My name isn’t Fergie, but I’m just workin’ on my fitness.
So, as promised yesterday, I’m here with an update on the whole weight lose thing-y which I first began writing about when I found out that sweet Katie, one of my previous college roommates, wanted me to be a bridesmaid in her upcoming summer wedding.
As you know, I now have a bridesmaid dress hanging in my closet that is a few sizes too small. For those of you who are new and might have missed the back story, the dresses only came in a few sizes, so I bought the largest one even though the bride assured me I was welcome to find a different dress that actually came in my size. Seeing as there are 10 bridesmaids total, I decided I wanted to slim down as much as I could while possibly having the dress altered with extra fabric to fit me so I could, um, fit in with the other nine bridesmaids.
Call me crazy, but I just wasn’t too keen on the idea of being the odd duckling in a different dress.
When I first told you about my goal, it was mentioned in the comments that my goal should be to become healthy, not just to lose weight to fit into a particular dress. And let me just tell you: THAT is some honest truth, my loves. While one of my goals is to look as “okay” as possible in the dress (I don’t think I can really say look “good” in the dress just yet), my ultimate goal is to be healthy and honor God with my body since, according to His Word, it is His home after all.
Over the next few months, as I work towards my goal, I’m sure I’ll write about all kinds of aspects that go along with weight loss such as why I think I’m overweight in the first place, how I’m staying accountable through the process and even a bit about what seems to make the goal of being healthy so hard to meet. Just think of it as your very own Biggest Loser blog with myself as the only contestant and, um, no weekly weigh-in on national television. Nor will there be any weekly weigh-in on the blog for those of you who have already asked. Listen, I’ll tell you just about anything from my life but there are some questions you just don’t ask a girl and what she weighs is one of them.
But for now, I thought I’d tell you about two ways I’ve started making changes in my life with today’s post being on working out; I’ll write about the changes I’ve made in my eating habits tomorrow.
By nature, I’m not a work-er out-er. It’s just never been my thing; I enjoyed being on a swim team as a kid, but heading to the gym for a few laps on the treadmill doesn’t exactly fall on my list of “Things I Enjoy Doing Multiple Times A Week.”
Exercise, however, seems to be a key to losing weight or so I’ve heard (SHOCKING, I KNOW). So, whether I like it or not, I’ve been getting my ba-donk-a-donk to the gym about six days a week. I don’t always have a perfect week where I make it to the gym each time I try to go (hello, Starlite emergency phone calls) but actually putting it on my schedule goes VERY far in helping me carve out time for the gym.
Here’s what I’m specifically attempting to do at this point:
On Sunday, I skip the gym — it’s my day of rest.
On Monday, I do an hour on the treadmill, a water Pilates class, a water aerobics class & a yoga class.
On Tuesday, I do an hour and half on the treadmill and sometimes a water Pilates class.
On Wednesday, I do everything I did on Monday.
On Thursday, I do everything I did on Tuesday with an extra water aerobics class thrown in.
On Friday, I do everything I do on Monday and Wednesday except for the yoga class.
On Saturday, I try to do some “fun” exercise — walk at the river, swim laps, etc.
Obviously I’m putting in quite the hours at the gym right now, so that means I’ve had to make other adjustments in my schedule. I have to get up earlier, cut out certain “fun” activities and even work less on Starlite stuff in the evenings (which is actually a good thing). What I’m trying to say is that my days now pretty much consist of work, working out and time with Jesus. Oh and blogging. How could I forget my favorite pastime?
One thing that’s helping me stick with my schedule is knowing that I won’t always need to be at the gym this much; once I reach my goal size (I don’t have a goal weight, just a goal size), I’ll just need to maintain that weight which I should be able to do without having to spend 17 hours a week at the gym.
Another thing that motivates me is realizing that I’m in a season of my life where I can dedicate 17 hours a week to getting healthy. I have an incredibly busy work schedule, but I don’t have a husband or kids to come home to at night or fix breakfast for in the morning; I don’t even have to rush out of the gym in the evenings to make sure I don’t miss a boyfriend’s call. Things won’t always be this way (FAITH STATEMENT, PEOPLE, IT’S CALLED A FAITH STATEMENT), so I’m taking advantage of my freedom now to focus on, well, me.
Here are the hardest things I’ve found about working out and how I’m trying to tackle them:
1. I feel like I don’t have endurance. This could also be called “The skinny girl on the treadmill next to me is going much faster than me therefore I am a loser.” While part of it might be true (she is, um, going faster than me), the rest doesn’t have to be (just showing up and getting my ba-donk-a-donk on that treadmill is a victory for me, therefore I’m not a loser).
