Headed Back Down

Okay friends, it's been a few weeks and the weight loss has STALLED OUT!  No worries though, after gaining 3 pounds since the working out started, I'm on my way back down.  I've lost the three pounds I put on and think I'm heading in the right direction again!  Thankfully!

As my body has started growing accustomed to physical movement and my muscles have stopped screaming out in pain, I feel like I'm really starting to feel significant benefits from working out.  I feel stronger and more energized.  Sometimes I'll be watching TV and think to myself how good I'm feeling and that maybe I should get off the bed and get some exercise in.  It's made such a hugely positive impact on my day to day focus. 

Today I'm feeling headachy, and remembering that I used to feel this way at least twice a week.  Since losing weight and treating my body better in general, it's now a rarity to feel so bad.  I'm thankful to have my life under control in this way.  I wish my head didn't hurt right now, but what a great feeling to know that instead of living in constant dread of migraines and headaches, I can live knowing that these are things that will come on occasion, but I don't have to live in fear that they'll plague me! 

My Own Personal Work-Out Machine

As I went to my second Yoga class today, I had two epiphanies.  The first one was this:  Yoga is Brilliant!  I think so because of the genius way in which it uses your own body and muscles and weight to work yourself out.  I mean these "planks" and "downward dogs" are really just using your body as weight to exercise itself!  That's brilliant!  So, I guess I'm wondering why if I have my own work-out machine, am I going to the gym?  Just something to think about.

Also...I'm wondering, what, exactly is the distinction between meditation and sleeping?!?!?!  I felt like I got into this nice meditative state today at the end of the session, but then I wondered if in fact I was just dozing off.  I'm not really sure about this.

Anyway, I'm back to strength training tomorrow and I'm sure some sore muscles!  I'll keep you posted.

FRUSTRATION!

Okay, so it's been a whole week (8 days actually) since the 90-day challenge started and all I've seen are gains on the scale.  I know, I know...muscle weighs more than fat, water, blah blah blah...well, I think it's about time that the scale shows a decline!  URGH!

On another note, I took a yoga class last night.  That was SO invigorating.  I didn't actually anticipate enjoying the class, but it was very relaxing and very physically demanding at the same time.  What a pleasant surprise!

Today was step-aerobics.  Turns out I'm not a very quick learner.  I had trouble keeping up with the steps, but I sure did sweat a lot, so I suppose that's all that really matters.

Onward I go, although a little discouraged today. 

One Full Week

This was my first full week of the 90-day challenge!  It was tough and I spent three or four days in a lot of pain.  Good pain though!  I feel energized by all the exercise and as soon as my body adjusts to being forced a lot, I think I'll really start to like the challenge.  The sad part though, was that although I was very good with my Weight Watchers points counting, I didn't actually lose any weight.  Instead, I gained 1.4 pounds.  I'm going with the rationale that it had to do with the fact that muscles retain water when you first start working them out.  That, and the fact that muscle weighs more than fat!  That's what I'm going with, at least!  Today was the Black Team challenge of the week.  I got to meet a lot of my Black Team members and got a circuit-like workout.  It was really fun and I feel well worked out!  Overall, it's been a good week, and I look forward to making it to my 40 pound weight loss goal this Wednesday!

HOLY GUACAMOLE!!!

Okay, so I just got my BUTT KICKED at some cardio-strength training blah blah blah class!  That was so intense.  I have muscles hurting that I didn't even know existed!  I know that's very cliche, but wow, is it true!  This is the first class I've taken at the gym since the start of the challenge, and I can't even articulate how energized and yet physically drained I am.  It's a good feeling, but I guess they call it a 90 day challenge because it's really, really hard.  After tonight, I have a whole new appreciation for my "friends" on The Biggest Loser.  Feeling what I feel now, and thinking that they are at it for hours at a time and that they have a lot more body to move around than I do, my hat goes off to them.  So, thankful that I'm being held accountable to my black team at the 90 day challenge, I move forward from here, albeit a little more slowly and gingerly!

The Gym!

The 90-day Fitness Challenge has begun!  I'm facing this new challenge with a mixed sense of excitement and dread.  I know this exactly what I need to continue losing weight, but the thought of getting to the gym at least three times each week is somewhat daunting.  Not only will there be the physical challenge on my body, but making the time to go will be a challenge too.  Physically and emotionally I feel better than I ever have.  My body feels in better shape than any point in the last ten years and I have the confidence that had slowly faded away over the years.  So I will face this challenge with the assurance that I will not only get through it, but excel. 

I went to the gym today and the strain on my muscles is already evident.  It's that good feeling that you get when you do something hard and get through it.  I'm excited to continue and I'm sure that I'll reap the benefits of weight loss and continued mental health!

Part of the challenge is setting health related goals.  We are encouraged to set several in different areas of our lives.  I'll share two of the goals I have set for myself here.  My goal is, over the next 12 weeks to lose 18 pounds.  That is about 1.5 pounds per week.  On Weight Watchers alone, that is an adequate goal per week.  Hopefully, as my body adjusts to the change from inactivity to activity, I can sustain that kind of weight loss.  In addition to this, I hope to run, not walk/run, a 5K.  I think with improved stamina and endurance, this is a very attainable goal.

So the challenge ends in May.  I will continue to post on my progress in weight loss and training. 

No Luck!

Well, I didn't make my 40 pound mark this week!  URGH!  In fact, I now have 2 pounds to lose to reach my 40 pounds!  So frustrating!  Alas, all I can do is move forward from here.  I'm not going to change deviate after I've come so far.  Just one more hurdle in the race.  Onward I go!