TOUGH MUDDER CHALLENGE

Tough Mudder is only a week away, I can't believe how fast it's come around. After months of dedicated training, ok maybe not "dedicated training", perhaps I should of pushed myself further but hey ho you live and you learn!

Let me introduce the team, myself, Charlotte, Jess, Ben and Holly, together we are taking on the Tough Mudder Challenge. For any of you who haven't heard of Tough Mudder, it's a 12 mile obstacle course, yes 12 MILES. Yikes! I wish I had trained harder ... This will be a huge challenge we will be crawling under electric wires, climbing up the steepest hills, swinging across monkey ropes and other surprise obstacles. It will be incredibly difficult, we will be wet, cold and muddy. After all the blood sweat and tears, it will be an achievement that we can be proud to have done.

This will be a difficult challenge but we are doing it for an amazing cause. Cancer Research is always trying to find new ways to manage and treat all types of this disease. The sad truth is we all know someone or a friend of a friend who is or has been affected by Cancer. Help support this cause by sponsoring us, it doesn't have to be a lot, anything you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Wish us luck! Don't forget to donate to our Just Giving Page.

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

MAY GOALS

May is a beautiful time of year, flowers are in bloom and we occasionally see a sunny day. I say occasionally because yano, the unpredictable English weather. Last week we experienced rain, sunshine and snow all in one day but that was April so here's hoping this month we have more sunshine...

So much has happened already this year, I feel like I've achieved so much in Pole Dancing, Acting class and progressed in my role at work and we're only 5 months into the year! Over the next month I want to focus on the following 3 goals.

1. Train hard

Fitness and eating well is always on my priority list because it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Although from time to time I do indulge a little too much on sweet treats, this month I can't really afford any "slip ups" and overindulge or miss a training day considering I've got Tough Mudder in less than 3 weeks. If you haven't heard of Tough Mudder it's a 12 mile Army Obstacle course, I'll be crawling through mud, swimming in cold water and climbing up the steepest hills. With this in mind I need to be in tip-top shape to finish this course without being dragged across the finish line. For the next 3 weeks I am determined to maintain a highly motivated state of mind. I CAN DO THIS!

2. Acting

I've been attending an acting class for a few months now. At first, I was nervous because I'm not the most confident person but the atmosphere is so relaxed in my class and you get the opportunity to come out of your shell. Acting is essentially reacting, this is easier said than done though. If all else fails act like a child, kids make the best actors because they don't overthink they just enjoy themselves, I'm trying to adapt this style in my classes but it takes time.

For the last few weeks we've been studying Shakespeare and was given a monologue to learn. I'm due to perform my monologue next week, yikes! I am not prepared at all, it's time to put some serious time aside and rehearse, rehearse, REHEARSE!

3. Pole Dancing

Pole is one of my biggest passions, I truly am at my happiest when I know I've got a pole lesson. The last few months I've been working on strength training, really pushing myself to learn new moves. This month I'm aiming to perfect the many moves I already know, my technique is a little sloppy at times so my goal is to look graceful when filming the moves. Practice makes perfect, so I'll continue to improve every week!

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

8 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU START POLE DANCING

Pole dancing does wonders for your body from the inside out. I've gain significant strength and confidence through pole dancing. This said, there are a few things you should know before you start.

1. Pole dancing isn't just for strippers

Yes, pole dancing does originate from strip clubs, it's much more than that now. Thousands of women (and some men) have realised the amazing benefits that pole dancing provides. When I tell people I pole dance for fitness I get the odd comment like "you've got your backup career sorted", sometimes people don't believe it can be a sport. Although I've heard people are pushing for it to be an Olympic sport, I can't wait for that!

2. It can be very dangerous without the correct training and supervision

If you haven't attempted a move before it can be extremely dangerous to try it without the correct training. If you want to try something new, ask your instructor and give it a go while someone spots you. You may have to build up more strength or flexibility through other moves or stretches before attempting some new moves. 

3. Your skin is the best thing to use as grip

The more advanced your skills get the less clothing you'll need. As you progress into the harder moves it helps to have your skin out so you can grip and hold poses for longer! 

4. Be prepared for the bruises

Oh, the bruises! This sport has many advantages but the bruises is not one of them. After my lesson today I've come out with 5 new bruises from attempting new moves or simply trying to perfect already familiar ones, but I love the sport so for me it's worth it!

5. "Not having any upper body strength" is not an excuse not to give it ago

When I first started I could barely hold myself off the ground, now I'm able to hold my bodyweight in so many different poses. It's all about building that strength as you go along, each week you will realise the progress and feel motivated to carry on!

