Yay…2 Years…Still Size M (just)! 💪🏼

Hi fitness family! 😀

Can you believe it’s been 2 years today, since i started on my life long health target starting with (“June time to prune”) on 1st June 2020. I wanted to post this on my blogs as a milestone for me, as i like to share all of my ups and downs with you all! 💪🏼 😀 

Now it’s June again and i have some extra pounds to prune! I’m still a size medium (from XXL) but it’s not the easy fitting new clothes i enjoyed a year ago…So yay i have a new goal to smash already, lol! 🤣

It’s great getting back to walking each day after taking a well earned rest with lots of celebrating whilst taking the whole month of May off. But now i’m back focused again on my future fundraisers, lol! 🤣 I still can’t believe in these last 2 years i’ve managed an ‘Ultra Step Challenge‘ and the ‘Trail Marathon‘ along with shrinking down from size XXL to M and having to buy a new set of clothes…My mind still hasn’t caught up! 😲

Talking of walking…I went out on the trail again this morning and managed my usual daily 6 miles in just over 1 hour 30 minutes. There were no dramas at all today, yay so i enjoyed it even more…But not as much as the stupendous Sarah special stack sandwich supreme i have when i get back! 😋

I’d just like to say a huge sorry in advance to my lovely wife Sarah…As she is probably going to hear the phrase “Caloric Deficit” again and again for the rest of the year, lol! 🤣 ❤️

Lets FitBlitz 2022 Together! 💪🏼

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Motivational Monday: My MS T-Shirt

Hi readers! Yay it’s “Motivational Monday”, and i hope you’ve smashed your health and fitness goals for last week? Now let’s get ready to take them to new heights this week?! 😀 

Motivational Quote…💪🏼

“Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated”

This is written on the back of my INOV8 T-Shirt! 🤣

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Yesterday my lovely wife Sarah came out on the trail with me, and she took some photos of me wearing the amazingly bright t-shirt the MS Society gave me to help promote their great charity during my trail marathon training! It was freezing cold and raining but that didn’t stop us…Until it proper chucked it down and we had to get home fast, lol! 💪🏼 😀

motivational quote…💪🏼

“You do not rise to the occasion, you simply fall back to your level of training.”

Motivational Monday: All Clear

Hi readers! Yay it’s “Motivational Monday”, and i hope you’ve smashed your health and fitness goals for last week? Now let’s get ready to take them to new heights this week?! 😀 

Motivational Quote…💪🏼

“Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated”

This is written on the back of my INOV8 T-Shirt! 🤣

After a another hard week of doing at least 1 lap each day, i managed to hit my health and fitness goals for last week. I try to hit a personal best once a week, and on the other days i try an do at least 1 lap to hit my 10,000 steps for a normal day. 😀 

Yesterday my lovely wife Sarah walked out with me to find out if the nasty tree was still covering the trail track? Once i’d limped all of the way to the location of the tree, lol…Sarah said it had been cut up and cleared from the track to the side, yay! Now i can attempt another personal best later this week! 💪🏼 😀

7-Workout Week…🙌 

Perfect week (all activity rings) 🙌

motivational quote…💪🏼

“You do not rise to the occasion, you simply fall back to your level of training.”

The Trail Marathon Challenge…😨    

I know I’ll be stretching myself past my limits for this challenge and so your encouragement and support would really help me to keep my training on track. Any donation you can spare would build my morale and endurance so I can smash this and reach my £1,000 goal to make my mum proud.

Together we can be a force for change and BEAT MS! 💪🏼 

Steve’s Blindman Trail Marathon

Fundraising for Multiple Sclerosis SocietyIn Memory of my mum Valerie.

Read all about my story and epic challenge HERE

#3 What’s Happening To Me? – “Size XXL to a Medium” 😲

Hi all!

Yay…My early 14th wedding anniversary (post coming on Wednesday) present from my lovely wife Sarah!! I’ve been wearing it for every game so far and it seems to be working lol! 🤣 

 

Size XXL to a Medium… 

 

Since losing 5 stone over this last year, i’ve also gone from a size XXL t-shirt to a size medium. I have never been a medium throughout my whole adult life. I’m loving having to get a new wardrobe and ordering a medium size and it fitting like a glove…Not much beats this feeling! 😀

#2 What’s Happening To Me? – “Sunbathing”🤔

Hi all.

My lovely wife Sarah has always LOVED sunbathing…And i HAVEN’T, lol! If you’ve ever followed us “The Blind Sightseers” on our travels, you’ll know that Sarah is always in the sun and i’m somewhere melting into a puddle of goo! 🤣

I’ve never been comfortable in the sun and always hated the heat, i’d always try and find shade or find some other way out of it but stay as close to Sarah as i could. Just sitting outside a coffee shop or in our own back garden seriously felt like my bones were being steamed in a cauldron of boiling water, whilst my skin was being attacked by a million angry wasps with mini switchblades  cutting into me! 🔥🔥

BUT…

Now i’ve lost 5 stone (70 pounds) i sit out with Sarah everyday in our garden (when the sun is out anyway) and i’m always the one wanting to stay out longer. I also have to think about being out too long and getting sun burnt…This is something i’ve neve had to think about before as i’ve never been sun burnt as it used to hurt me to be in it! 😲 

The sun actually feels nice now and i can finally enjoy it. Now i understand why my lovely wife Sarah enjoys and loves to be out in the hot sun…And it feels fantastic!! ☀️ 💪🏼 😀 

#1 What’s Happening To Me? – “Hay Fever”🤔

Hi all.

Sarah & i were walking through the woods last night on our beautiful evening walk…And i mentioned that i’d not had hay fever at all this year?! It’s been the first year since i’d not suffered from it and i’m wondering if it’s anything to do with losing 5 stone (over this last year) and eating healthier foods etc?! I thought this maybe a question for Ellie at ‘New Creation Ministries” as her blog posts have inspired and motivated me, especially over this last year. 😀 

Sarah also said that i should write a few posts on more of the changes i’ve experienced since losing 5 stone (like this one) and share it with you guys…So here is the first one “hay fever”. I can’t tell you how much easier it’s been this summer without constant watering eyes, runny nose and sneezing my head off! My body still hasn’t adapted properly yet and i walk around expecting the effects…But nothing comes. It would be fantastic if hay fever has left me for good! 💪🏼 😀 

Yay…1 Year…-5 Stone & Size XXL To Medium! 🙌 💪🏼 😀

Hi Friends!!

Can you believe it’s been a year today, since i started my epic adventure aka “June time to prune?!” I wanted to put this post on my blogs as a milestone for me and to share my good news with you all! 😀 

My mind is still having trouble adapting to the body it’s now living in, lol. 

-5 Sone…

I’ve gone from overheating all of the time, wearing shorts through the winter and staying out of the sun as it felt like pins and razor blades cutting my skin…To feeling cold most of the time, wearing normal clothes in the winter and like yesterday…Spent time sitting with my lovely wife Sarah enjoying the sun without the stabbing pains in my skin.

