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Fitness First: Training Progress Week 2

So I'm two weeks into my 10 week training challenge with Fitness First. I'm out to bust myths of what you can realistically achieve in 10 weeks, and also demonstrate that with hard work, you can reach your targets. It's all about small improvements.

A reminder:

GOALS

Note: My Personal Trainer reviewed these goals and has improved them (of course) based on my basic fitness test performed in the gym.

Improve arm strength, measured by:

  • 30 full pushups (no knees allowed!)
  • Hold a yogi ‘crow’ pose for 40 seconds
  • One unassisted pull-up

Improve core strength, measured by:

  • Holding a 2m 30s 5 minute 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)

Fitnes First - Week 2

TRAINING

So what have I been up to for the last two weeks to get closer to these goals?

Training for weeks one and two looked like this:

Training Progress: Fitness First

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Admittedly, it looks pretty hard-core on paper (or on screen), but the yoga is low intensity and more of a stress reliever for me after a long day at work. I'm making the most of my class access with Fitness First.

Most days there's an intense training session for 40-45 minutes first thing in the morning - alternating between cardio and circuit training. Each session leaves me red-faced and sweaty, and I'm usually shaking by the end of it. Definitely in increase in effort from my usual training - I normally go for 60 minutes at a lower intensity.

The benefits of working hard for a short period (as opposed to longer, steady-state sessions) are:

  • improved anaerobic capacity
  • burn more calories both during training and afterwards
  • lose weight, not muscle
  • increased metabolism

 

My personal trainer at Fitness First (the lovely James) is determined to build my core and upper body strength so we can smash out that 5 minute plank and chin up. We've been focusing on arms through weighted pushups, triceps dips, assisted pull-ups, boxing and french press movements. My core has been tested with leg raises, weighted planks and kettlebell swings thrown in for good measure.

I'm already feeling stronger and more flexible, and can't wait to see what the next few weeks bring. My body is loving being challenged at a higher intensity, with new classes and compound movements that are offering a full body workout.

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!

Questions about my training? Feel free to ask away in the comments below.

the fit foodie

Sally O'Neil - Editor in Chief

Sal is on a mission to prove that healthy and nutritious doesn’t have to be boring – and that even while staying in shape you can have your cake and eat it too. After losing 14kg from adopting a healthier lifestyle, she shares her journey with others on The Fit Foodie Blog. She also works as a commercial food photographer and stylist, is studying a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, and is the author of two cookbooks: Love Move Eat (Bauer Media, 2017) and Meal Prep Plan (Murdoch, 2019).