know there are so many amazing fitness bloggers out there but personally, I find their beautifully toned bodies and uber healthy diets can be a little on the intimidating side.  I want this to be an honest and realistic account of what it's like not only to train for a marathon, but also change your lifestyle for the better.

I never thought I’d do a blog series focused on fitness but this blog post is kick-starting exactly that.  I am delving back into the world of working out, eating healthy and getting on my fitness a-game after quite a few years of being a lazy lump!

Not only that, I have set myself a goal to help me stay motivated.  In April I will be running not one, but two, marathons.  I know, I know, madness for someone who has just got back into the gym.  However, I’m one of those people that if I don’t have something to work towards I’ll lose focus and I really want to make this a permanent lifestyle change, rather than a just a phase.

The point of this “fitness journey” series is to share the challenges and realities of getting fit for a total beginner!  I know there are so many amazing fitness bloggers out there but personally, I find their beautifully toned bodies and uber healthy diets can be a little on the intimidating side.  I want this to be an honest and realistic account of what it’s like not only to train for a marathon, but also change your lifestyle for the better.

The last time I was in a really good place with my fitness and regularly working out was 5 years ago.  After leaving it so long I’d developed an acute fear of stepping back in the gym because I knew how hard and frustrating it was going to be.  I was very aware I’d have to start from scratch and I was daunted by the uphill struggle.

However, there is sadly no easy way out of this one.  No word of a lie, it took me about 3 months of thinking about going for a run before I actually put my trainers on and finally did it.  It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t awful either and in a nutshell, I survived it! So, my first piece of advice for anyone who is in the same boat as I was, is like it or lump it, the ONLY way you’re going to make that change is by getting off your ass and going for that run, fitness class, gym session, etc.  JUST DO IT!

One thing I’ve found which has made a HUGE difference to my workouts is staying hydrated.  I don’t just mean drinking water while you’re working out but throughout the day.  I tend to work out in the evenings so I make sure I drink at least 1.5 litres over the course of the day.  I know this may sound obvious but I was honestly shocked by how much easier my workouts were when I paid attention to how much water I was consuming.

I’ve been using the Big Bottle from The Big Bottle Co. recently as it’s great at keeping track of how much you’re drinking.  I fill it up first thing in the morning and work my way through it throughout the day.  Once I’ve finished it, I’m safe in the knowledge I’ve consumed a full 2 litres of water.

The plan is to do a “fitness journey” post once a month.  Over the course of this series I want to chat about different fitness classes, gorgeous gymwear, work out tips and easy diet changes.  I’d like these posts to be super approachable as I know I can’t be the only one who feels intimidated by fitness bloggers and fitness magazines, so feedback would be hugely appreciated.  If there’s anything you’d like to see more or less of throughout these posts please let me know.

Don’t forget you can also keep up with me on Instagram @thatnewdress, Twitter @thatnewdress, Bloglovin That New Dress, Snapchat thatnewdress and Depop @dominiquew.

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83 Responses to “Fitness Journey #1: Intro”

  1. Yes cheers to changes! I wish you that this one will be permanent and not a phase. I really struggle finding time to exercise since becoming mom, hope this will change one day. I really really like your top, this would be a fashion motivation for me to do sports – haha. xoxo

    http://www.naomella.com

  2. First, what a cute top! I’ve never seen a peplum athletic top before… Second, how great that you’re back at it & planning to do two marathons. That’s awesome! I used to kill it at the gym but it’s been a good while since I’ve stayed dedicated. Some health problems prevent me from being able to go as much as before but I really need to get back in there as much as I can. Looking forward to following your fitness journey 🙂

    http://www.thekaragon.com

  3. Wow, doing 2 marathons is crazy to me. I am a sprinter so I jogging for that long requires a little bit more training for me. You can do it! So exciting. Hydration is the hardest for distance runners. I feel so out of shape. I have been going from one injury to another so I haven’t been able to push as hard as I used to (old age… lol). Can’t wait to see how your fitness journey develops.

    xo,
    Miki
    http://mikialamode.com

  4. Only you can make exercising look so chic!!! It’s always fun to challenge yourself and focus on fitness. I’ve been exercising regularly for the past 10 years, but every now and again I get lazy during my workouts and my endurance and fitness level goes down the drain. That’s where I am right now. So I’m right there with you, Let do it together 🙂 I promise you I will not look as cute as you.

  5. What a lovely journey you are embarking upon, and I look forward to reading updates. You already look gorgeous, but it will be fun to read how you improve your fitness and strength. I too have spent a few years out of the gym and regret it. Fortunately, I’ve switched to a much healthier diet. Thanks for the inspiration!
    xo, janea
    http://www.theSTYLEtti.com

  6. Oh my gosh I need this series. I was–and still am– so into health and fitness. But after working and studying over ten hours a day, everyday– there is often no time for fitness. What I want to know is how to fit in working out into a busy, exhausting schedule. Also, I desperately need to buy new sneakers. Especially looking forward to this series.

    http://cynicalduchess.com

  7. Staying fit is HARD. It really is. Of course, totally worth it, but something you’re just not motivated- and I’m someone who, while I always feel awesome AFTER a workout, it takes SO MUCH to get me up and actually in the gym, lol.

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  8. Gabrielle

    Totally loving this fitness outfit; there’s nothing more stylish than all-black (albeit with flashes of colour!). Good luck with April’s two marathons by the way – that’s one serious goal, I’ve no doubt you’ll smash them! 🙂

    aglassofice.com
    x

  9. This whole post makes me so excited!! I cannot wait to hear more about your fitness journey, and I have absolute confidence that you will succeed in achieving your goals. I’ve been trying to make healthier changes to my fitness and diet as well so I will definitely be visiting your blog for more motivation 🙂

    Ciara
    http://www.ciarasalloum.com

  10. thatnewd

    Thank you so much for your wonderful and supportive comment. The top is from Rebecca Minkoff and I wear it a lot, it’s such great quality. xx

  11. thatnewd

    Injury is so difficult to deal with. I’ve had a few over the years and it’s hard to stay motivated with them. I hope you recover fully soon doll xx

  12. thatnewd

    I hear you, it’s so hard when you’re busy to fit exercise into day. I’m going to be doing a post on trainers and which ones to go for so keep an eye out for that one xx

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