Size XXL to a Medium… 

I’ve also gone from a size XXL t-shirt to a size medium. I have never been a medium throughout my whole adult life. I’m loving having to get a new wardrobe and ordering a medium size and it fitting like a glove…Not much beats this feeling! 😀 

My Engine & Body Analogy…

As i used to be a panel beater in a bodyshop, the engine analogy just seemed to click for me when thinking about my nutrition etc. As i needed to be in a healthy calorie deficit to lose weight, i needed to find out what kind of engine i had and how much fuel (calories) it burns.

Hang On…

I’ve just realised i’m going to go on for ages writing about my year of transformation. So before i bore you all to death, i thought i could write about it post by post for a while. This way i can slowly bore you to death and you may not notice, lol! 🤣 

😲Yay…-70lb Weight Loss Badge! 🙌

Wow…I simply can’t believe i’ve achieved this goal, after stepping off the scales this morning. To say i’m excited is an understatement!! 😲   

It’s taken me about 2 months to reach this next -5 pound badge as i’m almost at maintenance calories now. I absolutely love the food i eat now and wouldn’t change it back for anything. I don’t feel hungry (never thought it was possible) and most important of all…I can live on this healthy meal plan for the rest of my life!! 💪🏼 😀 

It’s not too late, to sign up for Activ8…!!!  💪🏼 😀

You can still sign up for the next 2 weeks.

Hi friends…💪🏼 😀  

Are you making yourself attractive to Cancer? 🤔  

Sarah and I have just signed up for the “Activ8 Plan” with World Cancer Research Fund as part of Cancer Prevention Awareness Week. So for once I’m not fundraising and bombarding you with donation asks, just sharing information to raise awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle lol! 🤣  

You may not be aware (like me) of all the lifestyle choices we make that can affect our cancer risk. 😲  

Info taken from the World Cancer Research Fund website… 

What is Cancer Prevention Awareness Week?

 Cancer Prevention Awareness Week is an annual event where we draw awareness to cancer and cancer prevention. Currently, 40% of people diagnosed are diagnosed with a cancer that could have been prevented.

Knowing what you need to do and making small, consistent changes to the lives of you and your loved ones can help you avoid preventable cancers. …..

Activ8: Eat Well, Move More…
We’ve also launched a healthy living programme to support people who want to eat better and move more.

By signing up, you’ll get 8 weeks’ worth of motivational emails, which will include links to specific nutrition and physical activity resources such as tip-sheets and videos, as well as live support from our experts.

Make preventing cancer part of your everyday life. By following our Cancer Prevention Recommendations you’re giving yourself the best chance of reducing the risk of at least 12 types of cancer. Take action today!

 I can’t thank you guys enough for all of the support you’ve given Sarah & me over the years!! I encourage you to join us on this challenge so that you too can protect yourselves against cancer and lead happier, healthier lives….  Thank you and God Bless. 💪🏼 😀 

🐾 #20 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Pawly”

⇧ Bruce feeling sad after his ear operation ✞  

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Pawly”

I wanted to paws and take a little time to talk about accidents, or if you are pushing too hard on your drills…

If you have been to the vets (no idea why they are called this, they haven’t spent anytime in combat) and they have forced you into the “Helmet Of Shame”…DO NOT be cast down, but keep your chops held high! 😀  

There are other drills and exercises we can do e.g…

Dancing, Yay! Like yesterdays drill “Bust A Move” don’t be afraid to dance through the storms of life!! 🤣   

⇧ Bruce dancing in the storm! 😀 ⇧

🎶 “Don’t let nobody drag your spirit down – Eric Bibb

 ⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #19 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Bust A Move”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Bust A Move” 

All of us dogs have a very individualistic personality, just like the humans do. While this varies from breed to breed, a lot of us respond to music based on the genre. You all know what i mean, when that songs starts playing and you just have to “Bust A Move!”

Depending on your groove, and how funky your routine…This will leave your human in stitches, they will laugh their heads off! 🤣   

At this point, i should tell you some benefits of busting a move…

Dancing is a great way to stay combat ready for dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes. It has a wide range of physical and mental benefits including:

• Improves condition of your heart and lungs
• Increases muscular strength, endurance and motor fitness
• Increases aerobic fitness
• Improves muscle tone and strength
• Helps weight management
• Stronger bones(that’s our bones and not the bones you normally chew.)
• Better coordination, agility and flexibility
• Improved balance and spatial awareness
• Greater self-confidence and self-esteem
• Better social skills.

💬 “Hit the floor with those groovy paws!” 🎶

 

🎶 Remember our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.” 

 ⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #18 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Parrot Rest”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…Your fave Boxercise instructor! 😀 

Wow yet another week in lockdown has passed already…Time flies when your boxercised!

Please meet my good friend “Parrot” 

It’s time to rest yet again, so go and grab your favourite toy of the moment and take a day of well earned rest..With plenty of sleeping! 😀 

Also let’s think once again about rest and sleep. It’s vitally important to take a day of rest to give your body a chance to heal, it helps to de-stress, and also helps our minds focus…On FOOD, lol! 🍔 

Fun Quote…“A well trained dog will make no attempt to share your lunch. He will just make you feel so guilty that you cannot enjoy it.”

🎶 Remember our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.” 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #17 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Posture”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Posture” 

It’s normal for us to instinctively guard the resources that are important to us. This may include our food, our toys, our beds, our humans and our territory!

‘Territorial aggression’ is important  

First exhibit warning, then perform defensive and offensive behaviors…Your “War Face” is essential at this point! 

 If the enemy proceeds…Continue barking, Growling, doing your “Short Sprints” up and down the perimeter…

If they move even closer…Charge, bite, gnaw, rip, twist whoever or whatever is invading your territory, until the threat is neutralised!!  

 This is why the correct posture is vital…Look harmless…Spring with power!

Here are some benefits of good Posture:

• It keeps bones and joints correctly aligned so our muscles are being used properly.
• Stops excessive wearing of joints.
• Decreases the stress on the ligaments holding the joints of the spine together.
• Prevents the spine fixing in abnormal positions.
• Prevents fatigue because muscles are being used more efficiently, allowing us to use less energy.
• Prevents backache and muscular pain. 
• Contributes to a good appearance.

Awareness of your own posture is key, you can even practise in front of the mirror if you like…Practise makes better! 

💬 “What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Dwight D Eisenhower

🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.”

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

#16 🐾 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Aerobies & Frisbees”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Aerobies & Frisbees” 

“When will my humans learn that this is my Aerobie…Go and fetch your own if you want one, stop taking this one and throwing it, lol!” 

If you listen to the humans, they will call this  a “Sport”…But it’s a “Drill”

The reason this drill is important: It gives you a good workout and improves your speed, gives you fantastic muscle tone, increases paw to eye coordination and quickens your reflexes! 🐾

💬 “What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Dwight D Eisenhower

🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.” 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

#15 🐾 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Eyeballing”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Eyeballing” 

“Are you eyeballing me?! Don’t eyeball me! Never eyeball me!! Keep your eyes front and don’t move them until i call them!” 

You may have thought i’ve been going soft on you as the last few posts have been a little squishy…But that ends now…Go hard or be soft! 😖

The burning pain of discipline is nothing to the anguish of disappointment! 

💬 “What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” Dwight D Eisenhower

🤔 “A lean dog shames its master.” Japanese Proverb! 

🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.”

