In two weeks I’m starting a diploma in fitness, so watch this section of the site come alive finally!

So, if you saw my recent post in the Backyard you can understand why I haven’t been active in the Gym here. I haven’t done structured exercise on the road at all. While the last few months have been full of hiking & climbing & swimming etc I haven’t been able to do any “measurable exercise” amongst it.

While I’ve lost weight in the last few months unfortunately it’s not really healthy. I’ve lost a lot of muscle. My diet has been incredibly lacking. A few months with little protein & iron etc means I’ve been depleting my stores with each spurt of exercise & not building muscle like one should.

The lacking diet also showed other negative effects. I was weak, dizzy, forgetful, light-headed, bruised, I had no concentration, stamina, coordination & very slow reaction-time. It’s been quite an interesting experiment despite being detrimental to my health. Coupled with the crazy heats in Arizona (most days over 45 celsius) & dehydration, my body was feeling rock-bottom until I became a trembling, feinting mess. It’s been fascinating watching how the body reacts to these extremes.

Step 1-

The last couple of weeks we’ve been staying in a motel & have had access to healthy food. We’ve been munching fruit & vegetables like there’s no tomorrow & getting a good dose of protein. The effect has been almost immediate but obviously our bodies are still repairing & may need some time.

Step 2-

Once I’m feeling a little stronger & there’s fuel in my tank, it’s time to get a little more active. The main obstacle will no doubt be the temperatures here in Phoenix. It is impossible to go outside for exercise, even in the evening, so I’ll start off with some indoor workouts to get the connections firing again.

I have very low expectations at this stage.

I’m really excited about having energy again one day soon. In fact I’ve just started downloading a P90x system in preparation for healthier days. I can’t wait to get started. Has anyone out there had experience with P90x? I’d love to hear your stories.

Nik’s video is back here if you missed it.

It was a bit of a tricky ascent in a few places & the rock is incredibly rough & sharp on the hands (we need gloves!). We came home a little scratched up & bloody. My hands are still healing, but man that was fun. We love climbing … well, bouldering technically, since we don’t have ropes etc.

It was a great day out. We’re really going to miss this weather. I imagine in a couple of months it will be far too hot out here to contemplate climbing in the midday sun.

I’m really gonna miss all this space one day when we leave. I never thought I’d love living out here, but now I don’t know how I’ll adjust back to city life, running on a treadmill like another mouse on a wheel. I’m sure all this fresh air & running around with the rabbits like a feral child has added years to my lifespan. This week has been extra beautiful, watching the desert come alive suddenly for the start of spring. Yesterday I even saw a snake! & can you believe I’m getting a tan?

Some photos for me to remember this time… one day when I’m nature-deficient, jogging through traffic & breathing smog.

If you have any interest in martial arts, search "Bas Ruten MMA Workout" for some of his videos on youtube (I would post a link but the videos would disappear/ move knowing my luck).

I’ve wanted to start some kickboxing & Thai boxing training; have wanted to for a while now. My friends would probably laugh at me saying that. It seems I’m constantly saying “I’m looking for kung-fu lessons” or “I’m gonna start boxing training as soon as *insert random hurdle*” & never actually start. Yep, once again I find myself with an excuse- this time with no income, but since I don’t have classes available to me right now, I can at least learn some from Bas here in my living room.

(No scales, no calipers, no measuring tapes. I’m only interested in how I feel & what I’m capable of at this early stage. Why bring myself down with skinfold exams & girths?)

Currently I am doing a lame effort for daily exercise. It’s irregular & unmeasured. I’m soft & lacking energy. My sleep is suffering. My muscles twitch & I get restless legs in bed. My diet is the worst it’s ever been too. I’m not happy like this & pretty much everything has to change..

So I’m pretty much “rock bottom” at this stage. The good thing is I can only go up from here.

Exercise level at present-

Cardio- My only cardio is speed-interval running & jogging around the neighbourhood, a continuous 30 minute at least of OHR (optimum heart rate), minimum 4 times a week. As of last week I increased the frequency to 6 times a week with only 1 day off.

My breathing has improved over the last month but my calves & ass are still soft, plus I just feel heavy & awkward. It’s time to step it up.

Strength- Eeek.. I’m really at a low point when it comes to strength work. I’m cushy & anything-but-toned. I have no weights or equipment to work with but have recently started with bodyweight strength exercises again. I’ve been totally irregular the last few months with no program, but started an easy but structured strength routine last week, just to start off (as below).

Flexibility- Also at a low point. My only flexibility training has been before & after cardio for the past few months. I’ve structured routined flexibility training into my week, shown below. Time to get focused.

Diet- Another eek. A few problems here. I’ll do a proper post on that, but my first goal is to stop baking unhealthy treats & eating after midnight. Gotta start somewhere.

I’ll be switching up my routine & review my goals each fortnight if not earlier.

Ok, so here’s my “beginners” program to start me off for the next fortnight while I get into routine-

• Mon-Sat: 30-40mins cardio in the form of running/jogging intervals. Kickboxing can start next month..
• Mon, Wed, Fri: Bodyweight strength routine (as below)
• Tues & Thurs: Core strength & Flexibility training (as below)

Bodyweight Strength Session

• 20 Push Ups
• 50 Side Push Ups (25 per side)
• 20 Crunches
• 50 Reverse Crunches
• 50 Side Crunches (25 per side)
• 20 Squats
• 50 Lunges (25 per side)
• 50 Calf Raises (25 per side)
• 20 Tricep Dips
• 50 Seated Row (with fitstrips)

-Repeat twice.

Core Strength & Flexibility Session

• 20 Crunches
• 50 Reverse Crunches
• 50 Side Crunches
• Supermans
• 50 Seated Row (with fitstrips)
• Kneeling Leg Raises

Okeys, so let’s see how I go with routine in my life..