Great Health & Fitness Christmas Gifts

It's that time of year again and time to think about gifts for your friends and family members.

If you are looking for health and fitness for gifts this Christmas, some of the following might be just what you are after.

LORNA JANE DIARY 2013  

I saw this on the Lorna Jane website and went into one of the stores to take a look. This Diary is great! It offers little hints in relation to health and fitness and has a page per day for the entire year! If you have trouble staying organised, I would recommend this Diary for sure.  I even thought about buying one for myself! :)



GYMBOSS TIMER

The Gymboss Interval Timer is one of the best things I have ever bought. It's perfect for all kinds of Interval Training. I use it for Tabata Training on a regular basis (usually incorporating my speed rope). I also use it when running (it beeps at me when I need to rest and beeps again when I need a reminder to move my ass!)

It can also be used as a Stopwatch and Countdown Timer. It's great for Crossfit WOD's, HIIT and more. It's small, and can be well secured to your waistband. It only needs one AAA Battery. I've had mine for a couple of years and the battery life is incredible!

Oh, and it comes in a range of cool colours. Of course, mine is Hot Pink :)

                                                                     

    

PEDOMETER

Ok, this is not your every day Pedometer, this is the Fitbit One Wireless Activity & Sleep Tracker. It tracks calories burned, steps taken and distance walked or run! It also tracks your sleep cycle!

You can sync all of the data to your computer where you will receive an insight into your health and habits. Cool huh? I'd be interested to see how well (or badly) I sleep each night. As a shift worker, it might be incredibly insightful :)

Fitbit shows you graphs, tools and charts which provide you with information to help understand your health and fitness. OMG! The more I read about this, the more I want one! I love cute techy stuff :)



IT STARTS WITH FOOD

This Book is very informative. So many people these days suffer from food allergies in one way or another. This book assists you with learning what types of foods are bothering you and helps you to relieve those symptoms. I followed their principles religiously for over three weeks with amazing results.



I'd been suffering from digestive issues for some time. It helped me to establish what was causing these problems. As a result, I have a much better idea of the foods I should be eating and the foods I should be avoiding.

Note, this is NOT a diet book! It encourages you to eat REAL food, not the stuff that is made to LOOK like food, ie packaged, processed crap!



JAMIE'S 15 MINUTE MEALS

I don't know about you, but I LOVE watching Jamie Oliver's show on TV. I have his 30 Minute Meals Book, it's pretty awesome. And I do like to cook (I like to eat even more). Jamie's 15 Minute Meals would be a great addition to anyone's cookbook collection.

VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS

I so want to try these, they look kinda embarrassing, but everyone I've spoken to swears that they are so comfortable to wear......

DEMON BELLS KETTLEBELL

OMG! Are these the coolest Kettlebells ever? I own one Kettlebell but I so WANT one of these. Nasty in a Artsy way. Love it!

So these are my recommendations for Christmas. Ok, let's be honest here, this is MY Christmas Wish List, all except the Gymboss Timer and "It Starts With Food", I already have both.

:)

October Challenge - Sober October

Another month down and now we are in October! Where has the year gone?

This month my challenge will be to cut alcohol COMPLETELY for the entire month! OMG! Can I do it? I sure hope so. I think that I have been drinking far too much recently. I admit that I really look forward to days off work, mainly because it means I can have a drink! Does this make me an alcoholic? I sure hope not.

My poison of choice is generally Vodka. I like my vodka with a squeeze of lime and plain old soda. Not too bad you would think, no sugary additives etc. Except that I tend to have far too many of these.

So here goes, Dry October, Oc-Sober, Sob-Tober or whatever name it will go by....... wish me luck :(

June Challenge - Regular Stretching

I admit it. I have been somewhat slack on the cool down front when performing my exercise program. And strangely, this does not make sense. I love to stretch, I find it relaxing and also invigorating at the same time.