6. We support each other

The class I attend is so supportive, when you mastered something new everyone is very excited as we encourage each other to move to the next level.

7. It gives a sense of achievement

The best feeling in the world is when you've mastered a move you've been working towards for weeks. If it's a particularly difficult move, when you've managed it you feel so good and want to share it with the world.

8. It's much harder than it looks

I've been doing pole for over 3 years, the biggest thing I've learnt is pole moves are a lot harder than they look. My tutor does everything with ease and grace, although my approach is less graceful. Sometimes it's hard to see the strength that goes into a move, for example climbing the pole is harder than bicep curls.

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

6 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD TRY POLE DANCING

Left: Ballerina Pose // Right: Bow and Arrow Pose

Working out can sometimes feel like a chore. I seem to have a short attention span so if I'm not learning and seeing results I quickly loose motivation. That's why back in 2011 I decided to try pole dancing, at first I didn't know what to expect. After all pole dancing does originate from strip clubs, although it's far from the truth! Many people, like me, use pole dancing as a way to keep fit while learning something new in the process. 

It's an amazing way to stay fit, although everything comes at a price and I'm not talking about the cost. You will be battered and bruised, that's the truth! I didn't want to mislead you. Besides that, there are so many reasons why you should get involved and give pole fitness a try.

1. Teaches the power of bodyweight workouts

Subject to popular belief you don't need to lift weights to gain muscle, lifting your own body weight can go along way. Pole dancing is a great example of this, using your strength to lift, spin and hold pole poses. Simple moves such as climbing the pole is tougher than biceps curls!

2. It's a great workout!
Hate doing burpees, bicep curls and push ups? Well you'll be happy to know pole dancing combines 4 types of workouts. A beginner can burn anything from 290-400 calories per hour, advanced dancers can burn around 700!

3. You become more flexible 

Flexibility is something I've always struggled with, doing pole has helped me become more limber. As you become more flexible you have fewer problems with back pain and muscle soreness, you will also minimise the risk of sprains and be able to move more freely.

4. It builds your self confidence

After you've mastered the basics and strengthen your muscles, you quickly begin to see amazing progress. Your confidence grows as your abilities do, pole dancing has also helped me see my body in a positive way.

5. Great way to meet people

It's great to have friends with things in common, right? Well if your friends aren't that into pole fitness, give it ago alone. I met so many lovely ladies at pole, they are all so encouraging. Sometimes you need that encouragement within a sport to stay motivated and these ladies do it so well.

6. You learn a new skill

Pole dancing helps develop strength, builds stamina and makes you feel feminine. As you progress and improve your skills, you'll become motivated to continue working hard to maintain the level you've reached.

Have I convinced you to give it ago?

If you live around the Nottingham area, try Venus Pole Dancing. It's an amazing environment filled with incredible people all pushing to develop their skills!

Sincerely, Kimberly.

xxx

HOW TO START LEADING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

I'm a huge believer in leading a healthy lifestyle, although sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start. There are so many gimmicks and products on the market theses days that say they are "healthy" for you. Although most of the time this isn't true. I'm not going to lie, I've tried a few of these "gimmicks" and no they didn't work for me. After I realised all these products didn't and wouldn't work long term I started leading what is a HEALTHY LIFESTYLE and this is how I did it..

1: Get motivated

Trying to start a different lifestyle can be difficult especially if its the opposite to what you're used to doing. When I first started, in order to get motivated I made a inspiration board which consisted of a body I wanted to achieve, helpful and motivational quotes and finally healthy meals.

2: Eat right

Clean eating is so important to a healthy lifestyle, people make the mistakes of eating things that are labeled as "healthy" but if you looked closely at the ingredients there not. The best way to avoid this is by not buying pre-packaged products and above all else don't eat anything processed. These products are packed full of hidden sugars, fats and preservatives.

My rule is only eat things with 1 ingredient, now I don't mean you have to just have a tomato for dinner rather create each meal yourself. This meaning not even using jar sauces, again these come under pre-packed processed foods.

All that said, don't be hard on yourself if you have a bad meal or day. We're only human after all, I sometimes eat a bar of chocolate or a piece of cake but try to stay healthy 80% of the time. 

