Lessons from 2021 and straight into the F45 Challenge 35 in 2022…
I ending 2021 feeling very differently about my fitness journey than I started. The year started with lockdown misery but eventually I got back into the swing of things. My nutrition, however, got way out of control. As soon as the summer came and “normal life” (I use that phrase loosely!) was available to us,Continue reading “Lessons from 2021 and straight into the F45 Challenge 35 in 2022…”
Another attempt to change my approach to food and nutrition…
As ever, I write this post more for myself than anyone else. I haven’t written in quite some time. It’s because I’ve been suppressing how I’ve been feeling recently about my fitness journey – absolute failure. Now, it ISN’T an absolute failure because the workouts are going strong and I can see significant progress inContinue reading “Another attempt to change my approach to food and nutrition…”
Quitting vaping: an update!
Earlier this week, I decided to give up vaping. I’ve done a weaning process – I had half a bottle of vape liquid left and that has just run out. Bear in mind, I would normally go through half a bottle in a day. I’ve spread that half out over the past three days. I’veContinue reading “Quitting vaping: an update!”
Quitting vaping
I’ve been on the F45 Challenge 32 which started two weeks ago. I won’t lie – the training has been on point but the nutrition has been way off, mostly because of the drinking. I’m not going to beat myself up about that because it’s been a brilliantly social two weeks after a pretty shittyContinue reading “Quitting vaping”
Move more, eat less… EAT LESS, EAT LESS.
Sorry for all the caps but it’s what I’m really telling myself at the moment. Earlier this month, I wrote about my focus on nutrition. I can report I have definitely been more focused. I’ve been preparing meals in advance more, relying on takeout less and I’ve also been mindful of how much alcohol I’mContinue reading “Move more, eat less… EAT LESS, EAT LESS.”
Back to the gym… now back to good habits!
It’s amazing that in April 2020, we were all trying to come to terms with a lockdown. Little did we know it would be the first of three. I was genuinely worried about what impact it would have on my fitness journey, especially after the progress I’d made in the first F45 Challenge I’d takeContinue reading “Back to the gym… now back to good habits!”
What’s the point of this blog?!
I’ve been meaning to write but every time I’ve tried, I’ve just felt a massive sense of failure and so avoided writing anything. At the end of 2020, I started a daily challenge while in (yet another) lockdown – 25 burpees, 25 press-ups, 25 squats (and then adding in 25 crunches after a while). ItContinue reading “What’s the point of this blog?!”
The Lockdown 3.0 Challenge
As if it’s already mid-February! I haven’t had the time (or headspace) to write a post. It might be another lockdown living situation but the news cycle has kept me very, very busy! Towards the end of December, when Birmingham went into Tier 4, a colleague of mine based down South, who was also inContinue reading “The Lockdown 3.0 Challenge”
Finishing 2020 with gratitude… roll on 2021!
I wrote most of this post while sat (dying!) in the changing room after a good cardio HIIT session on Monday. It struck me that I officially started my fitness journey social media accountability three years ago. In the image above, the left is my first post on Instagram, in which I weigh 2.5 stoneContinue reading “Finishing 2020 with gratitude… roll on 2021!”
