back at it

Over these past two days I've decided to get my booty into gear and get back into working out. Of course, I want to document this :P

Weds 26th:
1. Quick Cardio Warmup - I used to find this much easier than I did today; hopefully it will get a little easier as I build my fitness back up!
2. 10 Min Ab Sculpting WO - I had to take a couple of breaks in this, struggled here too!
3. Abs in a Flash - I actually really enjoyed this one, even if I didn't have space to do the last starfish-style move.
4. 6 Min to Sexy Thighs - again, I did all except the windshield wipers, so technically I guess I only did about half of the video, but I really don't have any space:(
5. Turbo Toned Arms WO - ohmygosh I love this! Haven't worked my arms in so long and this is so great; both an awesome workout and such a pretty new setting!


Thurs 27th:
1. Quick Cardio Warmup - I found this a little easier than yesterday, but it still warmed me up plenty!
2. Turbo Toned Arms - seeing as it's arm day and I enjoyed doing this video so much yesterday, why not do it again?
3. Back Attack! - this is my favourite back workout, I really should do it more often.
4. 6 Min to Sexy Arms -  definitely another old favourite that reminds me how unfit I am now!


In addition, my abs hurt so good today! I really can't wait to see progress, but I think this is all about enjoying the journey to fitness too. And recently, I've also been enjoying some yoga too. I even tried my first ever hollow back handstand yesterday!

splits

A little over a month ago, I pulled my left hamstring, just above my knee. Ever since, I've kept it rested, and so it now feels a whole lot better. Not perfect, but usable. Today, I did some garden yoga to start feeling a little stretchier, and my splits have changed quite a bit over this time off.

In the dance classes at the start of the holidays, after I pulled my ham, I stretched my right side more. Now I am more or less flat in my right leg splits, whereas before I wasn't quite there.

My left splits, however, have gone from flat to not, as if they've swapped with my right splits. I didn't take a picture, but I'm sure you get the idea.

Finally, I think I'm a little closer to my middle splits! Check them out :)

I'm immensely proud of myself for these last ones, as I've never been this close before! Thanks Hannah for inspiring me to keep pushing!

quick little update

So tonight I don't really have time for much at all, except a scribbled little post about what I've been up to recently. It's fair to say that I've just been resting since NCS has finished, even with a couple of little naps, which I never normally do!

On Saturday I had:
1. Ballet (30 mins)
2. Little ballet (30 mins)
3. Pointe (30 mins)
4. Soft pointe (30 mins)

Yesterday, I did/had:
1. 4 mile walk home from town (it only took 50 mins, which I'm so proud of!)
2. Street dance (1hr)

And today:
1. Contemporary (1hr)


While I haven't been very active this week, last week wasn't too bad. I'm going to write a lot more about it in an NCS post soon, but we did a lot of walking and also 5 hrs of Zumba for a Zumbathon on Thursday! I've found my love now; I love shaking my hips in the Zumba routines ;)

Team Perham in fancy dress for the Zumbathon!

With Gaby, Brittany and Maz before the Zumbathon

putting on weight

I think it's fair to say that I've been eating pretty unhealthily while I've been away. Lots of carbs to keep me going, lots of biscuits and sweets and very little veg. Aside from making me feel a bit chubbier and more bloated, pulling out the scales this morning told me what I'd been fearing. I've put on 4lbs, which feels like a huge amount! Another factor that might be the decreased amount of water I've been drinking while on NCS, although I don't know how much that affects anything.

This being said, I've logged back onto Blogilates and done some pilates today. I pretty much followed the calendar but switched up one of the cardio videos for the new abs video. Let me share:
1. 8 Min Home Cardio
2. Abs in a Flash
3. 8 Min Abs and Obliques
4. Lower Belly Flattener
5. Street Dance (1hr)

On top of all this, I've drunk 2985ml of water today, which is hugely more than I've drank recently; hopefully this will start to flush out all of the rubbish I've digested recently. Anyway, that's it for today, I need an early night before NCS Week 3 tomorrow!

NCS part one

So yeah, the title kind of says it all. This post has been a long time in the writing, due to having such a busy couple of weeks. On Monday 29 June, I set off to Conwy, Wales for week one of NCS. It was the first time I'd ever been to another country without my family, so needless to say, I more than a little nervous.

During that week away, I met so many new people from my area and together we took part in activities that pushed us both physically and mentally. Now, so that I don't forget what we did, I'd like to write a little about what we did each day.


