40 Days | Weightloss Healthgain Journey

I haven't always been over weight. It started months before I got pregnant with Asher, and over the years with depression, abusive marriage, and health issues snow-balled out of control. Without having a thyroid now and being diagnosed with POI, in theory it should make weight loss difficult but still, not impossible.

Last year I faithfully went to Gold's Gym with a friend on average 5 times a week. I did not lose any weight and though I did develop some definition in my calves and I could tell my endurance was increasing, but that's about it. I felt like I was becoming weaker. I think some of it had to do with a poor diet and also, that I was mostly doing cardio. It's sad the events that had to take place to get me to the point of being fed up and ready to prove the world wrong - but I'll count it as grace. 

Back in April, I joined the YMCA and I'm so grateful I did! It's been a wonderful thing for our family; Ash and Macie go to "Youth Fitness Class" and Zeke likes to lift weights! Since the end of April I've been taking Body Pump twice a week. Body Pump is a weight-based class and it is amazing! I have always LOVED weights. LOVE!!! This is also the first exercise class I've ever taken. I'll never forget the first time I took the class...I was so sore but it increased the following two days...for 3 whole days walking up/down stairs, sitting down, getting up HURT SO FREAKING BAD. Literally my butt hurt! I worked muscles I didn't even know I had. I realized this was a challenge and I'm up for a good ole challenge, so, I've been sticking with it. I've never been that sore since.

In addition to Body Pump, I'll add a little bit of cardio at the end (usually stairs or elliptical). For the most part, I usually go to the gym a third day for more exercise. Ideally, I'd love to go to the gym daily and on my BP off days work different areas of the body. That is the goal.

I can tell I've lost weight but haven't weighed myself. I'm not as concerned with numbers as I am with inches and I regret not having measured myself from the start! I can tell I am getting stronger, not weaker like last year. I am starting to see definition in arms/shoulders, legs and bottom. Shirts are becoming looser around my stomach and shoulders. Pants are becoming looser in my thighs and around my bottom and waist. This is all exciting!!!

Well, I wanted to step it up a notch and set a date to get really intense and serious about this. To see how far I could push myself within said amount of time. That's where the 40 days comes in...Here's what I shared on Instagram:

40 days.

I've had a hard time with setting days for goals. What is the right length of time?! Today at church the pastor talked about the biblical significance of 40 days saying God has used it for a time of preparation (i.e., Christs' resurrection to the day of Pentecost). Some say 40 days is more of a time of trial, test, probation. While others yet say there is no hidden meaning behind 40 days; it's just 40 days.

Meaning aside, it stuck out to me and so I now choose 40 days for myself. With all that has happened in my life with health, relationships, habits - choices in general, I'm choosing to take the next 40 days to make some radical changes. I hope to see much "gains" ;) in the areas of my health/fitness, relationships, self, and relationship with Christ. I dedicate this time to Him, being mindful that I want to live my life in a way that is both pleasing and glorifying to Him. I can do this by the way I take care of myself and how I interact with others.

Why do I share this publicly? Accountability! Though some details will remain private, hold me accountable that on that day I will need to share with you the positive changes made. I don't wanna show up with no "gains" (haha!) or improvements made. I wanna prove others wrong about me and my abilities...but most importantly, I want to prove myself wrong. I. Can. I. Will. Do. This.

I will become the best version of me.

So that's the some of things. June 23rd will be 40 days!!! It will be here in no time at all and I hope no matter the final results that I stick to it and don't give up!!! I have a goal in my mind and I want to see it through. I want to be fit for confidence, for health, for setting an example, for honoring the Lord with my body. But the 40 days is supposed to be more than just the physical aspect...I've been spending more time in the word, usually reading a Proverb a day and also The First 5 app I have from Proverbs 31. I want to continue to grow in Christ...I want to live a life pleasing to Him, I don't want to commit the sins I have in the past. I want all my relationships to be ones that make Him proud! I'm definitely a work in progress, but hey, aren't we all?! ;)

5/19/16 210lb

5/26/16

Started pre-workout & protein shakes. 6/1/16

6/4/16 Instagram

Haha, I feel more strong than I look. 😉

I have to just say I'm so thankful to be on this journey. Though I've always loved working out, for many years I had excuses why I couldn't. It took for one more heartbreak for the strong desire to "prove them wrong" to settle in. Proving "them" wrong is no longer my reason, I now do this for me (my health and wellbeing), my kids (to set an example and to be around for them as long as possible), and for my God (to honor Him). This is a good example how God took something meant to harm me and used it for my good.

I am not there yet and it may be years before I reach my goal, but I'm determined to see it through. Too much is at stake here and through the wonderful world of social media I have great accountability. 😉😘💪🏋✌ #letsdothis #onwardandupward #40days #committed #weightloss #healthgain #wellness #fitness #fitfam #girlswholift #forhisglory #iamworthit