Fit for 30

Oh, hello there! Now, where was I? Oh yes, sodding injured knee putting me out for 4 weeks, that's where. And you know the hardest part of training is to start training, so yeah, this week has been tough with a capital T!

I got pretty down about being injured, and worried it was going to be a long-term or recurring thing. I tried every week to see how it was coming along, but at the slightest twinge I backed off for fear of doing worse damage. The first week I did a trial run and boy, that mofo ached, pained and even burned for ages afterwards. I was suitable discouraged from trying any heroic leaping back into the programme.

This week has been really challenging, first of all to fit training back into my routine. It took a little while to get over it mentally and actually enjoy the free time I had back, and now it's proving similarly hard to get back into it. But I have completed two sessions this week, currently on a rest day (although I have had a 5 mile, super-brisk walk) as my darling baby kept me up last night and, to be honest, I hurt like buggery.

So here's what I'm hoping to do over the coming weeks in my new Fit for 30 plan.

In 68 days, I turn 30. How fit can you get in 68 days? Really, all I really want to achieve with this plan is to successfully incorporate exercise into my life - enough to catch the bug, to want to stay committed, and to see some good results.

The TAM Bootcamp was supposed to be a kick-start to the programme but it seems that, combined with the loss of endurance being off for 4 weeks right at the start brings, I've also lost most of the definition I sculpted on Bootcamp, and I've not even had the courage to weigh myself yet! But I'm not dwelling on that. I've just got to take these 9 weeks and get all I can out of them.

I'm planning 10 workout rotations of TAM, including the Mat DVD, Post-pregnancy DVD and webisodes, along with my own picks of available YouTube clips and magazine snippets. Now, the DVDs are an hour long, and the webisodes etc. much shorter, so I'm going to alternate one 10-day round of 1hr-long DVDs with a rotation of shorter 30 minute routines just to mix it up a bit. My aim is to do TAM 4-6 times a week, but to prioritise getting the cardio in to make sure dat fat is burning!

The cardio will, of course, be Turbo Fire. I've only managed 2 sessions so far this week, so will just follow on up the programme regardless of their Mon, Tues schedule.

That's all for now. I'll check back in a few days.

Bootcamp Up to Day 24. I found another muscle!

Well, as mentioned in my last post, I have been doing Turbo Fire barefoot and had an inevitable overstraining, lack of cushioning incident on Thursday (Day 22). I pushed though it on Friday but really shouldn't have and consequently had to take the weekend off. I've started TAM again today but haven't managed cardio. My training shoes should be here on the 27th, but I'm going to do a less vigourous attempt tomorrow. Sad face.

On the flip side, I'm totally rocking Sequence three! I thought about quitting as the moves just didn't seem natural, or to be working anything, but after some friendly advice on the FB page, I decided to give it one last try. I read thought all the instructions again and really performed the form slowly, searching for the spot each move is supposed to work. And I actually doubled the reps when I found it. I thought this would be really hard, but I've obviously gained a lot of strength over these few weeks. So I started at 40 reps and am already up to 60 on some of the moves. I'd actually like to go above this but apparently it's not recommended, plus it takes me almost two frickin' hours - longer with baby breaks! Friday I worked out on and off from 8am to 4pm. Not cool.

I've also got some gym mats coming to protect my carpet and so that I can wear my shoes (they catch on the carpet). So hopefully, I'll be a little more protected from injury. Hell, I may even go wild and get a knee support.

More good news... I totally have defined upper obliques when I flex! Yeah, I'm still covered in fat, but a flex and lean to the side reveals my top abs and diagonal oblique. Love it! Who knew that a mere 23 days of extremely inconsistent exercise and a pretty awful diet could produce such results?!

But I keep looking over at my TF discs, singing the theme tune, and pouting a sad pout. I miss it terribly and really wanted to keep consistent with it, but I guess I need to take the time to heal. I dreamt I could do a full plyometric jump last night, it's that bad! I am totally hooked on both TAM and TF, and working out and keeping healthy in general! It all gets better every day. La la laaaa...

Bootcamp End of Sequence 2 Results

Weight: 144 (-0.2lb) Total lost: 1.8lb

Chest: 35 (-0.5") Total lost: 2.5"

Waist: 30 (-0") Total lost: 1"

Navel: 34 (-2") Total lost: 4"

Muffin Top: 38.5 (-0.5") Total lost: 1.5"

Hip: 39 (-0.5") Total lost: 2"

Hip Pocket: 24 (-0.25") Total lost: 2"

Thigh: 22.5 (-0.25") Total lost: 1"

Arm: 10 (-0") Total lost: 1"

Calf: 13.75 (-0") Total lost: 0.25"

TOTAL WEIGHT: 1.8lb

TOTAL INCHES: 15 1/4 inches

Here are the results of Sequence 2 and the overall totals. I'm definitely happy, but know I could have done a lot more, life permitting. I'm amazed that I've lost 4" from the belly. I'm now down one dress size and two bra cups from my pre-pregnancy size, which is fab.

