When I was younger it was so easy to work out and stay slim and trim. I took dance at least 3 times a week and could easily do pull ups and more. But life happened, I got lazy with my routine and even suffered from depression due to loss of loved ones, economic stress and the challenges we all face from time to time in life. Honestly, life is hard and sometimes you just want a break from the stress.
But enough about that…I’m ready to get back in shape and continue my journey to feel in control of life and accept happiness as a lifestyle choice. In other words this chick is ready to go from fat to fit ( although I’m not fit…just not in the shape I’m use to being in).
I’m looking forward to the journey because it’s the first time I’m doing something because I’m inspired to do so. I’m doing this for me…not anybody else and it feels good. So what’s my strategy to lose weight?
I’m making a promise to myself to workout 7 days a week for 1 hour or more each day to increase my physical fitness and improve my health. Right now I want to focus on my core and upper body strength. Here is how I plan to do it:
- 35-40 minutes of cycling
- 20-40+ leg press
- 50+ weight lifting
- 10 minute walk
Once I feel capable of doing adequate pull ups will be my next step, but I’m determined to tone my core, lose weight, build up my upper body strength and tone up my legs. I’m going to track my results 3, 6, 9, 12 to improve my health. It’s important to me to keep my eyes on the prize for myself and gradually make it a habit.
To make sure I don’t give up on my workout routine, I don’t plan to do anything extreme until I’m ready for it. I’m doing this specifically to make sure I continue working out no matter where I may be. This is my best time to get back into the shape I was in at 16 because there is no justification to put it off. I thank God for putting me in a place to get myself back into really good shape. I’m ready to find the time to get into a regular exercise routine. I’m here to do it now so I won’t regret never doing it at all.
In addition to increasing exercise, I am going to continue working on my healthy eats and beverages. This includes drinking lemon water or plain water before meals to make sure I am full ahead of meal times. This is a great way to prevent one’s self from shoveling food and adding on unnecessary calories. Portion control plays a major role into weight loss and I am here for it. I’m not here to deny myself of food, but I am here … mindful of what I put in my body. I especially think will help me because I already do plenty of home cooking to stay mindful of the food I eat. Here is to living healthier. I’ll keep you up to date on my journey.
– Briana Booker, Editor of Fromgirltogirl
