Battling the Beacon

OK - so today's title is a little dramatic, but hey - those winds were gale force, and we really did have to battle against them to get to the top of St Agnes Beacon!

Once we started on up the hillside, we realised that, not one of us was as fit as we should be! Sally-Ann has a bad back, my hip is still very painful, Mikes eyes are very sore and hidden behind sunglasses still, and Paul damaged his back at work, so I need to book him in with the wonderful Nigel and his Magic Hands.... (that's the osteopath from work for those of you who are new to my blog!)

the walk up the hillside was well worth it for the views we were getting

and once at the top Fred stopped to admire were we had come from, despite the wind flattening his hair to his head, bless him!

Paul and Mike braved standing still long enough for a picture

then it was time to head back down, this time on the other side of the hill, so were were actually able to breath for a while against the wind, which had taken out breath from us on the way up

The four boys went on ahead, whilst Sally-Ann and I took a few long shots of the distant rainbow, that you can just make out to the off centre right of the below picture

We had a lovely walk that really blew the cobwebs away, and even better, the heavens didn't open til we got back to the car!

Men and Excersize- Phooey!

The lovely Mel of Pilates Portreath fame, had managed to get hold of the hall this morning to give 2 lots of free Pilates classes for complete beginners as a sampler.

The Pilates Virgin Chicks were to be at 09.00 and the Virgin Men at 10.00

Simon had already agreed to go, and roped in Jamie and Phill (who were due to arrive at 5am that morning from Luton!)

The local chap from Portreath cried off at the last minute, so, as we all know each other or were related to each other, Sally-Ann and I were asked if we would like to join the lads.

We jumped at the chance, and I even managed to get Paul to come along!

Mel started off by showing the men, how to find neutral using their TA... They listened intently

She showed them how to release their back muscles in child's pose...

Then the hard work really started with the kilo and half kilo weights..... Now these exercises were ramped up for the lads, and SA and I found them quite tough, but they were not going to get the better of us in front of the lads!

Then it was time for the plank - keep those buts down lads!

and scissors with a raised circle - 45 degree angle for the legs boys!

We had great fun and were completely pooped at the end of it! Thanks Mel x

Pilates Perfect

When Mel suggested a one on one with her for our Pilate's we jumped at the chance - after all, what better way to make sure that we were doing all of these moves correctly...

Sally-Ann went first and I panicked a bit when I saw what we had to do - and balanced on a sausage of sponge too!

but amazing as it may seem - I did manage more than I thought....

until it all went horrible wrong and I went tipping off the side (thankfully SA did the same thing so I didn't feel so daft!)

then the items of torture came out, in the way of the ring, the band and the ball...

and all the time - Core girls, think about keeping your Core active...

we finished with a final stretch or two, and then came the good bit - tea and cakes YAY for the Pilate's chicks....

Go Girls!

Next it's the boys turn - I know that Mel already has her sights on Paul - in the whole pull your shoulders back sort of way - LOL!

We had a great time - thanks Mel

Get into Shape the Pilates Way...

Sally-Ann and I decided to try a Pilates class tonight.

I have put on so much weight it is embarrassing and had already decided to walk to work for the next few weeks to try and work off some of the fat.

Off we went for the 6.30 start, quite trepidacious of what we would be doing, especially as we both have bad backs!

As it was, we needn't have worried - we really enjoyed ourselves.... the pace was really slow and relaxed, and we found we had no problems with what we were expected to do.

Roll on next Monday, when the class officially begins.

Fit and Forty!

Yeah Right!!!
No I'm not fit, but yes I am 40 - Time to loose some weight and tighten everything up again.... is that possible do you think LOL!


I decided the best thing to do was to get a new exercise bike, and then once I feel fit enough, I can start to use my mountain bike once more - yes that's right - the mountain bike I've had for 5 years and done a whole mile and a half on! HA HA!!!
Having done the rounds on Friday and found the cheapest at £79.99 I decided I'm far to fickle to spend that much money on one, as it will only end up being used for a couple of months and then I'd give up!
I was reading the paper on Saturday morning and spotted this one in Trago for £39.99 reduced from £89.99..... If i bought it on Sunday though, I could get it for £33 in their sale.
Bargain....
I called and reserved one, and Paul built it up for me - I managed to do 2k's on it and nearly collapsed - I have a long way to go before I'm fit again that's for sure - how embarrassing!