be hard, not wanting to do it, but managing to do it anyway.  You face your fear and realise the world doesn’t end, and so your confidence slowly starts to grow.

It’s kind of like jumping off a tall cliff into the ocean.  You stand at the edge deathly terrified, but you muster up the courage to jump.  You fly through the air towards the ocean with a mixture of emotion; exhilarated yet anxious.  Then finally you hit the calm beautiful deep water, and realise you did it and you are alive.  Each time you jump off the cliff into the ocean, your fear gets a little less as your confidence grows a little more.

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And maybe that’s why change is so hard.  It’s scary. It’s unknown.  It’s easier to stay with the status quo.  But change IS possible.  You just need to believe that it is.  You need to believe in you!

Once you believe in yourself anything is possible.

“Face your fear. Do it anyway. Leap even before you think you’ve grown the wings to fly. Dare to dream. Take turtle steps towards your vision. You got this.” -Lindsey Lewis

Wishing you all the best for 2013.

-Sarah xo

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Exercise: do what you love

9 Aug

I’m going to make a bold statement here: I hate running.

Nothing about pounding the pavement or tearing up the treadmill really appeals to me.  The only running mileage I clock up is the brief spurts of jogging I do when feeling particularly energetic on my walks. But then my lungs start burning, my face turns an interesting shade of red, and I return to the glory of my walk.

I am a walker. Not a runner.

And I’m perfectly ok with that.

However, just because I don’t run doesn’t mean I’m not fit.  Fitness is a very individual thing, and we all have our strengths and weaknesses.  You may be born to run, while some may be better at lifting heavy things, and others masters of mobility and flexibility.  The important thing when it comes to exercise is to just do something.

The options are endless when it comes to fitness and there truly is something for everyone.  So if you aren’t into running or going to the gym why not consider these options:

  • Sign up for a dance class
  • Play group sport such as basketball, soccer or football
  • Join a walking or hiking group
  • Get gardening! If you don’t have a green space of your own, volunteer at a community garden
  • For the more adventuresome folk, why not try rock climbing?
  • Make a splash: swimming and water sports are great in summer
  • Cycle to work or school and consider joining a local club to meet like minded folk
  • Try Crossfit if your after a short intense workout which is sure to get you fit
  • Setup some at home options: fitness dvds, exercise bands, and dumbells are all great options.
  • Head to the local park and let your body be your gym! Try one of these equipment free workouts.

Get your rear into gear with this lower body workout (click image for link)

If you choose an activity you love, you are much more likely to stick with it.  Movement really does matter for our health and wellbeing: it prevents disease, keeps our hearts healthy, and is excellent stress relief!  So if you don’t love what you are doing, try something new!  Fitness is meant to be challenging, but fun too.

I personally enjoy circuit style strength training which keeps my heart rate high and strengthens my muscles.  I do it because I enjoy it.

For me running sucks.  But it may totally be your thing, which is great! I’ve heard the post sweat mood boost is amazing.

But I’ve got my own way of experiencing ‘runner’s high’…

It includes sitting on the couch, with a bar of dark chocolate, watching the men’s olympic sprinting…

Now that’s an endorphin kick I really enjoy :)

-Sarah xo

Running: love it or hate it?
What new sport or exercise have you been wanting to try recently?

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Mind over matter

4 Aug

Your mind can be your greatest ally or your worst enemy at times, especially when it comes to health, wellbeing, and even sports performance.

The London 2012 Olympics sees some of the world’s greatest athletes falter under extreme pressure, or an underdog exceed everyone’s expectations.  All the competitors have proven their ability to make it to the top, however, athletic talent is only one factor to the equation.  Being in tip top physical shape is essential, but the power of a performance is also determined by the mind.

