#adventurebootcamp

We made it!!!!! So I’m sitting here a few days after the end of the 40 day challenge and I’m pretty chuffed. (And stuffed - It would appear I have a terrible habit of rewarding myself, on any weight-loss, by eating. Eating everything. Sigh.) But seriously I managed to lose some weight over the challenge. Although to be honest I have SUPER yo-yo weight. I can step on the scale in the morning and weigh “X” and in the evening it can be “X + 3″. 

The thing I’m actually happy about is the cm (18!) that I managed to lose. I mean when you spread that around your body it doesn’t seem so much but hey! Its a start. And I think that’s the whole point. It’s a way to start to change. It’s that motivator to get off your butt and do something. Anything! (Other than shove large quantities of chocolate down one’s throat.) I also managed to improve my run time (by almost 30 seconds!) as well as do more push-ups, sit-ups and squats! (So all the whining, groaning, moaning and general torture seems to have been worth it!) 

I must admit it’s 5 days on and I’m starting to crave some exercise. Yes, you read correctly. Me. (Look I’m craving a light arm session not a hectic cardio workout but it’s a start!) 

I also want to congratulate everyone who completed the challenge. Whether you lost weight or not (remember muscle weighs more that fat - so cut yourself some slack if the scale is not your friend!) The truth is you showed up every day and that is awesome! You made a conscious choice to chose you. And what this does is show everyone around you that you matter. You acknowledge yourself and that you are important. It shows your daughters that they should love their bodies and take care of them. It shows your friends that it’s not so hard to take that first step. It shows your partners that you are learning to love your body and appreciate how sexy you really are. And most importantly you show yourself how powerful you really are. Capable of anything. 

And for those who didn’t manage to complete the challenge for whatever reason (work, family, sickness, holiday!) That’s ok too. The fact that you tried, you started is awesome. Don’t let little things lead to big setbacks. Sign up for the next camp. Chose you. 

Yay we made it! 

Much love a 30 something chubby girl

ps. A big thank you to Tania and all my bootcamp buddies for keeping me motivated! Probably wouldn’t have made it without you! 

So most of us on the 40 day challenge are between 1 and 2 sessions (Ok - I’m 3!) away from reaching our goal! Yay! Can you believe it?!

While doing doubles every day this week. (Yes you read correctly. Doubles. Every. Day. I’m not as crazy as Sandy who has been doing triples!!!!)  A conversation came up about people who cheat at 40 days. Tania said she trusted me (awe thanks :) ) that I had actually done the catch up sessions at the beach. (She usually checks in but she doesn’t know Nita down in KZN.) I was pretty shocked that people would actually lie about boot camp! Why?! I mean honestly what is the point?!

The truth is that after next week no one is really going to remember or care that I did 40 days. I mean sure, people are proud of me/ in awe of my craziness/ laughing at my ridiculousness etc etc but at the end of it all I’m doing 40 days for me. Yes, we support each other, yes, it’s easier to go through the journey with each other and with shared motivation but ultimately whether I complete 40 days or not is my choice and it is for me. THIS IS NOT SPARTA. There is no major punishment at the end of the challenge - you aren’t going to be banned from ABC for life if you don’t complete 40 days. You aren’t going to have to stand in front of a panel of your peers and explain why it is you didn’t make it. The only person you have to answer to is yourself. So only you can know if you gave it your all and completed the challenge. There is also no major external reward. (That I know of?! Unless I missed something?!) You aren’t going to skip the queue at home affairs because people know you did 40 days. There is no red carpet with obsessed journalists waiting for you outside work. The reward is internal. It is knowing that YOU made it. You had the dedication, the drive and the determination to show up for 40 classes. To show up and give it your all. 

That also brings me to the idea of people showing up every day and cheating within class. Doing 14 reps instead of 18 just to finish first - what is the point? It’s not a race, your trainer doesn’t give you a gold star for finishing first (Maybe gold stars is a good plan for finishing in general - wink wink.) You are there to better yourself. Everyone is different. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. Honestly, mostly I finish my reps near the end of the group. I’m there to get stronger and fitter not for everyone else to think I’m Iron Woman. (I mean other than the fact that I am - I mean doubles. Every. day!) But seriously, surely the point is to be the best you? 