2. I feel like I don’t have time. Really, if I did everything that others expect out of me, I wouldn’t have time to workout. So, I say no to a lot of “other” things right now. I’m still working plenty of hours at both jobs and usually spend my treadmill time answering emails for Starlite directly from my cell (I’ve only fallen off six times so far!). Again, I also don’t have a family so I have a lot more free time than you girls rocking the married status.
3. I feel bored. I can get extremely bored on the treadmill, so I make sure I take stuff with me — I keep my cell charged so I can answer emails, check Facebook, etc; I also have my iPod with me at all times (I’ll share my current workout playlist with you later today) and even bring a book along. Occasionally I’ll see a good friend at the gym and we’ll chat whilst on neighboring treadmills; people also come up to me a lot to talk about Starlite. It’s weird to discuss the most effective ways to mentor girls whilst sweating it out on a treadmill, but at least it helps pass the time.
I’m sure you noticed that all three of those things above included the word “feel.” I suppose that’s the biggest thing for me — choosing to go to the gym regardless of how I “feel” about it. Discipline isn’t based on feelings, after all.
Which is too bad considering I feel like skipping my trip to the gym later today in favor of a trip to my comfortable couch where I suspect a nap would love to greet me.
OK, AB, you just opened my eyes. “Discipline isn’t based on feelings, after all.” Ouch.
I have been desperately wanting to lose my baby weight (and my baby is 3 years old so technically it should have been gone already, LOL!) but I use all the excuses you listed that you’ve overcome – don’t feel like it, don’t have time, don’t feel like I have any endurance (well, this one’s probably true), don’t feel like working out with my size-4-already-has-2-kids neighbor because she makes me feel like I’m the size (and speed) of a hippo. It’s time to get my feelings in check. I WISH I had the time to do your routine (which I think is fabulous, btw, YOU GO GIRL!!!! I bet you are lookin’ amazing!) but the truth is while I might not be able to do 2 to 2 1/2 hours, I can do 30 minutes at least and something is better than nothing. You’ve totally motivated me and made me realize I need to get my feelings in check and get myself in gear. THANK YOU for posting about this and being so honest!!! *Hugs*
You just gave me swift kick in the pants… and I thought I was too exhausted to get on that spin bike for 30 minutes each day. You inspire me and my waistline, girl. I have a dress I want to be in by July. It’s this little red number that I wore to our wedding rehearsal. I’m at least 40 pounds from getting back in it. Our anniversary is in July and I’d love to wear it out that night. Right now, it would maybe fit my left thigh (and just cause the left one is a tad bit smaller than the right… extra cellulite on the right or something). So anyway, I’m with you. I’m going to ride the spin bike today in your honor.
You go, ABB! What a challenge. I have about 40 pounds that I would love to shed and in a similar lifestyle situation…no family to care for, no boyfriend to give my time to.
Reading your post with your routine has inspired me. I’m looking into finding a pool today!
I have about 50-60 lbs i want to lose! I’ve been thinking of starting a blog just for that purpose. I need to carve time out for myself every day to reach my goal… but finding that time is a different story! YIKES! I suspect when Marty returns to work (he’s been on a extended medical leave) and the warm weather returns I can get a routine going easier. I’ve always been self concious of my weight but even more so now… to the point where sometimes i am reluctant to hang out with my friends because i feel so terrible about myself.
We can all motivate each other on the pink bloggy!
) XOXOXO
Since I’ve been reading your blog, I’ve been blessed by your honesty. You’re leaping to a new level, girl! Good for you! And oh my word at the hours you’re logging at the gym!
I’m so proud of you, AB! Please lend me a smidge of that discipline.
Amy Beth, you have put me to shame! I thought I was doing well with gymming everyday and adding in some extra aerobics classes in the evening.
Man oh man, I need to step it up a notch, because like you, this really is the time in my life that I can make the time to do this.
I hope it is going well for you, I remember our weight-loss discussion. I am trying so hard but to no avail. I think we need another chat!
Man, you are ROCKING IT OUT! I cannot even fathom the thought of logging that much time on the treadmill. Methinks you’re in better shape than you think!
I started at the gym last week and I get in 30min on the elliptical daily, plus some weights and ab work… nowhere near your level, but feels good regardless.
I tried the 30-Day Shred, too, but I couldn’t hack it really – just not my thing I guess.
