#beatwinter

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

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