Ok, so basically this rant is about self motivation. You are the only person you answer too. The motivation to be a fitter and stronger version of you. Don’t worry about everyone else. You are unique and therefore have a unique journey. Throughout life people’s admiration or ridicule or other thoughts about you will fade. If you live for other people’s beliefs about you, you will be miserable, guaranteed. If you are satisfied within yourself, proud internally of what you have accomplished, if the only person you live to impress is yourself then you will flourish. I’m not saying it isn’t nice. Don’t get me wrong - everyone loves a compliment. Everyone loves other people to notice their hard work and appreciate them but it cannot be your driving force. It’s a bonus to your own internal satisfaction. Its a little boost to your efforts not the reason for your efforts. I’m not saying we don’t need support and friends and family and people who care - of course we do but ultimately you need to be proud of yourself. 

Ok well I hope this makes sense and rings true to some of you.  

Tomorrow is D day!

Much love

A 30 something chubby girl

So despite the holidays I managed to fit in 3 ABC sessions by the sea side. The ladies at Salt rock boot camp were so welcoming and super chatty. Super chatty. And the trainer - Nita was really patient and accommodating. It was excellent to add some “Durban spice” to my boot camp journey. It was a welcome change to be one of the fitter ladies at camp. (Ok disclaimer - there were only 2 only people there so not exactly difficult to be near the top - perhaps this is how I should have handled my grade 3 athletics races - been the only participant?!) 

We managed to do a Saturday Morning catch up session on the beach. Oh my greatness. What exactly is it about sand that makes everything so hard. Running along the beach makes it feel as if one is carrying rocks in one’s shoes! And also it gets EVERYWHERE! (Somehow I thought this would not be the case when exercising on the beach. I thought that it was a pleasure reserved only for those lounging about on the beach. Ah hem. Wrong!) 

We did manage to appreciate the beautiful view including a magnificently blue ocean, a pod of 100 plus dolphins and some surfers, which definitely helped to motivate us to push through the pain ;). All in all it was a great experience and I’m glad I managed to fit in a couple of sessions while away, otherwise I would currently be doing triples instead of the doubles I’m busy with. 

We are almost there ladies - I’m sure some of you are on track and hopefully I’m not alone in my catching up!

Good luck for the last few days.

Yours 

I must begin by apologizing for my absence. My blogging has become the same as my exercising – erratic! I am currently on holiday at the sea which means my exercise regime consists of squatting to sit on the beach, doing a bicep curl to bring my wine glass to my face and running to the fridge to get something more to eat.

I left off last week Wednesday. (Day 28) (Often called Hump day – not sure why? Maybe because it’s the hump in the middle of the week and once you are over it it’s downhill to the weekend?) Well Wednesday could have been called Jump day because that’s what we did. We jumped. Star jumps and burpees and jump squats and jumping jacks and every other form of jumping. Let me be real – jumping is not exactly my strong suit. In case you have no realised there’s rather a lot of me and moving forward at a fast pace (ie running!) is hard enough! Let alone hoisting my mass into the air. But I managed without casing a minor earth quake. (Unlike the entire Mexico city! They were so excited by the fact that Mexico beat Germany in their world cup game that all the jumping cased a minor earth quake!)  

I was super stiff on Thursday which was actually great. It’s great to know that I did something different and used different muscles. Although I have whined and complained and moaned and am happy to be on holiday but I am really missing my boot camp buddies. FOMO (fear of missing out) is real and I’m having it. I miss the laughs, the smiles, the groans and the general comradery of ‘my’ people. And that’s what your boot camp buddies become “your people”. Well tomorrow I will be invading another camp at the sea side so wish me luck – I think it might be somewhat tough after a week of no exercise. (Unless we can count sitting up from my towel on the beach to spot some dolphins.)

