My 'Workout' Routine #1

Workout..... (I'm no expert and this is just what works for me)

This is what I do if I'm doing a quicker workout (5-10 mins)

I love being able to say 'I did a workout' because even the word work makes me feel like I've done something good for myself. I feel good for getting motivated enough to move- which can be very difficult sometimes when the thought of being a slob on the sofa is more appealing. I love sports and I love the feeling it gives me, of the challenge and achievement and in the event of no achievement, the feeling of wanting to do better next time. 

But that's not what you're here to read so here you go- some of my workouts/workout tips

But firstly I start a workout by stretching. I've had too many bad experiences with painful legs and awkward walking so I stretch out my legs and abs, sometimes my arms if I will be using them. I also think working out with music on makes it so much easier because you're not thinking about the pain and workouts can sometimes get boring if you do them by yourself.

Here we go

1.Squats- 30 Squats or 1 minute  set 

You can do this with just your body weight which is what I usually do or with a weight which is what I use if I go to the gym. I use a 10kg weight on my back if I go to the gym, yes I know it's not that heavy I'm not trying to compete and don't think I need a heavier weight. I then go at a pace that suits me which I often switch up e.g. if I've been exercising more often I may slow the pace to make my muscles work harder, but if I'm a bit rusty, I will just go at a pace that suits me.

Top tip: if your legs hurt too much, stop, take a break and do another set. Yes, your body may ache from exercise, but don't over do it because you'll regret it, know when pain is good and pain in excess. 

2. Lunges with a knee to elbow -  2 minute or 20 each side

Pretty self explanatory but I think they are suitable for someone who would like to exercise and get in shape, but isn't an expert! I suggest alternating each leg. Step back on your right leg, bring it back forwards and touch your knee with your left elbow, then copy on the other side. The lunge obviously works your legs and for me, I feel like the knee to elbow touch is working on my stomach from the motion of crunching your abs.

 Top tip: I get tired after doing this one just because I'm still trying to regain my strength and pace from the squats. If it is too straining, lose the knee to elbow and use this as an active rest

3. Heel touches- 1 minute

As you can see from the diagram, you should lie on your back. I often get back pain doing this on my home floor so put cushions underneath or use a yoga mat if you have one. Then touch right hand to right heel, left hand to left heel, just as this picture suggests. I love this exercise, I quite enjoy ab exercises....Probably because I get to lay/sit on the floor! I also like these exercises because they make me feel confident to wear those bikinis in summer because I have managed to burn off that extra Christmas pudding I had (kidding). 

Top tip: Really try and stretch to your heels and sometimes, going fast isn't everything, sometimes going slower works better. This is where I may switch to counting 60 reps so that you still do the same amount of reps that you might in a minute but you feel like you've worked a little harder.  

4. Cross legged elbow - 1 minute or 30 reps

So the name of this probably doesn't give it away and I know it probably isn't the right name for it, but it helps me remember so who cares! 

Top tip: again try and touch your elbow to your knee. Make sure your form is right, with your shoulders slightly off the floor (crunched) but do not take your back off the floor. I can't touch my elbow to my knee, but it's the extra stretch that'll make all the difference

5. Kneeling leg thrusts

1 minute or 30 reps 

Kneel on all fours. Then raise one leg, slightly bent but outstretched, whilst tensing your glutes (this'll make it feel like you're actually doing something). Then repeat on the opposite side. You need to make sure that you're doing this properly so I highly recommend looking at how it should look and making sure your form is correct. This seems to work on my stomach  because I'm stretching all my muscles but I also feel like I'm working on my calves and thighs so overall a good workout! 

Top tip: as I have said in almost all of my tips, go for that extra stretch (keeping your form) and work those glutes!

So these were 5 quick exercises that I try and do everyday. I do these without taking a break in between but take a rest if you need it or have a drink, don't strain yourself. They are good because it doesn't take very long but you can still work up a sweat. I do a different routine if I go to the gym so it might be good for you to consider exercises you can do at home with body weight and exercises at the gym using the machines. Maybe use your home workout for muscle/ toning workouts and the gym for cardio. But most of all, do what you want, make it fun and make it suitable to you. 

Disclaimer: I'm not an expert but this is what works for me and something that makes me feel good

Thanks for reading

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Places to visit #1 Jersey

I recently went on a 3 night spontaneous holiday with my parents and my boyfriend to Jersey. I thought I'd share my opinions on the island as I would recommend it to many people.

So first off, the flight is very short. I'm afraid of flying so for a flight to be 50 minutes long was great! As soon as you have lifted off, bought a drink and read a book, you're descending and preparing for landing. I would also like to include that I bought myself a colouring book. This might sound strange as I am not a child, but there is a new collection of colouring books for adults (art therapy) and I figured since I was afraid of flying, it'd take my mind off it. The book is thinner than the Game of Thrones book series that I'm reading at the moment, so it was the right size to fit into my small hand luggage bag.