Now let's get serious. I really hadn't been eating very well, and that's obviously hampered results. 1.8lbs?! That really is shocking. Even with muscle building, I would have thought I'd seen more loss. Anyway, I've been eating clean all this week and drinking lots of water, which is doing wonders for my energy.

I'm not inflicting all of this upon myself just to look good. I want to be healthy, live longer, and set a good example of healthy living for my daughter. That means cleaning up my eating habits and taking control of my overeating and sweet tooth. Doing Tracy's diet 100% wasn't for me, because 700-1200 calories is no way enough when you're working out this hard. I want to make life-long changes and to find a better way of fuelling my body. And I hope that by doing this, I'll increase my weight loss and fitness.

Turbo Fire is proving to be so much fun. I took a week to acclimatise and started the programme proper on Monday. I really noticed how much I'd improved doing the classes for the second time, taking 0 breaks instead of 4! Hopefully now I'm eating healthy and doing more adequate and challenging cardio, more of this stubborn fat will melt away. That my waist has only budged an inch is really bugging me. I WILL be a 28" waist! But to achieve this, I seriously need some new trainers. My feet grew during pregnancy so I've been doing it barefoot, which is a bit of a killer on my ankles and knees.

Sequence 3 isn't as interesting as 2, I'm actually finding the moves really clunky, I don't feel I'm working anything, and it is so, so dull. I'm giving it one more day before freestyling for the last run with moves that are challenging from the previous sequences. Watch this space...

Bootcamp Day 14.-17. Turbo TAM

Things have gone a little off track. I've had to take several days off (or some days I've only managed to fit in either MS or Cardio, so I'm not actually counting it as a BC day) due to exhaustion from night wakings. And she used to sleep so well :(

Nevertheless, she slept wonderfully last night and I got up at 5am and rocked on with my Day 17 workout. I've managed only 30 reps on days 14-16, as I've had breaks in between the days and I feel that's hindered my progression, strength-wise. But today I managed 35 reps of everything except that darn downward dog push up thing. I squeezed only 30 of those still.

As for cardio, I've been following the Turbo Fire programme since Day 15 and, honest to God, I have never worked so hard in my life! How that woman manages to still breathe, let alone talk through those moves is beyond me. I am beet-red by the end of it and practically wheezing. I admit, I've cussed at the TV more than once. But I LOVE it! I really like the fact that I can do a 15 minute HIIT (high intensity interval training) session and burn more calories than a regular 45 minute session! And it sets your metabolism up to burn more fat for hours afterwards too. Now that is totally nap-time-friendly.

Food is going well at the moment, but there have been some terribly naughty moments. I'm talking chocolate cheesecake-type moments. But there have been very good days too. I'm using recipes from the veggie meal plan most days, sometimes with a little added carbs at lunch and protein at night. As I've said before, I'm trying my best not to get too obsessed with the food plan, because it does me no good, and I honestly think that I've craved and caved with all this bad stuff because, in my mind, I'm on a 'diet'. Sucks.

Anyway, something's going right, because I'm back into a UK12 and have gone down a bra cup already. There's a little muffin top going on, but it's all motivation to keep this thing up. I'm still all jelly in the middle, and am ready to see that gone now.

So, I have my fingers and toes crossed for a good night tonight so I can workout tomorrow. I really really really really do NOT want to have to take any more days off as I'm already looking at a 21 June end, and my results are obviously being compromised. I guess that means that, if I do have a bad night, I'm just going to have to suck it up and bring it anyway.

Bootcamp Day 13. Quick catch up

Worry not, I've just had a few mad days and not abandoned Bootcamp!

I've had to take another day off with the cub waking several times during the night - it's a real killer. I'm currently on Day 13 and absolutely loving Sequence 2. I'm up to 30 reps on everything, there's no moves I'm finding particularly difficult, which is really nice to see that I've progressed.

I'm still doing 30 mins of Tae Bo for my cardio and..... TURBO FIRE IS IN THE MAIL!! I am super, super excited about starting HIIT training. I love it as I can go crazy for just a minute or two and take a rest, for a total of 15-20 mins and get the same results as a long, high intensity workout. I WILL be learning DC08 as soon as I've finished with 'camp to add to the mix.

From tomorrow, I will be adding in some more elements to try and improve my results, namely drinking more water... a LOT more, cutting down on sugar, and I'll soon be adding in a shake. I'm not sure whether it will be an additional protein shake, or a meal replacement, but that will be instated in a week or so.

I'm actually going to measure my body fat/water/muscle mass etc. in the morning. I have an intelligent scale and, for some reason, never thought of recording it all at the beginning - what a shame!

