Welcome to my fitness log

I've created this to keep everything to do with my fitness journey in one place for easy reference.
I've listed links to places I visit regularly or places I think are interesting or valuable resources.

I started doing Crossfit September 22nd 2009 and I loved it - it's totally awesome and it made me a better person in so many different ways!

After nearly 4 years of Crossfit and wrist injury I tried a home fitness DVD for a change and something new - Rip 60 was really great and then I found Beachbody / Tony Horton's P90X!
It's THE best home fitness program ever!!!
It changed my body in so many amazing ways and got my cardio fitness, my core and overall strength including push up strength better than ever before!!

I now do many Beachbody programs as they are all so great.
I 'm a big Tony Horton fan because he makes me work hard but makes me laugh at the same time.
After I completed P90X, I did P90X3, P90X2 and some P90X+. I''ve tried other Beachbody programs including the P90, Piyo, Focus T25,
21 Day Fix Extreme, Country Heat, BodyBeast and Insanity, The Aslyum 1 and 2. Completed 21 Day Fix and 22 Min hard Core.

Did some Insanity Max 30 and Core de Force but my knees can't handle jumping every day so I have to mix them in.
Shift shop is great and looking forward to the new 80 Day obsession.

I'm the fittest I've ever been in my life and still getting stronger every day!

Sunday, 31 December 2017

Year End Stats

Stats for the last 12 months..

I've lost 7lbs / half a stone and the following off..

Chest = -1.5cm / 0.6"
Waist = -1.7cm / 0.7"
Hips  = -3.1cm / 1.2"
Right Thigh  = 2 cm / 0.8"
Left Thigh  = 2.2cm / 0.8"
Left Calf  = 0.9cm / 0.4"
Right Calf  = 0.8cm / 0.4"

Bring on 2018!!!! Lets make it great together!!!!!

Saturday, 30 December 2017

BodyCombat 70

Good combo of total body extras in this one but the high knee jab move I somehow just dont get grrrr

Bear crawls and hip escapes made me think of Joel and Jericho lol

But I'm a little pained this afternoon when I move, I think I got too excited with some of the punches today and tweaked my chest :( rest and chill'ax for the rest of the weekend and I should be fine to go again on Monday.

Have a good one peep's!



Friday, 29 December 2017

BodyPump 93 & CX Works 25

BodyPump 93 again with DB's as at home again and slight increases in weights 😀

The lunge track is so tough but I did better than before and I should have upped my bicep weigh even more ;)

Skipped the Core track at the end and went straight into CX Works 25 as I still had bags of energy (took a different preworkout OMG). CX Works was brilliant, it moves a little fast but wow it blast your core from so many different angles.

BodyPump 93
Warm up- 2 x 10lbs (4.5kg) & 2 x 3kg at the end of shoulders.
Squats - 2 x 15lbs (6.8kgs) - good weight but could increase next time.
Chest Flys - 2 x 10lbs (4.5kg) - increase to 5kg next time
Back = Deadlifts, Rows, Clean and Press & Power (push)Press -2 x 12.5lbs (5.6kg) - perfect weight as felt it in the rows and had to push and only just managed the press's.
Triceps - 2 x 5lbs (3.4kgs) for kick backs and a single for o/h press, tricep push ups on P. Stands. Got pretty much all the reps with weights and managed more reps on the stands than last time but not all of them. Good progress though.
Biceps - 2 x 5lbs (3.4kgs) - easy = too light. at least 4kg next time.
Lunges - she says go light so try increase to 2 x 2 kgs dbs and drop to 1's if nec - dropped to 1's for the last 2mins ish and the burn just too much omg!
Shoulders - push ups, 2 x 5lbs (3.4kgs) for upright rows & o/h Press and 2kg DBs finishes with lateral raises and side rotator raises - shoulder were tough but made it ;)
Core - skipped core and went straight into CX Works 25.

