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Three Secrets Of People Who Actually Love To Work Out

I’m currently away and loving the baby moon in Newquay but have a great little post for you today.

There are always two types of people at the gym – those who love life (and exercise,) and those who most definitely don’t. While the former group will usually leave with just a light sheen of sweat and a satisfied endorphin-inspired grin, the latter will usually be so exhausted by the end of their session that they collapse in a sweat-covered heap. 

It’s an undeniable injustice in life and, if you’re on the floor after a gym session, you might wish you could crush those smug faces under the weights you aren’t even close to lifting. We get it; when you’re struggling to breathe on the treadmill, enjoyment can feel so far away that you’d laugh if you could. But, the reality is that there’s no scientific reason why those people love to exercise and you don’t. Rather, the difference comes in a few surprisingly simple secrets that those avid gym bunnies keep up their sleeves. Here, we’re going to consider a few such secrets to, hopefully, turn you into an exercise convert at long last. 

Picture Credit: CC0 Licence

Secret 1 – Testing the field

No one would turn around and say that they hate all films after one bad experience, yet it’s amazing how many of us do the same after one exercise attempt. In reality, though, there are as many different types of exercise as there are film genres, and enjoyment across each varies just as much. Often, then, the difference between those who love exercise and those who don’t is as simple as the fact that the former group has tested the workout field and found the exercise 100% suited to their lifestyle, capabilities, and requirements. 

Secret 2 – Looking after their bodies

You’re never going to love exercise if it leaves you sore for days, but that’s exactly what will happen if you don’t take the proper care. Naturally, then, those who embrace exercise with open arms also typically take pains to look after their bodies and recognise their cut-off points. These individuals especially make room for recovery and always take pains to buy protein powder online or in-store before a big session to avoid that post-workout sting. This can keep them higher on post-workout endorphins for longer, as well as ensuring that they’re fresh and raring to go when they do get back to it.

Secret 3 – Setting bold goals

Anyone looking to get more from their workouts needs to set clear goals, ensuring that they feel the satisfaction of their progress, and giving them increased motivation. For exercise-lovers, it’s especially important to set bold goals that threaten comfort zones and set up a fun challenge. By comparison, hitting the gym with no goal, or goals that fail to push you, is really an inevitable path towards lacklustre exercise efforts that most definitely won’t bring the same buzz.

So, there you have it – there’s no untenable secret as to why some people love working out. It seems that, truly, overcoming the exercise hump is all about knowledge, motivation, and a little sprinkle of post-workout endorphins.

Do you enjoy exercising?

Do you like to have goals?

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32 weeks pregnant

So I’m now 33 weeks pregnant and thought I’d recap how it’s been going in the last week.

It’s a weird place to be because I’m both super impatient and want to be at least 37 weeks pregnant already but also the impending lack of sleep is a concern. I’m enjoying the freedom we still have. The luxury of a weekend and getting to do whatever we want whenever we want and leaving the house within two minutes and not worrying about anything other than have we got our masks and locked the door.

That will change when the baby arrives. I mean I don’t have much experience other than what I’ve been told, seen and read about having a baby but I think my assumptions aren’t crazy and wild to think that life is going to become a bit more complicated at least! Sleeping in until 8am after having a solid 10 hours sleep is going to be a distant memory soon. So perhaps wishing these weeks along quickly may not be the wisest thing!

Anyway, how’s  it going?

So I’m still running as much as I want to. Even typing this is a bit mad to me as I truly thought by this point I’d be doing maybe a few 5ks here and there and potentially run/walking. However I’m still able to run my two weekly 7 milers and a longer run (11-12 miles) at the weekend.

It still feels good. Of course I have harder days and easier days but generally it’s good. I haven’t had any more Braxton Hicks interrupting my running but I’m still needing to stop for a wee at least once during my seven miler and up to three times for my longer runs.

It’s a very annoying sensation to need a wee for most of the run and I’ve sort of learnt when it’s a true wee or when the baby is in an awkward position.

I’m loving my running so much that I’m very grateful to be continuing my running so far into this pregnancy. I have no expectations about pace but generally I’m sitting 9min/miles on very energetic days to 9.45-10min/miles on tougher days. But either way I don’t really care. I stop a few times, whether for the loo, to take photos or to stretch and that definitely helps.

On the longer runs Kyle joins with a hydration pack so I don’t get dehydrated. Though the cooler weather has definitely helped with that. This time last year I might have been struggling a lot more. As I looked ahead at the beginning of the pregnancy I thought I’d be really struggling with the heat but thankfully that hasn’t happened yet. I’m sure that’ll change soon (and to be honest, I’d quite like warmer sunnier days so I can wear my maternity shorts and dresses more!).

The nursery is getting there. Kyle built the furniture and we’ve added little bits and pieces to make it a lovely space. We still have a lot more to do, like washing all the clothes and putting them away, putting pictures and shelves up, but I’m feeling a lot less stressed that it’s on its way.

It’s hard to really know what we need to buy now or wait to see if we need. We’re planning to do re-usable nappies so I need to do a lot more learning and figuring my way with that as well. It’s exciting but terrifying all at once!