Stretching can provide an amazing recovery from a workout, cooling down and releasing lactic acid from the muscles, as well as increasing flexibility and joint mobility, which in turn encourages your body to perform at it's best at all times. Basically, stretching can speed up the recovery process.

Stretching is of utmost importance for me. I'm a shift worker, I sit at the computer for 12 hour stints (and then sit for another 2 - 3 hours on the computer at home) It's not unusual to find me up from my chair each and every hour performing a quad stretch, or sitting in my chair attempting to stretch my back.

I've been a bit lazy lately. Just two months ago after stretching on a regular basis, I was able to do the splits (which I have not been able to do for a good 20 years) A touch of laziness the last few weeks means I can no longer perform a full split. It's disappointing that I can lose flexibility so quickly!

I used to practice yoga on a regular basis and was a lover of Bikram for a long time. I haven't actually taken part in a yoga class in a long time. Maybe it's about time to make that step once again. (Thankfully, I have a Bikram studio just around the corner)

I will certainly be spending more time to cool down after each workout. And in addition, I will also be spending more time stretching each day.... especially after sitting on my wide butt for so many hours

:)

Necessary Lifestyle Changes

As you would know through my previous post I had myself assessed using BioSignature Modulation. Basically this involves taking Body Fat Measurements at 12 different sites of the body. Depending on the site, those with the highest readings are associated with certain Hormones.


BioSignature Modulation is a system based on scientific evidence that where people store their body fat is an indication of their hormonal profile. Basically, hormonal imbalances can cause fat to accumulate in certain areas of the body.


Therefor your body fat levels and corresponding hormonal imbalances can be effectively managed through a combination of diet, exercise, a targeted supplementation program, and lifestyle modifications .


My results showed I am carrying excessive amounts of Cortisol, Estrogen and Insulin.


Initially I took a Digestive Test to determine whether my digestion is working effectively. Basically what this means is that I could be eating all the right foods but if my digestion is not working correctly then my body is not absorbing the nutrients it requires. And guess what? My digestion sucks! I am not producing enough Hydrochloric Acid to metabolise my food.


I need to use only BPA free products (especially when storing foods in plastics) as they can leech nasty chemicals. Xenoestrogens are environmental Estrogens and they can end up entering your blood stream. Also, I MUST avoid using the microwave to reheat my food.


I am now drinking filtered water. I am also eating breakfast high in Protein eg chicken and nuts, aka The Cavewoman Diet!


Reducing Cortisol will be even harder. I need to stop stressing and get at least 7 hours uninterrupted sleep.


There will be some challenges involved in making these changes but I am determined to persevere.

February - Cutting Out Sugar

My Challenge for the month of February is to reduce my Sugar intake. I know how Sugar can be bad for you health. And, it's time I took my health seriously!


Fact: Sugar tastes great and sweetened foods tend to make us overeat.


Fact: Simple Sugars can contribute to and aggravate numerous health problems; eg nervous disorders, diabetes, heart disease, gallstones, hypertension, and arthritis.


Fact: Sugar raises Insulin Levels. This inhibits the release of growth hormones, which in turn depresses the immune system. 


Fact: Sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity. 


Fact: Sugar can contribute to hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, and the list goes on.


I have been concerned about the chance that I may end up with Type 2 Diabetes. My brother was diagnosed a few years ago. I eat well most of the time, but I find that shift work can really throw a spanner into any healthy eating plans I have. 


Thankfully I am not a massive sweets or dessert person. I do love chocolate so I will have to cut down or eliminate that :( Ignoring the sweets, lollies etc that others I work with constantly consume makes this a real challenge. I will say NO from now on!

January H2O - The Results Are In!

Well, it's finally the end of January and the end of January H2O. How did I go, you may ask?

Well, I passed with flying colours by not drinking Coffee for the entire month! As a result, I'm sleeping better and feel marginally less stressed.

