The Weight Loss Chronicles: Making changes...

After a six year hiatus, last month I finally joined a gym and signed up for a personal trainer. Even though it can be a bit expensive, it is important to me to be healthy...so I am investing in myself. 

The first couple of weeks, my trainer focused on body weight exercises. Even though I wasn't using any weight, I never left the gym feeling like I could've done more. Today I finally got to see my hard work pay off. We took measurements for the first time in about a month and here are the results:

Bust: 1.5"

Arms: .5"

Waist: 1.5"

Calf: .5"

Overall I am down 4" from where I started. Even though it may not seem like much it's nice to see progress. As a goal oriented person, I like to be able to see where I am improving along the way. It's helpful because some days I feel like I'm not making any progress. So seeing results on paper helps me realize that I'm beginning to accomplish something I've been saying I would do for almost two years now. 

For those of you reading this thinking "I wish I knew what to do or where to start!" Let me help you out a little bit. Below are the first couple of workouts my trainer had me doing. I try to workout 3-4 times a week. I usually start with 10-15 mins of cardio to get my heart going. From there I do about 5-7 different exercises per workout. I rotate between upper and lower body and every workout includes abs. Now for the part you have all been waiting for (if you made it this far haha)...the workouts.

Lower Body & Abs

Body weight squats (3 sets of 10)

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Jump Lunge (2 sets of 20 or 10 per leg)

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Squat Jump (3 sets of 10)

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Hip Lift (3 sets of 10)

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Stability Ball Pass (2 sets of 10)

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Upper Body & Abs

Chest Flys on Stability Ball (3 sets of 10...start out with 5-7lbs if you can)

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Shoulder Press on Stablility Ball (3 sets of 10)

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Dumbbell Chest Press on Stability Ball (3 sets of 10)

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Push Ups (modified if needed) (2 sets of 12)

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Up/Down Plank (2 sets of 12)

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To build my various workouts, I use an app called Fleetly. It's free and pretty user friendly. It has pre-built workouts and you can create your own custom workouts. You can also add new exercises to the constantly growing library. It gives you points and medals for working out. You can even join the various challenges that they have and compete with other users. So if you have a smart phone, iPod, or tablet you NEED to get this app! Also if you add me as a friend, you can keep up with what I am doing and even see some of the workouts I create.

That is all for now. I hope that if you are still reading this I've inspired you to get up an get moving. Being healthy is important, even if you just start by walking for 30 mins a day...at least you are making small changes! I challenge you all to make an effort to be more active with your families, friends, or even co-workers. Get up and MOVE!

Question for the readers: What are some of your favorite exercises that make you feel the burn?!

xoxo,

Megs