So you know I'm a bit of a health fanatatic. Like I actually mean it when I say a like to work out. I don't do it for the Facebook check-ins, or to pat myself on the back and then eat 5 cakes. I love it because it challenges me. I set myself a personal goal, and go at it full speed. If I hit a new personal best, or run a little faster, or manage one extra push-up, I do a little happy dance inside. But do note, If I take structure and goals out of my training, granted, I would lose all interest. I'd encourage anyone who's thinking about a regular training plan to do the same. Its not about your starting point, it's about where you want to be. Working towards it is the fun part.
If I take structure and goals out of my training, granted, I would lose all interest.
Tip: Try to set goals around the training itself and getting stronger, faster, fitter, healthier. Preferably no 'I want to be skinny' or 'get a thigh gap' garbage - it's intangible and the focus here isn't aesthetics.
SO, to put my money where my mouth is (and demonstrate what I'm waffling on about), I've teamed up with Fitness First to document my next 10 weeks of training. I'll be working with a personal trainer one morning a week to get tailored advice on my program, and making adjustments where needed, then sharing my results every step of the way - here on the blog, and on Instagram. I'll also be doing a minimum of one exercise class at Fitness First per week (yoga, pilates, or whatever takes my fancy) to keep my body guessing. I'm hoping to show you exactly what can be achieved in 10 weeks. No BS, no photoshop, and no fake before and after pics.
So here we go...
GOALS
Improve arm strength, measured by:
- 30 full pushups (no knees allowed!)
- Hold a yogi 'crow' pose for 40 seconds
Improve core strength, measured by:
- Holding a 2m 30s plank
- 60 bicycles x 4 sets
Improve running endurance, measured by:
- 20 minutes of sprints (interval training)
- faster recovery time (2 minute to return heart rate to 60 bpm)
In my current state (as at 5th October 2015), I can manage:
- 10 full pushups (no knees)
- falling nicely on my face in crow
- A 1 minute plank
- 30 bicycles x 4 sets
- 5 minutes of sprints (I know, pretty appalling)
- recovery time of approx 4 minutes
Rather than going it alone, i'm tapping into the range of fitness experts at Fitness First to ensure I don't injure myself, overtrain, or work with poor posture - all of which can be detrimental to your end goals.
Classes are a great way to motivate yourself to achieve greater fitness goals too, so i'm looking forward to including them in the mix. I'll report back during the 10 weeks to detail my training routine (including these classes) so you know exactly what I'm up to.
To find out more information about Fitness First and what they offer, or to try them out for free, visit the Fitness First website: itbeginshere.fitnessfirst.com.au and download a free trial pass!
So what are you waiting for? Join me in your own 10 week training plan Fitties. The only thing you have to lose is your self-doubt.