Night night x

Bootcamp Day 12. AM

When Tracy says that you'll feel awful after days 1, 11 and 21, she really does mean it, doesn't she?! Oh my, I am aching in muscles I never knew existed and feel really quite ill. It doesn't help that the cubster woke several times last night and I'm shattered too.

I hope I can muster up the energy for a workout today...

Bootcamp Day 11. - Whoop Whoop!

Mat: 20 reps

Cardio: zilch

I am really enjoying this next sequence. The exercises don't actually feel as difficult as starting sequence one did - that must mean I'm getting stronger, YAY! When doing them today I felt really good and, although I haven't got perfect form just yet, I'm feeling super positive about it.

What I'm not feeling positive about is the darn cardio. Again, I couldn't fit it in, and I know I shouldn't beat myself up about it, but it is actually really really important for me as I have such a high bf%.

Ho hum... tomorrow is another day.

Bootcamp - End of Sequence 1 Results :)

Weight: 144.2 (-1.6lb)

Chest: 35.5 (-2")

Waist: 30 (-1")

Navel: 36 (-2")

Muffin Top: 39 (-1")

Hip: 39.5 (-1.5")

Hip Pocket: 24.25 (-1.75")

Thigh: 22.75 (-0.75")

Arm: 10 (-1")

Calf: 13.75 (-0.25")

TOTAL WEIGHT: 1.6lb

TOTAL INCHES: 11 1/4 inches

I am one happy camper!

Although I haven't seen much of loss in weight, I think that is going to come in the next 20 days, because I'm building muscle which burns fat, right?

The places I've really noticed change are the ones I haven't measured - my shoulders and upper abs; around my neck and décolletage.

I'm actually really happy with these results and inspired to keep at it!

Bootcamp Day 10. - Eeeekk!

Mat: 40 reps

Cardio: 30 mins Tae Bo

I was ALMOST going to have another day off today but pulled my gear on and took the opportunity during naptime. Yesterday, I felt awful. The cub caught four hours worth of Zs during the afternoon - enough for a workout - and I really wasn't prepared. All the time I used the excuse that I was quite tired, and expected her to wake up soon. And four hours passed. And I sat on my ass just waiting.

While there's nothing more frustrating than an interrupted workouts, for sure, a broken up one has got to be better than no workout. These thoughts obviously run on the same programme as my "I've eaten a jellybean, so I may as well eat the whole effin' bag, pizza, chips, ten bags of cookies and a tub of ice cream" rationale.

Anyway, I just got on with the damn thing today, with a hint of sadness to see this sequence pass, and curious excitement of the torture that lies in store for me tomorrow.

With the setbacks, I'm looking at a June 15th end date, if all goes to plan over the next 20 days, of course. I really don't want to let it push on any further, so am going to try my best to curb those 'all or nothing' voices. I also really need to up my water intake and STOP those everyday sugar cravings.

*off to research sugar weaning...*

DAY OFF!

Aww shucks, the cub had a bad night and I was exhausted - truly, truly exhausted - and spent the day catching up on sleep. I feel bad, but really shouldn't as I knew this would happen from time to time. I just don't want it to happen too much and keep that 30-day end-date pushing further and further away. I'll be on bootcamp forever at this rate!

Bootcamp Day 9. Loving it!

Mat: 40 reps

Cardio: 30 mins Tae Bo

I absolutely owned the workout today - about time too! Matwork was challenging but quite doable, and the Tae Bo was, as usual, fun and high intensity. I keep worrying that I'm not doing enough cardio for the amount of blubber I have to burn, but I really am not in any shape to be taking on very much more. I however do need to get some other form of cardio to gradually move on to. I'm really liking the idea of Turbo Jam or, even better, Turbo Fire. It looks awesome!

It's expensive, at $120 or something, but you get 10 discs of workouts and other goodies. I'd have to do this during the day or my neighbours downstairs would hate me. Oh, wait, they already do - then fuck it!

One day left of this safe sequence, and then I'm in the hot fire again. I actually can't wait!

Bootcamp Day 8. I Have Ab Lines!

Finally, something that tells me I'm getting somewhere. Today I found ab lines when I flexed. Sure, they're covered in a little fat jacket, but they're there at least. It's the motivation I needed to keep going with the cardio EVERY DAY. I will melt that fat and let you little abs shine!

Mat: 35 reps - and it killed me, how come?!

Cardio: 30 mins Tae Bo - I'm going to need to add something on the end of this very soon

I've been reading a lot about Turbo Jam/Fire and am really excited about trying it (when I have the money to spend on yet another workout DVD!). I've not given up on DC, I just don't have the time to commit to learning the routines whilst on BC. I just need a quick sweat on.

So, it's day nine tomorrow. With only two more days on this sequence, I really should try and get my reps up to 40, at least. I was all up for pushing it today, but for some reason I was totally pooped. Ah heck, tomorrow is another day. Looking through sequence two, I know it's going to whoop my ass good and proper. I guess that's when I'll start to really see results. I honestly can't wait.

