* Life Update * Anxiety and the eternal juggle!

Well, it's been a little while since I've managed to sit down and take five to write a blog post on my own blog. Life it seems has got just a little bit crazy. I think most of my blog readers (if there are any of you left!) will know that back in May 2015 I took the plunge and started my own social media management and PR consultancy. It was a big gamble for me, and something I had been considering for a long time, it was super scary to leave behind a career in teaching, but in my heart of hearts I knew it was the right thing to do. Fast forward almost four years, and I'm very pleased that the business is going from strength to strength. I'm super fortunate to work with some amazing people, have a lovely full list of clients and most importantly, I am making a career that works better for me and my family. 

I'm very lucky that on the whole I do enjoy my work; I love the challenge, to feel useful and to be creative, I like being uber organised and having a daily 'to do' list, and most of all I like the freedom of being my own boss, working my own hours to suit family life, and of course, earning a living in the process!

The major down-side however to this self-employed life I now lead, is how much of a time-sucker it is, and how much more of a juggle my life has become. I mean, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out that juggling two kids (one who is still at home full time with no childcare), one at school and all that entails, plus a career that currently consists of working for/on 11 different clients/projects, a house to clean, clothes to wash and relationships to maintain, that life is full on and sometimes I feel like I don't know if I'm coming or going. It has also meant a LOT less time for myself, far less time to cultivate my many varied interests and hobbies, and in turn hardly any time to pour into my own blog and social media. 

What is it they say about plumbers having the worst heating in their own home, and electricians having broken lights and appliances? It's like that with me - I spend so much time doing everyone else's blogs, social media platforms and PR, that I have no time, energy or inclination left to do my own!

I don't want my little corner of the internet to die a death though, and so I am going to try to find time to readdress the balance a little, and fit in some chunks of time for myself again. I need it. I've come to realise the longer I am without it that I crave an outlet, albeit this blog, or a creative project for myself (I love crafting/sewing etc) and I need some of it back in my life pronto. Not just for my own enjoyment but for my own mental health too, which has definitely been suffering lately. 

I read something on a Mental Health Awareness page on Facebook the other day which said... 

Illustration by the talented Beth from Doodlebot Illustration (@doodlebotillustration on Instagram)

"We get told to put on a brave face...but sometimes the bravest thing is to take the face off." 

and it really resonated with me. My whole life I've been the Queen of Putting On A Brave Face - stiff upper lip and just get on with it - power through, man up, just keep going, and in turn I've learnt the hard way that sometimes you just can't - you hit a metaphorical wall and you burn out. Over the years I have learnt to recognise the signs of that burn out - and at that point I try and give myself a break: I attempt to avoid stressful situations and emotional triggers for the anxiety I often deal with. Today I hit the wall. I was in tears before 8am because I just couldn't ask the kids for the 20,000th time to get dressed or put their shoes on, or finish their breakfast...I am tired (even after 9 hours sleep last night, which for me is unheard of), I'm worn down, fragile, over emotional, on the edge - and if I don't do something to readdress things I will topple down the rabbit hole I've been down too many times before. 

So this rambling blog post is my first attempt in a while of taking off my brave face and saying 'I'm not really okay at the moment'. I know I need to be proactive about making myself feel 'more myself' and getting my mental and physical health back on track. 

I had a bad shoulder injury for most of last year which really took its toll on me - and this paired with my already terrible lower back (3 slipped discs, joy!) has been hard to bear at times. The constant pain, and being consistently uncomfortable grates and grinds on my physical and mental wellbeing too, as well as the juggle of everyday life. 

Annoyingly, the same shoulder now seems to have some sort of pulled muscle (separate to my injury last year) which in turn is causing inflammation and a trapped nerve down my arm - with all sorts of weird sensations and pins and needles down my right arm. As you can imagine, this is not helpful when you spend a large proportion of your time working at a computer and chasing after small children. It's also not great for someone like me who suffers from quite bad health-related-anxiety (stemming from when my son Bert got incredibly sick with sepsis when he was 18 months old) ever since then I've had some major issues around illness, getting sick and the worry that either the kids, Liam or I will fall ill. So having unexplained pains and symptoms I've never experienced before, has set off a whole new bout of anxiety related to illness which at times can be very hard to deal with/escape from. 