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡  

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

💪🏼Yay…-65lb Weight Loss Badge! 🙌

A little progress each day adds up to big results. Keep chipping away at your goal and soon you’ll realise that all those little victories add up to the biggest victory of all…Reaching your goals! 😀  

I love the quote above (although not sure who said it) as i have personal experience of living it…But more importantly, i like to celebrate every little goal and achievement badge i earn. 💪🏼 😀  

I’m still not finished yet though and i would like to get to 5 stone (70lb) weight loss! If i can get to this huge milestone i can then evaluate and see if i’m lean enough, and switch to maintenance calories instead of this healthy calorie deficit i’ve been on since 1st June 2020!!  

Weight loss benefits…

The 2 fantastic health & prevention charities i love are WCRF (World Cancer Research Fund) and BPUK (Blood Pressure UK), because they really help me with their recommendations on living a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few reasons from them on why i now focus on losing (and maintaining) a healthy weight. 😀 

From WCRF…

“Obesity, weight and cancer risk…Our research shows that being overweight or obese is a cause of 12 types of cancer…”

1. Bowel
2. Breast (post-menopausal)
3. Gallbladder
4. Kidney
5. Liver
6. Mouth, pharynx and larynx
7. Oesophagus (adenocarcinoma)
8. Ovary
9. Pancreas
10. Prostate (advanced)
11. Stomach (cardia)
12. Womb

From BPUK…

“Being a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do for your blood pressure…” 

How does losing weight help lower your blood pressure?

If you are overweight, losing weight will lower your blood pressure because your heart doesn’t have to work so hard to pump the blood around your body. It lowers your risk of many other health problems, including stroke, diabetes and heart disease, and can make you feel better too, giving you more energy to do the things you want to.

How to lose weight healthily…Read the recommendations.

As i’m a stats person…Reading all the numbers behind what can be achieved and prevented is mind blowing, and this is why i started taking control of the things i CAN change, and not the things i CAN’T.

Now i just want to share all of this good news with everyone so we can all be aware and empowered to start fighting the cancers, strokes, high blood pressure & many more…That we can prevent! 💪🏼 😀 

#14 🐾 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Steve’s Birthday”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Steve’s Birthday” 

As it’s Steve’s birthday today (April 15) i think we should all take a little time to grab one of our fave treats(as he won’t share any cake) and sing out loud on his special day! 🎵

Remember: Humans are fragile…So it’s important for us to give them love that they can only receive from us! ♥️

💬 “I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source.” Doris Day

🎶 Birthday singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, even your birthday cake I’ll be watching you.”

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

#13 🐾 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Ears”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Ears” 

Let’s paws for a moment to talk about ear placement. Some of you will be aware that whilst running really fast during your drills, your ears flop around like crazy…This will not apply to some breeds, and will definitely not apply to those of you who are too lazy to hit full speed. It is vital to keep your ears disciplined! 

I’m only mentioning this as some of us(like me) have owners that are obsessed about capturing our photo to keep for sentimental purposes or something even more soppy like posting on WordPress etc…If you’re going to spend all of this time training, you might as well give them a nice photo! 🤣  

So just be aware…The cameras are out there and they’re pointed at you!!

💬 “If you think us dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving us only two of them.” 

🤔 “A lean dog shames its master.” Japanese Proverb! 

🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.”

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

#12 🐾 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Choir Of Cadence”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Choir Of Cadence” 

Let’s paws for a moment to talk about singing. Many humans are uneducated on this topic and say that we howl…what a vulgar display of ignorance! 

Our choir of cadence can also be used when we train and that is exactly what i want you to do during all of our drills. Please revert to singing your fave songs on Sundays which is your day of rest. 😀 

Here is a short cadence to help with your PT…

ME: 1, 2, 3, 4, let me run with every paw….YOU: 1, 2, 3, 4, let me run with every paw

ME: 1, 2, 3, 4, I won’t quit give me some more….YOU: 1, 2, 3, 4, I won’t quit give me some more

ME: I won’t quit unless i’m ill…YOU: I won’t quit unless i’m ill

ME: I just want my favourite drill…YOU: I just want my favourite drill 

If you can extend this cadence please leave some suggestions in the comments, i’d love to hear your ideas…And it will help extend your PT! 😀 

Here are some physical Benefits of Singing…

• Singing strengthens the immune system. … 
• Singing is a workout. … 
• Singing improves your posture. … 
• Singing helps with sleep. … 
• Singing is a natural anti-depressant. … 
• Singing lowers stress levels. … 
• Singing improves mental alertness. … 
• Singing can widen your circle of friends.

🤔 “A lean dog shames its master.” Japanese Proverb! 

 🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.”

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡  

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

#11 🐾 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Paws For Reflection”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…Your fave Boxercise instructor! 😀 

Wow another week in lockdown has passed already…Time flies when your boxercised!

Let’s paws once more and think about how much you’ve achieved in just one week. 

Also let’s think once again about rest and sleep. It’s vitally important to take a day of rest to give your body a chance to heal, it helps to de-stress, and also helps our minds focus…On FOOD, lol! 🍔 

Fun Quote…“A well trained dog will make no attempt to share your lunch. He will just make you feel so guilty that you cannot enjoy it.”

🎶 Our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake, every bite you take, chocolate or cake, I’ll be watching you.” 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #10 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Legacy Of Love”

I love the look of complete adoration in Bruce’s eyes for Sarah! 😍

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Legacy Of Love” 

Take time today to work on leaving your own “Legacy Of Love” your humans will be blessed for years and years. ❤️

Your motivational fitness, fun photo…📸

If you need inspiration…Just look at my adorable puppy eyes! Try and perfect this look, as it will make your human putty in your paws! 🤣

 🎶 Our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, even your chocolate cake I’ll be watching you.” 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #9 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Snow Dives”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Snow Dives” 

Before you start to complain and make excuses because there is too much snow around (we haven’t had our 2021 snow yet), or you live in cold climates…Get out of your warm home and start drilling your laziness!

First things first…Please make sure your owner is appropriately dressed for the cold weather, as a lazy or frozen owner is detriment to your health! 😀 

Snow dives are fantastic at burning calories, stretching muscles and above all they are fun.

Don’t forget at the end of this exercise you can combine some of my other drills. The “Wet Dog Shake” is a perfect one to finish and you’ll make it snow for anyone who’s nearby…Fun for the whole family! 😀

Your motivational fitness, fun photo…📸

If you need inspiration…The photo of me (top of post) taking a dive, is a great example of how it’s done. Even short haired dogs can stay warm as the heart gets pumping! 🤣   

🤔 “A lean dog shames its master.” Japanese Proverb! 

 🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.” 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡  

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #8 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Seek & Destroy”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Seek & Destroy” 

Seeking and destroying oversize tennis balls, footballs, rugby balls etc is a fantastic way to strengthen our already powerful jaws…Ooohh that popping sound, or the slow hiss of death. Nothing feels much better than when we conquer a ball! 😀

Beware…If you like the oversized tennis ball(like me) or tennis balls of any size, they can sometimes bite back.

