Exercise

In August I started a new fitness routine. The dance school where Isabella had a trial offers a programme for adults. For under 30 Euros a month I can visit two classes per week. (For ten Euros more I could take part in unlimited classes but I can't fit in more than two because of the kids at the moment.) The system is very flexible. If I can't make one class, I can choose another one in the week. This is perfect for me at the moment.

So far, I've tried three classes: zumba, hot iron and drums alive.

Previously I'd only done Zumba at home with a DVD. It's difficult to keep up at times as most of the others have been going for longer but I'm getting there!

Hot iron is a session with weights. I didn't expect to enjoy this one but it is a nice change of pace from the other courses. I ache for days after but I feel good for it.

Drums alive is the course I visit if I've missed one of the others. It's a fun course and combines drumming on a fitness ball with different disciplines. The one I took part in was step-aerobics which brought back memories. In this class, we built up new routines which made me feel more capable and engaged my brain too!

I'm feeling really good after workouts and losing weight. I'm looking forward to seeing how the next few weeks go.

Dance Class

I've always known that if I were blessed with a daughter, I'd want her to go to dance class. Isabella loves dancing and starts every time a song comes on the radio. In fact she used to dance to music in the womb!

Last week she had her first ever dance class. It's here in Leeste and for children between the ages of two and six. It's run by a lovely lady called Kerstin whose two daughters take part too.

It's not a specific type of dance like ballet, it's more like music and movement. They run around a lot. Isabella loves running, copying the moves and looking at herself in the mirror. We're signing her up officially next week.

I'm hoping that she will develop a healthier relationship with sport and fitness than I ever had.

There are both boys and girls in the group and we have since discovered that at least three of the others will be in her kindergarten group come October. I love that we are putting down roots here.

Another advantage to this dance school is that they do fitness classes like zumba and bums and tums for adults too. Unfortunately many of the classes are at tea time or bed time and I don't want to disrupt our routines but I've found a couple that suit me and I'm starting my trial tonight!

Post-natal fitness course

Last night was my first post-natal fitness session. I wasn't really sure what to expect. After Isabella was born, I did a one off session which was a bit like aerobics and strength training. Since it's paid for by the health insurance and there was a course available locally, I decided to try it.

It's at a kindergarten and there were nine of us. We started with an introductory round and then started the exercises. It wasn't as strenuous as the other session. There's a lot of focus on the tummy and pelvic floor. Despite not feeling like I put in much effort, I am feeling my tummy and leg muscles today!

It was nice to go out and do something for myself. It was also nice to mix with other mums. I actually knew one of them as her daughter is at nursery with Isabella - something else I love about small town life.

I'm really looking forward to the next weeks.

Running

So this month I have finally got my bottom off the sofa and back out running again. I'm back on the fifteen minute route I was on at the end of Summer. It's not long but I feel good just to be doing something again - and it's free.

I was surprised to be able to run as soon as I started again. I'm hoping to extend my route next month.

I bought a couple of fitness magazines and some sport gear that actually fits which is helping to keep me motivated right now too.

Running

Whenever I set myself fitness goals, I don't tend to write about it much.  Mainly because I don't often achieve the goal (see the last few months of goals - it's always the one that's not done).

I guess my excuse since pregnancy and Isabella's birth has been my colitis.  I always manage to talk myself out of doing something for myself - either I have no time, or I've just eaten or I'm tired.

Well, I don't want to speak up too soon but so far this month, things are going well.  The first week of July, I put my sport kit on for the first time since before I found out I was pregnant and ran a quick circuit around our village.

Since then I have managed to keep it up to twice a week.  Since the weather is so hot right now and we have been very busy, I have been running on an evening before we go to bed and after Isabella is in bed.  I'm working on my stamina but so far I feel great.

I've decided a couple of things for myself.  Firstly, it actually helps me to write these things down.  I write my to do lists in my Get to Work Book now and at least while it is still new, I'm so inspired not to leave anything unticked that I just have to go for the run.  Also, sharing things on here is less embarrassing when I actually can say that I did it.

