Amazing Difference in 3 Months from Exercise!!!

This is the story of a Cyster's desire to improve her body and her health.  This is a story with a happy plot line.  This story is not over yet.

Three months ago I joined a new gym.  I had been at my old one for a while but it was boring, I didn't like the atmosphere and I felt like a puny girl.  Then the end of February I found a flyer in the mail-room of our condo.  It was for a women's only gym down the street.  Closer than the other gym!!!  I decided to check it out.  It was a bit more pricey but it had a good vibe and they offered classes for teens which was perfect for my step-daughter.  I was hooked!  I signed up that day and have not looked back since.

With the gym membership (and an annual fee) you can get a fitness consult to see where you are body wise. It was $90 and you get 4 appointments.  I couldn't say no.  March 13, 2013 I had my first consult.  I was nervous.  I felt fat and gross and so out of shape.  I say I FELT that way because while I was out of shape, I was far from fat.  

Here are some stats from that consult:

Weight: 126.2 lbs

BMI: 22.4

Body Fat: 30.8%

Fat Mass: 38.9 lbs

Cardio Fitness: 28.9 (needs improvement - NI)

Grip Strength: 51.6 (Fair)

Push ups (on your knees): 7 (NI)

Sit and Reach: 13.2 (NI)

Plank: 11 (Good)

Vertical Jump: 7.7 (NI)

Fast forward to today.  It has been 3 months, and only 6 personal training sessions.  I exercise 5-6 days a week.  I do cardio for 4 days, strength training one day a week and then I also do Tone It Up.  I am eating better, I am working out, and I am seeing results (and I realize I sound like a dam infomercial!).  

Here are today's stats:

Weight: 121.2 lbs

BMI: 21.5

Body Fat: 28.4% (28% is normal)

Fat Mass: 34.4 lbs

Cardio Fitness: 37.8 (Very Good)

Grip Strength: 52.9 (Fair)

Push ups (on your knees): 25 (Very Good)

Sit and Reach: 22.86 (NI)

Plank: 11 (Good)

Vertical Jump: 12.7 (NI)

Now for the kicker:

I lost 14.25 inches from my body!!!

3/4" from my neck

1.5" from my shoulders

1.5" from my chest

2.5" from my waist

2.5" from my hips

2.0" from each of my thighs

I lost 4.5 lbs of body fat and decreased my Body Fat% by 2.4%.  

My biggest surprise is not the 14" that I lost, but the improvement in my cardio functions!  Granted, today I could not finish the treadmill test (they increase the incline and I insisted that once I hit 90% O2 we stop since my lungs are not fully cooperating), whereas last time I forced myself to finish no matter what.  But my recovery time for my HR was much better this time around.  

I knew I lost weight, I knew I lost inches.  But I had no idea the results were this fabulous.  My trainer asked if I wanted to be on the testimonial board and I said yes!!!  After 6 sessions to see such an improvement, it makes me so happy.  I realize now that the hard work IS paying off.  I may not get back to work, but I know I will be healthier, and if I keep this up, when I get a transplant, hopefully my recovery and chances of survival will increase with the added health on the rest of my body.  

I love this!!!

Identity

Why is it that we look upon ourselves so much harsher than the rest of the world?  Why can't we be happy with the way in which we look?  Why must I stress myself out that I look gross when in reality I don't?

I have never dealt with these feelings before and I don't like them.  I feel fat one minute and then fine with the why I look the next.  I eat something now, that my old CF body would have thrived on, and feel disgusting afterwards.  Yet when I try to eat only healthy good for you foods my body craves the fat causing foods and it drives me crazy.  I can't win.

I could win.

I could tell my brain to STFU and be thankful I am alive and have a good BMI.  But we all know that won't happen.