Finding my fit

Before I came to Cambodia, I knew that I needed to try to get into a regular exercise routine as soon as possible. After 5 weeks in Europe in September (where a large proportion of the time was spent eating and drinking) followed by a busy 5 weeks in Australia packing up my life meant that I had let my exercise regime slip a bit.  I thought that the longer I left it in Cambodia, the more likely I was to avoid it!

How hard could it be?  I was used to being pretty active, I should be able to get into a good routine pretty easily.  But....there were a few barriers!  As a volunteer I am on a very limited budget which could restrict my options.  In addition most of the cheap/free options, like running or cycling, are a bit harder as the traffic is terrible, there are very few parks or open spaces and it is very hot and humid!

I decided pretty early on that I would have to get over the limited budget thing and just  splash out the cash - it would be my luxury item, a treat to myself.  Having made this decision, it should have been pretty easy.  But it still took me a while to figure it out.  

There are a number of western style gyms here - the most popular being The Place (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Place/160594707332623). I seriously considered this as an option, but for short term it was just a bit too expensive and also not that close to either my home or work.  A number of the fancier hotels also have gyms and pools but I decided against these too for the same reasons.

There are also so cheaper local gyms, but they seem a bit old, dirty and sweaty.  So I was almost giving up hope when I discovered a CrossFit gym just around the corner from my house - CrossFit Amatak (http://www.crossfitamatak.com/).  I have always been a bit intrigued by CrossFit and know a few people who are really into it.  But I was also a bit nervous , partly because I know heaps of people who have been injured from CrossFit but also because it can seem a bit cult like and I really don't want to do the whole paleo diet thing!

Amatak also offer a Bootcamp class - so I thought I would give that a try and see how it goes.  The Bootcamp is a bit like CrossFit but with less equipment and heavy weights.  I have really enjoyed the classes - the people are really nice and I think that the small group format really works for me.  After a couple of months I have definitely noticed an improvement in my fitness so I decided to be brave and take the step up to CrossFit.

One of my least favourite exercises - wall balls!

So this week, I started the 'On Ramp' induction where we learn about all the different moves and vast number of acronyms in the CrossFit world.  I am still a bit nervous about it as I am really not that strong.  But I guess there is only one way to get stronger!

In addition to the gym, I have also been trying to keep up running but it is difficult mainly because it is quite hot and can difficult running around the streets - but if you get up early enough it is not too bad.  I also want to get back into swimming, so my next challenge is to find a good, clean and cheap pool!



 

Dogs of Cambodia

Back in 2010 on a trip to the Philippines, I took a series of photos called 'Dogs of the Philippines'.  I can't really remember why I did this.  It might have been because there were lots of dogs (many of which were very cute) and I really like dogs!  Needless to say, I didn't do anything with all these photos of dogs and they are just sitting on my computer.
But seeing as I am now in Cambodia and I have a blog, I thought I would revive my 'Dogs in' series and post random pictures of dogs in Cambodia. I only have a few at the moment.....but there will be more. I might even go back to my Philippines photos and post them too.....who knows.

Puppy in Kampot

Relaxing by the Kampot River

Phnom Penh pup