BumpH2T: Getting my fitness back

There was no way  I was going to call this post getting my body back as I am under NO illusion how hard post birth will be. As much as I have had plenty of pals whose bodies have sprung back to 'normal' very quickly after birth, I know my shape will have a difficult time. I will have a new body to adjust to and one that will deserve all the praise following the fertility treatments, the miscarriage and then labour, so all I want to focus on is getting some of my fitness and strength back which is something I loved doing pre-baby.

I was invited to pick a couple of items with JD Williams from their super expansive sport and leisure ranges to help me get back on my feet when the time comes, and I had a pretty difficult time deciding considering the amazing brands they stock. Adidas, Puma, Regatta,and Ellesse are all there among affordable lines designed for anyone to get into fitness which is an approach I am a big fan of. Not everyone has a swish leisurewear budget to play with and I would hate that to put anyone off from trying. Another thing I noticed about their products is they also cater to larger sizes which is a huge thumbs up. Having been far bigger in the past I know how daunting fitness and exercise can be from the outset, never mind being met with the idea of tiny gym clothes that you can only imagine suiting one type of body shape.

With Sports bras with sizes up in the 40's and outdoor jackets in sizes up to 30, they really do cater to a wide audience which is amazing. For my post baby slow comeback I am planning to just kick off with walking when I can and when baby allows so my top picks needed to include a sports bra an outdoor jacket and some new leggings.

I was overwhelmed with strong choices in the sports bra department and in the end settled for this front zipping number which handily helps make it breastfeeding friendly too- a double win. For the outdoor jacket I have had various Regatta jackets in the past and always been impressed with their performance twinned with looks and price so decided to go with this chic black number with warm fleecy lining in the hood. The Brianna jacket is slimming,  super practical and goes with everything- ideal!!

Lastly I needed new leggings and how could I say no to these loud print beauties!? Love the colours, love the style and love that they are in fact high-waisted, I am already so excited to get wearing them. Pineapple always have the jazziest designs. I picked up a nice basics black tshirt to pair with them and it is super comfy and lightweight so pretty perfect for getting out there with the pram!

Working on this post has actually got me really pumped up for getting back into it when I can, and having a few new bits is a definite motivation, it is like having a new pencil case for your first day back at school! When my shape settles a bit I know I will be back taking a look on the site as the affordable ranges really appeal to me, especially while working with my maternity pay :)

Written in association with JDwilliams, all opinions as always are my own

Mirelle Activewear Leggings

If you missed my post all about the wonder woman that has created an amazing active wear line ( and lives right here in Glasgow) then you can catch up here. Since then I have been putting two of the Mirelle Activewear pieces through their paces in the last couple of weeks and can happily report that these beauties perform as well as they look. On first glance I was super impressed with the sheer quality of the fabrics used and the cut of the design, when I got them in I could not believe the  difference between these and the ones I had worn that very morning to the gym. Although I spend a lot of my time in gym gear for various activities, I have never really spent much on that wardrobe and honestly did not realise what paying a little more  might get me in terms of comfort, durability and actually confidence and motivation too!

We managed to at least get one serious pic....

First up was the Acqua legging and I was quick to give it the old DOES IT GO SEE THROUGH IF I SQUAT test, and that is when I knew we were on to a winner- there will be no bum showing through these bad boys. They are thick and tough to the touch but still feeling incredibly supported and light on, these leggings are not mucking about. Serious sports performance but with beautiful style, the Acqua leggings are made from incredibly breathable spandex that along with its hydrophilic finish that absorbs and disperses moisture means there are perfect  for workouts. This design incorporates a compression fabric that provides amazing support  and they are not cut super low on the body so give a solid amount of support to the torso and handily don’t give that dreaded camel toe effect either! The mint coloured panels give you a wonderfully sleek silhouette and the fabric really sculpts the body and  adds to a super shapely fit that genuinely makes me feel much better than my previous ill-fitting ones. Looking in the mirror and seeing your clothes really giving you that strong shape is a real motivator for me to push myself more which is a definite plus when you are strength training like I have been in recent months. 

