Balancing Teacher Training with Off-Season Prep

It has been a while!

And there are reasons for this. I have been wanting to post a lot more frequently but the reality is, what I am about to discuss in this post has been preventing me from doing so. 

 For those of you who did not know, I have started my PGCE Primary Teacher Training with QTS. And let me tell you, it is the most demanding thing I have ever had to do. I have just completed my first three weeks of placement and will be going back to university for two weeks, having half term off and then going back for a further five weeks before the Christmas break. Not only is it stressful, but it is also going far too quickly and it's insane to comprehend that I will be starting to apply for primary teacher jobs by next March at the latest. 

 But how have I been fitting all this responsibility, the paperwork and planning around preparing my off season body for competitions? Well, balancing teaching and preparation has been one of the hardest things I have ever done. Definitely harder than balancing my third year of university with competitive boxing and holding down a job (that was tough!). But it is definitely do-able with the right amount of patience and determination. Also, you need a good coach and I am very lucky to have my coach, Faz, and his unprecedented knowledge guiding me through my routines, nutrition and just being there to support me.  

 I have made a lot of progress in the last few weeks and this has been done through effective time management, adequate sleep, positive nutrition and exercise. I have stuck to the plan as I am on increased calories to build muscle and because I am increasing my calories in protein, carbs and fats (macro nutrients), my energy is at a good level so I am performing well in the gym and remaining energised for planning and teaching a lively class of children! 

 I complete four gym sessions a week with six to eight different weight based moves, with focus on core areas such as glutes, hamstrings, quads, delts, chest, biceps and triceps. Each workout will target at least two of these areas and every week I am pushed through increasing the weight load or the amount of sets I do on each move. This week, we have increased both the weights and the set (it's usually one or the other) and it has been tough, especially with the workload. But considering I finish school at 4pm each day, I still have another 6 hours to fill before I go to sleep. The gym only has to be one of these hours, and I make sure it is only an hour by ensuring I only use my phone to change my music, I stick to my work and rest times, and I don't stop for idle chit chat in the gym! 

 I then go home; I eat,  I track my macros, steps and routine for the day, I plan and I get ready for the next day. It really doesn't have to be a chore. This is a lifestyle choice for me and when I am on that stage I am going to be so happy I went from being unhealthy, lethargic and lazy to lean, muscular and 'that bitch' in the space of a couple of years. That is why I make it my duty to make the balance between my career and my training work.