It's been exactly 3 weeks since I started this exercise journey. Today was the 22nd day, actually. I am reminded to revisit where I'm going and what I'm using to measure progress.
First, how do I see myself....my progress? Am I measuring with a scale? No! Why not? Because this isn't about my weight....my pounds lost or gained (Yikes! Not happening!)....so, what's it about? It's about gaining my well-being, my health, my energy, my attitude, my focus and finding where I need to be going with ME. Have I lost weight? Yes...a few pounds. How do I feel about where I am? I feel FABULOUS! I'm very pleased with my persistence, my focus, my discipline and extremely pleased with how GREAT I feel. My feet hit the floor every single morning and march straight to the closet to dress for fitness! I grab my sugar-free XS energy drink and take a few minutes to wake up and focus on where I want to be. Then I hit the DVD hard! No excuses.
I have discovered one thing that can either be a roadblock or an instigator of success: Attitude! Am I focused on what I CAN do or what I CAN'T? When it gets hard do I tell myself "I can't do this!"?? Or do I tell myself "I CAN do this!" You guessed it. I CAN DO THIS!! I repeat it over and over again...OUT LOUD!....during the most difficult exercises. Level 2 of the 30 Day Shred is kicking my butt! But I CAN DO THIS!! And I will stay with Level 2 until I DO IT completely without feeling like I'm going to die. I believe today was the 4th day I've done this level. I have to focus on each individual exercise and the specific muscles I am working. NOT on how hard it is or how long I have to do it. This is key to my successfully completing the circuits. What I find is they actually go faster than I think when I follow those key steps.
And....how do I feel when I'm done? Like I can't move another muscle!! I'm dripping in sweat and totally out of breath. I take twice as long to complete the cool down stretches, not because it's difficult, but because I thoroughly enjoy the feel of the stretch. Taking my time with each one assures that my muscles are adequately stretched and therefore, refreshed at the completion of my workout. Then I hit the shower immediately and make it a point to take DEEP, slow breaths while in the hot shower. This sends oxygen to every area of my body and further rejuvenates my energy level when I exit the shower. And when I DO exit the shower I am exhilerated and full of energy! I LOVE THIS FEELING! It's like a drug. And if I'm going to be addicted to something....I definitely choose THIS!
What other benefits do I see and "measure" by? First my balance. I've noticed that in the beginning I had to use my furniture to balance myself during some of the one-footed exercises and stretches. Not so much any more. I still may have to wobble some, but mostly my balance has improved enormously!! Jillian Michaels says it will get better as you get stronger. So, I guess I'm getting stronger! Yay me!! Secondly, I'm noticing slight improvement in my flexibility. I'm able to stretch further and straighten my legs when I previously had to bend to reach the toes or floor. I'm able to go straight to the floor totally flat footed and knees straightened. And that feels wonderful!
I'm writing this halfway through my day. And I sit here STILL totally energized. That's one of the greatest benefits I can say I have enjoyed: feeling energetic through my WHOLE day. I don't get the sinking afternoon "I need a nap" feeling that I used to experience. Instead, my energy level stays high throughout my day and it is fabulous!
Can anyone tell a difference in my body? I doubt it. Well, Kelsi says she can tell I'm slimming down. But, I think most of my changes are still internal, working their way to the surface. I can tell a much larger difference in myself than anyone could possibly see physically. I can tell a difference in my muscle tone across my upper back and shoulders particularly. This makes me look forward to NEXT summer and wearing some sundresses for the first time in YEARS! I can also tell a small difference in my legs. Mostly I can see this while I am doing the exercises, particularly the abdominal exercises when I am flat on my back, but using my legs at the same time. I can see muscle tone that just wasn't there 3 weeks ago. My tummy is shrinking, but still has a way to go. My rear-end is a forever project! We won't even talk about how much further I have to go there. The main thing is this: I am making progress. Baby steps. Consistency. Discipline. And it WILL pay off in the long run. In the very least, I have improved my quality of life simply by how I feel. If I were truly concerned about my weight, I would be dieting WHILE I am exercising. But I'm not. I'm happy to be healthy and active again. Words just can't express how wonderful that feels. I hope my family and loved ones can see it in my moods, my attitudes and in my overall demeanor.
So, where am I going? What do I want? I want to be a happy, healthy blessing in your lives. I want to be someone who lifts you up and provides inspiration. I don't want to be a downer, or someone you dread spending time with. I love my family and friends and I love life. And I will continuing Moving Forward! Blessings! <3
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