Post reformer Pilates

Yesterday I tried reformer Pilates. I went to boot camp Pilates (the Fulham branch) as they have a great offer of four classes for £50. As it's always been something I've wanted to try I've been on their mailing list for a while. When this offer came through I jumped at the opportunity.

As you know I had a failed attempt on Monday as I arrived late, so this time I was super early. I approached the class with trepidation but everyone there was super friendly, definitely nicer than any welcome staff normally are, and we're disarmingly chatty.

I wore some yoga leggings and a long sleeved top, as I wasn't sure what to wear. I think tight clothing was certainly the right choice, and with that equipment I would advise no jewellery and hair tightly tied back!

I also had my heart monitor on, and I clocked up a reasonable 300 calories. That's more than I've achieved at a power yoga class, but naturally less than a cardio based class. You skinny beans will probably burn less, but that was my total...

The moves were tough, really tough. But what I particularly enjoyed is that they really tested my core. As I've said before I'm fit, I'm actually also very strong, even when I've not being doing lots of weights. I think this means that when I'm working out my strong muscles can take the strain so I find it incredibly hard to successfully target my abs, and work my core. Balancing on the frame, while pulling traditional moves like lunges or squats, AND holding weights was an unbelievable all body workout.

I felt like I had been skiing immediately afterwards, all those muscles were awakened and sore. Wonderful parts of my body like my back, inner thighs and abs feel like they are being tested properly.

In short, I loved it! 

I have three more classes in my pack and I'm taking the OH tomorrow night. I think this is perfect for getting me surf fit, with a traditional cardio exercise programme of course. The only slightly prohibitive thing is the price, but some things are worth investing in.

So if you're saving a little money on dry January, or like me dry(ish) January, then I would recommend trying out reformer Pilates.

Holiday plans - a fitness goal

So in a month I'lll be at a week long surf and yoga camp in Morocco. I'm a total beginner so it's a great motivator.

I've always wanted to to learn how to surf, ever since I was in Australia in 2004. I was hanging out in Byron Bay with a bunch of British surfers and I just really liked the way of life, attutude to the environment, and of course the effect on the body!

My also love an activity holiday, but after last year's ski trip (which I may tell you about some time) I fancied a change.

We narrowed down our choice to Kerala, Costa Rica and Morocco, and wanted yoga as part of the package too. In the end we settled in Morocco as it's good value and close enough to the UK for a week long trip without too much travelling.

So the campaign to get surf fit is the next step. I've looked up a few blogs and asked around, my training is now focussed on mini circuits with lots of jumping up from lying down. It's exhausting but the fear of not being  able to make the most of my trip is a huge motivator!

The other focus of my training is core stability so I have decided to take up reformer Pilates, I'll tell you how that went shortly, also key is lots of swimming and at the heart weight loss, as getting this hulk upright will probably be one of the most fm difficult thing.

So please, let me know of your hot tips for surf fit exercises and Morocco travel tips!

Flo x

Trying reformer Pilates

So tonight I am going to try something new, I've signed up for bootcamp Pilates and I'm going in for their beginners class. 

If you don't know it's the type of Pilates where you do it with racks - that look like torture devices - and weights. 

I hope it will be good prep for my February holiday, which I will tell you more about later. I'll use my heart monitor so I'll let you know how the class goes tonight!

Something that aids my sleep

Now of course there are the usual tips like quiet, not using iPads, lavender oil etc. However I have a little relaxant amasseuse  taught me and it really works to calm me down.

You will need a (dry!) bathroom towel. I should also say I'm not a health professional so if you have any back problems don't try this unless you have checked with a doctor. And stop if it doesn't feel comfortable!

If you want to try it though:

Get your bedroom ready for sleep, light those candles, spray that pillow spray. In my case pop radio four on and rub This Works Deep Sleep Stress Less on your pulse points.

Now here's the difference, roll your towel so that it is long and thin, and approximately the length of your spine. Lay it down in the bed in the middle, then lie down with it along your spine, and pop some pillows under your knees so your legs are raised.

