This was taken in 2001 when I came back from my Honeymoon. I was only a couple of dress sizes smaller than I am now, but I look so slim and I hope to look like that again.
Don't forget to check out what I'm doing over at A Mothers Ramblings too!
Slim Me Inspiration - Wordless Wednesday
Don't forget to check out what I'm doing over at A Mothers Ramblings too!
Bedtime And Exercise
I've been going to bed at a decent time for a few weeks now, and I'm loving waking up bright and early. I wonder what will happen when the mornings start getting darker again, I know that we haven't had the Summer yet, but Winter is just around the corner and I hope that I'm into a good gym routine by then.
I've worked out that for me it's best for me to get to the gym first thing. It's quiet (as it seems only a handful of people can manage a 6am start), most of my family are still asleep, it's a great way to start the day, and I can start the day knowing that I've already done the hardest part.
I've also noticed over the last few days that when I exercise first thing in the morning that I do it without thinking, without realising that I'm pushing myself harder. Looking at the work out charts the machines log for me I can see that each session I am steadily pushing harder each time. I'm clocking up more miles each time and I've come to the conclusion that one of my favourite pins on Pinterest is actually true.
I just hope my brain doesn't catch up with me until going to the gym every morning is a habit.
I've worked out that for me it's best for me to get to the gym first thing. It's quiet (as it seems only a handful of people can manage a 6am start), most of my family are still asleep, it's a great way to start the day, and I can start the day knowing that I've already done the hardest part.
I've also noticed over the last few days that when I exercise first thing in the morning that I do it without thinking, without realising that I'm pushing myself harder. Looking at the work out charts the machines log for me I can see that each session I am steadily pushing harder each time. I'm clocking up more miles each time and I've come to the conclusion that one of my favourite pins on Pinterest is actually true.
I just hope my brain doesn't catch up with me until going to the gym every morning is a habit.
Making Time for Exercise
I used to make excuse after excuse with regards to how I couldn't fit exercise into my day. I couldn't do anything during the day because I would have to stop every time Big Boy decided that he wanted my attention. I couldn't do anything at night because as well as not liking to work out in front of Flyfour I was just too tired after a day of doing whatever it is that I do. I couldn't do it in the morning as I was asleep, I couldn't do it at the weekend as that is family time.
Recently I knew that things had to change, I couldn't keep making excuses. I had to take control. I had plans for the Summer, I was going to get the children controlling my exercise. They had to force me to go to the outdoor gym in the morning, to play on the Wii or Xbox in the afternoon and we would have to fit in things like going swimming, going for a walk and a picnic, going to the park and lots more besides and all around these two standing appointments.
When I joined the gym, Flyfour said to me that I had to go at least four times a week to the gym and swim once in order to make it worth the cost of the membership. I was really worried, how on earth was I going to take all this time out of my week to go the gym? I clean and cook, look after the children, make packed lunches, watch TV, read books, spend time with my family, Blog, Tweet, play games on the computer, take my Mum shopping and on top of that and a lot of other things I need to sleep too.
My turning point came when I realised that I had to make time to exercise, I had to make sure that in all the things I have to do in a day that I made sure that exercise was in there somewhere. This is how I'm doing it so far.
I go and run round my garden for ten minutes before I eat lunch or dinner (I already work out in the morning before breakfast) and that way I know that I am getting in at least twenty minutes of aerobic exercise each day. If I am on the phone instead of sitting and chatting I walk round my kitchen, or the living room. As I am on the phone to my Mum everyday for about fifteen minutes, my sister for about a half hour a week and I speak to my Nan for around forty-five minutes a week and I walk at about 4mph that means I walk around 12 miles a week just whilst I'm on the phone!
I speak with Flyfour and the children about plans for the next couple of weeks and then I schedule in my exercise around any prior commitments. I have synchronised my phone calender with my Google calender, added my husband and then I can keep a note of everything. As it's scheduled I know that I have to go or I might not have time later.
My sister started her running not long after I started going to the gym. We've made plans that we are going to go running together and possibly run a marathon or a half marathon together next year. I don't want to let her down and so I know that I have to train now so that I can be ready in the future.
I'm also loving the support that I am getting from everyone here on the blog, on Facebook and on Twitter. I love posting my random updates when I'm going to the gym, at the gym or leaving after a work out and getting the retweets, comments and encouragement from everyone. I feel like everyone wants me to succeed and I don't want to be the reason everyone is let down.