I failed miserably in regards to Alcohol :( The first two weeks were good, but then the one day where we all agreed that an alcoholic drink was allowed, set me back for the rest of the month. A sneaky drink here, a sneaky drink there ........ Big Fat FAIL!

Today was my first Coffee in a month. I was SO looking forward to it this morning. That mouth watering Coffee aroma said "Good Morning" when my fella served up a wonderful cup of dark liquid to me. And you know what? I really didn't enjoy it as much as I thought! I was gob-smacked!

Don't get me wrong. I will still enjoy my Coffee but in much smaller amounts. No Coffee at work is now my rule.

Hmm, an Iced-Coffee right now would be lovely :)

January H2O - The Half Way Mark!

So where am I at with my January H2O Challenge? Not bad, Not bad!

Let me just say that my resolve is much stronger than I expected. Out of the 8 or so people involved, only 3 of us remain. The first one dropped out after 4 days! He couldn't handle the head-ouches he was getting from the lack of caffeine from his coffee and diet coke!

I honestly thought I would cave and have coffee within the first week, but 20 days in, I can walk past a coffee chop and smell that yummy coffee and not think about grabbing one. I had head-ouches after a few days, but not as severe as I expected.

Last week I attended the cricket (Australia vs England) with the group I am doing the challenge with. Needless to say, all the guys decided it was a boozing day. (It was generally agreed that the cricket was one day where we COULD have a drink) I know, I could have refused, but I did end up having a few drinks that day. And you know what? I felt sooo bad. I felt guilty, I also ended up with the worst head-ouch I've had in a while. The next 2 days were hugely difficult to get any kind of motivation.

But I am back on track and determined to make it to the end of January with nothing but H2O coursing through my veins (along with that necessary red stuff of course!)

January H2O

It's nearly 2011, a New Year and a new attitude is required! I am looking forward to setting new monthly challenges and January's challenge has already been set!

Challenge number one! The challenge for the month of January is to drink nothing but water! This idea came about after a conversation with my workmates. I returned from a few days off and they informed me of this challenge. But they also said that they didn't expect anyone to complete it successfully. But I plan to prove them wrong!

December was a disaster in regards to eating and drinking the wrong foods. The fact that there were multiple Christmas parties to attend is no excuse. Exercise took a back seat as I spent days recovering from one big night out after another.

No alcohol, no coffee, no soda's, just water! I do believe that my work colleagues will have a harder time with this challenge than I will as most of them consume at least 3 x cans of Coke or Diet Coke throughout the day!

I don't drink soda's at all so that's not going to be a problem. BUT I am a coffee addict. I LOVE my coffee in the morning. And I also love a latte mid morning when at work.

I know I will feel better after the initial shock of weaning myself of coffee. I gave up coffee a few years ago (I drank 7 - 8 cups a day then) I experienced the worst headaches for about a week then felt great. Why did I start drinking coffee again? I'm not really sure, but I do really enjoy it! At this stage I drink 2 x cups per day, sometimes 3 - 4 cups per day. Each day is different.

Alcohol may be a problem. My fella and I like nothing more than to go out for dinner and share a bottle of wine on our days off........

I already drink a lot of water so the taste of H2O is no problem for me. Does anyone have any suggestions for challenges for the rest of 2011?

I'm looking forward to a healthier, fitter and stronger 2011!

Boosting Energy Levels

What do you do to boost your energy levels? I am the typical stress puppy, things get me down very quickly. Combined with shift work, lack of sleep, a less than average diet (which I am working to improve) that I find myself in a very deep hole at times.

Finding motivation to exercise when I've had a rotten nights sleep and knowing that I need to work a 12 hour night shift is often enough to say "not today".

My energy levels are very low at the moment. I've been eating lots of fruit and vegetables, protein etc. I've actually been sleeping like the dead and waking up feeling like I've had no sleep at all. I've had issues in the past with low iron, so I've even started taking iron supplements again as well as my daily Berocca.