Of course, I've seen the GP and he reassures me the shoulder symptoms are most likely caused by a pulled muscle from working out or swimming, or a combination of the two, and that rest and Naproxen will do the trick eventually, and I know I have to have faith that they know what they're talking about, but logic doesn't come into it when anxiety knocks, and so I work hard every day to keep it at a level, and to not let it take over. 

As well as readdressing the balance for my mental healths sake, I also want to get my physical health back on track - so I have started using My Fitness Pal calorie counting app again, to get some more control back with my diet and to ensure I'm making better choices and hopefully shifting some tiber in the process. Since having Connie two years ago I have crept up to a UK size 14/16, and I'd love to get back into my size 12 clothes again! I have a whole wardrobe of nice things that are uncomfortable or won't zip up, and that's doing nothing for my confidence/happiness and in turn, my mental health. And so for me, I need to make some changes - work is important, and very necessary, but so is my health and happiness and I need to find a way to make it all work together in harmony as best I can. I've had two weeks off of the gym now, and will likely need another week or two, and then I also hope to get back to my twice weekly gym sessions, which are a big factor in keeping my mental health balanced and on-track. 

The final thing I wanted to get out-there was the topic of mum-guilt. God it is such a real thing, and I struggle with it daily - am I a good enough mum? Am I attentive enough to them? Do I work too much? Do they think I'm neglecting them when I'm doing emails and working for clients while they play or watch the TV? Should I work solely when Bert's at school and Connie is napping and then leave the rest until they are in bed, and in turn lose my evenings with Liam? Do I worry about housework too much? Do they think I am obsessed with tidying and washing? Argh! Daily guilt that genuinely does the rounds inside my brain! I know from talking to friends that I am by no means alone in this, and most working parents deal with the same feelings and emotions on a daily basis. But it is so hard to 'have it all': a family, a career, a happy relationship, friendships, a home you're proud of and your own mental health in tact - it take so much work and cultivating - perhaps it's elusive? A big lie we tell ourselves is absolutely achievable when perhaps realistically it isn't and something has to give!?

Whether elusive or not, I am pledging to work harder to get back on track in all aspects of this busy/crazy juggle mum-life. 

And I wanted to reassure anyone out there still reading that I still care about this corner of the internet and the community we made - I've just been very time-poor and floundering a little. 

Let's hope this is the start of a more balanced chapter. 

Mrs B

xxx

Body Positivity - weight loss, weight gain, having babies and learning to accept and embrace my post baby body! *Skirtini Review*

Today I wanted to talk a little about body acceptance, and body positivity...it's a broad subject and there's loads I want to say but for today I'm going to keep it simple, a bit of a mind dump - on how I'm feeling currently about my body, and what I've been doing to improve my confidence, and feel more positive about what I see in the mirror. 

Firstly, a little back story for those who aren't familiar with my history. All through my childhood I was overweight - food was always a comfort, a celebration, a treat, a consolation: whatever emotion I was feeling, food was my crutch. In my teens and for most of my twenties, I weighed around 17 stone, and wore a UK size 20. I felt unfit, self conscious and was obsessed with food, portion size and did little exercise. On my exterior I was confident - your token funny fat girl; an actress, a performer, but inside I was far from confident, I would berate myself for my appearance, my weight, the lumps and bumps, and pretty much without exception I hated everything I wore. I felt quite out of control and the negativity swamped me on a daily basis. 

Liam and I in 2010

Skip forward a few years to my late twenties - and I managed to drop a few stones in time for my wedding day - I felt a lot better, much fitter and healthier,   happier and more confident - and I had got down to a UK size 16 - the smallest I'd ever been as an adult. Then I suffered a miscarriage on my honeymoon, and I turned to food once more - piling on a stone or so, before finally falling pregnant with my son Bert, who is now 5. 

On our wedding day

Pregnant with Bert in 2013 

A few months (yes, really) after Bert was born. 

After Bert was born, I found I had ballooned back up to 17 stone, and was again feeling lethargic, unhealthy and very unhappy about my body. My husband Liam had also piled on a lot of weight, so together we embarked on a massive life overhaul - calorie counting every mouthful of food, learning about portion control, healthy choices, adding in exercise to our daily routine, and arming ourselves with a whole new repertoire of healthy from scratch recipes. Over the course of 2.5 years we shed over 11 stone between us (6st 9lbs from me alone) and I slimmed down to 10 st 6lbs and a small UK size 12. 