After the first two weeks of the early morning workouts I realised I was smiling in recognition at other gym members and they were smiling back. We got to know each other through sweating together and they have been encouraging me to push myself harder than I thought possible, they've been teaching me better technique. I know that if I don't go one morning they are going to question me why the next time I do go.
Of course I also managed to work out that exercising with my family is a great thing. Going to the park and working out by running round with them, playing football or just going for a walk was a great way to pack in some family time and exercise.
I decided to go to the gym when the gym first opens, (every weekday morning at 6am) instead of sleeping in or laying in bed reading. I get up, get to the gym and get done all before the children are out of bed. It's been great, and is a perfect way to start the day. I've found that I'm getting more done, I'm exercising more during the day and even though it feels that I'm not seeing Flyfour as much I know that I'm doing something that will extend my time with him in the long run.
So that's how I'm making time for exercise. Are there any other ways I could squeeze in more?
Don't forget to check out what I'm doing over at A Mothers Ramblings too!
Recently I knew that things had to change, I couldn't keep making excuses. I had to take control. I had plans for the Summer, I was going to get the children controlling my exercise. They had to force me to go to the outdoor gym in the morning, to play on the Wii or Xbox in the afternoon and we would have to fit in things like going swimming, going for a walk and a picnic, going to the park and lots more besides and all around these two standing appointments.
When I joined the gym, Flyfour said to me that I had to go at least four times a week to the gym and swim once in order to make it worth the cost of the membership. I was really worried, how on earth was I going to take all this time out of my week to go the gym? I clean and cook, look after the children, make packed lunches, watch TV, read books, spend time with my family, Blog, Tweet, play games on the computer, take my Mum shopping and on top of that and a lot of other things I need to sleep too.
My turning point came when I realised that I had to make time to exercise, I had to make sure that in all the things I have to do in a day that I made sure that exercise was in there somewhere. This is how I'm doing it so far.
Walk before I eat
I go and run round my garden for ten minutes before I eat lunch or dinner (I already work out in the morning before breakfast) and that way I know that I am getting in at least twenty minutes of aerobic exercise each day. If I am on the phone instead of sitting and chatting I walk round my kitchen, or the living room. As I am on the phone to my Mum everyday for about fifteen minutes, my sister for about a half hour a week and I speak to my Nan for around forty-five minutes a week and I walk at about 4mph that means I walk around 12 miles a week just whilst I'm on the phone!
Schedule it
I speak with Flyfour and the children about plans for the next couple of weeks and then I schedule in my exercise around any prior commitments. I have synchronised my phone calender with my Google calender, added my husband and then I can keep a note of everything. As it's scheduled I know that I have to go or I might not have time later.
Go with a Friend
My sister started her running not long after I started going to the gym. We've made plans that we are going to go running together and possibly run a marathon or a half marathon together next year. I don't want to let her down and so I know that I have to train now so that I can be ready in the future.
I'm also loving the support that I am getting from everyone here on the blog, on Facebook and on Twitter. I love posting my random updates when I'm going to the gym, at the gym or leaving after a work out and getting the retweets, comments and encouragement from everyone. I feel like everyone wants me to succeed and I don't want to be the reason everyone is let down.
Do it Together
After the first two weeks of the early morning workouts I realised I was smiling in recognition at other gym members and they were smiling back. We got to know each other through sweating together and they have been encouraging me to push myself harder than I thought possible, they've been teaching me better technique. I know that if I don't go one morning they are going to question me why the next time I do go.
Of course I also managed to work out that exercising with my family is a great thing. Going to the park and working out by running round with them, playing football or just going for a walk was a great way to pack in some family time and exercise.
Get up early
I decided to go to the gym when the gym first opens, (every weekday morning at 6am) instead of sleeping in or laying in bed reading. I get up, get to the gym and get done all before the children are out of bed. It's been great, and is a perfect way to start the day. I've found that I'm getting more done, I'm exercising more during the day and even though it feels that I'm not seeing Flyfour as much I know that I'm doing something that will extend my time with him in the long run.
So that's how I'm making time for exercise. Are there any other ways I could squeeze in more?
Don't forget to check out what I'm doing over at A Mothers Ramblings too!
