It it turns out that swimming at the off-peak time -between 7h30pm and 9 pm is the best time to go! It's the 1st time I've trained at night and it was glorious as I had the pool all to myself. When I got there and was preparing myself to get in (I put on my cozzie at home and then just throw a dress over it because I hate gym changing rooms) I was mesmerized by how still the water was. It almost looked like glass. And the water was so clear you could see every spot on the floor.
I really didn't think I was going to make it yesterday. I'd done three days in a row, and I honestly think I overdid it swapping between the lane pool and the physio pool. I slept right through the afternoon spot, which I was disappointed about, but clearly, I needed some rest.
When I woke up I decided to phone the gym to find out what time off peak is in the evenings and it's around dinner time for us. That's probably why so many people don't take advantage of the off-peak membership.
Luckily @zakludick had a plan to make supper, so while I was swimming and grabbing a few items from the shop that we needed, Zak was making sure we all got supper! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband person <3
So I've had this gym membership for a year already, and basically, after losing my job at Blaauwberg Hospital at the beginning of November last year, I haven't been back. I just watched that debit order go off every month and felt guilty about it. I am so glad I am using it now!
My purpose is of course to lose weight. Over this winter and since last year, I packed on an extra ten kilograms. I don't even want to tell you how much I weighed on day one of swimming, but I suppose accountability is key.
I will weigh myself once a week - bearing in mind my menstrual cycle which adds on about 3-5 kilos when I'm a few days before, during and a few days after. I should only really weigh myself once a month for more accurate results. I'll probably be more satisfied this way anyway. Let's see how I do. It was a combination of being miserable, but also very cold and in a lot of pain as I tried to get the balance of my pain and depression/ anxiety meds under control, but I basically became bed-bound. Even walking to the loo across the passage hurt. I didn't realize how much weight I had put on until I went to the gym, and with mirrors everywhere and a scale, it was impossible to ignore. Each extra kilo has a severe impact on my back and knees, so it's imperative that I act immediately... before I become diabetic or have a heart attack.
A lot of this will require good eating and making sure I get lots of fresh fruit and veg. While I won't be making major changes to my diet, I will try to eat less carbs and cut out saturated fats.
I've been eating oats with cinnamon, nutmeg and chopped-up banana every morning. This is extremely satisfying and keeps me well-fed for almost the whole day. It's arguably higher in calories, but it's good calories. And although I am not doing any vigorous workouts at the gym, I am burning some calories. I just need to figure out how to be in a deficit. I believe between the water physio and smart eating, I will speed up my metabolism though!
Also, movie nights will have to be snack-free ( Zak and I generally munch on chocolate and other naughty things while the kids are asleep. They're exhausting so we feel like it's a treat) because that is definitely where a lot of the weight came from. Custard slices, birthday cake, chocolate, and whatever else that we considered a treat. It's a big no-no now.
I guess I knew I'd picked up weight... and a lot of it, because I could see it in my face. It's been stopping me from socializing and has even gotten in the way of my music. It's added to my isolation and therefore my depression. I think for now, pretty much everything needs to go on hold until I start seeing results. I have to put my health 1st.
The ultimate goal is 30 kgs! Phew! But we'll just take it one day at a time. I need to love myself enough to show up for me and make healthy choices every day.
Let's see how I do <3