The action shot!

It has been pretty hard to pry me out of the Acqua since they arrived but I handily also sent a different pair to test out too which have been the perfect complement. Much as I am fully addicted to the shape the first pair give me- I don’t always require full compression bottoms when I am out and about such as my yin yoga class, or just a spot of Urban Adventuring with Ally. The light fabric of the ethnic print legging is absolutely perfect for this as they provide a spot of thermal comfort  while still being breathable, flexible and really soft to the touch. These have been my total go-to bottoms as they unbelievably comfortable never mind flattering with their high waist design and best of all- fun to look at. Who says sports wear should be boring?? Built with that same attention to detail, these leggings are just dreamy to wear and have been my perfect yoga bottoms, and as with the Acqua print they are easy care, easy wash and easy drying too which is ideal. These ones are only £34 in the sale right now so I would grab them while you can!

I am so glad Mirelle has shown me the light when it comes to finding decent gear that will actually last as it withstands multiple washes and lots of different types of activity. I have built up quite the wish list from her collection and my next top picks are definately the Penna Light Leggings in the most amazing feather print and the super stylish Mesh Top. Working out will never be frumpy again!

Introducing; Predator Nutrition

I am always on the look out for a decent site to order some of my staple treats such as PB2, Walden Farms syrups, and Meridian nut butters, so it is a bonus for me when I find somewhere that stocks them along side good new protein options, supplements like the Fish Oil I use and brands I am used to ordering from the US like Now Nutrition.  Based in Leeds,Predator Nutrition's owner Reggie clearly puts the work in to stocking the site with hard to get health and fitness products that you usually have to pay huge shipping on as well as making sure they are always adding new and upcoming exciting products.

I follow a lot of health and fitness types on instagram and It seems like I can't go a day without seeing some of the US based ones posting pics of delicious sounding Quest Bars and I had been itching to see what all the fuss was about. With a whopping 20g of Protein but only 1g or so ( they all vary slightly) of sugar per bar alongside being gluten free, these certainly looked to be many peoples go to snack of choice or post workout fix but were they actually any good? Lucky for me the Predator Nutrition team sent me a super exciting parcel with a whole load of flavours to try out and so far so tasty! I have only tried a couple of protein style bars before and always been pretty much underwhelmed by their taste, often just chewy and either flavourless or super synthetic sweet tasting. I hadn't found anything that could actually get me looking forward to eating one ( or happy to shell out the £'s for).

Straight off the bat, before I had eve finished reading all the flavours in front of me, I ripped open the strawberry cheesecake option to tuck into. My eagerness means my first go was a little disappointing, it was a nicer flavour than ones I had tried before but it still was a little too chewy and powdery tasting. Colour me disappointed! UNTIL I remembered that on instagram I always see people talking about having them heated and let me tell you that changed everything for me. I got home and cut up the cinnamon swirl option as I knew it would float ally's boat, and with 20 or so seconds in the micro we had a tasty, soft and almost brownie like situation going on that was super tasty, filling, and definitely hit my sweet craving spot. From here on in I have tried them all warm , not heated up is still perfectly fine for a snack on the go but warm actually excites me and has me looking forward to having one after dinner on gym days. The ones I have used so far have been amazing like cookies and cream, peanut butter supreme and  I am in love with the coconut cashew. Next up I am definitely firing into the smores and the cookie dough ones! I am usually a fan of trying to meeting my proten needs in the form of whole food sources as often as possible but often at weekends I find myself not getting enought so these are totally perfect for keeping me going and being a darn tasty snack too. People often eat nowhere near as much protein as they need ( especially if exercising), so these are a fantastic option for meeting those levels easily. At £2.79 a go, they aren't cheap but these fill me up so much better than any other cereal bar I would usually be swayed by and if buying in boxes on the site you can get them for nearer £2 each, plus I would always keep my eyes peeled for deals.

