Sportsvibe's Maximuscle Challenge: Week 2

The second week of healthy eating and constant trips to the gym is definitely starting to take it's toll on both mind and body. Two days ago, after my usual hour gym session, I felt great. London looked resplendent in the sunshine and I was actually starting to enjoy my strawberry Maximuscle shakes.

That all changed yesterday. The sun was replaced by heavy rain and as I sleepily stepped out of bed and attempted to take that first step of the day a sharp pain shot down my hamstrings and I jumped around like an idiot thinking it was cramp. As I desperately tried not to shout out and wake my lazy housemates I realised it was perhaps a bit more than just a dead leg.

My gym session the previous day had involved 20 minutes of interval training on the bike and a weights session that included three different leg exercises. It wasn't a particularly strenuous routine so I started to get cocky and added in a few more reps with heavier weights. I also skipped my five minute warm down (including stretching) as I wanted to make the most of the glorious weather.

It was a big mistake. I spent the next day hobbling round the office like a baby giraffe, struggling to walk down stairs and generally feeling like a bit of a fool. Still it was my own fault and I knew that if I followed my specially designed gym routine then I would be fine.

Each day is designed to target a different muscle group while the interval training helps burn calories even when you are resting. It is a workout that leaves you sweating but even an out-of-shape sports journalist can handle the programme.

So my body had let me down but as the second week draws to a close it is the mental aspect that is becoming tougher. Over the next two days I have two birthday's to attend, both of which involve late night drinks and the very real possibility of giving in to temptation and getting a greasy late night take-away.

I have therefore decided that I need to give myself a treat after two weeks of hard training and have decided to indulge in a few cheeky drinks on Saturday night. A few vodka and soda's should keep me entertained and I have told my friends they have every right to give me a slap if I head towards the kebab shop.

On the plus side I have lost another three pounds and I am definitely noticing a difference in my appearance. My jeans are certainly feeling a little baggier and I seem to have have a bit more definition around my arms and legs. Hopefully I can keep this up for a few more weeks and won't give in to the temptations of burgers and chips.

If you want to get in shape and win a share of £25,000 enter the Maximuscle Fitness Heroes Challenge at www.maximuscle.com/fitnessheroeschallenge