It wouldn't be January without a trusty fitness post, would it? Or rather it has been and this has drifted into February. Over the years the level of content has shifted from the way it started, which is just a natural progression. I've developed some interests while others have ebbed and flowed with some being dropped altogether.
It was around 9 years ago I found myself re-connecting with exercise after the time that I imagine many people find themselves in once school finishes and they don't have any ongoing sporting commitments. That void that you don't even notice until one day you realise that you can't just pick something back up, like running and your body has changed without you having ok-ed that.
Since then I have had peaks and troughs in my relationship with exercise but it's not fully lapsed except for times of injury.

I'd say I'm at my strongest and most capable at present than ever before. No, my running isn't up to scratch but after a knee scare last year it gave me a fright and I haven't wanted to push my luck. I would definitely classify myself as someone with the fitness bug. There's nothing I enjoy more than exceeding my own expectations or taking others by surprise. Lets smash goals and grow, I have the appetite. An easy workout leaves me feeling grumpy yet one which wears me out to the point of wanting to throw up is fully satisfying.

The strategy of exercise has changed too, I'm now happy taking control of the direction of travel instead of feeling like a passenger on a package trip. Once a week I attend the hour long outdoor bootcamp which has been a mainstay for years. Not only does this prove challenging physically but also serves to tick off the social side of things too, technically I am mixing with others. An hour of hard-as-you-make-it bodyweight exercise is great for endurance, keeping myself competitive against myself and naturally others. Sorry guys, I secretly beam every time I note my form is better, or I'm faster or I have better recovery than anyone else. I know it's childish, but that part of me that wants to win surfaces frequently in this environment. Quite often I'm last to finish because I'm doing everything properly which also makes me smug, you get out what you put in and if you think skimping on effort and form in a bid to finish first is worth it then you can keep your results. The only thing I really hide away from is the group games and swapping partner work, help!

Much of my self identity is made up by my physical build and capability. I've got very fixed ideas about who I am in terms of health and I'm unwilling to budge on that.

A couple of years ago my Mum of all people introduced me to YouTube Hiit workouts (High Intensity Interval Training) which are by nature short and intense. Through these I've maintained a good rhythm of working out 4 or 5 times a week, kept up the momentum and enthusiasm with really quite minimal time commitment.

This year more than ever I want to set some goals, tangible ones, not just feeling more comfortable in my clothes (although that would be awesome too). I want to learn to master pistol squats and handstand press ups. These are two easy to see results - either you can do it or you can't. Aside from this I want to dedicate different days to different muscle groups in a bid to get stronger in a more organised way. A full body workout is great but a focused workout might be the way forward from now on. It's going to take a bit of sussing out but I'm ready to give things a whirl.

Take care,
Sophie

Although time is tight, I've tried to make a comeback with a relatively regular exercise regime following the spring allotment and garden madness. I try to fit in 2 to 4 sessions a week of between 15 and 25 minutes of hiit bouts or strength based weighted stuff like flinging a kettlebell around. I've only been to about 2 in every 5 weeks of bootcamp which were mainly not my fault - and I even went before shaking off my rotten cold which made for recovery time being more of a nose blowing marathon than a rest.
There's no denying I feel so much better about myself when I keep up a solid workout schedule. It gives me such a boost. It's got to be healthier to love your body and show that by taking good care of yourself than to just accept the neglect you show it and call that love instead?

I've still got goals which aren't goals - to reach a point I feel like is the optimum balance. Where I find the middle ground between the right nourishment/exercise/sleep routines. Mindset ought to come into that as well, I've put off yoga or meditation. When I did try a meditation app it asked me what was on my mind. When I frowned and thought, well nothing except listening to the app and then drifted off in a still awake but switched off doze I figured it probably wasn't the right app for me. It's not that there's too much whizzing on my mind it's more my mindset isn't in the right level of positivity. I love listening to positive, enthusiastic people but it doesn't stick with me long. I suppose that's much the reason I love to blog, it's my most optimistic and happy tone (except the grumbly posts - but that's balance).
 