I really think that I've reached the end of my shift work quota. I've been working shift work for 16 years and I'm so sick of it! Plus I haven't had a real holiday for almost a year, you know, the one where you can sit and do absolutely NOTHING for a week and not feel guilty!

I've been exercising regularly on my days off, weight training, long walks, interval training and even a bicycle ride. And I'm suffering such terrible aches and pains which is unusual for me.

Does anyone have any hints on boosting energy levels?

The Benefits Of Yoga

I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed Yoga. I'd practiced it off and on for many years but really haven't practiced much for the last couple of years.

Lo and behold, I hurt my back, yet again! I'd been working out quite happily in the gym, squats, dead lifts, lunges etc with no problems. The after workout pain was that good pain you get, you know, when you can feel you've had a good workout and can enjoy those benefits coursing through your muscles?

I'd done all the right things, not lifted too heavy, ensured I warmed up and cooled down, had a rest day in between.....

Then, 3 days ago, as I bent down to look in the fridge, BAM! I ended up on the floor in agony! FFS! Beats me what I did, but the last 3 days have been a nightmare. The day after I ended up in pain I thought, hmmm gentle exercise is the way to go, so went for a walk. A walk that should have normally taken me 10 minutes (to the local supermarket) took me 45 minutes! I was crying when I got there! So I waved down a taxi to take me home! (I am sooo ashamed)

My usual 5 minute walk to work this morning took me 15 minutes! So when I got home I dug out my Yoga Mat and took it out onto the terrace and performed the basic Sun Salutation. I could not do the Upward Facing Dog without pain so the Low Cobra did the trick!! I had absolutely no problem with any of the other moves and was pleasantly surprised at my flexibility. I'm not as flexible as I once was but am still above the average.

Needless to say, Yoga is going to become a regular in my fitness routine...... I miss it, I love it and I think I need it!

Staying Positive When The Going Gets Tough......

It seems that this past 2 years have been a challenging and depressing time for me, both health and fitness wise. If I'm not ill, I'm injured. I'll go a few weeks and start gaining fitness only for another obstacle to jump up in my field of vision! As a result, I've gained weight and feel terrible :(

So how do I continue when I have to put up with these obstacles? With great difficulty, let me tell you. Finding a goal and sticking with it is particularly hard during these times. I always start off so well, Gung Ho, enjoying every moment then BAM! I'm back at square one. I often think "I'm not getting any younger" (42 years of wear and tear thank you very much) but then I think "That's just a BULLSHIT excuse!" I might have a bit of a sook (and I often do, I'm a very emotional person) But I tend to pick myself up and find another way around that nasty obstacle!

Maybe I can't go to the gym because of an injured back, maybe I can't run because I have sore knees, maybe I can't do those pushups because of a previous wrist injury. Whatever... I will always find ways to improvise.

I had plans to take part in the Eureka Stair Climb this year, sadly with my sore back that's not likely. Instead I have decided to volunteer on the day. It's not something I've ever done before, I'm usually that person who is taking part. So this will be the first time I've actually volunteered at an event and I am really looking forward to it! I figure if I enjoy it I'll do more of it (only if I'm not able to take part of course!)

One thing I do have to look forward to is moving house. Not the moving part of course. My fella and I will be moving into a bigger apartment in the same building. (No removalists, up and down the lift, so much easier) The new apartment has a massive terrace. I'm already planning how to use the space. Besides building a small herb and vege garden, I plan to utilise the space for jumping rope, short sprints, etc. As well as enjoying being outdoors and getting more air time than I do in our current apartment.

I'm also trying to convince him that we NEED a BBQ!

How To Alleviate Back Pain

Wouldn't you know it? Once again I find myself in a dilemma. Just over a week ago I hurt my back. In the past I have always gone to Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Doctors and even Massage Therapists to alleviate the pain. NO MORE I say! It proves to be far to expensive (an expense I can ill afford) and depletes my Private Hospital entitlements!

