THE THREE MINUTE BELLY BLITZ

As October will mark a biniki-wearing and midriff-baring holiday for me, and I generally wanted to tone up my body I contemplated lots of ideas - a gym membership (which as a 16 year old I could not afford and I wasn't up for using the school facilities) or a workout DVD. Geordie Shore is a guilty pleasure for me and I constantly visit Charlotte Crosby's Instagram for some fitness inspiration, so I guessed the Three Minute Belly Blitz DVD would be perfect for me.

What I like is that it is in sections - three minutes of interval training alternating between cardio and resistance, offering 12 in total alongside a warm up, cool down, 10 minute extra abs section and a diet plan (which I'm yet to fully transfer to as I eat rather healthily already). For someone who gets bored easily with the same routine or doesn't have excess amounts of time, this structure is perfect and it is a really enjoyable routine. Richard Callendar offers motivational words throughout being the creator of the routine, and David Souter offers the step down beginner version in case you need to ease off here and there. Charlotte powers through the routines giving advice throughout and looking great with her blitzed body that keeps you going even though your thighs might be burning. I have no shame in admitting I can quote parts of the DVD...

This is intense, and I will tell you that. I end up in a sweat after every session, desperate for a shower and in the beginning I was in pain for the rest of the day and the day after - but it meant it was working. Although I haven't seen major difference in my body just yet, I seem to look more toned and feel more capable getting through the routines - I started only being able to do 4-6, then moved to 8 and then recently have been able to do all 12, and I'm really pleased with myself for that, and I can't wait to keep comparing photos as I stick to it for longer.

Overall, I truly recommend this - for £14, all you need on the side is a mat and sports gear that can be easily purchased from Primark to begin with, and the space to do it. I actually begin to look forward to doing this routine and I'm sure my friends are sick and tired with my constant updates every three minutes...

NEW BALANCE 410 BLACK SONIC TRAINERS

For a while now, I've been wanting a decent pair of trainers, and I've never quite found a pair I loved (being the fussy buyer I am), and I've often been known to spend hours trawling the internet to find a pair - even making a few orders and returns along the way.

I'd seen the New Balance 410 style around and liked them a lot, but never wanting much colour I just waited, until I found these Black Sonic ones on ASOS. I kept sending screenshots to my friends, and eventually I caved. They are all black, apart from the white and grey sole, and are mesh with suede look panels, and I am in LOVE. Seriously, it is £60 very well spent.

The fit is amazing as is the comfort of them, but I would add that I usually fit a UK size 5 but after some research I went for a 6 instead as apparently they come up a little small - and the 6's were a perfect fit. I must admit, I do also love the neon coral lining on the inside of the shoe. I'd been looking for trainers that I could use to workout and to style in outfits, and these fit that category perfectly. They aren't your Nike Free 5.0s by any means, and they probably aren't major running shoes, but for workout DVD's in the house (my personal favourite), they fit the bill.

ASOS seem to have a good selection of New Balance trainers if you are interested - so go and have a look whilst trying not to spend all your savings...

WORKOUT GEAR ON A BUDGET

I've always wanted to be a regular work out do-er, but have never had the gear, the effort nor time and to be honest I deemed it as expensive and thought I needed branded clothing and a gym membership. A while back I started doing cardio videos in my living room from Youtube and got into it, but I only vest tops and leggings which served me well but wasn't quite cutting it. I searched around and ended up getting the bulk of my equipment at a really good price.

The Workout Mat you see behind is from Primark, and usually these cost £5 but mine was reduced to a mere £2, so a total bargain. If you can't get a Primark mat, I suggest looking in TkMaxx as I know mine has a lot of fitness wear as well as equipment. I also got a sports bra/top from Asda actually, and this cost me £6 and is a standard grey stretch material that is absorbent as well as giving plenty of support.

The rather exciting trousers/leggings are from Primark too, and these were £7. They were the nicest pair they had in my store, as I didn't want just black and they fit really nicely when I tried them on. They are hard to describe, but they sort of have a monochrome pattern which almost looks like a water marble nail design. These are cropped and sit around my mid shin, although I am 5'4" with short legs so bear that in mind.

I have been really enjoying working out at home with this gear, and I feel much more comfortable doing so too. This lot cost me £15, so is definitely worth it (although I have ordered some Nike Free Runs which could arrive any day now and if I like them/keep them I will certainly to a post on them). Right now I do a mix of dance cardio workouts and a Candice Swanepoel toning workout which really feels effective - you can certainly feel the burn.