The End Of The First Week
The first week of my Gym membership is almost over and I've survived. It may only have been a week, but I feel fitter, I feel energised and I know that I'm going to carry on working towards my goal of losing ten stone and as a side benefit get fit.
The week was fairly easy when I think about it, all but that first five minutes of that first work out, when I wanted to give up. This is what I did in the end;
Tuesday - I went for my Induction or as it is otherwise known, a half hour of Hell.
Wednesday - I went Swimming, 30 lengths of 25m in 30 minutes.
Thursday - I went to Aquafit in the evening, I know now this to be 45 minutes of Hell.
Friday - 30 minutes of Gym and a 30 minute bike ride. And a 45 minute walk, a 30 minute swim of treading water.
Weekend Off being A Mothers Ramblings.
Monday - 30 minutes of Gym followed by ten minutes of Swimming.
I discovered this morning that despite feeling ready more more exercise after a thirty minute workout on various machines in the gym I can't swim afterwards. I managed to do 125m before almost drowning. Still, at least I know now and I know that if I try again in a month it will be a good measure of how far I've come.
A comment left by HMS on a post this past week was about a quote that she had seen somewhere. I knew what quote she meant as I read it as I'd seen it on Pinterest a hundred times in the past and ignored it, because for me then it didn't apply. Anyway I decided to create a visual of the quote in my new colours (you noticed I have a new design right?) here at Pippa World.
I am so proud of myself because I've started lapping those who sit on the couch.
The week was fairly easy when I think about it, all but that first five minutes of that first work out, when I wanted to give up. This is what I did in the end;
Tuesday - I went for my Induction or as it is otherwise known, a half hour of Hell.
Wednesday - I went Swimming, 30 lengths of 25m in 30 minutes.
Thursday - I went to Aquafit in the evening, I know now this to be 45 minutes of Hell.
Friday - 30 minutes of Gym and a 30 minute bike ride. And a 45 minute walk, a 30 minute swim of treading water.
Weekend Off being A Mothers Ramblings.
Monday - 30 minutes of Gym followed by ten minutes of Swimming.
I discovered this morning that despite feeling ready more more exercise after a thirty minute workout on various machines in the gym I can't swim afterwards. I managed to do 125m before almost drowning. Still, at least I know now and I know that if I try again in a month it will be a good measure of how far I've come.
A comment left by HMS on a post this past week was about a quote that she had seen somewhere. I knew what quote she meant as I read it as I'd seen it on Pinterest a hundred times in the past and ignored it, because for me then it didn't apply. Anyway I decided to create a visual of the quote in my new colours (you noticed I have a new design right?) here at Pippa World.
I am so proud of myself because I've started lapping those who sit on the couch.
Possibly The Best Wife In The World
There are lots of reasons why I am possibly the best wife in the world, but for the last two weeks I have been the best wife in the world because I have given up my Sunday lay in. My lovely long luxurious, only me in the bed lay in.
We split the weekend lay in's in this house, with Flyfour getting the Saturday and me getting the Sunday. It works for us and means that we each get some quality one on one time with the children and a good long lay in, but of course on special days that fall on a Sunday it does mean I get cheated out of my lay in.
Last week was of course Fathers Day and so as well as getting up on the Saturday, I got up with the children on the Sunday. We don't need to go into detail of how I didn't feed the children anything other than fruit and managed to convince Flyfour that we should go for a McDonalds breakfast for us all and we don't need to explain that I sat in the den playing a computer game with the children for a large part of the morning, the point is I gave up my lay in without a qualm.
I'm very giving me.
Then yesterday, Flyfour decided that he would give BB and I a lift to the train station so that we could spend the day with Dairylea and AMR Blog friends. This meant that his lay in was tragically cut short and so in a moment of guilt I decided that I should give up my Sunday lay in to make up for this. Like I said, I'm very giving.
We of course will extend the courtesy offered to me about my silence over what I did last Sunday morning and won't say anything about how Flyfour spent the vast majority of yesterday on the PC, with Tops playing in the den on the PC and watching a film after all he did do a couple of loads of washing to make up for that. We won't say anything about how he went out and brought some special treats for himself and Tops for lunch as I did get a rather lovely buffet out with Dairylea and we won't say anything about him buying Top Ender a new mobile phone (It's a Samsung Galaxy Europa) because he did let me join a gym this week.
