Back to reality

Well it definitely feels weird (and bloody cold might I add) being back after 2 weeks in sunny Barbados. I'm sorry for those of you who had to suffer looking at my pictures of beaches whilst being in the u.k! You can continue to hate me but I recommend a holiday there if you've never been. 

Yes i took this picture myself...

In other ways I'm glad to be back; it's time to get back to training and training hard before Christmas, as well know its the season of festivity and over eating!! I've missed lifting and weight training whilst being off, but I know that my body needed it after miss galaxy. I've missed having a goal andy first session is tomorrow morning (yes my alarm will go off before 6am), I've put a little circuit together to see how it goes. Stay tuned - if I can film it, I'll post it.

So my holiday gave me a chance to get over my little mental hiccups: my body changing after the competition (yes as silly as it sounds - most girls get downers afterwards), I know it's not natural to look that lean all the time. I'm not restricted in my diet anymore, which im quite relieved about but I will endeavour to make healthy choices. Ive never been an unhealthy eater but its nice to be able to munch on the odd bag of M&M's sometimes! 

They are so good...but do you share?

You don't have to give up chips; but perhaps sweet potatoes as an alternative than normal potatoes? Cut them up the same way you would potato wedges, sprinkle a bit of oil and chilli flakes over them and oven bake them for 20 mins. They are (in my opinion) tastier and are less stodgy. I am a firm believer in that no food is bad for you - just learn moderation and portion control. Those are the 2 things I've learnt (with tears during the process), its better to give your body what it craves (if you can eat it) rather than cutting it out, because your mind will psychologically say that you want it more if you don't. 

I'm glad to be writing on my blog after my holiday. I've decided that id like to keep posting to you all (whoever is reading my blog). Im going to continue to train hard and eat healthy, and hopefully show you that its not about yo-yo dieting and fad one-hit wonder diets, but about healthy choices and not restricting yourself with food. Its not just about eating salads and crash dieting in order to get a good body. It's a combination of exercise and eating habits. Oh and those pictures you see in magazines neews flash - they are photoshopped. Models don't look like that all the time. same with bikini models or fitness models, they will prepp for a photoshoot - just like how I will do for my photoshoot at the end of January. 

I've also got a couple of busy weekends coming up - lots of Christmas parties. So the LBD's will becoming out. The first being Emma's at studio ELB on Saturday this weekend. I'll be dusting my party dresses off ready for it. Lewis, mum and Emma miles are my plus 1's..well +3 I guess! Ill make sure i take lots of pictures for you all.

Till next time; 

Little miss fitness 

Xx

You can smell the stage

Well it's getting close to the end of the week and then we can safely say it's countdown in single digits. I can almost smell the stage (odd to say but it's true). This so surreal to say it as the last time I was doing a countdown in single digits it was Musclemania which seems a lifetime ago. Time really does fly when your a) busy and b) training your butt off.

This weeks training has been good, glutes on Monday was good. I could certainly feel them fired up. The hardest part of that session is doing frog jumps and then straight into rotating side squats. After doing sumo squats and then curtseys, the glutes are burning! Fitness tests were smashed on Tuesday, which was surprising - again some pb's were improved on, some tests however remained unchanged. At this point of the training these will not change drastically. We shall see how my last track session goes on Saturday down at lee valley.

Lift the legs up and pick your bum off the bench slightly

Then slowly lower the legs down, but don't touch the floor

The next question I have is another glute session or yoga tomorrow night? Think I need to work on the bubble butt a bit more...so glutes it is.

Just on a side note, I haven't weighed myself in a while, due the fact that it's not about how much I weigh, and also I don't want to scare myself. I'll admit I started this competition at 65.5kg and now I am dot on 60kg. For those who don't work in kg, there's 2.2lbs in a kg so I've lost a stone. That's over a 4 months, but the transformation of my body has been incredible (if I'm able to say that?). I've got the abs I've always dreamed of (I've got a 4pack showing now) however my shoulders have become a lot bonier than id like. This is where genetically I lose weight first though and with all the upper strength I've developed over these 4 months it's inevitable to be honest.

I had a great session with Emma last night, running through my evening wear routine. I can't wait to show her the full routine with my newly altered dress next week. It's exciting stuff - and Christine, my friend from work is going to come and watch my dress rehearsal! Yikes..

It's where the magic happens...

Next week however has to be stress free so it's all about making checklists, double checking I've got everything to take to the hotel and final things to do before Fridays fitness tests. Think I might start putting bits and bobs into my suitcase this weekend - better to be safe than sorry. It's going to feel such a short week at work, as I've got half day on Thursday, it's tanning time (back to the Tanning Station I go) and my final run through with Emma. I only hope I can make all the people that have supported me through this gruelling 4 months proud with the progress I've made and show them the final result...

Till next time

Little Miss Fitness

Xx

4 week countdown...

