Lara34's fitness journey

[lara34]

I'm a newbie here and also to the daily habit of fitness. I have been overweight for the majority of my adult life, and also what you'd call "flabby", to be nice. Although I write this journal mostly for myself and as a record of my progress, I welcome feedback and constructive criticism, and could always use more friends, so please feel free to comment or PM me. :

My personal info:
I am 5' 2" tall and currently weigh 123. My BMI is approximately 22.5.
Bust - 34"
Waist - 26"
Hips - 35"

Before becoming pregnant with my first child in 1998, I weighed 150 pounds!!!! I gained 28 pounds for a total of 178 (even my husband didn't know this until recently). During my pregnancy I learned to eat right and what my body needed, and after baby #1 was born, I was down to 128.

Less than nine months later.....i became pregnant again with baby #2, and gained 30 pounds. My weight after having him was about 130.

I never took care of myself before children, and here I was now, busy with 2 kids, 18 months apart in age. And did I mention I am now in my 30's?

Well, when the kids were both a bit older, I got a job sitting on my butt, and my weight went back up to 140. I was wearing a size 10 pant. I am only 5'2", and as you know, the larger pant you get, the longer it is. Big sweaters and cardigans became my best friends. Everyone around me was older and fatter, so even at this peak weight, I was still seen as the "young, slender one". I have always been a "busty" babe as well, so men have given me attention even when I was overweight. This was December of 2003 and I refused to buy bigger pants. I decided to do something about it, so I went on a diet.

I am not a big fan of diets, because I am a control freak, and I don't like to conform. I am also very picky, and green veggies are not on my menu. I drank a lot of yogurt smoothies as meal replacements while I was working, and ended up losing 20 pounds in 4 months (April 2004). I also used a shareware program called Dietpower to track my foods and realized that like the rest of america, my portions were out of control.

I have been able to maintain my weight by not overbinging on foods, and by giving up another nasty habit that I had, which reduced my late-night eating frenzies.

However, at this point, I was 120 pounds of a flabby mess! My arms were jello, my legs were marbled with cellulite, and my mid-section a bunch of folds of skin and fat.

I did aerobics tapes around the house for awhile, but that just wasn't my thing. At the suggestion of a friend, I joined a gym in June 2004, and that has been the turning point for me.

I love to work out 4-5 times a week and nothing stops me from going there. At first I was very self-conscious, but my music has been great for tuning the world out. I put together several mixes for use on the treadmill and eliptical machine, and play it loud! They have a ton of TVs on the wall, and during baseball season, I watch my Cubbies during my workouts.

I have met with a trainer and learned how to use the weight training machines to tone my body, although I still don't do all of the exercises. I feel more comfortable working my arms at home.

I am a big fan of running on the treadmill and the elliptical trainer. I have met a lot of friends there, and it's something I look forward to doing every day. When I started my workouts, I was a very angry person. I was having problems in my job (and lost my job in late June 2004), and exercising has been so great for making me calm. When I am on the treadmill, I am literally running from my problems. This is a benefit that no one could've convinced me about, and I wish I could bottle it up and give it to people to encourage them, you know??

From my 120 pounds last spring, I gained 8 pounds of muscle over the summer months, and have since then cut 5 pounds of fat to bring myself down to my current weight of 123. Over the holidays I had a bout of bronchitis, which made it a b$#%@ to run, but I rested when my body told me to, and most days I actually felt better after working out.

My new mission is to begin a 10-week cycle, with a goal date of March 31. I would like to cut an additional 5 pounds (the last 5...) and bring my BMI to 21.4. I will also be concentrating on toning my lower body, you know, the problem areas.

What I refuse to do is track every ounce of food I put in my body. This is why I love to work out, so I don't have to do this. I don't want to obsess about it if I don't have to.....

I will post more later about my measurements, routines, and nutritional stuff. I will do my best to come here on a regular basis and eventually will put up pictures.

[Clark Kent]

Good luck! It sounds like you're on the right track because you know what goals you want to reach and how you will get there. Motivation is the number 1 thing needed to lead a healthy life and get in shape and you've got plenty of that.

:

[Lady C]

Welcome to DF - I always welcome more ladies!
Congrats on losing the weight, increasing your activity and cleaning up the diet!

And yes by adding all that muscle you didn't become manly at all did you?

[lara34]

No lady c, i am far from being manly.....does that seem to be a common concern for people, or in your opinion, is it just another excuse to not workout? i can honestly say that looking manly has not even crossed my mind. BTW, is that your actual picture? Are you a pro, or what's your story? Please PM me or send me a link to your info.

Clark, thanks for your kind comments, and always great to get the guy perspective. My hubby provides me with lots of encouragement, but that's cause the guy is always tryin' to get some, if you know what I mean? I think he'd say anything to see me naked.