Strong mind, strong body

Sports psychologists help athletes deal with the incredible pressure using various relaxation techniques, positive psychology, and one of the most important: visualisation. The power of visualisation and mental training is tied to one important physiological fact: the mind knows no difference between an actual and an imagined activity.  “From the brain’s point of view, when you create an image of an act, that fires off the same neurons in the brain as physically performing the act,” says Victorian Institute of Sport sport psychologist Paulette Mifsud.

“The signal strength, if you like, is greater when you actually perform the act – when you actually lift your leg as opposed to thinking about lifting it – but the neural pathways are the same. And so visualisation strengthens that neural network so it’s more accessible, and becomes the pathway your brain follows naturally.” (Quote taken from ‘All Psyched Up’ by Amanda Hooton, Sydney Morning Herald 2012)

But this technique is not just for the elite.  Visualisation, relaxation, and positive psychology can improve all areas of your life!  Here are a few simple ways they can help:

1.  Heal with hypnotherapy

This alternative therapy is becoming increasingly popular to treat a variety of issues including overcoming addiction, pain management, and even treating irritable bowel syndrome.  However, the exact mechanism of how hypnotherapy works is still under question.  One suggestion is that hypnosis decreases activity in the part of the brain associated with daydreaming, and lets the mind become more open or ‘susceptible’ to suggestions (Source).

To read more articles on self-healing click on the image above.

Putting theories aside though, the benefits of hypnotherapy are becoming more recognized by the scientific community, and particularly for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.  I can personally say that I’ve tried it and noticed a marked improvement in my symptoms.  The process includes deep relaxation and training your brain to imagine your gut working synchronously and harmoniously.  It is also important to repeat these visualisations often, so they become the new ‘normal’.

Hypnotherapy can help a variety of ailments, and has few drawbacks compared to say drug treatments, making it an ideal choice to consider to improve your health.

2.  Think yourself stronger

As stated above, muscle strength is not solely determined by the size of your biceps.  Sure size does factor into the equation, but it is your ability to use those fibres which ultimately determines your strength.  So how can you improve your neural network and get fitter faster?

The easiest way is to ‘put your mind into the muscle’.  When working a muscle, such as your biceps, visualise and feel those muscles contracting as you progress through the movement.  The benefits of this technique include greater activation of the muscle, as well as more focused training because you are more ‘present’ in the activity.  Try it today and you’ll be reaping the rewards in no time!

3. Reduce stress and balance your body’s hormones

Stress is literally a killer.  Even though we’ve caged all the predators, our primal ‘fight or flight’ response remains unchanged.  When we detect a threat, our body sends out hormones that stimulate an increase in heart rate and breathing, among other things.  The problem is that these days we’re no longer fighting off lions and tigers, but mortgages, final exams, and the rising cost of living.  And so the stress becomes chronic and can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and even a decreased immune system.

This interesting documentary looks into the chronic effects of stress on the body. Click the image to watch online.

So how’s a modern day gal or guy to cope?  Learn to relax by controlling your breathing.  Simply close your eyes, inhale for a count of 5, hold for 2, then exhale for a count of 5. Repeat this several times and you will find yourself becoming more centred and calm.

It is quite satisfying to know that your brain can better your health, and I hope you find my techniques and suggestions useful.  Why not try one today?  You are only one thought away from being better, faster, and stronger!

-Sarah xo

Do you use any visualisation of relaxation techniques?
How do you cope with stress?

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One step forward, two steps back

21 Jul

Sometimes despite our best intentions, we falter.  It starts with a small slip, something insignificant.  A ‘one off’ which really isn’t that big of a deal.  But then suddenly time ticks over and the trip ups start to accumulate.  And then suddenly you find yourself sliding down the mountain you fought so hard to climb up.

This is exactly what happened to me during the latter part of my semester this year.  The stress of studying, assessments, and exam preparation saw my weight take a landslide.  But no one really seemed to notice, so I just carried on as normal, telling myself that I would deal with it when exams were over and I had a break.