I really don't think I've lost that much weight or even inches, but my clothes definitely feel different. I tried on some trousers and a shirt that I couldn't wear not four weeks ago, and they fit great. Even my benchmark trousers that are one of my goals to get back into fit ok. I probably wouldn't wear them out right now, they are tight with a bit of squidge out the top, but I COULD do them up!

Here's hoping the cub sleeps well so I get BRING IT tomorrow!

Bootcamp Day 7. Part II - Getting Serious

Oh, such a glorious workout today!

Mat: 35 reps

Cardio: 30 mins Tae Bo and dripping in fairy dust!

I absolutely loved it this morning and honestly wonder why it's so hard to take that first step in the morning - the lazy girl in my head is so persuasive! I so wish we could bottle this feeling, it fades all too quickly.

Foodage was good today too, although I had a rather large portion of the aubergine lasagne. It is totally yum.

Last night in bed, I was pondering on this whole regime and wondering whether I'll stick it out or see any results. Somehow, when faced with something difficult, my mind tends to let in this kind of negativity. I think that it's just not going to happen for me; there's no way I can change, that I'm stuck with all my bad bits and habits for life. What a loser!

With fitness, there is no 'luck', no shortcuts, just persistence, courage, and a lot of hard work. Quit wallowing and bitching about it and get your groove on, woman!

Bootcamp. A partial Day 7.

Last night my daughter woke every hour and I ended up sleeping on the couch with her to allow my husband and neighbours some sleep. Consequently, there was no workout today. I ate healthily all day until evening, when I indulged in some pretty nice cakeage, and TOM finally arrived, so hopefully my mood and cravings will get better from here on. I had the hanger proper today (hunger+anger).

So, I'm not really counting this as Day 7. I'm hoping the cub will sleep better tonight and allow me a workout tomorrow morning. If I'm not able to fit it in in the morning, I rarely get a chance later on.

Off to get some much-needed rest and hope she stays asleep too.

Bootcamp Day 6.

Weight: 146 - figures

Mat: Rocked 35 reps although it was still an ass-whooping.

Cardio: 30 mins and loved it.

Noms: all good.

Not much to report today, bar TOM is really trying me. I'm not going to weight every day now as it's not proving to be the motivation I thought it would. It's just getting me down and making me want to blow it all and eat cake if it's 0.5lbs up.

I'm having this problem where I'm trying so hard to be good that I'm not eating for half the day and then wanting to stuff my face when it all becomes too much. Urgh. I hope the next 23 days will see me becoming more aware of these horrid habits and being able to rid myself of them.

Feeling pretty meh, so I'll leave it there.

DAY OFF!

I've had a cracking migraine since last night and the cub woke up at 4am, so I took a day off today and ate my beloved bran flakes Oh, how I've missed you!

I need to plan the next week's and go shopping tomorrow - exciting! I'm really loving the recipes, although I don't usually spend so much time making breakfast and lunch, so I've found myself behind on housework - bad wife!

I managed to fit in a 5 mile walk, so all is not lost. I went into town and tried on some dresses, and to my surprise, a size 14 (UK) fit really nicely. Usually I'd have to get a dress in a size 16 to accommodate my largest bits. Dresses are the worst when you're a different size on top and bottom. I've got my first night out since having the cub possibly on 1st June (13 days away, day 18 of bootcamp), so I have renewed enthusiasm for sticking with the programme. Hopefully there'll be some discernible shrinkage by then.

Oh yeah - and I've realised something. That I really am not drinking enough water. Yesterday I had only one pint of water and one cup of green tea all day. How rubbish is that?! I'm definitely cramming in 3 litres from now on, as I usually do. Well, who has time to drink normall when you've got all this cooking to do!

Bootcamp Day 5.

Weight: 144.2

Mat: 35 reps, but it seriously whooped my arse!

Cardio: 25 minutes of freestyling it.

Noms: I didn't follow the plan completely today, I had a 120 cal canned soup... oh yeah, and a chocolate pudding. Well, it is TOM on Friday and this is my typical couple-of-days-before craving. I refuse to beat myself up about food these days. It just doesn't work for me.

The workout took me ages today - lots of fairy dust and lots of "fuck you three beat lifts, fuck you attitude butt lifts!". I pushed on through though. I've got a feeling the next few days are going to be tough with my little lady visitor on the way.

The playlist I'm using is paced for running, and isn't really upbeat enough for dancing, so I'm off to investigate the ones suggested on FB.

Bootcamp Day 4.

Weight: 145.2 STILL!

Mat: successfully upped everything by 5 reps and even got up to speed on a few moves I'd been lagging behind on

Cardio: zilch. And I'm not proud. It was due to the cubster sleeping in later than usual (I woke but fell back to sleep) and then being wide awake at 7.30am rather than having her 1-3hr nap. I managed to get through the matwork but wasn't able to do the dancing, which I really didn't want to do anyway. I probably made the most of a weak excuse, to be honest.