I didn't work out Friday or yet today because I've been doing a lot of financial stuff, preparing our taxes, etc. (Yes, I know it's an excuse), but I got a lot resolved and it won't be on my mind throughout the week, plus I am expecting a large refund which is needed!

Some awesome news is that I just got a new job as the office manager at the club where I work out, and my membership will be paid for as part of my income package, for my entire family. Plus, now i can get into pilates, which i couldn't afford before (it was additional charge per month). I am pumped!!!!!!!! Don't you think that surrounding myself in a positive, healthy environment will support my lifestyle? And the money and schedule are much better than I have now.

Effective Monday, 1/31 I will begin using this journal to post my daily workouts, and anything in my diet/nutrition that is not normal, plus any tools i am using to motivate myself.

[CF-OC_gal]

Great determination Lara, althought I could pick a bone with you on what clothing sizes mean as far as being too much or too little.
I'm just 2 inches taller than you and always been a size 12. People often used to call me thin but now refer to me as "in shape". I've never been medically overweight and my current BMI is 22.8. It's a little on the low side for me. I mention all this because as you become more fit, and muscular, the standard ways of setting goals i.e. scale weight and BMI become counter productive. They are based on average population not solely people who are following a fitness program and lifestyle. I am not an athlete but I can't compare myself and set goals to a statistical standard for the general population anymore. I usually find some numbers and measurements that indicate level of fitness. Beyond that the mirror works wonders. If you aren't striving for realistic goals for you own genetics then maintaining numbers on a scale and % bodyfat will become as much of a chore as counting calories. I'm curious to know how you deterrmined #s of pure muscle gained and #'s of pure fat lost. :confused:

Looking forward to watching you succeed.... remember to train hard and stay open-minded about goal setting.

[Lady C]

Originally Posted by lara34

I am not a big fan of diets, because I am a control freak, and I don't like to conform. I am also very picky, and green veggies are not on my menu. I drank a lot of yogurt smoothies as meal replacements while I was working, and ended up losing 20 pounds in 4 months (April 2004). I also used a shareware program called Dietpower to track my foods and realized that like the rest of america, my portions were out of control.

You don't have to count every morsel but be aware of what you are intaking and that is where Dietpower helped you. For the long term I suggest you learn to like those green veggies. More than 60% of my intake is in carbs mostly complex carb veggies. Veggies are relatively low calorie and deliver many needed nutrients and fiber.

As Brat has pointed out you need to forget numbers and concentrate on how you like what you see in the mirror. If you like what you see who cares what size the label says.

And here is me

[lara34]

My kids spent the night at gma/gpas on Sat night, and hubby had to work Sunday, so I got up early and went to work out. It was great practically having the place to myself, and I was able to get on my favorite machines and take my time.

My usual routine is to hit the cardio hard on Fridays or Saturday, usually 1 1/2 to 2 hours, and balance it out with weight training during the week in addition to 45 min cardio sessions.

Anyway, Sunday I did 45 minutes on the elliptical trainer, which really gets my heart pumping and gives me energy. I usually keep it between 4.5-5mph for about 5 mins to warm up, and then I interval train based on the music I am listening to. I put together CDs that vary between 5-6 mph, and I am able to get in almost 5 miles during this time.

Then I hit the treadmill while my heart rate is still up. I do walk/jog intervals for 20 minutes (3.7 mph to 6.4 mph) at 0 incline and then for 20 minutes I walk 3.6 mph at a 12 incline, and hopefully this will help tone up my hamstrings and thighs. Then for the last 5 minutes, I bring down the speed and incline to cool down.

Lady C -- Thanks for your post, showing me your pics, and for your advice. I actually do like some veggies (raw spinach, lettuce and greens, raw carrots, corn, potatoes) and I like most kinds of beans, including limas. I know most of these are considered 'starches' so everyone tells me they don't count.

I absolutely LOVE the KETO soy protein shakes, and these provide a lot of nutritional balance. I like to throw in frozen fruit and sometimes some juice and these help me make up for bad eating habits. I also eat a ton of cereal -- my favorite is Kashi. My hubby calls it bird food!

Wish I liked more veggies, I really do, but at least I make them for my husband and little boys, so hopefully they'll turn out better than their old mama!

Brat -- Thanks for your note, and I hope you don't think I was passing judgment on anyone else, just myself. I am my own worst critic, and my comments about my body reflect who I was at that time, and who I am becoming.

It's so strange that before, when I was wearing larger size pants, how they were always soooo long on me. Everyone had me convinced that it was because I was "petite" and it just made me feel even shorter than I am. The actual size number didn't bother me, except for the fact that size 10 was the largest I had ever been, and I was wearing big sweaters and unbuttoning my pants after lunch, instead of buying a bigger size!!!! Talk about denial! It was my lightbulb moment that my problem couldn't be solved by going out and buying a bigger size pants, and that I wasn't taking care of myself.