At my lowest weight in April 2015

11 stone shifted and feeling great! 

I maintained that lowest weight for a few weeks, and then found my 'happy weight' at around 11 stone - although this might be a big weight for some, for me I felt confident, happy, sexy, curvy and I fitted perfectly into my new size 12 wardrobe. A few months later I fell pregnant with my daughter Connie, who is now 2. Throughout that pregnancy I gained just over two stones - and two years later, I still haven't shifted them!

That's not to say I haven't tried to shift them - I've been making a consistent effort to stay on track with my food and exercise, I've been mostly eating well and keeping up my twice weekly gym sessions, I've been fitting in lots of power walks with my mummy friends and I have worked hard at keeping my portions controlled. I still mostly cook great food from scratch - but I haven't been calorie counting, I decided to stop in a bid to step away from that obsessive way of controlling food, and trying to apply what I learnt through those two years of obsessive calorie counting to everyday life, without crunching the numbers.

I have been enjoying treats, snacks and 'little extras' frequently enough that although I haven't piled on any more weight since Connie's birth, I haven't lost any either. It's frustrating, but I know why and I know if I pushed harder, cut the frequency of snacks and treats, that it would start to come off. I've moved up a dress size to a size 14, although I can still wear a fair amount of my size 12 wardrobe too, but my goal is to get back down to my happy weight, where I can confidently fit back into 100% of wardrobe of lovely clothes, and feel my healthiest/happiest and most confident - it also puts me at a much healthier BMI, which although many don't agree with, is something medical professionals still use - and 11st is a weight I have been at before and I know 'works' for me. 

That being said, I don't hate what I see in the mirror anymore, which means that desperation and determination I used to feel when I looked at my body is nowhere near as strong - perhaps another reason why the weight isn't coming off like it did previously? I am slowly learning to embrace, accept and be more positive about my changing body. Over the years it's been fat, thin, birthed two babies, miscarried a very wanted baby, had broken bones, scars, tiger stripes, and a little loose skin from weight loss. I have also suffered injuries that have over the years really affected how I exercise and what I am capable of, I had a bad back injury back in 2012 (3 slipped discs) which is an ongoing issue I deal with still to this day, and more recently, in January this year I injured my shoulder. This has put a dampener on a lot of my weight-based exercise and training, and also the regular swimming I was doing, but it is slowly improving with physiotherapy and a rest from lifting weights in the gym and swimming for a few months (boo!!!). Our bodies are a bloody marvel really - and we are all far too quick to flog them to death with negativity - picking apart our reflections and focussing on every negative part we perceive.

Instead of fixating too much on numbers on the scale, I'm trying to focus on making healthy choices, exercising regularly and practising moderation in all things. I'm keeping an eye on the scale just once a month to ensure I'm moving in the right direction, and apart from that I'm trying to embrace my curves, accentuate my best-bits and celebrate how far I've come... I'm still a long way from my 17 stone/size 20 body, and for that I should be proud. 

One of the best ways I've found to help boost my confidence when I'm struggling is to dress in something that makes me feel great - for me that is usually something that fits really well, flatters my curves and cinches me in at the waist, which is my smallest part. 

Great swimwear can be particularly difficult to find for midsize women like me - I don't feel confident or supported in flimsy bikinis or one pieces without added boob support or tummy control - but I also don't fit into plus size swimwear which usually start the size above me at a size 16. So I was thrilled when UK Swimwear asked if they could send me one of their beautiful Skirtinis to try out.  

They sent me their Gottex Profile Cruise Tutti Frutti Swimdress priced at £109.95 to try, and I was blown away but not only how beautiful it is, but how supportive and comfortable it is to wear, and how confident I felt in it. 

From UK Swimwear - the credentials... 

