Why do I train in the evening?

For the most part I train in the evenings.  Not straight after work, but usually after about 7pm.  There are a few reasons for this:

I am and always have been a night owl

The gym isn’t packed

I don’t feel rushed

It keeps me from sitting on the couch thinking about food!

I do train at lunchtime some weekdays, but those sessions are obviously time-short, so mostly I prefer to train in the evening without feeling rushed.  Weekends are more flexible and I work my gym and cardio around my family and other commitments.  Everyone is different, so just do what works for you!  :-) 

This week has included:

A great physio session to get my body feeling balanced again

Some good strong training sessions

Removing carbs from my menu

Getting my routine choreography sorted

Competition day is fast approaching!  I’m feeling really good, but need to make sure I get more cardio in to reduce the old body fat percentage.  I also want more definition in my legs this time so putting some extra energy there.  I have some great support which I’m so thankful for, but this time feels a bit different as I’m really doing it on my own.  I don’t know what I’m up against in my category, and the name (WFF Miss Extreme Body – Physique) is pretty scary in itself, lol!  From what I can tell (and I may be wrong) the majority of ladies enter either Bikini or Figure so I’m not really sure what to expect.  But as long as I step on stage knowing that I’ve given it my all, I’ll be proud.  Have a great week!  :-)

Friday's sunrise

Knees!

This morning was a BIG reminder to take care of my joints, and my knees in particular.  Because I haven’t been running as much lately I have neglected doing the stretches and effective rolling to keep my legs and knees in tip top condition.  With all the stairs on today’s bush trail run, by the end my knees were so sore!  It’s the downhill / downstairs that do it.  So I have my magnesium out on the bench to start taking again, and have re-instilled in my mind the importance of those stretches and rolling.

I actually learned last week that I shouldn’t really be using running as my main cardio leading up to a bodybuilding competition, but I have been finding it really hard not to run.  I love the fitness that I have gained from running and the shear sense of success that I get every time I get out there.  So I will fit some runs in.  I just will make sure that it’s not my main cardio source, and that I’m doing just as much on the cross-trainer and bike.  

Last week I had a work conference which included two dinners out and meals supplied during the day.  I made pretty good choices; apart from a light beer, sparkling water was my drink of choice.  I even managed to resist ALL the lollies that were on the conference tables each day!  

Nine weeks to go and I know it will fly by!  

Live your dreams :-) xx

Part of the bush trail runs along the waters edge - this morning it was lovely to see this

This morning's run - half way

So amped!!!

I have moved from feeling ‘lost’ to being totally back on track over the last two weeks; just had to get my head back in the game… done!  :-D

At my last PT a couple of weeks ago we had a really good biceps and back session which I think kicked things back into gear… I love biceps!  I've also confirmed my category for the competition so that has given me a renewed focus which is awesome.  I even booked my tan! 

Click here for bicep video

I don’t love training my mid-section quite so much, but I have to put a concentrated effort here now (nutrition and training) if I want to feel like I’m making progress away from the Xmas body and toward the competition body, lol.

So the last couple of weeks have been busy getting in the zone, seeing some progress and also trying some new stuff.  I enjoy frequent changes in my training to keep things interesting.  It’s why I love having my fortnightly PT session with Bridget.  I get new training ideas to work on and also get that push that is missing when you train on your own all the time.  All with a smile!

The last couple of days I’ve also started using the #RELPURPOSE / 28 Day Trainer… I’ve done day one and day two and love it!  Dana and Rob have an infectious passion for their fitness lifestyle and it’s hard not to be inspired.  

Oh, and I finally got the DVD from the Boxing & Bodybuilding Bonanza, yay!  Another good visual boost for my training.  Click here to see my routine

We're heading into a long weekend here tomorrow and getting my running gear on is the plan, even though the forecast is for rain.  Enjoy your weekend!  xx