Noms: very nice food today, even though I did skip lunch. I just had the choco pudding and, my word, how rich is that little bugger?! I'm not sure I'll be having it again, or a whole portion at least.

I'm quite annoyed that my weight has gone up slightly, and I'm not seeing the c.1lb a day loss others have. I really haven't veered too far from the diet and have been working my arse off too. Never mind, good things come to those who wait and all that. I'm loving the feel of a fully worked-out body during the day though. It makes me stand taller, straighter, and more aware of every move.

Bootcamp Day 3. Hate You

Weight: I blummin' well forgot to weigh this morning!

Mat: 25 of everything apart from: No.2, side hip lift, No.7, attitude butt lift, No.12, connection push-up.

Cardio: 20 minutes of full-on jumping, and it was pretty knackering.

I have a gripe. I effin' hate the dance cardio. I love to dance, I really do, and I don't mind aerobics either. But this is so darn repetitive. There's different numbers of moves on each side, she doesn't dance to the beat. It's heavily edited, so you're jumping into one move and then half way through the beat it cuts to another move that you can't quickly get into when you're in full swing. and then it's only there a beat and a half until it cuts to a completely different move again. RUBBISH!

And while I'm on the subject... some moves on the DVD are different to the book! Which one is it?! The book says to start on 20 and work up to 60 reps, the DVD says 40 reps. And there's no warm up or cool down! I really don't see the point in putting your time and money into a product without thinking things like this through.

And yet I shall continue, because I know it works. But I think I'll dance freestyle from now on.

I haven't had anything on the menu for today but substituted with other things from other days, and I had the leftovers from last night's lasagne for lunch. I'm looking forward to the menu tomorrow though - mushroom omelette, tofu veg soup, choco chestnut pudding and roasted aubergine and tomatoes. Yumski!

I'm really regretting not weighing myself today. Grr. Can't wait to see what the score is tomorrow.

Cardio plan:

1-3 20 mins jumping

4-6 20 mins jumping, 10 mins step-touching

7-9 20 mins jumping, 20 mins step-touching

10-12 30 mins jumping, 10 mins step-touching

13-15 40 mins jumping

16-18 40 mins jumping, 10 mins step-touching

19-21 40 mins jumping, 20 mins step-touching

22-30 50 mins jumping, 10 mins step-touching

Who knows, I may exceed my own expectations, but I don't want to make it unachievable. Hell, I can't even imagine upping it right now - I'm so unfit!

Bootcamp Day 2.

Weight: 145 (-0.8)

Mat: easily managed 20 reps of everything bar no.12, the connection push-up, of which I managed 10/rest/10. I'm going to up most of these to 25 tomorrow.

Cardio: sadly, due to forgetting a pre-workout snack, only 10 minutes of full-on jumping. Well, as much as I can do barefoot. I must must must get some new training shoes.

Today went great. The meals so far (veggie plan) have been fantastic, but I haven't managed to incorporate the snacks. I can't find it in me to 'snack' on gazpacho or raw veggies. I'm just not that kinda gurl. Obviously, that's leaving me wanting something stodgy and sweet at that time of the day but I guess it's going to take time to wean this sugar addict. I've been allowing myself a little sugar each day so far - a lollipop, or gummy sweets - as I figured this form of sugar is fat-free and easily burnt up if I'm active and eating clean the rest of the time. Any excuse hey?

Bootcamp Day 1. O.M.G.

*Blogger is back - yay!*

It's barely 7.45am on Day 1. and I already feel like I want to die. I've just completed my workout and my performance was, let's say, less than expected. The mat work was difficult for me. I guess it would be at least slightly challenging for anyone new to the programme, let alone someone who has recently endured pregnancy, childbirth and who has sat on their lardy arse dodging any form of exercise for at least 3 years.

So, my form was pretty bad. I'm hoping over the following 9 days that I'll be able to perfect it in order to reap the intended muscular benefits, before she goes and throws me into a new sequence. One issue I have is that when I've worked the right side, it still hurts when I'm working the left and using it as support, so it feels like I'm working out one side more than the other. To combat it, I'm going to start on alternate sides each day. I really don't want one buttock larger than the other. Oh, and move 11.? Wtf? There is no way in HELL I'm going to be able to extend my legs horizontally out of that tuck whilst crunching. I tried, I arched my back, I flapped about like a dying fish, and collapsed. If that move ever gets easier, I'll eat my hat.

Aside: I just adjusted myself on the couch and mah butt cramped. I think this is good.