Some key learnings about nutrition from 2020 that I’ll be taking into 2021
A key part of my fitness journey is changing my nutrition. I love food. However, there is no point me really pushing myself physically with workouts and challenges if I don’t get on top of the nutrition. I know I’ve said this before and deep down it’s something I know but it’s amazing how writingContinue reading “Some key learnings about nutrition from 2020 that I’ll be taking into 2021”
Grief, bereavement and trying to get back on track
For the past two weeks, my routine has been completely off – for good reason. Sadly, my grandad died and so I’ve been back home with my parents (my bubble, in case you’re wondering!) Getting that call from my parents two weeks ago was just horrendous. Unfortunately, I’ve been mentally preparing for it for someContinue reading “Grief, bereavement and trying to get back on track”
Lockdown 2.0 & how I’m going to keep my fitness focus
Another lockdown. Whether you wanted it or not, it’s here. Admittedly, it’s not as tight as it was back in March but it’s been interesting to see the campaign to keep gyms open. Check out this bold (ahem!) display by Grenade earlier today. At time of this post’s publication, there’s no update to that andContinue reading “Lockdown 2.0 & how I’m going to keep my fitness focus”
When you’re so big, you can’t fit in a rollercoaster seat…
As the picture indicates, I did fit but let me give you the background. Yesterday, I went to Alton Towers for the first time in years, for their annual Scarefest. There were obvious Covid19 reminders everywhere – mandatory masks on rides and indoor spaces, hand sanitiser, social distancing etc but for the first time inContinue reading “When you’re so big, you can’t fit in a rollercoaster seat…”
“Fat boy. Jadio. Michelin Man. Sherman” – reflections on World Mental Health Day 2020
This World Mental Health Day, I’ve decided to write about how my mental health has been affected over the years by the issues relating to my weight, nutrition and, most significantly, how I’ve been treated by people. I’ve eluded to this connection in previous posts but I’m going to be very clear about it inContinue reading ““Fat boy. Jadio. Michelin Man. Sherman” – reflections on World Mental Health Day 2020″
Continuing to surprise myself…
Firstly, the picture is me on 3rd October 2010 v 3rd October 2020. It’s an important reminder for me about how far I’ve come. But I’ve definitely got ways to go! I’ve completed the F45 Challenge 28. I’ve got to say this challenge was far tougher than the one I did earlier this year. IContinue reading “Continuing to surprise myself…”
XXXL to XL: Shopping for clothes when you’re a big boy!
Today, I went into a sports store and bought clothes I wanted, without even having to try them on. I picked them off the rail and paid for them. All good. Sounds pretty simple, right? Well, for at least 15 years, that wasn’t the case. I couldn’t just walk into a clothes store and buyContinue reading “XXXL to XL: Shopping for clothes when you’re a big boy!”
F45 Challenge 28
Here we go! My second attempt at the F45 Challenge. This time, it’s only 45 days rather than eight weeks (although, technically, the last one was only seven because of the lockdown). Since the gym reopened at the end of last month, I’ve really got back into the rhythm of it. I’ve found a goodContinue reading “F45 Challenge 28”
Lockdown weight gain and the latest fitness challenge helping me get back on track
I hope you weren’t eating when you came across this post. It’s not the best picture. I share it, though, because for as long as I can remember, I’ve been embarrassed by my body. I no longer am because I know how much hard work has gone into getting to this point. This photo wasContinue reading “Lockdown weight gain and the latest fitness challenge helping me get back on track”
A good week!
A quick update following my last post – it’s safe to say I’m getting back on it! I’ve stuck to my recommended calorie intake every day this week, only had sugary snacks three times (an ice cream in hot weather, a packet of Rowntrees Randoms and a big bag of Giant Buttons). I also massivelyContinue reading “A good week!”
