50 Pounds Ago....

In November 2010, I began my weight loss journey with the anthem of "Go Hard or Go Home." At that time I weighed 265 pounds. The decision to really focus on losing weight came from being laid off and having extra time on my hands. I knew that I wanted to be fit and healthy -- there was no time like the present. I also knew that I could not depend on a "workout partner" but myself and God. My biggest motivator was reduced health risks to cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. All of which run in my family along with being overweight.

So....I started working out three to four times a week and developed an addiction to spinning/cycling and TurboKick! I was focused on cardio to increase endurance and to melt away the fat. I have found that I am more successful taking classes at my local athletic club. The music is great and I didn't have to wonder what I was going to be doing next - like which machine to get on next. Initially, I was very sore the following day after hard workouts. However, I promised myself that I was push through the pain. In fact, I welcomed the pain....No pain, no gain.

After two months, I increased my workouts to six days a week for a total of nine classes! I incorporated a bootcamp class twice a week focused on strength training. In addition to an increase in classes, I began to write down EVERYTHING I ate (calories included). I mean everything like ketchup, butter, and salad dressing. Writing down everything forced me to be aware of the food I ate. As a result, I have dramatically reduced my intake of empty calories.

Now at this point in my journey, the second phase, I am taking the Insanity Challenge. For those of you that do not know what Insanity is....it is INSANE. Insanity is an intense cardiovascular and plyometrics 60 day body conditioning workout program ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSccVzdYhmI). I am convinced that the individuals that take this challenge are not right in the brain. So I guess that means me!!!

At 215 lbs. I am committing to this program for the next 60 days. I am SO EXCITED!! I will be posting updates and pictures as I go along this journey. I hope that I can motivate and inspire others to make changes to their lifestyles through diet and a commitment to physical fitness. I have learned that it is a commitment and not a phase. Below are pictures, from the neck down, of me at the beginning of my journey (my hair was a mess....LOL!!!).

Check back tomorrow for my current picture as I start the INSANITY challenge - GO HARD or GO HOME!!!