In the beginning stages with this particular coach, I was following a 4 day split push/pull program with 1 cardio day/week and 2 rest days. I was, and still am, eating a considerable amount of clean, whole food and I noticed differences in my energy levels, hunger levels and so on almost immediately. This stage of my program lasted for 16 weeks. In that 16 weeks, I counted no calories or macros but I did stick to a solid meal plan eating every 2.5-4 hours that included weighing and measuring all my portions, but DIDN'T include me giving up any one macro. Woohoo....lots of carbs!!
Early May, at about week 12 of the phase 1programming, our city was evacuated & some of it destroyed by wildfire :( Homes & businesses were lost, everyone was displaced and we were all anxious and stressed. Almost immediately, upon being forced out of my home, my digestion was off, my appetite was all but gone, my sleeping patterns were off and so much more was out of sorts. To say the program was disrupted is an understatement. We were evacuated for a month; thankfully our home was ok but others were not as fortunate. Coming back to the city was also very traumatic, emotional, devastating, HARD but we are here and we are strong! #fortmacstrong
While evacuated I maintained the majority of my workouts and cardio. The biggest area of struggle for me was my food intake. I just didn't feel like eating; so although my nutrition was still good & clean, I was eating like a bird for the most part. After getting home and getting back to a somewhat normal lifestyle again, I continued on for another 4 weeks of the phase 1 programming. I lost a total of 8lbs (scale). I noticed some slight changes in my bodies leanness and my clothes fit better but it was the way I felt overall that was the biggest improvement during this phase. Energetic, so much hungrier, sleeping better and just that feeling of being healthier in general.
At 16 weeks, my program was switched to a hypertrophy and conditioning style. 5 day muscle group splits with no cardio requirements. My nutrition plan hasn't changed at all and I am actually just starting week 11 of this phase 2 program tomorrow.
What have I noticed so far during phase 2? Well I am getting considerably stronger & pushing myself to lift heavier weight all the time. I feel full of energy and I feel very healthy from the inside out. Other people are starting to notice and comment on my leanness and I can notice a little more myself as well. I weighed myself today, just because I was curious, but no change since in scale weight. I am now at a point in my life where I just shrug this off. It doesn't bother me because I am educated & happy enough with myself to know the scale means sh*t lol. My clothes fit better than they have in awhile and I'm happy with the programming, weekly check-ins and my meal plan.
It's been a tough road for me, dealing with this issue. Lots of tears have been shed, but for once, I finally feel like I am on the right track. Doing it the right way! It's been a slow process which I know is the best way to do anything & maintain it for the long term. These are the things I preach myself as a personal trainer.
If you've been following my journey from the beginning, you know how much I struggled with this issue. If there is one thing I hope you've taken from my experience it is that you've learned to never give up, to be resilient and keep pushing.
The difference between those who succeed and those who don't is the fact they don't quit. When faced with obstacles, figure out a way through it. Never throw in the towel. When our desire to succeed becomes stronger than our excuses, then we will do great things.
Until next time,
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