How often do I wear all black? I feel like a ninja.

Here's to warrioring or way through life.

Take care,
Sophie

I don't like to bang on too much about exercise because I strongly suspect it's dull to read about unless you happen to be in the exact same position. Maybe you're already stifling a yawn - for which I can absolve you for. Continue at your own risk.
The year started with resolving to push myself harder and broach a more challenging regime of exercise. I've done some searching on YouTube and have settled on some channels that offer a good range of mirroring workouts. Some are so hard they make me want to wave a white flag from the floor or retch onto my shoes. These are my favorites. There's no doubting I like to be pushed to my limits because you don't know where your limits are unless you find them. Then maybe set about nudging them a little further. The 20 minute time frame is most pleasant as it is all over and done with quickly but I have to agree that a longer endurance session once in a while is also key to stretching myself in another direction. Varying intensity, weights, equipment and even maneuvers is the way to mix things up. How can I expect to change myself by keeping things the same?

We bought some body composition scales last year and although I hate getting on them barefoot because they make me yelp with the cold surface (and they weigh me heavier than the other scales- come on guys!) they track some interesting information.
What I don't need the scales to tell me is that I've put on fat as a consequence of 'maintaining condition/the pre, during and post Christmas overindulgence'. But it is interesting to see how much and when. What I'd like them to start reporting is that I'm losing it and FAST!
It's ok though, I knew it was happening. It was a self aware 'food is amazing and I'm going to eat all of it' in a cookie monster style scoffing. But food is just so delicious! I'm just eating too much of the high carb and high fat things.

Here's the plan. Take steps to lose the 3.2kg of fat I have gained.
Exercise is going fine and I'm feeling pretty much the fittest and strongest ever except for my running.
I need to sort out my eating. Yes, I eat a predominantly decent balanced diet with lean meat, plenty of veg and drink lots of water. However, I suspect my snacking on chocolate, biscuits, sometimes having a dessert and occasional lot of crisps has caused the majority of the gain. I also point the finger at bread for having crept back in to my life at too higher a frequency. Naughty loaves.

As I write this the clock starts at 26.6% fat mass compared to the 22.7% I would like to return to. Of course it's not about the numbers, it's not. I want to wear trousers and shorts with greater comfort again. It's strange really because 18 months ago when I felt really out of shape it was a different feeling. I feel like the fat is being stored and held differently on my frame. My arms make me feel happier now, they're more defined and less wobbly. Overall I don't feel too bad at all but I know that I'll be better off physically and mentally on a slow but sure journey to shedding the excess fat which is currently weighing me down.

It's all good. Just with a little less carbs.