The ball itself can be a choking risk…But some of us enjoy shredding the yellow-green fuzz that surrounds the tennis ball. Eating this fuzz can lead to increased choking hazards and intestinal blockages that could require surgery. Do not let this happen, just paw your owner until they get you another ball! 🐾

 

Your motivational fitness, fun photo…📸

 

The photo of me (top of post) is in the ‘Old Hunstanton Lighthouse’ garden. My humans stayed their on their honeymoon and then for 5 following anniversaries! It was a nice large sealed area where i had plenty of room to run, jump and rip up toys! Each year we visited…They bought me a new holiday ball! Don’t let holidays destroy your health! ❤️

🤔 “A lean dog shames its master.” Japanese Proverb! 

 🎶 singalong with me…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.” 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #7 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Let Me See Your War Face”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today let’s talk about your War Face 

To make sure you smash your goals each day, is to make sure you make war with the enemy of health and fitness….Kryptonite! This can manifest itself in many ways (it’s like a shapeshifter) e.g: junk food, tempting marketing, excuses and many more! It’s entire aim is for you to stop being healthy and becoming the best version of you, you can be.  

Don’t forget…Whilst practising your war face…This too is a great exercise for training your face muscles…A win win, lol! 🤣 So to get every drill performed each day…is to make war with Kryptonite! There is no better way to do this than to show your war face.

Show me your war face! Now show everyone your war face!

Let’s come together and destroy the evil lair of laziness! 🐾

 

Your motivational fitness, fun photo…📸

 

If you need inspiration…The photo of me (top of post) performing yesterdays drill (short sprints) is a great example of a ‘War Face’. Don’t be afraid to add a little growl (the deeper the better) to add more drama! 🤣 

 

🤔 “A lean dog shames its master.” Japanese Proverb! 

 🎶 Remember our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.” 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡  

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #6 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Short Sprints”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today is my fave…Short sprints! 

The benefits of sprinting are endless. It is an excellent cardiovascular exercise, it increases your stamina, burns lot of calories in a short time and moreover, it gives a boost to your metabolism so even when your workout is over, it keeps on burning calories…Mmmm so make sure your owner keeps the treats coming! 🐾 

Sprinting releases surges of happy endorphins called dopamine, meaning we too can experience a ‘human runner’s high’. 

If we are under stimulated and under exercised, we can be prone to destructive behaviours such as chewing, digging and rubbish rummaging. We can become hyper, overly excitable and restless at night. It can be the cause of attention-seeking behaviour, like whining, jumping up and barking. Do not let this happen…Drag your lazy owner outside and get them moving! 🐾

 

Your motivational fitness, fun photo…📸

 

If you need inspiration…The photo of me (top of post) performing this exercise was once again taken on Old Hunstanton Beach, Norfolk. My human had to dive out of the way a few times, as i kept sprinting right towards the camera so i could get the best angle for the shot, lol…Who said sprinting can’t be fun! 🤣 

🤔 “A lean dog shames its master.” Japanese Proverb! 

 🎶 Remember our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.” 

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #5 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Wet Dog Shake”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…Your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Now that you’ve had your day of rest…Let’s get straight back into beating these lockdown blues. 🐾

There is no better way to shake off the lockdown blues than a full “Wet Dog Shake”. This will definitely put the fun into fat burn! You can try this outside or for more laughs indoors! It’s an full body workout that will guarantee your other family members will stay at least 2 metres away whilst maintaining the social distancing laws! 😀

Your motivational fitness, fun photo…

If you need inspiration…The photo of me (top of post) performing this exercise was taken on Old Hunstanton Beach, Norfolk. My human used a 400mm zoom lens so he didn’t get soaked, as i really got carried away! 🤣 

🎶 Remember our happy singalong…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.”  

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

 🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #4 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Day Of Rest”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…Your fave Boxercise instructor! 😀 

Now let’s talk about rest and sleep. It’s vitally important to take a day of rest to give your body a chance to heal, All of these Boxercise classes may leave you exhausted (if you’re putting in the effort) and needing rest…Well i have good news!  

It turns out that sleep is crucial for strength training recovery and helps with muscle repair after a strenuous workout. On the flip side, inadequate sleep can interfere with the body’s ability to recover after lifting weights and inhibits the body’s ability to build maximum muscle strength.

This is why having a healthy meal plan with enough dietary protein to aid in muscle repair and new muscle growth is vital. As many of the critical restorative functions in the body, like tissue repair and muscle growth—occur mostly or only during sleep.

So the bottom line is…Sleep can help de-stress, build muscle and also help our minds focus…On FOOD, lol! 😀 🥩

🎶 Here’s a happy singalong to share with your human…”Every snack you make, every meal you bake. Every bite you take, I’ll be watching you.” 😀    

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡  

🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #3 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Tug O’ War”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…Your fave Boxercise instructor! 😀 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Tug O’ War”

One of my fave games is playing Tug O’ War with Sarah (or against anyone who was willing), My string of sausages was a great toy to use in this game, but anything you can get in your mouth will do. As it’s not wise to use the arm or leg of your human, and it’s not helpful to rip, tear and shred an animal carcass all over the house or garden as this would be way too messy (although it’d increase your humans NEAT – Non-exercise activity thermogenesis whilst cleaning up, lol)…But a simple dog toy will suffice! 💪🏼 

This is a great exercise for building jaw, neck and shoulder strength, and for building up powerful tugs as your muscles get bigger and harder. Oh and it gives your lazy human a workout too…Why should you always be the one to exercise, lol! 🤣  

It’s a great endurance test to see who could keep going the longest, and it will burn lots and lots of calories! I Can’t remember who won this game…Me or Sarah?! I’m sure I did!! 🐾  

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day ➡ 

🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

Yay…My Weight Goal Met Badge! 💪🏼

I stepped off the scales this morning with a mixture of disbelief, excitement and joy, as i’d lost 4½ (63lb) stone! As i entered the numbers into the “MyFitnessPal” app (which syncs with the “Fitbit” app) i was awarded this great achievement badge. 😀

I didn’t have any hopes of achieving this goal as i only set my goal by accident (the fitbit app is not accessible for the blind on entering a weight goal), but i had it stuck in the back of my mind as i focused on the smaller -5lb weight loss, more achievable goals. I’m still not finished yet though and i would like to get to 5 stone (70lb) weight loss! If i can get to this huge milestone i can then evaluate and see if i’m lean enough, and switch to maintenance calories instead of this healthy calorie deficit i’ve been on since 1st June 2020!! 💪🏼 😀 

Weight loss benefits…

The 2 fantastic health & prevention charities i love are WCRF (World Cancer Research Fund) and BPUK (Blood Pressure UK), because they really help me with their recommendations on living a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few reasons from them on why i now focus on losing (and maintaining) a healthy weight. 😀 

From WCRF…

“Obesity, weight and cancer risk…Our research shows that being overweight or obese is a cause of 12 types of cancer…”

1. Bowel
2. Breast (post-menopausal)
3. Gallbladder
4. Kidney
5. Liver
6. Mouth, pharynx and larynx
7. Oesophagus (adenocarcinoma)
8. Ovary
9. Pancreas
10. Prostate (advanced)
11. Stomach (cardia)
12. Womb

From BPUK…

“Being a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do for your blood pressure…” 

How does losing weight help lower your blood pressure?

If you are overweight, losing weight will lower your blood pressure because your heart doesn’t have to work so hard to pump the blood around your body. It lowers your risk of many other health problems, including stroke, diabetes and heart disease, and can make you feel better too, giving you more energy to do the things you want to.

