Six weeks later, six weeks greater.

2017 has been a year of change for me. As I've mentioned in earlier blogs, I have been consciously making an effort to improve my health and fitness this year, not only for my own personal wellbeing, but also in preparation for a new career. It's been an arduous trek, but I'm finishing 2017 in a much better way than I started. My transition from sentient dough with low muscle tone, to fitness enthusiast with slightly increased muscle tone wouldn't have happened without the support and encouragement of my friends and the staff at Fernwood Morayfield, and I can't thank them enough for being there for me.

I've recently completed the Summer Sculpt challenge - a nationwide six week program that Fernwood runs. This wasn't my first time as I participated in the one last year, but with that challenge I had no focus, made excuses for myself and gave up trying within the first couple of weeks. Last year's efforts (or lack thereof) inspired me to do better and I approached this year's Summer Sculpt challenge with more focus and determination. The challenge consisted of before-and-after Bioscans, weigh-ins and measurements; weekly bootcamps, and meal plans.

My favourite part of the six week challenge was the weekly bootcamps. Every week had a different focus, such as boxing, circuit training, and running. The first and last weeks also included a beep test and fitness test so we could track our progress, and if I recall correctly, we all improved in all areas, which was so exciting to see!

Channeling my inner Rocky Balboa

By the end of the challenge, I'd lost 2.5% body fat and gained about 1kg of muscle. I didn't stick to the meal plan as religiously as I'd intended to, but I'm still incredibly happy with the progress I made in six weeks and look forward to aiming higher and doing more challenges in 2018.

On Wednesdays, we bootcamped!

I'd like to finish this blog with a couple of tidbits of advice that I thought might help others who are new to the realm of health and fitness, and are looking for a bit of motivation. Take my advice, or don't - I won't tell you how to live your life!

Accountability

Find a way to hold yourself accountable to your goals. For example, diet was my biggest obstacle, so I began food coaching at my gym, which involves keeping a food diary. Since starting food coaching, I've lost about 7kg which I know I would've struggled to lose if I didn't have that accountability to someone else.

Enjoy yourself

If you're dragging yourself to the gym once in a while and putting in a halfhearted effort, it's probably an indication that you need to reevaluate your current routine. Try a new class, or working out at a different time of the day, or even look beyond the gym and climb a mountain, or go rollerskating - whatever makes you happy!

Make it social

Exercise doesn't have to be a solitary endeavour! Exercise with a friend, or meet some new people at your gym. I'm horrendously socially awkward but was very fortunate to make some lovely friends throughout the year, so if I can do it, so can you.