Take care,

Sophie

Fitness in 2019 will be interesting. I've had a brilliant year and a half which has set me up for feeling super motivated for 2019. A healthy balance is for every day, not just for new year's resolutions which is why throughout the festive period I kept up my regular regime of exercise. Usually in a week I have one 5K run outdoors, 4 hiit workouts, a one hour outdoor bootcamp session (if not, then another indoor hiit workout) and a day of rest. It felt good to workout as part of a routine and maintain the continuity of activity despite the abandonment of most other parts of daily life over the Christmas break..
Back in 2017 I was in despair about how I had put on weight and lost my fitness mojo. It was around September 2017 that I finally found a way forward when I was introduced to High Intensity Interval Training workouts on YouTube. Joe Wicks 'The Bodycoach' was the channel of choice  initially and continued to be so up until a couple of months ago when I decided that I really wanted to up my game and challenge myself. I've dabbled with new channels and have found a couple which tick the box of kicking my backside. Heather Robertson has some really tough workouts (and she's got such a calm manner with no shouting or faff, just a clear video) and BodyFit by Amy has some good kettlebell sessions.
I love high energy cardio, strength and endurance. Give me a kettlebell and a pint of water and I'm away. The videos you shadow are absolutely essential for me; I can mimic along for an eternity but the ones which tell you what to do then expect you to crack on under your own steam are a complete no-no, I just can't be bothered.
Fitness has never been this accessible before. Thousands of free channels for inspiration, guidance and following along. Remember back in the old days where you had to buy a video or dvd? Now there's infinite choice on tap. We are so lucky!
So what's new? I'd like to try keeping up with running 5k as much as possible. It's great to try bettering myself and attempt to make inroads into my target time. Running a sub 23 would be perfect for me. I came close to a 22:30 a couple of times last year but didn't quite reach it but if I put in the effort then maybe I can run a sub 23 a few times and feel like I've achieved something. Finishing a good run and not feeling like I need to throw up would also be nice.
I want to find challenging workouts to do this year, ones that push me to grow stronger and for my heart to become fitter. It's not all about physique, your heart is the most important piece of kit you own - without it there's nothing so getting fit isn't just about dropping a few pounds and creating a better silhouette. I don't think this is emphasised enough throughout health campaigns and across the fitness industry in general.
I want my heart to become not 'the best it can be' because that sounds to pinnacle-esque really but just to gradually become stronger. A resting heart rate gets lower the healthier and stronger your heart becomes as the beat becomes more efficient. Measuring fitness is more about how quickly you recover, rather than what you can do.
Yes, I'd like to shed a few pounds of fat, just so that I feel a little happier in my clothes.
Also there are some fitness goals I'd like to reach, though these my be adjusted through the year and added to.

• I want to reach level 11 on the bleep test (gracefully, no grim consequences!)
• I desperately want to better my planks which are my worst aspect of fitness - still haven't addressed this. 3 minutes of strong frame would be amazing.
• Stronger everything and to work on this I intend to do more kettlebell and dumbbell workouts
• Increase my fitness test scores at the monthly bookcamp check in. We do 90 seconds of (jump) squats, press ups, burpees and then the plank to expiry. 
• Back in the mists of time - so far back I can't even find the post I declared I wanted to get washboard abs. I didn't remotely manage it. But this year I want to lose the fit round my middle and feel like I have toned up enough to feel fit and healthy - and like I can wear a cropped gym top without feeling grim.

Have you considered your fitness aspirations for 2019?
Take care,
Sophie

Just over a year ago I wrote about my turning point in taking back control of my fitness.
Things had lapsed into excessive eating, scant exercise and an ever increasing waistline. Then I gave the 15 minute hiit sessions a try and suddenly I'd found the answer to some of my problems. High intensity intervals are great value for money workouts. They maximise your benefits in that short space of time and have an enormous impact on the rest of your day.
Since January I made a streamlined effort to eat in a way that suited me, my goals and my allotment produce. By mid March it was evident how far I'd come, I wrote an emotional post back in April and I'd say my form peaked in May/June. Inevitably, the hardest part by far, as I've found in the past, was finding balance once 'goals' have been reached. Yes, I've put a little weight back on, off and on and off and on but that's the way of it. The scales we use every Saturday morning measure water, fat and muscle content too. I don't much care for them only as a habit now really but measurements say far more. Knowing that I'm able to wear my clothes without having to struggle into them (or giving up and buying something bigger) has been a load off my mind. I'm about 3/4 pounds more than my 'lightest' but once you reach a point where you're satisfied, which I did, it's almost impossible to stay at a constant and although I could go back in heavy to reclaim my best form I'm satisfied with a step down in favour of a good healthy mix of lifestyle.

I was asked the other day as a flippant question which had an unmistakably rhetorical undercurrent how do you stay so slim, Soph*?
It was a relative easy one to answer and as I feel strongly about how to quantify the recipe I listed precisely how: (and I think if you ask a question then expect to hear an answer, even if it's not one you want to hear).