How to lose weight healthily…Read the recommendations.

As i’m a stats person…Reading all the numbers behind what can be achieved and prevented is mind blowing, and this is why i started taking control of the things i CAN change, and not the things i CAN’T.

Now i just want to share all of this good news with everyone so we can all be aware and empowered to start fighting the cancers, strokes, high blood pressure & many more…That we can prevent! 💪🏼 😀 

🐾 #2 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Getting Air”

Welcome back to your daily lockdown drill brought to you by Bruce…your fave Boxercise instructor! 

Attention!! Today’s Drill…“Getting Air” 

You may be thinking of Michael Jordan or a BMX dude getting air on a half-pipe…But let’s put the spring in YOUR step and see how much air you can get! Don’t stop until you’ve reached your own height in getting that air! Once you do…It’s a great way of getting lots of healthy treats as your human will be impressed! 😀

Jumping, aka (plyometric training), consists of fast, explosive movements which activate the fast-twitch muscle fibres associated with building muscle, strength and power. These jumps will  help to activate fast-twitch muscle fibres. These fast-twitch fibres have a big part to play when the muscle contracts against resistance; they are longer and stronger than the short endurance based slow-twitch fibres. We recruit more fast-twitch fibres during plyometric training resulting in muscle growth, strength and power. 💪🏼 

Now it’s time to get your human moving and see who can get the most air?! 🤣 

If you need inspiration…The photo above is me getting air on Old Hunstanton beach in Norfolk. Once you get enough air the entire beach disappears! 💪🏼  

⬅ Previous Day 🐾 Next Day  ➡ 

🐾 Begin Boxercise class from Day 1  🐾

🐾 #1 Pawing away the 2021 lockdown blues with “Bruce THE Boxer” – “Meet Bruce”

🐾 Hi, I’m “Bruce THE Boxer”, Steve has kindly let me use this new FitBlitz blog to post my health & Fitness classes. I’ll be your ‘Boxercise’ instructor and I’ll help you paw away your 2021 COVID-19 lockdown blues. Also i’ll get you in shape this new year by helping you smash your 2021 health and fitness goals! 💪🏼 

Don’t be fooled by my cute baby face…I’m here to teach you recruits (i mean clients) discipline, nutrition, correct form, security detail, accurate attack methods, basic knowledge of weird humans, grooming and best of all…Real Boxercise drills.

 

Please don’t forget to bring a bottle (or bowl) of water with you to ensure you stay hydrated. You’ll sweat a lot, if you work hard enough! So hydration is vital. 

 

It’s been a pleasure meeting with you here, and i can’t wait to get these classes started. I’ll give you until tomorrow to prepare yourself for your first drill! 💪🏼 😀 

Description from Steve…

I may be more than a little biased as Boxer dogs are my fave, but sharing a fun daily photo (from my archive) of “Bruce THE Boxer” will not only put a smile on my face(and help keep his memory alive) for me…But also put a smile on your face(or even LOL) and this may help a little to help paw away some of the 2021 COVID-19 lockdown blues! 😀 

Next Day 🐾  ➡ 

🐾 Special Guest Boxercise Instructor: Smash Your 2021 Fitness Goals With 50 Days Of Boxercise Classes With “Bruce THE Boxer” 🐾

I’d like to introduce you to “Bruce THE Boxer”, a boxercise instructor like no other! He is kindly gifting us with 50 days of boxercise posts right here on FitBlitz, to help us get motivated and energised so we can smash our 2021 health and fitness goals during this new lockdown! 💪🏼 😀 

The first class (then daily afterwards) will start tomorrow, so If you’re after a fat-blitzing workout, harder muscles and to learn a little about nutrition, these Boxercise classes are a great way to add a little ‘punch’ towards smashing those goals! 

Who are these classes for…?

Everyone! Whatever your age, gender, dog breed or sporting ability, these Boxercise classes are ideal for all and are perfect for beginners. It’s great for anyone (with feet or paws) planning on weight loss, improving their overall fitness and families who love to workout as a group.

What do i need for the classes…?

Please remember to bring a bottle (or bowl) of water with you to ensure you stay hydrated. You’ll sweat a lot, if you work hard enough! So hydration is vital. 

Oh…And don’t forget to have fun! It’ll be a tough, challenging yet totally enjoyable workout that will leave you wanting more!!💪🏼 😀 

Can’t wait to meet you on Day 1…

❤️ Thank You!! 💪🏼 😀

 Wow…I’m still filled with ineffable joy as i think back over my gruelling step challenge, and as i sit reading all of your encouraging, loving and inspiring messages i’m getting quite emotional!

All of your cheering, sharing and kind comments have helped carry me through one of the hardest things i’ve ever done…And now it’s time to try and say a huge thank you to you all without having enough words to describe how you’ve all made me feel throughout this challenge. So i’ve posted a list of thanks to you below which i’ll cherish forever! 😀  

1. I’d like to give a gargantuan amount of thanks to you Ambber (my sister) for your understanding, support and encouragement…Especially as you’ve just been into hospital with severely high blood pressure! ❤️ Message: “Blood pressure as us as a family know is a life changing deadly illness, we’ll done Bro for raising awareness of this invisible killer, so proud of you xx xx”
2. A colossal thanks to Charis & Adam for your donation and relentless kindness. 😀 Message: “Good luck!”
3. A huge thanks to Dora for always believing i can do it…Whatever the challenge!  💪🏼
4. A heart warming thanks to Christine for always being here to cheer me on! Message: “Good luck Steve, you’ll be amazing 👟👟👟 🏃🏃🏃” 
5. A massive thanks to Alan for completely silencing  me with a mind blowing donation that equates to £20 a day for 24 days! Message: “Great to help. Fundraising for this often overlooked charity I admit your stamina. And pray for good weather!”
6. I’d like to give a huge thanks to Sheila for her support and encouragement. 💪🏼  
7. A colossal amount of thanks to Sarah A who just keeps on supporting me no matter what! 💪🏼 Is it too early to ask for her to take some photos with her stupendous camera skills? 🤣 Message: “Good luck Steve, this is a really good cause and I’m sure you’ll smash it!” 
8. I’d like to give a huge thanks to Linda & Charlie for all of their support and encouragement. 💪🏼 Message: “Good luck Steve x” 
9. A powersliding thanks to Ben W who always turbocharges my challenges!! 🏎
10. I’d like to give a monumental amount of thanks to Anita & Mark for their relentless encouragement! With you guys cheering me on, i know i’ll smash it like at Tough Mudder! 💪🏼 Message: “Go Steve! I know you will smash this like you did Tough Mudder.” 
11. A huge thanks to Laurence for her kind donation & share! 💪🏼 Message: “Good luck Steve, all the best x”
12. A mind-boggling amount of thanks to Ben & Rosie for their staggering display of kindness! 💪🏼 Message: “Well done Steve – amazing stuff!” 
13. I’d like to give a stupendous amount of thanks to Rachel K for her support and donation! Message: “Good luck Steve, what an amazing challenge and great charity.”
14. I’d like to give a Joyful, Tropical, Caribbean and of course ‘Red Belly (the best cake in the world)’ amount of thanks to George and Cynthia, for their kind donation last night. I simply can’t believe just how kind, loving and generous hearted you guys are…❤️ I think i’ll need some red belly during this challenge which will give me the power, boost and a smile all along the way, lol! 🤣
15. An enormous amount of thanks to Lynda for her kind and loving donation. Message: “Good luck Steve. You will smash it”
16. Please turn your Marshall amp volume knobs up to 11, and make a joyful, riff rocking noise as we need to thank Phil for his guitar blitzing donation! 🎸🎶🎤 Message: “Well done Steve, you’re a Warrior for a very good cause.”
17. I’d like to give an elephantine amount of thanks to Peter and Kathryn for their kind, love and support for this challenge!
18. I’d like to give a stupendous amount of thanks to Sandie for her support and donation! 😀 Message: “may the Lord keep you safe and strong.”
19. I’d like to give an elephantine amount of thanks to Janine Lewis, for their kind, love and support for this challenge! Message: “I’d walk every step with you Steve! You are an amazing man. Good luck x”
20. A huge amount of thanks to Daniel Arthur for his kind donation and inspiring message: “Keep on walking….”
21. A huge thanks to Charlotte Smith for her fantastic donation and support! Message: “Congratulations Steve (& Sarah as your support team), fantastic achievement & really important cause. Good luck for the remaining days.”
22. A massive thanks to Lorna for her donation and inspiring message! Message: “You and Sarah are bloody legends and the biggest inspiration to us all ❤️ Your latest adventure took me back to getting very lost training for RNIB’s South Downs 30K last year!! Loving your spirit xxx”
23. A brobdingnagian amount of thanks to my lovely wife Sarah, who has made this challenge possible with her tireless support and encouragement! Message: “I know how hard this has been for you Steve….. But keep pushing on…. YOU ARE NEARLY THERE!!!! Xxxx”
24. Wow…The inspiring Lynda Russell has donated for a second time! Message: “Steve you are such an inspiration. I can’t imagine how hard this is for you but you will certainly smash it. I’m donating again because you deserve to have the encouragement for all your hard work.”
25. A huge thanks to Ella for her loving donation! Message: “Hi Steve, we are so very proud… fantastic achievement! Lots of love Ella & Pete XX”