In terms of food, we’ve had some great bits and pieces. We went to Stansted House again and had a lovely lunch sat outside in the sunshine with our family.

I had a very tasty goat’s cheese salad followed by a cream and jam scone.

Kyle and I had a lovely walk a couple of weeks ago as well like we had a few weeks ago. It was fun to get another photo to see how much had changed!

It’s crazy how things are zooming along and how my bump is a proper “out there” bump now, which I adore. I am really happy and in awe with my body. I feel very content. To be fair, I’ve generally been quite body positive but you never know how pregnancy is going to affect that becuase the changes happen so quickly. But turns out, I love my bump and I love showing it off a bit!

So 33 weeks in and things have been going fairly smoothly still. A bit of random tiredness, some aches, a lot of baby movements (and kicking my ribs!) and reduced stomach capacity (and heart burn!), a few nights of being awake for a few hours in the early hours… but generally fine – touch wood!

Do you like scones with jam and cream or just butter? Or cheese scones?

What’s your favourite cheese for a salad?

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3 Ways to Pamper Yourself – You Deserve it!

Finally the weather seems to be getting warmer… Though that said, the cooler temps do help with my pregnant running I think!

Anyway today I have a fabulously timed post regarding pampering yourself. I rarely ever do anything like have a manicure or pedicure, take baths or get massages that aren’t sports related… but I did have a pregnancy massage the other week and it was GLORIOUS. Definitely need to do more of those things before the baby comes! Here’s the post…

One of the things every woman forgets about when life gets busy and the responsibilities start adding up to a mountain-like burden on their shoulders is themselves. After all, who needs time to make sure you’re still okay and treat yourself from time to time, right? Wrong! You are priority number one, and that is something that should never change no matter what. Think about it this way if you’re too scared of letting anyone down, if you’re not taken care of properly, you won’t be able to do everything that’s expected of you at your utmost best. The point is that nobody can take better care of you than yourself, and this places the responsibility squarely on your shoulders to make sure you are okay and emotionally and mentally strong. That said, here are three ways you can pamper yourself a bit when the going gets tough, and you start to feel much less than your usual amazing self. 

Photo by Yan Krukov from Pexels

Take a bath

It’s as simple as that! Taking a bath can relieve any stress you may have been feeling and relax your muscles in a way that will make you feel calmer than ever. Sure, a shower is much quicker, but this is not why a hot bath is recommended. You need to take a few minutes to go through everything that’s happened throughout the day and release your body from all the tension it’s been building up while stressing over everything. Just imagine a hot tub with essential oils and a few candles lit here and there; how can you not relax instantly? Taking a bath will force you to do nothing else but just enjoy the moment; no cellphone, no work, and no one bothering you!

Bake

Baking is one of the best ways to relieve stress and focus on one task while letting everything else slip away. Pounding your frustrations out on a piece of dough, molding it to become a steaming hot loaf of beautiful bread, creates a feeling of satisfaction that makes it all worthwhile. Try researching some recipes to begin with, and see where it leads – who knows, you might just have a knack for it! The best part about baking is you’ll always have something tasty in the house, and you’ll have a handy skill to whip out when having guests over.

Pamper yourself

When was the last time you saw something pretty and decided right then and there to buy it for yourself? How long ago did you treat yourself to a little TLC session at a beauty salon just because you deserved it? It may sound unimportant at first, but it is essential to put yourself first every now and then – after all, you work yourself to the point of exhaustion each and every day, you need to do something to lift your spirits again and refuel your energy levels. So, go out there and treat yourself, whether you’re looking for the best body jewelry or booking a manicure and pedicure; whatever you need to do to treat yourself, do it!

Sometimes it’s hard to take a moment and evaluate how you feel and whether how you’re living is healthy, but by pampering yourself every once in a while, you’ll motivate yourself even further to push on and give your best each and every day!

How do you pamper yourself?

Do you enjoy taking a long bath?

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31 weeks pregnant

And I’m 31 weeks pregnant!

Things are ticking along nicely. Something I didn’t mention in my last pregnancy update post was that at my 28 weeks midwife appointment, my midwife measured my bump. She found that it was smaller than it “should” be at this point. She knows I’m a very active person so she was almost certain it was because I haven’t gained a huge amount of surplus fat on my bump so effectively my bump is “all baby”, which can affect the results. It doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong or that the baby itself is too small or not growing right – though it could. So she scheduled me for an extra scan with the hospital to check.

Well, I had the scan and the baby was smack bang average size and perfectly healthy. Nothing to worry about!

And actually I had my next midwife appointment at 31 weeks and she measured my bump and found it to be bigger. She said that it’s  likely my “strong” stomach muscles were holding in everything and now they’ve relaxed a bit, as they should, so my bump is a bit more out there now. Anyway everything is looking good for my health and the baby so happy days!