• 4 High Intensity Interval Training (hiit) sessions ranging from 15-25 minutes each per week 
• an hour of bootcamp a week
• a hard 5k run a week (ideally although I don't beat myself up if I miss one, or two)
• Cut out/right down on carbs like pasta, rice, bread, too many potatoes and instead fill up your plate with extra vegetables
• Drink plenty of water
• Get enough sleep
• Walk and get fresh air regularly - I also do a lot of allotment pottering

Did I buy a new pair of trainers to co-ordinate with the muscari in bloom? Possibly. Did I buy them because an old pair have worn out to the extent of being unwearable and consequently binned? More likely.
I treated myself to this pair in a vibrant shade of blue as a reward for my hours of good behaviour; New Balance always feel good on my feet.
It's high time I spill the beans on how the first quarter of the year has panned out and a jazzy shot of shiny new kicks is a good way to start. Back in January I wrote about how I'd made some changes to my lifestyle with regard exercise and set some goals for the year. Meal planning is an essential part of our eating as living with such a laissez-faire attitude towards the day's main meal is too-too relaxed for me. How will I know what we need to get, or allow time to cook, or if I'll be eating too many similar things in the day? At the weekend we plan the week's dinners and have the groceries delivered accordingly.
This year I've prioritised eating porridge for breakfast, usually with a generous dollop of usually homemade jam to turn it a frightening shade and tried to slash the amount of bread, potatoes, rice and pasta. I've made a good go of attempting to eat less manufactured crap like crisps, biscuits, bought cake, sweets. Mindful portion sizes as opposed to shovelling away a small family's worth...
Snacking on nuts and fruit rather than chocolate or biscuits. Eating fish frequently and ever so many vegetables. Salad. Plenty of good meat. Not fretting remotely about fat. No numbers, no calorie counts.
What difference has it made? Well, a whopper really. I did intend to measure myself at the start of the year but that fell by the wayside, unlike a weekly date with the scales which I have yet to shirk. They do say that the scales should be ditched and while I wholeheartedly agree they also do reflect change of some nature. My clothes have mercifully felt more comfortable to wear and belts can be done up as opposed to threatening not to reach end to end. I've noticed definition in my body and a general absence of constant bloatation and feeling like a souffle having risen out of all proportion.
How do I feel? Mostly great! I've not counted calories, just been sensible with portions, balance and variety. The 15-25 minute high intensity interval training Youtube workouts from Joe Wicks The Bodycoach are motivating to follow along, take hardly any time up in the day and have become a regular feature in my week if you have been wanting to get into regular exercise I cannot recommend these enough - they range from very beginner to brutal*. About 4 of these, plus a one hour boot camp class, plus one 5k run and a rest day is my usual week's exercise now. Dog walking and allotment toiling on top of course. It's not taken any thinking about - shall I/shan't I - it's just a given that's what's happening. Drinking plenty of water I guess around 6-7 pints a day, 3 - 4 mugs of coffee. Plenty of liquids. A good amount of sleep and an early morning.
*my favourite

Exercise ought to be a celebration of what you can do and not a punishment for what you ate and it's so true. I look forward to pushing myself, noting improvement in recovery times and numbers of reps. Finding something that works for me has been key and I don't want to let go of that in a hurry. It's crushing that I used to feel this way before something went wrong, though I can't pinpoint what it was, for the months and years to slip by in a vicious cycle of not wanting to do any exercise because I felt rubbish because I wasn't exercising. Now that I'm back in a healthy routine it feels so different - I've got my mojo back at last. How did I lose it? I never want to go back.

The thing is though, I never really believed I could turn things around. The last year or two felt so much like I was on a downward spiral that my mind couldn't bear to believe that I could get back on the straight and narrow but yet here I sit, feeling better than I have in forever. My goals are half smashed already. I've got the close arm push ups, one decent diamond press up and broken 23 minutes 5k and want to dance with the fact that I physically feel capable and energetic and lean again. I feel sprightly and uplifted, positive and just feel more like I can tackle so much more.

What's next? Keep up the good work, enjoy feeling in happy place and make some more goals. Yes, I want to achieve a good plank time and break 22:30 5k and make sure I don't throw away all sense of good proportions on summer bbq nights.

