However, I'm finally relaxing for the first time in what seems like forever & what better way to spend my Saturday afternoon than sitting in front of the TV with a brew, watching Soccer Saturday whilst writing a belated blog.
Everyone's favourite part of the week has finally arrived, so happy Saturday everyone! I for one am thankful it's the weekend & can't tell you how excited I am for a cosy night in tonight with a bottle of wine & a movie!
This week has been crazy! I head back to Notts on Sunday after having two weeks at BBC - words can't describe how incredible my time there was! Now, I'm back in the swing of things at uni & had a great week back, which could have something to do with it also being my birthday on Wednesday! Yes, I'm officially no longer a teenager...
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| Me & my fab housemates X |
For some reason, this year I seem to have been celebrating my birthday for a while (back when I went to Amsterdam in March is when it all began!) but tomorrow, my celebrations will come to a close with a birthday lunch out in Manchester!
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| Avocado & Poached eggs, mmm! |
I have to say my birthday this year was probably the best I've had, I don't know why but it was just a great day! I had brunch with my house mates, got a new piercing, Pimms on the hour, cocktails, then a night out at my favourite bar in Notts with all my best friends. It was so lovely being reunited with all my house mates from first year as well❤️it's not that often we can all meet at the same time for various reasons so it was lovely seeing them this week especially!
Back to reality now (unfortunately!) but being back home meant one thing (apart from my amazing cloud bed which I've missed after not being in it for a whole four nights!!) but being home is so relaxing, not a care in the world & even better, a trip to the Trafford Centre! Birthday money has definitely been well spent this week! New trainers, new sportswear & of course..FOOD!!
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| 20th bday celebrations X |
We smashed it today! When I arrived at Lauren's I went up to see her gorgeous baby girl Poppy, she literally beams & her little smile definitely kickstarted my day today! So in a good mood & with the sun shining off we went & although we both started flagging a bit towards the end, we beat our personal best and ran 5.5km today! Big well done to the both of us!
As we panted back into the house her husband Rob shouted "Did you run far?" I just thought, "Does it sound like we ran far.." - both of us could barely breathe at this point & looked somewhat like a human tomatoes. But we felt great after motivating ourselves to run further this week & next time will be even better!
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| Post workout. |
After a brilliant start to the day I hit the gym & really challenged myself today! I got a new workout routine sorted last night, determined to get that summer bod ready for my trip to Spain later this month!
One thing I've always been conscious about is what I eat, how I look & my weight. I've learnt over the past few weeks, more predominately, that these aren't always the things you should focus on.
Weight is a funny word. Fat is a perspective & fit is what you feel emotionally not physically. What I want to try & focus on is building strength & stepping away from what the scales (mind the pun!) and what they're telling you because it's a misconception of your progress - if you increase your weights, you're going to build more muscle & muscle weighs more than fat. This is something I've now focused on as opposed to my 'goal weight' but a 'goal look' and feeling happy in myself.
My personal trainer gave me three workouts when I began training with her, as it's important to always mix up what you do otherwise your body gets used to it & won't progress. So today I took all of these & a few other things I've picked up along the way training, and formed my own abs blast workout, focusing on strengthening my core.
A lot of people ask me "What workouts do you do?" "How do I focus on this area?" and "I can't alway be bothered to get to the gym, what do I do?" - the later question is one that I always think! You can't always be 'bothered' to go to the gym & that's okay! I always say the worst part about going is the getting there! SO today's workouts consisted of things you can do anywhere, anytime, with no equipment or gym needed!
April's Abs Blast
- HIIT Mountain climbers - 20 seconds exercise, 10 seconds rest (repeat four times to make 2 minutes)
- Push ups - 12 reps
- Opposite toe touches (reach over as far as possible with your opposite hand to foot to feel it in your obliques) - 20 reps (10 on each side)
- Glute bridges (really squeeze your bum on these - great for bums & tums!) 20 seconds exercise, 10 seconds rest (repeat four times to make 2 minutes)
- V-sits - 30 repts
Repeat circuit 3-4 times. Aim for three sets of this work out - four if you're feeling good..but it doesn't stop there!
- Tricep dips (if you're at home use your sofa, a low table or equivalent - at the gym use the benches or building blocks) - 20 reps
- Step ups (home - use a low table or equivalent, something sturdy! At the gym - use benches or building blocks) - 30 reps. Make sure you really crunch at the top to feel it in your abs. Challenge yourself by adding dumbbells as well (2-5kg weights)
- Side mountain climbers (hold yourself up on your chosen equipment - chair, benches, building blocks) take your knee into your opposite hand rather than the classic mountain climber. 30 reps.
Repeat this circuit 3-4 times.
The next circuit that I did today does involve gym equipment (unless you have your own weights at home!) so try this out next time you make it to the gym!
- Toe touches with 3-5kg weight (increase over time) 30 reps
- Russian twists with medicine ball (I use 6kg - begin with a 4kg ball, work up) 30 reps
- Bicycle crunches - 30 reps
- Roll up Russian twists with medicine ball (lying on your back, hold medicine ball just behind your head, as you bring it over your head towards your knees roll yourself to a seated position then continue as a normal twist, then roll back down) 10 reps.
Repeat this circuit 3-4 times.
There's so many other brilliant workouts to do, but this is a really simple one but feels effective. Don't forget to challenge yourself with the weights as that's where the progress will come from. Let me know how you get on!
After a brilliant workout I felt a burst of optimisim (how cringey I know!!!!) so my Mum & I head over to Blaze Hill Farm to see the baby lambs & calves, there were also little Shetland Ponies! Too cute! Yes, if you're from Cheshire you'll know blaze farm does THE BEST homemade ice cream - how could I say no?! Another thing to remember with getting fit, still reward yourself! It's so important to not restrict yourself to raisins and fruit, have a bloody bar of chocolate an ice cream every so often! It really won't affect you that much!
So, after a whirlwind few weeks, I'm back to reality & back to routine. The gym is definitely my holy grail & I'm thankful that I've had so much support getting where I am today! I couldn't have done it without my PT Tina motivating me.
BBC Breakfast was amazing, my birthday was the best, I have the bestest friends I could wish for & all the right people in my life right now & can't wait to finish my birthday celebrations with great company & a bottle of Rosé tonight, then wined & dined tomorrow!
Wishing you luck with that abs blast if you give it a go! Let me know how you get on, tweet me @aprilalexandra1 or comment below! But until next time, have a fab weekend!
Happy Saturday! X
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