Gottex Profile Cruise Tutti Frutti Swimdress £109.95

* Bandeau
* Soft cups
* Underwired
* Loose fit skirt
* Tummy control
* Removable straps 

Profile provides the most unbeatable sculpting technology in Gottex's range, and the Cruise collection is the pinnacle of luxury. Here they meet in a flattering and stunning piece of swimwear. This swimdress is a homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood, with the bandeau and twist front, and the wavy skirt, all of which you might have seen a starlet from the '50s wear. But the outer skirt section is added over a tummy control swimsuit, as you can see from the sheer material that makes up the skirt. The result is a classic piece of swimwear fashion, and a figure sculpting interior part. This swimdress is soft cupped and has removable straps.

I wear a size 14 and found it true to size. 

I love the shape of this swimming costume - the way the sheer material floats over your tummy and thighs, and the way it moves and sways with you as you move about. It feels very supportive of the boob area, even without the straps, and I had no issue keeping it up - I didn't need to keep pulling at it or readjusting it. I think the bust bandeau section is really pretty, I love the wave and bunching of the fabric as it sweeps across your chest, it's a lovely detail and makes it feel very feminine, and even quite sexy. 

I teamed it with an old favourite beach cover up from New Look in a size 12, to add a pop of colour and some much needed warmth, as it was a pretty chilly day when we headed to our local splash park last week to celebrate my little boy's 5th birthday (which was when we took these photos).

It felt great to feel confident in my own skin, and not get bogged down worrying what people thought of me, or how I looked with more skin exposed than normal. 

I think my age has a lot to do with my change in perspective when it come to my body image. Do I go around judging all and sundry on what they wear, how much they weigh or whether they have cellulite? Hell no! I'm too busy living my own life and worrying about what they think of me, it's so silly really! What has become of paramount importance as I've gotten older, and since I've become a mum, is being present in the moment, enjoying the little things - watching my kids splashing in the water, and running in to join them, rather than covering up and sitting it out in case someone was to see the rolls on my tummy or the dimples in my thighs. 

Is this swimsuit magic? No. Do you absolutely need one in order to feel confident? NO! It's lovely and well made, a great fit and flattering - but it's got a hefty price tag too, and so it won't be within everyone's price range, but there will be a swimsuit, bikini, tankini, swimdress or skirtini out there which will flatter your shape (whatever that shape might be) and will make you feel fabulous - whether it's this one, or one that is more budget friendly - and it is worth shopping around until you find 'the one'. 

This swimsuit will fit and flatter me, even if I drop some weight as it is very form fitting, and so I'm hoping will last me a very long time (which will then mean it warrants its price tag). I feel confident that the shape and colour of this swimdress is timeless, and over the years I will be able to accessorise it with different cover ups, sarongs, wraps, hats, shoes, bags and even jewellery to fit with current trends. 

So, the plan is to keep on keeping on - life is busy and crazy, and I've worked hard in the past three years to build my freelance business, which takes up a lot of my time and energy. As well as, of course, looking after both our brilliant kids (Connie full time/Bert goes to school) and I even attempt to find time to blog when I've get a moment too - so I don't have the luxury of time or the headspace available to obsess over my weight anymore, or to worry about how long it might take me to reach my goal, but as long as I'm taking small steps in the right direction health & fitness wise, then I'm happy!

The Future

I am so excited at the prospect of getting back into every item of clothing in my wardrobe, it is such a motivator for me. I'm also excited to improve even more on my fitness levels, challenge myself and build the strength back up in my slowly recovering shoulder. I can't tell you how thrilled I will be to get back to my brilliant personal training classes with my ace PT Matt. 

In the meantime, I will not be berating myself for enjoying a treat here and there, I will not pick apart my reflection (especially in front of my children) I will celebrate my brilliant body, accentuate the bits of my body I love and flatter those bits that challenge my confidence. I will live life, and will not let my shape, weight, size, or perceived imperfections cut me off from embracing life. 

All bodies are brilliant, miraculous and worth celebrating. 

I was gifted the above swimsuit in return for my honest opinion of it, which I have shared in the above post. 

Little Jem's Kitchen - Energy Balls *REVIEW*

Hey folks! 

Today I want to introduce you to fabulous Janna, Bedford local and all-round lovely who runs Little Jem's Kitchen: which has been selling an amazing range of free from delicious treats including her famous energy balls as well as classics such as brownies & cheesecakes since 2016.

Janna kindly hand delivered a mixed box of 20 of her energy balls to try - and I couldn't wait to report back to you guys here on the blog with my thoughts. 