I have suffered from lower back pain for many years. One Doctor suggested I had a Herniated Disc, others suggested Piriformis Syndrome which in turn causes Sciatica pain. So I have been treated for all. The pain can be incredible at times, from sharp pains to nagging pain in the buttock and leg. It can be experienced as leg numbness, tingling like pins and needles or sharp pains when sitting or standing in one spot for too long (generally 30 seconds or more), it's basically a constant pain on one side.  It doesn't even subside when trying to sleep! Annoying!

Anyway, instead of going to the Docs or Physio I decided to to try a combination of exercises to see if I can gain any relief or improvement. So far so good! But if the pain persists in another week (it's improved in this past week already) I will definitely seek an expert opinion.

Meanwhile these are the exercises I have found to provide me with some relief:

- Lots of walking. I've been making a conscious point of exceeding my 10,000 steps per day when I can. Sadly I can't run without pain at the moment or go to the gym, so I've been enjoying the nice weather and walking to the beach, around the Botanic Gardens and along the Yarra.....

- Hamstring Stretches. I only do these when laying on my back. This means my back is supported and I'm not doing any further damage by twisting. I must say, I've noticed how tight my hammies became when I hurt my back!

- Prone Back Extension. Laying on your stomach and propped up on your elbows. Slowly straighten the elbows to feel a nice stretch. This one is a favourite of mine, having done it since my gymnastic days. And it feels sooo good!

- Lying Piriformis Stretch. Another one that feels really good, stretching out the buttocks. Laying on your back, rest the right ankle across the left knee. Slowly pull the left leg towards yourself holding for 20 to 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side. This one is a great stretch for the Piriformis and Gluteal muscles.

Anyway, so far so good. The pain is still there but has been downgraded to a dull ache. Mind you, I am so much better after a few days away from the work computer (now I need to find a way to avoid my home computer!)

How Do You Beat Your Cravings?

Well, I am finally back into the rhythm of working out and exercising almost daily. The only obstacle I have now is FOOD!

My eating habits leave a lot to be desired. They were pretty good until I fell ill. During my illness I basically ate anything I could tolerate, and most of the time it was comfort food, not clean eating as I had been doing. Needless to say, the other week whilst being weighed at the Blood Bank I discovered I had put on 5 KILO'S!!! Not happy!

Now I have the problem where I am constantly craving bad foods. My fella and I do like to go out for dinner a couple of times a week, that's our time for us (Date night so to speak) so I try to be somewhat sensible on those days. But the remainder of the week is so hard!

I'm a shift worker, so eating at regular intervals when on night shift is not something I usually think too hard about. I am in the habit of taking healthy meals and snacks to work, but they often get left in the lunch box in favour of all the naughty snacks my workmates bring in! And, let me tell you, at 4 am I am NOT craving healthy foods!

So, what do you do to beat cravings? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

How Much Water Is Enough?

I'm a big water drinker. I don't drink soda's (Coke, Sprite etc) unless it's as a mixer with Vodka (which I probably drink too much of as it is..... call me crazy, but I love to have my vodka on hand at the end of a hard working week). Generally I drink Water, Coffee and Peppermint Tea and that's about it!

But how much water is enough? Some report 2 litres, some say 3 litres. I know that it is possible to drink too much water. Drinking too much water can cause a condition known as Hyponatremia. This is an extremely dangerous condition. Basically, too much water can alter your Salt balances.

If water is accumulated in the body at a higher instance than it can be excreted, Hyponatremia can occur. Generally you will find athletes who consume too much fluids during an event can be affected by this. (ie marathon runners)

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and headaches. Also fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps and most seriously, coma.

So how much water is too much? The medical field recommends 2 - 2.5 litres per day. I used to drink 3 - 3.5 litres per day until my doctor suggested I ease off! I now aim for 2 - 2.5 litres per day.

