Why?

I wanted to begin a fitness journal of sorts. A place to record my progress and stats in a safe, fitness oriented atmosphere.

Since I began my fitness journey (and it is a one-way journey to a lifelong destination...not just a summer vacation!) back in June 2007, I have immensely enjoyed the results of exercise. I know, I know... blah, blah, blah...

Believe me, I was very resistant to the idea of 'going fit'. I was happy in my size 10 jeans and didn't see myself as being overweight. But, I was. I was slightly off the chart of being within my healthy weight range... In other words, I was considered overweight by today's medical standards. In case you are curious, I am 5'4" and weighed 150 pounds.

But, even that didn't encourage me to make it to the gym. I joined the YMCA because of the kids' play area. Yep. That's right. My girls needed an outlet for the summer. I couldn't take the constant fighting, so I decided I'd join the gym so they'd have a place to play with other kids their age and then I'd be able to have some "me" time.

After a few weeks of "me" time, I began to see some changes. I felt better and my clothes fit better. I had more energy and I actually enjoyed working out. Oh, sure... don't get me wrong... I struggled at first. I hated the cardio machines. I hated that I could only do 10 minutes on the elliptical machine before I felt like I was going to pass out. I hated the fact that lifting 6 pound dumbbell curls wore me out!

But, I kept at it. By October 2007, I had lost 20 pounds! And, by January 2008, I had lost another 10 pounds for a total loss of 30 pounds. All that hard work and "me" time paid off!

Here are a couple of before/after pictures:



I hope that this blog will help anyone who needs encouragement to get movin'! It's like the old saying goes, "Nothing tastes as good, as being FIT feels!"

So, join me on the journey as I rant and as I rave all about fitness.