To be honest, I don’t weigh myself often at all, maybe once or twice a month.  I really don’t care to know that number.  I just try to tune in with how I’m feeling, how my clothes fit, and my energy levels as a guide.  By the end of the semester I felt lethargic, and weary, so I suspected my weight had taken a bit of a dip.  But I wasn’t prepared for the number that stared back at me when I hopped on the scale.

This is why I hate the scales. Seeing that number made me feel like a failure.  I felt so ashamed.  How could I be back here once again??? And so the negative thinking started…

I knew I needed to get back on track, but I just couldn’t find the energy to do so.  I slipped into what I call ‘autopilot’.  The solution was simple, but I just couldn’t seem to do it!

I didn’t dare talk about it either; instead I just blamed myself.

I think part of the problem with mental illness, whether it be depression, anxiety, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive behaviour, or an eating disorder, is the stigma attached to it.  Many of the sufferers feel like they can’t talk about what’s really affecting them because their friends, family, and society may not understand.  A lot of people just assume that those suffering choose to be a particular way, and that they should just snap out of it.  If only it were that simple.

So I’m breaking the mould and telling you that it’s ok to talk about it.  It doesn’t make you any less of a person.

Everybody has their demons.

I’m facing mine, and hope this encourages you to face yours too (whatever it might be).  I asked for help from my doctor, I talked to my friends, and I told my family exactly what I needed to get back on track.  Support is imperative.  Those who truly love you will be there for you!

The other important thing is to have a positive outlook.  Maintain optimism in the face of adversity.  Your mindset is the most powerful tool you have.

The thought manifests as the word;

The word manifests as the deed;

The deed develops into habit;

And habit hardens into character;

So watch the thought and its ways with care,

And let it spring from love

Born out of concern for all beings…

As the shadow follows the body,

As we think, so we become.

-Buddha, Dhammapada

Indian philosopher & religious leader (563 BC – 483 BC)

I’m writing this piece honestly, but I’m not searching for sympathy.  In fact the exact opposite! I know I’m strong enough to get through this, but others may be struggling and are too scared to pipe up.  So this is for them.  To say it’s ok to ask for help if you falter.  Break the stigma, hold your head high, and march towards success.

If I can do it, you can too.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from an eating disorder or other mental illness, please consider getting help from a professional.  Search for specialty services in your area, or talk to your doctor about treatment options.  

How do you stay positive in life?
Let’s share some inspirational quotes!

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Monday’s Moves

17 Jul

Hey there everyone! Just wanted to wish you all a happy monday. Did you have a good weekend?

I know we usually start the week with a dose of motivation, but I thought I would mix things up a little.  I feel like I haven’t shared many workout ideas lately, even though I love working out! So today it’s all training talk.

Since finishing the LiveFit program a few months ago, I’ve taken a more relaxed approach to my gym sessions.  I still lift weights, but am enjoying a wider variety of activities such as going for walks, taking classes, and practicing Pilates.  Pilates in particular is one of my favourite ways to workout.  It is great for core strength as well as stress relief; a saving grace during hectic times in our lives!

I could go on and on about my love affair with Pilates! But I’ll spare you that rant and just share my top 3 moves instead.

The roll up

This exercise works the entire abdominal region so kicks butt over the standard crunch in my books

For a description of how to do the roll up click here.

The Hundred

One of my favourites! Get your heart pumping and abs burning

For a description of the hundred exercise click here (scroll half way down the page)

The Teaser

This exercise is no joke…it really targets the abs, and requires good posture.

This picture shows the full version of teaser, but there are many modifications to suit all fitness levels. Click here to read the descriptions.

If you haven’t tried out Pilates I urge you to give it a try.  It will challenge your body, your mind, as well as sculpt some amazing abs.  While we’re on the topic of abs, I’ll also mention Angela’s July No-Crunch Core Challenge. This lady puts together some amazing workouts that are super effective and leave you feeling energized (and more than a tad sore at times too!).  During the month of July there will be 4 different workouts to try on her Fit Bit Friday, so head on over and check them out.