The energy ball/power ball/fat ball/protein ball revolution hit a few years ago, and it isn't going anywhere fast: it seems these little balls of goodness are firmly here to stay and I for one am thrilled. I often opt for one of these as my healthy daytime or evening snack when I'm being particularly nutritionally conscious or before/after a workout. 

I've made my own may times over the years - and I do enjoy the process and end result - however, I always make a big batch of the same flavour (usually chocolate/almond) and I quickly find I'm bored of that particular one a week or so into eating them. They usually last for a month in the fridge, and I always waste some of the batch, which is a shame as they are not cheap to make (nuts, dates, cacao etc... expensive ingredients!) It is not realistic or  The answer to this wasteful dilemma is to order a whole variety of flavours from Little Jem's, and then you'll never get bored! 

Jan's energy balls are all naturally vegan, vegetarian, refined sugar free, dairy & gluten free. 

And oh my goodness does Jan know how to do flavour!! I've actually never tasted such a delicious array of flavours in energy balls before (and I've tried quite a few let me tell you!)

Here's a list of the flavours I was lucky enough to try... 

Chocolate Almond dipped in dark chocolate
Chocolate Orange dipped in dark chocolate
Matcha & Pistachio dipped in dark chocolate
Organic Chocolate Almond
Organic Chocolate Orange
Pistachio, Strawberry & Cardamom 
Organic Chocolate Chilli
Matcha & Pistachio 
Organic Mint Chocolate Crunch
Toffee Apple

My top three from this selection (in order) were:

1. Pistachio, Strawberry & Cardamom  - OH MY GOODNESS, these are truly scrumptious - so fruity, with a gorgeous crunch from freeze dried strawberry, the subtle perfume of cardamom and rich creaminess of pistachio: I could have happily eaten a whole box of just this flavour and never gotten bored!

2. Toffee Apple - comfort food in an energy ball - these taste bad for you, which is turn makes them taste even better. Caramel notes mixed with tangy apple: basically bonfire night in an energy ball. 

3. Chocolate Orange dipped in dark chocolate - I never used to like chocolate orange flavoured things, but recently my tastes have begun to change, and this flavour was divine. The orange flavour tasted real - not synthetic and overly sweet as other orange flavoured chocolate products often do. The added luxury of being dipped in dark chocolate was the icing on the cake (energy ball). 

But they were honestly all delicious - even the flavours I thought I wouldn't be so keen on (Matcha/Green Tea and Chocolate Chilli) were very tasty and had really exciting flavour profiles. 

I loved the variation in textures between the balls, and that each one really was completely different to the next - it felt like I was choosing from a posh box of chocolates rather than opting an uber-healthy snack! WIN! 

They were packaged beautifully in a white box with cello window, in colour coded paper cases and were labelled well, so it was clear which flavour each ball was. The label also advised me on how I should store them (a sealed container in the fridge) and how long they would last (up to one month from date made). 

PRICES

~ 6 balls for £5 (pick one flavour)

~ 12 balls for £9.50 (pick up to two flavours)

~ 24 balls for £18 (pick up to four flavours)

~ 48 balls for £33 (pick any of the 6 flavours)

Jan also sells her matcha (green tea) and pistachio energy balls with their added antioxidant benefits. These are great for that extra boost and helping aid mental stimulation and concentration. 

Matcha Green Tea & Pistachio prices, as follows:

~ 6 balls for £6.00

~ 12 balls for £11.00

~ 24 balls for £21.00

~ 48 balls for £39.00

As well as boxed energy balls Jan has come up with these absolutely adorable energy ball flower stems to give as gifts. You could create a beautiful flower bouquet or add them to your existing flower arrangements as an added edible extra! A perfect alternative to an Easter egg for the health conscious, or for a gift for a birthday, anniversary or even a stocking filler! 

If you'd like to try some of Janna's energy balls, or her other products including cupcakes, brownies, cheesecakes, relishes and jams then you can contact her below to order, or visit her at local markets/artisan/maker events around Bedfordshire (see her Facebook page for details of her next event). 

Janna offers local pick up (she's in Bedford), local hand delivery (depending on location) or postage starting from £4.00 (depending on the size and weight of the package). 