CXWorks 25

Hovers with leg to side, then add on one sided push ups at the same time. - All on knees and had to take breaks.
Leg extensions - stayed with bent legs/single legs and could really feel it, two legs felt like two much.
Standing side lunge sequence with band and weights - went fast and I think I went the wrong way a few times. With 2kg bar.
Squat with arc. Then Squat with press forward. Used 2kg - increase next time to maybe 4kg.
Banded single leg squats / glute work. Didnt have enough resistance on the first half of the first side - then increased it and wow what a burn in the glute. Better on second side but burny a lot quicker and I had to take breaks.
Band side leg pulses - felt it but more resistance next time.
Obliques - I did no weight and did all reps with bent legs off the floor (progress from last time).
Plank twist with weight - I used 2kg and did pretty much all the reps after the first one. Increase weight next time to 3 or even 4kg.
Knee twists - I did with all bent knees and felt it good.
Back - Prone leg lift and out to side, then upper body lift and arm reaches, then both together. Felt good and I think I got most of the reps after watching the move.
Prone leg flutters.
Band - kneeling rear shoulder fly work with rows - burny on the rear delt and back phew.

Great one - I really enjoyed it, although some transitions are a little fast.



Thursday, 28 December 2017

Cleaning

Was originally plaaning some yoga or something smilar today but I just wasnt feeling it.

My mum needed some help cleaning her car so I spent about an hour cleaning and polishing the roof of her car (as she sturuggles to reach it) and then mending and cleaning up the guttering on the garage.

Was wearing my iwatch so switched on the monitor just to see and I probably burnt the same amount of calories as doing some yoga, got a great sense of accomplishment, enjoyed it myself (which I didnt expect too lol) and made my mum happy = great day!!!





Wednesday, 27 December 2017

P90X Shoulders and Arms

Felt good to lift heavy!
Pleased with numbers and shoulders feel much stonger :)



Tuesday, 26 December 2017

Plyo X

I love this workout - Tony makes me laugh and I workout hard.

My body still suprises me, as it just gets better and better, at this cardio game :)



Monday, 25 December 2017

BodyPump 89

Used DB's today as I'm at home and had to pause a couple of times to change weights but really enjoyed it, pushed hard and got very shaky muscles lol

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Warm up weight:- 2 x 10lbs (4.5kg)
Squats - 2 x 12.5lbs (5.6kg) - good stuff felt like I was working and got all reps
Chest - 2 x 4kg for chest flys and 2 x 12.5lbs (5.6kg) for barbell
Back with no Overhead Press - 2 x 15lbs (6.8kg) triple rows were tough, 5kg plate for thrusters and I think I got all reps
Triceps - tricep push ups on power stands on knees. Had to take a few breaks as triceps screaming.
5kg DB for all o/h extensions this time, had to go to 4kg on last set omg!!!
 Dips on power stands with all bent legs - struggled and had to take breaks.
Biceps - All curls with 2 x 3kgs. Then used 2 x 7.5lb (3.4kg) - just managed them all
Lunges - 2 x 3kgs but I missed one set of pulses on both sides :(
Shoulders - Push ups on Power stands and push 8-8 feet, 8-5 knees on the second set.
2 x 5lbs (2.3lbs)  all reps on shoulders - really tough but pushed through and only took one breaks in the press sections.
Core (crunches and rotating hovers)- push for all reps = got all reps ;)



Saturday, 23 December 2017

Max 30 Cardio Challenge & BodyBalance 73

Needed some Shaun T today and did Cardio Challenge = phew!!

Then into a lovely flowing warm up which I really enjoyed enjoyed, some yoga, stretching and flexibility work with Body Balance which finished with a lovley meditation at the end = wonderful.

New fav = do it again!

Hope everybody is ready for Christmas.....have a great one and Merry Christmas one and all!


Friday, 22 December 2017

P90X3 The Challenge & CX Work 24

Felt great to get back on my pull up today with The Challenge. Pleased with my increasing numbers here and there and miltary push ups slowy getting stronger again now my shoulder seemed much happier.

Chased it with CX Works for some serious core work with a band and a weight - wow, I think I'm going to feel that for a day or two!

Happy friday everyone!



Thursday, 21 December 2017

BodyCombat 69

Loved this today - new one for me with some good fast combos!

