I had never been "fat" before, but I did stop wearing jeans, because I felt that my thighs were just disproportionate and my waist was so much smaller, that they never fit right. I really got lazy in college... I'd dress up to go out, but my class room attire suddenly became sweatpants every day. On Christmas Break, I got a picture with my friend Lindsay, and when I saw it I was DISGUSTED with how I looked.
How could I let myself go? How could I be okay with a wardrobe of sweatpants? I had to do something PRONTO.
When I went back to the dorm, I decided I was going to exercise- even if it was VERY minimal. My roommates and I started to walk around the track. At that point, I was like, I don't even KNOW how to RUN properly. I felt like I looked ridiculous. Soon I ventured into that place called the GYM. I was so nervous to go and be surrounded by skinny-minis and buff meat-heads that everyone would stare at me. I headed straight upstairs to the most deserted place and got on the elliptical machine. I'd pick up a magazine and do that forever...
Then the gym became a social thing, an activity, and an escape. Then I got into diet supplements and protein shakes, always researching my way to something that gave me a little more energy and make me a little less hungry.
For a whole summer in Florida with no car and no tv and no beach, I went to the gym religiously and it felt amazing! The gym in Celebration Hospital's Fitness Center had the coolest classes, the toughest instructors, and tons of new machines. It was like I breathed new life! I was first introduced to a sauna and steam room there. I became a new ME. I felt happy, healthy, and I lost all of the weight I had gained.
It wasn't until I changed my lifestyle though, that I changed my look completely. After college, I tested every fitness class the YMCA had to offer and found my favs. I searched the internet and shelves for healthy cookbooks. I started shopping at the Fresh Market and introduced a lot of whole foods into my diet. I recognized that what society says is an acceptable portion is NOT. I realized that MOST Americans are OVERWEIGHT (thank you wii fit- haha). I stopped comparing myself to the people next to me, and made a NEW STANDARD. I gave myself rewards that were gym-related (heart rate-monitor that measures calories burned, new workout clothes, bootcamps, new tennis shoes, boxing gloves, weighted hand gloves, etc) that made me EXCITED to work out.
FINALLY I found a pair of SKINNY jeans that I felt GOOD in! It was like a whole new wardrobe! Suddenly I could wear so many shirts, too! It feels awesome going into a store and liking most of what you try on! (Granted I know how to dress for my body type, too)
Today I exercise at least 5-6 times a week. I LOVE Turbo Kick, Spinning (indoor cycle), and the squat machine. I also run and ride my bike. I think it's key to find something you love, that draws you in like an addiction- to where you're counting down the hours until you can do it again!
If you're wondering where to start, TRY THIS:
- Join a gym that offers fitness classes you'd like to try or pay the day rate just to check it out!
- Get a motivation partner or a workout buddy. Get ENCOURAGED!
- Make Goals, but don't race to get there... make simple lifestyle changes little by little. (ie start drinking water instead of soda, order less carb loaded foods, buy a fast and healthy cookbook, etc)
- Prepare your meals before hand- don't wait until your starving to make something... have something healthy ready to grab.
- Drink more WATER
- Journal your eating or record it online using this CALORIE COUNTER
- Make a playlist with upbeat music or download PANDORA on your phone!
If you've conquered a weightloss goal or have advice on how YOU stay fit, LEAVE A COMMENT! :)
