*S*W*E*A*T*
That's what!! And, hopefully inches & pounds melting away each week. I mentioned in my last post I wanted to elaborate on joining Club Fitness, a local gym in my town.
Last week I decided that since my car would be paid off at the end of July I would join a gym starting in August. The last time I lost over 50 lbs I had also joined a gym. I am not saying you cannot lose weight unless you belong to a gym because I have lost 30+ lbs in 6 months never stepping foot into a gym. Eating properly (95% of the time) & exercising at home in my tiny living space has yielded me so very healthy results. However, after 6 months I am finding I need to push myself more.
I realized in June, not being in any kind of competition or being held accountable by anyone, I became unfocused on my goals and complacent in my routine. I never had a gain during the month and while I still ate fairly well, it probably dropped to 75-80% of the time. I did exercise but not NEARLY enough. The scale and my mentality was proof I had slacked off. I didn't beat myself up over it. Granted, I had some other emotional obstacles last month that made things worse. Life happens and sometimes we just have to settle in the pit for awhile before we realize if we just look up, there is help all around us. God has mercifully pulled me out of these "pits" many times in my life. He never makes me feel unworthy or guilty for yet having slipped into one again. He simply wants to see me dusted off and standing tall again. If God doesn't want to beat me up, why should I beat myself up?
Therefore, on June 29th I drove to Club Fitness with full intentions of putting my stern face on and ONLY doing a one-week trial membership. After that I planned to try out my local YMCA for a week to compare the two. I very much believe God had other plans in mind. I walked in and Daniel introduced himself to me and had me start filling out some paperwork. Immediately I stiffened up and said "oh, I am just looking to do a trial membership - I am not joining today". He explained the paperwork was to help them understand what me goals were and it was nothing binding. I remained cautious. I am my mother's daughter after all. I diligently filled out the questionnaire and the listened as Daniel went through the questions & my answers and talked to me about the club. When he saw I came in because a friend of mine was a member he explained I was eligible for a 30 day trial membership. He went on to explain the special they were having in June where you could sign up for only $1. Now, I don't know if that is just something they say to hook you or not but it certainly peaked my interest. He knew I was waiting for my car to be paid off at the end of July and told me my first payment would not come due until mid-August. Hello? I felt the hook sink in a little deeper at this point. I remember praying silently "God, is this what I am supposed to do"? I talked to Daniel about wanting to try using a personal trainer as well as extra accountability and support. He told me about an offer that would allow me 4 sessions at around a $40 savings. Score!!! I remember having such a peace about it all and how I interrupted him to say "Daniel, I didn't intend to join this gym today but I believe this is where I am supposed to be so let's do this! What do I need to join today?" His reply, "Just $1 is all you need today" And guess what??? I had exactly ONE SINGLE DOLLAR BILL in my wallet. People who know me well know I rarely have cash on me. Ever. I smiled as I pulled it out and handed it to Daniel.
Two days later I met with Beth, a personal trainer at the gym to walk me through a routine designed to help me reach my goals. She was very nice, attentive and encouraging. At the very end of the session she high-fived me and said "Helen, you did it!" Other things were said during that session that confirmed to me what God knew before I ever walked through the doors two days before. I was where I was supposed to be for now on this journey.
Slowly I am building my confidence where a public gym is concerned. It is still a little awkward feeling moving from machine to machine, having to check my card to see what the seat & weight should be set at, etc. etc. etc. THE biggest obstacle for me to overcome is doing my functional exercises on one of the benches where the body builder guys & gals workout. I admit I chickened out my first time and didn't do them. Even with a friend with me yesterday I still felt very intimidated in that area. Confidence building is a work in progress just like weight loss & anything else you have to work for. And that is my Club Fitness story. Here is a post workout sweaty pic from this weekend:
I also mentioned a Team Beachbody challenge so let me talk a little about that. An online friend and former Biggest Loser teammate of mine became a Team Beachbody coach as she was working to reach her health goals. To know more about this company you an click HERE. In a very small nutshell, they offer a large line of fitness training programs such as TurboFire, 10-Minute Trainer, and the one I purchased a few months ago, Body Gospel. I also began using a product they offer called Shakeology. It wasn't something Tricia required in order to participate in the July challenge but she recommended it. I bit the bullet and decided to go all out and try it for a month. In 6 days I have lost 4.2 lbs. I won't deny some of it was probably water weight because I had slacked in June but I believe I have kick-started my metabolism again with the use of these shakes and increasing my exercise. I don't expect to see a 4+ pound loss in one week again this month but I fully expect to be closer (if not there) to my goal of fitting into several pairs of capri pants in the next size down from where I am now.
I am just so thankful for people like Tricia, Club Fitness trainers, friends (both in real life & those I only know through my computer) and most of all, God, for the support I get to help me keep pressing forward. Just like diet & exercise are keys to reaching health goals - SUPPORT is a key one should not forget! I challenge you to find a support system if you are going this journey alone right now. There are so many great places to tap into - just ask me and I am happy to share!
I will end with a few collages of my July challenge...
I do cardio at home (Body Gospel) one day & the next I go to the gym for the machines and strength training. Doing both maximizes the results!
Thanks for letting me gush about getting re-focused and energized this month! Have a great Sunday everyone - it is back to work (after 4 days off) for me tomorrow!!!
