This whole wedding business started to feel real.. In 9 and a bit weeks I will be a bridesmaid.. At the age of 32 this is the first time I have had the honour of being one, so to say I am excited is a massive understatement! The fact that the wedding is overseas is the icing on the cake really!
The bride and I picked up the bridesmaids dresses last week, so I could take it home and make any changes to it that may be needed.
But of course I had to try it on for the bride....
With trepidation I unzipped it.... slipped it over my lumpy backside... and on over my bigger than usual shoulders... It fits, and it looks great... a beautiful classic style and I am so relieved that the dress is all sorted!! I do really love it, which I know is not a regular occurrence for bridesmaids! (flashes of the movie 27 dresses come to mind!)
There is one thing though that I would like to change a little (or a lot) before the big day... that lumpy backside of mine...
So this week I kicked my bridesmaid boot camp into gear!! Mostly out of sheer panic and mostly because we are heading into winter and if I can stick to an exercise plan now, it will hopefully carry through until summer (fingers crossed anyway!)
So I'm starting with exercise first, and then I will work on my diet.. I know in reality I should be doing it the other way around, but somehow the more exercise I do the more I want to eat clean and healthy!
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| Back in the days where exercise was easy!! |
In the old days (pre single motherhood) I would do 3-5 classes a week... often this consisted of classes early in the morning before Darby and Dave woke - I am a good morning exerciser, I loved the feeling of having done my exercise for the day before 7am!! I also did one or two evening classes as well as a Saturday morning class! (Dedicated I know!)
I was able to lose weight, or at least maintain it and I was pretty happy with my body... Fast Forward... two years of single parenthood have taken its toll, I try and be as active as possible, but it takes a backward step to the other more important and essential priorities!
Last year I was spiralling towards a breakdown and I knew that exercise would help to fix this... so I found a personal trainer just around the corner.. and I committed to it. It was only once a week.. that's was the only time and money I could afford! I was dedicated, I have only missed 3 sessions since July last year! I don't get that pre exercise, should I or shouldn't I go feeling? I always want to as it is time dedicated just for me (and its always so different and that's what I love... )
So in the last few weeks through my personal trainer I started doing an outdoor group Boxing class in a park near my house... just slowly getting my body used to more intense exercise..
Last night I bravely put on my gym clothes and headed to the local leisure centre! Being Anzac day the choice of classes was pretty small . There was RPM - a cycle class or this explosive high energy boxing class. Don't get me wrong I love boxing to death but it sounded a bit too scary for my liking '! So I went with RPM.. I knew what I was in for- I had done this class about 9 years ago..
I got myself set up by the teacher, and off I went on a virtual bike ride through hell... I pushed myself, but didn't go too crazy.. I did want to come back after all..
Over the 45 minute class I managed to clock over 20 km which I was happy with.. And apart from my sore backside from the uncomfortable seat I think I'll be back again next week!
So here is a run down of what I am going to try and do over the next 9 weeks!
- weekly personal training session with Adammy PT
- weekly group outdoor boxing and circuit class with my PT
- weekly spin class
- 15 minute walk during my work day
- 5 minute circuit everyday of squats, push ups ,sit ups, overhead raises biceps curls
- minimum of 12000 steps- every day - I have worn a pedometer every day for the last 4 years!!! Even all dresses to weddings, you name it - I have worn it to!
I needed to consider the money as well. I don't have much to spend, so I have to do it wisely. My personal trainer is the luxury item, but also the necessity, he pushes me like nobody can, so I need that!
Anything else is a bonus! I have pushed myself, but not to the point where it is unachievable.. I needed to consider that I do work 4 days and I am a single mum ... But like any challenge I won't let those things stop me! I know once I get going I get motivation to push myself!
As for my diet... I might write another post to tackle that one!!
It feels good to have it recorded... I'll try not to bore you with too many updates but might do a fortnightly recap!
If you have any tips for time effective exercise.. I'm all ears? Did you implement something similar when you were getting married or in a wedding??
PS I multitasking right now! As I write this I am (carefully) walking a lap of the park in my lunch break - and have done 8000 steps for the day so far!!
Until next time...
Java Jane
Java Jane
