I've gained and lost the same 15 or so pounds over and over again, like some cruel Groundhog's Day hoax. I'd lose it, using an expensive pre-packaged food diet program, keep it off a year or so, and then slowly gain it back. After a few years feeling chubby, I'd start the cycle over again.
I liked to think I was into yoga. But I wasn't really. I liked the thought of it, but only once in my life actually sustained a daily practice - which lasted maybe 4 months.
15 or so pounds doesn't sound so bad to some of you reading, I'm sure. But, on a small framed 5'3" person, it can make a big difference.
So, my story begins when a friend sent me a photo of myself playing photographer somewhere.
Friends, for a few seconds, I didn't realize it was me...until I recognized my red hair. Yes, it was that bad. In that instant I realized something needed to be done. Like yesterday. I asked around over at a favorite online mom hangout of mine, and saw mentions of P90x...so I checked it out. I liked what I saw, and I liked the testimonials of other moms just like me...but the price caused me some hesitation at first. I thought about it, talked to Sky about it - and then decided to go for it. The price was actually a very motivating factor; I decide I didn't want this program to be just another fitness video I added to my dusty, unused pile of fitness videos. After researching a bit more, getting a Beachbody coach (publishers of P90X) and asking lots of questions, I decided to spend a month working out with Jillian Michael's 30day Shred first, before tackling p90x. I did read about people more out of shape and heavier than I doing well with p90x by just doing as much as they could, but I realized I would be more apt to quit if the program was shockingly difficult for my marshmallow / cream-puff body.
I had used the 30day Shred before, and enjoyed it (as much as you can enjoy working out!) but hadn't stuck with it more than two weeks or so. I decided to up my walking routine, do the 30Day Shred everyday, and begin counting/ tracking calories using My Fitness Pal. (click over here to read my post on My Fitness Pal)
I am so glad I followed this route before ordering P90X. I'll talk about why in my next post. For now, I'll leave you with the relevant stats:
Pre- 30Day Shred/exercise/counting calories:
May 7, 2012
Weight 133.5
waist: 30" hips: 37"