I’m about to touch on a topic that I normally don’t discuss on my blog.
Not because I don’t want too, mostly because it’s never been an interest of mine.
Period. At all.
I’m in instant gratification kind of person.
When I work hard + sweat (especially sweat) I want to see immediate results.
For me, working out doesn’t nourish my need for instant gratification.
It’s hard, you have to be consistant and it usually takes 6-8 weeks of consistently working at it to see a difference.
way.too.long
But….
My good friend + neighbor/fashion photographer encouraged me to join a fitness class with her.
I said no.
She kept bugging me. It meets 3 doors down from my house. I ran out of excuses. I went.
If you don’t believe me, here’s our conversation from my first day + then the morning after.
I’m not going to lie.
It’s been hard.
I’ve wanted to quit.
But I fee like I’m getting in a groove. I’m actually starting to enjoy the torture.
I decided that if I’m going to commit to taking better care of my body + what I put in it that I might as well document the journey so I can look back and see the hard work paying off. So I had Ambia, our amazing trainer, measure me last night (blech!) For me, this journey is about having an outlet to release the tension of stressful days balancing work + home life and to tone up and get fit.
Little disclaimer. My hubby took these pictures in our home, at night after I had just worked out my glutes + legs for almost an hour. So that’s why the front facing picture makes me look like a deer in headlights, or a little bit crazy. I guess I am a bit crazy, after not really working out for more than 3 days in the last 14 months, I’ve worked out with Ambia’s class 6 of the last 10 days. In fact, this past Wednesday I was really sore and didn’t go and I actually found myself missing the workout.
Measurements as of 2/28/2013
Shoulders – 39in
Chest – 36.5in
Waist – 29.5in
Hips – 36in
Gluts – 41.25in
Thighs – 22.5in
Calves – 14.75in
Right arm – 11.75
So here’s to seeing those inches shrink! I’ll be sharing new pictures + measurements every 4 weeks. Who knows maybe I’ll be able to do something crazy like the splits or I don’t know, run without huffing and puffing before too long.
Goal: Take a 1/2 inch off as many of those places as possible in the next 4 weeks.
Hope you’re having a great weekend.
Any tips for helping to stick it out through the hard first few weeks?
Kimmie says
Okay I just started this today. Took my measurements and then bawled my eyes out. It was HOT today and I couldn’t fit in my shorts. SO, after freaking out and being dramatic, I have a “before” photo taped to the inside of our pantry and placed on our fridge so that when I go to snack, I can see my shorts in all of their unbuttoned miserable glory. Photos are great motivators! You’ve got this, girl. XO
Alissa Circle says
taking measurements is so hard.
i seriously was picturing my 18 year old body that i’ll never have again
but i also realize that i’m a mom and more than loosing weight, I’m just trying to take care of myself.
but girl, you look amazing!!!! xoxox
Alissa says
I also started a similar journey! You’re WAY brave to blog about it! If you have found yourself missing the workout, then you’ve definitely got past the point of motivation and are making it a part of your lifestyle! Keep it up! Thanks for always being such an inspiration! xoxo
Alissa Circle says
yes, I do find myself missing my workouts on the weekend, maybe i have gotten past the hurdle. I still feel like I go back and forth with myself everyday b.c I know it’s going to hurt, but I’m always glad I go. I could never do it by myself. haha having the accountability helps. To be honest, I never thought anyone would read this post, I was more just posting it for myself. But I’m so glad we can all uplift each other and keep each other accountable.
Jordyn says
you can do it! all the hard work WILL pay off and you’ll be so glad you started! i was right there with you a year ago and now being fit is such a big part of my life. it just makes you feel great!
Alissa Circle says
thank you!!! at what point did you feel you started to notice a difference? like those inches coming off?
Priscila says
You can do it! Joining you in the journey ( I have a couple of vacation pounds I need to lose!). And once you start exercising, it’s very addicting, you will see!
Alissa Circle says
YAY! lets do it together!
Natalia says
Get it girl!! That’s amazing! I’m a total inconsistent worker-outer so I don’t have too many tips except keep it up and you’ll like it! And when those results start kicking in, it will make it so much better & worth it!
Alissa Circle says
love you! thanks for the encouragement!
Brittany@lovestitched says
way to go girl!!! I need to do this too…. I just barely started working out again and I should take pics and document it so I a held accountable! ha! good luck!
Alissa Circle says
let’s do it together! we can keep each other accountable and look fab together at SNAP! Miss you!! xoxo
Courtney @ Journey of a Dreamer says
Ahh hooray! First of all – you already look amazing!! Just keep it up. There will be days when you don’t want to go or you want to quit, but don’t let yourself! It might not get easier, but you will get better at it. Keep it up!
Alissa Circle says
thank you!! I think Lululemon’s help you cheat a little. They are like miracle workout clothes, haha I’m really hoping it gets easier, I know it’s crazy but after 6 days i do feel stronger in some areas. I even feel like I’m shrinking in some areas too but it’s too soon to tell. thanks for the encouragement!! xoxo
Teressa Mackey says
I’m so proud of you for posting photos and measurements! BRAVE.
I blogged about eating well.. which I’m sure you have thought about / try to do! That is honestly something that helps me feel better and gives me energy, which then makes me want to work out….. Then when I work out it makes me crave healthy foods. It becomes a nice little cycle.
Processed foods, sugary, and high caloric foods just drain me.
GOOD LUCK .. you are already looking fab!
Tamara says
Good for you! That is awesome! You won’t regret working out! If you want some at home ideas check out my blog, http://www.theworktoutmama.com.
xoxo, Tamara
Sandra says
Way to go! Congrats on sticking with it! That is the hardest part in the beginning…then you start to enjoy it..no really…hee hee… we are almost the exact same measurements! As soon as my health gets back on track ( I have Colitis & trying to control a flare at the moment…first thing’s first) I am getting back into the swing of things and will be on this journey with you! “Think of the soreness as your fat crying because it’s dying” a friend told me…thought it was hilarious so I wanted to pass that along!
Keep up the good work! It will be so worth it and you will be so proud of all the sweat & tears when you reach your goal! Looking forward to the updates!
Lindsay says
You go girl! The hardest part is actually getting out and DOING the workout, but you’ve got a friend to go with which seriously makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE. Proud of you!
Lindsay Roberts says
So proud of you friend. Its all in your mindset. Focus on what you want 🙂
Sonia says
Hey there!
It seems you are already on the right track with the measurements and before pictures. Relying on the scale can be discouraging at times, but when you can go back and actually see your progress it makes it all worth it.
How are your eating habits? I’ve learned first hand that you can work out 5-6 times a week, but it won’t make much difference if you’re eating the wrong things. I’ve recently started eating clean(ER) and have noticed such a huge difference in not only my appearance, but in my energy.
Best if kuch to you! I can’t wait to follow your progress.
Chrissy @the pearl blog says
So proud if you friend. And by the looks of these pics you do not need to work out. Thanks for sharing your honesty with us, you are a true inspiration. Motivating me to consider working out next week lol
annelise @ aunie sauce says
ALYSSA, I LOVE THIS!! You know me, I’m ALL ABOUT fitness. I’m so proud of you to take this step. You’re so right, it begins on the inside… and look at you! Lookin’ great already. I can’t wait to see what happens next!