Hi! This is the first time I am really going to do this! The last time I applied, sent in photos etc and I reckon by the time my form got to its destination I had already given up. Now I am a few kgs heavier than the last time I was interested in doing this. My self-esteem is extremely low and being a teacher, it shows in my classes and my lack in confidence resonates to my students who are showing less and less respect for me as I show less and less respect for myself. I've given myself a really good talking to and realised my reasons for staying unhealthy (I eat reasonably well.... just far to much!) and I cannot continue the cycle of wanting to trim down, then becoming too "busy" then going out with friends and wanting to just go home and curl up in bed, then becoming motivated again, only to lose it a few days later.

I do realise I am ranting here. I need to finish this challenge to prove to myself I can do things, I can be in charge of my life and what happens to me. It's not up to anyone else but me.

If anyone has any tips for restoring self confidence, time management, and removing the laziness from my mind, feel free to let me know!

Tammi

Hi Tammi,

Congrats on deciding to do the Body Blitz! You have taken your situationi into your own hands and have decided to do something about it, so that's great!

I'm a teacher too and I know what you mean about the respect thing - it is so important for us to be good role models for our students and have confidence and respect in ourselves. You are doing this now by taking this first step, all you need to do is keep persisting with it - never give up! It might get hard at times but just keep in mind your goal - to prove to yourself that you can control your life. This is the best feeling ever so don't lose sight of the finish line.

Time management as a teacher can be hard, so here are a couple of tips:

- do your food shopping and prepare most of your meals on the weekend (I like to cook 2 casseroles and freeze them in individual containers for the nights when i'm too exhaused to cook. i also cut up enough salad and vegetabels to last for 3-4 days).

- a trick that worked for me was to put my gym bag in the car in the morning and drive directly to the gym after school (around 4pm). This way, I avoid the mid-afternoon munchies because by the time I get home and had a shower, it is time for dinner! I always get tired at that time of the day as well so I am not very productive work-wise - I prefer to go in early in the morning to get the majority of my work done.

Hope that helps! Any questions, don't hesitate to ask

Kelly :)

Hi Kelly,

Thanks for your reply!!

Stress majorly got to me today and have been in tears most of the day but did not accept the chocolate that was placed in front of me!

I am a first year teacher. I am actually in the Special Ed. dept but I am also teaching a yr9 SOSE class. Oh boy am I wishing I had turned this job down and waited for a Primary School to call!!! I am spending alot of my time trying to find interesting qways to teach SOSE (the kids hate it) and today I was told that my lesson was boring and my planning is no good by my HOD. So, as you can imagine, I have been very upset since.

I am going to have to try and fit in exercise somewhere. I usually leave home at about 7am and most days I leave school at about 6pm. It's dark by the time I get home so I have little time. I just need to get myself in order somehow.Tonight was netball night but I missed that due to redoing all of my planning.

I sound like a whinger!! Sorry!

What do you teach? Primary or Secondary? How long have you been teaching for and what made you want to do this challenge?

Tammi

Its great see inspiration and determination. We  all need encouragement from time to time. Once you start seeing results, you will love it. Training becomes addictive, then you wonder why it took you so long to get started. I have only just joined Womens Health and Fitness, but have been a loyal reader for years. I always find great advise from the mag, You are amongst like minded friends there, so if your having a slack day, and need a pick up, you know where to look. I look forward on reading your progress. Good luck

Hi Tammi,

I am a highschool SOSE teacher and this is my 4th year. First year is so hard! I feel for you - I was like you, getting to work early and finishing late, so it is hard to fit something in. But it can be done, even if it is only 20 mins. Just make sure that you make the most out of that 20mins by doing high intensity exercise, whether that be cardio or weights. It really does make a difference, especially to your stress levels. Teaching does get easier, soon enough you'll be doing it in your sleep and you won't have to put in anywhere near those kind of hours.

I just do the challenge for maintanence than anything - I went on an overseas trip for 6 weeks and came back a couple of kilos heavier, so I find its good just to do a blitz and get rid of any unwanted body fat and get your body back into the routine of exercising regularly and eating healthy.

Hope all is going well - don't give up!

Kelly