Strong is the New Skinny

My cousin just joined a cross-fit gym. 

For those of you who have never heard of cross fit, it is basically a really fast, hard core workout. You work out as hard as you possibly can for like fifteen minutes, and then you are done. 

Let me tell you, people who do cross fit are super buff and in awesome shape. 

My goal, is to one day be able to join a cross fit gym.  I could join now. A lot of people who are in much worse shape than I do join, and have awesome results. But, I think I would rather work up to it, and get in better shape before I join. 

Speaking of being in shape, every time I think I'm starting to get in shape, I get outdone buy an old lady...seriously. 

On Monday, I went to a step class. When I got there, I looked around and everyone else in the class was at least 20 years older than me. I figured it would be a piece of cake.

Oh how wrong I was. 

Admittedly... I kept up fine, but I really struggled with the routine. I think once I practice I will really like it. But man, those old ladies sure know how to go "around the world."

Last night, I went to an aerobics class. I was on the elliptical a few weeks before and the class looked really fun, so I thought I'd give it a try. Once again, the majority of my classmates were at least 55. Even the instructor was a retired grandma. 

...totally kicked my ass. 

I really enjoyed it though. I kind of like working out. Not while I'm doing it. When I'm exercising, I just want to be done. But, sitting here tonight, I just want to be at the gym, with loud music and fun people.

I'm excited for the day that I sit back and say that I'm in the best shape of my life. 

It's coming... 

To be honest... I kind of forgot about this blog. It's funny, because this time last year, I was so dedicated to recording every struggle and success on my path to weight loss.

But, as you all know, life is crazy... and I am busy. Consequently, I don't blog as often as I would like, but tonight just seems like a blogging kind of night, so here I am.

But alas, this is a fat blog...and I'm still fat, so I guess I should start with that.

I graduated in April, and my weight was about that same that it had been all throughout college. Definitely not a healthy weight, but at least I wasn't gaining.

When I moved to North Carolina, the day after my 22nd birthday, things changed.

My cousin Charlotte has always been a proponent of living a healthy lifestyle. She eats right, and loves to exercise. So naturally, when I moved here, I adopted a lot of aspects of her lifestyle.

I've been eating foods that I never knew existed before. Quiona, Polenta, Power Tacos.... I could go on forever. I love cooking, and finding new, healthy recipes. If I'm able to keep up on this blog, I think I'm going to start posting recipes, because they are too good not to share!

After my vacation this summer, I joined a new, amazing gym. I'm not at a place where I LOVE working out yet, but I'm getting there. I don't dread working out, which is a huge step. I've also learned a lot about what a  true workout is. Hint: If you are just doing cardio, and calling it a workout... you lose.

As part of my membership, I was given two free sessions with a personal trainer. My trainer, Tracy, is a huge fitness buff. The other day, she ran 38 miles in a day... I trust her. During the first session, she showed me a basic strength training routine, and gave me a few tips on how to boost my cardio.

Last weekend, I met with her for my second free session, and discovered that I've made some pretty great progress. From the day after my vacation until now, I've lost 24 lbs. I've also lost inches in a lot of my "problem areas", particularly my arms. I lost 1.25 inches off of each arm. Tracy said that she hardly ever sees anyone lose more than half an inch off their arms, so I guess I should consider myself lucky.

Once Tracy realized how serious I was about getting in shape, she gave me a more challenging fitness routine to follow for the next eight weeks. After that, I will have to pay for my sessions, but I definitely think it is worth it.

It is amazing how much things can change when I focus less on becoming skinny, and more on being healthy.

Things are going really well, and I'm happy... which makes all the difference in the world...