Back to the gym, backing away from sugar…
In my last post, I wrote about the latest slump I’d hit in my fitness journey. Since then, I’m happy to report I’m getting back on track! View this post on Instagram Not a good week so far! Today was only my second #workout of the week (good to have you back @everydecisioncounts) but it’sContinue reading “Back to the gym, backing away from sugar…”
Willpower and the Week Ahead…
“Our bodies are our gardens to which our wills are gardeners”. You got that right, Shakespeare! When it comes to food, I’ve always struggled with willpower. Four chapattis instead of two. Five Cadbury’s Mini Rolls instead of one. A whole big bag of Haribos rather than just a handful. A whole packet of biscuits. Don’tContinue reading “Willpower and the Week Ahead…”
Falling off the wagon…
It’s been a while. In fact, it’s almost exactly a month since my last post. I’m sorry about the picture. It was the best one I could find, in a bit of a hurry. (It’s late and I want to sleep but I also really wanted to post this before I go to bed!) WhatContinue reading “Falling off the wagon…”
The power of Spin…
It’s been almost 10 years since I discovered the power of spin. Whenever I’d heard about spin classes, it was usually followed by: They’re so hard! You’ve got to be super fit to do them. I’ve heard people pass out because of how intense they are. I’d say it’s only been the last three orContinue reading “The power of Spin…”
It’s good to reflect…
I cringe when I see what I used to look like. The image on the left shows just how much fat (and so, how little muscle) I had back in May 2013. You’ve got to love Facebook’s On This Day feature! The image on the right was taken earlier this month. I don’t share theseContinue reading “It’s good to reflect…”
Food: A Constant Battle
I’ve written previously about my ups and downs when it comes to food. I’ve got a much better approach to food and nutrition overall now but I still have bad days. I’m writing this because I had two bad days this week. I went way over my recommenced calorie intake and macros on Tuesday andContinue reading “Food: A Constant Battle”
Changing My Mind: How I Overcame Childhood Fears Around Exercise and Fitness (Part Two)
If you’ve read Part One of this article, you’ll have an understanding of how I started to embrace exercise and fitness from 2002 but never fully grasped my body’s potential. In 2017, that really started to change. 2017-2019 At the start of 2017, I moved to Jersey for work. This was a tipping point forContinue reading “Changing My Mind: How I Overcame Childhood Fears Around Exercise and Fitness (Part Two)”
Changing My Mind: How I Overcame Childhood Fears Around Exercise and Fitness (Part One)
When you’re first starting out exercising, it can be quite a daunting prospect. As a child/teen, I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I was going to be a fat guy for the rest of my life. It was quite stressful and a constant source of anxiety. But something changed in 2002.Continue reading “Changing My Mind: How I Overcame Childhood Fears Around Exercise and Fitness (Part One)”
Oh… Sh-ugar!
I’ve said before that this blog will feature both my highs and the lows. Yesterday, there was a HUGE bump in the road. I managed to eat four 80g bags of Mini Eggs in four hours. FOUR BAGS. FOUR HOURS. Nutritionally, this is how that breaks down: Mini Eggs (320g) Total Recommended Daily Intake (Source:Continue reading “Oh… Sh-ugar!”
Life in lockdown: a lack of discipline and willpower – and how I’m bringing it back
My last workout in a gym was over seven weeks ago. Granted, there is much more going on in the UK and the world than worrying about not having the gym in my life and I don’t, for a second, take away from that. This post is about how the gym has become a sanctuaryContinue reading “Life in lockdown: a lack of discipline and willpower – and how I’m bringing it back”
F45 Challenge
This February, I took part in the F45 Challenge, an eight-week challenge focusing on HIIT and resistance training as well as following a specific nutrition plan, with a daily calorie and macro intake to meet. I’ve previously written about the challenges of food when you’re a foodie. Well, the Challenge was the first time everContinue reading “F45 Challenge”
Food, glorious food!
Watch what you eat. Seems straightforward enough. Watch. What. You. Eat. Easy, right? Well, it certainly hasn’t been for me. I’m a total foodie. When I’d go to my favourite Latin American , I’d order a starter, a main, two sides and, of course, happy hour cocktails. I wasn’t even THAT hungry but hey, I’mContinue reading “Food, glorious food!”
2017: The Journey Begins
May 2017 v May 2020. I don’t know how much of a difference you can see. I sometimes struggle to see it. But when the picture on the left popped up on my Facebook Memories this morning, my first thought looking at that picture was “Wow, look how far I’ve come.” Don’t get me wrongContinue reading “2017: The Journey Begins”
Hello!
Hello and welcome to my blog! I’ve been thinking about doing this for some time now. And for a variety of reasons. I’m now in my mid-thirties and there’s a part of me that’s embarrassed that it’s taken me so long to take control of my health. I’ve always been a big guy, struggling withContinue reading “Hello!”
NJ Fitness Journey 