Last year I had 2 beautiful suits tailored just for me. I feel like a million dollars when I am wearing them and they (used to) fit me like a glove. Starting in Spring of this year, I noticed that they felt a little tight around the middle, but put it down to the winter layer of fat reserves that would naturally fall off with the arrival of warmer weather. 🙂
However, once I returned from our summer trip back home to the UK (and Germany), I could not even pull the zip up on both suits. Now, 1 suit I could convince myself that the dry cleaner had shrunk, but BOTH suits…… One solution would have been to take the suits back and had them altered to fit me now but I immediately dismissed that as NOT an option!
It was time for drastic action! I love my food and I love a glass or 2 of fizz/wine so I obviously needed to introduce something else into the mix. My friend Earoel had been talking about joining the Gym across the road from our office as she wanted to get fitter. She was looking for some additional motivation and had been trying to convince me to go with her. 3 weeks ago, we decide to check it out and give it a try. Thanks to her great negotiating skills, we got a 3 month membership at a good price and so started the regime.
In looking at the rest of my life and priorities, I decided that I would have to squeeze the work outs into my day very early in the morning. This works on multiple levels because Owen is primarily in charge of the kids in the morning (getting them up, fed, dressed ready for school and off to the school bus). If I could get an hour in at the Gym before work, then I would not have to cut any more precious family time out or compromise my work calendar and commitments.
3 weeks on and it is working!! It is such a struggle to get out of bed so early on the mornings that I exercise, but once I am there I feel great. Also, I feel better during the whole day: my mind is clearer and I have more energy. I am mixing cardio with weights and set myself goals to improve just a little bit from the previous day. In just 3 short weeks, I can see a little more definition on my arms and although I still cannot get my suits on, I know that I will be able to by Christmas.
I am writing about this because I believe that if I make this a public commitment, then I will have additional motivation to keep going. I am determined to have toned arms, belly and legs by Christmas. 8 more weeks of regular exercise and I should be there. I even took my exercise stuff on holiday to Thailand and used it!!!!
The Gym we go to is brand new and as they are still building their membership, it is always empty (especially so early in the morning!) They have the latest and greatest equipment, wonderful locker rooms/shower facilities and it is spacious, clean and modern. I am actually enjoying the exercise and I like that Earoel and I support one another and push each other to meet on our exercise days.
osiochina 