I haven't pretended to jump like a frog, walk like a spider, or crawl like a bear since I was in kindergarten but in the last two weeks I have pretty much refined my best frog jumps, spider moves, and, as for the bear crawl, I have done it forwards, backwards and even sideways.
Two weeks into the 10-week challenge the soreness is easing gradually. One of the things I really notice about group training like this is you do feel motivated to go.
Sessions so far have involved circuits or tabata with various exercises to complete - that's where the animal movements come in. Throw in some old school exercises like push-ups, squats and star jumps, and add some new twists like walking backwards up a wall like a spider, or the staple, where you basically lie on the floor and move your arms and legs together like you are stapling yourself together, and you will feel like you need some staples to hold you together at the end of a session. The trainers' idea of a rest in between circuits is getting you to run around the carpark.
The group element means you are pushing yourself to your own pace and limits but Ben or Chris are always lurking to keep you honest in the movements (confession: I always skimp on those hateful burpees).
We finish the week with some boxing, which is fun and very challenging on the arm muscles.
The good thing is that each session is different. It goes quickly.
I couldn't resist the urge to jump on the scales and was disappointed to see so far only a 500 gram weight loss. What? All this work and suffering for 500g. Ben says he discourages people from obsessing on the scales as they are not a full indication of how your body might be changing, losing fat and gaining muscle. I will, however, watch my diet more this week - no choccies for me.
* Annemarie is doing the 10-week challenge with trainers Ben Yabsley and Chris Seymour at Aspire Health and Sports, Bethlehem