Finally…I’d like to give a monumental amount of thanks to 11 mysterious strangers for their kind, loving and supportive donations…And fantastic messages!

• YOU DID IT !!! Ordinary people know their limits, YOU continue to push what you can achieve higher and higher. Congratulations on your amazing tenacity & motivation…you are a winner Stevie Rebus xxx
• Nearly there Steve, you’ve got this!
• You are an inspiration! What an adventure. Go Steve 🙂
• I wondered why you kept walking past our property.
• What a challenge!! May God go with you as you walk in His service.
• Steve Look good – 20,000 steps a day for 24 days will be a great achievement
• Go Steve Rebus 🙂🥳😎
• Well done Steve!
• Good luck and enjoy the step challenge Steve! 🙂 

Even more thanks…

And of course i want to thank Blood Pressure UK for their vital work, encouragement and for supporting and cheering me on the whole time. They were always with me and never failed to leave me messages, emails and of course…The T-Shirts! 😀  

Thanks…And thanks again (to 36 sponsors) for this overwhelming encouragement towards this challenge, and the vital life changing cause that’s close to my heart…And effects me in my day to day life! ❤️

I hope you’ve been inspired to keep a healthier heart?! ❤️❤️❤️ 

It’s still not too late…

If you’re reading this and would like to be a part of this challenge and cause…Then my fundraising page is still open for a few months…CLICK HERE and join the team!💪🏼 😀 

 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 

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❤️ #24 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: YAY…I DID IT!! 💪🏼 😀

 

Hi friends! 

I’m filled with such ineffable joy as i complete my gruelling step challenge, and my lovely wife Sarah presents me with a surprise winners trophy! 💪🏼 😀 ❤️ I simply can’t believe i’ve done it?! 

Once i’ve finished celebrating…And sleeping, i’ll follow up with a thank you post. A post to thank all of you fantastic donors and supporters for making all of this happen…I can’t thank all of you enough…Merry Christmas, have a lovely time and stay safe!! 🎄 😀 

My final Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Cookies & Cream Bar…Mmmmmm A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with chocolate caramel, coated in milk chocolate and crispies. Packed with protein, with over 23g per bar! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 516,168
• Total miles: 266.67

Now to try and not collapse…But rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, shoulders, arms, knees, ankles, fingers, ribs, elbows, ears, eyes, metatarsals, biceps femoris, blistered feet…And also try and clean my trainers, lol! 🤣 

An Advent For Change…❤️

Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can to this cause that is so personal to me in my day to day life. 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

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❤️ #23 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: TIRED & EXPIRED!! 😰

 

Hi friends! 

Yay…Well at least it’s nice weather for ducks…Or a blindman kitted out in his sports waterproof gear, lol! 

Apart from lack of energy and aching eyes from too much focusing, today went quite well with no dramas. I’m not sure if everybody has seen my challenge and got inspired to get healthy…But i’ve never seen so many people, dogs cyclists and runners in my life, lol! I’m hoping they’ve checked their numbers and are making the right changes to their lifestyles, lol! 🤣 

You may have noticed that i’ve been wearing my fantastic trainers, which were a gift from my lovely wife Sarah for losing 3 stone. They have been my most fav trainers i’ve ever owned, and i’ve owned some cool trainers before. But they are starting to feel exactly like i feel…Tired and expired!! 🤣 

Trainers before my challenge… 

 Trainers after my challenge today, and with 1 more day to go if they hold on… 

 I love this quote… 

“Obsessed is just a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated” – Russel Warren (cricketer)

 Are you feeling inspired yet? I’m not sure i can give much more…And there is still 1 more day to go, also i’m never going to give up asking you guys if you “Know your numbers?!:. 

Guitar lesson…

I was falling asleep during my guitar lesson today, as after i’d finished my walk. Sarah and me had to walk into town for some Christmas food shopping. I was only halfway through creating this post, when i had to stop and do an hour long guitar lesson.

And then…

Yay…The muppets fun theme song blasted out of my phone! It was another kind donation towards this challenge. I’d like to thank Ella and Peter for also leaving me an inspirational message…And i’d also like to thank you all for donating, encouraging and motivating me all of the way!! 💪🏼 😀

I can’t believe i’ve made it this far, and i’m so close to smashing my 262 (10 marathons) goal. 😀 With only 1 day left…It’s not too late to donate to this vital and life changing cause, which is so personal to me and my day to day life. ❤️ 

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Cookies & Cream Bar…Mmmmmm A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with chocolate caramel, coated in milk chocolate and crispies. Packed with protein, with over 23g per bar! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 495,115
• Total miles: 255.70

Now to try and not collapse…But rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, shoulders, arms, knees, ankles, fingers, ribs, elbows, ears, eyes, metatarsals, biceps femoris and blistered feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can. This challenge is not over yet! 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

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❤️ #22 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: HUMBLED & SPEECHLESS!!

 

Hi friends! 

