Happy October! I can't quite believe we're already in the 10th month of 2016, this year is flying by.
The last few weeks have been particularly hectic at work, and my eating habits have definitely deteriorated. Normally I try and take a packed lunch every day, and batch cook on the weekend so I can just reheat leftovers on weeknights. However, this has slipped recently and I've been feeling a bit bloated and sluggish. When you're grabbing a bagel for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch and occasionally even eggs on toast for dinner, the amount of bread catches up with you! Plus all the "treats" which turn into regular occurrences...
Don't get me wrong, I'm more than happy with how my fitness has progressed. I'm back up to running 10k again, and am really pleased with how I got on at the Run Reigate 10k and Women's Running 10k- particularly having cycled 40 miles the day before, something I never would have thought I'd have the stamina for a few years ago!
Still, I can't help wondering what I could achieve, how much healthier and more energetic I might feel if I focused on cleaning up my diet a little. I love my weekly Kettlebells session at MyPT Studio but equally would love to find out what increasing my strength training could do - both in terms of building muscle tone and fat loss. Added to which things like drinking more water during the day, and getting a better nights sleep - little tweaks which can make a big difference.
MyPT Studio 28-day Transformation Programme
MyPT Studio offer a 28-day Transformation Programme which includes 3-4 strength workouts per week and a full nutrition plan. I will be joining the programme this month, to help me hit reset on my eating habits, and to take it up a notch with my training!
I know that some women still worry about lifting heavy weights and think that strength training will lead to getting "bulky" but this couldn't be further from the truth! Increasing muscle mass means burning more calories, so the easier it is to burn fat and keep it off.
Everyone taking part gets a full pack of weekly meal plans, a shopping list, recipe book and daily motivational emails. For me the challenge will definitely be the organisation - I went shopping on Saturday and prepped my food for the first half of the week. I've also scheduled my workouts and booked into the classes- I'm hoping once I get into the swing of things, it will get easier!
At the moment I spend Monday and Tuesday at my boyfriends, and every other weekend too. I love it, but it does mean another thing to consider - not having access to your own kitchen and food supplies, and the desire to go out and have fun, as well as limiting the number of days available to head to a class at MyPT (which is near my own flat). He has promised to give up biscuits and support me during the month though! Ha.
I visited MyPT Studio last weekend to log all my starting numbers, including Body Fat % and Muscle Mass, as well as measurements around waist, hips, etc. We have been advised to take photos every Sunday morning to document our progress, rather than relying on weight/scales. I will be sharing my progress weekly as well as at the end of the month - here's hoping for some positive results!
What are your October goals? Any tips on getting organised with meal planning?
Beki x
NB: I have a complimentary membership at MyPT Studio in exchange for writing about my training. As always, all opinions are my own and I am a big of MyPT Studio!