I managed 20 minutes of cardio. Inelegant, flailing cardio. I was, to put it kindly, leaping around like I was having some kind of epileptic fit. I hope, with time and practise, I'll be able to 'perform' better. It would help if the moves were in sets of the same number: four of this move, four of that. Then I could learn the move for one beat, and join in for three etc. Nevertheless, I kept up with the tempo, and I guess that's the point. The editing is AWFUL and the music uninspiring. I'll be off to make a playlist as soon as I can peel myself off this couch.

I wanted to write about my plans, hopes, fears dreams etc. but Blogger went down, so here's a short overview:

I've got 20lbs I want to lose, but more importantly, I want to lose inches. My muffin top is SO wide and SO ugly; my hips are too wide for a UK14 now (sucks), and I need to lose my mummy tummy already. It dangles.

I'm happy for my ultimate goals to be around a year away, but I desperately need a kick-start, and a regular exercise routine. Exercise is so good for me, I feel alive, awake, energetic and strong. I really am not one of these people who can stay sedentary and get away with it, and I'd rather NOT look like my mother at the age of 30. Putting weight on at 60 maybe, but not at a mere 30.

I have this terrible habit of sabotaging my own efforts to 'prove' to myself that I'm a failure and don't deserve it. It stinks because I'm always playing mind games with myself, and I did today as I got up at 6am and prepared for my workout. "Well, The Cub did wake at gone midnight last night, you could do with a lie in.", "Ooh, we have choc chip brioche!", "She'll only wake up again if you try to workout now." "I wonder what's happening on Facebook?" So, in one mind, I'm all up for this - I've bought my week one food and planned menus to pad out what I'm having for my husband too - and in another, I'm convinced I'm going to fail. What is absolutely true is that I need to be flexible with this. If The Cub has a bad night, I am not going to be able to fit in a back-to-back morning workout, and may even just have to do some nap-time cardio. If the diet makes me terribly grouchy or hungry and lacking energy, I'm going to have to supplement it, because my family come first and I don't want to be too tired to care for my baby. Alternatives are going to be fine, if necessary, and always healthy alternatives.

I've taken bad iphone before pictures, but may get the husband to take some proper ones later (if I can face the shame). It will be a motivator at least to get through the 30 days. 30 DAYS! It's nothing really, is it?! I won't post them now in case I fail, this blog gets abandoned, then every visitor will see the big fat failure who failed. Le sigh.

Weight: 145.8

Chest: 37.5

Waist: 31

Navel: 38

Muffin Top: 40

Hips: 41

Hip pocket: 26

Thigh: 23.5

Arm: 11

Calf: 14

Off to make breakfast. At least it's a egg wrap on the veggie plan. I couldn't face just a strawberry mint salad right now! I'll report back on how my day went this evening.

I'm up and not working out

This sucks. I'm wide awake and craving exercise, but I can't this morning as I'm fasting for a blood test. I have two hours to wait, and by then the day will have begun, baby awoken and I most likely won't be able to fit it in as she only naps for 1/2 hr every 3 hours. Hmpfh. Evenings are really busy for me and I try to get to bed early in case the babe wakes during the night.

I really hope BC arrives swiftly. I'm also getting a blender to try out the green smoothie, which sounds just wrong to me right now!

The Tracy Anderson Experiment

Ok, ok, so I'm changing my plans after reading countless Amazon reviews, blogs and the Tracy Anderson Facebook group. I'm totally hooked and am determined to make this happen for me.

I've already received the Mat workout and am awaiting the delivery of Cardio Dance and 30-day Bootcamp. When I've read through the BC, I''ll decide whether to attempt that first. Others have had outstanding results from this (check out Laura and Jen), and I quite fancy the kick-start, although with husband and baby, and little extra cash for superfoods, I'll probably find the diet part extremely difficult. Nevertheless, I can still commit myself to 30 days of eating as clean as possible to maximise results, and add in some of her recipes along the way. Motto - "it's only 30 days".

After that, I'll continue with Mat and CD. I'm hoping to fit these both (90 mins) in during the morning, perhaps having to set an alarm to wake up before the baby. She normally wakes between 6-8am and often goes straight back to sleep for 1-3 hours after a feed, although recently she's wide awake at 7. I might have to be a little flexible there!

If this works for me, I'll keep it up until it gets easy/boring and then purchase one of her more detailed programmes - either Perfect Design or Metamorphosis, I'm not sure which right now as all the other converts I've come across are super excited about Meta but have probably already done the other programmes. I wouldn't want to chuck myself in the deep end, or run out of Tracy programmes to take on!

I'll post an update on stats when I start BC and will be exercising freestyle until then :)

This Week

TA Mat x5

Tae Bo for cardio until CD arrives x6

SECOND GOAL ACHIEVED!

145lbs, yeah! I've lost 5lbs since I re-started my efforts, and that's 10lbs down from last year's weight. *does the happy dance*

It wasn't really that difficult either. I've just been eating healthily and doing my planned workouts - a mere 15 minutes of focussed pilates, a brisk walk into town, and the odd 40 minutes of yoga.

