Girl getting fit… PRESTIGE BOOTCAMP

Girl getting fit… PRESTIGE BOOTCAMP

Since my last gruelling bootcamp (article HERE) of the three days of intense work outs, I discovered that mentally I could easily become obsessive about working out. Or thinking about working out. Actually two different things. ‘I should go to the gym’ had now been replaced with ‘I should really go to the gym for at least three hours’. And that sort of thinking can really be off putting to doing anything. The all or nothing thinking that replaces that of moderation.

You see an hour at the gym was now no longer good enough after I discovered through the world of the bootcamp that I was capable of working out for eight hours a day. I now found myself to be a binge gym goer, not seeing the point if I wasn’t going to do a spin class, followed by yoga and perhaps a nice swim followed by then running home.

I was after all now cutting down those daily intense workouts from the bootcamp by more than half. And… I had to keep the fitness up….! The good thing about the bootcamp avenue is that you’re cut off and woken up at six thirty in the morning, hidden away from ALL temptation. Rehab for foodies. But as soon as you step back on that high street (and something I feel quite disgusted about) is how much temptation of the absolute crapness we’re actually surrounded by. The strongest of minds might find it hard to centre oneself and keep motivated when brands spend so many millions on advertising rubbish at us! Every day I walk home I walk past.. pub/nandos/mcdonalds/burgerking/pizzaexpress/kebabshop/boots/costacoffee/pub AGAIN/nail shop/sainsburies/wineshop/oooh Marks and Spencers yep that’s a good un.

But all that aside it really is up to ourselves to stay present and look after one’s health. I’ve become aware recently of how much mental space this has been taking up in my mind. And I’ve been consistently trying to lose weight since I started to try and lose weight. Not good. I have a friend who never works out, is extremely slim and has really conquered what works in terms of food habits for her. And I guess that’s what it’s all about. Finding what floats one’s boat and keeps one motivated and happy with the self. I however, do enjoy the feeling of feeling fit and the feel good factor that working out gives me… and lately I have been desiring an athletic body similar to that of the women racing in the 100m Relay at the Commonwealth Games.

commonwealth games

Abs. They look amazing.

I was invited to try a day working out with the Prestige Bootcamp in Hyde Park. The day consisted of a mix of boxing, body combat, core training and circuit training followed by a team game of netball. Led by two professional, friendly and motivational trainers the atmosphere was down to earth and the series of exercises crushed into an 8 hour day, keeping it entertaining. I can imagine how intimidating these bootcamps might be to someone who has not attended one before – but most people there had turned up on their own, simply because they wanted to get fit/lose weight so the atmosphere was relaxed and fun. Everyone is there for themselves.

One lady I met at the last bootcamp was checking in to the same retreat every month to keep her fitness/weight loss consistent and help her maintain motivation. A great idea… if you can afford it!! Prestige Bootcamps currently have a sale on and their days in Hyde Park are definitely worth it and currently a snip at £39.50 (let’s just be real and call it £40 yeah?). It was awarded Best Womens Bootcamp in England although there were a few men there so I didn’t get the impression it was restricted to only females. So men… don’t be afraid..

The best thing about the bootcamp apart from exercising in a motivational atmosphere for me, was the boxing. I’ve wanted to keep this up.. and as a regular attender at the gym I’ve looked at the boxing gloves and kit sitting in the corner of the room. And passed by in embarrassment. There’s some things you need a personal trainer/bootcamp for..

Prestige bootcamp – a fun day of fitness! Recommended!

This week Becki is trying the maple syrup diet… 

Good luck with your personal goals. Try not to give up… whatever it is 😉

Becki Bx

 

Follow:
ohDearyme
ohDearyme

TV: LINDSAY LOHAN DOCU SERIES

lindsay lohan

Now after all the hype I’ve been compelled lately to watch the Lindsay Lohan docu series which is produced by Pilgrim Studios together with the OWN network owned by Oprah Winfrey.

Just four days out of rehab Lindsay appears on camera calm and collected and declares to Oprah she is going to head to Europe to a yoga and meditation camp. Sounds good to me! She is then advised by Oprah not to go to Europe because of the temptations. She is then followed by the production company hired by Oprah’s OWN network day in, day out filmed consistently with cameras, and hounded by the American paparazzi. To add to all this, she is promised an advance from the production company for a deposit on a new flat, to which the network retract because of Lindsay having some demands about what she wants/doesn’t want filmed.

