Overwhelmed by emotion

I was working out this morning ... cardio and abs day.  After my cardio, I looked in the mirror in the gym and realized just how far I've come since last March.  I know I have a long way to go but to look, and really see, the progress that I've made ... I found it rather overwhelming. 

Because I've never stuck with anything (other than my marriage) for that long.  I've tried and failed so many times ... I let others influence me.  I've let others' lack of support and encouragement deter me from  reaching my goals.  It's been tough.  The first 5 months, I didn't feel  like I was making much progress.  But I kept bouncing around, trying to find something that would stick, that would erase these pounds.

Once I stuck with one program, rather than trying to merge a couple of them and changing every few weeks, I gave it a chance to work.  And yes, it was the Body for Life program.  I was beginning to lose faith;  in myself, in the program; in my ability to EVER get rid of this fat.

But I did stick with it.  And now I'm seeing the results.  I got into a shirt yesterday (a former co-worker called it geometrically disturbing) that looked ok.  A little better than ok actually but I'm still not ready to wear it.   As long as I'm standing it's ok but I knew I'd be sitting and that just shows off all the rolls and I really didn't want to promote that any more than necessary.

I haven't taken my measurements in such a long time.  But my friends at work are really noticing and commenting.  And that just encourages me more to stick with it ... I've come so far, to quit now would be stupid.

Bill Phillips talks a lot about honouring self-promises.  And how by not honouring them, you break down your self-trust.  And start to doubt yourself.  You lose faith in yourself.  But it's amazing how your life changes when you make up your mind to accomplish something and stick with it.

So if there's something you want to do, make a plan, stick with it, and if you need any encouragement, without any recriminations, I'm here for you.  Because I know what it's like...

"When you make a change, you make a difference"

So I've been following the Body for Life program for some time. A while back I had invested in the Body for Life Journal. Each day Bill writes a Lesson for Life. So I thought it would be great to use the lesson as a jumping off point.

I've been working hard to get myself back in shape. Will I ever look like I did when I was in the best shape of my life (22)? Who knows. It's not impossible. It might take me a while ... I'm a long way from 22. OMG that was half my lifetime ago. Chronologically. Of course I don't feel, act or look it (so I've been told). And I think you only get better with age....

So I've been making changes. To my nutrition, my workouts, my habits. And they've been paying off. I can only hope that by being an example to others, I can encourage them to tackle whatever it is they want to accomplish. Better health, weight loss, changing a job ... whatever it is that they want to do but they have something that's holding them back.

Not only am I eating healthier and making wiser choices when I go out for meals, I have more energy to keep going all day. I finally found the nerve to start complimenting people ... on what they're wearing, what they're doing, what they say ... whatever. I used to think it all the time but I was afraid to speak up. Of course people I know, it's easy. Total strangers ... not so much. But I've always admired people who can. And I always wanted to. So slowly but surely I'm speaking up more. And most people appreciate it. And if I can put a smile on someone's face, I've accomplished my mission.

So speaking of change, I thought this would be a good place to share my changes. The before pics were taking about 15 months ago ... then after just 1 week ago. I've had a few setbacks since starting my journey in Sept 08. Spent most of last winter sick (colds, infections, whatever ... nothing critical though thankfully) and wasn't able to work out for almost 3 months. But I started in earnest on March 22, 2009 and have only missed 2 weeks recently because of a sinus infection that put me out of commission.

If I can encourage one person to make a change from this ... I'm a happy girl.

Reshaping your body ... it is possible

I was working out yesterday morning and it hit me again ... it really is possible to reshape your body with weight training. I've been alternating strength training and circuit training. I've never had much of a rear. I was blessed (cursed?) with my mother's rear. Everything else I got from my dad (other than the obvious ... I'm not sure where they came from) ... HE actually had a nice butt. I digress ... again. When I started this journey I had a fairly flat butt, no shape and wider at the hips than the cheeks. But things are a changin'! I actually have shape to my bottom. And my waist is coming back. My "natural" shape is an H. I'm rather thick waisted ... always have been. But it's been so great to see the fat going and the muscles taking shape again ... my legs are doing better ... my abs are deplorable. You mean I actually have ab muscles??? I haven't seen them in YEARS! But that's ok, 'cause I'm workin' on it. I sure didn't get here overnight and I sure won't get to my goal overnight.



But the moral of my long story, not to tell you what I've done ... rather to show you what CAN be done. It's not easy. It takes a lot of work ... especially in your 40's ... but it is so worth it! So I encourage you ... if you really want to make some changes ... you can. It is possible. You just need to find what works for you. Of course I highly recommend the Body for Life program. It's simply (not easy), sensible and straightforward. You can find the link on the front page of this blog.



So have a great day ... and never stop pursuing your dreams.

Day 1, Week 1 of Body for Life Challenge

So today finally arrived and I got up later than expected but did my workout, ate healthy, stayed away from the potato chips that Barry ate beside me, although I do confess I had to have a little coke (caffeine issues) but today was good all round.

I took my measurements again today for the first time in 2 months and good news/bad news ... not a lot of change. Down a little here and there but the important thing was I didn't go up. And oddly enough I really wasn't that disappointed. I knew things weren't working like I wanted them too. So I decided to change things and go back to Body for Life. It's worked in the past and no reason why it wouldn't work now.

So wish me luck and I'll keep you posted.

Beginning of Week 3

It's a beautiful Sunday morning, got up early, did my Cardio workout, showered, healthy breakfast and sitting down to latte with Barry and cats. There are 4 of them. Running around after 4 cats should have kept me in shape but it didn't. Friends were over yesterday for dinner (hey Jen-Bear!) - we ate way too much but I'm back on track today. Hopefully I'll get some gardening in today too but with all the rain we had on Friday, I'm doubting it. Anyway, I guess my message is to say that even when you have a scheduled "Free Day" or just "go off the wagon", get back to it the next day. Make the most of every day. Take care of your health ... it's the only body you've got. Until next time ....

TGIF!

I made it! I can't believe it ... I didn't think it was going to get here ... not the best week I've ever had but at least it's over and Sunday starts another "week" for me. At least I was able to work out this morning, although I did have to modify my workout a bit. But at least I got up and did it. So remember ... just because it wasn't perfect, as long as you got up and did something, you won... Wishing you good health and fitness.