In other news, I'm ready to progress to Phase 2 and have altered what I'm going to undertake. I've decided to go full throttle with Tracy Anderson to kickstart everything. I'm also re-visiting Tae Bo for cardio as I've done it before and had great results, and I need something a bit easier for cardio as I haven't got my heart racing for almost a year now! I'll buy TA dance cardio to complete her programme in a month or so, I'll see how I get on.

Resistance:

Tracy Anderson Mat Workout x5/week,

Rodney Yee A.M. Yoga x5/week

Cardio: Tae Bo 1 x5/week

I know that with this amount of body fat, I should be doing more cardio than this, but I'll work up to that.

Let's see how this next phase affects my weight loss. I'm not expecting a huge dip, as I'll be building muscle too, but hopefully the "teeny tiny" type that Anderson professes to create! But I'll be rewarding myself when I get under 140lbs.

1 month on

Weight: 146

Chest: 36" (-3", shrivelled?!)

Real Waist: 30.5" (-1.5")

Belly: 36" (-2")

Muffin Top! 39.5" (-0.5")

Hips: 41" (no change)

Dress: UK 14-16

I've only really been in the swing of things for about 2.5 weeks, but am happy with how it's going. I've lost a total of 7" and 4lbs. I've already reached my first chest measurement goal and am nearly at my second goal weight of 145!

One thing I'm really happy about is how I can feel my strength returning. The Postnatal Rescue DVD has been excellent for gently pulling my muscles back into shape, and I'll very soon be ready to commence a 'normal' workout routine. But, I'm pretty upset that my hips are proving stubborn, and will probably amend my planned workout stages to target this area. I've joined DailyBurn.com to log my food intake and exercises, and may start one of their plans to slim the hip and thigh area. I'll get you, hip fat, just you wait and see!

RESISTANCE: As well as focused plans, the website has a database of body weight and free weight exercises, so I may make up my own routine to do at home, just to even out my body work. I've been doing the yoga DVD's 40 minutes routine once a week and will try and up that to twice from now on. I have to say, it does contain some of my least favourite poses (ones that crunch my neck and shoulders) so once I feel I've given it a fair crack of the whip, I'm going to move on to another.

CARIDO: This is proving difficult as I haven't been able to get out of the house by myself often enough/long enough to workout. I have been fitting in a long walk with the pushchair a few times a week though, which I power through, and that's probably all I should be doing for now anyway. I'm going to look at running programmes (couch to 5k type things) as I really want to get back into running. I'd just got started before I fell pregnant and was really enjoying it, plus I want that lean runner's figure! There's a local 5k charity race that could prove motivating, but it's only 10 weeks away and may be too much right now.

That's all. I'll check in again in a couple of weeks time.

Ready, steady.. GO!

Ok, so I found my scale and assessed the damage. I'm lighter than pre-pregnancy. This is cool.

I'm 150lbs (10 stone 10) so I can honestly say, I do actually still want a weight goal of around 125lbs (8 stone 13), but this is an ultimate goal and I don't expect to reach it at any time soon. I'm just focussing on measurements and dress size really for now.

150lbs gives me a BMI of 24.2 - and the upper limit for 'normal' weight is 24.9. This makes me sad :( 125lbs would be 20.2, which is much more acceptable

I received my workout DVDs the other day and they look good - gentle, but good for right now. Unfortunately, the Post-natal Rescue one is actually exercises based on a lot of yoga moves, so there's some slight cross over with that and the exclusive yoga one I bought, but hey, it's good for you.

Now I need to be strict about fitting a routine in every morning when I have the chance, rather than taking a nap, so I know I've got one under my belt incase the rest of the day gets taken up with a cranky baby.

I'm going for a 10 mile walk today, which will be the third in the last week. It's the only cardio, bar dancing with the baby and housework, that I'm planning on carrying out for the next three months or so, until I'm stronger.

25lbs to lose. At an average rate of 1lb a week, that should have me at my goal weight by my 30th birthday (late September), and ready for A/W. That would totally rock. I won't put too much hope on to it though, as I truly hate weight loss disappointment!

Ciao.

Baby out, now belly off

My baby is finally here, and she is beautiful. I can't imagine ever being without her and, my God, is it motivating. I'm so so busy all the time looking after her, that I simply don't have the option of sitting on my fat ass getting fatter! Every minute is filled and time is precious. Now I've settled into motherhood and it's crazy schedule a bit more, I'm planning on easing back into a fitness and weight loss routine. My abs have obviously taken a beating, and a rigourous routine is likely to do more damage than good, and only result in me piddling myself with this weak pelvic floor of mine (she's worth it!).