And another thing. There is really no need to buy bottled water. Australia has the cleanest water in the world. Fill a reusable bottle straight from the tap! And don't use a plastic bottle you've used in the past. Buy a reusable bottle that can be washed properly with hot water.

I remember as a kid, we used to drink water straight from the garden taps! Do people even do that anymore or have we become paranoid of poisoning etc? Personally, I probably wouldn't help myself to a neighbours tap water anymore, I would rather carry my own bottle or look for a drinking fountain. But sometimes it's a necessity when on a long run etc. Nobody wants to carry a bottle of water out on a long run.

Water is also what I reach for before a snack. Often I find when I feel hungry, I am actually thirsty! A glass of the clean stuff can curb the nasty junk food cravings!

So, I say, go the H2O. It has to be better than that other "Crap" out there!

My Workouts This Week

So, I managed 7 days straight of workouts, not bad for someone as unfit as I am.










Todays workout was as follows:

100 x Skips
5 x Step Ups with 20kg Weight (Left Leg)
100 x Skips
5 x Step Ups with 20kg Weight (Right Leg)
100 x Skips
5 x Pull Ups (Assisted)
100 x Skips
5 x Pull Ups (Assisted)
100 x Skips
10 x Lunges with Kick Up (Left Leg)
100 x Skips
10 Lunges with Kick Up (Right Leg)
100 x Skips
5 x Chin Ups
100 x Skips
5 x Chin Ups
100 x Skips
10 x Crunches
100 x Skips

Total of 1000 Skips (exhausted)
15 - 20 minutes of Weights/Body Weight routine

This is just an example of my workout routine for seven days straight. I had one day off and today is day two of my second week. Skipping is my cardio and I like to skip between sets to keep my heart rate up. This is also why I don't do heavy weights as I would be too exhausted! Needless to say, the Skipping Rope does slap me hard when I get fatigued!

I've still got a long way to go to rid myself of the ugly belly fat I accumulated when ill.

:)

Taking Time Out For Me!

How often do any of us enjoy complete time out for ourselves? I mean, with jobs, career, family, friends, where do we find the time for those little moments that help us to rejuvenate or relax?

I shouldn't talk, I've had plenty of time off recently when I was ill. But what I really needed was sunshine and a chance to really relax. Maybe a couple of cocktails, work on my tan....

Luxury means many things to many people. What does it mean to me? A relaxing massage. Sun, sand, surf. Being able to sleep in without the guilt. Eating my favourite meal (Seafood, Japanese, Mexican, depending on my mood that day) Catching a movie (with popcorn) Enjoying a bottle of wine. Great company, I could go on and on .......

I haven't had a real, relaxing vacation for almost 2 years! To be honest, every winter, all I want to do is run away to the tropics for a few days to rejuvenate. Sadly, finances make it next to impossible to do that.

But, we have booked ourselves a holiday at the end of the year. The weather should have improved by then, I will be by the beach and with my loved one! Some nice, relaxing lunches, dinners out, catching up with friends, sun, sand, no surf though! Sadly, Hawaii (see pic) is currently out of our price range, but I would LOVE to get back there some day!

The countdown has begun! But the question is...... can I wait that long?

My Own Home Gym

I've never been a fan of gyms. Not because I am lazy, but because they are full of people.... Call me anti-social, but I like to do my workouts without an audience. I don't like people looking at me and judging me. Sure, if I need some tips about technique I will seek out the help I need.

I am a member of a gym, and I go rarely, but generally when I want to try something new and need some advice. Thankfully my gym membership costs next to nothing and it's within my place of work. It's there if I need it.

I prefer to exercise in the comfort and privacy of my own home. To do this I need some equipment. The items I keep at all times are:

Skipping Rope - difficult to use on carpet though
Kettlebell - 8kg, named Brutus (yes, he can be brutal)
Push Up Handles - I have a dodgy wrist and hands on the floor often hurt
Medicine Ball - Great for crunches
Yoga Mat - I love my yoga and stretches
Gymboss Timer - Great for timing my intervals
Pull Up Bar - Sadly it damaged the door frame so I had to take it down. So I am in the market for a new one.

