New Workout Schedule

Yes I have a Jillian Michaels tshirt...

Contrary to popular belief, I've never really been one of those people who loves to exercise. I do it because it makes me feel good (afterwards!) and because it means I can have a second scoop of ice cream. I rarely enjoy working out while I'm working out, but it's become one of those things that is a big part of my life and my leisure time.

I've posted before about my love of Jillian Michaels DVDs (I've reviewed 30 day shred, Ripped in 30, 6 week 6 pack and Killer Buns and Thighs, and I recently finished Extreme Shed and Shred) but recently I've wanted to mix up my workout schedule a bit. After watching my friend Eve complete the Great Manchester Run a few weeks ago I stupidly signed up for the 10K race next year.

Now let me explain. I hate running. Absolutely and utterly hate it. I like to think I'm relatively fit, but a few minutes of running and I'm done for. Which is exactly why I signed up for the race. Because I was so convinced I couldn't do it.

I've started Couch to 5K before but given up after three or four weeks due to just really hating it, but this time I have a deadline to work towards. I have to be able to do this. My 10K isn't until next May but I want to feel confident in my ability, and with the couch to 5K programme I hope to be able to complete a 5K by the end of September.

I got started again with C25K on Wednesday. I'd been growing bored of Extreme Shed and Shred (review to come) and it was a gorgeous day when I finished work. It was light and warm with a slight breeze and I thought, "this is it, I have to go for a run." So I got in from work, laced up my trainers and off I went. And it was lovely. The only problem was I didn't feel pushed. I didn't feel exhausted when it was over, so I knew then it wasn't enough.
C25K, in the initial stages at least, is mainly walking, and 30 minutes was just not enough. Plus they encourage you to only do the programme 3 times a week. After doing 40+ minute workouts 5 times a week I knew I wouldn't be able to have that extra scoop of ice cream if I dropped down to this, so I devised my own workout plan that includes C25K three times a week, plus additional strength and cardio.

My new workout schedule is:
- Couch to 5K three times a week, followed by the 30 Day Shred (switching up levels when necessary)
- Jillian's No More Trouble Zones once or twice a week for additional strength

I hope this workout is a good mix and helps me to push myself with running as well as build strength through additional cardio and strength training.
No More Trouble Zones is a fast-paced strength workout that takes almost an hour and I'm hoping it will be perfect for rest days from running to build muscle.

I'm only on the first week of my new schedule but I'm really excited about it! The current plan is to run once in the week and twice at the weekends (depending on the rain!) and try to fit in NMTZ twice in the week, but my running takes precedence over strength. Today was my first day doing C25K followed by the 30 Day Shred and I loved it! I was ready for more after my run but exhausted by the end!

I'd love to know what you guys think and hear about your workout plans!

Charlotte x

Comments

  1. My workout plan is exercising my arms by lifting loads of glasses of wine

    Kris x

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  2. Yeah, I was thinking if you've been doing all those workout DVDs you can probably run a couple of miles anyway. I hadn't run for almost a year but did 2 miles yesterday, and ran probably 85% of it which I was really pleased with. I was exhausted by the end though! I guess if the Couch to 5K is lots of walking at the start, you won't be that worn out. Good luck!

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  3. I've done the Couch to 5K app (on your recommendation in fact) and I loved it! Well, actually, I hated it, after the first couple of weeks its a serious killer, but I could see so much improvement in myself that it almost became a bit addictive! I tended to do it 4/5 times a week, and sometimes I used a treadmill which helped me to keep my pace up and not stop. I ran a whole 5K in just over 30 minutes without stopping at the weekend, when I couldn't run even 1K without walking at the start of May, and I feel so proud of myself! It definitely works! Good luck!

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  4. That sounds like a great workout plan! I try to do body pump classes at my gym 2-3 times a week (light weights with HIGH repetitions), one dance class a week, yoga (or yogilates) 1-2 times a week, elliptical routine for one hour 4-5 times a week. Running just isn't for me, but I'm envious of your plan!
    xxx

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  5. My plan is to redo the 30DS with 3kg weights as I only had bottles of water when I did it at uni. Now I'm back though I've only managed to do it a couple of times this week, finding it much harder to slot into my life back home (and that of my family!) than it did at uni. Do you have any tips for motivation what so ever? You seem so driven with exercise and I can't quite find that for myself!

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  6. Ooh I was going to use my 3kg weights this time but I caved and used my 1.5s again! One day!
    I think with motivation I'm just a real creature of habit and I like routine. I found a time that worked for me to workout (I usually work out at 9pm right before I go to bed) and got into a routine and enjoyed it. I also like working out at night so I don't have to get up at ridiculous o clock!
    I try to prioritise working out in my evening but not too much (no way am I missing out drinks with friends to work out!) and because i like to workout 4-5 times a week if I know I have say 3 nights that I can't work out that week it pushes me to do it on the days I have time but don't want to!
    I hope that helps!

    Charlotte

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  7. Hmm, thanks for the reply! I think I definitely need to get into a routine of doing it again and really push myself to do it when I do have the time so I can skip days (mostly indeed for drinks with friends!). Ta!


    K.

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