#adventurebootcamp

[airgym]

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She’s a 5x Gold Medalist with Team 🇺🇸 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇 She also signed up to be an AirGym Owner. We can’t thank you enough! . . . Valerie Pawlowski is a huge inspiration to a lot of people. Check out her amazing videos here. #Repost @valpaw ・・・ 54 lb (24kg) Kettlebell Snatch 😊 from age 54 Veteran Kettlebell Sport World Champion Professional 💪🏼Little old ladies can do anything with their mind when setting out to conquer the matter at hand. Lifting Kettlebells for over a decade with the utmost consistency it entirely yields more complete strength, stamina, endurance with an energetic body plus highly proven positive effects and notably injury reduction! Winning the battle against aging, no stress, always recovered it's a tremendous system and I'm beyond grateful . Sharing the method with all #kettlebellsportusa Such a great program is waiting for you! #kettlebell #snatch #workout #training #lifting #kettlebellworkout #kettlebellsport #usa #team #masterofsport #veteran #professional #strength #stamina #endurance #coach #kettlebellsusa #kettleguard @kettlebellsusa @coach_kettlebell_usa @kettlebells_for_women @kett #homegym #garagegym #airgym #airgyms #startup #isagenix #adventurebootcamp #adventurebootcampforwomen @johnspencerellis @kellicalabrese1 (at Franklin, Tennessee)

[thecrazycaity]

Day 35?36? I’ve lost count!

So most of us on the 40 day challenge are between 1 and 2 sessions (Ok - I’m 3!) away from reaching our goal! Yay! Can you believe it?!

While doing doubles every day this week. (Yes you read correctly. Doubles. Every. Day. I’m not as crazy as Sandy who has been doing triples!!!!)  A conversation came up about people who cheat at 40 days. Tania said she trusted me (awe thanks :) ) that I had actually done the catch up sessions at the beach. (She usually checks in but she doesn’t know Nita down in KZN.) I was pretty shocked that people would actually lie about boot camp! Why?! I mean honestly what is the point?!

The truth is that after next week no one is really going to remember or care that I did 40 days. I mean sure, people are proud of me/ in awe of my craziness/ laughing at my ridiculousness etc etc but at the end of it all I’m doing 40 days for me. Yes, we support each other, yes, it’s easier to go through the journey with each other and with shared motivation but ultimately whether I complete 40 days or not is my choice and it is for me. THIS IS NOT SPARTA. There is no major punishment at the end of the challenge - you aren’t going to be banned from ABC for life if you don’t complete 40 days. You aren’t going to have to stand in front of a panel of your peers and explain why it is you didn’t make it. The only person you have to answer to is yourself. So only you can know if you gave it your all and completed the challenge. There is also no major external reward. (That I know of?! Unless I missed something?!) You aren’t going to skip the queue at home affairs because people know you did 40 days. There is no red carpet with obsessed journalists waiting for you outside work. The reward is internal. It is knowing that YOU made it. You had the dedication, the drive and the determination to show up for 40 classes. To show up and give it your all. 

That also brings me to the idea of people showing up every day and cheating within class. Doing 14 reps instead of 18 just to finish first - what is the point? It’s not a race, your trainer doesn’t give you a gold star for finishing first (Maybe gold stars is a good plan for finishing in general - wink wink.) You are there to better yourself. Everyone is different. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. Honestly, mostly I finish my reps near the end of the group. I’m there to get stronger and fitter not for everyone else to think I’m Iron Woman. (I mean other than the fact that I am - I mean doubles. Every. day!) But seriously, surely the point is to be the best you? 

Ok, so basically this rant is about self motivation. You are the only person you answer too. The motivation to be a fitter and stronger version of you. Don’t worry about everyone else. You are unique and therefore have a unique journey. Throughout life people’s admiration or ridicule or other thoughts about you will fade. If you live for other people’s beliefs about you, you will be miserable, guaranteed. If you are satisfied within yourself, proud internally of what you have accomplished, if the only person you live to impress is yourself then you will flourish. I’m not saying it isn’t nice. Don’t get me wrong - everyone loves a compliment. Everyone loves other people to notice their hard work and appreciate them but it cannot be your driving force. It’s a bonus to your own internal satisfaction. Its a little boost to your efforts not the reason for your efforts. I’m not saying we don’t need support and friends and family and people who care - of course we do but ultimately you need to be proud of yourself. 

Ok well I hope this makes sense and rings true to some of you.  

Tomorrow is D day!