I am usually the first to say to myself and others, that you don't wear a sign around your neck that says "I weigh 140 and wear size 10 pants", and I don't even have a scale at home. I am pretty good at disguising myself to look like a human being. What I mean by this, is that with clothes on and dressed professionally, I am well-put together and don't look overweight. Not only how you look in the mirror, but when you see yourself in photos that people have taken of you, and you don't recognize yourself????

However, even when I hit that 120 lb. mark this spring, I wasn't happy with myself. In a bathing suit or without clothes, I looked like I melted. The extra skin of weight loss, plus stretched skin from having and nursing 2 babies. I wasn't fit at all, and had my body fat measured at the gym (calipers). I don't have my numbers with me, but it was close to 30% and believe it or not, I was so happy with that number, not knowing what the numbers meant and thinking I was like 50/50 seriously, i had no idea! I had myself tested again late summer and although my weight increased, so did my lean muscle mass.

I am now wearing a size 6 pant, and strangely enough, the length is nearly perfect for me. I still have to shorten a bit, but at least I am not cutting off the flare on jeans..... I still have about a handful of fat I can grab on each of my hips, but I am very pleased with my abs now that I have found out I have them!!!! I am a work in progress, and hopefully soon, my outsides will match my insides!

Tonight hubby works til 8pm, so I will put the kids to bed and spend a few minutes with him, and then go to the gym around 9pm. I love working out at night, then coming home all relaxed to shower and get to bed. Night time is my favorite time of day to work out. Great way to end the day!

[Lady C]

Originally Posted by Lara34

I actually do like some veggies (raw spinach, lettuce and greens, raw carrots, corn, potatoes) and I like most kinds of beans, including limas. I know most of these are considered 'starches' so everyone tells me they don't count.

What do you mean by they don't count? Everything you eat adds to the overall caloric intake except fiber. I suggest adding in a new veggie every couple of weeks until you begin to like all of them. Try steaming them for 5-8 min. They taste totally different that way. Yummy.

[lara34]

Lady C, you sound like my mother .................I TRY very hard to be open minded about veggies. My hubby adores them, and I use a bamboo steamer to cook them. I taste them every now and again, but sometimes can't get past the smell (broccoli smells like dirty diapers to me!) My kids are so easily influenced at their age, and I want to set a good example.

The veggies I do like people say don't count as a vegetable, not the caloric count. I am not the type of person who usually discusses calories with other people. In general, the people I know who are calorie-counters and diet on a regular basis choose not to exercise and rely solely on diet, and I just can't take their negative energy, do you know what I mean? They are so focused on food, and I find that makes me more hungry!!

I promise I will try to eat more veggies! I do "fool" myself into eating them sometimes. For example -- I add shredded carrots to my spaghetti sauce.

Had a great workout last night. Did the elliptical machine for 45 mins (5-6mph) and then worked my arms, back and abs. Came home, showered and crashed into bed without even drying my hair. Woke up with major bedhead today

Today I have to work at my current job (just gave 2 weeks notice) and then tonight, i need to go into my other job to train for a couple of hours. I will pack and bring my workout bag, and get my cardio workout in after I work. It will be a long day, and the next two weeks will be about the same. I am hoping my family will forgive me. Thank goodness for my crock pot!

[CF-OC_gal]

Hi lara - you are doing great. My comments to you about your clothing size weight etc. were more to get you thinking rather than taking anything personally. You are not going to change your habits overnight or your shape.
None of us have. So relax, sit back and enjoy the ride.

I know you aren't crazy about veggies but I used to hide them in things like dips and soups so my kids would eat them. They just become a part of the overall flavour. I have a recipe for a bean dip make with pinto beans or kidney beans It calls for a half cup of steamed veggies. Once the spices are in there you would never know that youve got carrots or broccoli in there along with it. As a matter of fact if it's the smell that turns you off try cooking your vegetables with an appetizing spice like garlic, ginger mint or rosemary.

[lara34]

Well, since the groundhog saw his shadow, looks like there's 6 more weeks of indoor workouts for me. I really wish I could get outside! My dog adores it in the winter and loves the snow (I have a border collie), but I am just now getting better from having severe bronchitis/sinus infection (Nov-Jan) and just don't feel like subjecting myself to the cold quite yet.

There's a park near my house that has a 1/4 mile hilly track around a pond, and the doggie and I love to jog there, kids dig the playground. It won't be long before spring is here, and back to hitting the pavement, literally. He'll be chasing the ducks and trying to jump in the pond, lol!