I think it’s important to remember whilst watching this fly on the wall docu series, that whilst Oprah may come across as wanting the best for Ms Lohan – she is also running a high pressured television network. Lindsay Lohan is big business. The girl is fresh out of rehab. She is consistently relapsing. Catch that on camera? What do you have. Great television.

I dunno Lindsay – I think maybe you should have gone (come) to Europe.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing… 

Follow:
ohDearyme
ohDearyme

FILM: ONE MILE AWAY

FILM: ONE MILE AWAY


WGO0183b

Photographer: Alexander Piatti

Wow. What to say about this film? Most definitely one of the most important films to be released in 2013. Due out on the 29th March One Mile Away is an award winning documentary directed by Penny Woolcock that highlights the war of the ‘postcode’ between two Brummy gangs (that’s Birmingham to all you Southerners) who call themselves The Burger Bar Boys (B21) and the Johnson Crew (B6). One Mile Away was begun by Shabba – who has links to the Johnson side. Penny Woolcock became involved due to the trust she had built with both sides of the gangs – after her film about gun crime entitled ‘1 Day’. She introduced Shabba to Dylan Duffus – who was the lead actor of 1 Day and who also has affiliations with the Burger side.

So why is this documentary a must watch? It follows the story of two real life peacemakers starting their very own revolution. A revolution of the mind.

The war between both the gangs The Burger Bar Boys (B21) and the Johnson Crew (B6) is predominately a postcode war – with no real roots apart from pride.

Screen Shot 2013-03-20 at 14.58.53

When a young man is quizzed on camera about what it is the gangs are fighting about he retaliates ‘I don’t even know you know!’. Another man states ‘it’s a shame I’m so used to people getting shot…’

This film documents the painful journey that Shabba and Dylan experience in their desire to make peace between the two gangs in order to improve the living conditions of their community. But the worry of getting ‘lighted up’ or in other words…killed and the suspicion from both sides is constantly at the forefront of their fight. Why are they trying to appease the war? Do they have an ulterior motive? Money? But Shabba and Dylan set out to prove that the building of trust between the gangs can be created with patience, determination and a lot (A LOT) of perseverance.

At one point the team visit diplomat Johnathan Powell – who was Downing Streets Chief of Staff under Tony Blair until 1997 for advice. One of Mr Powell’s responsibilities at the time of his service included the Northern Ireland peace talks. The point that he makes to the team about the government and the lack of help that they are currently providing to appease the conflicts between gangs is that ‘they’d like it to stop but they’re not going to invest in it so you’re gonna have to do it yourselves’. He hits the lads with the reality of what they are up against. They are out there on their own and there is no one at the top listening. Or if they are listening – they aren’t showing that they care. Mr Powell reiterates the importance of keeping faith and having patience.

This movie touches bravely on many topics – including the reality of the justice system (including witness intimidation), the reality of prison, the breakdown of the relationship between the police and the community, police brutality, racism, black on black crime, the power struggle of the streets and the death of innocent people. And the discussions captured between the generations highlight the many layers of how ‘the lost generation’ have become how they are. A lack of discipline? How to discipline? How this problem came to be this way?

One man states ‘You know nothing else since 13… it’s just normal. It’s life. It’s not even bad. When you don’t know nothing else’. Another man’s suggestion on how to change the problems is that young people should vest their interests in joining an academic gang. But then the distinct problem of ‘friendships’ that can get in the way of self help becomes apparent. And so this documentary highlights the many hurdles the team have to face. Just making peace.. is not so simple.

I asked a friend ‘JH’ whom I met at the Urban XFactor in South London his thoughts on the film as a young man who has had experience himself of serving time in prison..

From the perspective of an ex convict my view on the film itself is that of understanding and support towards the cause! I totally understand where Dylan Duffus “Flash” is coming from in regards to putting an end to the ongoing feud that has cost many people their lives which is very commendable. I also understand that from the point of view of someone looking in and not being involved or exposed to such lifestyles and environments it may seem like senseless killings and unnecessary extreme behaviour on the parts of the perpetrators. This would be a fair comment coming from a person that has had the opportunity to grow mentally and/or experience or have experienced another side of life  which one may call a more stable upbringing! Without this help or guidance whatever a person knows to be their reality that’s what they adapt to deal with and survive through in anticipation of not becoming a victim to their society themselves. In an area where the role models are career criminals with all the flash items and belongings it’s hard “but not impossible” for a person to rise up and not succumb to following in the footsteps of the ones they idolise and look up to for answers! With all of that being said on top of all of the environmental strains being a young black male myself I have to state that life for us seems even more challenging especially when the topic of prejudice and race comes into the equation! It’s added pressure when the system that’s put in place to protect and serve have an already built up guard against a person just because they may fit the demographic of a usual suspect!