Jersey is strange and interesting in itself. It is part of the Channel Islands between England and France and has therefore adopted both a French and English feel to it. I also felt at times that I could have been in Spain, due to the weather, the people and the music. The scenery was fantastic with its vast beaches, churches, castles and bunkers.

Jersey has many historical sites

This was not my first visit to Jersey. During my last visit I went to a World War Two army hospital which was really interesting but very cold as it was far underground. This time, we decided to go to the bunkers which were also from World War Two, when the island was under German occupation 

If history isn't really your thing or you're a bit like me and enjoy it in small doses, then there are other things to do. The beaches as I have mentioned are lovely, with soft sand, green/blue clear sea and the gorgeous weather to go with it. And if you find beaches a bit repetitive or want to get out of the sun, then you could always go to; the cinema, shopping, Jersey adventure park or Aqua Splash water park! For me the water park stood out as I love swimming and it looked like great fun and at £6/7 each, I didn't think it was too bad if you compare it to prices in the UK.


Jersey can sometimes be expensive. It is a tax free island, but sometimes prices of other things are higher. They use English pounds but also have their own currency. This makes it less complicated as you don't need to get money exchanged before you go, but just make sure that you spend your Jersey pounds as they cannot be used in England. Food prices vary. Their ice creams are around the £1.80/ £2.00 mark and I know it might seem strange that I'm adding this, but they have the best ice creams and you definitely get your monies worth. There were varying prices in restaurants, so you might just need to 'shop around'. The thing I found funniest was that they had a Cornish Pasty shop (the same company as the one in Cornwall) so it was nice to relax with a pasty and look out to sea.

So that is my Jersey review! I could go on and on about this place. I haven't even mentioned the hotels and there are some absolutely amazing ones right on the seafront! Hope you enjoyed the read

Stay tuned for more blog posts  

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Shopping Haul and Bikini Problems

Things needed on my shopping list; a bikini. Did I find one? NO! Now...I've started to get a bit frustrated. Girls with larger chests do have their issues, same as women with a smaller chest, so why do high street clothing brands not sell bikinis to suit every shape and size?! I am grateful for my assets, that's not what I'm saying, but I am one of those ladies with a brick body shape so finding bikinis which fit is difficult.

Trying to find a nice, feminine bikini today was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Bra styled bikini's don't sit well on me, so I'd end up flashing the whole beach! Halter neck/boob tube bikinis are no good either! I need a bikini suited for me and my body shape, but one that won't cost the Earth! Therefore the search continues.


However my day has been a successful shopping trip. Here is a list of my purchases;

1) Yes. I know, it's Boots own brand. Am I cheap? Yes. But I figured I'd be practical on my student budget and not splurge as I'm no beauty guru. I saw these on the 3 for 2 offer at £1.50 each. Therefore, I only spent £3 and I'm sure I can still feel pampered and have soft skin with Boots own brand products. One of the things here, the eye gel, has been something I've been searching for, for months. I've seen a few eye roll-ons, eye refreshers etc, but none at a price I was comfortable with. I'm really hoping that this does something for my eyes but I'm not expecting much from an own brand, cheap eye gel. Although, the gel is cold so I'm predicting that it'll at least make me feel awake if anything.

I have had a Boots own moisturiser which made my face very soft. This cleanser will hopefully do the same job, whilst helping to take off my make-up and remove some impurities from my skin. The toner might minimise my pores, but like I said, no harm in trying them out for that price!

2) Now, I know what you're thinking...That I'm just putting various basic products on a blog? They might be basic, but I figured they're staples! This Impluse body spray smells SO nice. It's as though you have your favourite expensive perfume in a body spray, so you won't feel as guilty using it. The fragrance contains 'Freesia and Tangerine'. It doesn't smell too fruity, nor too floral as the two components suggest and I can simply only describe it as 'perfume smelling' so go and try it for yourself. If it's not the fragrance for you then there are various other ones to suit your taste. I think this is a winner at only 98p...BARGAIN.

3) Miss Sporty- Pearl Nude 210 lipstick. I have wanted a lipstick/lip colour that I can wear everyday for ages. I don't have the confidence to wear daring lip colours and I don't have the patience to re-apply or for it not to have smudged across my face. I found this lipstick for £2.59 and it was the cheapest I could find. I'm testing things out, so I don't want to be paying over £5 for a lipstick that I might not like. The shade is a pinky/nude very close to my own lip colour but this lipstick just adds a bit of a peach pigment. As well as making me feel good, the lipstick is very creamy and it feels nourishing, almost like a balm. Another plus for some is that it smells like melon, but unfortunately I do not like melon- sorry!

Last but not least is my Rimmel nail polish in the Rita Ora collection, colour 270 'sweet retreat'. This was another bargain at £1.99 and I can't wait to wear it- hopefully with a nice summer tan! It is a baby pink pastel colour which for me (someone trying to grow their nails) is a good colour to be able to handle. Any little mistakes/chips are less easy to notice, so I won't be tempted to pick it off. However, with my past experience of this brand and product, the colour has stayed on amazingly and hasn't chipped for over a week (with good care and some top coat).

Stay Tuned 

xox

                                      

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