FINAL DAY TO ACTIVATE!
We made it! Don't get me wrong, I thought I was going to have a heart attack or at least throw up on a number of occassions (thank you Neat Fitness) but I accomplished getting to just about every session. I woosed out on the Rock Climbing and opted to get up and down a step ladder instead and I didn't get to Monkey Bar Gym (which I heard was brilliant). I was concerned that I might walk up and bight the arms of that incredible hot trainer.

It was so hard to get back from the Easter break and keep Activating but I'm feeling all the better for it. I think I've lost a bit of weight and certainly inches off my waist and last night when I've consumed a few liquid wines and was dancing around at Arch Rivals I was so comparatively hot it was a great way to end Activate (plus get my daily steps up to 15,592!).

So a summary of more events.
Pole DANCING:
I think I'm the only person in history that can go to pole dancing and have no pole. I still rocked that imaginary pole whilst imagining firies swinging around it the entire hour. If there was a prize for the person that droppe to the ground quickest when lifting their own body weight  then 'prize me up' because I sucked at that part of it.

This was a fantastic work out and two days later I really struggle to lift my arms over my head. Sharing a pole with my friend was probably not the best idea because pole dancing expertise I have none of but style, flair and a care free attitude had the two of us participating in a 'pole off' for the majority of the class. (For the record - I won, hence the reason why she literally kicked me off the pole and sent me flying. Jealous much?

Outrigging Canoeing
While the downsite of this activity was having to be up at 6am to make the 715am launch at Ski Club, this activity was fantastic and I definitely got a workout.

It was a perfect dry season day and great to see the boats full *(unfortunately mine was full of two whingy children some insane person brought paddling (ok I'll admit it - it was me. But I had great intentions of throwing them overboard).

Definitely recommend you give the Outrigger Canoeing Club a call and head down for a paddle - they're wanting new members and are fun in and out of the water - trust me I know!!

NEAT FITNESS
Besides directing my punches at Michael Neat's head as a rebellious responsoe to the vigarous, I'm going to throw up now approach to exercise, I love these sessions. Each week is something a bit different which keeps you on your toes and ensures your body doesn't become immune to the exercise.

Definitely wanting to continue this and will be lobbying the City of Palmerston to cover a park session each week for Palmy residents - I'll be there!

MY FAVOURITES
Whilst I did love lying on the floor through Agoy Yoga, my favourite activities were all the hard core cardio. My favourites were Neat Fitness, Circuit and Tae Box. 

I've grabbed a gym membership at the YMCA in Palmerston as I'm now working in Palmerston and can get there in my lunch breaks. At least 2 - 3 lunches a week and 2 sessions after work or over the weekend coupled with Neat Fitness, Circuit and Tae Box sessions I'll be toned, fit and ready to strut in no time.

Hope you've enjoyed your Activate Challenge. Keep up the good work. My workplace (DCI) is currently doing the 10,000 steps Challenge and that's been great (enforced steps with the elevators broken has kept me on track) and the Heart Foundation has their Healthy Heart Challenge.
Thanks for reading.
Bec 

Friday 8 April - Latin Dancing
I obviously hadn't publicly humiliated myself enough this week so I thought it best to put on some ugly knickers over my oversized bottom along with a dress that flys up everytime you spin, which was about every second step at Friday night's dance class.

That said - noone was sick or forced to exit the class as a result of my nanna knicker flashes. While I normally like to reserve my Friday nights for a much deserved bash at the liquid grapes, holding off until after 8pm was great.

Dancing is a really social way of meeting other people and learning that you can both count one two three side together spin together. Hope to see you there next Friday.

Thursday 7 April - Zumba Darwin
In spite of school holidays exhausting me more than any business, job, marathon could I forced myself to Zumba and am glad I went. Took my equally coordinated friend to shimmy and shake. Due to my oversized bottom I was still shaking long after the music had stopped. 

I will be honest - I am quite coordinated but it takes true talent to change a Hip Hop dance into latin. The hips just had a mind of their own.

Great fun. Will take on Latin Dancing tomorrow and try really really hard to steer clear of the liquid grapes - definitely my Achilles Heel.

Wednesday 6 April - Body Pump
I tackled the lunchtime Pump class again and this time read the weights correctly and added a bit more. Was a great workout and got me away from my desk for the lunch break I never take.

Amazingly my friend came back for a second go - sucker! ha ha.
It's definitely more fun with a friend or more to the point - more incentive to actually go.

There were only 3 of us in this class so if you're worried about looking uncoordinated or tripping over your own laces. Firstly, don't be worried - been there , done that and secondly - this is a good class to spread out and ensure your technique is good.

