Conquering Unfamiliar Territory

A little over a month ago, I entered a world that was quite unfamiliar to me; a world of which I had previously been pretty much terrified.  It is a cold, hard world in which pain is not only acceptable, but desired.  In this world, one might anticipate hearing the clanging of heavy metal, wailing and gnashing of teeth.  It is a house of torture for which people, myself included, pay good money!  That world, as you've probably guessed, is the GYM!

After four sessions with my trainer, however, I am becoming more acclimated to this foreign land…and have bravely begun to explore its resources.  Last week, my friend and I decided we would go to a core workout class.  It couldn't be that bad.  After all, it was only a 30 minute class. No cardio.  Easy breezy, right?  WRONG!!!  

At first, it wasn't so bad.  We did a few yoga-ish moves, some lunges, some squats, typical core moves. Of course, I couldn't do all the moves correctly, but I gave it a good try.  I was feeling pretty good about my efforts until she said the word "plank."  OK.  Now, I really wasn't aware that we would be belly down on the floor, so I didn't bring a mat.  April and I grabbed a towel for this part.  The instructor told us to go to our elbows and "hover."  Now that was tough!  THEN, she had us do this move called a "walking hover" or something like that.  Oh, merciful Heaven!  I am pretty sure that I looked like Patrick the Starfish from SpongeBob flopping around on a beach trying to get back into the ocean!  It was tragic!  I've still got scabs on my elbows from the towel burns that little move caused!  When I finally decided that there was no way on earth I was going to be able to perform this feat, I just lay there on my belly wondering what in the world I had gotten myself into!  It was the longest 30 minutes of my life!  But I survived and was actually able to do my own version of the routines.  I didn't say it was pretty or correct, but I was moving!  Ya gotta start somewhere!  

Each day gets a little easier, and I grow a little more confident.  I try to make sure I work out at least 5 days per week, and although I wouldn't exactly say I'm exactly killing any particular workout, I am making progress.  It makes me feel successful when I feel my muscles ache a little because I have given them a good workout.  I really believe my balance is improving (if you know me, you know that is a good thing!  I am a klutz!), and I do feel stronger!

I worked out with my trainer on Tuesday and, as is the routine, weighed and measured prior to the workout.  My weight was 191.  I officially hit the 40 pound weight loss mark!!!  I also lost over another inch on my hips and my waist!  Celebration time!!!  

Tonight, after Todd and I worked out at Better Bodies, I had him take this photo of my with a 40 pound dumbbell, which was stinking heavy to lift!  

It is hard to believe that 2 1/2 months ago, that much extra weight was on my body!  It is no wonder my feet and knee stayed so angry!  What a relief that I could just put that dumbbell back on the rack and walk away from those 40 pounds…never looking back!  This journey just keeps getting better and better!

Blessings!