Much love

A 30 something chubby girl

Ps. Sorry about the looooooong post but it’s not make up for all the ones I missed! 

[dianaqellis22-blog]

Although a small group, we gathered to work out and celebrate birthdays and friendship last night... timed test, treats, and fun times to end the first week of this session. #grateful #bootcampbeauties #adventurebootcamp (at Beechwood Elementary)

[mylovelywednesdays-blog]

This hill really sucks after leg day! #legday #fitness #jelly #adventurebootcamp #ouch

[thecrazycaity]

Day 8

 We survived leg and cardio day. (Despite hundreds! Yes HUNDREDS! of skips!). I am however, really really stiff and really really sore. No matter how I sit/stand/walk/curl in a ball and cry, something, somewhere hurts. The most pressing pain currently is a literal ‘pain in the ass’. Usually I would put some ‘Deep Heat’ on the affected area, little massaging and I would feel better. There are a few problems with this currently. 1.I have a LOT of butt. In order to penetrate the layers of lard to get to the source of the ache I have to use my elbow. Which brings me to problem number 2. How to get my elbow to my butt. (I’m flexible but even if a was a Russian Contortionist I don’t think I could massage my own butt-ache away.) I will just have to settle for stretching it out when possible and awkwardly wincing my way through the day. 

This whole problem got me to thinking about why it is the we get stiff. (I mean seriously Mother Nature - we are trying to better ourselves - do we really need to be punished?!) So I spent some time browsing the only truly, trust worthy source of information - google. This is what I found. 

“ Sore muscles after physical activity, known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), (DOMS?! Really?) can occur when you start a new exercise programme, change your exercise routine, or increase the duration or intensity of your regular workout.” - Well thank you for pointing that out. I had no idea! Sigh. 

“ When muscles are required to work harder than they're used to or in a different way, it's believed to cause microscopic damage to the muscle fibres, resulting in muscle soreness or stiffness.” Sorry what?! microscopic damage? (Basically tears.Little tiny tears in our muscles. Ironic because whether is its tears, as in cuts or tears and in saltwater leaking for our eyes, it works either way! Our muscles are crying tears from the tears.) 

Alright but now what?! Again the trusty internet provides some treatment options:

“There's no one simple way to treat DOMS. Nothing is proven to be 100% effective.

These things may help ease some of the symptoms:

rest (um not an option!)

ice packs (ya, ok. I’m going to sit on an ice pack in this weather!)

painkillers (Now we are talking!)

massage (I’ve already discussed the problems involved here.)

DOMS doesn't generally require medical intervention. But you should seek medical advice if the pain becomes becomes unbearable, you experience heavy swelling, or your urine becomes dark.” (Doesn’t generally require medical intervention?!!!! Are you kidding? Right now I would love some medical intervention! Painkillers, a Voltarin shot to the butt, some sort of tranquilizer, alcohol. Any of the above will suffice. Also why would your urine become dark? That in itself is seriously disturbing.)

Those all seem relatively useless so here are some things that tend to help me. (Disclaimer: I am not a doctor/physio/pilates instructor/reiki healer/ professional of any kind so use the following at your own risk!) 

1.A shower/bath. - Nothing like hot water to relieve some aching.

2. Stretching it out. (Careful not to stretch tooooo much otherwise those tears won’t be microscopic!) 

3. A beanie-bag/happy hugger/other microwavable warm bag thing

If all else fails

4. Wine!

Hopefully one (or all) of the above are helpful. Seriously though, despite the butt-ache (and all the moaning) I’m kinda glad I am all achy. It means my body is changing. My hard work is resulting in something. (Even if that something is a weird duck/Arnold Schwarzenegger/2-year-old walk). 

Yours 

An achy, yet cheerful 30 something chubby girl.

PS: Please feel free to add your own stiffness cures in the comments

PPS: If this information is inaccurate - don’t blame me! This is my source: 

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/pain-after-exercise/

PPPS: 20% of boot camp conquered! 

[thecrazycaity]

Day 3

So Day 3 dawned and it was freezing to say the least. . I arrived, mentally ready (Repeating the mantra “I can do cardio, I can do cardio” - over and over in my mind), as well as physically ready (Long pants, extra socks, leg warmers, two jersey’s, buff, beanie and gloves - I’m not dramatic or anything!). 

Let me just explain - I don’t do running. Not that I don’t try. Lord knows I try. It’s just, I’m built for comfort rather than speed.