Here’s to an awesome week ahead!

-Sarah xo

What’s you favourite abs exercise?
Pilates, yoga, or both…what’s your favourite?

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More than the sum of my parts

16 Jun

“If you constantly live in a state of ‘if only…then’, you completely miss out on the joy of just being.”

Yesterday I stumbled across this quote and it really got me thinking about my past.  I used to be a very ‘grass is greener on the other side’ kind of gal. Never satisfied with where I was.  Always looking to improve myself in some capacity, believing I should be more independent, have a better job, or be fitter than a fiddle.  And while I couldn’t change some of my circumstances, there was one thing I could control: the way I looked.

If only I had straight hair…

If only I had a toned tummy…

If only

If only

If only

I was young, naive and insecure.  I truly believed that looking a certain way equated to happiness, and success.  I mean that is what the media wants us to believe right?!?! Otherwise there would be no need for make-up, or gym memberships, or the newest diet to get your bikini bod in no time.  Physical perfection becomes synonymous with happiness.  And we buy into it.

For me it meant wearing the right clothes, exercising like a fiend, and making sure my hair was just so.  From the outside it appeared that I had it going on, but on the inside I was far from happy.  I distinctly remember looking in the mirror one day and realising something that made me truly sad:  I defined myself by my looks, my physical fitness, and my diet.  But I didn’t know who I was anymore!  I think if my friends were to describe me back then it would probably be something along the lines of ‘Oh that’s Sarah, she works out a lot and eats boring food’.  After realising this I took a long hard look at the way I wanted my life to be and decided to make a change because

I am more than the sum of my parts.

I am smart, and caring, and loving.  I’d even like to think I’m funny at times too.  And surely that must count for something!  My pursuit of perfection had turned from healthy to obsession.  Untangling myself is taking time.  Letting go of bad habits and replacing them with more helpful ones won’t happen overnight.  But I am being patient, and it is paying off.

Today I am right where I need to be.  I do things for the right reasons.  I exercise to enjoy the feel good endorphins, I eat to enjoy different tastes and nourish my body, and I dress according to my personal style and flair.  But more importantly I smile!  Because I am more than the sum of my physical parts.  As I release myself from these internal struggles I start to see the world and life more clearly.  I believe we are all a ‘work in progress’, and life will continue to throw challenges our way.  However, I encourage you to embrace the struggles, as they are not a sign of weakness, but merely a way to test our will and prove our strength.

Being honest about where you are in life takes courage.  I am far from what I once was, but not yet what I am going to be.  And so I leave you with this quote to ponder…

Remember it’s never too late to change the road you’re on.

-Sarah xo

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Fun Facts & Fiesta Fried Rice

3 Jun

Hey guys, how is your weekend going??? I spent yesterday successfully writing up notes for some of my subjects and also procrastinating like crazy by spending too much time on Pinterest. That website just sucks me in every time!!!

Today I’d like to take a little time to respond to the many generous awards I’ve received from fellow bloggers.  I know I’m probably a little late getting back to everyone, but better late then never right?  So a big thank you to the following blogs for my nomination (and if I missed you I’m sorry!!!):

inspiring and healthy running in london, Whit Likes Fit, and barefootbeing for the Liebster Blog Award

madisoncary for the One lovely blog award

The Burned Hand and Run. Dog. Cat. Me. for the Kreativ Blogger Award

Building This Nest for the Versatile Blogger Award

Andrea Drugay for the Versatile Blogger AND Very Inspiring Blogger Award

and I’ve also been tagged by Cats London Marathon and will respond to her question below.

I am humbled and honoured! Now on to the second part: facts about me.  From the number of awards listed above I think I need to list about 387 different facts about me, but that’s just not going to happen.  So here are a few fun facts as well as my response to Cat’s question:

1.  My favourite TV show at the moment is Revenge.  I love all the twists and turns it takes…plus Joshua Bowman is kinda hot.

