Joining a gym is the first step to abs right?

Joining a gym is the first step to abs right?

After signing up to this challenge I realized that I should probably help myself out a bit and get as fit as possible, so i joined Easy Gym (pretty ironic name if you ask me) and since then I have attempted to go at least twice a week, doing different exercises and trying out new classes to find the best way to bump up my fitness (and lose weight).

As it is too soon to comment on my fitness progression, I thought I would write about my venture into the gym life, and offer a few tips on what I have been doing to help improve my fitness and to also lose weight.

(I am not a professional clearly)

Firstly: I usually do cardio first, but recently I have trained with weights and core before, and have found that I have had a lot more energy for cardio after so here is a list of some weight exercises I do:

• High Pulls, 12 x 3 (with a barbell)
• Bicep curls 15 x 3 (whatever weight you fancy)
• Tricep curls 15 x 3
• Squats with core bag 12 x 3
• Leg Press 12 x 3
• Push ups 10 x 3
• Plank 1 min

(ofc there's loads more and each session should be focused on certain areas of the body but you get the idea)

For cardio I like to do 'Hiit' sessions or Interval training:

• Sprint on a treadmill (or outside) as fast as you can and on a high incline for about 30 seconds and then rest for 30 - my aim is to do this for 20 minutes but its harder than  you think.
• Or do interval training on a bike or treadmill (you can set the machine to change itself) or you can change it depending on the intensity and speed you would prefer to go.
• Group exercise is also a lot of fun. As part of my subject netball team I also exercise twice a week with them. You can read my post on the charity netball match here.
  
  

  
  

  

  

  
  

Feel free to continue with me on my fitness journey, and please also feel free to donate to my fundraising page here. Thank you.

S x

In Need of Some Inspiration?

In Need of Some Inspiration?

My Family have been more than supportive

I don't want to say 'Yolo' but it's true

(I'm sure you've already guessed it but this is a cringey post)

We were not lied to when we asked whether this would be a dangerous trip. Of course there will be risks; altitude sickness could hit even the fittest of athletes, we may have trouble breathing at such a height, we could push our bodies too far and it have a major impact on our health, our jabs may not work and we could contract diseases... and the list goes on. The more I think about it, the more scared I get, but it is also so exciting, how could I say no??

This post isn't so much about Kilimanjaro but I wanted to write something that will hopefully inspire people to take risks and be spontaneous. Fundraising and training for this trip has its highs and lows and when you have lows they're not cool. The stress for raising so much money can really get to you and realizing just how hard it is so stay motivated and get fit is a bit of a bummer also.  Worrying about not reaching the target and not being fit enough can sometimes really get me down, but then I remember how much support I have from my wonderful family and friends. How many people have donated, how many people have helped me with fundraising ideas and organizing events, how many people have been there for me when I have been down about it and how many people have giving me that extra push when I needed it. I could spend ages thanking you all but I think it would take a while; there's so many of you! I realized I need to change from saying what I haven't achieved, instead to what I have achieved.

This is what keeps me positive, and of course, so does the cause it is all going to. Cancer is something so close to most people's hearts and that is why we need to help tackle the disease. So when I am feeling stressed or down or I am having a negative day, I think of everyone who has helped me already, everyone who has been affected by Cancer and then I know how important this actually is, and that is what keeps me going.

I can't believe i'm about to say this but it's true, YOLO or You Only Live Once is a pretty accurate saying for this event. Trying to prepare your body for something like this is a challenge in itself. Especially when it's me... who loves food and not so much exercising.  Yes it is dangerous and yes there are risks but aren't there risks in everything we do every day? If we as a human race, let risks and dangers stop us from doing things, then what would be the point? Its life. And who would want to stop themselves from taking part in a once lifetime opportunity?

So if you're having one of those down days, where you feel like nothing is on your side and there's negativity everywhere, take a deep breath in and think about what you have around you. Think about what you have achieved instead of what you haven't. Think about what you can do next to move on up. Think about how you can change the good from the bad.

and if anything else, think yolo.

S x

p.s If you would like to be inspired even more and kept up to date with my life then please follow my Twitter and Instagram...

My first blog post: An introduction to Me!

My first blog post: An introduction to Me!

Hi! My name is Sophie, I am 19 years old and am from Birmingham. I currently study Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies at Cardiff University.Although I will provide more info about me in my 'About' page, I wanted my first post to be slightly personal and for it to be a warm, kind 'Hi' from me to you, in the blogging world.

I've always read different types of blogs and have always wanted to create my own but never really found the right time, but the past year has been full of excitement and change, I thought it best that I start writing about it, whether it be to do with fashion, music, university travel or general lifestyle!

Since I'm studying a journalism based degree, I want to gain as much writing experience as I can before I enter the 'real world' and as I love the media as well, what else sounds better than a blog??

So, I hope that from reading my future blog posts that are yet to come, you are entertained, informed and advised. I hope that they are enjoyable to read and I look forward to the future in the blogging world!

S x