Friday, 25 April 2014
Weightloss Motivation - What Do I Wear To Exercise?
It's certainly no secret by now that I am getting into shape and working hard with a personal trainer (I was lucky enough to bag myself some sessions as part of a portfolio agreement where I literally have to bare all every 6 weeks in exchange for being shouted at in the gym!) as well as eating a much healthier diet and I'm well on my way to losing my third stone.
I've been getting so much encouragement as well as some lovely comments and messages from my readers, some people telling me how they have been re-inspired to get back into the gym, go for a run or a swim and generally get fit and healthy thanks to watching my candid photos and advice as I go. I can't tell you how amazing this feels to know that my honesty is helping others, but one comment or question I get a lot recently is "what do you wear when working out?" as fitness outfits don't seem to come cheap in most shops you look.
Recently I was walking through Leeds and Manchester and both cities have a huge amount of running shops, bright, colourful and they lure you in with their sparkly trainers and twinkly running jackets, but at a high price in some instances, it's a vice that I personally need to keep under control as I get more and more into my outdoor pursuits. If you are just getting started, be it in the gym, a run or a game of netball to get you motivated, I would say don't spend a fortune when cheaper sports wear is available and, in my opinion, is just as good.
When I first started out back in late November, I first stocked up in our local Sports Direct store in Cambridge. I still spent out a fair whack of money to adorn myself with lycra and a sports bra that might fit me (as a larger woman, it can be a daunting shopping experience when trying to find a skin tight bra that actually fits both your bust and your waistline, it's stressful in all honesty!) So here is what I currently wear when exercising, I hope that this helps a little and any questions, I'm happy to answer, just drop me a line.
To The Sports Bra: It is said that most sports bras are tested in just one area, the breast bounce, however more designs are coming in and testing new areas such as chafing and general movement, I'd love to chat to the people behind this science and find out more, it's actually really intriguing! To start with, I simply went for a USA PRO lycra racer vest top, first in black with a crossed back and padded bra in place. This vest straps in the girls AND sucks in my body, which actually helps me with my posture when thinking about my core muscles, it's great. In fact, it passed the "bounce" test for me so much so that I went back and bought a second vest a few weeks later, this time in neon pink for a splash of colour. For me, this does the job and it's comfortable under everything else I wear or alone if it's a warm day or a particularly sweaty session. I wore this for hot yoga and it helped to soak up the sweat dripping from me as I went, it's perfect and cost me just £8.
My Bottom Half: I've collected so much sports wear over the years, so I had a few M&S capris and joggers to continue with, however I did invest in two pairs of USA Pro three quarter leggings and they are perfect for running and squatting in the gym in. These are made from a lycra material and have a small zipped pocket for change and a key should you need it when out and about. These came in at £12.50 a pair and I wear them most of the time currently, as I have long legs, these don't look too odd on me, whereas some three quarter lengths can look like shorts on me at 5ft 10!
I did also buy myself some Puma shorts, however these I can't quite get to grips with as they ride up my inner leg as I run and I spend most of the time pulling them out of unladylike positions, so I tend to go for stretchy leggings now, much more flattering and I feel "held in" as I race around.
I'm currently on "Operation Funky Trouser" to slim down enough to look amazing in a pair of geometric running tights - zebra print I reckon ; )
Tops: I have quite a collection of t-shirts, some plain old logos such as a comfy blue BENCH top and David Bowie prints on them for more casual exercise and some are more professional style tops to wick the sweat and do cost a little more money as a result.
When it came to going a little more "pro" on my running and cycling gear, I headed to Go Outdoors in Bedford, a huge outdoor warehouse with everything you could ever wish for, including a life size model of a horse that you can mount, should you so desire... ahem!
Here, I bought myself some short sleeved running t shirts, a North Ridge lightweight top (£10) that can be worn over my vest for a gym session, a Technicals lightweight cycling t shirt (£15), and an RAB microlight baselayer to wear in a breeze for running or under a jacket for cycling in the Lake District later this year. It wicks the sweat and keeps you warm, it's the perfect addition to my clothing drawer and cost me around £20 with a Go Outdoors Membership card. The membership card for this shop costs you £5, a little cheeky, but actually it saves you a huge amount of money on each item as you nosey around the store, it's worth buying one if you plan to invest a little money into your gear.