Yes I can wear those shorts/that dress and jump around like Tigger. I'm going to live happy because what else what it all for?
I feel quite emotional after that. Take care,
Sophie

Good morning and high five for making it this far into a Monday. Wasn't it the coldest weekend so far this winter? The sunshine has made all my pictures look like we are bursting into spring but imaginary icicles tinkle all around like silent wind chimes, an imperceptible tolling.
On to today's post which is an outfit from Saturday when I felt buoyed up after an excellent rendez-vous with the scales, combined with finally locating this aztec knit skirt which had somehow managed to remain in that sweet spot in my wardrobe that is just too far back on the shelf to reach and even to see if I pace back. I had in mind a burned orange long sleeved top but I would have need a mammoth jumper over the top to keep me warm enough so that combination will have to wait for a warmer day. The recently worn burgundy jumper seemed a more sensible option and being a thick non-bulky material it permitted the cosy padded denim jacket to cover it without me feeling too constricted.
This jacket was a great ebay buy from yonks ago which has served me well over the years. Not only does it keep me snug with it's flattering padding and faux furry cuffs and collar it also survives a wash cycle perfectly well - certainly most jackets will never be the same again.


I've got a laugh on, there were a couple of honking geese flying by and it was probably funny. Maybe I thought the surprise of them would make me leap into the river by accident and the relief of having stayed put was laughed out. I don't know.
Remember I vowed to get these boots re-soled? I haven't. Oopsie. My fear is that the inside lining is getting too worn for them to last either way which is infuriating as there is nothing like a pair of comfy worn-in boots. I can't face the though of attempting to replace them.
I ought to mention the belt. I'm wearing a belt for no good reason other than I've bravely tucked my jumper in and the skirt doesn't have a fancy waist so to neaten things up a bit I popped this old leather one on to keep things presentable. In fact this look is my favourite all winter; I felt really happy wearing it and certainly wouldn't have felt in-shape enough to try back in November so I'm taking advantage of my newly established comfort. Plus I look so much taller here than usual.

Heck there were a lot of pictures I like but this will make up for the days I feel like poop and muddle through on a couple. Lets toast to a new week!
Take care (it's going to be a cold one!)
Sophie

I suppose the norm is to feel heinous about what happened in December and in a fit of insanity to start on lettuce and join a gym on 2nd January (after the new years' eve hangover has finally worn off) but quite contrary to the trend, I feel good. Back in September I wrote about where I was at at with my healthy lifestyle - trying to haul myself back on the bandwagon with bloodied broken nails and how I envisaged turning things around. Well I'm pleased to say that I've kept up a regular amount of exercise since then, with great results. My fitness levels seem to be better, I'm feeling more inclined to start a workout than try to bunk off with excuses. With the dark evenings it's been impossible to run outside although each weekend we do try to get out for a 5k as long as it's not icy. Over the Christmas break I think I ran about 25-35k in total and it left me feeling uplifted instead of guilty. So what if I over-indulged in food and drink for the best part of a month? That's just life. I stuck with exercise and have no regrets. That said, this year we are trying to pack in more vegetables and less processed food especially carbs. The main change being porridge for breakfast instead of toast. No biggie.
I bought myself a new pair of running shoes as my others are so worn away inside that it looks like a rodent as been in and nibbled away for nesting matter. I like the way they match almost identically with the colour of the cyclamen flowers (apparently this may be an indoor variety but it is hanging on even though the deer munched half).
So what goals should I set? It's a tricky one because there are not an awful lot of ways to measure if you don't use weights or weigh yourself or measure yourself. Although I would obviously like to slim down so I can wear my clothes again (yup that would be nice), I want to stretch my physical capabilities disregarding appearance.
Here's a few goals for 2018 (some more optimistic than others)

• Our best 5k run to date was at the weekend (23:55) and I'd like to run sub 23 minutes. Breaking my PB of 21:47 sounds too much of an ask so I'll see how running goes this year.
• I'd like to be able to do 10 of those close arm press ups with your elbows in to your sides
• I'd like to do one respectable diamond press up
• I'd like to work on doing a handstand push up (best try a handstand first!)
• I'd like to do a convincing 2:30 plank. My planks are terrible - I can't breathe and my main risk is passing out if I push too much. I need to research how to improve this
• I'd like to get up to level 11 on the beep test. We do one at boot camp and I believe it's the 15 meter one.
• Pull ups - I want to try these and get better. 