My running continues. I’m averaging 25-27 miles a week which translates to two 7 milers in the week (I love these early morning runs so much) and then a longer run (10-13 miles) on the Saturday. Between that I’m strength training on my own twice a week, seeing my PT for pre-natal sessions once a week and walking. It sounds a lot but I feel no ill effects and I enjoy being active and keeping myself strong. Lots of glutes and leg exercises are my focus, which helps my running and hopefully will help the birth.

However last Saturday’s 11 miler did prove somewhat challenging. I started the run with Kyle and immediately felt such a pressure and need for a wee. Our loo stop was 4 miles away and it took all my power to focus on getting there without issue. Kyle, bless him, chatted away to me trying to keep my mind occupied but jeeze it was tough.

I made it safely and it was such a relief. It was a very warm day with minimal wind and I got hot and thirsty which didn’t make for such a comfortable run. Then a bit later on I found I was having on and off cramps in my lower abdomen. Like period cramps basically. It was highly frustrating.

I assured Kyle there wasn’t any actual sharp pains – just mild discomfort coming and going every so often. I went to the loo again and then headed home – quite a mental challenge to finish the run through these sporadic aches. When I got home the aches didn’t really disappear until I had a nice hot shower – which I prioritised (with a big glass of water) before anything else.

I Googled it and found it was probably Braxton hicks. Apparently these can be brought on by being quite active and being dehydrated. Both of which I clearly ticked that day.

It did give me The Fear for labour as I realised real contractions would be so much worse – and these cramps were uncomfortable enough! I felt fine for the rest of the day and the days following. I was worried for my next run but actually both the 7 milers I’ve done since and have felt great.

I reckon I was overly dehydrated. My midwife wasn’t worried and is happy for me to continue running but if the Braxton Hicks continue and for a lengthy period of time to cut back my mileage per run (though overall mileage in the week can remain the same – just do more frequent runs is what she advised).

My plan for Saturday’s run is to play it by ear. Kyle is going to carry a hydration pack (I think it’ll be more comfortable for him to wear than me with my bump) so I can sip lots of water on the run. If any BH appear we’ll stop and walk home and then I’ll know it’s time to cut the individual runs down.

So a bit of a test! I really hope it goes well as I do so enjoy my longer runs but of course the baby and my health is way more important. And to be honest, I don’t want to feel those sorts of cramps during a run again! It wasn’t fun.

Other than running, my general day to day has been fine. I’m still congested in the evening and need a nasal spray to get to sleep otherwise I can’t breathe. I’ll occasionally wake up anywhere from 3-5am wide awake and lay there for ages, but this is more like once a week so not too bad. And a bit of heartburn now and again (probably not helped by being greedy and eating chocolate in the evening!).

But generally things are quite good. I know I am very lucky on this front!

Have you ever experience Braxton Hicks?

How far have you been running lately?

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Getting Your Home Ready For Your Baby’s Arrival

I am in full-on nesting mode right now. We’re sorting the nursery out, I’ve been organising cupboards, getting rid of old clothes… It’s been crazy how suddenly I want to get EVERTYHING SORTED. So this post couldn’t be more timely and handy for me right now. Hope you enjoy!

Whether you’re expecting your first baby or you’re welcoming another addition to your family, there are some exciting times ahead. But the arrival of a new baby comes with the arrival of a lot of stuff, and you need to make sure your home is in order ready for it! 

Preparing your home for a new baby adds to the excitement, and can also be an opportunity for you to have a clear out and enjoy a fresh start. Do you think you’re ready to get started? Check out these tips for getting your home ready for your baby’s arrival.

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Have a clear out

Getting ready for your baby’s arrival is the perfect excuse to have a clear out! You’re going to want to free up some storage space to store things like prams, changing supplies, toys and more! Getting your home in order will also mean you’ve got less clutter lying around, making it easier to keep your home tidy. If you need to move some items into storage or get rid of them, then using a truck broker could help you get the job done quickly and easily. This will save you a lot of hassle, giving you one less thing to worry about.

Check out some easy decluttering tips to steer you in the right direction.

Work out exactly what you need

There are all kinds of things you’ll need to get ready for your baby’s arrival. There are a lot of products out there, but how do you know what you really need? Write a list of baby essentials to make sure you have everything you need. Remember, you don’t need to buy everything new – babies grow quickly, so there are many things you can buy second-hand or have donated that will have barely been used! Keep things in order by making use of storage baskets and organisers, it will make your life easier in the long run!

Make it safe

The next thing you need to think about is making your home safe for your baby. While this might not seem like a priority while they’re a newborn – they’ll soon be crawling around and grabbing things before you’ve had time to blink! Work on making your home as safe as possible so that it’s taken care of before the baby arrives.

Have fun decorating the baby’s room

Decorating the nursery is another exciting part about waiting for your baby’s arrival. Whether you’ve done the gender reveal or you’re waiting for a surprise, there are all kinds of fun nursery ideas you can use as inspiration to create your perfect baby room. 

As you prepare for your baby’s arrival, getting your home ready is a must. From the practical jobs to the fun stuff, it’s all part of the parenting process. There are different things that need to be done, but it’ll all be worth it when the baby’s here and you get to bring them home.

Were you fairly organised before you had a baby (if you have!)?

Did you decorate a nursery?