Latest update!

So it seems I haven't posted for over 4 weeks. I must apologise for that but there were reasons beyond my control! Firstly, Blogger was playing up and wouldn't let me write anything, never mind publish it, but I fixed all that and that's all sorted. Secondly, I just didn't have my blogging mojo as I haven't posted anywhere for a good while. But we're all back on track now and I'm here.
Now, I have news. A week and a half ago brought the end to my '6 Week Empowerment Programme' at my gym. I wasn't sure if I said what that is, but I checked and I didn't. So, when I joined my gym, I signed up for this programme that basically promises results, or you get your money back. You have a chat with one of the Personal Trainers to start with, they assess you and you talk about the results that you want to achieve in those 6 weeks. Then each week you have a meeting/session with a PT, first is to go through your programme that they have personalised for you, switching exercises if not suitable and making sure you're doing them properly etc, other meetings include talking about your diet and nutrition, about your mental focus and direction. There's an assessment halfway through to make sure you're following the programme properly and that you're happy with it etc and then of course there is the final evaluation where they again take your weight and measurements and compare them to the original ones that were taken at the first meeting.
I went through the programme pretty happy with everything. My diet wasn't the best but that was purely my fault, the PT talked through nutrition etc with me and I already know whats good and what isn't so I could have done better than I did, but saying that I was more than pleased with my results. I don't know what my start measurements were but what I had lost surprised me greatly:

• 2.5kg
• 1 inch off my waist
• 2.5 inches off my hips
• 3 inches off my thighs

!!

I was literally like 'NO WAY!!' each time she took the measurements. I know Id lost a bit because of my measurements I was doing myself but these were official! And on top of that, I just feel generally fitter. The first PT session that absolutely killed me in the beginning, after 6 weeks, I had upped the weights by around 10kgs and was on the cardio machines for longer without it tiring me out so much. My diet is also changing as I have come to realise how important it is, not just for weight loss but for the energy I need to do this exercise in the first place.

I went to the gym yesterday and was awarded with my certificate which says that I passed the Empowerment Programme. Its a bit cheesy but dammit, I'm proud of myself! They also gave us vouchers for a few local restaurants, 10% off meals etc. Made me laugh because its like, nice one for getting thinner, now get fat again so we can do this all over again! Its appreciated tho for sure.

My programme has now been switched up again and dammit its hard! This one seems more weight based than cardio and my muscles can definitely feel it. I love it though, so much.

Yesterday I had to pick a few things up from the Strand which is about 2.5 miles away, I usually get the train and as it was raining, thought I might still. Then I was like, fuck it, I have a bike there and that's free! So I decided to cycle. I have to be honest, it took me longer than i thought it would as I decided to take the back route and I got a bit confused as to which way to go (despite the main road being basically a straight run!) and it was difficult with the wind and rain, but with my 'roundabout' route I cycled around 6.3 miles altogether. Locked my bike up, whizzed round the shops and got everything I needed then cycled home. Dropped my stuff off and headed straight to the gym, I figured I was already warmed up so I may as well! I reckon I burned off a LOT of calories yesterday!

I was also pleased as I weighed myself Wednesday after my indulgent birthday weekend (yes, I'm now 31, shhhh.) and I had put on a bit but was ok with it. I also weighed myself yesterday and had managed to lose 1.1kg in two days so I am back on track baby!

The girls are on school holidays now and the boy will be finished in a couple weeks, I want to make the most of it and take them out places. Swimming, walking and generally playing. Lots of outdoors and running around if the weather plays nice. Or jumping in muddy puddles if it doesn't!

And of course, the gym. I fricking love the gym! (The 25% off at the Costa doesn't go amiss either!)

I'm gonna do this. I actually believe in myself for once.

Its a nice feeling.