And my fitness journey continues ...

It's a bank holiday Monday, it's pouring with rain and I'm bored!  Well actually I am waiting to go out for lunch having already been out and done a workout this morning so I thought I'd fill the void with an update on where I am with my fitness as I've not updated you all in a while!

It all started in April last year with The Body Coach SSS Plan.  And since finishing in September with excellent results I have maintained but generally struggled to settle to a definitive plan that works around my lifestyle.

I've blogged a lot about this and I hope by explaining my difficulties it helps others with their journey.  One thing that has been consistent though is my determination to stick to something!  To continue with my workouts, healthy eating and fitness goals.

I have found 'comparison' a bit of a problem.  I follow lots of Facebook groups and whilst in many ways they are motivating there is a sense of 'how did she get such good results and I didn't' or 'how can she fit all those workouts in and I don't'?  So for now I am repeating the mantra 'comparison is the thief of joy' over and over.  Do not compare.  We are all different.  I am also trying to be on social media a bit less - read here about my 24 hours social media free.

I have just finished a 12 week educational programme with Life Changing Fitness called the 8020 Lifestyle Plan and I have to say this has been really helpful from both a nutritional and mindset perspective.  I've learnt so much.  The programme is new and is still in testing phase but is well worth having a look at especially if you want to educate yourself on good health and nutrition.  They have just done a seminar on Emotional Eating and I absolutely recommend taking a look at what they offer if this is something you struggle with.  I am also planning to complete their advanced programme.

One really really big thing I have learnt is that STRESS and SLEEP play a huge role in our fitness and weight loss results.  I am a very anxious person, I don't sleep well and I allow myself to get way too stressed.  I do my exercise and I eat well and yet I still continue to 'only maintain'.  I need to address the sleep and stress.

So I am doing some one to one coaching with Dan at Life Changing Fitness.  He is giving me the support emotionally to tackle the stress and see how it is hindering my fitness goals.  I have a new exercise programme, I have a set of calories and macros to try to stick to but most importantly I have some practical goals to stick to - meditating, a better sleep routine and writing down five good things at the end of every day as well as keeping a daily stress diary to see where my issues lie.

I am very lucky as I also have a great Life Coach too - Chloe Leibowitz is supporting me with practical guidance and goals to help me organise my life better.

The two combined are a fabulous source of support and encouragement as well as providing lots of practical ideas to help me address the stress in my life.

I have only about 6-7 weeks until I go on holiday to Kefalonia and leading up to the holiday I have a lot going on.  My daughter is taking her GCSE's and I have quite a few visitors staying.  Feeling confident in my bikini was always my goal and remains so although I am learning to relax a little and be realistic.  I am 50, I don't look 50, I am a size 8-10, I am lucky I can wear a bikini and I need to be proud of what I have achieved.  I am strong and toned and petite.

So that's where I am.  I am working on making sure this is a long term lifestyle change that is sustainable.  But the 8020 Lifestyle has taught me how to work that into daily life and all about balance.  I will not be 'working out' on holiday this year and I am concentrating on learning to relax more.

Thank you for reading and following my progress.

Love 
Michelle xx

This is where I will be relaxing in July!