New Starting Stats - 21 March 2011

Height: 5' 6"

Weight: ??? (misplaced scales - where can they be? :s )

Chest: 39"

Real Waist: 32"

Belly: 38"

Muffin Top! 40"

Hips: 41"

Dress: UK 14-16

1st GOAL

Chest: 36" (3 to lose)

Real Waist: 28" (4 to lose)

Hips: 39" (2 to lose)

Dress: UK 12

I'm happy to say my measurements haven't changed that much since I pledged to lose weight back in April last year. My new goal is to be a size 12. I'm only setting measurement goals for now, a) because I can't find out my true weight - store scales are not to be trusted, b) because how my clothes fit is all that really matters and I want to be able to buy a size 12 off the peg, and c) I have no idea what kind of weight range someone of my 1st goal measurements would be anyway.

The Plan

I'm going to split my training into three stages. The first will be easy and specific post-natal workouts to regain my strength and ease back into it; the second will be at a normal level to increase my fitness further and really work those muscles, and the third focussed on sculpting me into my desired shape. I live in a flat, so I can't do any energetic cardio indoors (for fear of going through the floor!), and getting out to a gym or even for a jog will be difficult for a while. I've no money for a membership, I don't really want to leave the cub at the moment, and the weather is pretty unreliable, let alone being out in public in the worst shape I've ever been and with leaking boobs!

Stage 1 (Mid-March to July)

Post-natal Rescue (Erin O'Brien)

Post-natal Yoga (Tara Lee)

Yoga For You and Your Baby (Tara Lee)

All of these DVDs have great reviews, are focussed on where I need it most, and are broken down into 10-15 minutes sections to fit around baby nap times. At the moment, I know I'll be able to fit in at least 4 x 15 minute blocks, and that should increase as she gets older.

I figured that yoga was the best way to go to increase my strength in a calm way, that won't be too hard to fit into my day and serve as relaxing 'me time' too. The one to do with the baby should be fun for bonding, and when she refuses to sleep!

On top of this, I'm getting out of the house with the stroller or sling at least once or twice a week for a long, brisk walk. All together, and coupled with general increased mummy activity, I'll be doing something every day and should see results pretty quickly. That is, as long as I can curb this constant craving for sugary snacks! Milk production = a need for more calories and the brain typically craves easy access energy.

I don't think this goal of 2-4 inches is too out of reach. I usually lose inches from my waist pretty easily, but haven't a clue how my mummy tummy will affect this. It's all loose skin with a bit of fat in the middle - so attractive! I think I'll give myself 3.5 months (to July) on this stage before ramping it up to...

Stage 2 (July - November)

Davina Body Buff

Another yoga, not decided yet

Light running

I'm not exactly sure what to progress to here, although it will definitely be one workout and one yoga, just of 'regular' intensity. Deciding when I'm nearing the end of Stage 1 is probably the way to go before buying any DVDs. I initially thought I'd progress to the ones I've listed here as Stage 3 but, on reflection, I really need a regular beginners workout before attempting The Tracey Anderson Method as it's notoriously challenging. Now the weather should be better (we hope!), I'd like to start running but haven't yet worked out a programme. It'll fill in the much-needed cardio, and give me some more regular me-time if the husband is up for a scheduled daily hour of baby-sitting!

Stage 3 (July - November)

Tracey Anderson Method Mat Workout

Ballet Workout - Total Body Toning (Joey Bull)

Own yoga routine

Running

Combining TTAM with ballet and yoga should, in theory, define the hell out of me! It is what I want, or at least what I think I want right now. It might all be too much, I've no idea just yet. I might really enjoy running and want to dedicate more time to that etc. By this time, I should be back into the swing of yoga enough to work out my own morning or evening routine. The thing with yoga isn't to do a long workout once a week, but to do daily stretching for the maximum benefit. So where this looks like a long list of weekly exercise, I only imagine doing yoga every day for about 15-30 mins, TTAM x 3, running x 3 and ballet x 1. It's still pretty ambitious for me, but I really want to make the most of my maternity leave to get into a good fitness routine, get over the exhausting few weeks of exercise and drop those first difficult pounds, and be smaller and ready to enjoy the autumn/winter fashion (my fav!) and go back to work looking good.

These are all really motivating reasons to really do this now!

Well, here we are

I'm about to give birth any day now and I'm very pleased to say I've not put on much excess weight at all. This is probably due to the 18-odd weeks of hyper sickness I suffered in the first and second trimesters. Totally yuck. And now, of course, I'm far too full of baby to be able to eat much anyway.

I'm going to give myself a couple of months to settle into motherhood, and then start a brand new routine. I'll be breastfeeding, so won't me gymming it or even running for a good while yet, but I'm planning on getting back into daily yoga and pilates and will add more cardio when I feel ready - I've spotted the Postnatal Tae Bo DVD, which looks promising!

I've really missed being out of the running in the shopping and fashion stakes, and missing the most fabulous Autumn style in a long while, but am hoping I'll be back on track for the summer season.

Ta ta for now.