All that talk about exercise I'm thinking some liquid grapes is in order tonight. (I've been in trouble for mentioning wine too often in my blogs. Clearly by people that don't have children) so will hereby refer to my saviour as liquid grapes. Night all.
Zumba in Darwin tomorrow - see you there.

Tuesday 5 April - Body Step
I talked my friend into attending her first Activate session with me. I have a feeling I just lost a friend. Not because she stopped talking to me but because she stopped breathing. ha ha - kidding - it was only for a minute and we brought her back.

I love the way these Stepaholics can flit in and prance around on a step that's the height of a hurdle without breaking a sweat. My experience wasn't quite like that. I spent most the class midway between Level 1 and 2. I love dance and music but really struggled to get my body on the step let along doing a little jump and "woo" at the same time.

I'm so glad when we turned to the side and did little step runs it was my friend behind me watching my oversized bottom jiggle jiggle jiggle - all the way home.

That said this was a great cardio workout. I'm so glad I started on the 45 minute class and not the hour. My friend said she watched the clock every second and was sure that at one point it actually started going backwards so we had to hop and jump and "woo" some more.

Will give this one another go before the 10 weeks is out. If you're feeling daring and you have more coordination than Seinfeld's Elaine - go for it!

Monday 4 April - Lake Side Lappers
You know you're getting old when two days later you're still like death warmed up. Got myself to the Lake for a much needed Activate catch up walk. Except for the fact that I went to the wrong start venue. Somehow I had it in my head that the Lake Side Lappers consisted of a group walking laps of the lake. No idea how I could have thought that!

Anyway I did get through 3 laps followed by another one of my neighbourhood - which could be a really good fitness test as I'm in Gray. You really get your heart racing and start hitting the pavement when the dog from every second yard breaks out and starts chasing you down the street. Maybe we could incorporate my neighbourhood into the 2012 Activate running challenge for participants requiring additional incentive to get moving. Tomorrow will show up to the right session, on time and ready to go. Body Step. 10 bucks says either my friend or I go flying off that step by song 3. :) Will be fun.

Saturday 2 April - Rest the sore head
Yes this blog is to showcase activities from an average Jane Bloggs but the aim is also to be open and honest. I guarantee you would not want to see me out at events today as I was out making an event of myself til the wee hours of the morning.

I have intentions of getting up and crawling my way to the shower at some point but a team sport is definitely out for today.

Promise to rectify my putridness tomorrow (putridness is yet another new word that I'm just going with - soon to be introduced into Oxfords new age Gen Y dictionary where every word is compressed into a 4 character sms.)

If you slacked off this weekend - don't feel bad. You're certain to be in better shape than me right now! Enjoy that silver lining.
Thursday 31 March - Walk
I'm not a health professional but I know my body so am taking today to rest. When I put my stilletto on in the morning and my calves say "Don't take another step you hobo clown" or my arms are so sore I'm struggling to get the wine glass up to my mouth I know it's time for a rest.

Heading for a walk after work to stretch my legs and appease my dog who has been ticked off with me going to Activate activities instead of paying him attention.

Back into it tomorrow. Think this is a good point to say that if you were following the calendar I've mapped out for me you will quite possibly never see me at the event I've said I'd be at. I made it to the right class once and that was pure coincidence as I went to the wrong location. I am getting to every event but will admit it's never the one I said I'd be at. See you around. Almost guarantee it won't be tomorrow night at Abs and Stretch as promised! Enjoy!

Wednesday 30 March - Body Attack
Having done Body Attack years ago I couldn't believe I actually took myself back to this class. I'm clearly insane as it's the most appropriately named activity in the entire calendar. (Neat fitness - you lied! There was nothing Neat about that).

That said, this class was not the Body Attack I'm familiar with - run around like a lunatic for an hour doing insane aerobic moves and poking the eye out of the person to your right when you try the 'superman' move. Unfortunately this class was run like a circuit focusing on squats with weights. I say unfortunately because while I love circuit and think it's an incredible workout that really works, I'd already done enough weights and was really feeling sore from Monday's class.

Will find out if this was just a one off for something different - I'm a huge fan of mixing it up - or if it is going to be like that. May mean I have to brace another Body Attack session through the program.

Tuesday 29 March - Deep Water Running
I was a glorious Drowning Teletubby for this activity. Thanks god we were given floats otherwise I'm sure I would have died following Neat Fitness the day before.