Skipped the push ups (short section) and core as doing them tomorrow.

Reasonable lunge section and not so much jumping as some of the others.

Little tai chi bit at the end was nice.


Wednesday, 20 December 2017

BodyPump 93

After 3 days of no workouts just to rest my muscles, which I find very difficult but know its necessary, I was back at it today with BodyPump 93.

Awesome workout! Could have gone slightly heavier on the Squat and Back track, got Biceps right (really burny) but over estimated the Lunge, Shoulders and tricep tracks so had to drop down to get through them phew!!

The lunge track reminded me of T25 lower focus with the pulses and holds and they really make my legs scream " 1 min on each leg to go" she said - OMFG!!!

Bridges and sinlge leg bridges along with some crunches in the Core section at the end was a nice change too.

Will definitely do this one again.

Warm up 7kg
Squats - 11kg Bar - up it next time 12 or maybe 14kg (double warm up wieght like he says)
Chest Flys - 4kg DB's - just perfect burny.
Back = Deadlifts, Rows, Clean and Press & Power (push)Press -11kg Bar good but increase next time 12 or 13kg.
Triceps - 4kgs for kick backs (perfect) and 4kg DB for o/h press but dropped down to 3kg when struggling, tricep push ups - tried P.Stands on knees but then went to bench on knees and OMG.
Biceps - 2 x 3kgs - just made it very burny!
Lunges - she says go light so 2 x 1kgs dbs - just made it - perfect
Shoulders - push ups, upright rows, o/h Press - started with 7kg but too much for press so dropped to 2 x 2kgs and 2kg DBs finishes with lateral riases and side rotator raises - just made it very very burny.
Core - leg extentions, crunches and single leg bridges


Saturday, 16 December 2017

LM BodyCombat 67 & 22MHC Core 2

Thoroughly enjoyed BodyCombat 67 again today - so much fun!

Chased it with Core 2 for a bit more core work and my Tony H. fix - he never fails to make me smile ;)

I'm thinking of having a few days rest ready to hit a Little Obsessed totaly fresh on wednesday - anybody doing it?


Friday, 15 December 2017

P90X3 The Challenge and Grit Strength 17

Been missing Tony and pull ups so I decided to go for the The Challenge - was fairly pleased with my numbers and to find that I'm still feeling strong.

Chased it with Grit Strength 17 - good routine even though I skipped the push ups having done 80 already! Lunges with weights, clean and squat, rows, jumping lunges, squats jumps, lunge and press and burpees sure do put the heart rate up with very little recovery time- wowee!!!

I used 12kg barbell - front squats were tough but doable - felt the quads working even though I was slower than them but saftey first and I was concerned with wrist holding the front squat etc.

5kg plate for others but changed to a 3kg or 2kg when nec. and even went to 1kg for snatches which were actually a fast front raise and very odd. I eventually went to a front raise and squat seperatley as I was aware of my lower back - as I struggle with the range of motion/mobility in my upper back.
I didnt enjoy the overhead squat moves so went heavier and just did squats.
Not my favourite routine.


Thursday, 14 December 2017

BodyBalance 70

Wow this was pure bliss this evening!

A very different warm up, some flowing yoga, standing strength work, balance postures, core and back work with a lovely relaxation at the end all set to soothing calming music = totaly wonderful!


Wednesday, 13 December 2017

BodyPump 89

Was slightly rushed today grrr seems to be a new thing - sometimes people do everything they can to stop you working out dont they??? But I will not be stopped!!!
I skipped the lunge section today and did the core (which I skipped last time).

