Over the past six months, I've been tracking my food and exercise using the My Fitness Pal app and have made a good number of changes in my eating habits (eating less, drinking smaller cans of Coca-Cola, adding more vegetables, cutting down on the number of sweets, etc). My energy level has steadily increased and my word FUN has helped me focus on the good things and maintain a positive attitude. Another thing that has helped me tremendously is the fact that Robbie is making these changes with me!
I've also dramatically increased the amount of time I spend exercising. Here at home, I consistently ride the stationary bike 30 minutes five to seven days a week. I also add in the occasional strength training session and workouts with a DVD. However, the best thing I've done is add in weekly sessions with a personal trainer. We have a city recreation center a mile down the road from our house. I joined the center and got the contact information for Sherri, a personal trainer that meets me at the center and designs personalized workouts.
We've had several sessions where we exercised outside. I truly enjoyed getting outside in the sunshine this spring, however now that summer temperatures have arrived it'll be a while before we can do one of these again. Here's a look at some of the exercises in the outdoor routine. First, my favorite . . . skipping!
Step Up, Step Down using a park bench.
Push-Ups using a picnic table or the playground equipment.
Squats with a kick out on the stairs.
And lunges with a kick on the stairs.
Most sessions, however, we workout inside the recreation center using a variety of equipment - exercise/stability ball, medicine balls, bosu balance trainer, weight machines, treadmill, jump rope, free weights, etc.
It's a great feeling to complete a workout knowing I've increased the amount of the weight (I can lift or push or pull or whatever) and the number of reps I can complete. I'm feeling much more comfortable working out in a public place, and Sherri is absolutely fantastic to work with. (She's even willing to carry my cell phone around and snap photos!) [If you're local and looking for a trainer, email me for Sherri's contact information!]
Another benefit of paying to work out with a personal trainer is that it keeps me motivated to be more active at home. I've even cancelled our lawn service and am now back to mowing the yard myself again! (Robbie does all the weedeating & edging!)
I'm absolutely thrilled with the results of all my efforts this year - I'm feeling better, more energetic, more confident . . . and I've lost 17 pounds and 2 pants sizes in the process!!
Do any of you work out with a personal trainer? What would you say are the benefits?
major kudos on your success girl! I haven't had a gym membership or worked out with a personal trainer since before my fibro diagnosis. Someday I need to get back to it. But I need some motivation first!
ReplyDeleteyou're doing so great! I'm proud of you. and you look terrific!
ReplyDeleteAwesome photos, and awesome results! After six months of being sidelined with tendinitis, I have an appointment on Wednesday with a new personal trainer to set up a new routine. It's long overdue, and as much as I hate to exercise, I'm actually looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteWell done you, Melissa - that's a fantastic result and don't you look great? Wishing you continued success and cheering you on!
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing!
ReplyDeleteWow! You are looking good!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on keeping on with your goals and getting such good results. Wookie just bought a push mower figuring that plus raking out the thatch would be a great workout.
ReplyDeleteOne of the parks near our new house has an outside gym - I plan on using it several times during the week once I'm healed. Wookie and Ewok are planning a place for our exercise equipment too in the garage.
You are looking fantastic! There is a healthy glow from those photos you should be very proud of
ReplyDeleteWell done Melissa!..you look and sound great!
ReplyDeleteAlison xx
You look wonderful and have a beautiful healthy glow to you. Keep having fun!!
ReplyDeleteOh how amazing ... So proud of you. Well done. You look happy and healthy, keep on doing what you're doing it's working wonders x
ReplyDeleteYou look fabulous! Getting healthier was not just personal choice but doctor's orders for me. I got a FitBit and that wakes you up to how little you are doing. I am also accountable to my nutritionist, she sees my FitBit and My Fitness Pal accounts!!
ReplyDeleteGood for you Melissa! You are looking great!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! My gym is basically small group personal training, and I love it. I joined their eating plan this year, and I've also lost 17 pounds! It makes such a difference in my energy level and how my clothes fit.
ReplyDeleteRinda
Good for you Melissa - you are looking great and that's a fab weight loss.
ReplyDeleteI've lost nearly 40lb over the last 30 months and feel much better for it - I *ought* to up my exercise a little to tone things up again.
Congrats! You are fabulous!
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