Fitness
1Rebel
My first experience of this studio was at an event doing the Reshape class. It was basically everything I usually hate meshed together in a 45 minute weirdly enjoyable sweat fest; treadmill sprints, lots of people, dark and little to no individual attention.
Let me be honest with you, I don't sprint voluntarily. I save that kind of torture for my bootcampers and PT clients so unless a zombie on amphetamines is chasing me through a burning forest…you get the picture. However, during this class the instructor guides you through speed changes and inclines and just when you think you're legs might go out from under you, you change to a strength and conditioning section using weights, benches and bodyweight.
Usually if I go to class it's because I want to be kicked up the arse. It's easy to stop when the going gets tough if you're training by yourself but in a class environment you're motivated by the people around you and a little bit of friendly competition can be the difference between burning 400 calories to burning 500 calories! The fact that the class was bigger than I usually like made me feel less pressurised and the occasional "whoop" from girls around the room kept it fun as well as physically demanding.
The lack of light could be hazardous if you're a clumsy wotsit like myself but on the plus side, the fact that you can't see your red, sweat-soaked face in the mirror means you don't have to be conscious of the fact that you look like a baboons bottom.
The only downside for me was the lack of individual attention as I know I could have worked harder if the instructor had come and said "one more!" or "get lower!" or "wtf is that?" (yes I like to be mentally abused during a workout).
All in all though I loved the combination of sprint intervals, renegade rows and squat jumps and I got such an endorphin rush. It just goes to show that doing a little of what you don't like can be really good for you!
Food
Veganuary
If you read my last blog you'll know that I had been contemplating the idea of going vegan but had no real intention of starting anytime soon. Writing that blog post though actually gave me the kick start I needed - especially as I was contacted by a few of you with helpful advice and great reading suggestions. And so for the last three weeks I have been eating more mindfully and most days eating a majority of plant-based meals.
It's going to take a lot more time and research before I'm ready to go full on vegan but for the time being I'm enjoying exploring different foods and experimenting with meat free recipes.
Here are a couple of links to recipes I found online which I particularly enjoyed!
Cookie & Kate - Sweet Potato & Black Bean Vegan Burgers
http://cookieandkate.com/2013/sweet-potato-black-bean-veggie-burgers/
Hummusapien - Vegan Lasagne
http://www.hummusapien.com/easy-vegan-lasagna/
Follow me on Snapchat to see what I'm eating daily and get more recipe inspiration and please comment below and/or leave links for recipes or interesting reads that you recommend!
Snapchat - chelseasiegelpt
Fashion
Lorna Jane
I made the most of the January sales and kitted myself out with a head to ankle outfit from Lorna Jane. The item that I was most excited about was the sports bra as I'd heard from so many bloggers that they were the most flattering and supportive booby holders in the 'athleisure' world right now.
Let's just say I'm shamelessly taking full responsibility for the fact that a male in the gym walked into a smith machine while being unfairly distracted.
Wearing nice clothes while you workout isn't a necessity and hopefully your goals aren't just based around aesthetics - however, I'd be lying if I said I train better in my comfy faded trackies with the not too discreet hole in the crotch than I do when I'm wearing a pair of booty hugging, sweat-proof leggings that magically enhance your derrière.
You don't have to spend a fortune to feel good in the gym and I can tell ya that a staple sports bra and leggings will help you feel extra confident while you're working out. Lorna Jane have an ever changing range of activewear as well so you can always feel on trend.
We all have days when we're less motivated and if it takes the magic of a gorgeous new sports bra to get the job done then why not? No judgement from over here!
xxx