Your shoulders should begin to open. Open your arms out and lay them on the bed with your palms facing upwards and relax.

Breathe steadily, focus on clearing the day from your mind. Stay for as long as you feel comfortable but I wouldn't fall asleep like that as you could move in the night and end up sleeping funny...

Controlled falls from the wagon

So inevitably Saturday turned into a lovely, fun evening, and I made it home around 10pm and collapsed into giggles on the boy. The key has been finding that motivation again, and luckily I hopped straight back on to the wagon, and spent the day doing lots of exercise as I had to compete my house move.

Lugging furniture up and down staircases, and in and out of a truck certainly was sweaty work. I was then back into the old apartment to clean, which again was a fairly good workout, though not high intensity.

My food intake hasn't been as good, but I've certainly been eating less, definitely less carbs, and far more vegetables. Most importantly I haven't been drinking.

Over the next few posts I am going to discuss my fitness programme, and my big inspiration goal. It's not a weight but a holiday, more effective I think. I will also share some of my food plans for the coming weeks.

Flo x

Bilbao

Just recently I visited Bilbao and the Rioja region with the OH. I was looking for a good Christmas present for him as he also has a big birthday coming up, and we will be so busy this year that I thought a treat in advance would be lovely.

I scoured sky scanner for cheap flights and scored us some flights to Bilbao. I knew we should visit the Guggenheim but from there I was stumped so I asked a couple of good friends who are in wine and travel. They are @sophie_mclean and @SarahFPRCo.

Sophie came up with a great plan, the Hotel Marques de Riscal (link: http://www.hotel-marquesderiscal.com/en) 

It's designed by the same architect as the Guggenheim and UTTERLY gorgeous.

Now this is not a place to visit if you are off alcohol, as it is the landmark hotel of a vineyard with a Michelin starred restaurant serving the most delicious Rioja. However, it has a fab spa and gym, and you can take out their bikes and cycle the vineyards and into the gorgeous town of Elciego.

I tried the slimming treatment which was a fabulous cleansing mud wrap, while the OH made full use of the high-spec gym and stunning pool.

It's a little bit pricey but such a great treat with excellent provisions like dedicated concierge service and wonderful food, drink, and surroundings.

Well breakfast was a success, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs with a few edamame beans and some beetroot. But it's all going to go downhill later...

Today it is one of my best friend's non-hen-do. Basically she doesn't want a fuss made of her, so we are going out as usual but going to toast her, and maybe buy her a treat!

Anyway, what this means for the diet is no drinking is off the table. This is one of my four scheduled drinking occasions so I've reconciled myself, just. But I wanted to go to the gym this morning.

I am extremely stiff as a board though from yesterday, and I have had the most wonderful, un-boozed sleep, so off I go! I will possibly check in if we don't go too crazy...

Happy Saturday!

My promise to you

So before a glorious start to 2015 watching the fireworks from central London I made a promise to myself and my OH (other half). This year we are going to get skinny again.

I've been a member of my gym (a v swanky Virgin Active in central London) for two years, but during this time, I, like many others in my branch of PR, have put on over two stone. That's a stone per year.

However, in this time I have worked out (irregularly), run a 10k, cycled to and from work, and competed in my first triathlon. Clearly something has to give.

To be honest with myself I'm going to be honest with you. I am fit, but fat.

Here are my promises to you, dear Internet:

- cut back on the booze, for a starter in January I am only drinking on four occasions

- when I do drink it will (mostly) be vodka soda

- carbs be gone

- at least one competitive fitness event per month eg triathlon etc

- try new work outs

- reward myself with sports kit, don't by in advance of achievement

Now I've already broken one, I had a delicious nandos for lunch - fine but next time hold the chips. However, I've also just done a strong 750 calorie session in the gym.

I hope you stay with me and help me achieve my goals, I'd also love to hear about your recipe and work out ideas.

Flo x