With my whole workout in mind, the team also sent me some sachets of Optimum Nutrition Pre -Workout  powder to try which I am surprised to say seem to make a difference for me. I had my reservations but so far this has helped me with my workouts, very possibly due to the caffeine content ( alongside  creatine and B vitamins)and that I hit the gym pretty early in the morning. These have made me feel far more alert and up for working hard, and I have actually managed PB's  the first day I tried it so  it has been an interesting experiment for me. 

Predator Nutrition has been a really useful find for me getting most of my goodies from one site and is well worth checking out, I love that they stock a decent mix of products and brands and I am a fan of the loyalty points system too. Now if I could just get Reggie to stock my favourite liquid stevias I would be all set!

If you are interested in trying out Quest Bars I just noticed they are selling some short dated stock right now so you could pick up a mixed box of flavours for £16.99 or a few flavours for only 11.99 which is a fab deal, I have just ordered my next bundle ( which arrrived the next day!) and I happened to notice the handy code QUEST10 will get you 10% off that too- bargain! If you take advantage of the handy deal would love you to use my refferer code at the checkout 6650028 and I earn a few of those loyalty points to my next order. Happy Healthy Shopping!

Glasgow Reviewed; AG Fitness Training

This is one of the hardest posts I have ever tried to write, not because it is about to be a terrible review but the total opposite in fact, I just have SO many good things to say that I don't even know where to start! If you missed my intro post about Andy from AG Fitness training you can catch up here, this post is the promised full review of his 6 week personal training package that I have just finished up and I have been so excited to sing his praises. To refresh, I have wanted to get into weight and strength training for ages as cardio bored me to tears and I walk 7 miles a day Mon-Fri so I feel that is more than enough.  My problem with weights in the past was that I had no set structure and absolutely no correct form what so ever so I was keen to try out a package like this to make sure I was starting off with someone in the know leading the way.

From the outset I knew Andy just 'got' it. He understood where I was now, why I was at this point and where I wanted to get to- which made setting out on this journey together so much easier. He was quick to gain my trust which I think is so important when taking on a new approach to fitness, I felt completely at ease with him and with his plan for getting me to where I want to be. As I mentioned in my intro post it is his approach to nutrition that just blew me away and throughout the 6 weeks this has continued to be an outstanding commitment on his part. Having his clients track their eating on my fitness pal- he monitors and advises you as you go to ensure your diet is in the right place for achieving your goals. He is in regular contact with you to either make suggestions or tweaks or just offer a big well done for keeping on track which is fantastic motivation and helps really build a good relationship. He is always on hand to answer questions which in my case has been millions, he takes time to provide you with any answers you need to keep you on track and strengthen your understanding of how nutrition and fitness work hand in hand and how they affect one another which is something I don't think you can get from a lot of PTs. On top of him monitoring your diet and being on hand to answer questions, he posts handy links and info on his facebook and twitter and also helpfully posts really useful pieces on his blog which are fab for expanding your knowledge.

Nutrition aside, his knowledge and passion for weight training is incredible. Having a solid education in what he is teaching is so important as it again solidifies the trust that I think you need when placing your fitness in someone elses hand. He knows the science behind why things work the way they work and how to then improve on them which is a huge help for me- I love to understand why I should be doing something in order for me to want to continue doing it. Andy is incredibly patient in teaching you good basic form for exercises to ensure you are not going to give yourself any injuries, and so that you are getting the most from every move. He sets you up with a plan so that you can train out side of your sessions and it was no problem at all when I asked him to  make me an additional one to get some exercise at home when I don't have time to get to the gym. As the weeks have progressed we have worked on a variety of important compound moves using different equipment and learning about them has been genuinely good fun. It doesn't matter what you are capable of when you start out Andy makes sure you get going without any embarrassment or intimidation, he is a total joy to train with and manages the perfect mix of patience and encouragement. It has given me the motivation and confidence to then hit the gym on my own to work on what I have been learning and it is amazing just how much I have loved it. I was so over and done with cardio that having a good set routine for the gym that I then building on is actually exciting and  it is incredible just how much more confident it actually makes you feel. Weight loss is not the number one goal here ( although it can be for some) in my 6 weeks I have started to see little muscles grow which were never there before, my clothes fit so much better while my weight has gone down a little but that actually hasn't mattered to me at all as I am finding the fit of my jeans far more motivating. Without a doubt my stomach is the flattest I have seen it, and no jokes- there is a wee proper bum starting to form- the excitement!! I have even been getting up earlier some mornings to fit a quick trip to the gym in before work which is a HUGE change for a sleep lover like me, but I have enjoyed my little sessions so much I have actually been excited to get in- what a turn around!