Monday 29th
Upon arriving at the college, the day's tasks began. These included ice breaker games with the whole Wave (all 60 of us) then with our teams of 12, followed by the coach journey to North Wales. In the Wave ice breakers I became friends with a girl called Gaby, who is such a lovely girl that I'm yet to take a picture with.

My team is Team Perham, the one focused on sports, along with two girls I know from school. Gaby's in Team Sabesan, which is the photography team that was my second choice of activity.

At our accomodation in Conwy, I was in a room of six girls, but luckily another girl from school was in there too.
That evening consisted of many more games and activities that would help us bond as teams and a Wave. Among these was an evening review session in the tipi to make some team ground rules.

With Liv in the tipi

Tuesday 30th
Our first activity of the week was gorge walking, meaning we'd be walking upriver and climbing up waterfalls. After my initial worry, this was actually so much fun! We wore wetsuits yet I still got soaked, so I'm glad I didn't jump into the plunge pool at the end, because then I would have been even worse.

This also happened be the hottest recorded day in June for a very long time (I don't know exactly how long). Back home it was 36°C, but in Wales it was around 28°C, which made our 3km uphill hike that afternoon rather stickily unpleasant. However the view from our campsite was so worth the discomfort. I mean, just look at it.

We also had the cutest little set up for dinner. We cooked in little groups and shared out the food between us. I cooked and ate with Liv and Jack, and we sat round the corner from everyone else by the green tent in the photo above.

Our cute little dinner set-up

Wednesday 1st
This day was also an extremely hot day, due to the UK's heatwave. We ended up hiking 7km back to the hostel we were staying at, although it was mostly downhill so was actually quite enjoyable. We sang many songs and told lots of stories.

Team Perham & instructor Tom

Our team spent that evening sitting and talking in the kitchen the whole Wave shared. A few others from the other teams joined us, including a guy from Gaby's team. Somehow, the topic changed and I ended up doing his hair in a man-bun.


Thursday 2nd
This morning, I'd woken and showered a little later, so a few people were already in the kitchen by the time I went to make lunch. While I had my head stuck in the fridge, a guy called Ben said hi to me, although how he knew my name I had no idea, since I'd not spoken to him yet. Later, while heading to our meeting points, we walked outside together and created a nickname of 'Kerosene' for me. The first nickname I've ever had xD

The rest of that day consisted of bouldering and traversing rocks, and then canoeing on a lake. Unfortunately the weather had turned by the afternoon so we got pretty wet and windswept out there on the water.

Then in the evening we were tasked with dressing our mentors up as super heroes. We opted to dress Jemma up as a typical American superhero in the form of an American footballer who shot pasta from her hands to stop criminals.

Friday 3rd
On this morning I sat with Ben in the kitchen for a bit while waiting for breakfast. When we went to eat, we took a lot pictures with the girls before we had to leave.

With Ali, Nilum and Alannah

With Nilum and Alannah

With Maz and Alannah

Of course we got some of the team together too....

But yeah, that was week one, the personal challenge. I can't believe how much fun I had and I made so many great new friends! If I could do it again, I would apply within seconds!

yoga

I guess there's just something about Sundays that feels really lazy and relaxed. I finished my GCSEs on Friday at 13:02 (yes, I remember the time!) so with no more revision to do, I had a choice of what to do today! Ooooh, exciting ;)

As it's World Yoga Day, I followed this routine, and despite falling over and hitting my head a few times, I quite enjoyed this, and some of the stretches I got were very good. I think next time I do some yoga for flexibility, I should do some more cardio beforehand to get a bit warmer.

Also, I didn't realise that yoga raised your heart rate so much! Mine was going really fast by the end; it must have been pretty brutal ;)

Anyway, afterwards, I practised my headstands without the use of a wall (for the first time) and actually held it for over 30 seconds at one point. This was between falling over and getting too tense; I found that I held it best when I was relaxed and really spread my weight over my arms, and of course, breathing slowly and deeply.

I wanted to take pictures in this pose, but didn't trust the timer; instead I videoed my attempts and took screenshots. Obviously, the quality isn't great, but at least I captured the moment.

You can see my successful headstand, some earlier attempts, and various other poses such as cobra, up-dog, cat and cow. I'm still buzzing! I intend to continue my yoga practise to hopefully improve my headstand this week. Next Monday I'm heading off to Wales on NCS! That's all for today :)

me, running?

