Late September 2011 on our honeymoon to last week 2016. #fitgirlsrock
To some this will look like a before and after photo, some may not see that much difference, while others will, but to me, this is a process photo. A photo of a cardio only junkie to a strong, badass weightlifting woman. A woman who is still progressing, still working hard and still learning about herself. This journey; the journey of health and fitness shouldn't have an expiration date. It is an endless journey.
In the last 5 years, I've struggled many times. I've seen ups and downs and I'll be the first to tell you that it isn't easy but I'll also be the first to tell you that it IS so worth it.
For a long time, I was a cardio junkie. I would run 5 to 6 days per week and not lift any weights and I saw little to no change in my body. Sure I lost a few pounds on the scale but I didn't have any muscle, I didn't feel strong or confident, at least not like I do today.
Since October of 2011, I have significantly changed my physique and my outlook. I lost some weight initially and built some muscle, then dieted down for a fitness competition, then put on some weight and some more muscle. I tried leaning out many times since then to no avail, due to a damaged metabolism. Now, I'm working on repairing my metabolism with a coach, eating significantly more food, doing cardio only 1 day/week and feeling better overall than I have in months. Plus I've learned to listen to my body.
I'd also like to point out that in the honeymoon pic 2011 I weigh less than I do now. smile emoticon But, it is also not just the physical changes. It is the extra confidence. The lifting heavy and being comfortable in your own skin. The strength of a determined woman. It is the energy to do so much and feel so good from the inside out. The healthy hair, nails and skin. The feeling of health. No physical appearance can beat that feeling.
I am working on myself all the time both in the gym and out. Nutrition, workouts, rest, learning, reading and so much more. I have been working with this new coach to repair my metabolism for 9 weeks now and I'm already learning new things about my body. The changes I see physically aren't big ones but it's the ones that I can't see that I am focusing on. More energy, better sleep, hungrier more often and so on. I am currently lifting 4-5 days/week and doing cardio once.
It's important to remember that this journey is ultimately about health not a number. It is about feeling better in your own skin, having more energy, etc. Workout, eat well, track your food (journal everything), learn about your body; what works for it and what doesn't, take note of how you feel. Do these things consistently over time and things will fall into place. Health is a feeling not a look. xoxo
To some this will look like a before and after photo, some may not see that much difference, while others will, but to me, this is a process photo. A photo of a cardio only junkie to a strong, badass weightlifting woman. A woman who is still progressing, still working hard and still learning about herself. This journey; the journey of health and fitness shouldn't have an expiration date. It is an endless journey.
In the last 5 years, I've struggled many times. I've seen ups and downs and I'll be the first to tell you that it isn't easy but I'll also be the first to tell you that it IS so worth it.
For a long time, I was a cardio junkie. I would run 5 to 6 days per week and not lift any weights and I saw little to no change in my body. Sure I lost a few pounds on the scale but I didn't have any muscle, I didn't feel strong or confident, at least not like I do today.
Since October of 2011, I have significantly changed my physique and my outlook. I lost some weight initially and built some muscle, then dieted down for a fitness competition, then put on some weight and some more muscle. I tried leaning out many times since then to no avail, due to a damaged metabolism. Now, I'm working on repairing my metabolism with a coach, eating significantly more food, doing cardio only 1 day/week and feeling better overall than I have in months. Plus I've learned to listen to my body.
I'd also like to point out that in the honeymoon pic 2011 I weigh less than I do now. smile emoticon But, it is also not just the physical changes. It is the extra confidence. The lifting heavy and being comfortable in your own skin. The strength of a determined woman. It is the energy to do so much and feel so good from the inside out. The healthy hair, nails and skin. The feeling of health. No physical appearance can beat that feeling.
I am working on myself all the time both in the gym and out. Nutrition, workouts, rest, learning, reading and so much more. I have been working with this new coach to repair my metabolism for 9 weeks now and I'm already learning new things about my body. The changes I see physically aren't big ones but it's the ones that I can't see that I am focusing on. More energy, better sleep, hungrier more often and so on. I am currently lifting 4-5 days/week and doing cardio once.
It's important to remember that this journey is ultimately about health not a number. It is about feeling better in your own skin, having more energy, etc. Workout, eat well, track your food (journal everything), learn about your body; what works for it and what doesn't, take note of how you feel. Do these things consistently over time and things will fall into place. Health is a feeling not a look. xoxo
