Getting Back on Track!

Me after 2 months of Crossfit.
5'6" 176 lbs.  Sept 2013

Wow, it's been over a year since I've posted anything. Probably because I've been trying to figure out how to lose the 20 pounds that I gained.

So as most of you know, I've been trying to get into awesome shape for a while now.  I was doing pretty well, I even got into pretty good shape while doing crossfit for a few months.  I had to quit crossfit because my knees were always killing me.  I think all the lunges did me in, otherwise, I love the sense of community, the new people I met and how hard I pushed myself even though I was nervous before every workout.

When I stopped crossfit, I stopped all fitness activity, not because I didn't like exercising but I'd tell myself to rest my knees, or that I should focus on my college classes.  "I'm too busy with work and school", was my typical excuse.  Well let's just say, I didn't change my eating habits, that plus no exercise....equaled a 20 lb weight gain.  Ugh!  I was mortified, I'm still mad at myself for letting it happen.  I was doing so well and then boom!  It felt like I gained the weight over night.  At least I stopped myself from gaining any more weight.  Now I need to find a way to get back into better shape.  I wouldn't say that I'm huge or anything, but I'm definitely not happy about the size I am right now.  I don't feel comfortable in my own skin.

Me at 19 years old.  5'6" 140 lbs.
May 2002

I'm 5'6".  In high school, I weighed around 140 lbs, and a size 10/12.  I've never been tiny, I have curves that aren't going anywhere, and I'm totally fine with that.  Looking back, I think I looked pretty skinny and in shape, although I remember thinking back then that I needed to lose weight.  Funny how our perceptions of ourselves change.


Well this past January 2015, I signed up for a personal trainer.  I was doing well, losing inches, and gaining speed.  Although I didn't lose any weight.  I feel in somewhat better shape, but still not where I want to be.  Right now, I weigh 197 lbs.....20 pounds heavier than when I stopped crossfit.

Weeks 1, 2 and 3.  Feb 2015.
With a personal trainer and using Visalus.

I tried Visalus shakes and supplements for a about a month or so.  I just couldn't keep it up.  I felt like I had no energy.  They wanted you to have a shake for breakfast and for lunch, then a normal dinner and maybe a snack or two if you were really hungry.  Well I was ALWAYS hungry.  I did see little improvements though, I got down to 191 lbs but that didn't last very long.  Below is my progress after 3 weeks of intense workouts 3 times a week and using the Visalus program.  I think you can see the most difference in my back.  The shake flavor tasted great and I still used it for breakfast until I ran out.

Weeks 1, 2 and 3.  Feb 2015,
with a personal trainer and using Visalus.

They say losing weight is 80% diet and 20% exercise.  I think I'm proof of that!  I kicked up and worked super hard in the gym, but I only slightly changed my diet.  I have a sugar tooth and I like snacking.  Big no nos.  So I need to make a life style change.  I also need to get into the gym more often.  I've been slacking a bit on that too.  LA Fitness let my last trainer go, whom I really liked, but I was stuck in a contract for another 6 months so I had to switch trainers.  Shyrell, my original trainer, focused a lot of lighter weights and cardio.  I hate cardio but I was getting faster at running.  My new trainer, Rick, is focused more on heavy lifting and only 15 seconds of rest in between sets.

So I'm back from vacation and gotta get focused on getting into awesome shape......