Celebrating a New Fit You

On Friday, I went into body4u in Cleveland for a training session and weigh in. I have to say, it was one of the highlights of this year to date.

Not only had I lost weight, I had gained muscle and was overall in much better shape then when I started 2 months ago.

My metabolic age is now 19 (does this mean I can date men that are 19 and above????), my body fat is 24, my weight 53.9kgs, my muscle mass is 38.8 and my hydration is 52.5. I have increased muscle, decreased fat and overall I am in pretty good shape for a 35 year old woman.

The training has paid off.

I often make new years resolutions and keep them except when it comes to eating well and getting fit.

I can't believe that I have not only kept it, but I am also no the road to a fitter and healthier lifestyle that will take me through 2009.

I couldn't help myself. I wanted to scream it from the ceiling. I am a new me. I am fitter, healthier and my mind is much clearer.

In fact, I am happier. That is the reality. Getting fit has made me a happier person and people are commenting about how relaxed I look compared to last year.

On top of that, I want more. Getting fit is addictive. I felt so proud of myself that I asked Angela about what I could do next. I am ready for the next level. Maybe a triathlon (or maybe I am just getting ahead of myself). I can do. Or at least at that moment I feel like I can do it.

All I need is a bike. Does anyone know what a good brand is for a bike?

It's all up from here and I am so ready for a bit of competition and a bit more pushing of my boundaries.

You never know what is around the corner, but I do know that thanks to body4u, I am on the road to achieving my new years resolutions and good health.

www.body4u.com.au

Feeling on top of the world

It's amazing what a little work out can do for you. I really do feel like I am on top of the world. My body is feeling more toned, my fitness is improving and I can fit into those shorts I bought 2 years ago, but never have worn because they made my thighs look so big.

Ang at the gym is ruthless but she is determined for me to love fitness and being healthy as much as she does. She is a hard act to follow. She runs her own business, has 2 kids and competes in various fitness related competitions (not the body building style that makes me just want to gag). I think she does triathlons and things like that.

She motivates me to do a bit more and although it can be hard to get my mindset in the right place on any given day, she certainly helps me along and pushes me when needed.

It's only 30 minutes - so let's face it - I shouldn't be a big sook. I can't believe that after years of occasionally having personal trainers who demand an hour each time, that I am able to achieve so much in just 30 minutes.

I have been more motivated to do the other things she has recommended that I do in between training times like weight sessions (hell, I like the view) or walks. I have even been motivated to do step ups on my stairs. What has come over me?

I never thought I would say this but I am now looking at my body each day trying to catch a glimpse of any changes. I am sure I imagine some but when I try on clothes, they fit alot better and my confidence has improved dramatically.

My muscles still ache - which is a good thing. To me it means its working (not sure that is right technically).

My drive into Cleveland is peaceful and I no longer think about the embarrassment of going to the gym and being unco-ordinated. Thankfully having a personal trainer fixing every wrong posture is a blessing.

Now off to body4u to get my next fix!

The week after my first fitness session at body4u

What they do for you at body4u is give you a training schedule and some tips on what to eat.

We all have goals for our bodies - realistic or unrealistic - but to achieve them ultimately it is good to have a plan.

Even though body4u won me over when they said that after reviewing body fat, muscle etc, I had a body of someone 10 years younger (exactly what I like to hear), I knew that there were still alot of places to improve and let's face it, I am extremely unfit.

I puff walking up stairs and much prefer to drive to the shops only a block away then walk.

My thighs are of the 'thunder-ish' variety and may be likened to jelly on a good day.

Anyway, back to the training schedule. With my new found determination and pictures all over my bathroom mirror of women that I aspire to look like, I stick to it.

My muscles are sore for the first two days after my initial training session to the point that I a walking like I have a stick up my bottom. Squats, walks, runs, light weights ... is all part of it.

For the first week I feel sore.

I try to eat the right food, but sneak in a packet of Tim Tams (surely no-one will notice) and maybe half a dozen glasses of vino.

After day 8 I hop on the scales and to my amazement I have lost 3 kilos.

On my frame, that is alot. You can notice the difference. Friends start commenting on the fact that I have lost weight.

I feel elated that my hard work and packet of Tim Tams have paid off.

I go back to Angela and she talks me through the changes my body will be making over the next few weeks and months.

I feel comfortable I am on the right track and enjoy the fact that I am back for training session 3. I actually snuck another in a couple of days ago. Feeling sore must mean that it is working, so it is well worth it. Besides that, the view from body4u (outside and in) is amazing. On a beautiful day when their is not a cloud in the sky, its great to work out overlooking the water.

Getting Started With Fitness

I don't know about you, but I have been working 50 to 60 hour weeks for the last 5 years, and by the time I get home each night, I am too tired to do anything let alone go to a gym.

On occasion, usually this time of year, I join a gym. It usually is expensive, I go a couple of times and never go back again.

Late last year, I turned 35 and I know like every woman my age that has let themselves go, I need to do something before its too late.

I have a professional job running my own consultancy firm and I find it hard to commit to anything and for that matter anyone.

When I go somewhere like a gym, I feel embarrassed and quite alone. Its the sort of thing I wished someone would come with me and hold my hand and show me the ropes.

But... the reality is, I can't commit to a particular time and am highly unreliable due to my travel commitments. On top of that, none of my friends that are unfit really want to go. Sure they say they do, but making that first step is always the hardest thing to do.

Someone mentioned to me a personalised gym in Cleveland (close to Redland Bay area in Brisbane) and although it is 20 minutes away from where I live, I decided to give it a go.

I rang them up and a young girl answered the phone. I asked what was the price (always important), what facilities they had and whether there was someone that I can talk to about what I am trying to achieve (a supermodel body with little effort - not too much to ask really!).

She organised an appointment with Angela, the owner, which impressed me. I always like to know who owns what in case I have a problem.

The day I arrived at my first meeting, I was all geared up to get started and was greeted by a group of friendly faces. The gym wasn't too packed and had all people around my age and older in it which made me feel more secure.

I was nervous... although I am not particularly sure why.

Angela came out with a beeming smile (did she know something I didn't) and offered me a drink and took me into a meeting room.

She asked me a series of questions about my health and what I was trying to achieve and was very positive.

Then she put me on the scales, got a tape measure out and started analysing the mechanics of my body.

After telling me that I was in fact not in too bad shape (I could be worse) and that we could achieve what I am looking for with some consistent training, I felt relieved.

Then we talked about food and lifestyle - all normal stuff I suppose, but I found it strangely interesting. I think it is the friendly way in which she communicates these things and how easy it was to understand.

We then went out into the gym and did a session.

What body4u offer is a personalised gym instruction. As part of your membership you get a free training session (one-on-one) each week. At any normal gym, with this included it would be double if not triple the price, but they keep it low because their aim is for people to reach their personal goals.

They are also a reasonably new gym with the latest in equipment, so they are still getting their brand name out there.

After the workout, which was hard, but rewarding, I went into the restrooms. Wow! That's all I can say. They have everything you could ever want in a restroom and the showers actually have room to move and put your stuff up.

I once went to Fitness First in North Sydney and the showers had no place to even put your towel, and let me assure you, I wasn't going out into the general area in the nude. The showers had a door, no hooks and it was so small I felt claustrophobic. The whole gym was extremely tired and there was a few posers (and moaners for that matter).

There is nothing like that at body4u. It really is a personalised, modern gym that is so clean you could eat a meal from the floor (not that I care to try this!).