Got my weight choices better this time and it made it more challenging ;)

BodyPump 89
Warm up weight:- 7kg emtpy bar
Squats - 10kg I think I got every rep, either way much better than last time.
Chest - 10kg - made it through and didn't bring arms in this time so pleased yay!
Back with no Overhead Press - 12kg and all good - all good this time and I thought I'd increased but clearly not at 12kg again (culprit of rushing grrr) try 13 or 14kg next time.
Triceps - tricep push ups on power stands this time all knees but got all reps in first set and shoulder feels good thank goodness. 5kg plate for all o/h extensions this time but didnt manage all the reps. Dips I on power stands with mostly straight legs - partial range meant easier for a start but still didnt manage all the reps.
Biceps - All curls with 2 x 3kgs this time and got all the reps. Then used 7kg bar and OMG the pump and burn - I think I got all the reps - just! Left bicep feels it more than the right but I guess that is to be expected as it seems to be the weaker bicep.
Lunges - skipped for time.
Shoulders - Push ups on Power stands and did the first 8 on feet in the first set and 6 on the second. 2 x 3kg and realise too heavy after first rep so I went 2 x 2kgs and just about manage the rest butonly just. 10kg Barbell and it was tough but doable - same again next time. Press's were slightly better this time but the push presses felt harder and I really had use my legs = phew!
Core (crunches and rotating hovers)- good core section only stpped twice for crampy burn but could probably do it all next time if I pushed. Also better when I haven't done similar core in Bodycombat 69 yesterday!


Tuesday, 12 December 2017

BodyCombat 67

Wow really loved this one tonight...didnt get chance to workout at normal time so got it done in the evening instead.

High octane fast combo's and quick changes but what a fun de-stressing way to burn over 600 calories!!

Not so much leg stuff in this one and a few push ups but lots of punching and kicking with a mix of muay thai and more karate than usualy which I especially enjoyed.

Has to be my new fave!!


Monday, 11 December 2017

Insanity Asylum Strength

Snowed in today with treacherous roads and watching crazy people sliding on the roads outside our house, we decided to stay warm and safe!

Great to stay home apart from not getting to my Gym with barbells and pull up bar so had to change planned workout of LM Grit Strength to Asylum Strength = closest Beachbody program to Grit Strength there is and I could do it with my Bowflex ;)

Did it with 2 x 10lbs / 4.5kg and boy it works you. Struggled with the shoulder press's but better than I expected, even dropped to one DB on the last set.
Missed a couple of the hip thrusts (they are tough when you don't do them very often) and took a couple of the push ups out on some of the later DB rotations to keep up with the pace.

Overall thrilled with progress in this and Loved it!!



Saturday, 9 December 2017

BodyCombat 65 + good stretch

I punched and kicked all my stress out today and wow do I feel better for it! Great routine.


Friday, 8 December 2017

Les Mills BodyPump 89

Loved this today - nice heavy back track and a great tricep and shoulder burner!
I skipped the core section at the end as I was short on time.

Really enjoying working my muscles in different ways and at different tempos - my body is changing almost before my eyes so I guess it likes the change of pace!

Anybody not tried it - I recommend you give it ago.

BodyPump 89
Warm up weight:- 7kg emtpy bar
Squats - 10kg I think and just managed it - may have skipped a rep or two due to being slightly slow.
Chest - 10kg - made it through but brought arms in when he said under the bar and I dont think I should have - change bench direction next time to see the screen.
Back with no Overhead Press - 12kg and all good - lower back felt it more than anything but could increase next time I think.
Triceps - tricpe push up on bench for a few then dropped to knees. 4kg plate for o/h extensions, then 5kg on last on jsut to push. Dips I did on Bench with bent knees - didnt manage them all.
Biceps - Hammers with 2 x 4kg DB's, then changed to normals and it was too much so dropped to 2 x 3kgs. Then used 7kg bar and OMG the pump and burn - I think I miss one set while I took a breather.
Lunges 2 x 3kg - and do same again next time. I just about maanged it but may have missed a couple due to be being slow again ;( 
Shoulders - 2 x 3kg I think and it was a push but I did my best. 10kg Barbell and it was tough but doable - same again next time. Press's were tough and had to give a bit of push.
Core (crushes and rotating hovers) - skipped it for time.

Don't like this app so going back to my old one.


Thursday, 7 December 2017

Les Mill BodyBalance 71

This was a really enjoyable flowing routine.

Some bits were tricky trying to keep an eye on the screen as with any first time through but it was a lovely warm up and stretched me out good.

