You may recall a couple of months ago I embarked upon the newly launched Sexy in the City bootcamp, a city based women-only bootcamp designed to blitz fat fast. I went out it hammer and tongs, despite the 8am starts, and was fully determined to persevere and see the results.
That was until halfway through my 4 week bootcamp when I was struck down with bronchitis, and unfortunately had to give up the ghost. Annoying though it was to have to quit, I am determined to take part in another at some point this year and complete it all!
Don't be fooled into thinking it's easy work; despite it only being a 30 minute session the squats, lunges, weights, stretches, sit ups and circuits are designed to relentlessly work your muscles to the point of fatigue. In the two weeks (four sessions) I managed however I already felt it getting slightly easier by the end of it, I had lost a couple of pounds (also down to the recommended healthy eating plan) and I definitely felt more toned and firm - had I managed to full 4 weeks I'm sure I would have seen a significant change in my weight and shape.
Sexy in the City's trainers, Tim and Phil, have put together a few top tips to help if you are about to embark on the ubiquitous New Year weight loss...
1. Start with the end in mind Think of a final goal, make it specific, measureable, and set a time frame. “I want to lose one dress size in six weeks and three dress sizes in six months.” Writing these aims down, and asking someone close to countersign them will reinforce social accountability and make it more likely you will get there.
2. Keep track If your aim is to change body composition before and after photos make a great motivational tool. Retake every two to four weeks to see the extra pounds drop off before your eyes. You could also try buying jeans in the size you want to be. Once you fit into your dream size jeans the sense of achievement will be huge.
3. Envisage any likely stumbling blocks now Think now, is there anything you can think of which may crop up and hinder your progression. Maybe you have tried to get fit, lose weight or tone up before, and been unsuccessful? What in particular stopped you? Make a plan of action to help overcome possible challenges now. Can’t get to the gym? Plan a home workout. Hungry between meals at work? Keep some nuts in your draw to stop you snacking on chocolate from the vending machine.
4. Nutrition Eat real food. Stick to meat, fish, nuts, eggs, fruit and veggies. This eliminates all the sugar and refined carbohydrates, processed foods and bad fats such as refined vegetable oils from your diet. A ‘real food’ diet which is higher in proteins and fats will control blood sugar levels meaning you will feel fuller for longer and suffer less hunger pangs, leading to less overeating.
5. Lift weights Training with weights should make up a large portion of your weekly exercise routine. It will boost your RMR (resting metabolic rate) and has many positive effects on numerous vital hormonal systems, both of which help fat loss. It makes the body more injury proof, improves bone density, and moreover, research has shown that muscle and strength levels have more correlation with extended lifespan than any other fitness marker including cardio fitness.
If you're the kind of person who finds it difficult to motivate yourself to go to the gym alone, this could be perfect for you; a small group of like-minded women all egging eachother on with two brilliant trainers at hand, it's a brilliant kick start to any new fitness regime and definitely worth a try if you have a few festive pounds to lose! In fact, I might give the Six Weeks to Sexy stomach plan a try...
For more information visit www.sexyinthecitybootcamps.co.uk
Love Laurel x