Hope everyone has had a fantastic week.

Yours with slightly more padding (aka flab) than last week.

The count down is on! We are well and truly on the down hill of the 40 day challenge. As such I think it is time that we discuss one of the most important aspects of boot camp - that it’s outside. 

We are fortunate enough to live a a country where being outside is mostly pleasant. Even when it’s really cold - standing in the sunshine will warm your bones. We get to go outside every day and spend time in beautiful areas around this crazy, weird, vibrant country of ours. There is of course the odd day when it’s pouring with rain (It which case Capetonians do an extra jump or two with excitement!) But even then it is usually the beautiful African rain which is somehow totally different from the grey, melodramatic drizzle of England. (Even the word drizzle lacks any energy or excitement!)  Being outside and exercising never fails to remind me about my other favourite place - the gym. (Please note the level of sarcasm involved!)

Now don’t get me wrong - I understand that the gym works for some people. (You can go at any time - well kinda!), you can do all sorts of things (if the equipment is available) and you meet all kinds of people. (I mean ALL kinds.) I used to go to the gym (on and off for 15 years.) So I do understand it serves an important functions. I just don’t love it. But maybe I’m just picky?!

I mean who doesn’t love the huffing and puffing and grunting and groaning of overly steroid-ed, extra shaved, super sweaty ‘oaks’? Honestly. And who doesn’t love ALL THAT NOISE. Can someone please explain why there is so much noise? Not only from the people but from the music blaring out the loud speakers (ooo yes! Electronic Dance Music - totally want I want to listen to after a long day at work!), weights being dropped on the floor, the circuit buzzer going off. every. 30. seconds. Not to mention the “OMG! You are looking amaaaaaaaazing!”, the private telephone conversations which inevitably include “Sorry bru, I can’t really hear you. I’m at the gym. No, no don’t worry I’ll talk louder.” and the “Could Patricia please report to reception. Patricia to reception.” over the intercom. Yes very relaxing. 

Another problem is all the people. Everywhere. I always want to wait in a queue to walk on the spot going round and round while people sweat and clomp on the treadmill next to me or impatiently tap their foot behind me waiting for me to finish. (I can even hear their thoughts - She’s not even running. I mean really.) Um no thanks. Also why are there never enough weights? and why are they never where they are supposed to be? Because every Eddie and his girlfriend (yes! I love watching couples at the gym too! *insert eyeroll*) are so busy flirting with each other and complimenting each other on their “sexy bodies” that they are hogging all the equipment. 

Which brings me to another point. All. that. equipment. It’s crazy intimidating! I just walk in there and it brings on a mini panic attack. What am I supposed to start with? What’s the correct way to sit on this thing? Why is it so easy? Oh, wait why is it so hard? What’s the lady doing? Um which single muscle do I want to work next? Oh wait, no that machine has a queue. I’ll use this one. Or not. It’s got someone else’s sweat on in. And this one? Wait there’s a water bottle next to it - clearly it’s in use. Aaaaaaaahhhh! 

Don’t even get me started on the change rooms. I love seeing naked people everywhere. Why yes lady, please feel free to lather yourself right in front of my locker. Don’t worry about undies. No please go ahead. Answer your phone too. Yes inspect your butt in the mirror. Great. Also I love when people see me naked. Best. 

And the mirrors. EVERYWHERE! Why?! Why does anyone want to watch themselves contort in all strange ways? I see enough of my flab when I attempt to look at my toes. I don’t need to be reminded of it when doing crunches or lifting weights. I know. People want to ensure they are looking their best - I mean they’ve gone to all the trouble to put makeup on and wear the tightest, smallest shorts (which are basically one step up from nickers.) Lets just say they are “ensuring they have the correct form” when lifting.  