So.. many many many reasons to watch this film. Get educated – stand up be counted – let’s work together for change! It’s out on the 29th March… Don’t miss it. Get involved…! View the trailer HERE:

And most importantly – whatever it is you are trying to do – don’t give up – keep dreaming – be patient – if you want to escape the trap you’re in – you can do it…

You can see the film as part of Birmingham’s Flatpack Festival on 26th March… see more screening dates on the One Mile Away site HERE

Pledge money to get the film talked about in schools HERE

Follow the film @onemileawayuk

Becki Bx

Follow:
ohDearyme
ohDearyme

Substance Misuse the Musical – an interview with Sonya Hale

Living life on the edge – dreams are born, possibilities are endless and the magic happens: Sonya Hale, 2012 (centre pic)

Recently I went to see a very powerful play entitled Substance Misuse the Musical put on by the Outside Edge Theatre Company. One of the main writers and stars of the show Sonya Hale has kindly agreed to an interview. Here she is talking about her experience of substance misuse and why creativity is important in both recovery and everyday life. 

How did you get in to the Outside Edge Theatre Group?
I went to an outside edge performance, saw the magic at play and caught the bug immediately and now i’m just riddled with it!

Tell us about the play Substance Misuse – you had a hand writing some of it?
Everyone at Outside Edge is in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction so the subject matter -‘Substance Misuse the Musical’ came straight from the heart. We all arrived in recovery with a vast array of skills and talent – most of it latent and deadened by addiction. Outside Edge opens the flood-gates to allow creativity to blossom and flourish. Thanks to a whole lot of love from each other and an atmosphere of support. The skill and talent is as vastly varied as wonka chocolates. Pretty colourful and chaotic at times. Luckily we have a skilled director, Phil Fox (pictured below right) who pieces together everyone’s contributions into a plot and endeavours to keep the peace.

You played a very powerful part in the play.. tell us more about the character and how you got in to the role?
Phil is very open to suggestions and I have always had a burning desire to write. I just picked up my pen and started writing, largely inspired by Outside Edge. I am just over a year in recovery from long term, full-on addiction. I picked up drugs as a kid and was flat out for twenty years since the age of thirteen. I was homeless and slept rough for years and everyday was about getting more and more drugs and alcohol. I hurt family, friends, loved ones and experienced alot of loss – self respect, identity, self-worth, all that stuff, so it’s all pretty close to my heart and very raw. My character is a part of me I guess. Addiction, obsession, violence, revenge…all that. I find that expressing this stuff, these feelings, creatively is hugely therapeutic and cathartic for both us performers and the audience. Blimey, I sound ever so morbid. The best bit about living on in the Outside Edge is the laughs and the humour and the being daft and silly. Ultimately we do it for the love of it, because it’s damn good fun, it’s play after all. Bringing the dark to light.

Mark Rylance – was in the audience and adored the show – that must have made you feel amazing!!?
Mark Rylance, I know, amazing!!! What an honour. I tried unsucessfully to get tickets for Jerusalem but, alas, it was sold out. He is a true star. Not in an X-Factor kinda way – like, proper, in a meaty-substance kinda way, skill! And he loved it. How good is that? He commented alot on the talent and the rawness and, he said I mustn’t stop writing, I’ve got diamonds in me – charmer I know – but there’s a compliment I wont be forgetting.

Mark Rylance: ‘the play is outstanding. No one currently on the English or American stage is doing this kind of work.’

You are now clean from substance misuse yourself – can you tell us a bit about your story – and how creativity has helped you?
 I arrived in recovery nigh on unable to talk or stand up straight or look anyone in the eye. I was so full of fear and self-hate. Largely thanks to Outside Edge I feel like I’ve found my calling – something that I truely love. They’ve all known me since I arrived. Like a well stunned rabbit and they have been there every step of the way to help me grow. The Outside Edge Theatre Company is open to anyone who wishes to take part in whatever capacity. Living life on the edge – dreams are born, possibilities are endless and the magic happens.

The Outside Edge Theatre is now touring with it’s brand new play Double Whammy 
June 14 at 8:00pm until June 16 at 10:00pm at www.tara-arts.com

www.outsidedgetheatre.com/

Follow:
ohDearyme
ohDearyme
Close Me
Looking for Something?
Search:
Post Categories: