Around The Fitness World In 80 Days: Day 3 ! Final Day at "Fatcamp"

My belly is definitely flatter! My skin looks better! And I feel great! Energy a-hoy!

Galia had mentioned the “critical” moment – when your body is first shocked by the change in the eating / exercise routine which essentially translates into you being g.r.u.m.p.y monkey. But! After the Critical period, your body goes through a Meh-fine-don’t-feed-me-I-don’t-want-it-anyway phase followed by the Wow-I-really-don’t-need-all-the-rubbish-I’ve-been-feeding-myself-this-is-awesome-! Phase. And it does feel g.o.o.d. Which was lucky as The Boy / my Significant Other / mon Amour decided it was a good day to send regular updates of his hearty meals with his visiting family – saucisson, homemade Savoyard crisps, sausage and mash, the list goes on…had it been a Critical moment, our relationship would have been in danger.

Moving on from food (you will find yourself thinking, talking and dreaming of food during the retreat), fitness class was with the lovely Lisa from Day 1 and took a circuits theme (stats below!), working everything from arms to abs to legs. A few people left the class midway but as it was Day 7 for most of the others, this was not entirely unexpected. One of the wonderful things at the retreat is that no-one (openly!) judges anyone else - each person has their own goals, different personal limits and everyone can go at their own pace. But if that pace means sneaking an extra chocolate bar here, a loaf of bread there (it does happens apparently!), then there is an unspoken rule that it’s kept in the privacy of your own room. But a piece of advice – it’s really not worth coming if you’re going to cheat. It’s a waste of time, money and you’ll never feel satisfied, no matter what you’re hoarding in your room. Make the most of the camaraderie and get into the spirit! If you stick to the programme, the results will be so worth it – some of the people who finished their week today were refreshed, energized and absolutely ecstatic with themselves. And don’t forget, if you are feeling low at any point, let Galia know and she will give you a something (small and healthy but just enough)!

No organized walk today as Sunday is changeover day but not to waste our newfound energy, Miss E, Miss R and I decided to walk to Battle again – not at all motivated by the possibility of finding a spa for a massage (Changeover Day = No organized walk plus no spa treatments). Another piece of advice for the retreat is to make sure that you plan a treatment (budget permitting) for each afternoon. In the crucial hours between lunch and dinner, finding distraction is key. A good shower will kill about 30 minutes, 20 to get changed, 5 to enjoy the “afternoon tea,” which still leaves 4 hours and 5 minutes to fill.

Meals were of the usual genre (pictures below) but as I imagine you’re getting the idea by now. So, a few final words of advice: there will be a lot of cabbage. It’s best to just accept it upfront. And you will become insanely obsessed about your First Post-Fatcamp Meal. So plan it carefully.

Galia the Great, we hail thee.

Today's Stats (Fitness Class / Walk)

- Distance covered: 0km (indoors) / 10.64km (Elevation: 188m)

- Total Time: 54mins / 2hrs 07mins (Moving Time: 1hr 57mins – looking for spa!)

- Calories Burnt: 192 / 440

- Average Heart Rate: 106bpm / 104bpm

- Max Heart Rate: 146bpm / 140bpm

Quote of the Day (technically from first night): If it wasn’t socially unacceptable, I’d so lick this plate clean.