2.  I like my food to be ridiculously hot! If it’s not steaming it’s not hot enough.  I’m also that crazy person that boils the kettle, makes a hot drink, then sticks it in the microwave.

3.  I don’t like cheese.  Growing up I think I realised cheese didn’t agree with me that well so I just steered clear.  I don’t miss it because well….I can’t quite remember what it tastes like!

4.  I love Kitchen appliances!!! If I had room/could afford a dehydrator, vitamix, cuisinart, or kitchenaid I would have them.  But for now my stick blender and mini food processor will suffice.

5.  I still haven’t finished my chocolate easter bunny.  I like chocolate, but just in small doses. Very small doses apparently.

6.  Peter Alexander pyjamas own my heart.  They are super cute and comfy.  Maybe that’s why it’s so hard to get out of bed in the morning.

So comfy!

7.  Lately I’m loving circuit training!  I mix up my moves swapping between dumbbell/barbell exercises, the TRX, kettlebells, the fitball, and plyometric exercises.  I just mastered the one leg stability ball hamstring curl.  This exercise is amazing for your hamstrings and butt!

8.  My favourite number is 15.  Maybe it’s because I was born on the 15th.  Second to that is number 8.

9.  These fashion faux pas kind of bug me: socks and sandals, crocs (they are not shoes, I don’t care how comfortable they are!), and guys who wear skinny jeans but kind of way too low down.

10.  I’d love to write a book one day.  I’m not quite sure what about, but it’s gonna happen.

And now on to answering Cat’s question: I’m frequently lacking inspiration for healthy quick lunches, and often end up with a tin of mackerel (good oils and protein), some microwave Basmati (low GI carbs), and a bit of lettuce (fibre and water, and one of my ’5-a-day’). Can you help with a simple, tasty suggestion (that doesn’t include banana or avocado, as I’m allergic!).

I’m all about quick and healthy lunches which use up leftovers.  Here’s one of my favourites that I pack and just quickly heat up in the microwave before eating.

Fiesta Fried Rice

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cooking Time: 15 mins

Serves 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp garlic infused olive oil
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 jalapeno, finely diced (remove seeds to reduce heat
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 cup reduced salt chicken stock
  • 1 large chicken breast, cooked & chopped
  • 1.25 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1/2 cup chopped coriander leaves
  • 1 cup iceburg lettuce, shredded
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Method:

  1. Heat oil in non-stick fry pan over medium heat.  Add the carrot, celery, tomato, jalapeno and ground cumin. Saute for 5 – 10 mins, or until vegetables soften.
  2. Add chicken stock, cooked chicken, and brown rice to pan.  Cover pan and let ingredients heat through for 5 mins.
  3. Turn off heat and mix through chopped coriander and lettuce.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The great thing about this recipe is that you can customise it according to your preferences.  Feel free to use a variety of different vegetables.  Red capsicum or corn would be a great addition!  I love taking the remainders for lunch the next day, and it’s just as good cold as reheated.

Now for the nominees! Instead of bestowing a particular award on other fellow bloggers I thought I’d just share a few of my favourite blogs with you.  Go check them out and see what you think!

Fitness Loving Mom - Fab recipes, workout videos, and tons more health related articles

Abz ‘n’ Oats - Inspiring journey of a fitness lover and recently graduated RN!

The Camel Life – BreezyK is sarcastic, whitty, and always good for a laugh.

Peace Love Nutrition – If you Love yoga, travel, and food, you’ll love Jocelyn

Just Eat Love – met this lovely gal at my photography workshop.  Go check out her great recipes (her blueberry and cucumber crumble is one of my favs!) and she has some great recipes!

Well thanks for listening to my rambles today, and thank you to all who nominated me for the awards.  Wishing you all a fantastic finish to your weekend.

-Sarah xo

What fashion faux pas really bug you?
Do you have a favourite or lucky number?

