Righty, so the challenge has officially begun. We have a team of nine people, covering a range of different fitness levels. To give the challenge some structure we decided to set ourselves some personal targets for the month, then have a group event at the end of May. Feel free to take a look at our personal targets

 Gwenda: 15 minutes Pilates every weekday morning, Jog up and down all stairs! 20 minute brisk walks every lunchtime when not involved in another activity, try out drop-in classes, hopefully Yoga, Badmington, Zumba and Chi Gung and walking (sea-front or Downs) and or swimming on weekends

Gee: Cross trainer mile count

Ilona Attend sport centre three times a week

Kieron: Still deciding

Alex: Improve overall fitness through running and improve on boundary run time.

Nicola: Seek advice about current injuries and find alternative ways to exercise when injured, workincrease running mileage and also come up with a plan to avoid injury.

Sara: 6 BMF (British Military Fitness) classes, 6 sessions of hot yoga, 80 miles run and 2 new classes at sport centre

Fiona: Try every class at the sports centre

 Philippa: Run 12 miles a week

I started my challenge on Tuesday of trying out every class at the sports centre.  I know in my previous post I said it would be doing two classes per week and cycling in, but I had a rethink and decided I wanted to do something that would put me out of my comfort zone, where I would have to work hard for it. I chose this challenge as I know I sometimes gravitate towards certain activities and avoid other ones (circuits). I suspect I will need to build up my stamina, strength and fitness before trying the harder core classes, maybe I will surprise myself with the classes I enjoy, I hope so. I started on Tuesday with my favourite class at the sports centre, general yoga. I class myself as the kind of person who dips in and out of gym going, sometimes attending two or three classes a week then not going to the gym for two months. Making something a habit then sticking at it is something I struggle with, so hopefully this challenge will help me work on that. Even when I am in my ‘dipping in’ phase one class that I always try to attend is the general yoga class. Without trying to sound sycophantic Karen is the best yoga teacher I have ever had. What is great about the class is that you are encouraged to do as much as you can and listen to your body, so one week you may be able to touch your toes and another week you can’t and that is ok. The general yoga session is a mix of hatha and ashtanga yoga with a relaxation exercise at the end of the session. I do have a shoulder injury, which flares up now and again, Karen accommodates this well and always gives me and anyone else who requires them alternative exercises.  A testament to the class is that it is always fully subscribed, so you have to book a place at least a week in advance. If you are unsure on whether you are a yoga person or not I would highly advise you to check out this class. The whole aim of the ‘Commit to get Fit’ challenge is to do something active that you wouldn’t normally do, so go on.

Yesterday I was able to see the campus from all angles and vantage points as myself and three other members’ of the team took part in the Boundary Walk.  Luckily the rain held off and we all had a pleasant walk round led by Martyn Stenning. Three of us walked it and Alex sped round and completed the run in just 27 minutes.  The Boundary walk really showcases the area where we work and how beautiful it is. In just a few minutes I am transported from my desk to a wooded forest area, or rolling hills, not too many people can say that about their working environment.

I must say that I am looking forward to the Bank Holiday weekend, some R & R time is seriously needed. I’m lucky enough to be spending it in Leiden in the Netherlands. I will be doing some cycling there, but nothing too strenuous, I have a few classes booked in for next week and my first badminton game in a long time so I’m feeling nervous and excited.

In my next post I will reveal our group challenge, so please keep checking the blog. Hope you all have a great Bank Holiday.