Posts

Back to it and 16:8

So I've been doing kettle bell swings on and off since January and recently I set myself another goal of 50-100 swings a day (1 or 2 sets of 50 reps) with the 6kg kettle bell. No pressure to do 100, only if time allows. This is in addition to a new diet I haven't tried, 16:8, which I am finding relatively easy as I never used to eat breakfast. However, I am doing 18:6 as this is more natural for me. Peer pressure and do-gooders saying I must have breakfast made me cave in, so for the last 3 or so years, I have had breakfast. Not any more, I am taking control of my life. Hopefully, I can keep up the weight loss. I am a pretty slow loser so have reduced my calorie intake to around 1,000. Recommended cals for me is 1528 minus 20% = 1244 cals. I am not being too strict about it. I am trying to cut out sugar and sweeteners, my main culprit is sugar-free squash and low calorie pop. I am eating bread, pasta and potatoes but not every day. My main substitute is cauliflower rice which s

New Month, New Goal

My exercise regime trailed off due to my lower back problem, so today I decided to start up again with a lower weight but higher reps. I will probably increase the weight but it is quite a big jump to the 10kg kettle bell which is the next manageable size I have. Haven given up on the cheap 8kg kettle bell from Morrisons, the handle is just so large I end up squatting. No doubt I will find a use for it when I start learning other exercises later on down the line. But for now, I am happy just swinging. 50 kettle bell swings x 2 reps with 6kg kettle bell So, my new goal is 100 swings a day for as long as I can keep it up. I think this is much more realistic as a beginner .... and I am going to drink my Huel for breakfast. It is not a diet shake more a healthy meal replacement drink and tastes a bit like weetabix/porridge/biscuits? I might even replace my lunch with it too. It is an easy way for me to take stock of my calories. 2 scoops is 304 cals x 2 meals = 608 and then I will have

Injured Lower Back from Kettlebell Swings

Image
So yesterday I started back up with the full kettle bell workout I've been using: 12 reps Kettlebell Deadlift 12 reps Goblet 12 reps Russian Swings 12 reps Around the World 12 reps American Swings X1 set with 8kg kettle bell and X2 sets with 10kg kettle bell. This morning I tried to turn over in bed and had terrible pain in my left lower back. Trying to get out of bed was even more interesting. If it wasn't for the pain, it would have been quite comical. Searching on the internet, it seems likely to be my form and I think I have pinpointed it to swinging too low. Over the course of my research I have found that I should aim the kettle bell on the down move towards my 'zipper' and also (just in case) on the up, stop at 1 'o'clock just in case I am overextending. Today, I will try to complete my workout using my 6kg kettle bell until I get my form right. The 8kg kettle bell that I used yesterday is far too big for kettle bell swings. The handle is quite

Diet Time

Image
Completely went over the top this week, I've had a whole box of chocolate fingers to myself, chinese, chippie, pizza, lasagne etc etc. Full blown out binge for me. Surprisingly haven't put any weight on but my stomach looks huge. Seriously need to look at my diet. Have ordered some Huel meal replacement drinks, hopefully I can stick to it and just have 1 main meal a day. I am not very good at this dieting thing. Well, better get reading the booklet. Quite pleased with my box of goodies. If you order directly from the site you get a free shaker, measuring cup and a free t-shirt with your first order. Let's hope it fills me up. 😮 Image Credits: Pixabay : Free-Photos

Kettle Bell Swings

Image
The countdown begins! I need a goal and have found one that I think is achievable for me. It's February 3rd so a short month. I will have to go over to make up 30 days, but that is no problem. I will be alternating between a 6kg kettle bell (13lb) and a 10kg kettle bell (22lbs) that I have just started with. This is a good weight for me to really push myself. I am still a beginner but hope that I am doing the kettle bell swing correctly. My first workout took 25 minutes with breathers. I chose to do them all in one go, but these can be spread throughout the day any way you choose. I used the 10kg kettle bell. 15 reps x 6 sets 10 reps x 1 set 20 reps x 5 sets 15 reps x 6 sets 10 reps x 1 set 300 Kettle Bell Russian Swings! Day 1. Let's see if I notice any difference in my weight and shape after 30 days. Is anyone with me? Image Credit: Pixabay : kellepics Day Two Really didn't want to do this today and I am beginning to think this may be too much for

One Month Progress Results from Weight Training

Image
Only very small changes for me in my first month. This is without any dietary change. 2.2lbs weight loss (a large bag of sugar) 1.3% fat loss 0.6 muscle gain 0.5 inch off bust 1 inch off waist 2.5 inches off hips Cannot see any difference in the way I look or the way my clothes feel. However, I know I am getting stronger as I have progressed in weight on the kettle bells and I feel a bit tighter. Pleased with the inch loss from waist and hips though. Looks like this is going to be a slow journey for me. I am secretly hoping that I will see a noticeable difference by the Summer. I might even put up a Before and After photo if there is a noticeable change. I am overweight by 2 stone. Because my weight loss is so slow, my 6 month goal in this respect doesn't seem to be achievable. I was hoping to lose 24lbs, that would have been 4lb's a month which should have been doable. Admittedly I am not dieting, but I haven't been over the top either. I will try and push my

Switched Up My Training

Image
Fell off track again and have had 3 clear days of "No exercise" and I actually feel bad about it. Something is definitely changing in me. I put it down to the kettle bell. I actually love this way of exercising. I like that I can go at my own pace, change it up and that it is quick. I also like swinging around some heavy metal. Well at least it is heavy for me 😍 and I feel good doing it. Today, I did 15 Russian Swings with a 14 kg Kettle bell. That's 30.86 lbs!!!! Today's workout: 15 x1 set of Russian Swings, 6kg 15 x 1 set American Swings, 6kg 15 x 5 sets Russian Swings, 10 kg 15 x 1 sets Russian Swings, 14 kg! 15 x 1 set Russian Swings, 10 kg 15 x 1 set complete workout 8kg (Deadlift, Goblet, Russian, Around the World, American) Total Swings today: 180 Total Workout Time: 20 minutes It will be one month tomorrow, will check my measurements and weight. Hoping there is some difference. Image Credits: Pixabay : GDJ