When my mom was here visiting New Zealand in February she brought me two pairs of jeans from American Eagle in the states. Oh how I love AE…comfortable, durable clothes, that aren’t overpriced, and also don’t make me feel like a preppy tool (I’m looking at YOU Abercrombie…). My awesome, amazing mother brought me a size 12 pair, and a size 10 pair because I’ve been working out and she knew I wouldn’t be back to the states until June. Well, 2 weeks after she left I could fit the size 10. (Insert joyous outburst) I was almost a 10 when I moved here, and then I gained heaps of weight thanks to a diet of Fish&Chips (FUSH AND CHUPS—Kiwis), amazing scones and muffins, and lots of Kiwi Pizza (that’s a whole other post).
Fast forward to April. I quit my trainer who was oh so unreliable at remembering that we had appointments, only to meet my good friend Gillian’s trainer Alice. Alice is AWESOME. Choosing to train with her has been the best decision so far. I love Kiwis, but Alice is American, which is good because when she puts me in pain and I’m loud and obnoxious…she just kind of gets it. She doesn’t let me use my destroyed knee as an excuse, while also minding that we’re not injuring it during the training. She’s my hero. :D Alice took my measurements less than 5 weeks ago.
The results of 4 weeks of training? (drumroll)
1.2 inches in my upper arms
4/5 inch in each thigh
Over 1/2 inch from my chest (yesssss!!!! Now if only I could lose 2 more inches there…)
1.2 inches from my illicus (1 inch below my belly button)
1 inch from my hips
and the real kicker…down 3.1% body fat!!!
I’m so stoked, and the best part is, I seem to be getting consistent and keeping workouts intense without overdoing it. It’s been a challenge, but I’m doing things I never thought I’d do again. It feels damn good. I’ve had a lot of support from coworkers, my boyfriend, Gillian, my flatmates and of course, Alice.
For anyone on the downward spiral…get off sooner rather than later. You won’t regret it. Pain is temporary, pride is forever. I have to chant that over and over in my head when I’m working out. It’s tough work while I’m not fit. However, all I have to do is look at one photo of myself at a very unhealthy build, size 16, wonder how I got there from being an athlete in every capacity…and it makes me a lot more motivated. Who knows, maybe I’ll take up gymnastics again. ;) JKJK not happening, not ever. For the heart health of my parents…hahaha.
My short sighted goal is a size 8 (although a size 6 would be me at my healthiest weight and body fat %—I think that will take longer), it would be soooo awesome to reach that before I get back to the US at the end of June….it would be rad to make my parents proud and also show them that I don’t take for granted the ways that they’ve invested in my life and well being. Not that they aren’t proud of me now, but surely the happiness you have for your children has to increase when you see them doing good things for themselves and making healthy choices.
