New Year Bootcamp: Brighton Kettlebells Week Two
I’ve reached the halfway point of bootcamp and I’m noticing positive effects from the food detox and strict exercise regime. At the end of week two, I’ve resisted fish and chips and the best part of a roast, alongside enduring four great workout sessions.
The feedback from my food diary from the first week showed that I was snacking too often and eating too much fruit – I know you’re probably wondering how is that possible? The important point that trainer Christian drills to the class is that with most meals you eat you need an equal proportion of three major food groups: fat, protein and carbohydrates.
In the first week I eliminated the correct toxins from my diet but this week I have found a pattern and made wiser choices to ensure I get all three food groups into every meal I eat. Out with porridge for breakfast, and in with avocado for fat, a boiled egg for protein and a slice of Rye bread, or a piece of fruit, for carbs. In week one I was eating nuts like sweets, and to be honest I am still struggling to control my quantity but I am separating a smaller amount into a container to keep on my desk at work. When I have a snack, such as a yoghurt, I have a couple of almonds or Brazilian nuts to ensure I am having enough good fat. I am slightly concerned about the amount of calories in the nuts, so I hope they don’t jeopardise my overall weight loss.
Other things I have to bear in mind are: drink plenty of water – aiming for three litres a day, avoid starchy carbs in the evening with dinner and have two pieces of fruit a day rather than an unlimited amount. I am carrying a 1.5 litre bottle with me, everywhere I go! Despite waking up every night at 4am for a trip to the toilet, drinking water has made a huge difference to how I feel.
Every Monday I attend the beginners’ class for bootcampers only, where we discuss food ideas before practising lifts with the kettlebells. I went to a Zumba® class on Tuesday and the advanced and intermediate kettlebells classes on Wednesday and Thursday.
I like the advanced class because it’s slightly smaller and the intensity is mad, I really have to push as hard as I can to keep myself going. In this week’s advanced class, after a warm-up, Christian gave us a set of dumbbells each and we weren’t allowed to put them down for a good 10-15 minutes. My arms were aching and shaking by the end of the lifts – we even had to keep them in our hands while doing the plank. That was before I had even touched my usual 8kg kettlebell that session. I can honestly say there’s no greater feeling than knowing you’re working every single muscle in your body at once.
By the end of week two I find I have no trouble falling asleep at night, I am no longer dehydrated, I feel a lot happier and a few of my friends have already complimented me on my skin. I am not sure if I notice any difference to my physique yet, which is what I will be most interested in.
The Kettlebell’s classes are open to everyone, whether you’re doing the bootcamp or not: www.brightonkettlebells.co.uk/
