Week 7 is Off to a Great Start

Let's start off with the fact that it's now Week 7 out of 8! How did that happen?! It has gone by so fast! In almost 2 months time, I have gotten so much stronger, flexible and have done things that I never thought possible! I've started noticing some nice definition in my legs and arms and overall feeling amazing. But my noticing the changes is not as incredible as others noticing. I've had co-workers tell me that I look thinner and then this weekend, Chris said a couple of things that just made me feel beautiful and that all of this has been worth it. We were talking about how the khakis I had on Friday were baggy and he said "Your legs are thinner." He also walked behind me as I was finishing getting ready on Saturday and said "Your butt is getting smaller, you know that right?" Wait, what? I pretty much said that I didn't notice. It made me smile and also blush. It means so much when someone you care about not only notices the positive changes you've made, but also tells how great they think you're doing and how good you look.

So, if you need further proof that this incredible low-impact workout can't deliver results, here are the results I found when I took updated measurements this morning:

Since July 14 (a couple of weeks into the program) - I've lost a little over 3 lbs and 4 inches! I am so thrilled about those 4 inches, because as you know while 1 lb of muscle weighs the same as 1 lb of fat...the difference is that 1 lb of muscle takes up less room than 1 lb of fat! I've learned to not focus so much on what the scale says, but how I feel, how my clothes fit and those important inches gone!

That's enough for today, but there are a couple of other reasons that I'll leave for another post as to why this week have started off on the right foot!

Day 34: Challenge Groups

It's hard to believe that it's been a little over a month since I started this program, but it just goes to show that being in a challenge group really helps to keep me going! This group of women that I'm in this journey with are completely amazing! We post daily, give each other pep talks, keep each other motivated and accountable. If I were doing this alone, I don't know if I would still be keeping up or would have found some excuse to stop (no time, too stressed, missed a workout...oh and another, too tired, etc).

I've been in challenge groups before, however this one is different. We are like a group of Marines and don't leave anyone behind. This week was a key example on how much we care about each other (and most of us have only met through this online group)! You know the saying, when it rains, it pours? Well, that definitely rang true for our group this week. It seemed that week 5 was the week to hit a wall for us as there was a roller coaster of emotions coming from most. However the amazing thing was how we all helped each other get through the week, stay on track, and keep pushing forward. No matter what anyone says in the group, there is no negative remarks made by anyone to another person in the group. It's quite refreshing from posts you see elsewhere within social media, it's nice to see positivity and genuine caring for others. We truly have bonded as friends and consider each other as family.

If you've been struggling to keep up with a fitness program, eating healthy, etc., I highly encourage you to find an accountability partner, coach, or group to help keep you motivated. If you need help or need a coach, just let me know!

Perspective

Between yesterday and today, one theme seemed to ring in my head...perspective. Yesterday I woke up on Day 8, beginning of Week 2 to check on my progress and found that I had gained weight from last week. What, how the hell is that possible? I did the workouts, I ate fairly well, what gives? I started to think about it and instead of the old me saying 'Forget this, this program doesn't work' and give up, I thought about where I might have gone wrong and what I can improve. Yes, I did get all 6 of my workouts in...ok. Did I really do as well with eating...ehhh, no. Remember date night Friday? The glass of wine, oh and the cappuccino and chocolate lava cake for dessert...hmmm, yes that could be. And brunch on Sunday wasn't oatmeal and fruit. Those 3 mimosas and chocolate waffle for dessert didn't help. Now we're getting somewhere...see, perspective. Not to mention that at the beginning of a new habit, workout program the body goes into a bit of shock and it is normal to gain weight at first until the body calms down. Plus I'm retaining a bit of water (yeah, water...keep drinking it no matter how many trips to the bathroom you have to take!).

So, what have I changed this week? For starters, I joined a 5-day clean eating challenge...SCORE, accountability to keep the food in check. I'm on the second day and already feel the difference. I just need to get back into my rhythm, and I'll be set. Just need to stay focused and keep my eye on the prize. As long as I stay consistent, I know I will see results...it just takes time (and let's face it, patience was never my strong suit...but I'm learning).

Today on my way home from work was torrential rain, windshield wipers can't keep up type of downpour. As we're slugging along, I watch a tree fall onto the road...and oh by the way, this happened 2 cars in front of me! It was like watching a movie in slow motion with how this all transpired. The tree fell and miraculously no one was injured! There were no fender benders, we all kind of stopped for a second and went around. The tree did come down on a couple of cars, but luckily everyone was okay. The heavier, thicker part of the trunk missed both cars. I truly believe there were quite a few guardian angels working hard to keep everyone on that interstate safe tonight. After I caught my breath and talked to the State Police dispatch notifying them of a tree blocking 2 lanes, I thought about how much this puts certain things into perspective. The things like stress with work or traffic or something stupid like feeling guilty for wanting to be lazy for a night/day are not the important things in life. Because at the end of the day, what's truly important are loved ones, being happy and healthy, how you lived your life and how your life impacted others. XOXO