So it’s one week down! Yes, I’ve now got 77 days to go of my 84 day ‘food and fitness’ challenge. I’m so freakin proud of myself, and my body and can’t believe what I’ve achieved in just one week.
I wanted to challenge my body, give it a nudge and see how it reacted. (read more HERE). Well my trainer Damian gave me more than a nudge and I’m proud to say I did it ALL. Sure he modified push ups for me and went a little lighter on some of the weights but I did it! I completed five classes, at 9:30 every morning I rocked up, gritted my teeth and like NIKE I just did it!
I’m not gonna lie, it’s hard. After Monday’s ‘legs ‘class I was in a world of pain, I walked home with wobbly legs and could have passed for one of the ‘Thunderbird puppets’. I picked up this “Oh my Quad’ tank from Target for just $12…totally fitting considering the legs class I had done the day before. I also learned that a smoothie was not a good weekday breakfast choice, by the end of class I wanted to hurl, I didn’t, but I wasn’t feeling great so it’s toast based breakfast options for me.
Tuesday was ‘chest’ day, a high intensity cross core workout that had me praying I wouldn’t pop a boob! Who am I kidding, all the workouts are high intensity. I also went to my yoga class which was wonderful as always and really helped my fatigued muscles. Speaking of boobs this wire free Action Sports bra from ‘Miss Scarlett Did It’ is getting a super workout of it’s own and I am loving it’s support power. It’s available up to size G. No jiggle here sista.
Wednesday was ‘Tabata’, every morning I rock up to class with no idea of what lies ahead. I didn’t read the class descriptions, I just showed up. Oh man, Tabata is cruel, it’s full on and fast but at the end of the class my chest was puffed out with pride.
Thursday was ‘backs’, this was my big test. After all the surgeries I’ve had including having my lats removed and repositioned on my chest I was worried. Turns out my body totally had this, it blitzed through the class and I gotta say this is one if my favourite classes. Thankyou body you’re doing great!
Friday was kickboxing. My partner had a tricep full of stitches as she’d had a mole removed, melanoma awareness right there….so we were on the big boxing bag together. High intensity and fast paced kicking and lots of it! Man, the burn was bad, the legs were weak by the end of class but I got through. I also skipped with a skipping rope, I’m sure I gave a few people a laugh but to be fair it’s been more than 30 years since I used a skipping rope.
I jogged, jumped, skipped, kicked, lifted, pulled, pushed and more, not an easy feat when you’re over 100kg and had your body carved up eight times in the last three years. You know what? I got this. One week done, I’m sure that by the end of this I’ll be jumping higher, lifting more, puffing less, ohhhh yes, there’s lots of puffing and sucking of air at the moment and beetroot face!
I discovered that Epsom salts and a long bath are totally necessary, and magnesium powder is essential for muscle recovery. I also found that focus, being organised and prioritising yourself are essential.
In class I get in my own little head space and smash out what I need to, I’m focused and when I feel weak I just remember chemo and that first reconstruction surgery. I remember the real pain I was in, the twelve hours on an operating table and awful bone crunching pain from chemo. I’ve been through tough shit, way worse than an exercise class can ever deliver.
Being organised is necessary, if you’re prepared when it comes to food then the eating is a breeze. I’m stocked up with quality ingredients and working my way through the eating program, I gotta say I’m not hungry…yet.
Prioritising myself is important, workouts come before clients, blogging and everything else. It’s a foreign thing to me but it’s what I need to do to make sure I see this out. A few months of pulling back from my everyday life and channeling energy into my health and wellness will pay off long term. I don’t feel bad about it, I won’t apologise for it…it just is!
One week down, I’ll let you know next Monday how the second week goes. I think I’m going to treat myself to some new tights from Shop Elsa, which ones do you think I should get?
Til next time,
Jen x
If you’re local to Adelaide you can check out my gym 4D Fitness HERE
Way to go – this post made me want to come and work out with you every morning!
Feel free to join in Ali 🙂
Well done Jen, you are not only an inspiration to yourself but to all of us xoxo
Good luck with the next days … May it all fall into place for you
Thanks Sharyn, I’m sure it will be a tough one but I’m made of tough stuff x
Jenni, you’re inspiring. I’m 100kgs and hating myself but I find excuses every day not to exercise. I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through. Well done and I look forward to following your progress.
thanks Rhondda, stop finding excuses hun, all you need to do is just start…that’s the hard bit x
Well done Jenni! Loving your website, and can’t believe what a rocky road you’ve been on. I think prioritising ourselves really is the hardest struggle most women face. You go girl!
Hi Kate, thanks for your lovely words ? We really need to say ‘yes’ more to ourselves
What a wonderful inspiration you are Jen. Well done and looking forward to this week and what you achieve. Well done and you breaks looks so darn delious. Well done.?
Thanks Maggie, I’m really enjoying the food ?
Good on you jen! I need to find my food and exercise groove again! Seeing you killing it has inspired me! Keep it up! X
Yay, hope you find your groove soon x
Wow you’re so amazing Jenni! I’m just over a 100kg too and I find working out hard because it puts so much pressure on my ankles and feet. I’m trying a stationary bike at the moment to help and also keep my body moving. You’re a real inspiration to me x
oh and I love the bottom left pair of tights, I love colour!
I thought I’d find it hard, I’ve got crap knees and so much scar tissue but I just find my zone and do it…it only lasts as long as the class and I’m only competing with myself. Keep up the bike riding X
Well done Jen Xx
Thanks Lisa x
keep it up jen!
good on you hun!
looking good! and the food looks ok too!
love m:)X
Thanks Merilyn, the food is yum ?
Good job Jenni, I’m feeling mighty inspired x
Yay beck ?
You’re smashing it! High five lady! And for the record, I love the purple tights the best! x
Thanks Sammie, it’s tough but I’ve been through tougher 🙂
That is awesome Jen. Keep smashing it and I totally think you deserve to spoil yourself. I like top left the best! Xx
Thanks Shannon, I think you’ll find them in my drawers soon 🙂