A lovely friend I've made through running, Ian, also gave us his unneeded Adidas running t shirt, again this wicks any sweat and although is a much heavier item of clothing, it's perfect for playing squash as it's not restricting, but holds everything in as I race around. Originally given to my other half, it didn't fit him, so I nabbed it, naturally - never turn down a freebie! There's nothing wrong with some swapping around as you lose weight, I think it's a great idea, as not everything gets worn a lot when you are on a weightloss mission, so surround yourself by friends who are losing and you might be able to gain a few hand me downs : )
Outdoor Gear: From Go Outdoors, I also bought a blue Dare 2b Intensify stretch top (it's a mens top as it fits my bust better than the women's did) and at £25 it was the best springtime purchase I made. This top goes over everything else and acts as a breathable jacket, allowing me to run without getting overheated, as my waterproof jacket would do to me. I wear it all the time, it has a tiny pocket in the back to pop your ipod into and it's so light, you hardly feel it on, I love it. I also invested in a lightweight Regatta jacket for snowy and rainy runs and circuits, there is a fab little outdoor and camping shop within Country Homes & Gardens in Melbourn, they always seem to have a little sale on and I picked my jacket and a running shirt up for £30 for the both, bargain central!
Even the mister bought a jacket and was thankful that he did on the cold days, it hasn't stopped us getting out there, that's the best thing... he's hardcore, as he goes out in shorts in the bitter cold too, something I can't do and stick to long leggings from the supermarket for cold weather leg coverage!
Trainers & Socks: Socks can be as simple as trainer socks from your local supermarket, of which I go for and they do a perfectly good job for what I do fitness wise, or you can spend £20-£40 on high tech, sweat-soaking running socks, the foot world is your oyster. What I would say is that if you are planning to walk, especially miles and miles in walking boots, make sure that you invest in some good quality walking socks. I have a pair of Sealskinz and they were the very best investment I made for my feet when hiking miles anywhere. They aren't cheap, at around £28 a pair, but TRUST me when I say they are worth every penny. These are breathable and waterproof, thick and padded to protect your feet from blisters and soreness, these also protect your ankles and legs around the top of your walking boot where they can sometimes rub on longer walks - pop a pair of base layer socks on underneath for ultra comfort and no fluff between your toes!
I was given a pair of running shoes a few years ago, so these are what I wear today. I haven't gone out and spent a fortune on trainers, as most people head out to do when they start up, but so long as they are comfortable FOR YOU, it doesn't matter how much they cost or what brand they are, don't get suckered in. If you are going to buy new trainers, I have been told to head to a specialist shop for a proper consult/measure up and find out a bit more from the pros before you decide what you are going for - I'm going to need to do this myself very soon, it's actually a fairly daunting consideration, so any advice or recommendations welcome!
Swimsuit: I spent hours looking for swimsuits after my old one nearly disappeared as I left a spa swimming pool back in February - that moment was mortifying for all involved haha. Good old M&S came up trumps in the end, going girly with a pink halterneck swimsuit, I found a shaped and padded bra swimsuit complete with detachable straps for various looks. It's flattering, will last me a fair while and more importantly, everything stays in place when leaving the pool, the most important element for all of us gals. This came in at £29.50 and one thing I would note was that their swimsuits do come up on the smaller side of the sizing, so be warned, lots of squeezing, swearing and breathing in was required..
What do you wear for your keep fit pursuits? I'd love to hear your thoughts below....
Thursday, 24 April 2014
My Guilty Pleasures: Coronation Street
I'm going to be ever so slightly open with you about some of the little pleasures in my life, none of them make me feel TOO guilty for admitting and I thought a little more sharing on my part would help you to get to know me...
