The 12 week challenge

The Cove gym is running a 12 week challenge - starting on the 10th July. They've created the diet and exercise plan - all we have to do is sign up, get some embarrassing photos taken and then stick to it.

The question is - why am I procrastinating about joining the challenge?

I have come a long way on my own since Christmas. My personal trainer - Brian, with whom I have had 3 whole sessions with has helped, but I am the one who has to front up to the gym and do the work.  Why am I afraid to take it to the next level?

What do I fear?

Is it because I feel that I won't have any clothes that will fit me when I get to the other end?
Is it because I fear not being able to afford new stuff?
Am I afraid that I won't be able to stick to the plan for 12 weeks?
Am I afraid that my willpower will wane?
Am I afraid of ridicule?

One or two things occur to me:

The Cove is totally supportive. The owner is a body building champion, he trains sports people and athletes - and knows how to strip body fat. I have a large fatty deposit that sits just above my pubic line and extends outwards towards my hips and up above my belly button. It appeared when I was pregnant for the first time and now it just looks like I am constantly pregnant...not a good look!!

The owner and his wife did the challenge the first time around - so they know it works. They don't expect people to do something they are not prepared to do themselves.

Most of my clothes need replacing anyway. Some of them I have had for 10 years. It's time they went. There are a lot of second-hand clothing stores and recycling boutiques I can utilise until I can replace the "old" clothes with some new ones. I have a unique opportunity to re-build my wardrobe. And what part of that doesn't appeal to a woman? I also have clothes in my wardrobe that I've kept just-in-case I could fit into them again. Looks like I will be needing them after all.

And the final point to consider:

I will regret not joining in. In 12 weeks I would say, well I could have done that if I'd wanted to... excuses, excuses, excuses. In 12 weeks I could be the size and shape I say I want to be. There are no good reasons for not joining in the challenge. After all the only person I am challenging is myself. And if I am not willing to do that - then I might as well go and sit in a corner and wait to die. Because life without challenge is merely existence.

I will of course keep you posted on the progress. I took some photos this morning - if they come out - i'll post them on the web for you to see!!