Upon waking this morning, I felt no soreness from yesterday's 1000 Abs Challenge. But much to my relief, as the day wore on they've become more and more sore, a feeling that I love oh so much!

Once the heat died down a little, I actually went for a run this evening! Like, I've never run out of my own free will before. I'd arranged to go with a friend last week, but now she's too busy with school, so I just took off and went on my own. I only did 1.5 km, and I guess I walked quite a bit due to stitches (typical xD) so it took around 15 mins I think, but at least now I know what I'm (not) capable of. I'd like to try the same route tomorrow and pace myself a little better, so perhaps I don't have to walk as much.

Afterwards I did the Swimsuit Slimdown again, and I really love it! It's just so intense, and I quite like all of the moves, especially as they seem to challenge the core a lot. Anyway, that's all for now, I my last exam of the week tomorrow. Goodnight! *fingers crossed that I'll be sore tomorrow!*

craziness

Only a quick drop-in today, no real time for much thought! While I have five minutes I'm just going to record these past few days then head off to bed, ready for tomorrow's exam.

On Monday and Tuesday, I had an hour-long dance class each night. I worked up such a sweat in both, and got flat splits on both my left and right legs each class too. Today was a great day; I had no exams so I joined my mother up town and we shopped and ate out together for the first time in ages! Even though we still live together, it was nice to do something a little girly for a change.

Tonight, I did the Quick Cardio Warm Up - as you can tell, it has quickly become my favourite! - and then the much anticipated 1000 Abs Challenge. Oh my, that was so fun!! Only took a few breaks for water! I hope I hurt tomorrow:)

butt I don't have much time ...

After a day filled with revision for this week's exams, I squeezed in three quick videos; Quick Sweat Fat Burning Circuit, the Ultimate Butt, Back & Arms Challenge and 5 Min Beautiful Booty. I actually really loved working my butt for a change, since I've recently been focusing mainly on my abs and thighs. True, I didn't have time to push myself as far as I'd like, but hopefully I'll have some spare time tomorrow!

On another note, a friend from school has finally started Blogilates! After completing today's videos she couldn't stop marvelling at how difficult they were, which is saying something, as she's always on the go. She runs daily, does hardcore ju jitsu at least a few times a week and plays football. Oh, and she's vegan. Pretty much a health freak, eh ;)

progress comes in many forms

Working out has become more of a sweatfest than ever here in the UK, what with this warmer weather and humidity. Even so, I managed quite a few videos after dance today. Dance involved ballet class, pointe class, helping with a ballet class, helping with a soft pointe class and joining in with a contemporary class, so it was a long day but so fun.

Back to pilates, I did the Quick Cardio Warm Up, Swimsuit Slimdown (which is incredible!), Abs in a Flash, 5 Minute Flat Abs and 6 Mins to Sexy Abs. After doing these, my abs were on fire!

Right now, I'm just having a moment. We've all had one; one day you look in the mirror and, for whatever reason, feel pleasantly shocked about something. It's as if your eyes have suddenly been opened after having them closed for the longest of times. You can't believe that you, of all people, have been able to do this. It makes you proud. And you know why you're proud? It's because you have done this. All by yourself. The old you wanted a change, started work on it, and it's finally paying off and giving you the results you wanted.

After finishing today's workout, I looked at my body in the mirror and saw shapes and lines on my stomach that weren't there before, without flexing. Sure, I doubt anyone else would notice, and they soon disappeared after I ate, but in that minute, they were there. My legs are another example. I've recently noticed that they look a little slimmer than before, and my back is also a little more toned, an observation I shared with you the other day.

I am so proud of myself for everything that I've achieved recently; I feel as if these past few weeks have created a new person out of me. Not only have I started to change my body for the better, but my whole mindset has done a U-turn. I'm sure that I've mentioned Hannah in previous posts, but maybe not too much; either way, she's for sure my closest friend. We've both recently been removed from someone's life, and in these events we've just clung together even closer than before and realised who would actually be there for us - each other.

So we looked this rather dismal part of our lives with a new perspective - what could we gain from this? We began changing little things about our lives, such as changing who we talk to and drifting from those who evidently don't care, and we've never felt more positive. Honestly, I've just felt so happy and more relaxed about exams and everything in life has become much brighter.

