Let me start with this, I was definitely not a ââ¬Ågymââ¬ï¿½ person. In fact, I resisted joining a gym for 20+ years. A friend convinced (or peer-pressured) me into going to a kickboxing class. So, I bought some cute outfits and stayed in the back row of the class, feeling like the chubby girl. I weighed 195 lbs!!! (Almost 200 lbs!!!!!) But, I stuck with it and took classes every week. I did this for about 6 months and lost about 20 lbs. It was still a struggle to get to the gym, but I would tell myself that this was not an option. I was going to do it.
One day, I decided to have my body fat tested for the first time ever. It was 35%! The trainer at the gym told me that if I add weights to my exercise, I would lose fat much quicker. Well, I must say, I fell in love with weights from minute one. I played around with learning the equipment and dealing with the looks that I got from the regular ââ¬Åmuscle boundââ¬ï¿½ guys. I decided that I needed a plan. I discovered the bodybuilding.com site and Jamie Easonââ¬â¢s Live fit challenge. Both have been instrumental in my journey.
After the 12 week program, I continued lifting and cardio. Reading more articles that I can count on Bodybuilding.com. I was 40 lbs down and eating clean. I have now been maintaining for about 6 months. I have just entered the #250K Challenge to give myself the extras boost to take it to the next step. My goal is to be FIT by 50!! (Which is in August �) I want to get rid of the fat that is covering the awesome muscle that I am working so hard to develop.
There are so many reasons....
1.) The awesome feeling of accomplishment! I am so excited to set a goal and see if I can achieve it. It's the "digging deep" and giving it all you have!
2.) At 49 years old, I feel pretty good about the fact that I can do just as much as people half my age. I love the feeling of peace and serenity that I feel while lifting and the incredible energy I feel afterwards.
3.) Lifting is a confidence builder and a stress reliever.
4.) I was able to stop taking my medication for high blood pressure!!!!!