 I remember being in about Grade 2. At this point everyone was obligated to partake in relays and such. There I was, ready to run my little heart out. The whistle blows and I’m off! Short chubby legs pounding away. I’m giving it my all. I can do this. I’m flying. I’m on fire. A winner. Ok, nearly there. Surely? Surely It can’t be too far now. My legs are burning but its worth. Right? Just keep pushing. Wait, how far? This is impossible. I’ve been running for ages. What’s that random loud speaker guy? Lets all cheer the last girl over the finish line? Who? Me?! Correct. Me.  Despite running as fast as my legs would go, everyone finished a good 30 seconds before me. Not only that, they were all waiting for me to finish so they could start the next race. Needless to say I got to be time keeper after that. (I still maintain it’s only because all the others were taller than me! - Every 1 step they took, I took 3!). Aaaaaanyway. 

Cardio day consisted of a 1km run around the block. I have made a deal with myself to run all the downhills. (There’s lots of me so gravity works in my favour.) I managed to ‘run’ (ok, ‘get’) around the block in 07:49 seconds. Which to be honest I’m rather chuffed with. For someone who has previously had a rather lackluster attitude to running and who has missed many cardio days I managed an ok time. And that’s the point, isn’t it? I don’t have to be the fastest. Or the fittest. Or the most graceful (that’s one that is REALLY never going to happen!). I just have to show up and try. That is all any of us can really do. Show up. Try.  

Yours with love (And a super stiff butt - a story for another post!)

A 30 something chubby girl

[thecrazycaity]

Day 40!

We made it!!!!! So I’m sitting here a few days after the end of the 40 day challenge and I’m pretty chuffed. (And stuffed - It would appear I have a terrible habit of rewarding myself, on any weight-loss, by eating. Eating everything. Sigh.) But seriously I managed to lose some weight over the challenge. Although to be honest I have SUPER yo-yo weight. I can step on the scale in the morning and weigh “X” and in the evening it can be “X + 3″. 

The thing I’m actually happy about is the cm (18!) that I managed to lose. I mean when you spread that around your body it doesn’t seem so much but hey! Its a start. And I think that’s the whole point. It’s a way to start to change. It’s that motivator to get off your butt and do something. Anything! (Other than shove large quantities of chocolate down one’s throat.) I also managed to improve my run time (by almost 30 seconds!) as well as do more push-ups, sit-ups and squats! (So all the whining, groaning, moaning and general torture seems to have been worth it!) 

I must admit it’s 5 days on and I’m starting to crave some exercise. Yes, you read correctly. Me. (Look I’m craving a light arm session not a hectic cardio workout but it’s a start!) 

I also want to congratulate everyone who completed the challenge. Whether you lost weight or not (remember muscle weighs more that fat - so cut yourself some slack if the scale is not your friend!) The truth is you showed up every day and that is awesome! You made a conscious choice to chose you. And what this does is show everyone around you that you matter. You acknowledge yourself and that you are important. It shows your daughters that they should love their bodies and take care of them. It shows your friends that it’s not so hard to take that first step. It shows your partners that you are learning to love your body and appreciate how sexy you really are. And most importantly you show yourself how powerful you really are. Capable of anything. 

And for those who didn’t manage to complete the challenge for whatever reason (work, family, sickness, holiday!) That’s ok too. The fact that you tried, you started is awesome. Don’t let little things lead to big setbacks. Sign up for the next camp. Chose you. 

Yay we made it! 

Much love a 30 something chubby girl

ps. A big thank you to Tania and all my bootcamp buddies for keeping me motivated! Probably wouldn’t have made it without you! 

Pps. I’ve decided to carry on blogging (not just about 40 days but life in general so please like my page if you are happy to continue reading my ramblings.

[thecrazycaity]

Day um...

I must begin by apologizing for my absence. My blogging has become the same as my exercising – erratic! I am currently on holiday at the sea which means my exercise regime consists of squatting to sit on the beach, doing a bicep curl to bring my wine glass to my face and running to the fridge to get something more to eat.

I left off last week Wednesday. (Day 28) (Often called Hump day – not sure why? Maybe because it’s the hump in the middle of the week and once you are over it it’s downhill to the weekend?) Well Wednesday could have been called Jump day because that’s what we did. We jumped. Star jumps and burpees and jump squats and jumping jacks and every other form of jumping. Let me be real – jumping is not exactly my strong suit. In case you have no realised there’s rather a lot of me and moving forward at a fast pace (ie running!) is hard enough! Let alone hoisting my mass into the air. But I managed without casing a minor earth quake. (Unlike the entire Mexico city! They were so excited by the fact that Mexico beat Germany in their world cup game that all the jumping cased a minor earth quake!)  