So its started, the 4 week countdown, it may sound a long way off, but trust me when I say it will go by in a flash. I'm training 6 times this week (yep no rest for the wicked). Emma has come up with a cleverly devised programme for the next 4 weeks for training and diet! But by Sunday 2nd November the journey will be over. I'm not going to think about it, as I'll still have hockey and I will still use my blog to keep you all up to date with how things are going with that. You can't get rid of me that easily!lol 

Anyway to start off the week, I've had to write down my plan and schedule again, the days I'm training and what I'm going to train. If I don't then I'm bound to forget something and after the weekends cock up of being an hour late for our hockey match (12pm push back not meet) I have to start writing things down! My memory is worse than my 80 year old nana at the moment. One day I'll probably forget to get dressed and rock up to the office in my pj's still. Now that would be a site.

I'm sure it will be surreal once miss galaxy is over. It's been the main competition that I've trained for the last 4 months, training after work, fitness tests, eating clean etc. But I've got my holiday to Barbados to look forward to with mum and Emma Miles. I haven't been on holiday with Emma before so this is going to be a first for me. I can't wait for the sun, sea, sand..oh wait and rum punch!

Sorry back to reality and training, yesterday was the start of this weeks programme and I bashed out my upper body workout - bench press, pull ups, lat pull downs and tricep dips. My arms were like pop-eyes afterwards!!lol They are even still a little sore today. I'm still pretending to be a monkey with pull ups and hanging off anything. Today is a rest day though as I had to get up early for a 2 hour train trip up to Manchester to visit our head office. So today is going to be a long day as it's a 2 hour trip back. Fun fun! 

Lifting does not make you big...it makes you lean!

The rest of the week will be in the gym and then Saturday session with Emma on the track. I'm nervous (actually crapping myself) but yet slightly curios/excited about what we are going to do. I haven't been on an athletics track since high school - if brings back flashbacks. Oh well we'll see how I get on. 

Oh before I go - does anyone know of good yoga classes to go in and around Central London (oxford circus way)? Tweet me or Facebook me if you do please. 

Till next time

Little miss fitness 

Xx

Take on the universe

Bootcamp! Military style

Well it was my first bootcamp for miss galaxy at the weekend and I really enjoyed it! No hockey match I'm afraid and I was gutted to hear that we lost to beford. But this weekend is a new game and training on Wednesday night. So back to fitness and skills-hope my body is ready..

Friday night I was absolutely shattered, I literally fell asleep on my sofa for most of the night and then had to head to bed, the week clearly just wiped me out. I have to admit I had a down day on Friday, which I think stemmed from being tired. I felt lazy and as it was a rest day in the gym, I felt I hadn't worked out so my brain started thinking and doubting!! Not good 5 weeks out. But I got an early night and felt so much better in the morning.

I wish I was this cute when sleeping..

So back to the bootcamp - it was military style. Got to the southgate where it was being held and we started with fitness. I was a little bit late, so I was worried that they would have started without me. Anyway the fitness exercises were a killer. Oh boy my legs are killing now! So many burpees, squats and press-ups; they all merged into 1! Chris and Tracy from miss galaxy took the fitness exercises and they were cruel!! All in good preparation I guess for the fitness tests that I'll be doing on the 31st October. Although these have slightly changed now and I don't know what to - a lot of it is being kept a surprise until the week before. All I know is that it's on an athlete track. Yikes!!lol lots of running I fear. However chin-ups are still staying in and I have to make sure I can do at least 6! So I figured I'm just going to have to pretend to be a monkey for the next 5 weeks!

Once we had finished the insane fitness class it was onto and into bikinis for some walking and posing. This was so nice, there were a few ladies that were a bit nervous but they were all so good. They looked amazing in their bikinis and showing off their bodies! They oozed confidence and it made me feel more comfortable and excited for the show. I can't wait to share a stage with them. They have worked so hard, and dedicated so much to it. 

My next steps are to train on fitness tests with Emma, practise my walking and posing routine...oh and yeh sort out my costume..I don't have a lot to do do I!lol Tanning, book hotel to stay on the Friday night, make-up hair..oh it's like déjà-vu. 

Anyway I'm not going to bore you with my list of jobs to do anymore. All you've got to watch out for are updates on my fitness skills and how the prep is coming with my costume. It's got to stand out and wow - and in an oriental theme! My creative brain needs to kick into gear!!

Till next time. 

Little miss fitnes

Xx

Turn your weaknesses into strengths

Things to work on:

Following on from my fitness test run through on Saturday, this weeks motivation and discipline is to work on my weaknesses. It's not something that we are adverse to as humans, admitting we have weaknesses; but once you do accept it - it can open your eyes. You'll soon surprise yourself what you can do once you learn and work on your weaknesses. I know I've surprised myself over the last 2 months. Wow has it really been 2 months? Time is flying...

I know my weaknesses that I need to work on are; Sit-ups, Triceps, Pull-ups and Bench press. So let's get cracking and push hard at every gym session. 

Starting with sit-ups last night. Not going to lie I pushed my abs to the limits. The grunting and gritting of teeth were out again. But I seemed to find something deep down to push through and really go for it. Don't know if it's coz I know we only have 17 days left but I had determination on my face and in my body.