Let's just not forget that I am possibly the best wife in the world as I gave up my lay in for the second week in a row.
We split the weekend lay in's in this house, with Flyfour getting the Saturday and me getting the Sunday. It works for us and means that we each get some quality one on one time with the children and a good long lay in, but of course on special days that fall on a Sunday it does mean I get cheated out of my lay in.
Last week was of course Fathers Day and so as well as getting up on the Saturday, I got up with the children on the Sunday. We don't need to go into detail of how I didn't feed the children anything other than fruit and managed to convince Flyfour that we should go for a McDonalds breakfast for us all and we don't need to explain that I sat in the den playing a computer game with the children for a large part of the morning, the point is I gave up my lay in without a qualm.
I'm very giving me.
Then yesterday, Flyfour decided that he would give BB and I a lift to the train station so that we could spend the day with Dairylea and AMR Blog friends. This meant that his lay in was tragically cut short and so in a moment of guilt I decided that I should give up my Sunday lay in to make up for this. Like I said, I'm very giving.
We of course will extend the courtesy offered to me about my silence over what I did last Sunday morning and won't say anything about how Flyfour spent the vast majority of yesterday on the PC, with Tops playing in the den on the PC and watching a film after all he did do a couple of loads of washing to make up for that. We won't say anything about how he went out and brought some special treats for himself and Tops for lunch as I did get a rather lovely buffet out with Dairylea and we won't say anything about him buying Top Ender a new mobile phone (It's a Samsung Galaxy Europa) because he did let me join a gym this week.
Let's just not forget that I am possibly the best wife in the world as I gave up my lay in for the second week in a row.
Aquafit - It's harder than it looks!
A few months back for Big Boys birthday we went swimming. Whilst we were there I got to watch an Aquafit lesson and I tweeted that as soon as Big Boy was at School I was going to join this class. It looked fun, there was plenty of Disco music being played and whilst it looked easy I could tell that it was a good work out. Plus who doesn't want to hang out with a group of old women in swimming costumes for an hour each week?
When I joined the gym earlier this week, the chap getting the commission suggested that I join a couple of classes as they are included in the price of membership. The chap suggested that I should go to Aquafit and a spin class. I thought it must be fate, there I had been only a month before thinking of joining the class and here I was being told that I had already paid for it!
So yesterday evening I went to my first Aquafit class. I tried talking to a couple of women, one just plain blanked me (I think she didn't actually speak English) and another gave me that half smile that I give people when I don't want to talk to them... soon enough though we were in the water and we didn't have time for talking.
For the next 45 minutes I swear that all I heard was;
JUMP HIGHER!
FASTER!
PUSH THOSE ARMS TOGETHER!
IF YOU WORK HARD YOU'LL BURN AROUND 800 CALORIES SLACK AND IT'S ONLY AROUND 300!
Eventually we got a brief breather and one of the other women and I exchanged grins, names and a few other details. I made an Aquafit Buddy! It was a very long 45 minutes, but I felt really invigorated afterwards and even my legs didn't feel as stiff as they had before the class. I'll definitely be going back to the class next week and when BB goes to school I'll be joining the Tuesday morning class too. I want to hang out with the old ladies!
When I joined the gym earlier this week, the chap getting the commission suggested that I join a couple of classes as they are included in the price of membership. The chap suggested that I should go to Aquafit and a spin class. I thought it must be fate, there I had been only a month before thinking of joining the class and here I was being told that I had already paid for it!
So yesterday evening I went to my first Aquafit class. I tried talking to a couple of women, one just plain blanked me (I think she didn't actually speak English) and another gave me that half smile that I give people when I don't want to talk to them... soon enough though we were in the water and we didn't have time for talking.
For the next 45 minutes I swear that all I heard was;
JUMP HIGHER!
FASTER!
PUSH THOSE ARMS TOGETHER!
IF YOU WORK HARD YOU'LL BURN AROUND 800 CALORIES SLACK AND IT'S ONLY AROUND 300!
Eventually we got a brief breather and one of the other women and I exchanged grins, names and a few other details. I made an Aquafit Buddy! It was a very long 45 minutes, but I felt really invigorated afterwards and even my legs didn't feel as stiff as they had before the class. I'll definitely be going back to the class next week and when BB goes to school I'll be joining the Tuesday morning class too. I want to hang out with the old ladies!
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