Thats it for my First challenge
Today was my last day of the challenge, and I splept in. Would normally get up at 6:00 and in the gym for 6:30 to do the 20min HIIT, slept in till 6:45
Still in there by 7:15, 20 minutes later all done
Main points,
BF went from 17% to 12.9%, I really want to get down to 8% but sometimes difficult to know what is achievable in 12 weeks (particularly on the first challenge) and I am certainly not dissapointed in that result.
My weight has gone from 12½ stone (175lbs) to 12 stone (168lbs), didn't really want to drop weight being 6' 3", but again didn't really know what to expect on the first challenge. Goal for next challenge to gain more muscle.
Waist has gone from 34" down to 32½", which is brilliant. That is where the fat was beginning to gather and was the part that was really bugging me.
Starting to see muscle definition everywhere, including the upper abs area, just need to lose more fat from the lower area to see them (thats for the next challenge).
My lifting weights haven't increased dramatically, but still hitting 10s. Have tried on occasion to increase weights but then the form starts to suffer, so I'll stick with what is achievable.
Cardio has improved significantly, I have to say that I only do 1 20min HIIT workout, the other 2 are 1 hour Body Combat classes which I really enjoy and get a great workout from. Being asthmatic I used to take medicine prior to a Body Combat class and at least once during it, the past couple of weeks I have only been taking it before the class and have not needed it during or after the class
So not only do I feel I am fitter in the cardio area I also have a measure to prove it.
Other observations:
I have found it really easy to stick to both the training schedule and the eating. In the 12 weeks I missed only 1 LBWO (and that was week10) and have not faltered on the eating at all. I've had my cravings occasionally but just tell myself that I don't need it, my body is getting enough fuel from the 6 meals. And it usually only an hour or two till the next feeding time at the zoo.
Still don't drink enough water (and I work for a water utility too
)
Weeks 8 and 10 I felt really exhausted 1 to 2 days into the week, watch out for this but just push through it.
My waist measurement didn't move at all until the end of week 10, so don't get despondent if it doesn't happen right away, it will happen.
So what next,
take a week off, except Body Combat. It is a change of the routine next week, good timing, so you never really push it whilst learning the new routine and that will be about it no weights at all.
Starting new challenge on Sunday 11 April which means I will finish challenge 2 2 weeks before my holidays.
Taking voluntary redundancy from my current employment 1 week before my holidays and setting up my own Web Hosting company so new starts all round for me.
Week after I come back from my hols, beginning of August, I start a 12 week full time course for a diploma in Personal Training, so should be kicking off 3rd challenge at the same time.
Gonna be busy.
Good luck to everyone with their challenges and stick in.
Mike