I was super stiff on Thursday which was actually great. It’s great to know that I did something different and used different muscles. Although I have whined and complained and moaned and am happy to be on holiday but I am really missing my boot camp buddies. FOMO (fear of missing out) is real and I’m having it. I miss the laughs, the smiles, the groans and the general comradery of ‘my’ people. And that’s what your boot camp buddies become “your people”. Well tomorrow I will be invading another camp at the sea side so wish me luck – I think it might be somewhat tough after a week of no exercise. (Unless we can count sitting up from my towel on the beach to spot some dolphins.)

Hope everyone has had a fantastic week.

Yours with slightly more padding (aka flab) than last week.

A 30 something chubby girl  

[thecrazycaity]

Days 26 & 27

The count down is on! We are well and truly on the down hill of the 40 day challenge. As such I think it is time that we discuss one of the most important aspects of boot camp - that it’s outside. 

We are fortunate enough to live a a country where being outside is mostly pleasant. Even when it’s really cold - standing in the sunshine will warm your bones. We get to go outside every day and spend time in beautiful areas around this crazy, weird, vibrant country of ours. There is of course the odd day when it’s pouring with rain (It which case Capetonians do an extra jump or two with excitement!) But even then it is usually the beautiful African rain which is somehow totally different from the grey, melodramatic drizzle of England. (Even the word drizzle lacks any energy or excitement!)  Being outside and exercising never fails to remind me about my other favourite place - the gym. (Please note the level of sarcasm involved!)

Now don’t get me wrong - I understand that the gym works for some people. (You can go at any time - well kinda!), you can do all sorts of things (if the equipment is available) and you meet all kinds of people. (I mean ALL kinds.) I used to go to the gym (on and off for 15 years.) So I do understand it serves an important functions. I just don’t love it. But maybe I’m just picky?!

I mean who doesn’t love the huffing and puffing and grunting and groaning of overly steroid-ed, extra shaved, super sweaty ‘oaks’? Honestly. And who doesn’t love ALL THAT NOISE. Can someone please explain why there is so much noise? Not only from the people but from the music blaring out the loud speakers (ooo yes! Electronic Dance Music - totally want I want to listen to after a long day at work!), weights being dropped on the floor, the circuit buzzer going off. every. 30. seconds. Not to mention the “OMG! You are looking amaaaaaaaazing!”, the private telephone conversations which inevitably include “Sorry bru, I can’t really hear you. I’m at the gym. No, no don’t worry I’ll talk louder.” and the “Could Patricia please report to reception. Patricia to reception.” over the intercom. Yes very relaxing. 

Another problem is all the people. Everywhere. I always want to wait in a queue to walk on the spot going round and round while people sweat and clomp on the treadmill next to me or impatiently tap their foot behind me waiting for me to finish. (I can even hear their thoughts - She’s not even running. I mean really.) Um no thanks. Also why are there never enough weights? and why are they never where they are supposed to be? Because every Eddie and his girlfriend (yes! I love watching couples at the gym too! *insert eyeroll*) are so busy flirting with each other and complimenting each other on their “sexy bodies” that they are hogging all the equipment. 

Which brings me to another point. All. that. equipment. It’s crazy intimidating! I just walk in there and it brings on a mini panic attack. What am I supposed to start with? What’s the correct way to sit on this thing? Why is it so easy? Oh, wait why is it so hard? What’s the lady doing? Um which single muscle do I want to work next? Oh wait, no that machine has a queue. I’ll use this one. Or not. It’s got someone else’s sweat on in. And this one? Wait there’s a water bottle next to it - clearly it’s in use. Aaaaaaaahhhh! 

Don’t even get me started on the change rooms. I love seeing naked people everywhere. Why yes lady, please feel free to lather yourself right in front of my locker. Don’t worry about undies. No please go ahead. Answer your phone too. Yes inspect your butt in the mirror. Great. Also I love when people see me naked. Best. 

And the mirrors. EVERYWHERE! Why?! Why does anyone want to watch themselves contort in all strange ways? I see enough of my flab when I attempt to look at my toes. I don’t need to be reminded of it when doing crunches or lifting weights. I know. People want to ensure they are looking their best - I mean they’ve gone to all the trouble to put makeup on and wear the tightest, smallest shorts (which are basically one step up from nickers.) Lets just say they are “ensuring they have the correct form” when lifting.  