Perhaps it'll even help you to share your own "guilty" or simple pleasures in life, as life is simply too short to not enjoy what we want in our lives. I've never quite understood the term "guilty pleasure" - why should we feel guilty in admitting the things we adore? It's ridiculous that we screen our own lives from others in this way, why shouldn't we all enjoy different things? And more importantly why aren't we sharing these pleasures with the people around us? I'm going to admit that I'm a huge Corrie fan. I was brought up with this on my family tv from birth, my good old dad being a complete addict to "The Street", much to our eye rolling and groaning as life stopped for 30 minutes several times a week. Entire days out, even holidays were scheduled around this famous street and we'd be "shhhhhhh'd" if we muttered a syllable throughout it's airing... We had to be silent.
He was and still is infatuated with his favourite soap opera and as a result, our lives always revolved around it too... My poor mum becoming a bit of a Corrie widow over the years, she's a saint for putting up with us all having to endure it week in, week out! However, I think it's always going to be in my blood, I blocked it out of my life for a few years, but I genuinely missed Deirdre Barlow's crinkly neck and deep, croaky voice (god love her!) and Dev's camp corner shop antics, who couldn't miss this gripping stuff?!
So, even though I tell my dad that I don't watch it (so I can't have him over to sit and demand silence on my own sofa ; ) ...I actually do watch it in my own company, sometimes even enjoying the omnibus for a second helping of it...I can't help it, it's an addiction and I may possibly need help. It's complete drivel, I am aware of this and it's full of terrible actors & tiny sets (of which I've recently had a tour of, GEEK!), but it's my little escape of a weekday evening in my onesie with a cup of tea in hand.
Even though my dad, once unforgivably, left me bleeding to buggery after cracking my head open in the garden when I was young, made me wait for the end of Corrie before I could be taken to A&E - Mike Baldwin must have had shiz going down in the knicker factory or something?! - I was fine just a few stitches and some brain cells knocked out of me, I forgive him haha. I can't help but hold a place in my heart for this British Classic. I even shed a tear or two over this last Xmas when Roy Cropper lost his soulmate (oh, WHY do the bad things happen to the good people?!) - I'm only human after all, who DIDN'T cry?...
It's pretty much the only tv show I will watch regularly, although I've heard recently that the Australian soap, "Neighbours" is about to make a zombie mini series...how AWESOME does this sound?! I for one am on the waiting list to see this, as I've heard a few old faces will come back "from the dead" in the spirit of the theme! My life doesn't revolve around Coronation Street, but it's a fantastic way to cheer yourself up when your own life seems chaotic...this is one VERY unlucky street, it's full of murderous neighbours, corrupt business people and adultery galore, mainly with older men and stunning twenty something girls - it's got everything you need for a little escapism.
I admit it, my name is Miss Sue Flay and I'm a Corrie-holic.
What's your guilty pleasure in life? Does it ACTUALLY make you feel guilty to admit it or are you proud as punch of your little bundle of organic ecstasy? Do share your thoughts below with a comment....
Tuesday, 22 April 2014
How To Make The Perfect Presentation - My Top Tips
In complete honesty? I think anyone that is half human is going to get nervous when they have to stand up in front of others to deliver a talk or presentation, I haven't met many people that can turn on the robotics when it comes to talking in front of a room of strangers - If you can do this, get in touch and let me know how to be like you!
The last few times I have been asked to speak at events, I have said yes with relish and then looked back at what a nightmare I found it, being a shy and retiring gal myself (yes, I really am) give me a camera and/or a live television audience any day. Don't ask me why, I think it's because it's just a camera, not a hundred pairs of eyes staring into my soul within an auditorium - gulp. I have adored the events I've been involved in, I just feel my speaking was shaky, not very confident and I made the usual faux pas any nervous speaker makes when kicking off their hour long talk. I want to change my attitude every time I say yes to these events, but for some reason it doesn't always work. I've recently been asked to speak at a social media event hosted by Sookio at the Cambridge Brewhouse on 29th April 2014 from 6pm. I am delighted to have been invited to join the panel of other social media addicts and am nervous and excited in equal measures. I am going to be joined by the genius minds behind the University of Cambridge's communications team, the Digital Editor of Grazia Magazine and many other interesting social media addicts, it's going to be fantastic. This got me thinking about how much I love to push my own buttons, make myself do the things that scare me the most - I actually think I have got to where I am today by saying yes to the things that daunt me and taking risks where others (myself included on a bad day) might back down.
