a-fitness-diary

[a-fitness-diary]

Less than a week until Christmas, its been a stupidly busy couple of weeks and I haven't been able to do any training. But yesterday I found time. I set myself a plan for the evening and stuck to it and got some mobility training done.

I'm classing yesterday as my new Day 1 and trying to give myself a better way to monitor my days. Eg, eat 1 fruit or veg a day, do any kind of movement that day, or do my mobility or calisthenics training when possible.

This week is another stupidly busy week, so not putting any pressure on myself to get my exercises done on certain days, and will get back to serious training at Christmas when I have more spare time.

Another goal for 2024 is to spend more time for myself. Give myself time to exercise, eat well, drink water often and practice self care.

[a-fitness-diary]

After a lovely stroll with family at a light festival , I find myself reflecting on this last year and my new years resolutions.

It's been a super challenging year. Physically, emotionally and financially. My business is doing well but I've ended up overworking and burning myself out almost every month without fail. The Christmas season hasn't helped and I've been busier than ever. Dreams have been broken and new goals have been made.

Due to regular back to back illnesses throughout the year, my dream of being a Pro Mermaid this year crashed and burned. Right before my first performance I got very ill and have been ill in some way shape and form every month since. From vertigo, perforated eardrums, infections, stomach bugs and covid just to name a few.

Looking back I realised majority of my illnesses were a result of burnout, over working and neglecting my own basic needs, such as rest, sleep, eating, drinking water and physical exercise. I was so busy trying to chase and achieve my goals, I left no time for my own basic needs. I was going days with only 5 hours sleep, not drinking all day, not eating all day, and due to illnesses, not exercising, causing weight gain to the point I'm now matching my heaviest ever weight. Which is affecting my breathing, joints and energy levels.

Next year... that needs to change.

[a-fitness-diary]

So far I'm 1.5 weeks into my latest attempt to get fitter and healthier. I've decided to jump back into Calisthenics this week and just successfully completed my Day 3 of the Calisthenics Programme I'm following.

I didn't want to exercise today. I woke up 2 hours late, had a very long and stressful day at work, missed a webinar I was looking forward to, and was feeling overwhelmed from my own emotions.

But I decided to motivate myself by promising myself a slice of chocolate if I complete the exercises. Sounds counter productive I know, but it worked 🤷‍♀️ not going to do this for every workout, but when you need that reason to do something then why not.

[a-fitness-diary]

Life has taken an unexpected turn this year. In my pursuit of becoming a professional mermaid, I've been halted in my tracks by my own health. Every month a different ailment has hit me, from vertigo, pierced ear drums, stomach bugs, covid and Flare ups. The fates do not want me to continue with this goal. So instead I turn myself back to my health and physical well being.

Since my post earlier in the year, ive made 0 progress in losing weight or getting fitter. Partially due to the reoccuring health issues. And after a month of being ok, Im restarting my attempts. I've started by trying to get my sleeping habits back on track, now I turn to improving my mobility and flexibility, then on to calisthenics.

Through mermaiding I've found a love of open water swimming and paddle boarding. Something I hope to practice more next year. I'm also adding a new goal to my never ending list. To get as fit and healthy as I was 7 years ago. And attempt a half marathon again. And attempt to use tumbler more as a type of blog/diary to keep track of where I am and was.

[a-fitness-diary]

Starting off month 3. I've gone somewhat backwards in progress. Even though I've exercised regularly and eaten better than in previous months, a mixture of stress, fatigue burnout and eating out seeing friends and family has has resulted in me going the opposite direction. Gone up to 104kg, my stomach is bloated from the big meals, and I'm low on energy.

But a few things have gone well. With the exception of last week I've been able to squeeze in 2-3 workouts a week. I've been able to grow in confidence, and my few small exercises have made me realise where and how I need to improve. Going to watch a recent competition also gave me fresh motivation to keep going.

Its the start of a new month. My eating habits are mostly on track, my desire to exercise is on yhe right track. Now to increase it and push for the regular 3 exercise sessions a week.

[a-fitness-diary]

Starting off month 3. I've gone somewhat backwards in progress. Even though I've exercised regularly and eaten better than in previous months, a mixture of stress, fatigue burnout and eating out seeing friends and family has has resulted in me going the opposite direction. Gone up to 104kg, my stomach is bloated from the big meals, and I'm low on energy.

But a few things have gone well. With the exception of last week I've been able to squeeze in 2-3 workouts a week. I've been able to grow in confidence, and my few small exercises have made me realise where and how I need to improve. Going to watch a recent competition also gave me fresh motivation to keep going.

Its the start of a new month. My eating habits are mostly on track, my desire to exercise is on yhe right track. Now to increase it and push for the regular 3 exercise sessions a week.

[a-fitness-diary]

Month 1, and so far not much has changed, but there has been changes. My stomach feels less heavy, not as saggy, doesn't bounce as much.

The fat on my bum is the same, it's become tighter and smoother, and doesn't bounce as heavily when I walk. Since going barefoot my knee and hip joints have stopped hurting.

And since eating healthier, or making better choices, I found I have more energy I'm less tired, and have more desire to move my body and exercise.

Still got a long way to go, but trying not to focus on the number on the scale, and instead focus on how I feel.

[a-fitness-diary]

Today marks 2 years of my Tumbler Blog. But reality is ive barely been able to do anything on it. Between training, a decline in health, and other things taking over my time I've reached burnout more times than I can count.

I've had to really stop and think what direction do I want for my future, what job or work I want to do, what hobbies I want to maintain, what hobbies and work im willing to lose or change, how do I want to better myself as a person. What skills do I want to gain and master, what fears do I want to overcome and challenges do I want to take on.

There are things I want to try, but would have to give up other things that I'm not ready to give up yet. And other thoughts spiraling through my head. So trying to take it one thing at a time. Currently getting back into strength training to get back into mermaiding after several months off due to illness

[a-fitness-diary]

It's my 2 year anniversary on Tumblr 🥳

[a-fitness-diary]

Training has restarted. I have put on a lot of excess body weight over Christmas. Time to get myself into shape.

I've actually found the less active I am, the less I train and exercise and the less I stretch, makes my body painful. My joints start to ache. My muscles cramp and seize, I struggle to sleep or turn off at night. Does anyone else find that the less you exercise the more pain your body is in?

[a-fitness-diary]

Thank you @fisher72man and everyone who got me to 5 reblogs!

[a-fitness-diary]

Its been a while since I uploaded anything. Being self employed and also working towards 2 other businesses takes its toll and its only recently ive been able to take some time off. On the plus side I completed my Professional Mermaid Training and went on my first ever dive in an aquarium! And have been working hard at my training ever since.

Now that I have more time to focus on my training and my overall fitness I'll hopefully be able to share more training content too.

[a-fitness-diary]

Got to live out my mermaid dreams recently. My first swim in an Aquarium tank.

[a-fitness-diary]

My very first time swimming in my own tail!!

It was so much fun! I can't wait to do a costume test tonight!!

[a-fitness-diary]

Trying to get back into running. First day back at Parkrun and I'm exhausted, sweaty and starving!

[a-fitness-diary]

Happy Birthday to me 🥰 starting the day with a little positivity by taking some photos that make me feel good about myself.

[a-fitness-diary]

My friend took a photo of me doing bubble ring practice in my Mermaid Monofin. Bubble rings are not easy!!