Ok so basically I’m not a huge fan of the gym. Look if it works for you - that is awesome.And as long as your are doing some form of exercise tha’ts all that really matters. But I choose to be outside, with my bootcamp buddies, keeping it simple yet effective. Adventure boot camp works for me, it’s not intimidating, its not confusing, it’s not more stressful than filling out a tax form. It’s a beautiful place I get to go, relax and better myself. (Without having to look at myself in super flattering mirrors/ catch every single stomach bug around being recirculated through the an aircon. Ok I’m seriously done now!)

Yours

A 30 something chubby girl 

[thecrazycaity]

Day 24 (and no Day 25 for me)

I must apologize for the delayed post. I completed Thursday (although I did cut down on the cardio part - this damn cold just won’t go away.) I didn’t do Friday though (my body was sore and basically life got it the way.) This got me to thinking about how life does get in the way. 

If you look around you at boot camp you will find extraordinary women. You will find mothers and wives. Students and career women. Grannies and daughters. Basically people with busy lives. This is why 40 days is so important. It’s important to start choosing YOU. As women we have many different roles, whether it’s cooking and running a house hold. Being successful at work or being a good supportive friend. Whatever it is - we are busy people and without meaning to we often start to neglect ourselves. For many women (at least the ones in my life!) putting themselves first is difficult. Choosing to spend money on themselves rather than their children. Choosing to spend time focusing on health and fitness rather than staying those extra hours at work. All these choices are difficult and take conscious effort for a lot of women. And without meaning to, taking care of one’s health and well being is the first thing to go. How many women do you know that work themselves to a stand still just to keep everything and everyone around them going? 

This is where 40 days comes in - it allows you to choose YOU. We can justify it in our heads (or to those grump bosses or reluctant SO’s), “It’s only 1 hour a day” or “it’s only 40 days.” which seems like a reasonable amount of time to spend on ourselves. 40 days only happens once a year so its a great annual reminder to take care of our physical and mental well being and just the push start some people need to take care of themselves.

That being said - life is going to happen. Some days it will be easy to take the time our for yourself, other days you will feel guilty about missing bath time or leaving the office early (even though you have permission and got in an hour before everyone else!). But looking after yourself is important. I can’t remember where I heard this but it’s an important (if corny!) reminder. “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” Basically you cannot give of yourself, if you don’t take care of yourself. So yes, take that time out to exercise, to breath, to do something that makes you feel better and good about yourself. 

Much love 

a 30 something chubby girl 

[thecrazycaity]

Day 22

So for this half of the challenge I have decided to try and eliminate hidden sugar from my diet. I feel that hidden sugar is our true enemy! I mean lets be honest when you are eating a chocolate or cupcake or piece of lemon meringue pie you know there is sugar in there. So you choose to eat it anyway. You decide and knowingly make the decision to pick sugar.

My big problem comes in when there is sugar in things you don’t generally expect. For instance yogurt - yogurt is probably one of my favourite foods. And there happens to be “fat-free” written on some of the yummiest ones - great right? WRONG! If they take out the fat they have to replace it with something else - usually sugar! “Fat free” is probably the most misleading label on any food item - I mean lets be real you know what else is “fat free”? A whole bag of jelly babies! And that’s not exactly ‘healthy’ is it?! Another hidden sugar fiend is muesli. You think your are doing the healthy thing picking nuts and oats and seeds but in fact there is plenty of sugar in most muesli. So basically I have come up with a few recipes to help me reduce hidden sugar and I’ve decided to share them here with you, one a week. (Please note these are just some things I have come up with - they are not sugar free or fat free or nutrition free - they just seem like healthier options!) Hope you enjoy!

Home Made Muesli (Not as complex/time consuming as it may seem.)

Ingredients

3 cups raw oats

1 cup bran flakes/corn flakes

1/4 cup roughly chopped nuts (I like almonds)

1/4 cup roughly chopped apple rings (or any other dried fruit just I know there’s some sugar here!)

1/4 cup seeds (sunflower? Pumpkin? Whichever you choose.)

1/4 cup cranberries

1/4 cup coconut slivers

1/8 cup raw honey

1/2 cup boiling water.

Preheat your oven to 180ᵒC

Line a baking tray with baking paper.

Step 1: Place all dry ingredients except the cranberries and apples in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: combine the honey and hot water until the honey melts.

Step 3. Coat the dry mixture with the honey mixture.

Step 4: Spread evenly on baking tray and place in the oven for 20 - 30 minutes until golden brown. You should turn the mixture every 5 min. Add the apple and cranberries 5 min before the end. (Other wise they get super toasty in the oven!)