Janna says there is also a website coming soon, so watch out for that! 

Contact Janna to order: 

Little Jem's Kitchen on Facebook
@littlejemskitchen on Instagram
@ljkitchen on Twitter
littlejemskitchen@gmail.com by Email 

Bye for now lovelies and happy healthy snacking! 

Mrs B

xxx

John Bunyan Sports & Fitness Centre, Bedford *REVIEW*

You might remember a few months ago I talked about visiting the brand new soft play centre at my local sports & fitness centre in Bedford. The John Bunyan Sports & Fitness centre has recently had a huge facelift; installing the new soft play, cafe, gym and indoor cycling suite and updating their sports hall, squash courts, basketball court and meeting room. 

As part of my six month membership to Robinson Pools and Fitness (read my full review here) I also gained access to all the facilities at John Bunyan too - so I made the most of what they had to offer - using their soft play, cafe, gym and exercise classes across my membership. 

My two favourite classes were the Sunday morning Legs, Bums and Tums workouts and the weeknight Indoor Cycling sessions. 

Although I've never been a huge fan of group exercise, preferring a bit of head space and alone time when I get the chance to escape my busy family life - it was a nice change to workout with others. I definitely pushed myself harder in these classes than perhaps I would if I'd been solo in the gym. Plus, I really enjoyed the reassurance of seeing all sorts of body shapes/sizes, genders and ages accessing the classes. 

I was really impressed with the facilities at John Bunyan; everywhere looks so fresh and new, it really is lovely. The studios for group exercise have a cool sporty/industrial feel, and I found everywhere to be clean and smell fresh (unusual for a gym!).

Indoor Cycling Studio at the John Bunyan Centre, Bedford

I was really proud of myself after my first indoor cycling session, also known as 'Spinning', I was scared about this class having lots of preconceptions that it would be way too hard for my fitness level, and I'd 'do a Bridget' (Jones) and fall off the bike or something. Thankfully, this didn't happen and I managed the class absolutely fine! It was an intense 45 minutes, but boy could I feel the burn (in a good way) and I managed to keep up with all the levels and speeds the instructor requested, yay me! 

The other class I tried out was the Legs, Bums and Tums session, which again, I really enjoyed - it was not as intense and sweaty as the indoor cycling, but surprisingly effective, I could feel how much I'd worked a few days after. The instructor was friendly, motivating and explained everything really well - she did the whole class alongside us, so we could see first hand how to do the moves, and correct ourselves if we were doing them wrong. I actually found the class quite relaxing, and really fun - it was cool to listen to loud, upbeat music while working out, and the rhythm really helped with the momentum of the class. The instructor also provided differentiation to simplify or extend the moves depending on your fitness level, flexibility and stamina - this means that a variety of fitness levels could access this class successfully. 

I also used the gym at the John Bunyan centre on a few occasions. Although smaller than Robinson's gym, I found it to be fully equipped for all my needs and very handily situated next to the soft play centre, so I could workout while my mum kept an eye on the kiddies is the soft play - win win! The gym was so quiet, I had no issues using any machines/equipment I needed, and there was always staff on hand to answer any questions I might have had. 

I love that access to this centre is an extension to your Robinson Pools and Fitness membership, its such a great little hidden-gem, which is definitely worth using if you're a Bedford local. 

Go check it out at www.johnbunyansportandfitness.com

JOHN BUNYAN SPORTS & FITNESS
Mile Road, Bedford, MK42 9TS
Tel: 01234 364481

Six Months at Robinson Pools & Fitness, Fusion Lifestyle Gym BEDFORD: The Verdict *REVIEW*

For the past six months I have had access to full membership at the newly refurbished Robinson Pools and Fitness, in Bedford. I have used the pools and gym there in the past as a guest, but I was never really enthused with the facilities - they were tired and in major need of updating. So when I heard about the multi-million pound face-lift the leisure centre had received I was eager to try it out for myself.

Those of you who read my blog frequently will know a little of my history when it comes to exercise, diet, weight and health. In short, back in 2013 after the birth of my son Bert I was at my heaviest (17st 2lb) and miserable, I decided enough was enough and embarked on a complete lifestyle overhaul - changing my diet, exercise and working on my difficult relationship with food. Over the course of 2 years I shed 6 stone 8lbs and went from a UK size 20 to a size 12. 