Andy has been cheering me on every step of the way and I really look forward to our sessions to see what else I can learn and improve on with him leading the way. I haven't hesitated in booking myself in for another course of sessions and neither has Ally who has been just as delighted with the service with AG Fitness as I have been. He is a total gym-phobe normally, before Andy it was a proper battle to get him to come and spend any time in one but now he is gutted when his work shifts means he can't get along to work on his lifting- he will be a beefcake in no time!

If you have been looking to get your fitness and nutrition in line this year I cannot recommend getting in touch with Andy enough, I am gutted I didn't sort out something sooner as I could have saved myself lots of horrible forced cardio! His prices are just fantastic for the level of service you can expect and he is really flexible in working out the best package to suit you. Even if you just want to know more about how a PT session can benefit you just send him a tweet or email- I guarantee you wont be disappointed. I am so excited to see where all Andy takes his business in the coming months, he has some really fantastic ideas for videos and online content alongside ways to expand his training so if I was you I would get in there now and book some space before it is all gone!

You can contact Andy on 07961 085921 or email him at andy@agfitnesstraining.co.uk

Introducing; Go Nutrition

In my last post I was filling you in on a review I am doing with AG Fitness which involves learning strength training over a few sessions. I am half way there now and absolutely loving learning weights and good form and looking forward to building my strength up and adding some heavier weights down the line. The great thing about Andy's approach is his attention to the nutrition aspect of training and the importance of a strong balanced diet to  help you reach your goals. I would say thanks to a lot of work, that my diet is pretty good but I was aware that there are times when I am not quite taking in enough protein for my needs and seeing as it is vital to muscle repair and building I thought it was time to explore options to increase my intake.

I will throw my hands up and say I have avoided protein drinks in the past as I have preferred to get protein from natural sources and  have long associated them with some really intimidating gym fiends and also because of the added chemicals and sugar and it always looks so expensive! However knowing I was planning on making strenght training a more regular addition I figured now was the time to look into a bit more and experiment. After comparing a whole load of different companies offerings and reading up on forums with people who consume products like this daily- I came across Go Nutrition who were getting rave reviews for the range and quality of products on offer that are coming in at really good prices. I was really taken with the transparency of the ingredients they are using and its something my research showed that is not the case across the board, their open and honest approach is seriously commendable and seems to be proving a big hit with customers.

"You won't find cheap fillers in our products, you won't find us faking the protein levels by adding cheap amino acids and you won't find us hiding the exact ingredients of our protein blends, greens powders or amino acid formulas behind so-called proprietary blends."

To get me started I have tried out the Maple syrup and pancake Whey Protein 80, the Amino Go and the Creatine Monohydrate.

Now I am not in a position to review the full effects of taking supplements like these as they are all so new to me so I can't compare or even fully comprehend what benefits they are doing to my muscles but I can report that after my sessions and any other gym work I have done on my own that It has definitely helped with any aches or pains that I have had post gym in the past. For comparison Ally is also attending these sessions and due to his protein levels being super low he has still been feeling the effects of lifting weights wayyy after he should be where as I haven't found that all. Week one, when I hadn't used these, I was definitely in a lot more pain! You can read a lot more about the products and the full breakdown of benefits on the site but in terms of the whole process I have to commend Go Nutrition greatly. As a total newbie to the area I was really impressed with the level of customer service they offer, the answered my mountain of questions and helped guide me in what products might be of use and explaining why. I found the website fantastic to navigate- I love that you can shop by pre/post workout timing, by goal or by brand. They have the full nutritional breakdowns on offer alongside some really useful guides and info on how best to use products and even their own magazine style pages called The Pulse- and they also happen to have some damn good deals on the go too!

