Month: June 2020

Absence makes the heart grow….Fonda?

After procrastinating for so long to actually start up this blog, it has taken a substantial amount of time to write a follow up post! Life has happened in the last couple of months, adding juicy titbits to my future posts, which will hopefully be in the nearer future than my past history will give insight into.

I took a sabbatical from my much loved Pilates classes, to focus on our family. Naturally, with the best intentions to continue with my exercise regime. Which, naturally, did not happen. Fast forward to a year later, I received a photo of myself from a friend, and was absolutely shocked at how much weight I had gained. Not necessarily on the scale in kilograms, but more on the scale of roundness….

I realised that I needed accountability. I either needed to give classes, or attend them. It was lucky for me that the latter happened first. I bumped into the incredibly gifted instructor who took my classes over from me when I took a break, and she offered free classes whenever I am back to joining a group again.

I went the very next evening. I suffered. I panted. I groaned. But, alas, I did not moan! I loved it, especially when the class was over. I couldn’t wait to come back for more. My body ached and pained for the first while, but I loved feeling fitter and stronger as the weeks progressed.

It made me realise that I need that accountability. I thrive on the group class set up. Not everyone does; but I do. I’ve loved Jane Fonda’s exercise videos from the earliest age I can remember exercising. Even though this does not apply to all people, what does apply is that we all need to find our movement that we enjoy. Whether solo, in a group or with your pet, when you find what you love, or motivates you, it will be far easier to stick to a constant exercise regime.

Play around (pun was sort of intended!), try out different sports and exercise classes, until you find your niche, and your chances of consistently sticking to regular exercise will increase.

It’s almost time for me to swap my Pilatso pants for Pilates pants, as I prepare for my evening class. Not where I present, but where I skunk around in the back corner and unwind, relax and recharge.

And we go live!

I have been threatening to start a blog in I don’t know how long, but you know what that say about good things….

We live in a time where there is so much information out there, at our finger tips. Anytime of the day. Rash? Google it. Wikipedia will tell you who the strange name belongs to on your 30 seconds game card. How to…almost anything, Youtube has got your back.

With all these great benefits, also comes some negative points. We talk via social media almost more than we do face to face. We ask the internet before we ask the professionals. We believe that if it’s on the web, it’s too. So, with this we believe (almost) everything we read. This can bring about plenty of confusion, especially when it comes to our health, fitness and nutrition.

One site will tell you do do short bursts of High Intensity exercises every day, and eat only high protein meals, while the next contradicts this saying to carbo-load before doing your long distance sport. Others say only doe a HIIT workout once a week, others say change to a vegan diet, bouncing from one extreme to the next, you don’t know which will be the best choice in finding your quick fix solution, because you seriously need to look like that fitness model before the 16th of December. Because you are tired of feeling “bleh”. You are tired of sitting on the sidelines while others swim. You are sick and tired of being (literally) sick and tired. We all put it down to working hard, having kids and no time to ourselves (to exercise or even focus on our own diets).

I know it’s tough. Once life starts happening and snowballing down that hill, it’s hard to stop and take note of where you are nutritionally, fitness and health wise. Who has that kind of extra time. Besides, the only spare time I have when the kids go down, is going to be spent watching (insert favourite program here). Mine is The Middle.

Surprisingly enough, you are not in this boat alone. There are many of us in it together! There are also many small steps we can take to make positive changes. it’s overwhelming when you get your 6 day gym plan with your measured out diet of white chicken, broccoli and rice meal plan. With a picture on the fridge of what your aim is to look like. I know, I have been there. On more than one occasion, and it’s a party I do not intend to ever attend again. No matter how much effort I put into that program and meal plan, I still don’t look like that fitness model.

I do, however, want to stay strong, fit and healthy for my family. I want to play rugby with my husband and boys. I have accepted the accompanying bruises. I want to jump on the trampoline with my toddler daughter. I love giving classes to inspirational women. I love to dance when I am all alone. I also love to enjoy a glass of wine with a friend, or to say yes to a dinner invite and I especially enjoy nodding my head with a huge grin when offered birthday cake.

Balance is key.

I would love it f you would join me on this journey of finding balance in everyday, real life. Feeling good in our bodies, but not obsessing over what they look like, weigh or what size they are. Keeping a positive attitude, finding a way to find our purpose in life and thoroughly enjoy our family and friends!

We got one life, let’s live it. Let’s strive to live well, train well and eat well.