This class was really well attended and we all had a good laugh. While I didn't feel worked at the time as soon as I got out of the pool I could definitely feel it. (and hear my body screaming 'STOP IT! You're hurting me you crazy midget. Get back to the couch.)"

My only recommendation would be to change the music to something a bit more exciting. Pink instead of Celine. JLo instead of Phil Collins - I had that 'feeling Hot, Hot, Hot song in my head - that would have been fun. (now you can all spend the rest of the day with that in your head - you're welcome!)

Monday 28 March - Neat Fitness
Neat isn't the word that springs to mind when I reflect on this session. Torture, exhaustion and pain are more relevant words. That said I really enjoyed this session. Those with a weak heart beware. The idea of just doing 100 squats, 100 push ups, 100 tricep dips, 100 steps, 100 bicep curls etc etc may not seem like much - TRY IT!!!

I really enjoyed this set up. You can just work at your own pace and do as many push ups at one time, then go onto something else until your body screams at you to stop. For me that was about push up number 6. Luckily I took my daughter who did some running laps and tricep dips for me - that's not cheating is it?

This one's not for the faint hearted but an awesome workout for those wanting to push themselves. (My body currently hates me but I'm thinking a couple of glasses of wine will drown out the memories. (not the best promotion for Activate NT but I need to be honest about these things).

Sunday 27 March - NOTHING
I'm pre empting doing absolutely nothing tomorrow. Having kidnapped children from around the neighbourhood for a mad sleepover at my place tonight I have been able to buy myself out of going to Rob (Palmy Mayor's) morning walk. While I adore Rob, whether I'm getting up or getting home, 7am on a Sunday is not my finest hour - and if you saw the Facebook photos that DON't make it to my page you'd know what I was talking about.

I will, however, be on ABC radio at 1030 talking up Activate  NT followed by taking 5 kids to the waterpark (I'm one of them).
Have a great weekend. 2 weeks down. 8 to go. Keep up the great work. Good for your bum and your social life. Bonus!

Saturday 26 March - Badminton
The stitches in my tummy when I woke up this morning had nothing to do with the fact that I've done more sit ups in the past two weeks than the past two years, changes at work or that chicken bone that I accidentally devoured last night. It was because I was going to attempt a team sport for the first time in about 15 years.

The slogan for the NT Badminton Association was 'A sport that everyone can play.' After watching me on the court I think they're going to go back to the drawing board with that one. As the lovely Darryel Binns, our teacher, mentioned 'You're meant to hit the shuttlecock not dance around it Rebecca!" hee hee. Hand eye coordination is not a wonderful talent I posess but my comrades and I all agree "it's the lighting in the venue."

Badminton was hilarious! Great fun. I'm really glad I went and inspite of being an absolute teamophobe (it's a new word - I like it. I'm going with it) I'm seriously considering taking my daughter and my vertically challenged self and joining the kids class at 6pm on Tuesday.

Friday 25 March - Lunchtime Body Balance
I'm loving these lunchtime opportunities. A quick 45 minute Body Balance at lunchtime meant I could get right into what truly matters on a Friday afternoon - that bottle of vino. Let's not lie. Some days you just want to catch up with a girlfriend or organise an early dinner or just die in bed!

Lunchtime sessions mean you're work is done. This class was good but given it's only half the time as the Om Yoga I did feel it was a bit rushed and to be honest, I hurt my back changing from one pose to the next. Just be mindful of that if you haven't been before and take it easy.

Most people seem to be doing a good mix of cardio, stretch and fun activties without going overboard. The program's allowed for going hard one day and then a 'softer' activity the next. I'm really enjoying it.

Thursday 24 March - Tae Box
I know I did Tae Box on Saturday but I really enjoyed it so when I read that I was meant to be here on Thursday arvo I thought I might actually attend the session I said I would for the first time of this Activate Challenge.

We partnered up and kicked the hell out of the Tae Box bag. To rev my partner up I mentioned her ex never loved her anyway. Well that one hit the nerve. She went for it and all I could do was hold on for dear life lest I drop the bag and take its place. Needless to say I don't think I made a friend this class.

Tae Box tip - take a picture of your ex to paste on the bag and you'll really get a workout.

Wednesday 23 March - Lunchtime Body Pump
This was great. I've done a number of Body Pump classes before but getting to the gym for lunchtime has kept me refreshed and focused for the rest of the work day. I can honestly say that I have eaten lunch at my desk at least 4 times a week for as long as I can remember and it's exhausting!

This 45 minute class had me back at work powering through in no time. The Instructor at Fitness Works, Onika, really cared and is very welcoming to Activate participants - funny too. A really inviting, friendly class. I know where I'll be spending my Wednesday lunchtimes from now on.