Step 5: Allow to cool and enjoy with delicious Full cream greek yogurt! Yum.

Ok so there’s my rough recipe. Add pretty much anything you like. Leave out some stuff - make it your own. It is pretty rich so you don’t need a whole lot to feel full.

Happy Cooking!

Yours a 30 something chubby girl

ps I had photos and everything and tumblr is just not loading them :( 

[thecrazycaity]

Day 21

The beginning of a new week, the second half of 40 days and “day 1, week 1″. Which means we took it slow. Do NOT be fooled this does not mean easy. 

As it was the “1st day” of a new camp Tania decided it was important to go back to basics and ensure that we are doing the exercises correctly - quality over quantity. (Not always my motto as there is lots of me but not of all it is high quality!) So we sloooooooowed down the exercises. I thought “Yay! A nice easy start to camp.” Ahem. The truth is the slower you do some of these exercises the harder they are. Even the most simple things were harder: A squat, for instance, - without momentum to launch you out of the “sit” it’s really hard to carry on squatting. (Thank goodness I have been avoiding physical contact with public toilet seats for a while so I do have some squatting abilities.) Bicep curls which always seem easy and way more difficult when you slowly release rather than letting your arms just fall. (Although I do have some practice in bringing a wine class/ cake fork/ coffee cup to my lips so I have some strength here!) Basically by the end of our “easy” session I was huffing and puffing away. 

This got me to thinking. Sometimes we rush through things, whether it’s our day, our job, our time with family (we just have to eat and bath and and and) or our boot camp (we just have to get through the next day and the next and the next.) Maybe we need to slow down and really feel what it is we are doing. Really live and enjoy the moments spent laughing with family or accomplishing something at work. Or even if it’s just doing our exercises properly. Really enjoying the” time out” away from everything else. The idea of living in the moment or mindfulness is basically being aware of what you are doing when you are doing it. 

So my challenge to you (and myself!) for the next week it to try and be in the moment. To really enjoy what we are doing. To slow down and focus on each exercise and not rush to complete them all. To enjoy my time spent with friends. To breath and not feel guilty about my “time out”. There is no first prize. There is no winner or loser so we may has well enjoy the process. 

Much love

A 30 Something chubby girl

[thecrazycaity]

Day 20!

Whoo hoo! Half way there! We are on the down hill. For day 20 I decided to join my friend Lorna (Who I ‘encouraged’ aka forced to join 40 days). So I flexied to the Sandton Class. My first flexi thus far. 

I must say that I think the idea that one can ‘flexi’ is pretty awesome. Its awesome that their are all these groups of ladies around the country all with the same goal. Everyone was super friendly (especially Kerri - the instructor who has TONS of energy!) The class itself was also pretty cool. Except for the running. We did all the running. So. much. running. (Which as you know is my favourite! Not!) 

I should probably clarify: Normally if you see me running you should start running too! It probably means something is chasing me. As some of you may know in life there is the ‘flight versus fight” response. Everyone has a built in automatic response when faced with a high stress situation. Either you run away or you fight. (Some people freeze which is in some cases the smartest response of the lot - say for instance you find yourself confronted with a bear - apparently freezing and playing dead is the best response. Really?! Who exactly is just going to lie there and hope the bear goes away? And if this is South Africa what are you doing in the bear enclosure at the zoo anyway?) To be honest in the ‘flight vs fight’ situation I don’t really have much of a choice. Fight it is because I’m not ‘flighting’ anywhere! Well not very fast anyway...

But despite my moaning I managed to do the running and burpees (really? My second favourite.) and I survived to tick off the half way mark. 

Congratulations to everyone who has made it this far. Even if you haven’t managed to make all 20 days the fact that you are still exercising and choosing you is an awesome thing. (As well as still reading my random ramblings.) I appreciate all the support, love and laughter that has come my way thus far.

Keep strong ladies! We can do it because we are doing it!

Yours a 30 something chubby girl 

[thecrazycaity]

Day 19

Almost half way folks! (I know by there time some of you read this you will be already half way!) Just keep swimming (No physically, you’ll probably get pneumonia if you end up in a pool, but metaphorically.) 

Which brings me to today’s post. One of my bootcamp buddies had to put her 40 day dreams on hold because she has been diagnosed with bronchitis. (Sorry Gwen! ): ) A couple of other ladies have been coughing and sneezing and spluttering (Not from excessive cardio but from disease.) . I am also starting to feel a slight tickle in the back of my throat but I refuse point blank to succumb to the cold!!! I will NOT!  So I thought I should suggest some remedies to fight of the flu.