Tackiness and cheese aside, I must actually go and study now! I'm just so proud of Hannah, myself, and anyone else who is changing to become a better version of themselves or overcoming problems they're facing. Only we can change who we are.

#TheStretchProject

As I don't have instagram, I thought I'd post my photos for Cassey's newest challenge on here instead! I just love the idea of having new stretches to try, so I took to the garden this afternoon and did them all!

And here is the result of rolling around in the grass! It was so unbelievably itchy, you would not believe. But on looking at this photo, I can see back progress! It's so exciting!

pick up the pace

On Sunday morning I managed quite a few videos. I did the Quick Cardio Warmup again, 5 Min Flat Abs, Abs in a Flash, 6 Min to Sexy Thighs and the I Really Like You Squat Challenge. My legs were feeling tired, but I really want to slim them down and tone them some more, so it's all worth it.

Today I got home before 12pm because my exam was a morning one, meaning I was supposed to revise all afternoon. But when I sat down to do some work, I couldn't sit still, what with the 20°C+ sunny afternoon just sitting there taunting me. If I was a runner, that's what I'd be doing. Maybe go for a nice little jog. However, I am not, so I decided to just do some more pilates. 

Anyway, I did the Quick Cardio Warmup, Beautiful Body (I loved using my stretchy band!), Playa del Plank, 6 Min to Sexy Thighs (except the last move!) and Abs in a Flash. I followed this with yoga and stretching in the garden!

Also, I'd actually planned to start jogging with a friend tomorrow, but I'm babysitting instead, so I think I'm going to go for a little run on Saturday or Sunday with her in a revision break instead.

my middle

On Thursday morning I woke up ready to face the world, which meant only one thing: work out! I've been really craving some ab workouts recently, so I figured that now was a good a time as any to start. So I did the Quick Cardio Warmup, Abs in a Flash, 5 Min Flat Abs, 6 Min to Sexy Abs and the Quick Ab Workout. Fair to say I'm pretty worn out now, but I'm glad I did it.

This morning, I pushed myself and did Extreme Abs and Extreme Abs 2! I usually find Extreme Abs 2 easier, but doing them together near killed me! Omg!

I intend to do some ab exercises every day now, as I'm going on NCS on the 29th June, so I want to try to look as good as I can for then! That's only 31 days! So I thought to myself, why not do some 30 day challenges so I can finish them the day before I leave? Good idea, yeah? I've decided to do the squat challenge and a plank challenge. Today's reps on the squats were pretty easy, but I know they're going to get much harder! But the plank thing? I might simplify what I was doing! Stay tuned for another post on that!

getting crafty

Happy bank holiday! Not exactly something worth cheering for in itself, but it does mean another Monday off work and school, so it's not worth ignoring either. I've been meaning to write a post for the past few days and I've started a couple of times, only to be stopped by silly little things; today I intend to finish a post since I've actually been kind of active this weekend.

Saturday saw the last dance classes before half term, which is always a sad sight; I hate having even one week off. Anyway, we did a ton of stretches, including splits, which I was pretty pleased with. I now have them completely flat on my left and only a little off with my right; I did have them flat once but pulling a hamstring is never the best idea. I'm still a million miles off my box splits. I doubt I'll ever get them to be honest. Anyway, my hips and calves are still a little achey, which I guess is a good thing.

Yesterday I did five, yes five, videos, whoo! I did the Quick Cardio Warmup, 5 Minute Arms, 5 Minute Abs, the Inner Thigh Challenge and the Extreme Muffintop Crushing Workout, which is probably my personal favourite right now. My obliques have actually been feeling nice and tight recently!

And today, I met with Hannah to have an informal photoshoot, and we went crazy by wearing shorts at 13 degrees C. Luckily it wasn't too cold, and I can feel that my legs are looking kind of nice too! Just a little bit more toning needed for it to be visible! I much prefer working them to my abs, honestly.

 

In other news, I've been a little obsessed with making friendship bracelets this weekend, whenever I've had a spare five minutes. To make this one, I used five stands of pale pink embroidery thread (32"each) and five coloured strands (30" each). It only took a couple of hours, so I made Hannah a matching one too!

Here's a selfie from the shoot yesterday! Dan and Phil cat faces!

a fresh start?

I'm really in need of a fresh start. I've not followed the calendar or done any of Cassey's videos in over a month, I''d guess. Not properly, anyway. I won't be able to work out fully every day for a long time either, which is just annoying. I can feel myself grow weaker but I have to spend all of my time revising, otherwise I'll fail exams.

