As part of my doing things better for myself this year, one of my primary goals was to get myself in the best shape of my life. At first, I tried by going to the gym more, doing cardio 3-4 times a week and trying to do some dumbbell and abs exercises at my apartment. I was too intimidated to lifting weights at the gym because I didn't know how to use them and was uncomfortable with all of the bros at the gym staring me at while I was working out. I also changed my diet by cutting out most junk foods, soda, and eating smaller portions. I was not getting the results that I wanted to, so I got a personal trainer at my gym in the middle of June. Three months later, I finished my sessions with Mike and turned out to be a whole new healthier and happier person.
So this is what sticks out to me from my training sessions with Mike. He kicked my ass, pushed me beyond limits at times, made me angry when he called me out for not sticking to my diet, and made me a much more confident person. Yes, the physical changes to my body were very impressive, but I am much happier with how I feel about myself right now.
1) I lost weight, inches, dress & pant sizes. Through my time with Mike, I lost 10 lbs, 4% body fat, and inches off my body! I went from a size 8 in pants to a size 4. I had to go buy a whole new wardrobe because none of my pants fit me! I rock a mean pair of skinny jeans now. Though I told Mike that I didn't want my bust to shrink, he managed to do it.
2) I can lift some heavy weights. When I first started with Mike, I was starting with the smallest barbells, kettlebells, and dumbbells for my weights. I started out at doing 10 reps in 3 sets. Now, I am either doing 3 sets of 15 reps or 4 set of 8 reps with heavier weights. Just to brag a little bit, I can now barbell squat half of my body weight, no big deal ;).
3) I got my confidence back. This is the most important part. I have struggled a lot in the past with my self-confidence and appearance. It was really hard for me to take a compliment about my appearance. But as I shrink, I am feeling less self-conscious. It feels really good for people to come up and tell me how nice I look now and that I seem much happier. (Which I am, unless I am craving a cupcake and know that I should not eat one).
4) I am eating much healthier. I am eating much more fresh fruits and vegetables every week. I go shopping each weekend to be my rations of fruits and vegetables to last me for the week. I am cooking all of my food now, rarely eating out. I am replacing complex carb snacks with fruits and vegetables. I am eating lots of fresh cooked chicken and lean meats (occassionally a steak when I am craving one). I am feeling much better now that I am not eating a lot of pasta and processed carbs (except cupcakes. Oh cupcakes, I can't quit you). When I was on a carb heavy diet, I found that I was getting filled up pretty quickly, but two hours later, I'd be hungry again. I've replaced those carb cravings with grapes and carrots.
Though, I have done so well with my trainer. I still have a lot to work on. I still want to lose about 10 more pounds before my birthday in December. I need to reel my diet in even more and not deviate too much. As Mike told me "You get out what you put in" (that's what she said) and I need to remember that the one cupcake (can you tell that I am craving cupcakes?!?!?!), that bag of microwave popcorn, that cheeseburger and fries, that delicious Guinness or Mojito, will impact me in a negative way. So this afternoon, I am going to go through my food and get rid of the temptations and bring them into work to donate to hungry grad students.
I am going to stick with my current workout schedule: 1 hour of cardio, 5 times a week; weights 3 times a week (1 day of back, 1 day of shoulders, 1 day of legs with some kettlebell and tire flipping days mixed in); and core everyday! I know that if I stick with these in mind, that I will be able to reach my target goal for my 28th birthday!
Mike has agreed to help me since I can't afford to pay him with a couple things to achieve these goals, so I know that I have him to fall back on (I just need to housesit more to able to afford him again!!).
:)
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