After yesterdays rain, 20mph winds and lack of energy…It was time the gloves came off…And they did literally, as there was no rain, no wind and it’s a lot warmer!! 🤣 Even the beanie hat stayed at home today. I also meant business when putting on the shorts…They felt like i was coming home and i was very happy to be wearing them again! 💪🏼

As i leave for my walk at the same time everyday, i know it’s a similar time when i arrive at the crossroads just before i call Sarah. Yesterday as i was double tapping my AirPods to evoke Siri a piercing siren screamed past which upset Siri somewhat, lol. But that’s not the fun part because at exactly the same time and place as i was about to call Sarah again today…A siren started coming from behind me again, so i whipped my phone out as quick as i could to see if i could get a photo of whatever it was. It just seemed strange that it would happen twice like this…Not sure why i mentioned this too, lol. 🤣 

The 9 mile marker…??!!   

 You’ll never guess what happened at the 9 mile marker..???

 Just as the progress announcement speaks into my ear (it does this every 5 minutes)…The muppets fun theme song starts playing at the same time…And you know what that means??!!! I’m sure i’m going to have a heart attack one of these days when i hear that sound, as i get so excited i nearly explode, lol! 🤣 

I stopped walking instantly and checked (once the whole theme song had finished of course)…It’s not only an amazing donation from our lovely friend Lynda…But this was her SECOND donation!! And this was the encouraging, supportive and motivating message she’d left…

“Steve you are such an inspiration. I can’t imagine how hard this is for you but you will certainly smash it. I’m donating again because you deserve to have the encouragement for all your hard work.”

I was simply stunned, and i’m still stunned as i type this…So i think i’ll end this post here completely humbled and speechless. 😀 

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Caramel Chaos bar…Mmmmmmm A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with caramel, coated in milk chocolate and crispies. Packed with protein, with over 23g per bar! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 473,978
• Total miles: 244.54

Now to try and not collapse…But rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, shoulders, arms, knees, ankles, fingers, ribs, elbows, ears, eyes, metatarsals, biceps femoris and blistered feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can. This challenge is not over yet! 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

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❤️ #21 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: HARDEST DAY SO FAR!! 😰

 

Hi friends! 

Waking up and hearing the rain lashing the windows, it was really hard to get up for the 21st day on the trot without proper rest.

“GET UP AND GET READY” screamed my inner drill sergent to the inner lazy me who just wanted to go back to sleep! My legs felt like concrete and i didn’t seem to have any energy at all, and knowing it was going to be raining the whole walk didn’t help!

Eventually i rustled (had all my waterproofs on) and slowly dragged my concrete legs out into the rain.

I was 0.8 miles (it’s good to be precise) when my “Messi” audiobook stopped and the happy muppets theme song started playing. I instantly stopped walking and my screenreader voice told me..I had another donation!!!! 💪🏼  😀 I investigated a little further and…It was from my lovely wife Sarah! She’d left this message to…”I know how hard this has been for you Steve….. But keep pushing on…. YOU ARE NEARLY THERE!!!! Xxxx”.

I phoned her straight away and thanked her profusely, and that donation and message was exactly the lift i needed to keep battling on. Sarah told me that she knew how hard it was for me this morning, and she could hear the rain crashing on the windows…And i’d still got the determination to head out on my walk! Wow thank you Sarah…The best wife in the world!! ❤️❤️❤️ 

Help…

I was halfway through the woods and it felt like my beta blockers were really crushing the life out of me, i had no energy, my feet felt like concrete blocks and…If i could see (or even find a bench) i’d just sit down and give up! ☹️

It was about this time when i started to think about my lovely wife Sarah and her loving, supportive and generous donation…And the 31 other amazing supporters who have also kindly donated! I was breathing heavy, my legs felt even heavier and i was getting quite emotional as i dragged myself up another muddy, wet and sloshy hill…I just kept thinking of all of your messages (i have a good memory) and all of the cheering on from around the country, and realised why i was putting myself through this, and how important it is to know your numbers and have a healthy lifestyle with a happy heart! 💪🏼 😀 ❤️

I still have no idea how i made it home today, but i’m glad i’m sat down creating this post, lol!  

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel bar…Yay, my fave bar ever! A triple-layered treat, featuring a tasty salted caramel layer, soft nougat and a delicious milk chocolate coating Packed with protein, with over 20g per bar! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 452,009
• Total miles: 233.01

Now to try and not collapse…But rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, shoulders, arms, knees, ankles, fingers, ribs, elbows, ears, eyes, and blistered feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can. This challenge is not over yet! 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

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❤️ #20 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: KNOW YOUR NUMBERS??!! ❤️

 

Hi friends! 

With not even a day of rest on a Sunday…I dragged myself out of bed and braced myself for the freezing cold. The sun was absolutely blinding today and made my walk 10 times worse..If that’s possible? Oh one good thing though…I managed to take a photo of my shadow, lol! 🤣 

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS…

Oh yes…Just to make sure i’m not doing this 24 day gruelling challenge for nothing…DO YOU KNOW YOUR NUMBERS?? Has all of this inspired you in the slightest to get a blood pressure check and keep a healthy heart? I hope so, as it’s for you (and anyone who’ll listen) that i’m doing this for! 💪🏼 🤣 ❤️

This is why i chose the charity Blood Pressure UK as they are the only UK charity dedicated to lowering the nation’s blood pressure to prevent stroke and heart disease. Their vision is for everyone to know their blood pressure numbers in the same way they know their height or weight and take steps to keep them healthy, both now and in the future. 

And who doesn’t want that??!! 💪🏼 

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Fudge Brownie Bar…Mmmmmmmmm…A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with chocolate caramel, coated in milk chocolate and crispies! Packed with protein, with over 22g per bar! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 430,377
• Total miles: 222.01

Now to try and not collapse…But rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, shoulders, arms, knees, ankles, fingers, ribs, elbows and blistered feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can. This challenge is not over yet! 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #19 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: 200 MILES! 💪🏼

 

Hi friends! 

 

Wow can you believe it? The 200 mile marker has been smashed today! 💪🏼 😀 

The day started like yesterday…Grey, raining and wind that feels like you’re being held back by a bungee rope! After 50 minutes walking up the long road and hoping no cars (going about 70mph about 2 feet away) mount the kerb and take me out, i arrived at the crossroads.

Not the most photogenic of places but i’ve not shared a pic with you guys yet. Once arriving here i call Sarah and let her know everything is alright and i’ve not been mown down, lol. 💪🏼

I did about 7 miles before arriving home for a coffee and a Grenade bar. As it’s Saturday we go into town and get some food shopping ready for the coming week. Saturdays are my worst and most tiring days for some reason, maybe because my walks are split up and sometimes last into the dark evenings. Once we’d been into town and got lots of goodies, i went back out to finish my miles…And of course it was raining, but getting soaked everyday isn’t going to stop me from reaching the 262 mile (exactly 10 marathons) goal that i’ve set for myself! 💪🏼  

Still no sign of a white Christmas yet…And there is only 5 days left to go. I’m really going to miss you guys cheering me on, lol! 🤣 💪🏼 

At least the dark evenings create a great backdrop for my amazingly bright Christmas jumper lights! Oh and also the cheesy Christmas movie and the enormous bowl (it’s like a sink bowl size) of freshly popped popcorn tonight, yay…Nothing like carb loading on low calorie high dense food! 😀 

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Raspberry.…Oh no it’s the Raspberry one again…I really don’t like this one at all…But i still ate it, lol as it’s packed with protein, with over 20g per bar! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 408,627
• Total miles: 210.89

Now to try and not collapse…But rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, shoulders, arms, knees, ankles, fingers and blistered feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can. This challenge is not over yet! 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #18 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: -60lbWeight Loss!