So on Saturday I decided to take a short while after dance off, and just do a few videos. I chose Abs in a Flash, Extreme Muffintop Crusher and the I Really Like You Squat Challenge. My legs actually died after this!

It's Tuesday now. My quads and obliques have only just stopped hurting from those videos, oh man they were tough! I had to skip dance last night and will have to again tonight. I had two exams today, and oh my life, they were pretty difficult! Especially the geography paper:( I'll just have to revise for tomorrow's physics exam tonight, there's no need to look back at things I can't change.

healthy banana overnight oats

Today, I'd like to share with you my favourite recipe for overnight oats. It literally only takes ten minutes to prepare the night before, and serves either two people, or lasts two days. Enjoy!

Ingredients
1 cup of oats
1 cup (240ml) milk
1-2 bananas
1tsp vanilla extract
2tsp honey
Pinch of sea salt
Dark chocolate chips

Method
1. Slice bananas and microwave for 30-45 seconds. I tend to use 1.5 bananas and microwave first for 30 seconds, stir, and then microwave again for another 15 or so.
2. Combine all ingredients except the chocolate chips in a mason jar, or other airtight container.
3. Shake!
4. Leave in fridge for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight.
5. Before eating, add the chocolate chips.

Clockwise from top left: banana with oats; all ingredients; close up of all ingredients

And there you go! Yummy, healthy breakfast! Since I swapped my normal cereal for this, I have had a lot more energy and noticed a little less bloating, so all's good! Enjoy :)

ballet babes

Today was another lazy day, surprise surprise, but I did have two ballet classes and the little girls' class. Took some pictures and I kinda like how my body looks!

study break

Since the post I published earlier, I decided to take an evening off from revising and just do some Blogilates videos instead. I've missed doing them, but now I realise how unfit I've been getting! The one thing that inspired me to do this is the possibility of being able to cosplay Wonder Woman the day after my exams finish, so I really want to look my best for then! A local event is trying to break the world record for the number of people dressed as superheroes, I think, and I can't wait! Hannah's going as Supergirl:)

Anyway, I only had time to do Abs in a Flash, 5 Minute Toned Arms and the 30 Day Thigh Slimming Challenge. But oh my life, it was so worth it! I'm tired and achey now! Just as well I'm off to bed now, to recover before ballet tomorrow ;) Goodnight!

ballet buddies

I can't even begin to describe how good it felt to be back at ballet last Saturday, even though I only had one week off. There's just something about barrework that I love; it might be the repetitiveness, it might just be that I'm able to move freely within the steps, with legs, feet, arms and head all playing a part in the movement.

Anyway, we worked on a number of barre exercises for our gradework in ballet class, and then in pointe we did the same, learning more exercises followed by a fun little variation in the centre. I noticed that my feet are a little stronger than before, so I was able to last a a bit longer before taking a break. It involved lots of pirouettes, posé turns, and so many more steps I can't remember the names of.

I think one of my favourites was a variation on a sissonne. Except we replaced the jump with an arabesque, and then closing the feet. When we traveled to the left, my supporting leg wasn't quite srtaight, and I wasn't quite over on my pointe. Oh well. I used my arms to try and make up for it. But when we traveled to the right, I thought my knee was also slightly bent, but apparantly not. I've been working my quads quite a  bit recently, and they've become bulkier than I remember; I think I just need to get used to them - my leg was straight after all.


On Monday, I didn't have dance class because of it being the bank holiday and all. Tuesday's contemporary class consisted of dancing our routine a lot and trying out some tricks to see if we could do them in the dance.

Since then, I've not done any workouts. Ohmygosh, I feel myself getting so lazy, but there is no time left after all the revision and extra classes at school. I have no idea what to do!

jelly legs

I pulled myself together today and, in the spare five minutes I had just before dance, I did Cassey's new I Really Like You Squat Challenge. This was a mistake; I should have waited until afterwards! Ohmygosh, my legs haven't died like that in the longest time! That may be because I've not done any of Cassey's videos in a while, or maybe just because it was such a good workout! Either way, I really enjoyed it!

Dance itself was such a great source of cardio tonight; our current routine is so fast and crazily fun, that I was dripping with sweat before the hour was up! Afterwards, I saw the two really cute guys who go to a running class at the same time as mine, so I'll bet I looked just perfectly gross to them! ;)