My results so far | online personal training, diet and supplements

I thought I'd pop in and give you all a progress update on my online personal training and the return to structured workouts, an improved diet plus an l carnitine supplement I have been trying out.  How are you all feeling?  My little positivity boost from a couple of weeks ago didn't last and I am having to dig deep to find some enthusiasm for lockdown life. But exercise is helping, at least it adds some structure to my routine.

I started this new focus early in December, just before Christmas and at the time I did wonder if I was a bit mad but now nearly 3 months on I am so glad I started when I did.  Like everyone I did gain a few pounds during the first lockdown and my exercise took a back seat due to my son taking over the log cabin (gym) to work from home!

When I was having my usual catch up and accountability call with Drew last week, I said to him, this is the longest I have stuck at a regular workout plan - three times a week.  I was pretty committed when I did The Body Coach SSS Plan but that seems ages ago now and my workouts with Drew are much more personalised for my needs, therefore so much better!

This week we did my fitness assessment.  On zoom of course!  And I am so delighted, actually I am downright proud and I am going to shout about it - my progress is amazing!  And I am surprising myself!

Consistency pays off, I am now seeing results from my commitment to workout 3 x per week

First of all lets talk results!

I am being consistent, I have completed three strength workouts a week for 12 weeks.

My fitness is improving.  Drew gives me a fitness assessment every month and this week was my third and ....I've gone from 11 reps of Full Push-Ups to 19 reps!  More stats below.

My progress photographs are showing a difference, I can see muscle definition reappearing across my back, shoulders and arms.  I can see less fat on my hips and my legs are slimmer.  I like what I am seeing in the mirror!

I feel less bloated and my clothes are more comfortable.

My weight is steady, I have not yet dropped any kg's but I've not gained either!   I am quite happy with my weight - it is only a number on the scale - for me it is more about how I feel when I look in the mirror.

I am drinking less alcohol! 

I am sleeping better.

I have more energy.

My commitment to fitting workouts in is increasing and I may even dare admit, I am enjoying doing them - I am certainly enjoying seeing the results.

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My measurements are a bit all over the place as it is difficult to measure in the same place every time. More importantly, my fitness assessment really does show amazing improvement!

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So what have I actually been doing ...

I do three strength workouts a week, each one set by my online personal trainer, Drew and added to the Trainerize app so I can access them when it suits me.  I use my free weights, resistance bands and the reebok bench I have in my log cabin.  Equipment not essential though!

I also try and get out for a walk at least three times per week.

I am very active in my daily routine anyway, although my step count isn't massive, I don't sit down much!

​I am conscious of what I am eating, I don't fully track my calories but I am quite experienced now at knowing what I can eat and I try to balance my calorie deficit across a week, so if I have more one day, I will cut back another.

I've also been taking my supplements regularly.  You can read more about what I take to support my immune system and general health here.

I use my log cabin as a gym but you can start in your lounge with no equipment!

​In addition I was asked if I would like to choose and try out a supplement from the range at Youth & Earth - a company that specialises in supplements to help you maintain a fit and active lifestyle. 

Their website is separated by goals, so for example do you want more energy and vitality, anti-ageing support, an immune boost, or improved skin and complexion? 

I chose from their Weight Loss and Sports Performance section, to support my current fitness goals. 

L carnitine is a food supplement that can aid sports performance and promote a healthy metabolism and weight as well as encouraging the burning of fat.  Now this isn't a magic pill to weight loss but it could help alongside a calorie deficit and an increase in movement!  And it has other benefits too.

The l carnitine from Youth & Earth is passion fruit flavour and I have been taking the recommended dose of 10 ml per day. The taste is okay and it is easy to take, I have been pouring into a small measuring jug as to take 2 x teaspoons was way too messy!

I do think it is impossible to really monitor the benefits in such a short time but I did a bit more research.  l carnitine is best known as a fat burner but research is mixed and as I stated it is unlikely to be a magic pill but studies do suggest that it has benefits for general health, brain function and disease prevention.  And our own levels of l carnitine reduce as we get older, and especially for vegans and vegetarians.  Therefore I think it can be a good all round health supplement that may have benefits as we get older and if increasing your exercise and health goals.  You can read a more in depth report on l carnitine here.
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​If you're wondering, 'is glucomannan safe ?' you can find more detailed information on its safety and usage here. Glucomannan is a dietary fibre derived from the root of the konjac plant, commonly used in traditional Asian cuisine. As a supplement, it has gained popularity for its potential benefits in weight loss and digestive health. Glucomannan works by absorbing water in the stomach, forming a bulky fibre that promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help reduce appetite and calorie intake.
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Youth & Earth also sent me a pack of their NMN Sub-Lingual Powder to try.  This is quite science based and I am not even going to try and explain it but it is an NAD+ boosting anti-ageing supplement that is an entirely natural compound found in our bodies.  It can promote vitality, and repair DNA by increasing our own NAD+.

Youth & Earth have a well laid out and informative website with lots of different options for health supplements.  Their mission is to help maintain and sustain an active lifestyle.  Their products are toxin free, and wherever possible natural and plant based.

Youth & Earth are offering readers of Fifty & Fab, a 15% discount on all their products using the code FAB15.

Youth & Earth specialise in supplements to help you maintain a fit and active lifestyle

​My consistency has really paid off, some days I find it difficult to motivate myself, but I look at my favourite motivation quote - if I quit now I will soon be back to where I started, and when I started I was desperately wishing to be where I am now - and I get on with it!  I also give myself a talking to, I can talk myself into 'I am too busy to do a workout' but I can talk myself out of it too and I realise that I can manage 45 minutes out of my day.  And of course Drew is always there for me to message and he notices if I miss a workout and reminds me!

It really is the small, gradual but consistent changes that get the results.  It is so much to do with the right mindset.  If you want it, you will do it!  Focus on that summer dress, a bikini, a swimsuit, shorts and how you feel - have a specific, measurable goal.  And don't compare yourself to others!  Not me or anyone else on instagram or the celebrity you admire.  We are all unique and no two fitness journeys are the same.

My goal isn't a number of the scales or even a reduction of my measurements.  It is feeling confident enough to wear my bikini, it is loving how my shoulders have a great shape and look fabulous in a halter neck dress.  It is about feeling strong and seeing my shape changing.  I am getting there!  And I am not going to stop now!

My Online PT Drew Gatherer is offering 10% off his Online 60 Day Challenge for readers of my blog!  You can find all the details here.

Love from
Michelle xx


You can read my full series of blog posts about my health and fitness and online personal training with Drew by starting here.


Disclaimer:  Drew gifted me 4 weeks online personal training in December.  I have since signed up and am paying monthly.  I was gifted the l carnitine and the NMN powder from Youth & Earth and asked if I would like to write a review, I was under no obligation to do so and all opinions are my own.

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