I started writing this post on Monday when I actually had a day off.😌😌 As well as doing a Hyrox class which was really fun, lifting heavy weights, running some errands and having a brisk, cold walk, I thought I would do a post on my fitness preferences in workouts. To be honest, I've never met any exercise I dislike so there won't be any hate from me for any of the options. But I will share my favourites with you!
Let's begin! Feel free to let me know yours too!
Lifting weights or cardio
I love lifting heavy weights but I am a cardio queen!😊
Lifting heavy weights for less reps or Lifting light weights for more reps
Lifting heavy weights but I like to do a decent 8 - 12 reps for 4 sets. If it is really heavy or I am going up a weight, it may be 6 - 8 reps for 4 sets.
Favourite cardio
Running of course! But I love any cardio to be honest!😊 Dancing is a passion of mine!
Favourite cardio machine
Probably easy goes on the spin bike. I will use the treadmill if the weather is dreadful and going to make it difficult for me to get my footing/ stay upright. I had a bad fall while running on mud in Autumn and I can't afford that with my spine! But I digress, Cardio machine wise, I also like the cross trainer, arm erg machine where you spin your arms round and round and I like a good go on the rower too.
Leg curls or Romanian deadlifts I think! I love working hamstrings so much!
Hardest weight lifting exercise
Ohh what I find the hardest is an exercise I learnt from the PT I had after my spinal op (thank you Sam!) Dynamic Bulgarian split squats with weights where you jump up and down 🥵. I also find heavy hip thrusts very hard work too.
Favourite Abs Move
Heavy weighted plate pass.
Favourite Leg Exercise/s
As above, think it's got to be the Leg curl machine. I do them one leg at a time to ensure the strength is equalled out.
I think any triceps moves are really enjoyable! I like bicep curls, hammer curls and triceps dips too. I am finding working on the assisted pull machine such a great challenge too - I've got it down to a really light assisted weight now so fingers crossed!😃 I also really like dumbell snatches from Crossfit.
Favourite Swimming Style
Breast stroke. I also like back stroke.
Favourite Olympic Lift
Clean and Press.
Favourite Hyrox Move
The Sled push I think!😀 I have become a fan of the sled pull now too!
Wall Balls. I find the ski erg hard too as I'm short and don't have a very long reach.
HIIT or LISS
HIIT I think, very fun! LISS is a lovely break and recovery though so I love that too.
Favourite HIIT
Insanity with Shaun T (I've met him! 😃 And done an Insanity workout with him!) and Jillian Michael's workouts.
Favourite LISS
Easy paced runs I think or easy spin bikes.
Favourite Sport to Play
Throughout my life I have loved Gymnastics, Trampolining, Ballet, Swimming, Judo, Tap, Archery, Hockey, Netball, Tennis, Badminton and Football (I've always refused to head the ball - a wise decision with what ended up happening with my head and neck😂). I competed in the World Gymnastics competition as a youth too😃. In my own time now, I dance, cardio kickbox and do yoga and some gymnastics stretching.
Favourite Sport to Watch
Football!! I love watching Athletics too.
I love a Thai Fusion Hour-long massage at Chokie's in Upton on the Wirral. It really helps ease my knots and pain around my neck, shoulder and back. It is amazing for my legs as well. That is my favourite.
I also love hot and cold therapy; infrared saunas and cold plunge pools for recovery are incredible. I am a big fan of using cold water therapy for recovery, I feel really invigorated afterwards and I do think, carefully, over time you can train yourself to adjust to it.
← I went to North West Wellbeing Hub this morning to do Contrast Therapy; I had half an hour sat in the infrared sauna and then I did ten minutes sat in the cold plunge pool. I felt amazing afterwards!
I also love going to Cryo Clinic Wirral and my favourite pre-race prep would be using their Normatec Hyper Ice compression boots. I have poor circulation so my legs get swollen and they always feel really light after wearing these boots.
The one your physio gives you!😝 To be fair the best physio lesson I have learnt is for every exercise you do, you should work out the opposite muscles too. Muscles of course work together so if you're working hamstrings, do quad work too so you don't get imbalances, you don't want to get injured down the line.
I am fond of my regular physio with my grip toy and to work my dexterity.