So far I'm on track for July and planning to build up to three runs a week in August before working on my distance.  I'll be letting you know how I get on!

Mother Fitness

Last week I attended a mother fitness course. It was part of the baby club we are in at Werder Bremen football club. 

It was a one off two hour session - half theory, half practice. It was really interesting. I didn't know, for example, that pregnancy hormones can still be found in the body up to a year after you finish breast feeding! That explains a lot.

In the practical session we were shown exercises that we can make into a regular twelve minute workout. And boy did I need it. I am in such bad shape. I'm still aching but I really want to try to get into a regular routine.

One big positive is that I'm much more mindful of my posture which has already helped with my back ache. Another enjoyable event through baby club!

Running

As I mentioned, I got back out running again last week for the first time in a while and, considering the darker evenings and mornings, I went out with all my kit.  This includes my new Ipod case - thanks Mum and my flashy high vis band - thanks hubby.  They make running safer and more entertaining. 

I don't know about you but I find it much easier to run when I have something to listen to.  I hope I'll be able to keep running up for a while now.

On my new bike!

On Tuesday, we picked my new bike up from the shop.  It was an absolute dream to cycle home.  It's slightly bigger, which I thought would be scarier than it was, but the big difference is being able to sit up straight on it.  It's great for my posture and my back.  

I'm looking forward to using it more this year! 

My new bicycle!

Stadler

Here's a sneak preview of my new bike.  

After two years, and many miles, my original bike which cost me just 70 Euros is finally giving up on me.  It's also a little small for me by German standards and now that I have gotten back into cycling.

Last night Nico and I called into the bike shop on the way home and after testing a few, I opted for this one.  Also, it's a Hollander style which means I can sit up straight on the bike which should be better for my back.  

Looking forward to a few trips this Summer!

And another link...

I completely forgot to add this to the list on Wednesday but I thought this video was fantastic.  

I can't imagine our first lady doing something like this.  At first I was really impressed that such a respected lady knows how to have fun and have a laugh, but now I found out it is all for a good cause - the 'let's move' campaign, encouraging parents to move more with their kids - brilliant and fun!

P.S. The weather is getting a little more blustery here - I hope the kite flying weather holds out over the weekend!

Fitness Twist

source

Like many women, I'm very conscious of my arms or bingo wings and with the wedding coming up, I don't want any nasty surprises when the photos come back.  This is why I have added a new twist to my Zumba workout with these weight balls as recommended by one of my lovely bridesmaids.  It did make me feel like I was working harder than ever but hopefully, the results will show on the day!

Three Week Countdown

This weekend I realised it is now just three weeks to the big 10k in Bremen.  It just so happens that I have three weeks left on the training plan which I haven't touched since we went on holiday.  I'm not quite sure how I am going to fit in runs during the week yet but I did a 4k run by myself yesterday and while I could tell I've been out of it for a while, I didn't do too badly and felt good about it.  I took the Ipod with me and finished off with Queen's 'Another One Bites the Dust' which I think I'm going to play at the end of each training session til I get through this!!  

I'll be glad to have done it and hopefully it has a positive effect on my fitness and weight .. but there'll be no running on the list next year, 10k is the most I can manage, if I manage that!

10k preparation

As promised, last week saw the start of my running training programme for the 10k in October.  It was about as hard as expected but definitely not helped on Wednesday by the weather - luckily that was the short run day.  We decided to go as early as possible from then on before the sun gets so hot.  So Friday saw us set of at 7.30.  I think I prefer going earlier and getting it out of the way though. 

I've never been big on running as I find it a little boring.  I certainly can't talk at the same time.  Luckily we have the beautiful park here so we've been varying the route and enjoying the views.  On Friday we even came across a mini farm which had expanded over the park so we were jogging with hens and sheep!

Looking forward to the rest of the programme and looking for a way to keep it up during our travels...

Training!

I know that there are a lot more than twelve weeks to go to my big race day but as part of my new mindset, I am starting the Race for Life 10km training plan tomorrow!  Here's the plan displayed in all its glory on the office door ready to make me get my backside into gear.