What advice would I give myself when talking at such events? Or to others who might also be worried about speaking publicly, be it at an event such as this or in front of a business networking group for 60 seconds? I am going to share my thoughts here, I hope it helps somebody who might read this to gain enough confidence to go for it, as what's the worst that could happen?! Smile. It will relax you and won't make you scowl and show a scared face to an audience, people will warm to you... A smile speaks every language in the world. Never start with "oh god, I'm so nervous...." I have done this and it sets you up for a daunting talk ahead as a result.... We all get nervous, but don't need to draw attention to this fact. "They" say to focus on the most interested looking person in the room, but I always manage to focus on the most disinterested person in the room and it really puts me off....my advice would be to focus on what you are saying and try to make eye contact with a handful of people, but not too many that you look as though you're going crazy or staring out the poor guy on the front row...
It's obvious, but practice... Don't just write it out and think it's all going to be ok. I can pretty much guarantee that reading it out aloud in "real time" will flag up the odd mistake or issue... You may even have gone way over your allotted time if this is a factor, so practice makes perfect...or as near to as you can handle. In fact, go one step further and record yourself.... How many times did you say "ERM.... Or ahhhh"?!... You may just be surprised how naturally these words fall out of our mouths.. Try to iron these out before your big talk. PowerPoint presentations are great, but don't overcrowd them.... Use a memorable image and your words will do the rest.... Keep it short, sweet and simple. And if you do use them, don't turn to face the screen to continue your speech, your audience won't hear you. You wouldn't turn your back in a conversation, so keep to that rule when talking to larger groups. Take your time if you have this luxury, don't speak fast, pretend you are talking to a friend in a pub or in a relaxed setting. Speak clearly, with a smile, facing your audience at a normal pace, you will be onto a winning formula. Don't fold your arms... Keep them open to show your audience you aren't a closed book... We all know that everybody is wise to negative body language now and this is one position that will make you look very unapproachable indeed. Plus, it's just not very comfortable whilst stood speaking, so if you are a "fiddler", grab a pen or prop to keep your hands busy. I usually hold a book or my ipad to make me stop fidgeting and this also helps me to glance at notes if I need them - double win! Don't forget, YOU are the expert/pro/"know it all".... Your audience are there to listen to you.... Don't ever apologise for your advice or knowledge, if you do this, you are seriously underestimating yourself my friend!
Be yourself, it's why people are there to listen, don't ever fake your personality or humour, it'll be obvious and may even be cringeworthy if you're trying to be a comedian when you're not there to do stand up! Just, please, don't do it, it's public speaking suicide. Have a glass of water to hand, but try not to drink it as you talk if you can help it. You can't always drink elegantly whilst nervous or in the middle of a talk, so use it for a dry mouth if talking at length or go to it at the end of your presentation to show it's time for the audience to participate and ask you questions. It's a great prop to switch the mood and give you a break. If the content is difficult to understand, try to simplify it for an uncertain audience and don't forget that just because YOU know the jargon or what something stands for, it doesn't mean everybody does, so keep it simple where necessary.
End your talk with something memorable, a witty line or a question or task to get your audience thinking. And don't forget to give them your contact details if they want to get in touch or find you afterwards... You will beat yourself up if you don't, trust me! Stick around after your talk, don't just run away. Even if just one audience member wants to chat to you afterwards, that is fantastic. It makes you more approachable to be there to chat afterwards as not everybody feels comfortable talking in front of their fellow audience with their questions. You just never know who you might meet or inspire after a good chat after your presentation, it's a great feeling to know people want to talk about your subject matter.
Do you have to give presentations for your hobby, lifestyle or work? I'd love to hear how you tackle any issues or confidence experiences and how you make you have perfected your own presentation... So do leave a comment below with your stories, advice or tips, it's great to hear from you all as always.
Monday, 14 April 2014
Secret Stays & Reviews: Great John Street Hotel
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