I didn't do much of the core section as I've done some core everyday this week and after CXWorks yesterday it didnt need any more.

But I especially loved the long relaxation/medititation at the end - just what I needed after a stressy morning.

Nice active recovery day that wasn't taxing on the shoulders like X2 yoga can be ;)

Tried a new app for HRM to see how I get on with it.


Wednesday, 6 December 2017

Les Mills Grit Strength 16 and CXWorks 23

Really enjoyed Grit Strength today - its like Pump but a much faster HIIT version in 30 mins.

Weighted Squats and lunges, clean and press, push press, high pull, rows, squat press, bear crawls, frog jumps, push up burpees, surfer burpees and arc press squats in many different combos. With some core hovers to finish.

I used 10kg on the bar - could go 12kg next time. Used 3kg DB for plate will go 4kg next time for arcs and 5kg for presses.

Chased it with CXWorks and Oh My Core!!! Wow 30 mins of just core work certainly makes you work. Some plank work, hovers, standing work with a plate/DB and band work in standing and on the floor = phew!!! Front upper and lower abs, obliques, glutes and back were all hit today.

Just laughing this afternoon and I can feel my abs so I think I might know to it tomorrow lol.


Tuesday, 5 December 2017

BodyCombat 65

Thought this one the one I did on Sat but def. not!

It was awesome - much more intense than the last one!. Tough leg section, good push up section and some major jumping kicking sections that gets your heart pumping.

New fav!!! Loved it!!!


Monday, 4 December 2017

Les Mills BodyPump 97

BodyPump again and wow it makes your muscles scream! Low weigth but so many reps = ouch.
I couldn't even keep up in the lunge track for the burn!

But it does feel great to be throwing a barbell around again ;) Had to drop to crazy light weights for the shoulders track as they were burning up!

Great workout - love this one!

BodyPump 97
Warm up weight:- 7kg emtpy bar
Squats - 8kg - up 1kg from last time and got most of the reps - same for next time
Chest - 8kg - screamy and just about made it = same next time
Back/Overhead Press - 9kg for first 2 sections then 10kg for that last section. go all 10kg next time.
Triceps - 7kg bar and made it but didnt manage all the push ups.
Biceps - 7kg bar and managed all the reps I think ;) try 8kg next time.
Lunges 2 x 3kg - ok through the squats but got the lunges and after 2 reps I dropped to no weight and could not make all the reps. Took breaks and just back in but missed quite a few. The bottom halves make my thighs scream
Shoulders - started with bar (empty I think), then dropped to 2 x 3kg, then 2 x 2kg then 2 x 1kgs as my shoulders were on fire. Try all 2kg next time to see if I can get the reps.
Core (all crunches/upper core work) - didn't quite manage all the reps but better than I thought.




Saturday, 2 December 2017

Les Mills Grit Cardio 14 & BodyCombat 65 nope 63

Needed to make up for yesterday so today was Grit Cardio 14 then straight into BodyCombat 63 and love it!

Grit cardio was ok, slightly repetitive but I pushed through. Legs are feeling it from Pump yesterday so some of the squat pulses were really tough!
Watch wasnt reading great as I clearly didnt have it in the right place, after shoving it further up my wrist it was much better.

BodyCombat 65 is a great release - I loved all the tracks except the last one with the knee up jab - just didnt work for me for some reason. Great leg lunging section and some push ups in there to for good measure. Core section works well also = awesome!

But great workout and I burnt a few calories that's for sure.

Embrace the DOMS!!!




Friday, 1 December 2017

Les Mills BodyPump 97

Tried BodyPump (Last time a tried Pump was on DVD in 2014!) today and I was really short on time (annoyingly so because of work grr) so only managed about 28 mins of the workout but it was good fun. (Warm up, Squats, Chest and Back tracks)

I only went with a 7kg bar for the whole thing as experience says if I go crazy with too much weight and all those reps I will regret it over the next 2-3 days lol.

The squats had my legs screaming though! Chest was just about maangeable and def. need to go heavier on the back track next time.