 

Hi friends! 

After cheering and a few fist pumps from stepping on the scales this morning, i quickly opened the Fitbit app to see what colour my new -60lb badge would be. Of course i had to ask Sarah as i’m also colour blind too, lol! 💪🏼 😀  

To say i was excited is an understatement. I’m getting closer with each badge of maintaining a healthy lifestyle which includes exercise, healthy nutrition and a healthy weight. I’m no expert at all as i’ve just tried to change things little by little so i don’t rebound and put on more weight than i’ve lost because i’m starving! 😀 

I really like what Blood Pressure UK (i love wearing the t-shirt and being a fan) recommends on their website, and when i first read it i thought “That’s exactly what i think as i’m experiencing it at the moment”…. 

 How does losing weight help lower your blood pressure?
If you are overweight, losing weight will lower your blood pressure because your heart doesn’t have to work so hard to pump the blood around your body. It lowers your risk of many other health problems, including stroke, diabetes and heart disease, and can make you feel better too, giving you more energy to do the things you want to. Read much more HERE.

 Today’s Walk…

After yesterdays blinding sun, today was grey, windy and raining. I hadn’t taken any photos whilst out on my walk as i didn’t want to get my phone soaked, and have the possibility of the app crashing again. It was a battle of wills too as i pushed hard with every step to fight the hammering rain in my face, and the strong wind pushing me back…It felt like i was being held back by a bungee rope, lol. 🤣

When i returned my lovely wife Sarah already had a present wrapped up and waiting for me. “Here is your -60lb badge winners gift” Sarah said as she handed me the present. I have no idea how she knew? Or how she even got it here so quickly? But Sarah had bought me a box of 12 salted caramel Grenade protein bars! I had only tried one the other day from my amazing advent calendar for the first time, and i loved it! 😀 

 While we are on the topic of food…Yay it’s time for thee amazing Turkey breast mince base, onion, mushroom, peppers, cheese and tomato protein pizza! Under 200 calories for a big slice and over 30g of protein! 💪🏼 😀 

I can’t believe there’s only 6 more days of this challenge left. My body is confused (i think) and doesn’t know whever to be full of pain, or totally numb from all the pain?! So After 18 days my legs seem to have a mind of their own too, as they lead the way and i just try on hold on and follow, like the scene from Wallace and Gromit and the wrong trousers, it feels like someone else is in control, lol. 🤣 

I will say one thing though…If i hadn’t lost this much weight, there is no way i could do this challenge! 💪🏼 

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Birthday Cake.…Mmmmmm…A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with a vanilla layer, coated in white chocolate and sprinkles! Packed with protein, with over 20g per bar! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 386,984
• Total miles: 199.41

Now to try and not collapse…But rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, shoulders, arms, knees and blistered feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can. This challenge is not over yet! 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24

❤️ #17 Blindman Advent Ultra Step Challenge: BP & SCENERY!

 

Hi friends! 

I was just walking out of the front door when i realised i hadn’t got my Fitbit on! it was still plugged in and charging up as i didn’t want it to go flat whilst out walking, lol, phew! 🤣  

Today was the worst day for me weather wise as the sun was absolutely blinding! I had to stop so many times as the glare made everything disappear…And when you’re right on the kerb next to a busy road, it’s not a good idea to risk anything. 

There was one good thing though…As i kept stopping whilst in the woods stage of my walk…I managed to take more photos than usual. If you’re fed up with seeing photos of trees, paths and scenery then look away now, lol! 🤣 

 I’d found this beautiful new path and decided to seee how far i could go before i’d have to turn back, when i heard the sound of running water. I thought it sounded like a stream so pointed my camera towards the noise! 💪🏼   

 Continuing along the path i eventually came to the end. The sun was so bright i couldn’t make anything out at all, so i took a photo to see if you could describe what my camera is looking at? Maybe i could go further on this path?! 😀  

I turned around to go back in the direction i came and almost walked up a wrong path, it became so sludgy i knew i hadn’t walked that way…That could’ve been another sloppy and slippy adventure! 🤣 Getting back on track i found the beautiful scenery again. 

  Yay…I’ve made it out of the woods, i hope you don’t mind all of the photos? I think even though I can’t see what i’m looking at…It doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the view instead, lol! 🤣

now it’s time to return home for…Yes you’ve guessed it…The amazing protein pizza! 💪🏼 😀 

 KNOW YOUR NUMBERS…

Taken from the fantastic article on the Blood Pressure UK’s website. Read full article HERE…

Taking control of his health
Since his wife Sarah started working for WCRF, he’s learned the difference a healthy diet and exercise can make to your health and happiness. He’s learned about the right balance of nutrients for his body, watching the calories (“they sneak them into everything”) and how to exercise safely. He’s recently received his 50lb weight loss badge from FitBit, a wrist band he uses to track how far he’s walked, and his doctors have lowered the dose of his medicines.

“When you exercise, you feel happier because of the release of endorphins. Then those around you feel happier too. Who wouldn’t want that?”

Steve wants everyone to know their blood pressure numbers 

Ready for a new challenge, Steve wanted to raise awareness of high blood pressure no matter what your age. “I wouldn’t wish the consequences on anyone. It’s so easy to get a blood pressure check and know your numbers, just go to the chemist or get a home monitor, then you can relax. 

“If I can inspire one person to get out and get active it’s worth it. I hope someone will think, ‘if he can do it, I can do it.’”

My Blood Pressure Is…???

104/68mmHg. Wow if it stays like this i’ll be going to the doctors again to discuss lowering the dosage of my medicines again, yay! 💪🏼 😀 

DO YOU KNOW YOUR NUMBERS?? Sorry but i’m not going to stop asking, lol! 🤣 

Today’s Grenade bar advent calendar flavour is…???

Grenade Carb Killa Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.…Mmmmmm…A triple layered bar consisting of protein nougat, topped with caramel, coated in milk chocolate, peanuts and chocolate chips! Packed with protein, with over 20g per bar! 💪🏼 😀 

Stats so far…

• Total steps: 364,653
• Total miles: 187.85

Now to try and rest and repair these aching, tight and tired legs, back, hips, knees and blistered feet ready for tomorrows challenge!

An Advent For Change…❤️

OH…Have you heard about my ‘Blindman 20,000 steps, every day, for 24 days (during advent 2020) for Blood Pressure UK!’ That’s around 252 miles!! 

If not, lol…Please read my story and DONATE if you can to this vital and life changing cause. Yay i’ve now smashed my fundraising target of £1,000 but as some of you may know…I’m always looking to over achieve, so please donate if you can. This challenge is not over yet! 💪🏼 😀 

Also don’t forget to share and make everyone aware of the silent killer that could be lurking inside us! 

Do you know YOUR blood pressure numbers?? 

I believe that the greatest gift you can give your loved ones and the world this Christmas…Is a healthier you! ❤️ 💪🏼 😀 

Advent Ultra Step Challenge Day Navigator –

 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 9 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22 – 23 – 24