And you don't need to pay a fortune for any of this equipment. It's cheaper to buy items you will use, than to join a gym you may never go to. Especially considering how expensive a gym membership can be these days. I got a lot of my stuff on eBay.

Working out at home is preferable for me. I don't have to plan it. I can do it RIGHT NOW! As long as you've got the room and the motivation, a home workout is the way to go!

Starting From Scratch! Yet Again.......

Ok, here I am, willing and raring to go!

It's been weeks since I've done anything physical due to illness. There were times when I thought I was recovering and started working out, only to have a relapse and find myself back in bed feeling very sorry for myself.

This time, I took more time to recover after finishing my medication and I feel so much better for it. The cough is almost gone (I still have the occasional nasty attack) My energy levels are getting up there again, I'm ready to make a start!

I have to say though, that I am a bit scared of having another relapse, but I think if I take it easy to start with, I should be ok. The problem is, I'm not one to take things easy. Sure, I can be lazy at times, but when I set my mind to something, I take it on 200%, which has often been my downfall. Injury and illness usually the main factors.

So today I started. I'm between shifts (tonight on night shift) so had a fair bit of time to kill. I had a good nights sleep and I also knew that being a weekday, there should be no one in the gym down stairs. The gym here is tiny. It has effective equipment but not a lot of room! Any more than one person in there and you are banging elbows!

I didn't really use the equipment, but I did use my skipping rope. The carpet in the apartment makes using a skipping rope next to impossible. So I did a Tabata style workout with skipping between each exercise and I was pretty buggered at the end.

But so far, I'm feeling great, I have more energy and feel better for having done some physical activity. Here's hoping things will continue in the same way......

Starting From Scratch

I've been ill for far too long. I have zero energy and every time my heart rate increases I have a nasty attack of the coughs to the point of throwing up! Not nice to hear, I know.

I am literally climbing the walls! As much as I can be as lazy as the next person when it comes to my health and fitness, I know that I always feel better after a workout, whether it be a jog, jumping rope or a body weight workout. Without my workouts, I get severely grumpy. Can you even imagine what I've been like to live with the last few weeks?

So I decided TODAY I was going to get back into it. I am starting to feel better physically. My clothes have gotten considerably tighter in the last six weeks, I know I HAVE to start working out again and taking care of my diet.

I was up early, I had things to do! First off some coffee, then a workout. Sadly it didn't turn out as expected :(

My coffee gave me the kick start I needed, as I was getting changed into my workout clothes and eying off "Brutus" (my kettlebell) I had another coughing attack. Now let me tell you, these are no normal coughing attacks, these ones leave me on my knees from practically passing out. I feel like I'm suffocating. They are so severe that I usually end up vomiting!

My stomach muscles are always sore, sometimes I think it's hunger pains but really, it feels like I've done about a million crunches! Painful.

So needless to say, the rest of the day has been spent feeling weak and sorry for myself (again)

Maybe tomorrow ......

Getting Back Into It After Illness

I've been sick with a chest infection for almost 3 weeks now. I finally went to the Doctor yesterday and he basically said "rest, NO exercise and lots of sleep". Duh!



In the lead up to getting sick I rarely went a night without waking up multiple times. I wasn't sleeping much more than 3 hours most nights. I was exhausted and very grumpy! Since being sick I've been sleeping day and night. Maybe my body is trying to catch up. The only problem was that I would wake myself up with my coughing, often very painful coughing. The kind where I could not take a breath between. Ugh!

As I haven't done a workout in so long I am feeling really crap. I can't wait to get back into it but how do I do that without overdoing it? I've never been someone who can take it easy when working out, probably why I often injure myself.

I suppose the only thing I can do is start off with some yoga, stretching and so forth until I feel stronger. God knows how long that will take. :(