I want to push myself further than I think I am capable of pushing myself.
I want to learn new ways to exercise.
I want some accountability.
I want to improve my overall fitness.
I want new ways to strength train while still burning calories.
I want to be able to lift harder for work.
I want to be more flexible.
I want better balance.
I want to achieve my goals faster if possible.
Some people don't understand this, and that's ok. But I know why I'm doing it, and I feel like my husband gets why I'm doing it, and the trainer gets why I'm doing it. That's all I need. I'm no longer going to sit by and watch life pass me by.
Today in the middle of the fourth task he gave me, he said something that rang very true to me. He said "I bet you scare a lot of people." I knew exactly what he meant. I like it. I think what he means is that I motivate people. I impress people. I make people think. I intimidate people. I surprise people. And I can attract people who want to cut me down, but I'm having none of that.
The first thing someone should know about me is that I'm a competitive, stubborn woman and when I set my mind on something, I want to do it. I become obsessed. I am the the thing. I have the drive. And I have set my mind on fitness. The problem is that many people are unaware of what I mean when I say my mind is set on fitness. I'm not setting my mind on x number of pounds, although at my weight, that is the biggest motivator and metric that you will see change. I'm setting my mind on fitness. I understand what I'm doing, and I know what works. I have not always taken action and executed my knowledge to my fullest potential, but it is there. Do not assume that just because I am morbidly obese (for a few more pounds), that I don't know what I'm doing, that I don't understand the correct way to lose weight, to exercise and to make this happen.
Why am I ranting about this? Simply because not one, but TWO people told me this weekend that I was doing it wrong. That I, the girl who's lost 20 lbs in less than 2 months is doing it wrong. They said that I should only do cardio because there's some 'toning' involved, and that's how I burn the most calories. I can worry about building muscle later. I was also told I don't want to look like a gross bodybuilder. These people actually have no clue, but they assume because of my size that I am uneducated.
Fact: I started at 290 lbs. I've lost 20 so far.
Fact: I have 125 lbs to lose.
Fact: If you lose 125 lbs without frequent strength training you are going to have some problems. Big problems, they are called hanging skin.
Fact: You can do some serious strength training while pushing your cardio, especially by working in a circuit.
Fact: I burned 600 calories last time I did a 60 minute Zumba class, and I burned over 800 calories today doing 'personal training.'. I burned 800 calories and I am going to be sore tomorrow, because I did strength training and cardio at the same time (what a concept).
Fact: Strength training does not make you into some crazy female body builder unless you are really going for that, and that's ok too - they can still look pretty damn sexy. Strength training makes you look like Michelle Obama or a great dancer.
Fact: The scale may go up this week because I will retain water from my training, but I'm building a more fuel efficient body. A pound of muscle burns more calories than a pound of fat. I'd take an additional pound of muscle any day, and those fat pounds will shed eventually.
Fact: If you tell me that I shouldn't work out because I will gain muscle weight, and that's bad, then I can guarantee I will not take advice. You may know how to get skinny, but you don't know how to get fit
Fact: Strength training in intervals pushes you to increase your metabolism. You will keep burning more calories throughout the rest of the day than you would from walking on a treadmill for 60 minutes.
Fact: This lady below is one of my inspirations, and she works out, and she lifts like a boss. I'll take that body any day!
Yes, this was a bit of a venting post, but I feel better now! Plus, you can't help but smile back when you end with the FLOTUS(First Lady of the United States)*!
Edit to add: The next post will show the more positive side of influencing people. I promise. Or it might be about food. It's anyone's guess.
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