No Pain, No Gain

Now that the kids are back in school, like many moms, I've resumed my regular workouts. Things are going pretty well, but once again, I'm dealing with muscles that are screaming out in protest over their new work schedule. However, I'm trying hard to push through the pain because I know from experience that in a week or two things wil improve and I'll feel stronger and more energized.


I did some research online about the cause of muscle soreness after a workout. I learned that when we exercise we lengthen and contract our muscles. In the lengthening phase, we create tiny tears in our muscle fibers which result in the soreness that appears a day or two after each workout, especially for those starting a new exercise routine. It is through this process that our muscles adapt and strengthen, becoming better prepared for the next time they have a task to perform. Now that I know the soreness is actually a sign that my muscles are getting stronger, I don't mind it as much. In fact, I hope to be a little sore after each work out, that way I know it was effective. After all, I probably won't see the results of all this hard work for a few more weeks, so feeling the results right away is encouraging.
Pain is often a part of a strengthening process in our lives, isn't it? Spiritual and emotional growth rarely happen during the peaceful times in our lives when everything is going well. Unfortunately, periods of great growth usually happen during times of great trial. These are the times when our spiritual, emotional and mental "muscles" are tested, torn and ultimately strengthened.
Even though it may not feel like it, God is closest to us in these painful seasons. Psalm 34:18 assures us that "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." And, in Isaiah 40:29-31 we find the encouragement that after the pain comes a time of renewal and increased strength, "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

12 Weeks Later

Three months ago, I embarked on a fitness program called the 12-Week Hyperspeed Weight Loss Program.  The goal was to lose 20 lbs in 12 weeks.  So, how did I do?  Well, I didn't quite make the 20 lbs, but I DID lose 15 lbs, 11" and a one full clothing size.  I also built a lot of muscle...something entirely new for me.  I'm feeling great...strong and capable. And, when I'm kicking and punching that bag during kickboxing class, I feel invincible.  So, for Allen Branch and his awesome staff of personal trainers at Fitness One in Kernersville, I have these words from Christina Aguilera...

'Cause it makes me that much stronger

Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter

My B.S. Story

There is one appliance in my home that rules over my emotional stability and mental well-being like no other... my bathroom scale.   We'll call him B.S. for short.  This demon with numbers posesses me, leaving me powerless under it's mind-control tactics.  If it's digital eyes reveal a number that shows I've lost weight, I'm elated.  However, if the number shows no loss, or even worse, weight gain, self-defeating feelings of failure and despair set in.  It's hard to believe that something as basic as a number could have such dominion over my well-being.

"Just don't weigh yourself", some might suggest.  The problem with that approach for me is that I need the accountabillity of the scale, even though the results are sometimes misleading.  When I don't weigh myself, I tend to lose sight of the fact that I am still on this weight loss journey.  Once I reach my destination, I'll still need to weigh in on a regular basis to make sure I haven't started to head back in the wrong direction.  So, weighing in, at least weekly, is a must for me.

I'm not sure what to do about this B.S. dilemma.  But, if you are ever driving down Main Street in Kernersville and see a scale in the middle of the road smashed to smithereens...you'll know what happened.

Monday Update

I have completed week #3 of the Hyperspeed Weight Loss Program at Fitness One in Kernersville and here are the results so far.

Drumroll please....

I have lost 8 lbs, 3 inches from my waist and 2.5 inches from my hips!

I have worked so hard for every pound and inch lost, but it is definitely worth it.

Look out Week 4...HERE I COME!

Top 10 Worst Foods for Kids to Eat

http://www.livestrong.com/article/70149-top-worst-foods-kids-eat/?utm_source=jannewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=100126

A New Chapter in My Weight Loss Story

It's been a little over 1.5 years since my lap-band surgery. In that time, I've lost 55 lbs. which I am quite thrilled with. However, I haven't lost a pound in close to a year. I haven't gained any either, which is a good thing, but the plateau has been frustrating since I still have about 60 lbs to go.

I knew in my heart that I was not doing necessary things to continue losing weight. Sure, my meals are still very small and the Lap-Band was doing its job of stopping me from eating too much food. But, I had started eating all the wrong foods (junk food, chips, ice cream, etc.) and my walking workouts were not challenging or consitsent enough to really make a difference. I knew I'd need to do something drastic to get the scale moving again.

Enter the Hyperspeed Weight Loss Program offered at Fitness One in Kernersville. Fitness One trainer and regular guest on the Morning Show, Allen Branch, encouraged me to join the program which guarantees a 20 lb. weight loss in 12 weeks. So, the Monday before last I started the program.

Here's what I am doing...Monday and Wednesay I take a 45 minute Kickbox Fitness class, Tuesday I do a 45 minute Kettlebell class. Friday I work out at home with the Fitness One DVD or my Wii "My Fitness Coach" for 30 mins. and then Saturday I do the 1 hour Circuit Training Boot Camp at Fitness One. I am also following a 1,400 cal diet.

The diet is the easy part thanks to the band. I haven't beenn hungry or felt deprived. However, I have honestly never worked this hard or sweat this much in my life. The first week was pretty brutal because my muscles hurt so bad each day, yet I still had to bite the bullet and work out. But...here's the thing..I DID IT. I made it through. I worked through the pain and discomfort and sweat and I kept going. I know this is no big deal for a lot of people, but for me it is HUGE. I just cannot describe the sense of accomplishment I feel.

I love to watch The Biggest Loser, but I used to get so annoyed when the people start bawling in the weight room. But today, I understand those tears a little more. Those aren't necessarily tears of agony, but tears of pride. They're an expression of "Hell yeah, this hurts but I CAN DO THIS! I'm not stopping. All the lies I have believed about myself are just that...lies." That's what those tears are saying. I almost shed some of those tears myself today!

When I signed up for this program, my thought process was this, "I'll work hard at this for 12 weeks, lose 20 lbs. and then take the rest of the year off." In my mind, a 20 lb. weight loss in one year is great, especially because I know the lap-band will help me keep it off. But, I'm starting to think I can do way better than 20 lbs. If I stick with this I can get the rest of the weight I need to lose off by the end of the year. But, we'll see. This is still only week 2.

If you're a praying person, please, please pray for me. I need to stay motivated. I need to keep this positive attitude. It is so hard to convince myself to go work out at 7:00 in the evening after I've been up and going since 5:00 AM. Even harder is setting the alarm on SATU RDAY MORNING to get up and go work out at 9:00 AM. This goes completely against my nature...my body just wants to rest. So, your prayers are appreciated.

Philippians 4:13-14 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles."