Tuesday 16 April 2013

Have You Been Working Out?

Answer: Yes, yes I have.

I have never been one for exercise. Ever. As a child, I failed at every sport I ever tried and it discouraged me. So once I got to high school, I didn't even try and bother and put in the minimum I could get away with. I have always despised PE.

But this month, I've decided to make a change. After piling on weight at Uni with chocolate and take aways, I haven't been looking my best the past few years.

Spurred on by a holiday in June, I've finally decided to do something about it. After all, I didn't wanna feel entirely self conscious in a bikini again.

I also realised what's been said for years. That it's diet AND exercise that help you lose weight. While I've tried diets in the past, I've never really got on board with the whole exercise thing.

But that's changed. It's early days but I've been strict with my diet, walking the mile and a half home (with many steep inclines may I add) as well as doing Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred.

You may have heard of it, there's been a lot of buzz about it on the internet. That's why I tried it out. It's tough, and after the first workout, I was in a world of pain, but I've persevered and it's getting easier everyday.

I knew a workout DVD would be the best option for me. I have a long working day and limited money as well as living in a village and not being able to drive - so the gym or exercise classes weren't entirely ideal.

This 20 minute workout is based on high intensity circuits of abs, strength and cardio. The idea is you do it every day for a month and you see results. Hence the name. I'm going to try it over 2, so with any luck I'll have a sexy bikini bod by June.

I'm only just over a week in on the DVD, so I'll have to let you know how it goes but I'm already feeling fitter and better about myself. I actually don't mind doing it and go ahead and make myself do it as its only 20 minutes of my time and I can feel better about myself when it's done.

I think I finally realised that if you want to lose weight, you can't just wait around for it to happen. It actually takes a lot of work and discipline and if I want to feel better about myself - I need to make it happen for myself.