 I have already put in for my next bundle ( I want all the flavours!) thanks to an offer that popped in my inbox. They have same day dispatch, cheap delivery ( free over £50) price matching, 30 day guarantees, live chat service and a referral scheme which means you get free protein with your first order and excellent information on how to use it and their products- I honestly can't fault them!

If you are starting out strength training or looking to start supplementing your diet like this, I highly recommend finding your feet with Go Nutrition- and feel free to use my referral code to get you started with your first order ( disclaimer- I get a treat too!) Even my PT has jumped on board to try it out!

Just pop BZIPTN at the check out to use it and enjoy the free protein.

Introducing; AG Fitness Training

 I have slowly and gradually lost weight over the years with lifestyle changes and a real interest in nutrition generally and I am happy enough with the size I am (most of the time!) but what still bothers me is my fitness and in particular, my strength. I am well aware that as the scales have gone down my body fat percentage has risen which has made me that 'skinny fat' way that I am now ready to tackle. I have dabbled with weights and lifting in the past but like many I have not been approaching it properly and it has just left me not really committing to it or keeping any kind of routine, which is why this year I had decided it was time to find someone to help me out! I am looking to develop good form, establish a proper routine and set some goals to work towards.

I have been looking to sort out some sessions with a personal trainer for such a long time so timing was pretty perfect when an offer of a little taster session with Andy of AG Fitness Training came in recently so I was quick to bite his hand off to say hello at the charing cross gym he is working from. Specialising in muscle gain and fat loss, Andy has studied for three years to get himself thoroughly equipped to be an effective personal trainer. One thing I had noticed when I had started looking into local people to help me, was the massive variation in qualifications and for me I wanted someone who really knew their stuff. On top of this Andy has a huge interest in nutrition so is working towards qualifications in that area too so that he can give his clients a total package towards their health and fitness. Before our appointment I had taken a look at his blog on his site and was really impressed with some of his pieces on the nutrition aspect of training, It was this combination of interests that totally sold his services to me and I was really excited to hear more.

Andy is a really lovely and approachable person who is truly committed to every aspect of his services and is constantly educating himself to improve his personal training. I think one of things that had put me off actually sorting myself out with a trainer (aside from costs) was that I actually find the ones I see in my usual gym as quite intimidating, and seeing as I can currently only lift a sizeable glass of wine in a decent number of reps, I didn't feel confident enough to approach one. Sitting down with Andy however took away all my concerns, he understands his clients from where they are now to what they want to achieve and he really listens. I set my other half up with a quick appointment with him too and he was delighted when he took into consideration the climbing he does and has taken time to research good exercises to work together on that will not only increase his general strength but improve his climbing too. Ally was so impressed with that he has signed up right away to start one of the AG fitness packages which is praise indeed from someone who likes to save his pennies for computer games and burgers!

I am starting a six week package starting tonight so I will be back with a full review, and of course I might not be as nice once he has me working hard, but for now I can say I am actually excited to get going-which is not something you would usually hear me say when it comes to exercise so he must be doing something right! I will be back with a full review of the package when we are done but I know a lot of people on my social media have been chatting about this recently so I wanted to get this up now for anyone looking to get started. It is the perfect time to give it a go as Andy already offers really good prices for his training but if you mention the blog you can also enjoy a 15% discount which is amazing!

Keep up to date with my progress on my twitter and instagram, and you can contact Andy direct on andy@agfitnesstraining.co.uk or chat to him on twitter.