Week Two
Nahid's not-so-puffy face
A whole week on the Good Vibes Drop a Dress Size course - despite the fact that I am about to surf the crimson wave* which usually means I crave carbs and bloat, I am feeling rather virtuous and holy. My face has slimmed down quite a bit over the week. I have lost that puffy look that must have been a result of sugar and booze exacerbated by such little sleep. It’s been pretty easy to stick to the food tips as the more mindful you are about what you eat the more you do seem to want to keep it up as you don't want to sabotage your efforts**. My skin already looks clearer and feels smoother, so even a week introducing our food tips into your life will have a positive result on your body.
I must confess I did stick my tongue in someone else's almond croissant but...I didn't swallow! Not drinking hasn't been a problem at all - I never drink at home and have been working really long hours, so it was pretty easy. The week coming up is full of events, including an awards lunch, I love celebrations or even excuses for celebrations so I must not waver. Telling you in advance dear reader - hopefully means I won't!
This was the week for upping my aerobic efforts and making formal appointments to stick to it. I usually have a haphazard approach to cardio vascular exercise and sometimes it all goes out of the window because of work commitments. I stepped up my bikram yoga practice as I felt really cold this week and also felt in need of lengthening type exercises. Having to fit in regular aerobic activity has meant that I actually left work early during the week and went to the last bikram class near my house - so not only was the beautiful boy pleased to see me ( in the flat AND during the week) but it also meant that we could go to yoga together which is a very relaxing and healing thing to do with ones's partner as a catch up - I recommend it!
All the trainers are killing me in my 3 Power-Plate classes a week because a) I am their boss and this is the perfect way to hurt me without being sacked and b) because they know I am on the drop a dress size and can take it like a man...until next week lovelies!
* my favourite term for it - I also rather like "the painters are in"
**and of course I have a blog to check into every week!
Rachel becomes a culture vulture
1 week nearly down, 9 to go! This week has gone quite well because it’s all new and exciting in the first week, I’m sure it won’t be quite the same by week 5! My weak point, as I said in the beginning, is the cardio side of things. I don’t really like running – plus, its cold and rainy outside and I have a nice cozy flat inside. However, I have managed to do 2 hours worth of walking during the week thanks to a new Good Vibes initiative to go flyering everyday - thanks Nahid, a blessing in disguise! I plan to walk everywhere this weekend too - I much prefer walking around town instead of sweaty tubes and buses full of slightly odd people plus you discover that things are much closer together in central London than you think. And of course I’ve done my 3 Power-Plates sessions.
I must admit that the first one caused some aching the next day. But, it feels great to be doing it- must be the endorphins! My waist already feels more cinched thanks to a killer exercise by Mel on Wednesday. Plus, the plates do amazing things for my posture – standing straighter is making me look slimmer already.
Next hurdle – the weekend. I usually spend my weekends eating out and drinking in bars. I was determined not to do either this weekend. On Friday night I just stayed in my room - it seemed the easiest option. On Sunday I arranged to drive out and see one of my non-drinking friends, so that was Sunday sorted. Saturday was trickier but interesting as me and my boyfriend had to think of other things to do than a late lunch and booze so it was a spot of culture at the NFT - who said I was lush...?
Kate goes to the gym
Cardio on Monday was a hard slog! Still, I managed to get my 30 minute run in and 15 minutes on the bike. That was enough cardio for my first day back! I felt really heavy and slow and imagined it was because I had only eaten salad all day but the truth is I was total slob over Christmas so it feels like an uphill struggle. I hope it will improve soon!
Tuesday was my Power -Plate session. It was good to get the first one under my belt and I felt it on on Wednesday when I was
back in the gym for the horrible cardio workout again. All I could manage for the rest of the week was the required 2 more Power-Plate sessions (Nahid ordered me in for these) I will continue the same pattern until I find I can do more. Until then I won't push myself as don't want to risk being to stiff and sore and not being able to step on the plate, need a good balance.
Steph exercises to a DVD
So this week has been very difficult as I've been crazy busy! But I've tried my best - I've had three great Power-Plate sessions with Naomi. I've managed a couple of cardio sessions, including 45mins of skipping in my kitchen and a tacky celebrity workout DVD (ha!) I started my new day job as a fashion intern this week so there's been lots of running around (literally) on errands etc - every bit helps I suppose. I even managed a little splash in the local swimming pool. Having to report into Nahid every week sure is keeping me on the straight and narrow!
I've been very good eating-wise. I've had no booze at all and have curbed snacking and have cut out carbs after 5pm...still trying to lose the coffee habit though but all in all, I am rather pleased with myself.
Comments
"Just a week following the Good Vibes Bible, I feel lighter on my toes. My running has improved, I don't run out of breath and am sleeping considerably better. Looking forward to see what happens this week."
David
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