Soon after reaching my goal weight I fell pregnant with my daughter Connie and although I did try harder this time round not to balloon as much as I did with my son during pregnancy, I did pile on the pounds once again, and post-Connie's arrival I found myself at 13st 8.6lbs and wearing a size 14-16.

Mrs Bishop at 13 stone 8.6 lbs/Size 14 post second baby. 

Determined once again to make positive changes and get back down to my goal weight, I decided I needed to up-my-game when it came to exercise, and so when the offer of a gym membership came along, I jumped at the chance! 

Although Robinson is not my nearest gym (it is 45 minute walk for me, as I don't drive) this didn't phase me - I love to walk and figured that the walk either way would not only be an amazing addition to my workout, but would also provide a warm up and cool down for me, as well as some much-needed me time to just be in my own headspace without the kiddies in tow. 

I'm proud of myself that six months on I have smashed my goal which was to make regular gym visits an integral part to my week for the first time ever. Initially, I had set myself the target of going just once a week, but I'm pleased to report I now go to the gym a minimum of twice a week, every single week: for an hour on one evening and half an hour on the other - plus all the walking either way and sometimes an additional class or session if I can fit it in at the weekend. 

Attending the gym this regularly has definitely become second nature to me now, and thankfully instead of making excuses and finding ways to get out of going, I genuinely look forward to it every week. This is not only testament to the shift in my mindset towards the gym/exercise, but also to the brilliant facilities at my disposal at Robinson. 

THE FACILITIES

Robinson Pools & Fitness, Bedford

The new-build Fusion Gym at Robinson Pools & Fitness, Bedford

Robinson boasts a swimming pool, learning pool and diving pool, all the latest gym & fitness equipment in their gym, an extensive programme of group exercise classes, indoor cycling studio, INTENCITY HIIT training studio, café, high-spec changing rooms, and creche! Included in your membership is also access to the John Bunyan Sports & Fitness Centre (on a different site) which also boasts and impressive gym, studios, classes, cafe and brand new soft play centre. 

OPENING HOURS

Monday - Friday	06:00-22:00
Saturday - Sunday	07:30-17:00
Bank Holiday	07:30-17:00

PRICE

Choice Individual Monthly - Direct Debit for 1 Adult costs £46.00 per month and gets you...

Unlimited access for one adult to over 50 classes per week, the Gym, the Swimming pools, for 7 days per week/anytime, advance bookings for classes, 2 hours per week of court booking, a no strings contract, & multi centre usage (John Bunyan).

THE GYM

Although I have used the pools on a couple of occasions over the six months I've been a member at Robinson, honestly, swimming just isn't for me...I've never enjoyed it, and although I can swim, my form isn't great and I find it so boring! 

Instead, I've been using my membership to access the brand new, state-of-the-art gym facilities and I've been uber-impressed with what Robinson has to offer. 

First and foremost the changing rooms, locker area, showers and the gym itself is really clean, and that's a vital point for me, there's no compromise for me when it comes to cleanliness, and it was one of the reasons I have avoided Robinson in the past, however, since the re-fit I cannot fault the facilities, they are spotless. 

Secondly, no matter what time I have visited Robinson to use the gym I have always been able to use any of the equipment and I've never had to queue for a machine. This is a major plus for me; as a busy mum with limited time to spend there, it is vital to me that I can access what I need to, when I need to, without delay - and Robinson have come up trumps on that front. 

I've been majorly impressed with the technological side of the equipment available to use - as a social media manager by day, I'm quite into my tech stuff, apps and devices, so I was thrilled to find out that at the Fusion gym at Robinson you can use the LF Connect (Life Fitness) phone app to store all of your workouts, set yourself targets, store your details and track your progress. As you sit down at each machine in the gym you scan your phone onto the machine using the QR code, and it logs you in & you can then select which workout type/length/level you'd like to do. At the end of your workout it stores all the info on your phone, and I can now access 6 months worth of my workout data! Amazing! 