First exercise was starting with lowering my legs on a bench - working on lowering my legs slowly; it'scalled  working on the negative. The burning sensation is a good thing it means it's working!lol Then after this was a mixture of more lower abs; scissor kicks, crunches with a sandbag..the list could go on so I won't bore you!

Tonight? I have triceps a go... I must have been slightly deluded before starting training, because as time has gone on, I've noticed that my triceps weren't strong at all. They are a difficult part to train but the exercises that Emma has given me are helping grow and strengthen mine. 

I started with overhead triceps - working with a 6kg dumbbell then moving up to 8kg. Working with a heavier weight should help develop the muscle. In between sets I jumped on a box step and did tricep dips to fatigue. I need to work on endurance as well as strength so the dips, with legs out straight helps with my endurance during the fitness tests.

Ready, steady, cook!! Chicken stir fry..mmmm

So far so good this week - but I've still got a way to go. Things are going to get tough in the next week or 2 as its crunch time in shredding and prepping for Musclemania Britain on Saturday 13th September. Not much time to go and still a fair few bits to do.

Motto to ponder for this week - make your strengths stronger and your weaknesses even stronger! That way you know you can tackle anything life throws at you.

Till next time;

Little Miss Fitness

Xx

Dont let the small things get you down!

It's all mental:

So I haven't written on here for a whole week, whether you guys are missing me i don't know - its been such a long time! So here's a little update on what I've been up to this week.

Monday and Tuesday were tough; the diet was beating me mentally. I was trying to find anything that I could eat and stuff into my face to feel full. Its been tough and Im not proud to say it, but i know i've got to stick to my diet and I did! Emma must have thought 'oh god what is this girl doing' but she has been amazing and told me that's it's natural to feel like this. One of the great things with training is that I have Emma's best friend, Christine working in the office - so she watches my every move! She's been a great support; asking me how I'm getting on and helping me to push throught it.

Tuesday was D-day and I had my first killer session with Emma at her studio. I was buzzing and really looking forward to it - oh dear, little did I know how tough it would be! I was certainly put through my paces.

So to start with Emma got me to warm up on the rower - not for long just a couple of minutes. Then the real test began. She got me to do sprints up a hill, pick up 2 6kg weights and jog back down the hill, then power walk back up to meet her. My only recovery was slowly jogging back down to start all of it again! Emma got me to do this 6 times!! 

The best thing (if there is such a thing with this exercise) was that Emma was timing me. Who knew I could sprint 100m in 16.3 seconds! Get in - that definitely gave me a lift for the rest of the session.

Then it was onto more conditioning work; Emma got me to do burpee press-ups, immediately followed by 20 box jumps! I hate to admit it but I was afraid id make a mess on Emma's new floor! My tuna salad and wholemeal bread for dinner never looked so good! It was thoroughly enjoyed on the train home.

God this never looked so good! Get in my belly...

Wednesday I went to the gym (how i managed it god only knows!) and did the monkey bars again. This time I managed to get to the end and then turn around - result! It's amazing what your body can remember to do and then push that little bit further. It's all mental - nothing is impossible!

Thursday was tough; my body was still feeling the affects of my killer session with Emma on Tuesday. My body felt like lead...it was almost like having an outer body experience! It didn't feel great to be honest and even water and copious amounts of coffee couldn't help. It certainly tested my mental strength to the extreme. 

Friday was an amazing day; I was at my cousins wedding in Chester at Peckforton castle. The bride looked stunning in a gorgeous fitted dress with feathers on the bustier. The whole day was breath-taking and it was lovely to share such a wonderful occasion with my family.

Thought i'd died and gone to heaven!

So there was no training for me, but I was back on it this weekend. There are only 6 weeks to go until Musclemania and exactly 90 days to go until miss galaxy - yikes! Tomorrow the guys at studio elb are starting the first workshop for Musclemania so good luck guys I will see you all on 17th August - I cant wait!

Ty-OG and Emma looking good!

In all a tough week, but with plenty of rest, I'll be pumped for another hardcore week. It's going to need determination, focus and pure grit! It's not easy but if you want to change yourself and challenge yourself in life then you'll find it somewhere deep inside and push through.

Till next time- stay fit!

Little miss fitness
xx

There's a first for everything!

Success!!! No Pain..No Gain

So as I said in my last post I wonder what Ill mix up in the gym next time around? Well either ive gone insane or just like pain, ive decided to try bench press tonight. And not just any light-weight bench press. No I have gone one, two even three steps further and want to see if i can bench 1/2 my body weight.. (thats 30KG for those of who dont know my weight!)

An Unexpected Fitness Journey Begins!

The Starting Line - walking on my hands!

So picture this, a lovely peaceful morning in the picturesque countryside of Buckinghamshire, with the birds tweeting and the sun beaming down. Well that is until I step out onto my parents lawn, in my Puma leggings and Brooks trainers ready for my workout!! I have somehow managed to persuade my mother in helping me do "wheelbarrows"... yes you guessed right, the wheelbarrows you used to do when you were about 6 or 7 and wanted to race against your mates to see who was the fastest! 

Fortunately there are no sneaky tactics here...this exercise is for a different goal. This is all part of my training for the Miss Galaxy Universe competition.