MADE and Me – has it really been 3 weeks?

Welcome to my second post all about my fitness and well being journey with MADE. You can read my first post all about my thoughts after week 1 here.

It sounds a little cliche, but really how is it that I have been back to training for 3 weeks. They say time flies when you’re having fun. So, let me tell you how it’s going.

I feel focused, I feel happy, I feel good. My new routine has empowered me to train harder, to look at my current results and find ways of improving, I have more energy, I’m sleeping better. Life is good. And it’s all a direct result of my training. I feel like my approach to fitness has evolved, I feel happier and healthier. Thank you to everyone at MADE.

They say if you work hard anything is possible. I believe that, I’ve always taken that approach to my work life, and to me exercise helps me to be a better version of me in my work life as well as at home. I really noticed a difference in those 7 weeks I took off. Be happy. Be MADE. And that’s how I feel now that I am back to it. It sounds cheesy but it’s true. We all need a bit of cheese in our life right?

If you talk to the team you’ll hear them say that they want to empower their members. It’s at the heart of everything they do. From their food, to workouts and beyond. I recently sat down with one of the instructors and chatted about my fitness, just a few short moments together – I walked away feeling enlightened, with clarity and with some simple tips realigned my way of thinking. It isn’t often you find that level of commitment in a trainer.

What am I loving about MADE lately….

So much. And I’m not just saying that. It’s such a lovely environment to train in. Take today for example. Just like the photo at the top of this post the sun was shining, it was 6.30 am, temperatures rising so the Instructor opened the door to the Functional Studio and we trained outside. It was invigorating. I felt inspired. The atmosphere, the sun shining, the positive vibes. It felt good to train and I came away thinking just how lucky I am. I find myself arriving early for class, staying afterwards to chat to the members. There is nothing greater than a sense of community and the team at MADE have worked hard to create that.

Breakfast at the MADE Cafe

Made to nourish is one of the Centre’s motto’s. There is a huge sense of pride in the food that is produced here. As soon as you read through the menu you can’t help but feel excited by the food. Made fresh on site and full of so much goodness. The time spent developing recipes and focusing on the goodness of the food really does make them stand out. The food is vibrant, colourful, good for you and so tasty. And best of all you don’t need to be a member to enjoy you. Everyone is welcome.

I love that you can drop a message to the team on their social channels or call up to make a request. Mel who manages the cafe is so lovely and despite not being a trainer knows my name. And without sounding too dramatic her overnight oats were a taste sensation. So much so that I have an order on repeat for each Saturday morning.

The team are passionate about food and pledge to stay away from refined sugar and anything artificial. It’s about nourishing your body whilst feeling indulgent. And that’s exactly how I felt after eating Mel’s overnight oats. A healthy option made with fresh fruit, oats and coconut milk but my goodness they were good. I’m not sure how she managed to make something so simple taste so good but she did it. And those protein balls. Wow.

Cycle Cave and Robbie’s Cycle Funk Class

I think the Cycle Cave is my favourite area of MADE. It was the first area I wanted to look at on my tour and even now I still love this place. The technology and environment. The lighting, the music. The bikes are like no other. I’ve never seen a Cycle Cave like it. It’s a great place to escape to. You know that feeling of turning up the music, drowning out the noise around you and focusing on yourself for 30 minutes. For me the Cycle Cave and Robbie’s classes in particular are why I love Monday’s.

Robbie has so much energy, his positive persona and calming voice really motivate me. He’s also had an incredible journey himself after a life changing illness which inspires me so much. He’s so encouraging. If you have ever taken his cycle classes you’ll know his signature phrase – ‘PUNCH IT’  – each time he says it I find myself chuckling. Yet digging deep to take me to the next level. He’s musical and passionate which is a perfect combination. I always leave Robbie’s classes feeling so good. Thank you Robbie.

Fit3D Body Scan and FTP Test

A service that is offered to all members and one I would highly recommend. Whether you exercise for pleasure or to improve your physical being booking yourself in for a Fit3D Scan is a must. It gives you a very thorough insight into your health, body composition, posture and circumferences. It only takes a few minutes and is a great way to track your progress. It’s quick, non-invasive as the trainers aren’t measuring you themselves and reliable because of the advanced technology used. I plan to have another in 3-months to see how I have improved.

The word test might scare you. Don’t let it. For me its about understanding. I inquired about taking an FTP Test as it’s something I hear the Cycle Instructors and regulars talking about but never really understood. It’s basically a number that you enter into the bikes when taking a Cycle class. Having now taken a class using my number already I feel like I’m approaching my classes in a better way rather than just entering random information.

I feel so much better for taking the test, albeit a really tough and very physical test but totally worth it if you are serious about Cycle classes. I now feel like I am approaching each Cycle class with the right information programmed in to the bike which ultimately allows me to fully maximise my potential and push myself.

In each post I write I plan to add in a Top Tip. One that will help you to enjoy your time at MADE or even a tip that I’ve picked up along the way from my own training. And so this week’s top tip is…

Book a Fit3D Body Scan and an FTP Test if you are taking cycle classes. It’s a great way to understand your body. Your measurements. Your current fitness level and so much more. I personally don’t weigh myself but I think by booking these tests you can then track and compare your progress in 3 months and beyond  

If you are interested in trying out the facilities at MADE then check out this offer. A MADE 2 week trial – perfect for anyone wanting to experience the centre before committing to a membership. The 2 week trial includes: – Unlimited yoga classes – Unlimited fitness classes – Unlimited use of the boutique gym Price: £35 for 14 days trial. You can find out more here: https://lnkd.in/eK-r5KM

And if you have a little one who is looking for a summer camp then do enquire about the Forestry School which will be running on select days during August. It is a really great opportunity for children to spend a day outdoors experiencing the wonder of a woodlands, toasting marshmallows, bush crafts and making dens. You can find more information here.

In my next post I’ll be sharing some more details on the classes I have been taking, with particular focus on the Gym and Kettlebells. If you want to keep track of my journey then do follow me over on Instagram – where I share a photo each week with a little update as well as Instagram Stories from my training sessions. See you in two weeks for my next update.

The KA Edit

I’m Kerri-Ann or KA as my friends call me, always found with a cup of coffee in one hand and my camera in the other. I have a huge passion for photography, fitness, fashion and family travel. I started this blog in 2014. It began as my creative outlet after becoming a mummy to our little boy George Archie. I started out blogging about parenting and over the years it has evolved into a blog that covers lifestyle, fashion, family and travel. Today TheKAEdit is ultimately a life and style blog. Thank you for reading x x