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FROM Fat TO “W


e’re singing in the rain, just singing in the rain…”


Not actually singing but we are ex-


ercising! Claire and I don’t let a little rain deter us, as you can see from our photo. We are invincible – well, Claire is and she makes me be, too. Thankfully, there have been relatively


few sessions in the rain although I suspect that may be about to change but we will continue to take advantage of being outdoors when we can, howling gales excepted. We have been concentrating


recently on improving my balance which is truly appalling, although not quite as dire as when I first started, together with hill work. I am sure Claire prowls the area to discover the steepest inclines for our sessions but thankfully she hasn’t yet made me tackle Piggy Lane. For those unfamiliar with that particular thoroughfare, think mountain goat! Which I am not…by any stretch of the imagination. At the outset, Claire watched my


Follow The Post’s very own (and very brave!) Amanda Bloomer’s journey Fit


feeble attempts to walk heel-to-toe in a straight line and realised that even at 7.00am no policeman would believe I hadn’t been drinking. I wob- bled and wibbled; swayed this way, then t’other; stood on my own toes and grazed my own heels but I can now (very nearly) do 10 perfect steps without falling ‘off the tightrope’. Accepting this aspect needed


considerable attention, Claire encour- aged me to work with floor ladders, cones and other aids to improve not only my general balance but, also, my confidence when walking. I have been trapped for too long in the vicious circle of feeling unsteady – picking my way cautiously (especially over uneven ground) – panicking at steps (forget those with no handrail!) – not looking ahead but watching my feet – and, in all my efforts to avoid falling over, quite often lose my balance and stumble even if I don’t actually go down. I am far from ready for a career as a high wire artist but I do feel more con-


fident, more relaxed when walking; I am able to look ahead, not down, so avoid possible obstacles better; hold- ing my head up improves my posture, which in turn helps my breathing…. and now it is a positive cycle. Next time, floor work – and Claire


has promised not to abandon me once I am ‘down there’ as I have no chance of getting up unaided!


AMANDA’S STATS – SEPT 2019 Height: 5’


Weight:15st 1lbs (I know – much too much soft fruit but you can’t enjoy an English summer without strawberries and I keep telling myself fruit is good for you, just not the sugar!!)


Dress Size: 20 BMI: 41Still Obese!


Fitness Level : Despite the weight gain, I am actually feeling fitter. If I get weight loss back on track, then I will be reaping real benefits of all our hard work. People keep telling me how much better I look!


Amanda’s personal trainer Claire Boyt S


ummer has been busy and weather variable but Amanda has worked well to stick to her


weekly sessions and also continued to work on some of her exercises at home. We have enjoyed some lovely early morning workouts out and about around Kingsbridge before everyone is up and the town has become busy. By establishing a good morning routine Amanda has been able get her workout done and still have plenty of time to get on with the rest of her day.


Our current focus is on flexibility, balance and strength. We are building natural movement patterns that will strengthen and support Amanda in her workouts and within everyday life. Balance is key to functional movement and is essential in everything we do. By practicing balance we increase stability and movement become easier especially as we get older.


Here are three balance exercises that you can try at home. Use a support such as a rail or chair if needed. 1 Heel to toe walking Imagine you are walking on a tightrope walk. With one foot in front of the other, walk up and down a flat area 2-3 times, think about your posture keep looking forward and keep body upright, take care not to trip. 2 Slow march high knees Walk slowly forward raising your knee and hold- ing it in the air for 2-3 seconds before changing leg walk up and down a flat area 2-3 times. 3 Balance one leg and one arm Stand near a support. Lift one leg and hold it and at the same time lift the opposite arm hold for as long as you can then swap sides. Try to increase the length of the hold as it becomes easier.


Good luck and remember to get in touch if you would like to find out more about personal training sessions and fitness classes at Breathe.


Claire Boyt Tel: 07828 940856 claireboyt@icloud.com


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