That sounds like plenty to be getting along with for now.
Take care,
Sophie

I've made no secret of my dissatisfaction with my fitness over the last year or so. Things have changed, I've changed. Life is what happens while you're busy making plans. Well, I don't recall specifically making plans.
How many times have I written about how I'm thinking of adopting a new healthier lifestyle and how I hope it will give me the motivation to claw my way back to feeling fit again instead of glum. Is this post any different? Who knows but at least I'm trying.

What went wrong? That's what I want to know. At one time I was going to bootcamp twice a week, zumba and running two or three times. Meals were probably more sensible and with less snacking. It was a case of getting in from work and straight into workout gear for something, but that came at a price. I remember pushing myself to expend energy regardless of whether I had anything left to give and I'm not entirely sure that was healthy either.

Balance. When it comes to being selfish I can either be expert or fail altogether. People who are extremely fit must surely be selfish to achieve this... in order to eat what you need to and make time to get your workout/yoga/mediation in must have to pull the plug on anything and anyone for that spot of time. Laundry? Forget it, I'm working out. Cooking? I'm eating my own thing (which you won't/don't like). And sometimes I do this and sometimes I don't.

It's hard to juggle a full time job, a relationship (and home), your own health requirements and actually having a life. My idea of a life is fairly straightforward in terms of growing things, walking locally and photography. Blogging is for that little bit of time between feeling too tired to do any more chores and bed. It's not as though I demand to go out on great excursions, see people or undertake lengthy activities. Yet still it doesn't work trying to fit it all in and keep everyone happy.

With regard eating, I struggle so much on three points:

• Feeling the obligation to make/eat meals we both like
• Feeling an obligation to eat allotment produce
• Enjoying all the unhealthiest of foods and snacks

I know there's no such thing as 'bad' food but more the quantity in which you eat it or in what company it keeps but looking at what I shovel in (and guzzle) does not appear to be balanced enough.

What to do about this. Well the only thing I can suggest to myself is to once again be selfish and say I'm cooking for myself and that's just tough because I'm fed up of how I physically feel and the effect it's having on my overall outlook.

I need to undertake a new policy of this is my time, no ifs or buts which can mean I decide what to do in it. That hour can be exercise if I'm up to it or a bit of meditation if not. Either way, it's mine to decide where it gets spent instead of feeling like I have to fit things in to an existing schedule. Joining a gym is not an option unfortunately due to where we live/having the dog with me/gyms nearby having limited opening hours/limited equipment and generally C being adamant that a gym membership won't solve everything. The dark evenings are looming now, so the couple of runs I've started during the week will soon be off-limits. My Mum has introduced me to Joe Wicks the Bodycoach and his HIIT style workouts and I do admit they have been good, I've done about 6.

In terms of fitness standards, mine is less than a couple of years ago but I'm adamant that I'm still doing ok. I'm stronger than I used to think I could be. I can run, spring, jump, lift myself, stretch, balance. All is not lost.
Maybe I can draw up a flexible schedule of workouts/runs/stretches to fit in during a week, with some goals to reach. Much as the scales are a tad pointless, I'll have a weigh in to start with, take measurements and see where I'm at in 3 months. It's a bit weird to give out starts so better to just compare by waist X- 1 inch or something. In the hope of progress.