Life Fitness Equipment Workout Options On Screen 

As well as the impressive fitness tracking, each machine comes complete with a large personal screen where you can access Freeview TV, radio, games, the internet or in-built workout simulations for your pleasure while you workout. There's room to store your phone and water bottle on each machine, and an ear phone port too. These little extras are the absolute number one selling points for me...because the gym is as much about me-time, escapism and improving my mental health as well as my physical health, it has been so good for me to be able to indulge in some of my favourite TV or to catch up on watching my favourite vloggers while I workout. Not only am I killing two birds with one stone - working out and relaxing all at the same time, I'm also taking my mind off of how hard I'm working, which undoubtedly makes my workouts easier and means I have put in more gym hours than I ever thought I would. 

Catching up with my fave vloggers while I workout!

Finally, and very importantly, all of the other gym users I've encountered at Robinson have always been polite, friendly, encouraging and supportive towards me: I've never once felt self-conscious or worried whilst there. I'd say there's a pretty equal split between men and women, and a whole range of ages accessing Robinson, that you'll never feel like the odd one out. You see every shape, size and body type using the gym, and I have never felt judged by anyone.  Equally, the staff have always been friendly and on-hand if I need help with a machine, or some workout advice. 

MY WORKOUTS

Once a week I see a personal trainer at a different, more local to me gym. I'd already been seeing my trainer Matt for a while before embarking on my Robinson membership and have kept up these weekly workouts as well as my Robinson visits. Matt puts me through my paces for half an hour per week and works with me on building muscle, strength and tone, as well as some cardio for fat-burning. 

This means that my weekly sessions at Robinson are more focussed on fat/calorie burning - so I tend to stick to using a combination of the bike (with lumbar support seat), cross trainer, treadmill, rowing machine and stepper during my weekly hours workout at Fusion. 

The quality of the equipment at Robinson's Fusion gym is amazing - everything is brand new, and so robust. I've used gym equipment in the past that feels flimsy, and like it might break if I use it too hard. No fear with the equipment at Robinson, it is sturdy beyond belief and I've never had any concerns when working out there. 

Life Cycle Lumbar Support Bike at Robinson Pools & Fitness, Bedford

The Fusion Gym at Robinson Pools & Fitness, Bedford

Life Fitness Cross Trainer at Robinson Pools & Fitness, Bedford 

I have also attended 'Legs, Bums and Tums' and 'Indoor Cycling' classes at their John Bunyan Sports Centre location, more on those classes to follow in a separate review. 

MY RESULTS

When I started using the facilities at Robinson Pools & Fitness I weighed in at 13st 8.6lbs, I was wearing a size 14-16 and felt weak, bloated and was suffering hugely with back pain due to my degenerative disc disease. I did no 'formal' exercise/workouts apart from walking. 

Six months on and I now workout in the gym 2+ times per week. I currently weigh 12st 5.2lbs and am back into my size 12 wardrobe. I feel stronger, leaner and more toned. I can see definition where I never had it before, and perhaps most importantly, I rarely suffer from back pain anymore! It seems that building my core strength and muscle during my workouts has helped me almost eliminate my symptoms. I also feel in-control and much happier in mind - the buzz I get after working out is so powerful and is now something I'm rather addicted to! 

A svelter Mrs B at 12st 5.2 lbs & a size 12, 6 months into gym membership. 

More shape & tone thanks to Robinson's Fusion Gym, Bedford.

Although, compared to my previous weight loss attempts, the last six months has been pretty slow (I've lost 1 stone 3.4 lbs in six months), the change in my strength, shape and tone has been much more dramatic - and we all know that muscle weighs more than fat, so without a doubt I have "bulked up" in places and lost fat in others, creating a new silhouette but obviously slowing down the actual weight loss on the scales. 

I'm much less focussed on weight and weighing myself these days - as long as I'm working out regularly and being mostly moderate with my diet, then I'm happy. Moving slowly in the right direction is absolutely fine with me...I'm in no rush, it isn't a competition - I'm doing this for me and me only. 

For any Bedford locals considering a gym membership, or looking for classes to take part in, then I whole-heartedly recommend Robinson Pools and Fitness. Despite it being such a long walk for me, I've loved going there enough to keep up my regular weekly gym-visits for six months - even through the bleakest winter weather...if that isn't testament to a great gym then I don't know what is?!

Mrs B

xxx

*I was given 6 months membership in return for my honest opinion of the facilities in this post & in some social media posts*