*Disclaimer: I am NOT a doctor. I am just a regular person (Well I’m a teacher so I’ve had to develop an immune system of steel as well as a cold fighting routine.)  Some of these ideas are my own and some are from our ever reliable source: google. I’m sure there are tons of other things that work and that’s awesome. Whatever works for you :)   

1. Get enough sleep. Your body needs time to heal and to rest. Basically how this works: You use energy while you are awake: moving, thinking, speaking (in my case this is where most of my energy goes!) all take up some energy. When you are sleeping you use less energy so the extra energy can go into fighting off disease. (There a whole lot of other technical stuff too but that’s the gist of it!)

2. Drink enough water. Your body is roughly 70% water . You need water for your body to function properly (including to fight off bugs!). Again there are tons of technical reasons here - but I don’t wish to bore you. If interested follow the link: https://www.livestrong.com/article/415493-why-do-you-need-to-drink-plenty-of-water-when-sick/ But basically stay hydrated - you don’t need to be dealing with the side effects of dehydration too!

3. Drink a delicious warm beverage: I like to drink a magical concoction I came up with a few years ago. I really helps me too feel a bit better and healthier (I think it works but it could all be psychosomatic!) I like to have some rooibos tea with a slice of fresh lemon, mint leaves, some pepper, a hunk of ginger and some honey. You should make sure to use ‘raw/unpasteurized honey/ non irridated’. This means it hasn’t been treated so it still has all the natural antibacterial properties of honey. Treated honey is basically just sugar. 

4. Dress warmly ( I like to wear a scarf to cover my chest.) Ok so the reason behind this is not about the cold giving you a cold. It’s just about energy use again. If you body is busy using energy to keep warm then there is less energy available to fight off infection. (In the same way - walking around with wet hair doesn’t ‘make’ you sick it just doesn’t help.)

5. Take Vitamins. I like to take viral guard but the choice is yours. I would love to be able to get all the nutrients and vitamins I need from my food but I don’t. (For whatever reason - I’m too lazy to cook veggies. I’m to broke to afford salmon. I don’t want to eat broccoli every day. Whatever the case I take a vitamin supplement as a ‘backup’. Also with my digestion its better to be safe and have some extra vitamins! 

6. Eat some soup. Soup is delicious and warm and full of good things like veggies. Which all help it making your body strong. (Yes it’s all very scientific!)

7. I keep hand sanitizer in my bag and on my desk. I come into contact with 150+ different people a day. Some of them don’t wash their hands, some of them sneeze/cough into said unwashed hands and then want to have me touch their books. So I tend to sanitize my hand regularly. There is a school of thought that says we need to be exposed to germs in order to have defense mechanisms. Well I’m 30 something now and have been teaching for a while. I’ve got enough defense mechanisms in place in place thank you very much. I don’t need 150 more students worth of germs floating around my body.  

8. Listen to your body. I’m a firm believer that your body “tells” you things. If you are stressed you don’t feel great - that’s your bodies way of say “Woah Lady. I need to chill.” If you are staring to feel sick you don’t have lots of energy - that’s your bodies way of saying “Um, Lady. I need some help here. I’m trying to fight of the bad bugs but I’m not sure I’m winning.” Make sure you pay attention to your body. (Except when you are feeling lazy. that’s your body saying, “Nooooo I don’t wanna do another pushup!” and that should be firmly ignored!) 

What will not work: Antibiotics. Colds and flu are virus’s. Antibiotics fight of bacteria. Bacteria and virus’s are NOT the same thing. Often your immune is weaker from fighting off the cold or flu which makes it more likely that you will get a secondary bacterial infection which could cause an array of things. In which case antibiotics may help.But otherwise you are wasting your time and your money. (You have been warned.) 

Taking meds that help relieve your symptoms is probably a good plan. (Helps you to feel less like death personified and more like a human being.) Whether you take my (unasked for) advice or not. Whether you agree or not, what i’m basically trying to say is look after yourself. Take care of your body. (After all isn’t that what boot camp is about?)  

Yours a 30 something chubby girl  

[thecrazycaity]

Day 18

It was leg and cardio day yesterday. (Again! How did that happen?!) And even though it was cold and l wasn’t a bundle of energy, it was a fun class. We worked in buddies - which I always enjoy. Somehow when you’re working with someone else you feel more motivated. We started with a run around the block. (Surprise! Thanks Tania for springing that on us!) and then onto squats, lunges, skipping and a whole lot more. (Which I seem to have forgotten because my brain is similar to a sieve at the moment!). 