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Motivational Monday: Let’s Get Organised!!!

28 May

Happy Monday everyone!

How was your weekend???  Mine was actually quite productive.  I did uni work, rocked my workouts, cooked up some new recipes, and cleaned my house among other things.  I also spent Sunday afternoon planning out the month ahead in preparation for my exams.  Time management skills are really important and I find planning really helps me stay on track during stressful periods.  So today I thought I’d share some of my planning tips to help you keep a level head when working towards a deadline.

Make a plan and cut out the stress!

1.  Write in your deadlines/exams/assignments/upcoming appointments in your diary or use your smartphone if you have one.  This helps you figure out how much time you have to distribute your workload.

2.  Work backwards and schedule in 90 minute chunks of time dedicated to your deadline (be it a work project, exam or assignment).  I like using blocks of time as it makes the task seem much more manageable.  If I want to work for 3 or more hours on a particular topic, I write them in as 2 or 3 separate blocks, and make sure to take breaks in between.

3. Write up a list of break-time activities.  Taking breaks is essential to keeping your mind fresh.  Take a walk around the block, make a healthy snack, drink some water and do a few stretches.  If you want to check your email or facebook, I suggest setting a timer for 15 minutes so you don’t get sucked into that time wasting vortex.

4.  Plan out your dinners for the week ahead and make a shopping list to take with you to the grocery store.  This not only saves you time and money, but keeps you healthy! If you are in need of some good resources then check out these sites:

5.  Planning is all about balance, so schedule in quiet time and exercise.  To relax try taking a bath, reading, or just sitting and listening to music.  You also need to make sure to look after your body by moving in order to stay healthy both mentally and physically.  Do something that makes you feel good and gets your heart rate going too.  If you can’t make it to the gym, try one of my home workouts instead!

Just remember: Prior Preparation Prevents Persistently Poor Performance.  

What’s your best planning or organisation tip?

P.S. Picked up my new glasses today! What do you think?

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Thursday Things

24 May

Hey guys, how’s your week going? Today’s post is a little bit of everything, and a whole lot of nothing at the same time.  Sometimes I have lots to say about one thing, and other times I have a little to say about lots of things.  Today is the latter so let’s get started shall we?

Things I’m loving:

Organic Activated Walnuts from loving earth

I actually bought these by accident the other day when I was at the health food store. I just wanted a small snack before yoga started so quickly grabbed these off the shelf without paying too much attention. Best. mistake. ever! They are super crunchy and delicious, and the activation process also makes them easy to digest. Win!

So Delicious Coconut Milk

This is a great alternative for those who can’t have dairy, soy, and need to avoid nuts as well. I use it to my hot chocolate at night and it adds a lovely creaminess.  I like the unsweetened variety, but original and vanilla varieties are also available. Look out for it at your local health food store.

Crossfit workouts

Like way better than Kool Aid

Being mad busy at uni means I have little brain power left at the end of the day to think up an exercise routine. Enter Crossfit. I’ve been doing the workout of the day from the website, making modifications where necessary. I’m totally loving the variety, and the workouts are short and sweet. Today’s workout:

  • 500m row, 30 pushups
  • 1000m row, 20 pushups
  • 2000m row, 10 pushups
  • Followed up with some weight training: DB bicep curls, DB chest press (on stability ball), and BB biceps curls (21s); 3 sets of 8 – 12 reps for each exercise

The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss

If you want to become more effective, cut out some of the crap in your life, and start living your dreams then read this book. I think this book made me realise what’s important in life (e.g. doing things, not having things), and how to focus my energy towards reaching my goals.  The book is written in a very colloquial manner, with resources, tips, and challenges throughout to help you embrace independence and ultimately ‘Live anywhere, do anything’.

Recipes I’m keen to try:

If you are anything like me, you probably spend way too long perusing websites, blogs, and magazines looking for interesting recipes you want to try.  Here are a few I’ve bookmarked to make soon:

Coconut flour protein waffles by pure2raw for breakfast (or anytime really!)