3: Fitness

Now I don't know about you but I love fitness, I feel like I've got much more energy and feel better in myself for keeping fit. I used to have a gym membership but I would waste an hour walking around deciding what machines I wanted to go on. To resolve this issue I decided to purchase Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guides and I'm currently in week 4. This guide essentially tells you exactly what to do and when which gave me the structure in my life. These are a great investment in my opinion but not for everyone.

4: Keep a routine

Starting a new routine can sometimes be hard to begin but you've got to start somewhere and then maintain the routine. Set yourself up with a plan for the week with time to exercise. Since I use Kayla Itsines guides I have circuit training 3 days a week and also run 3 days a week. Try not to go more than 2 days without exercising, this increases the chance of you breaking your new routine!

5: Make a record

Before you begin this new lifestyle take photos of yourself in minimal clothing for example a bikini. It's good to see how far you've come from the starting line and it gives you a motivation boost when you feel like grabbing that slice of cake. Again keep this up, re-take photos every four weeks so you can track your progress and see the difference small changes really do make.

Whether you're choosing to change your lifestyle for weightloss or to be healthy its an amazing decision and I wish you luck :)

Sincerely, Kimberly 

xxx

FITNESS FASHION

UNDER ARMOUR Eclipse Bra £25 // ADIDAS 2-in-1 Workout Shorts £22 // NIKE Pro Training Tights £90 // // UNDER ARMOUR HeatGear Mesh Tank £28 // MIZUNO Wave Inspire Support Trainers 

One of my favourite things is getting new gym clothes! Since I exercise 6 days per week I think I deserve decent clothing to accommodate this. Although new purchases don't need to be justified other than "I saw it, wanted it and got it" Simple logic for me really. 

Anyways, I've been looking at new pieces I want to add to my collection and created the outfit choices above. The Nike leggings are amazing, I love colours and these will be great when it starts to cool down here. I chose the grey top with pink mesh detail as it matches the pink in the leggings. Just because it's gym wear doesn't mean I can't colour coordinate aye?

Sports bra's are so important, I've had the wrong size before and it was so uncomfortable and ruined my workout as I was always trying to sort the issue out. I've found with Under Armour I don't have any issues and can wear one all day! 

The shorts are perfect for running and weight training as they have a fitted short underneath, so I don't have to worry about showing too much. They are also made from moisture wicking material that draws the sweat away from the skin, just an added bonus!

Finally the trainers, now I already have a pair of Mizuno support trainers and I love them! They are so comfortable and easy to wear, so I would have no hesitation in adding another pair to my wardrobe :)

Sincerely Kimberly 

xxx

TIPS FOR TACKLING THE SUPERMARKET

Before you even think about entering a supermarket, you need a shopping list. Don't go in unarmed, you may regret it! ;)

Since I'm currently doing farm work and living a 20-minute drive away from the supermarket in Margaret River, I'm trying to be prepared as possible. I don't want to go back because I forgot 1 main item like sweet potatoes. Here's a few tips to help you tackle the supermarket.

MAKE A LIST:

As the week goes on I make a list on my phone when I think of something. Although before I buy everything I look at the list once again and make sure all the items will go towards making a meal or snack. I don’t want to be buying items I won’t end up using, especially fresh foods, as I can’t save it for the next week. Farm work is an ideal time for me to save money so I don’t want to be wasting it on items I’m not eating aye!

PLAN:

I plan out my meals for the week and consider any snacks I will need. To save myself money I tend to have the same meal for 3 days in a row as I make it in bulk. Doing this means I have to ensure that I’ve got all the main food groups included. For example this week I made chicken & veg in a homemade sauce and sweet potato.

REMEMBER TO EAT:

One thing I always have to remember to do is EAT before going grocery shopping! The worse thing you can do is go into a supermarket hungry, this makes everything seem like a good idea and you can come out with 3 chocolate bars and 4 bags of crisps. If you’re in a rush pick up something easy to carry and eat like an apple or some rice crackers to avoid making unwanted and unneeded purchases your waistline will later regret!

CONSIDER THE AISLES YOU NEED:

Another tip that prevents me from buying the unhealthy choices is only going to the aisles I need. Everything is signposted at the top so no more using that excuse “I didn’t know which aisle the fruit was down” as my mother has said on several occasions. If you go up and down every aisle you’re only teasing yourself of all the wrong foods and this could end up yet again with you walking out the shop with 5 chocolate bars etc. Save yourself the pressure and avoid these aisles!

KEEP YOURSELF MOTIVATED:

I believe for a healthy lifestyle, inspiration is key! I keep inspirational images everywhere I can, on my bedroom wall, on the fridge and even on my phone for on the go inspiration when I need it. So, if I somehow end up down the chocolate aisle I look my ideal body I’m working towards on my phone and step away from the chocolate.

