Otago Daily Times Queenstown bureau chief Tracey Roxburgh is quarter of the way through the 12-week Revive programme at Alpine Health and Fitness. In her series of diary entries she documents the highs, lows, aches and pains associated with getting into shape.
DEAR DIARY ...
Saturday, October 6
I shall start this week with a name and shame. There are two perpetrators: "The John Morris" and Daniel "Puppy" Eyles.
My day started with boxing (or at least attempted boxing) and circuit training. We were warned not to try to "smash" the punching bag. I just tried desperately to make it move.
After exhausting workout went to work. Because of late-running jobs missed window for dinner, so settled for kiwifruit and V8 juice.
The two aforementioned perpetrators left abode and returned a short while later with a four-pack of mini cheesecakes.
They both ate one. And then they both ate another one. In. Front.
Of. Me.
Sunday, October 7
Two good things happened today.
The first was when I tried to get out of bed. Stomach muscles hurt in exact place where abdominals should be. While there is no sight of abdominals (trust me, have checked several times), at least now I know there are muscles there.
Also, found a tricep. Can't see it, but by crikey can feel it.
Wanted to have bottle of wine and a mountain of macaroni and cheese to celebrate. Didn't.
Monday, October 8
Haylee very excited today as this week body will start to evict nasty fat cells.
I do not share her excitement as this is also "class challenge" week. Aim: do as many classes in seven days as you physically can.
Am worried may need wheelchair by Wednesday.
As I had no work today, went to gym four (yes, FOUR) times, including session with Haylee.
Did CXWORX class - all about abdominals.
Class only goes for 30 minutes, so thought it would be nice way to ease myself in. Wrong.
Should have realised when one's core strength is non-existent, any core exercises are going to be horrible.
One exercise focused on "hips". If saddlebag region counts as hips then it works.
Next class was Pump. Went for lightest weights possible.
Instructor suggested upping weights for leg exercises.
Responded "No thank you."
All was going well until abdominal exercises. Intense burning sensation coupled with cramping. Wasn't pleasant.
RPM longest 44 minutes of my life. Got through it by dreaming of macaroni and cheese, wine, bubble bath and pyjamas.
Tuesday, October 9
Was scared to sit up this morning. Oddly, most painful part of body is tailbone. And left elbow.
Discovered sore spots during Pump class when during chest exercises had to lie on back.
Excruciating.
Also did RPM Max - that's a full hour of bike sitting. Bottom still sore and bones feel like weights attached to them.
Caught flatmate Rachel Watson eating chocolate - the jelly-popping candy kind - in front of me tonight. She had been sneaking it from side of couch into her mouth hoping I wouldn't notice.
Made me want bottle of wine and macaroni cheese. Had cup of tea instead.
Wednesday, October 10
Pulled stomach muscle last night while rolling over in bed.
This morning told Haylee about unbridled desire for copious amounts of wine and macaroni cheese. She said I COULD HAVE IT! Got SO excited - was like small person on Christmas morning; may have actually clapped hands.
Went straight to RPM (FYI, bike seat composition now concrete) and during class thought about macaroni cheese while water fell from face ... came to uncharacteristic conclusion: didn't want it.
Tried to work out how many RPM classes would take to burn that off - ultimately decided bottom couldn't handle it.
Would still like bottle of wine though.
Thought banished when resorted to buying XL men's top for physical exertion. Honestly, when will clothing manufacturers grasp not every woman wants to exercise in skin-tight tops which hug wobbly bits?
In attempt to contain those bits tried Body Combat for first time.
Tummy got another workout, largely from laughing at myself.
Thursday, October 11
Slept through alarm.
Intended to go to RPM ... Woke at 6am and concluded was physically impossible to get to class within 10 minutes. Went back to sleep instead.
Discovered quickly back and arms quite sore from Ninja practice.
Things got progressively worse - from yelping when opening doors, to failing to be able to remove petrol cap and having much difficulty manoeuvring steering wheel.
Would very much have liked a day off, but must gain points for Blue Team, so back to Pump I went.
Arms disgusted with me.
Struggle to even tie hair back - then tie snapped so pain was for nothing.
Have also discovered MAJOR down side to exercise classes. They are ruining favourite songs.
Pre-Revive challenge thoroughly enjoyed car concerts, now when I hear songs can't help but mentally do squats, push-ups and sit-ups. Is no fun at all.
Friday, October 12
Tomorrow I will be halfway to halfway.
This means in three weeks and one day I have to contend with the scales and measuring tape again. Trying to remain positive, but when I think about those scales heart rate skyrockets.
Thought motivated me to do another RPM class this eve ... my fourth in five days.
You know how people say after a while you learn to love it? Am not there yet.
Further, pain in arms has not lessened.
Is excruciating to move them above shoulder height.
Constantly reminding myself this is actually a very good sign; means muscles are working.
Would be awesome to be able to wash my hair without crying though.