Copyright pure2raw.com

This Balsamic Grilled Vegetable  & Basil Quinoa salad for a lovely weekend lunch

Copyright veggiebelly.com

And for dinner I’m thinking these Lemon-Ginger Roasted Chicken Thighs from Clean Eating Magazine

Well that’s all for now folks! I’m going to go rest my weary eyes now and get ready for Friday. Speaking of eyes, I’m having my vision tested tomorrow so I can get new glasses.  I’m excited to choose new frames, but nervous to find out how blind I am.

Ok enough of my rambling! Now it’s your turn:

What’s one ‘thing’ your loving lately?

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Flirting with Crossfit

19 May

Hey guys! How’s your week been? I’m super glad the weekend is here because I’ve got a lot of fun stuff going on.

A few weeks back during Adventurous April, I mentioned I signed up for a food styling and photography course. Well the workshop is tomorrow and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m not exactly sure what we’ll be learning, but will fill you in with all details after the event.

Copyright Dario Milano @ Food Pixels

Apart from that I’ll be going to Costco (yes I find that place exciting. The thrill of buying in bulk obviously runs in the family), catching up on work for university, and working on my fitness!

I have been a bit quiet on the fitness front, and for that I apologise.  So let me fill you in on what’s been happening.  At the beginning of the year I started doing Jamie Eason’s LiveFit Trainer, which I absolutely loved.  For the most part.  I have always enjoyed lifting weights, and loved the variety that the program offered.  I made it through phase 1 and 2 with no problems, but had to take more rest than suggested because my body seemed to need extra time to recover.  Subsequently it has taken more than the advertised 12 weeks!

I was excited when I finally hit phase 3, the home stretch of the program. Four weeks to the finish line.  I dove straight into the intense circuit style training, but found my energy began to wane as the week went on.  By the time week 11 rolled around I was spent.  Instead of looking forward to going to the gym, I started to resent my workouts.

So what did I do?

I stopped.

It wasn’t fun anymore, and I didn’t see the point in continuing if I wasn’t enjoying it.  More than that, my body was exhausted.  I was feeling sore, tired, and cranky, which are classic symptoms of overtraining.  So I listened to my body and stopped the program.

And you know what? It felt liberating.  After a week of rest I felt energetic, and refreshed.  Some may say I ‘gave up’, but I’m actually really proud of the decision I made.  The old me would have beaten myself up for not pushing through, but the new me is like ‘Yay for listening to your body!’

I was doing the LiveFit trainer for myself, and I didn’t have anything to prove.  I think the program is great, and I have definitely gained some muscle and strength over the last few months.  However, it was obvious towards the end that my body just needed a break.  So I listened.  Instead of going to the gym, I went for walks around my neighbourhood, did some light Pilates at home, or went to yoga on the weekend.

After about of week of light exercise, I started to think about a new fitness adventure to keep my body and mind enticed.  I searched around for a few different things in my area, and finally stumbled upon Crossfit Bondi.  To be honest, I’ve always been intrigued by Crossfit and their training philosophy.  I figured I had nothing to lose, so decided to call up and give it a try!

This past week I’ve done the intro session as well as one WOD (workout of the day).  The workouts are short and intense, but everything can be scaled to your ability level.  What I loved most was the supportive atmosphere of the group. Everyone encouraged you to push through til the end, which can really help when you are feeling the burn of those last few burpees!

I can honestly say that I’m hooked already and hope to continue my training with Crossfit Bondi.  The workouts are fun, the trainers are very knowledgeable, and the people are so friendly!  If you have ever thought about trying Crossfit, I encourage you give it a go.  Be prepared to work hard, but also reap the fitness, health, and friendly rewards!

Are there any fitness classes or types of training you want to try?
What are you proud of yourself for doing lately?

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