KETTLEBELLS

Changing up my workouts is something I'm always looking to do. It's never fun to do exactly the same thing each week, so finding something new is always great.

Last August I happened to hear about a Kettlebells class near me. This did not seem like a normal workout class- people were talking about how they ached for as long as a week afterwards and struggled to climb up stairs for days. I'm always one for a challenge, so being rather intrigued I went along one Tuesday night.

It was intense. 

The class is run by a local personal trainer and he has a great knack of mixing cardio with weight work, providing an all body workout which is never the same for any two classes. I won't go into too much detail of the exercises, but if you'd like to hear more of what a class might entail let me know!

Since that first class I've only missed four sessions, all because I wasn't in the country (and I was gutted!). It is the perfect addition to my marathon training plan as it targets and strengthens a huge range of muscles, most importantly around my knees which have previously struggled with injury. 

Below is a little clip of our routine to finish off tonight: 

10 Kettlebell Swings

1 Burpee

10 Kettlebell Swings

2 Burpees

10 Kettlebell Swings

...

10 Kettlebell Swings

10 Burpees 

(collapse) ;)

As always it was a tough but rewarding session, so much so that I thought I just had to tell you all about it!

Let me know if you've ever tried Kettlebells and if so what your classes are like? What other classes / workouts are your favourite?

Post-Run Juicing | Sage Nutri Juicer Plus

After my 10km training run on Saturday I had a craving for something that I haven't had in a long time - Juice! 

When I was in my second year of University I was interested by the hype around juicing and the benefits, so splurged on this lovely juicer below- the Sage Nutri Juicer Plus, which set me back about £180. You can find it online at Lakeland here.

I love this machine so much and used it consistently for the first year that I had it. I have a serious sweet tooth, so anything fruity or with apple in it does it for me. I was never much of a 'green juice' kinda gal (I think those that are are just pretending!) as I can't deal with the bitter taste.

Unfortunately when I moved back home my juicer took up residence at the back of the cupboard and has barely been used, so getting it out felt like a real treat.

I kept my recipe simple:

Two Braeburn Apples

One Carrot

Although two carrots are pictured, I found I got so much juice from one that I didn't need the second. 

Within 10 minutes of getting through the door I had this scrummy orange juice :) 

I haven't tried any other juicers, but I can tell you that this one is great. It's quick to juice and very easy to clean. 

Let me know if you're into juicing and what your favourite recipes are? I would love to hear!