What better way to pick myself up and get back on track than with a smashing new pair of gym leggings. My normal choice is black and always long length. These super colourful Wildor leggings from OW Fit are not only really stylish but a fabulous fit too. The material is completely different to my other pairs; it's incredibly stretchy, but thick and they look like a capri pair until I pop them on, when they miraculously fit like a glove. It's like a super supportive second skin. I'm in awe of technology! They come in a 'one size' which fits UK 6-12 (which I was dubious about) but they basically fit to your shape, very clever. I wore these for a couple of workouts recently and not only are they very comfortable, but don't show your pants or budge at all. There are loads of stunning artistic bright and colourful designs, so you can find some really individual styles to suit how you want to dress. This pair are suitable for crossfit so are super hard wearing. At £60 they are more than my lower quality alternatives but I would say they represent excellent value as they wash and wear well.

Aim high!
Take care,
Sophie
Thank you for OW Fit for sending me this pair of leggings to feature. All opinions are my own.

Oh dear. The old winter fitness lapse rut. It hasn't always been this way; I wrote a rather preachy post about maintaining fitness in winter back in 2013, though
 frankly I can no longer identify with that stance. Upon entry into 2016 I weighed in at the heaviest ever with a rather sad feeling about how thing were going but still feeling like things were on the turn. I don't really know what to say.

I haven't tried hard, I haven't pushed myself and I haven't stuck to any of the bright ideas that cropped up.
But I know that I would have suffered in other ways if I had put exercise to the top of the priority list so on this occasion there are no real regrets.

What's the plan for 2017? To be honest I don't know yet. It's something I've been considering for weeks. There is so much on my mind... looking back at pictures of myself a few years ago and reading how I felt makes me sad that I've flumped out a bit and surrendered the relentless routine. In my heart I don't feel like I can get back to that place again, that version of me is lost for good.

Looking at the positives though and there really are positives, I have kept up with one tough workout each week. My fitness hasn't ebbed away to nothing, in fact I'm probably stronger than ever. My efforts haven't been in vain, the last few years of training have been banked and I'm ticking over.

Recently, I was sent a Brita Fill & Go bottle to try out. I know what you're thinking; yeah, yeah.
I'm a Brita fan. We already have a Brita water filter jug in the kitchen which is streaks ahead of the generic one we used for years before that. In Norfolk our water is so hard that it's practically solid water round here. Everything gets scaled up stupidly fast which is a total nightmare. The Brita filter makes an incredible difference. We loved it so much that when our kitchen tap went wrong we bought a Brita tap too which has hot, cold and a filtered water 'lever' too. It's a revolution. So it's safe to say I'm already a fan of the brand.
So what's the deal with the fill & go bottle? Well it has a filter disc in the cap so you can top up your water bottle from any drinking water source and be able to drink lovely filtered water which is great for sports or out and about. I'm really sensitive to the horrible taste of tap water; apparently some people can't taste it but I can taste and smell it. Nasty. So filtering it makes such a difference. Plus having a proper sturdy bottle saves buying bottled or re-using disposable plastic bottles (Which I'm sure I've heard is cancerous?!) Anyway, the Brita bottle is sturdy, dishwasher safe and is so much cheaper than buying bottled water. It comes in four cap colours too.
It's a great idea!
Tell me about you; how is your fitness motivation going today? And tell me about your water drinking preferences too - do you like water, are you a tap water hater too?
Sophie
Thanks to Brita for sending me their new bottle to try out. All opinions and content my own, as always.

We all know how much better it feels when wearing the most comfortable sports kit. Trying to wear the wrong thing only ever results in discomfort and distraction. Over my adult life I've learned that carefully selecting my sportswear and dressing to feel good is really key. It's great to discover new brands, especially ones with something completely different about them so I'm happy to introduce you to Icebreaker who sell some fantastic outdoors wear for all the family. They use Merino wool as the principal material in all garments which makes them pretty unique. Wool, YES!
 The Merino sheep in New Zealand grows a fleece which has to cope with everything the climate throws at it. The garments keep you warm in the cold and cool in the heat; as a natural fibre they are breathable and odour resistant as well as machine washable and quick drying.
I was sent three pieces to review. Each of these come in sizes XS to XL (I wore a size S and usually wear a size 8, though occasionally 10). Here's how I got on.


