Lifting for Women

Found this great satirical piece just now--- and it's so true. I particularly like number 7.

Exams

So far I've completed three of my four exams with only Econometrics to go on Tuesday. The three I've done seem to have gone smoothly so I can only hope that it'll be the same with the last. I've been keeping up regular gym sessions though I have skipped a couple of days to get some more study hours in. My plan is to get in at least 8 more before I head to Europe on July 1st. We'll be away for 3 weeks so I really need to make sure I watch my food intake while we're there. On the up side we'll be getting plenty of exercise walking around.

To maintain strength while I'm away I'll have to figure out a routine of bodyweight exercises to do each morning of the holiday.

Up-to-Date Progress Picture

I've finally gotten around to taking another mirror progress shot--- for the first time in 21 weeks. I'm really happy with the way I'm looking at the moment, I can see some good definition & I think I look leaner than my previous shots. It really does help to take pictures regularly, especially if you're no longer using the scales to mark your progress.

Catching up on Cooking 2

 Baby Spinach, Pear, Walnut & Chickpea Salad

 Mushroom & Basil Risotto with Baby Spinach

 Minestrone with Lentils & Zucchini

 Pumpkin & Goat's Cheese Risotto

 Beef Moussaka

Chickpea & Pear Vegetable Tagine

Catching up on Cooking 1

 Chicken with Herbed Yoghurt & Salad

 Mediterranean Chicken

 Sweet Potato, Pear & Macadamia Salad

 Braised Chickenballs with Lentils & Spinach

 Herbed Tuna & Lentil Rice Salad

Minute Steak with Lemon Rocket Salad

Guns

Just showing off a bit of my arm definition :)

In the background you can see my partner's gym set---- I've been utilizing the knowledge I've gained through my sport science unit by creating exercise plans for him. He's too shy to put up any pictures but I'm proud to say he's making some fantastic progress! I've been mixing up his program by adding in some strength sessions & circuits, it seems to be working well so I may try mixing some of the techniques into my own plan.

Back on the Blog

I can't believe it's been nearly two months since I last posted on here, it doesn't feel like it's been that long. A lot has happened this semester to throw me off track---  it's quite painful to relate to you but I'll try to go through it briefly. As you can probably read in my previous post my Oma died before Easter... She'd been a huge part of my life & her death shattered me. Since she departed a lot of other things just seemed to go badly; My mum used to rely on Oma as a decision maker in her life & she's been trying to pass this burden onto me---- it's not a job that I wish to take, nor should I have to as a 59 year old woman should be able to run her own life. She's also been upset about Oma's passing & about other issues relating to my father. My parents have finalized their divorce during this period & while I'm relieved by this it has been distressing in its own way.

In summary these issues didn't have a great effect on my mental health---- I tried to continue training through them but at one point I stopped going to the gym altogether as I was just overwhelmed. That was about 4 weeks ago now--- I had one week in which I didn't train at all. After that I just attended my practical sessions at uni for 2 weeks before managing to return to the gym last week and complete all 4 lean & strong sessions. 

Amazingly I haven't gained any weight during that period---- in fact I seem to have lost some (possibly as I was so depressed I was forcing myself to eat >_>). Unfortunately I do seem to have lost some muscular strength--- I was hitting personal bests before I took the time off the gym but now I've been forced to drop a few kilos off exercises. They say that muscle atrophy begins to occur after 2 weeks of not training so it's not really unexpected; I'll just have to put in some hard work to get right back up there again!

Interestingly enough I have however noticed more visible definition after the break, especially in my arms (possibly I needed the extended rest to allow hypertrophy to take place?); My running endurance has also increased dramatically, but this is probably because I was doing purely endurance type exercises at uni. 

Speaking of university I've been offered the chance to apply for a leadership program through Sport Science which will allow me to gain the qualifications to become a Les mills fitness instructor. Despite the fact that I'm not a Sport Science student I've asked permission of the faculty & have decided to apply---- the idea of being able to teach a Body Pump or Body Combat class really appeals to me & I'm praying that I'll be selected (they're only taking 10 or so people). The lady observing us during a pump class seemed to approve of my style so I think I could be in with a fighting chance.

Anyway back on topic---- I've been able to keep up my nutrition quite well during this period & I've managed to keep cooking, even on nights when I haven't felt like it. I think this has made a huge difference in being able to maintain my physical health. I have unfortunately fallen back on my caffeine addiction after going three straight weeks completely without it... I've now decided to challenge myself to minimize it rather than cut it out completely, at least until I get my head completely back on track.

University final exams are coming up in less than a week. Normally by this point I'd be completely prepared but I've been essentially skipping every lecture since week 6/7 so I've had to watch all of those before I can start real preparation. I'm now up to date in two subjects so I'm going pretty well for time so far. I'm currently sitting on 90%, 81%, 65% & 51% (econometrics of course) in my subjects so I should be able to pass everything. I'm going on holiday with my partner to Europe for 3 weeks after exams so I have a lot to look forward to---- I'm sure that the trip will give me a chance to relax & fully get over everything that's happened. 

Meanwhile I'll be training regularly during the study/exam period & I've also started trying out new meals once again. I also have to find some time to start applying for vacation work in business but I'll put that on the back seat for now.

Anyhow, sorry for the long rant---- It's good to be back & I should be posting more regularly from now on :)