This is Day 5....but only 4 of exercise. Sunday was a day of rest for me. In summary, here's how it's going:
I was warned by Ashley....yes....she was right.....I have NEVER been so sore in my life! Really, I'm not exaggerating. Tears came to my eyes every time I stood or sat down. And when I was breaking through the pain to conquer the DVD on Day 2....my breath literally left me! But, most importantly: I DID IT!
That was Saturday. I had a full day of work, fun, mini-travel, exercise and then a short stint on the couch to watch what turned out to be a disappointing movie. I ate a few things I don't normally eat such as a couple of bites of an amazing candy bar and a few sips from a Sonic strawberry shake. Yummy!! Did I feel guilty? NO!! Should I have abstained? YES!! But, over the years the main lesson I have learned that comes back to revisit me is this: God only gives us one day at the time: TODAY! I will no longer spend my days putting off small pleasures for the purpose of losing weight, or whatever the "goal" may be. Instead, I will adjust my activities to accommodate those little pleasures. And I will enjoy each day that God gifts me with. I know that it is movement and exercise that makes me feel good. I have now proven that to be true. I will remember this "good" feeling when I want to feel lazy.
I can feel my body changing from the inside out....no one can see it yet, but I can feel it. And that is an amazing feeling! I know the visual will follow, and I am in no hurry for that to occur.
I posted my "before" picture this morning on Day 1. This picture was taken on July 28, 2011 by Thomas. I was talking to Ashley on the phone while waiting for an acoustic concert to begin. It reflects a true "before" and it matches the stats (weight, etc.) that I posted at the beginning. I was ok with him posting it on his facebook page ONLY because I knew it would motivate me to action. Otherwise, it was so apalling that I would've asked him NOT to post it. I have NEVER had a stomach like that in my life! Arms? Well....yes, that is heredity and age that I fight daily. I will be amazed if that changes and I will surely CELEBRATE! But that stomach HAS to go. Not just because of how it looks, but because I know that weight carried in that location promotes poor health. I want to feel good AND look good. And I am willing to fight for it.
I don't expect immediate results. Baby steps are fine with me because I am in it for the long haul. And I am more and more convinced that Jillian Michaels is a genius with her exercise routines. Her mix of Cardio, Strength, and Abs is the perfect combo for anyone at any weight and age. If you cannot keep up, then do it slowly and work your way up. There are 3 levels and you can further break down level 1 with your speed. I think it is amazing! I can feel the tightness across my shoulders, down my legs, etc. And it feels wonderful.
I've noticed that my biggest weakness is my stamina during the cardio portion. Therefore, I am focusing on breaking through and not succumbing to the "lazies" during the cardio. I push myself and I have seen improvement. I look forward to the days when I can do the entire level without modifying any of the exercises (the push ups will be my biggest victory!!), but I am in no hurry to accomplish this. For today, I am happy to push myself and feel the goodness of those results. I am thankful to God for putting the fight in me to better myself and the ability to take the steps necessary to do so.
Six days ago I was making the excuse that I didn't have time to exercise. I was complaining about the heat outside....not having a place to ride my bike....no exercise equipment to use inside. No time to join a gym....you know the drill. I truly believe it was God who awakened me with the rememberance of the DVD program and the quiet voice of challenge to carve out those 30 minutes first thing in the morning. I'm worth it after all.....and so are each of us! God created us all for greatness and fabulous health.
And that is life in a positive light....today....in my life. Blessings!
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