Worked pretty much until 8pm last night, and got my workout in afterward. I did the elliptical trainer for 45 minutes, and then leg press and ab machine.

That's a respectable workout, but I am having problems keeping my heart rate where it needs to be. I have a lot of energy and stamina, but I keep getting up in the high 160/low 170 range and I am not used to that unless I am jogging for 20-30 mins. It's been this way for about a month, and I know it's because I've been sick. My resting heart rate has been higher too, so I know that's the case because of all the meds I was on. I am trying not to overdo it, but funny thing is, I'm not even winded or working too hard. I feel like I could do more, but I am conscious of my bpm!

I think I am going to hit the weights a bit harder for a week or so and back off a bit on the cardio. I am a cardio fanatic because I am trying to lose weight, but I have the tendency to overtrain myself.

I am reading a great book right now by Ray Kybartas called Fitness is Religion - Keep the Faith and it is very inspirational.

Tonight I will do a 30-minute interval walk/jog on the treadmill and work my legs with weights. Hubby works late, so it will be another late night workout, but I love it that way.

brat -- i would love it if you'd send me your bean dip recipe!

Gonna be a great day,
Lara

[Lady C]

Originally Posted by lara34

brat -- i would love it if you'd send me your bean dip recipe!

We would all like it. Post it for us all to try

[lara34]

Had great workouts last week since my last post, and I've realized that my recent illness has set me back a bit, but I'm on my way back.

Saturday 10AM
Got to the gym and it was very crowded....my favorite machines were busy.

Hopped on the only available treadmill and did intervals: 5 min warmup @ 3.5mph, then alternating runs @ 6.4mph and walks @ 3.8mph for the remainder of the 30 minutes. I don't watch the time, but use music instead, running for one song, and walking for the next one. Then a 2 minute cooldown.

For awhile I had very good cardio endurance built up, and could run for 3 miles, but it appears that I am back to the beginning. Doesn't matter much to me. I love the whole process.

Then I hit the weights for a legs and abs workout. Although some people say you shouldn't run and then lift, it doesn't bother me. Unless there's some good reason why I shouldn't do it this way, I will continue. In my opinion, I am better warmed up and am less likely to injure myself.

Abductors 3x10x75#
Adductors 3x10x75#
Leg Extensions 3x10x40#
Leg Press 2x10x55# and 1x10x65# (I am feeling this today...)
Ab pull-downs 2x10x20# and 1 set to exhaustion.

Skipped the calves..too many people in line for machines. And I totally avoided the squats, although that's probably what I need the most.

On Sunday my quads were sore and I knew that it was from my leg press increase. Not only did I add 10 more pounds, but I did the last set extremely slow. I love the pain! For me, it's a sign of progress. It's the areas that don't feel it that worry me the most. I know that I'm not getting a good workout in my hips and glutes, and I really need to start doing squats again. I have some hangups I am trying to overcome right now. Any advice is appreciated!

I feel very fortunate to have this new job AT the gym. I will have a lot of resources available to me, including trainers, and I am very excited. I think that surrounding myself in fitness will be all it takes for me to complete my journey.

It's going to be a great week!

[CF-OC_gal]

Good going Lara : Remember if you are consistent you won't have to be "in a hurry" to achieve anything.

I knew I shouldn't of mentioned the been dip! LOL J/K. It's a long one to type. I'll check to see if I've posted it before on other sites I visit. If not get to it when I've got some time to kill. Look for it in the recipe forum (under diet I think?).

[lara34]

Monday night I squeezed a workout in between work and picking my son up from school. I only had time to jump on the elliptical for 45 minutes, and then I had to go. I tried to concentrate on keeping my heart rate in the fat burning zone and not go too high. It's hard for me to do this, so I guess it's time to make some new CDs with slower music

Tuesday I didn't work out. This is my last week of working 2 jobs, and I had to work at both. Got home at 11pm and crashed.

I am proud of my eating habits this week. I've been very conscious of what goes in my body. I am not starving, but at the end of the day, I just HAVE to have a snack! It's more out of habit than anything, but I really don't want to give this up. I'd rather forgo a snack in between lunch and dinner to move it to later in the evening. As long as my caloric intake works out, we'll see if this works.

My new snack....I have grown very fond of the KETO soy protein shakes, in chocolate and banana flavors. I make them with water and ice cubes, and use twice as much water as suggested. Sometimes I throw in a banana or some frozen strawberries instead of using ice, and this hits the spot.

I try to have one shake a day, and when the kashi go lean bars go on sale again, i will stock up on those too. I love 'em!

I seem to have discipline to eat healthy meals, and if I can keep eating healthy snacks, maybe i'll see some more fat loss by the spring thaw....i am hoping!