October 1, 2010 was the day that I decided to get off my behind and do something about the way I was feeling about myself. October 1st happens to have a very special significance to me for other reasons and being depressed about it and wallowing in grief was what actually spurred me into action in the first place. I remember being so depressed and so disgusted with myself (as a whole not just physically) and something just clicked. *Click*
I remember getting off of the sofa and putting on a Zumba DVD that I happened to have at home thanks to my husband. I did the 20 min express workout and I think I almost died doing it...I kid you not. Who knew that bouncing around for 20 mins could leave you dripping with sweat and gasping for breath? Not me that's for sure. After taking oh 15 mins to recover I text my husband and said, " I just did zumba and I liked it" to which he replied "really? cool." (that's my husband for you, to the point). I remember that while I did Zumba I felt really idiotic because these were essentially moves that I had been doing all my life (being a latina) and I kept thinking what do these chicks have to show me but I got over myself and had fun. In the end I decided that I was going to do it again the next day. That was how it all began for me.
At first I didn't really have a plan, I just wanted to workout as much as possible. I didn't diet or change my eating whatsoever. About 3 weeks in, I pulled a tendon in my foot. That folks is what happens when you over exert yourselves and happen to be dim witted and continue to exercise and walk on the bad foot despite the pain. Needless to say I ended up not being able to walk with an ankle that looked like a coconut. The Rx was an air cast and 1 week on crutches. FML. I was worried about being derailed from my new found fitness mentality but thankfully I stuck with it.
One year later and almost 60lbs lost (58.5lbs to be exact as of Oct 1) my life has changed so much. I changed the way I ate all the while not dieting, I became aware of what I put in my mouth. I read A LOT! In fact, I read fitness articles each and every day because I am fascinated with it. I drink water now - I NEVER drank water before, a whole year would pass and I'd probably drink the equivalent to 8oz of pure water, I kid you not. I have become active, I am constantly working out even when I have slow periods (doing 3 days a week instead of 5/6). I am happier with myself, though I still need work in the self esteem/self image department I am much more comfortable in my own skin and that is saying a lot for me. I am very proud of what I have been able to accomplish and 95% of it was at home with DVDs and just my own determination and promise to myself - so if I can do it, so can you!! The other 5% was with the help of message boards, sites like Sparkpeople and Fitness Magazine's Bikini Body Boot Camp Program which I was fortunate enough to be chosen to join last month and that introduced me to Holly Rilinger and Flywheel both of which I <3.
Like the title suggests, this is just the beginning for me. Last Saturday on my anniversary I made a new set of goals, the biggest and most important to me of which are to run (not walk) a 5K and 10K before this time next year. I have delusions of grandeur and hope to be able to do an even longer race than that but for now I'll start small. I also plan to try more classes, up until this past September (thanks to the Fitness Magazine Program) I had never tried one and was honestly too intimidated. Not anymore. If this program has shown me anything is that working out in a team atmosphere is fun (like in Holly's Boot Camp) and when it isn't a team effort a little competition will definitely spur you on to do better (like with Flywheel's TorqBoard). Either way I plan on staying active, staying healthy and living life to the fullest!
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