Wednesday 30 July 2014

The Skinny Bitch Collective Workout


Have you heard about Russell Bateman? If not, where have you been hiding?

The Skinny Bitch Collective

Founder of The Skinny Bitch Collective (SBC) - The IT fitness programme for women, and training the likes of supermodels and athletes, it is fair to say this man is a womens health and fitness bible. Millie Mackintosh, Daisy Lowe and Suki Waterhouse are just a few names who put themselves under the paces of gruelling SBC workouts.

Not to mention his model and nutritionist girlfriend, Danielle Copperman, runs a pretty amazing blog - Model Mangetout and creates the ever so popular Qnola - which you can currently find stocked at The Detox Kitchen in London.

Bateman preaches sex, sleep and squatting, and says your typical SBC class is a combination strength and metabolic conditioning with primal movements for maximum results.. breaking a sweat thinking about it. 



SBC workshop photographs by Russell Bateman/SBC

I guess you could say I am a fitness wannabe, lover of all healthy eats and exercise, I head down to the gym, run like I think I am Paula Radcliffe and lift weights imagining I am going to walk out the gym the next Paige Hathaway, but in reality I am absolutely clueless and my fitness knowledge is honestly pretty basic.

However, being in my "I am the hulk" fitness phase:


"A phase where a person thinks they are far superior in stamina and muscle then they really are, and makes impulsive decisions based on this feeling"


(Ok, so I just made that up).

I decided to sign up to one of SBC's exclusive workshops. 
Bad decision? You might think. The class definitely put me through my paces, including running, crawling, weighted movements, resistance bands.. the list is endless. The term 'full body workout' is an understatement. 

The verdict: 

After struggling with weight loss, fatigue, lack of concentration and energy for at least 6 months now, I was destined to struggle with such an intense class, this was made more obvious when compared to the fitness fanatics that joined me in the SBC workout room. But I learnt a lot and knowledge is key. 

"Going to the gym and spending an hour on a cross-trainer four times a week is like going to the Tate gallery and spending your time looking at the cloakroom." - Russell Bateman, Glossip Girl


I love this quote and must admit I have definitely been guilty of this in the past! I can now take what I have learnt from SBC and put it into practice, work on my fitness ability and maybe next time I will conquer the unconquerable SBC class. It was ultimately an experience and a great one I would recommend it to those who are fit, know the key movements, have the correct form and feel confident with all of these - as the class is of high level. Russell was a great instructor and gave me fantastic advice at the end of the class, even offering his nutritional advice to help me gain muscle. 
The class really made me want to get healthy again, as after experiencing rapid weight loss in which I lost all my curves, I really struggled with any movements you had to lie down for because of the pain of my back bones and hip bones on the floor. The class made me realise how unhealthy my body is, HUGE WAKEUP CALL! After the workout we all got some of Danielle Copperman's Qnola, which I am planning on doing a whole blog post for, let's just say it was divine. 

Danielle Copperman, Qnola. Image from The Detox Kitchen.

I also seen a quote the other day that really resinated with me and was my main thought while getting the tube back to my flat:

"I have never felt bigger then I did at my thinest" 

I walked into SBC ready to work on my troublesome tummy, but I walked out ready to work on my health. 

Sunday 27 July 2014

The Good Life.


Before moving to London, I had always seen instagrams, tweets and blog posts about 'The Good Life Eatery', on Sloane Avenue in Chelsea, so of course when I was joined in London by one of my closest friends, Rosie (who is also a lover of all things health and fitness), I jumped at the opportunity to suggest that we dine at The Good Life.

It did not disappoint.


This cafe had a very laid-back LA style vibe, with small wooden tables and chairs all packed in together. As it is quite a small cafe, and one of few healthy food eateries in London, be prepared to queue.




They have a huge choice of breakfast and lunch options, from Granola, Poached Eggs, Salads and more. After taking roughly an hour to decide what we would order - there was so many delicious options, we both opted for The Goodness Bowl:

'Pad Thai Salad with Roasted Cashews, Teriyaki Broccoli, Avocado, Beetroot Dip with Thyme, Sesame, Spelt Crackers, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Balls with Coyo Tzatziki.'

While we waited for are food I sipped on my cold pressed juice, known as the Cashew Mylk:

'Raw Cashew, Filtered H20, Vanilla, Coconut Oil, Cinnamon and Dates' 

This was mainly because it contained three of my favourite things, cashews, cinnamon and dates. The only downside to this decision was that the drink was just as filling as the meal, so maybe one of the fruit and veg juices would of accompanied the meal better, but I have no regrets!

Rosie went for a smoothie instead, I was very jealous as it looked amazing... and tasted it, I couldn't resist a little sip when she offered. She went for the Choc Norris, a blend of:

'Sun Warrior Vegan Brown Rice Protein, Almond/Hazelnut Milk, Avocado, Cacao, Cacao nibs, Maca Powder and Banana'

There is loads of great juices and smoothies that you can slurp on inside or take away with you, so if neither of our choices take your fancy, don't fret.



We didn't have to wait too long until The Goodness arrived, and of course the compulsory photo with your food happened.


Don't under estimate this bowl, it was so good and so filling, it is fair to say we savoured every mouthful as it ended up taking us all afternoon to finish! So our brunch date turned into a whole day spent at this delicious cafe, I wasn't complaining tho.


However, it was quite pricey at £12.50 for the salad and £7.10 for my Cashew Mylk, but totally worth the money for a healthy, nourishing and stomach fulfilling meal.


You can visit there website, The Good Life Eatery, for directions and contacts, and browse a selection of there menu on Deliveroo, yes.. that's right, they deliver!


I would highly recommend this place to anyone, I even know what I want to try on my next visit…


But I will leave that for another blog post.

Saturday 26 July 2014

New Beginnings

UPDATE

21/06/14 - I MOVED TO LONDON.

Ok, so I am starting this blog a little later then I had first anticipated. I had been planning on writing this before the big move, but with all the madness… I am writing this 26/07/14 - over a month later…

But I am finally settled.

I have a flat.

In Shoreditch, London.

I am interning with a designer.

She designs for interior furnishings.

She is lovely, which makes the days fly by.

London life is hectic.

I have found it hard to keep in contact with people as much as I had hoped.

So, I have started this blog.

To keep my friends and family in the loop.

And anyone else who may be interested on my interning journey in the capital.

I also have to write a report in order to achieve my Diploma in Professional Studies.

This will be gained after completing my year in industry, and will accompany my BA hons degree.

The essay will focus on my year and experiences.

I am secretly hoping they will let me submit this.

Wishful thinking...

WELCOME


My little piece of cake on the web, where I eat, explore and empty my thoughts