Thanks for sharing, AB. As someone who also needs to lose weight, I know this is hard to talk about. I also have some of the same struggles with exercise. When I skip a workout (ahem, like Monday and Tuesday this week) it’s all the harder to go my next scheduled time, both because it actually IS harder and because I’d rather not think about it and pretend everything’s okay. This is not healthy physically or spiritually!
Sorry, I didn’t mean to turn this into a “me, me, me” thing, but I did want to say that you’re not the only one, and that you’re doing some good things. Woo hoo!
Oh, and I love water aerobics. Way better than a stinky ole treadmill!
Girl, you just keep doing your thing no matter how you feel. Way to be disciplined! He will bless you in your discipline. I am so proud of you, sister! Keep it up!
Oh, and I totally forgot to add that I “ditto” the “season in your life when you have time to do this!” I feel the same way. There are certain things I can do now because I’m not tied down to anyone or anything. It is a blessing in this season, not a curse as I sometimes like to think it is. Lately, my goal has been to live out 1 Cor. 7:35. To live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord in this season of singleness!
that is AWESOME! it is very easy for me to say ‘i don’t have time’ when i just don’t want to make time. and i totally get you on the feelings thing– i coined a little phrase one day when i didn’t feel like going to the gym that i WISH i never thought of, because it is so true and kicks me in the hiney every time!
it doesn’t matter whether or not you FEEL like working out– what matters is if you’re GOING to work out.
don’t get me wrong… feelings are important. but not MORE important than discipline and doing the right thing. and now that i have effectively delivered that message to myself, i will be looking at my schedule to fit in a run before my crazy ministry night. thanks ab!
[...] As promised, here’s the current playlist that’s rocking my pink iPod when I’m working out: Desert Song by Hillsong | One of my favorite songs of the moment. LOVE it. [...]
Last year I wanted to work out with a trainer to get ready for my sis’s wedding. I’m like you and get really bored when I work out unless it’s in a class. So I got connected with the lowest level trainer at my gym and he charged me pennies compared to what the normal trainers charge. It was awesome and I had not been in that good of shape since high school. It might be a long shot, but it doesn’t hurt to ask if someone there could give you a really good deal. Sometimes they charge less too if you do a group training session. In that case, you could do it with your friends and that might even be fun. Just an idea. Also, I’m one of the weakest ones in my step class right now since I didn’t work out for 9 months. I just keep telling myself that at least I have something to work toward, which is more motivational than working out just to maintain your weight. Anyway, way to go us on the hard work we’ve already done!
Oh my heavens I just about fell off my chair when I saw how much you’re working out! And I was too lazy to even make it to my ONE class today . . . oops
Good for you girl! You’re amazing
Want some perspective from what most people think is“The skinny girl on the treadmill next to me is going much faster than me therefore I am a loser.”? This skinny girl is just as frustrated with her endurance level as you. And I move faster simply because my legs are long. My side is aching, and I am struggling not to gasp for breath. Your 17 hours a week make my measly 3 or 4 look pathetic. Thanks for putting my discipline, or lack thereof, into perspective. I don’t think you give yourself nearly enough credit. You amaze me.
[...] yesterday’s post about the utter dismay thrill that is found in going to the gym, I figured we should talk about [...]
I don’t even know how I stumbled upon your blog, but I love your honesty and commitment to sharing Christ’s love. I was reading your workout schedule and girl you are killing yourself! I just learned about a great new way to lose weight in a shorter amount of time, but still healthy. I took a tread and trim class at my gym. Basically it is on the treadmill and work intervals of sprints and incline into the workout. For example, I do a 5 minute warm up then 5 minutes at a 5.0 incline (you can work up to this, I had to), then back down to 0.0 incline and I sprint for 2 minutes, jog for 2 minutes, sprint for 2 minutes, and so on for 10 minutes. Then I go back to the incline for 5 minutes and then depending on the time I have for the day either a 5 minute cool down or repeat the intervals one more time. I don’t know if this will help, but I just wanted to suggest it! God bless!
You have no idea how much I needed to hear your story this week, AB. I am continually praying for you in this journey and have been ruminating over this post all week. Congrats on your successes and your openness to share and be accountable on your blog. It does make a difference and you have been quite the inspiration I needed this week. All the best!
Lurker here!!
Just wanted to say “you go girl!!!” and point you to this site
http://www.ttapp.com/try/index.html
The workouts there are miraculous!! I´ve tried them myself and I know they can help you.
God bless you Amy Beth