Don't forget about Neat Fitness on the Esplanade on Thursday lunchtimes. I'll be there tomorrow.

Monday 21 March - Om Yoga
I set myself up to get to the Lake for the 530pm walk but my business meeting didn't finish until after 5. That said I still got myself to Yoga for the second week and thoroughly enjoed it. I won't be beating myself up if I miss sessions or choose an alternate method of exercise as long as I'm still doing something.

At least I'm not as insane as my friend who showed up for circuit in Jingili 5 weeks early. It starts on week 6 you crazy blonde!

Tomorrow: cooking class - 10 bucks says I stuff it up - worlds worst cook coming right up.

Saturday 19 March - Tae Box
THIS WAS AWESOME!! In spite of coming across as cheerful and friendly our Instructor, Inka, is pure evil. I used muscles I never even realised were there. This session was grweat for fitness, fun and self defence.

I met some great chicks and feel very sorry for my partner who had to hold the boxing bag as I envisaged all of my ex boyfriends in her face and gave it some woop ass.

Great for unleashing tension. Will definitely get to more of this session.

Recommended for those with a basic level of fitness and coordination

Wednesday 16 March - Zumba
This is so much fun you don't even feel like your exercising. A jam packed session we ended up moving outside into the basketball court area of Bakewell Primary (I think I did 10,000 steps trying to find it).

Unreal that it was our instructors first class - she was great and handled our various levels of coordination (or lack of) extremely well.

For those familiar with Zumba this may err on the side of beginners zumba for you but what do you expect? Activate's about meeting new people and having fun and Zumba definitely gets the thumbs up for that.

Recommended for all ages and fitness levels.
Tuesday 15 March - Circuit
 

This year I'm Activating like noone's ever Activated before.

The Challenge;

To trial every activtiy at least once and blog about the experience. I'll be down dogging and scottish boxing with a tai chi pump all over Darwin and Palmerston.

Here's the schedule I've made for myself allowing one rest day each week and taking into account I have a job, run a business, a mortgage and what else - oh yes, forgot about my 7 year old daughter. Shall be fun.

Come along to activities I'll be at and make sure I give it all I've got. BRING ON ACTIVATE! The count is on and I look forward to seeing you all at the Health Expo.

Initially I thought the instructor was quite cute but then he turned into mini Hitler.  What a great session for fitness. In short you work around a circle on a range of activities. Just one minute each. Here's the kicker - you then go around for 2 minutes each exercise.

At one point I really did feel that this was worse than child birth (pre drugs of course - the drugs made it awesome!) and wondered if there was anything worse. Then a flash to the Tudors series being hung and quartered reminded me that yes there probably are worse things than 'hovering' for 2 minutes.

I really enjoyed this session but I'd be lying if I said it was for all Activate participants. I think a degree of fitness or understanding of proper techniques are required (if you squat incorrectly you can do some serious damage to your knees).

Was great to see a mum bring her kids and we all took turns of chasing after them. I manage to knock 5 seconds off star jumps so very glad the children were there and it was safe for them so bring them along - we'd rather have you there with them than not.

Will definitely get back to Circuit once I've trialled the other 5 squillion activities. TONIGHT! Zumba!

Monday 14 March - Day One - Activate NT
pm - Om Yoga. Day One, Activity One. Completed! Within two minutes of Yoga I realised two things. 1. - my god, I am in desperate need of a pedicure and 2. My body wasn't made to be a dog, cat, lizard or any sort of contortionist.

I was told to relax. I don't think the instructor meant relax to the point that you pass out on the floor while everyone around you continues to stretch and roll like a fish out of water. Best sleep I've had in ages.

What a great session. I'm feeling stretched - I might even be 5ft 1 at the moment and I'm feeling relaxed - something you don't often get to be with work, business, kid, mortgage etc etc - I'm sure you can all relate. This session was great if you're wanting something to start your program off with. You can stretch at your own pace and push yourself as far as you like - or just enjoy some serenity. Session was attended by ages 9 - around 65. A great one for all ages and abilities.
TOMORROW: Circuit
am
OK! I'm pumped. It's day one and I haven't given myself many excuses to back out of tonights event - Yoga at the Gray Community Hall from 6pm - 730pm.

I'm sure once I get started it will be great. It's getting there that's the hard part. I'm sure many of you feel the same so why don't we agree that this weeks goal is to get to the activities we said we would. I have no issue with my down dog being a bit limp or perfecting the art of falling on my head during balance exercises.

I'M GOING! See you there!