I’ve been very quiet haven’t I?!  It’s been cold here lately, so I’ve been rugged up and reading trashy romance novels mostly LOL 

I have been a good girl in one respect though, I’ve joined a gym!!  Well, the women’s fitness centre Contours.  I haven’t exercised regularly since I was in high school, ummm that’s about 18 years ago I think.  Since I’ve been home caring for mum (almost 8 years now) I’ve gradually piled on the weight.  It’s not something you notice at first, as it happens so slowly.  One minute you think you’re healthy and fit, the next minute you’re wondering where your waist went!!  Besides losing weight and getting fit, I really wanted to join to increase my strength, because if mum fell, it would then be easier for me to help her.  Also, diabetes runs in my dad’s side of the family, my brother has it, as well as alot of aunts, uncles and cousins, and if I keep gaining weight it’s going to put me straight into the high risk range for it.

I’d always felt intimidated when considering joining a gym and working out, so taking that first step and joining was a huge nerve-wracking leap.  Once I got inside, filled out the forms and spoke to the people there I was fine, at least until the first workout!  LOL  At Contours the first three workouts are supervised.  The trainers go around with you showing you how the machines work, and working out what weights to start you on.  You alternate from a machine to a platform that you jog on, etc, which keeps your heart-rate up where you’re burning fat.

I was fine during the first workout, well, except for being completely out of breath and sore LOL  About five minutes after I stopped though, I felt like the blood had drained from my head and I was about to pass out or throw up.  It turned out that, stupidly, I hadn’t eaten anything at all since lunch, about 6 hours previously!!  I was also dehydrated, because I don’t drink alot of water during the day.  So after lying down and having a protein shake, I was feeling reasonably human again.  After that, I have made sure to drink water regularly throughout the day, and make sure I have a snack like a handful of almonds mid afternoon.  So if you’re thinking of doing any exercise, don’t forget to eat and drink!!  It had to be one of the most horrible feeling’s I’ve ever gone through.

I’ve now finished my first three workouts, so just rock up and join in from now on instead of booking an appointment.  You get a jazzy lil plastic card with a barcode on it that you scan when you go in, so it’s all quickly recorded straight onto their computer, no need for signing in and wasting time before starting.

One thing I have noticed, is that when you are coming or going, if you pass another woman with a Contours bag (you get one when you join) you automatically smile and say hello.  It’s so friendly and easy-going.

Well, that’s what I’ve been up to!  I promise not to forget the beads though! 

Hope you’re all well!

It’s definitely getting colder here in Australia.  It’s the perfect time to warm up the soup, light the fire, and relax with family and friends or creating jewellery.

To celebrate the new season, we’re offering you 50% off all current lampwork and jewellery items for a limited time.

So be sure to log in and SAVE, you have until 30th June 2009.

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