Maybe after many years of wearing sports bras I thought I knew it all. It's something of a curveball when you find yourself holding an 83% wool sportsbra. Wool.... sports bra. Not two concepts I would have thought belonged together. HOWEVER, the Sprite racerback bra has defied my personal logic and works absolutely as a first class piece of sports kit. The remainder of the blend is 12% nylon and 5% elastane. The light amount of stretch is essential for comfort, plus as there are no fastenings, getting in and out easily is a must. The merino wool is so soft and smooth (completely the opposite to how a woolly bra would feel in my head!), the material is ideal for activities as it wicks away moisture, is breathable and naturally resists odour. Icebreaker recommend the Sprite bra is suitable for plenty, from travelling to running and fitness. Now, being me, I wore this bra to boot camp in the middle of summer to see how it fared. As it was a much less restrictive fit than all of my other sports bras I was concerned that it might perform in an inferior manner. Support is king (or queen, more aptly) when it comes to working out. I was wrong, it was a particularly comfortable bra to wear. There was no discomfort in the least, I felt great, cool, relaxed. Naturally, if you have a larger bust, it may be less practical to wear a softer bra like this for intensive activity.
It was a grotesquely sweaty session but still, my woolly bra kept me comfortable. Quite inspiring. The fit is first rate; good structured cups but no excess seams to rub or dig in. The thin racer back made for easy, free movement. To satisfy my perverse curiosity I gave my bra a sniff 24 hours later to see just how odour resistant it was. Weirdly, it seemed ok, not the gag inducing honk I was anticipating. Of course, I wouldn't want to wear it again but it was enlightening to know.
I wouldn't hesitate to wear this bra for any situation where I wanted a comfortable fit. From workouts to hiking, to long journeys and allotment pottering. I'm very impressed, it absolutely delivers on it's brief. At £45 it represents good value as a high quality, lasting product. It comes in a choice of four colours; black, orange, pink and the grey I have.


The Rush bra is more of the style of sports bra I would naturally gravitate towards; thick, high neckline, sturdy. It's a higher wool content, 92% (and 8% lycra). Again, this bra is very comfortable and I feel particularly at home in this one. It's secure, there is no chafing or rubbing and the material feels soft against the skin. At £50 it's a little more expensive, but you are buying a high quality, long lasting piece. his one only comes in black but hey, black suits everyone with sportswear. Although it is described as a bra, this one is suitable for wearing as a crop top while working out. I'd be happy enough to wear this without a tee.

I've not got much experience with leggings. I wear boingy lycra ones for workouts but the Oasis leggings are 100% wool and are soft, not stretchy. I consulted the Icebreaker recommended uses: base layer best for outdoor and hiking, snowsports and travel and lifestyle. So, they make more sense - I'd be happy to pop these under something else as a base layer but personally, I won't be wearing these on their own any time soon. Again, these are designed to keep you warm in the cold and cool in the warm, so they're suitable for all seasons. I spent a while round the house in them to see how I felt wearing them. Well, I can recommend them as loungewear, that's for certain! I loved the fit; they hugged in a gentle manner, not too tight but not too snug. A good shape for me, excellent length and the waistband was perfect, not too tight. The gusset is designed for comfort as well as super flat seams.
I'm envisaging wearing these under waterproofs out hiking in Autumn. And perhaps under long skirts in the winter to keep me snug as a bug when the temperatures drop.
These beauts come in black or light grey for £60 which represents the quality of materials and design.

I've had my eyes opened to the powers of wool! Big thank you to Icebreaker for sending me these items to review.
Sophie

• Be guided by your own moral compass
• Don't let anyone tell you what to do/feel/believe. You're an independent human and your opinion shares the same validity as anyone else's - regardless of their years of life experience
• Learn what makes you happy. Do it. Keep doing it and share it with others.
• Accept your body, understand how to take care of yourself and recognise that you will never look this young again - so appreciate it!
• Make plans but be flexible. It's fine to change your mind.