3 things I learned from the #DWFitnessRevolution

A few weeks ago I wrote about beginning the DW Fitness #FitnessRevolution - a programme for people like us interested in health and fitness to help keep us all motivated and on track for 40 days of food and fitness challenges.

Although I wasn't able to participate as much as I'd have liked to with the campaign because of an illness and a week skiing (tough life), it taught me some valuable, maintainable fitness lessons that I wanted to share with you.

Number 1:

Always make time to get out on your lunch break!
If you remember, in my first DW Fitness Revolution post, I swapped their run workout for a walk at work that day, and since doing that, I've made a conscious effort daily to get up and get out on my lunch break. I found this really hard, especially being someone who brings their lunch in, as it can be difficult to find an excuse to leave the office (even more so when it's peeing it down..) But it really does set you up for the afternoon ahead, getting the blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and clearing your head - it works wonders for me!

Number 2:

Set yourself small, achievable goals.

I touched on this in a post recently - I think having smaller, attainable goals can keep you really focused and motivated.
For example, during the challenge, I made it a goal to increase my protein intake. So, I invested in some pea protein and have tried to have a shake most days, as my protein was always lagging behind my carb and fat intake.

Number 3.

If you encounter a set back, don't let it demotivate you. Focus on the positives and be grateful for what you do have.

Like I mentioned before, I was a little bit ill during the challenge which meant I couldn't workout as much as I usually would. Cue initial panic and fear about losing all my strength and stamina...
Being told to rest in our hectic society is really hard, especially for someone who works out a lot, and so this was pretty difficult I'll admit. But after a few days I really understood the phrase 'listen to your body', and allowed myself time to get better before incorporating things like yoga back into my routine.. and working back up to going skiing!


The team behind the campaign really kindly sent me a 'survival hamper' which came loaded with things like;

• Bounce Energy Protein Balls (gotta be up there as one of my all time fave snacks)
• Arnicare cooling gel to help tired muscles
• Biltong - never tried this before, I'm intrigued!
• UFit and Bio Synergy protein shakes
• Gold Collagen drink
• Immulina supplements - to help preserve the body's natural resistance 
• Guest passes to DW Fitness gyms (can't wait to try these out)
• Bio care electrolyte post-workout food supplement
• Book: The Science of Fitness by Greg LeMond & Mark Hom (cannot waiit to read this!)
• Book: New You Bootcamp guide by Sunny Moran and Jacqui Cleaver

I can't wait to read the books, I'm really into reading nutrition / wellness themed books at the moment.

I'm thinking of reviewing some of the products - maybe the Adigym cream, the protein shakes and the Immulina tablets (I've never taken supplements before). Anything else you'd particularly want reviewing?!

Huge thanks to DW Fitness for backing this campaign, the ethos behind it that even just a little bit of fitness everyday can benefit us massively is something I'm a huge advocate of, and I've really enjoyed being part of the #FitnessRevolution community.

DW Fitness - 40 days of fitness challenge

DW Fitness Clubs have challenged me to 40 days of fitness, which starts today and runs up until the 5th April.

They want to inspire as many people as possible to strive to improve their fitness levels, and for those who are already trying to be fighting fit and healthy, they want us to shake up our fitness regimes to keep it fresh and interesting.

They've got PT Lee Pickering, a personal trainer at DW, and Courtney Berlin, a certified health coach on board to keep us all motivated and inspired.

The challenges are fitness and food related (how could I say no?!), and today's challenge is;

In my personal workout plan for today, I'm already going to be doing 20 minutes of HIIT interval training on the treadmill as well as a cross fit style class that my gym puts on, so instead I'm going to opt for a 20 minute walk on my lunch break - it's far too easy for your lunch hour to slip away from you whilst you burrow away at your desk, and I'm definitely guilty of taking one look at the grey clouds outside and staying in - even though I know that getting some brisk fresh air really does clear my head and rejuvenate me for the afternoon!

Hopefully by making myself get off my arse and outdoors, I'll feel a lot better for it!

I'm going to be posting quite a bit about this challenge, so check back here to see how I'm getting on - or if you'd like to join in, get in touch with me and I'll share that days' fitness challenge! I'll aim to post the challenges on here once a week so you've got them for the week ahead. You can adapt them to make them as hard or as easy as you need, depending on your current fitness level and workout schedule. The most important thing is that it gets you consciously thinking about getting fitter.

Here are Thursday and Friday's challenges:

When I squat I usually use a 20kg barbell, but tomorrow I think I'll challenge myself to go heavier..

The hashtag to follow is #FitnessRevolution, and keep your eye on their blog for more on the 40 day challenge.