Even though class was tough I enjoyed it. I left pretty chuffed even for cardio and leg day. Yay. I even had a bit of a spring in my step until this morning....

Lying in my warm, cosy bed, trying to convince myself that bunking was not a viable option and was breathing in when suddenly I started to notice my body. My abs, my butt, my thighs, that random bit of inner thigh flesh above my knee. I could feel EVERYTHING and I hadn’t even stood up yet.

 Ok deep breath in aaaaand. Grunt. I’m sitting on the edge of the bed. Now to actually stand up. After managing that (with only a wince or two) I the dubious task of getting ready for work.  Including brushing teeth (still difficult from Tuesday), sorting out my hair (Not sure why I’m bothering after the Monday Coconut debacle!), putting on a bra (who designed these torture devices?!), putting on pants (Nearly always an impossibility after leg day) and once I’ve managed these momentous tasks the last hurdle awaits. Shoes. Why are my feet so far away?! After cursing, yanking and taking deep breaths I manage to get my shoes on. 

Righto in the car. Clutch control. (Yes thank you JHB traffic/cable thieves - I clearly need to be working my thighs.) I arrive at work. I’m a teacher and it’s exam time which is mostly great except for invigilation. For those of you unaware of what that entails it is extremely exciting, totally riveting! We walk around (yes correct, no sitting/slouching/leaning for us!) and watch children write exams. We are not suppose to eat, knit, read, do crosswords or breath to loudly. That pretty much leaves walking up and down. Which normally is not so bad but, as just discussed, leg day was rough.

 After was seemed like eternity (roughly 20 minutes) a child puts up their hand. Yes! Something to break the monotony (I’ve already done all the usual: number of boys vs girls. People who wear glasses. Neat hand writing vs scribbles.) I walk (ok, hobble) over to said child who promptly tells me he’s dropped his pen. Oh. My. Greatness. Now, not only do I have to walk, I have to squat down and get his pen!!!! Whats wrong with him?! Does he not know yesterday was leg day?! (Also I have to do said squat silently!) I manage some weird maneuver between a stretch and a crouch, looking (and sounding!) not unlike a goat in labour, I retrieve his pen. Thank Goodness he was the only one and I managed it through the rest of eternity, with only a tissue request or two, to finish the exam. (Ok, it was only 2 hours but still!) 

Hopefully as the day goes on and warms up my stiffness will dissipate otherwise tonight’s class will be very interesting! 

Yours with a grunt and a groan

A 30 something chubby girl 

[thecrazycaity]

Day 17

Slowly but surely we seem to be getting somewhere. (Although it does just seem like round and round on a sports field!) 

I must be honest, I have not been feeling the greatest these last few days - nothing drastic. Just IBS. So I’m lacking energy, slightly grumpy and my stomach hurts: so no sit ups for me. What?! Why would I moan about not doing sit ups?! You see the thing is I want to choose. I don’t want my body to choose for me. If I decide I don’t want to do sit ups or push ups or knee lifts or whatever, I want it to be my choice. I readily own my laziness. Some days I just don’t wanna. Some days I’m lazy but I want that to be a choice I make, not because I can’t physically do it. 

I don’t like to do things in half measure. I really am an ‘extra’ person so I get super frustrated when I can’t do things properly. And that’s partly why I’m here. I don’t like being unfit. I don’t like panting profusely for ages after climbing a few stairs. I don’t want to grunt and groan climbing out of a car. (Unless it’s due to leg day!). I don’t want to rely on a guy to change the water dispenser. (Although I do generally let them - fragile male egos and all that.) I do however have to learn that sometimes these things happen. Sometimes our bodies don’t work with us. Some days we won’t have energy or our muscles will be stiff and I suppose that’s ok. 

Its hard for me to not be crazy and energetic. It’s a lesson I’ve been trying to learn my whole life - I don’t have to be enthusiastic ALL the time! Basically I’m saying I need to cut myself some slack. And I think that this is something we all need to learn. There are days when we won’t have energy. When our weights will feel like the weigh 100 kgs. When we just can’t do another squat. And that’s ok. It’s totally normal. As long as we try and give our best in that moment, that’s all we can do. So my thought for today (In following with the Positive Challenge this week) is to be kind. Be kind to yourself. 

You are awesome and you are doing awesome things! 

Much love 

A 30 something chubby girl