My weight loss and fitness journey (since Jan 1) has been a constant struggle. Weeks, months of doing all the right things, and the scale barely moves. Sometimes it even goes up! I've had my thyroid tested, and while its not bad enough for medication or to blame the lack of downward scale movement, it is borderline and I need to have it tested every year. The guys at the gym keep telling me I'm looking better, but well, they're guys. Finally my trainer got tired of my bitching and moaning and pulled out the body fat reader.
Hrmm, what's this? I might still be weighing in at the same weight as this session of Kroc Fit, but in 5 weeks I'd managed to lose over 3% body fat. Hallelujah! I gained muscle mass! Next Friday is the final weigh-in/results, so we'll see how I did with this 8 week session. I just need to be good over the Memorial Day weekend!
Overall I'm only down about 15 pounds, but I can fit into more of my "normal" clothes now, I can do push-ups, I can hold a full plank for over a minute (working up to 2), and as long as I keep up with my ab exercises and keep my core strong, I don't need to pop painkillers for the arthritis in my spine. I don't even try to run anymore, the pain the next day just isn't worth it (both back and ankle pain). My new great love is spin class. Best sweaty workout ever (as long as Omar is teaching)!
Moral of the story, don't beat yourself up over what the scales say. Instead, use a pair of jeans as your unit of measurement, how much (or little) you huff and puff after going up some stairs, or how badly your back aches.
Tight jeans - cut back on the bad carbs, eating after 7 pm, and sweets.
Huffing and puffing - get some more cardio in.
Aching back - weak core, do some more crunches and planks, and don't forget to work upper, lower and the obliques!
Oh, and since this is a stitching blog, there has been progress on Jenny's Spring sampler. I might actually have a finish soon!
8 comments:
I never pay attention to the scales unless I do put on a couple pounds. If you eat right and exercise then you're okay. And muscle weighs more than fat, so if you've lost fat and gained muscle, no weight loss really registers, but you're a much healthier person. And you look better too.
I'm glad I read your post today! I'm inspired to do better in my diet and exercise efforts!! Thanks!!
I started training for my walk last week and walked over 20 kms last week, did a days circuit training and put on 2 lbs lol My trainer has measured my bust, waist and hips and thigh and we use that to see how my fitness is changing because I am toning up and gaining muscle. Something they never tell you!
Well I'd say you're doing really well! There's no way I could lose close to 15 pounds. Good for you for sticking with this program.
Mindi, just wanted to congratulate you on the muscle mass gain/body fat loss! I really love the sense of feeling strong and healthy.
Your Miss Jenny's Spring Sampler is so beautiful. I love the conversion. On this holiday weekend, I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for your service to our country.
Linda
Amen! And congratulations! I have started being absolutely serious about getting in shape since my child was born almost 3 years ago - all the 'weight' is gone, but things have just shifted and I'm trying to come to grips with that and embrace it. I think my biggest accomplishment to date was going on my run and A) not sucking wind the whole time B) not having to walk up the hills and C) actually enjoying it! I haven't enjoyed a run since high school, much less before baby. Being in 10K shape is my goal, and now I know I can get there :) It's a great feeling, to be sure. Again, congratulations :)
I am going through the same thing Mindi. I have been exercising and dieting since January and I still have a ways to go! We are making progress but it seems wicked slow :)
Thanks alot for your coming on my blog & congratulations for loosing weight,it's so difficult & boring!Love
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