Bit of an introduction to me – I am not a gym rat. 100% not. I am reasonably fit to the point where I can run for the bus without passing out but not to the point where going to the gym a lot isn’t a challenge. So, this little challenge week is a bit of a big deal to me. With some help, motivation, laughter and support from my friends, here I present to you a day by day account of my suffering:
Day 1 – Zumba
I walked from Kimbolton Avenue to Jubilee Sports Centre with one of my best friends, with naïve happiness about my new fitness journey. After about 10 minutes of the class we were both sweating, panting and wondering how we would survive the next 50 minutes. As a whole though, Zumba had me feeling constantly energised (kind of how the music in spin classes is motivating) and at the end I was still smiling, even though I desperately needed a shower and an iced drink in Starbucks. Feeling 9/10.
Day 2 – oops…
I woke up. I had freshers flu. I stayed in bed until half past 12, trying to persuade myself to leave bed and knowing I had to keep to this challenge. In an effort to not actually kill myself, I didn’t go to box fit. Instead I compromised with going to the gym with two of my housemates at around 5pm. I ran, I rowed, I squatted – I left feeling amazing. Honestly, everything burned, but I felt a thousand times better than I had when I woke up. Feeling 8/10 (not 10 because I am still ill).
Day 3 – Lazy Sunday
Usually on a Sunday I would wake up ridiculously late, barely bother to get dressed, eat a load of crap and watch Netflix all day. Well, the Sunday of this fitness-focused week I STILL woke up at 12:30, ate half a bar of chocolate and watched TV BUT I also managed to haul myself to the gym with a housemate just before dinner. And what was even crazier? I didn’t hate it. Going to the gym at this point was actually starting to feel kind of normal, which for me is unheard of. Later in the evening I was already making plans for the next few days at the gym with a friend. My normal lazy Sunday was a lazy Sunday with an hour of exercise! Not sure how having actual university begin is going to affect me but right now I’m feeling better than expected! Feeling 10/10.
Day 4 – the dip in enthusiasm
First day of lectures and although I don’t have a lot of contact time I already felt my energy draining. Lectures starting and PMS are not a happy combination. However, I make it onto campus an hour before my lecture starts and go for a run, row and get some core stuff in before heading back to the library for a hasty pre-lecture recovery period. Not the best day of fitness this week but I felt happier that I still convinced myself to go in. Feeling 6/10.
Day 5 – back on it
Very hungover from the night before and, in all honesty, I was tempted to lie about going and just skip it – however, I didn’t!! Lectures were a torture, but I made sure to go for a quick gym session just to keep it up. At this point I was expecting to ache beyond all comprehension, but although my muscles ached, going to the gym was already starting to feel easier, which was ridiculously fast progress for 5 days. Whenever I’d seen posts about the gym I’d been put off by people saying it’ll be weeks and weeks and months even before you see any glimpse of progress, let alone other people seeing it. I have found though that although this may be true of seeing physical change, you feel the boost in confidence and fitness far more quickly. Feeling 7/10 (bad hangover still present).
Day 6 – PENULTIMATE DAY
Today I had no lectures (woo!!) so no excuse to not get into the gym. I went to David Ross which was packed, as it was a Wednesday afternoon, and worked out for just over an hour. It was much less tiring than sessions earlier in the week which was a pleasant surprise! Ran, rowed, core work and some light weights. Maybe, just maybe, I might keep up the gym work (probably not every day though, let’s be realistic). Feeling 9/10.
Day 7 – I’ve reached the end
I’ve made it! Feeling happier and fitter than expected and it’s awesome! I would heartily recommend that anyone and everyone tries this personal gym challenge, even if there are days where you hate it! Rewarded myself tonight with the Arts vs Sciences Bar Crawl and I’m feeling pretty amazing. The gym really isn’t so bad guys. Just get yourself motivated to get out of bed – that’s the real challenge. Feeling (tired and achey but…) 100000/10