Oi'm 'Enery the Eighth oi am

Okay - it's been less than a week since my last post and I've already done a toning class and another session in the gym...and I may revise my opinion on torture chambers!!!
But it's amazing how many friends - and complete strangers - have come up to me with their top tips for surviving. Makes me feel like that chubbiest of Tudor kings surrounded by his advisors.
I always knew this was going to be no walk in the park - not even a jog - but that first class at Studio 20 in Ilfracombe, was another barrier to jump over - and it was a toughie!
But I was delighted to hear, as I tried to keep pace (and balance), Irene Cara's opening chords...yes! 'I'm gonna live forever...' It's going to become my theme tune (alongside my very own 'I-need-to-get-fit-before-I-get-old,' of course).
Music was one of the top tips from my gym-junkie friend and colleague, Chloe: 'Get some positive music on your I-pod to keep you motivated in the gym, when you feel it's beginning to slip - even if it's stuff you may not particularly like, but is by people who look amazing: Geri Halliwell in her 'Raining Men' era, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani..' Great idea thanks Chloe x
In the gym I met a chap called Andy at the weights - he's an old hand and advised about getting through 'The Wall.' I'd only really heard this in reference to marathon runners before - but I knew what he meant: your muscles, when warming up hit a barrier when your body tells you it can't do it (for me that's usually about two minutes in)!! But he said you need to 'trick' your body into getting past that, as it gets easier - and more effective - after that (back to Jo's lactic acid advice). "You need to luuurve The Wall." So that's my new mantra to go with my new theme tunes...Luuuurve The Wall!"
But most of all, there's Jo - she is so amazing at getting me motivated - and really EXPLAINING what everything meant during that first class.. Why we need to lean back just one more inch on those abdominal exercises, or push that hip forward when lying on our sides and lifting a leg - just the slightest adjustment and it really hits the spot and works the exact muscle she wants to get at - this girl knows what she's talking about!!! Getting a mental understanding really works for me in the motivational stakes.
In the gym Jo pops in and out between classes to check on me - but I get to try out those buttons and lights for myself - yes I'm flying those babies solo this time. It was also amazing how effective it was to see Jo's head appear round the door, out of the corner of my eye, at the precise moment I was considering giving up that final treadmill tread - it's uncanny - how DOES she DO that?
Sooo tired the next day - had gone from the gym straight into an evening council meeting. It was a long day and the following day was DEADLINE for the paper. I could hardly keep my eyes open! But here comes Chloe with more top tips - have something for lunch, on days like that, which releases energy slowly, like a rice-based meal, to keep you going through to the evening - brilliant, must try that!
Onwards and upwards - two classes back-to-back tonight - come and join me if you feel the urge - I'd appreciate the support!