Favourite running event
100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres, 800 metres, now I can actually add 5k with a sense of enjoyment!😀 I have actually thrown my name in the hat for the Great North Run Half Marathon Ballot!! I haven't even done my first 10k back since taking up running again (my first one is on the 2nd February!) but hey! You have got to challenge yourself to change yourself!!
Favourite field event
Long jump and high jump. I couldn't do high jump anymore sadly (I don't think any landing on my neck would be helpful!) but long jump, maybe?!
Front splits
Favourite Yoga Pose
Pigeon Pose, Happy Baby, Child's Pose, Savasana😂, Thread the Needle, Stretching the Lats out on the floor from a child's pose.
Favourite Protein Shake
Science in Sport Rapid Recovery Rego Strawberry because it tastes lovely and has both carbs and protein for straight after workouts
Favourite Protein Snack
My Protein Layered Bar Triple Fudge Bar and My Protein Gooey Double Chocolate Caramel filled protein cookie. I re-order them in boxes so I don't run out.
Favourite Electrolytes
Phizz and Hi Five electrolytes.
Favourite Pre-Run Fuel
Porridge, Nuts, Seeds, I like M & S Apple slices with Almond chunks and toffee sauce. Before a race, I like to have some Dextro Energy cubes about 20 minutes beforehand as well so I have carbs running riot in my system.😜
Favourite Post-Run Fuel
I like a Banana afterwards, sometimes a Protein Shake.
Favourite Snacks
My My Protein Chocolate Bars and Cookies are still on this list! I'll add Haribo Starmix, Haribo Tangfastics, the M & S apple slices and toffee sauce as I've mentioned before too, Piper's crisps the green packet salt and vinegar, Walkers salt and vinegar, Twirl bars, Kinder Bueno white, Smarties, Milkybar white buttons, Dairy milk, Wispa bars, Mint aero balls, loads!!😂
Favourite Weather to Run in/ Workout in
Cool with moisture in the air with a bit of sunshine (very specific!).
Favourite Running Training
Intervals/ Speed Day and more specifically, the favourite training I have done so far was 200 metre reps in the Harrogate Hills, sprinting by the Barracks, I loved it! It was two days before my last PB, the December Tatton Park 5k and I am convinced that particular session made a huge difference!💖
← I got the Underarmour Mid Crossback Sports Bra off Sports Shoes, it is my favourite running bra ever!
Favourite Workout Top
A pink Underarmour top I've got which is very comfy and breathable.
Favourite Workout Pants
← My Protein Cycling Shorts, my Adidas Pink Colourblock Running Shorts and my Blue Under Armour Women's Shorts.
Favourite Running Shoes
Asics! I use Gel Kayano 30s for easy runs and Metaspeed Sky Plus for speed sessions and races.
Favourite Workout Watch
My Coros Pace 3 for running, my Fitbit Sense 2 for overall fitness markers and calorie tracking (I use the My Fitness Pal 
to track my food too).
Favourite Socks
Gym Shark socks and Asics Performance Run Crew Socks - my blue green ones! (Both sets of socks in the photo ← and the photo above)
Favourite Headphones
Shokz Open Run Pro for running and races. You can hear what's going on around you which is great for safety!
Favourite Compression wear
Skins. I need to get back into wearing more of them.
What I do well
I think I do well with my nutrition the majority of the time and I enjoy cooking and when I have time, it is a treat to bake. I think I'm really good at staying hydrated!😀 I think I am really disciplined at sticking with goals to fruition by making small steps everyday and being consistent.
What I could work on
I need to foam roll more! I could always do with more sleep.😴🛌💤
Favourite Fuelling Meal
It is one of my favourite (in general!) meals, tuna, pasta, chopped tomatoes, sweetcorn and veg all cooked together with cheese grated on top. I put the tuna in after the cooking.
Coming back from a cervical spine disc removal and spinal fusion operation, losing the over 100lbs I put on and working so hard on my spinal recovery💜, representing Air Cadets nationally in Athletics in the 800 metres and 4 x 100 metre relay, running 3 marathons (never again!) and completing a Tough Mudder.
Best fitness advice I've gotten
When you think you've reached your limit, you've got more, when you're going through hell keep going😂, Be consistent.
I hope you've enjoyed my whirlwind of fitness things! Clothes, food, fuelling, workouts, kit etc.
Love,
Mairead xoxox
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