Stay motivated and don’t give into temptations. You can do this!

I hope this has helped you with your supermarket struggles :)

Sincerely Kimberly 

xxx
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LULULEMON ATHLETICA

If you're lucky tank: $69 // If you're lucky crop $109 // If you're lucky long sleeve tee $95 // If you're lucky bra $59 // Yoga party pants $129

I discovered Lululemon when I was travelling in New Zealand. I met some Canadian girls who introduced me to the brand. I instantly loved the look and feel of the brand and even made a cheeky little purchase! 

So when I find a brand I like, I browse whenever I can. I love browsing the website because I can do it from the comfort of my own home, well my friends sofa since I'm currently living with her! Sometimes I like to get over my vampirism and venture outside to explore the products in person, to try them on and get a feel for the fabrics. Luckily I'm still living in beautiful Australia and Sydney has a big store!

If you're lucky tank: Let's start with the tank, I love the style with mesh cutouts and the basic straight cut but the top is very low on the bust so a vest is needed underneath. 

If you're lucky crop: The amazing patterned crops fitted beautifully as they were made from the Luxtreme (TM to Lululemon), a breathable and durable material which provides great support. Definitely on my wishlist :)

If you're lucky long sleeve: Loved the style, concept and fit of the white long sleeve tee but I didn't love the swim material used so I had to veto this one. 

If you're lucky bra: Right so let's talk about the sports bra, I couldn't believe how poorly this product fitted. It squished my bust and looked extremely unflattering. When I spoke to the sales assistant she said they have had similar feedback from other customers. Hopefully they will be sorting this issue out before next season!

Yoga party pants: These trousers fit really well just skimming the body. I can wear them casually and smartly, perfect multi-functional piece to have my my wardrobe. 

If you've never explored the brand, take a look on there website :)

Sincerely Kimberly 

xxx
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FITNESS FOR THE EVERYDAY TRAVELLER

Not only have I been neglecting my fitness over the past few weeks, I've also neglected my little space on the blogosphere. Time to get my act together aye!

Travelling myself I know how difficult it is to keep up with the usual fitness routine. Although it's very simple, stop THINKING and start DOING. Easy right?

Here's a few steps that help me get back into my fitness routine after a break.

STAYING ACTIVE:

1: Get your gym clothes out when you arrive at a new city and place them in plain sight. Doing this motivates me to get up and go out!

2: Have a fitness plan
When I first start exercising again I have targets in mind. For example, 15 minute run / 50 sit-ups, crunches, leg raises and squats. I find if I have clear targets it is easier for me to concentrate and get things done!

3: Know your limits
Just because you used to do 50 pull-ups each day 2 months ago doesn't mean you can do them now. Pace yourself and build your exercises up again by adding more reps each time.

4: Be consistent
Try to keep up with a daily fitness routine. This will keep you motivated and less likely stop exercising again.

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EATING RIGHT:

Yes the new foods can be very enticing and it's ok to try them but in moderation. On the other hand ... Do you really need to have another McDonald's because you can't be bothered to cook?

1: Make healthy eating a  priority
Yes your friends might be having a greasy burger but if you're serious about staying fit choose a healthier option. Obviously everyone's needs will be different, whether you want to loose weight or build muscle. Make sure you understand what you want and cater your diet around this. For example I wanted to loose weight again so I made sure I had a lot of fruit and veg with protein. I personally avoid the "backpackers" eating habits such as rice and pasta because I'm not a fan. Although if you are try wholemeal.

I understand healthy eating is expensive on a backpackers budget but just increasing your food allowance a tiny bit can make a huge impact on your fitness. After all $10 is just 2 beers!

2: Plan ahead
Travelling on trips such as the kiwi experience, you're on a bus every other day from morning till late afternoon. Instead of having a pie at the rest stop why not prepare some snacks or lunch for the bus in the morning or night before. This way you will stay on track and avoid spending extra money too!

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KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PROGRESS:

I keep notes in my phone with exercises and reps completed, I also use a running app called "Runkeeper" this tracks how far and fast I run! This motivates me to push myself further the next day to improve my results!

If you're unsure about what you eat, keep a food diary for a few weeks and look at what and when you eat. This will highlight any bad eating habits so you can change them!

Now that doesn't sound too difficult does it?

I hope this helps guys, happy healthy travels :)

Sincerely Kimberly 

xxx
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