Ok so basically I’m not a huge fan of the gym. Look if it works for you - that is awesome.And as long as your are doing some form of exercise tha’ts all that really matters. But I choose to be outside, with my bootcamp buddies, keeping it simple yet effective. Adventure boot camp works for me, it’s not intimidating, its not confusing, it’s not more stressful than filling out a tax form. It’s a beautiful place I get to go, relax and better myself. (Without having to look at myself in super flattering mirrors/ catch every single stomach bug around being recirculated through the an aircon. Ok I’m seriously done now!)

Yours

I must apologize for the delayed post. I completed Thursday (although I did cut down on the cardio part - this damn cold just won’t go away.) I didn’t do Friday though (my body was sore and basically life got it the way.) This got me to thinking about how life does get in the way. 

If you look around you at boot camp you will find extraordinary women. You will find mothers and wives. Students and career women. Grannies and daughters. Basically people with busy lives. This is why 40 days is so important. It’s important to start choosing YOU. As women we have many different roles, whether it’s cooking and running a house hold. Being successful at work or being a good supportive friend. Whatever it is - we are busy people and without meaning to we often start to neglect ourselves. For many women (at least the ones in my life!) putting themselves first is difficult. Choosing to spend money on themselves rather than their children. Choosing to spend time focusing on health and fitness rather than staying those extra hours at work. All these choices are difficult and take conscious effort for a lot of women. And without meaning to, taking care of one’s health and well being is the first thing to go. How many women do you know that work themselves to a stand still just to keep everything and everyone around them going? 

This is where 40 days comes in - it allows you to choose YOU. We can justify it in our heads (or to those grump bosses or reluctant SO’s), “It’s only 1 hour a day” or “it’s only 40 days.” which seems like a reasonable amount of time to spend on ourselves. 40 days only happens once a year so its a great annual reminder to take care of our physical and mental well being and just the push start some people need to take care of themselves.

That being said - life is going to happen. Some days it will be easy to take the time our for yourself, other days you will feel guilty about missing bath time or leaving the office early (even though you have permission and got in an hour before everyone else!). But looking after yourself is important. I can’t remember where I heard this but it’s an important (if corny!) reminder. “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” Basically you cannot give of yourself, if you don’t take care of yourself. So yes, take that time out to exercise, to breath, to do something that makes you feel better and good about yourself. 

Much love 

It just so happened that it was leg and cardio day - again! How? I’m not so sure. But it was pretty cool despite the fact that I’m getting sick (I’ve been fighting it off on EVERY front but alas!) So I couldn’t do much of the cardio (Ah, no running for me. How sad?!) With all this time to look around and enjoy some fresh air I did notice that my shoes are coming to the end of their life span. (Luckily my birthday is around the corner Mum: hint hint. Ahem.) It’s amazing how important good exercising shoes really are. Not only a good pair of supportive shoes but also (and in my mind the most important!) a good supportive bra.

It’s about time we discussed ‘the sports bra”. Now lets be honest here. Most sports bra’s have very little effect. Don’t get me wrong they are better than your regular “over should boulder holder” or wearing nothing (gasp. shock. horror! Ouch - I’m looking at you lady running down the road with your poor girls being thrown up an down!) but honestly is it just me or are your boobs still bouncing about a bit? Unless you have “mosquito bite” sized boobies, which seem to do ok in a regular sports bra, you probably need something a bit more substantial. But do really supportive sports bra’s exist? Hmm I have my doubts. I don’t even have large boobs but even I struggle to find comfortable, supportive brassieres. (Unless you are willing to spend in excess of R1000 - in which case your boobs better hypnotize people for that price!)  I have a few friends who have to wear 2 (and sometimes 3 bras) just to get some support when running. And lets not forget how squashed you feel with a sports bra on. Breathing is legitimately harder. Also its really hurts if you are running/skipping/jump squatting with incorrect support. 

I’m not really sure what the point of this post is other than to moan about useless sports bras. (I’m sick - my brain is similar to mush.) So if you have any other, miracle working innovations please share. Otherwise I suppose we will have to make do with slightly bouncy bosoms, hopefully the more push ups we do the tighter our “pecks” will get.