Losing weight is a transforming experience. I fluctuated between 220-250 pounds for awhile and when I was that heavy I didn’t really KNOW I was that heavy. I still wore revealing clothes, tank tops, etc. I had no idea my arms were huge and probably shouldn’t be shown off.
About 220 Pounds
I didn’t really get to know my body until I started to lose weight. Then the changes were noticeable.
I had a waist
I only had one chin
My thighs no longer rubbed together
Vegas 2008 - 143 Pounds
The big changes for me, were being able to do activities I couldn’t do at 250. I suddenly had stamina. I could hike for hours without having to rest. I could bike 52 miles (like I did this weekend) and not be laid up in bed for two days. 🙂
Why do I exercise as much as I do? Because I like the way my body changed. I like having stamina to do fun things. I have fun doing things outside! I want to run, hike, play in the sunshine, and explore new things.
QUESTION: How has your body changed? And why do you exercise?
On another note….
I got out of work early today, drank half of my Atkins Chocolate Shake, and headed to the gym. I did 38 minutes on the stair-master machine. I took a picture during my warm up phase. The levels looked like this:
Fat Burner Intervals
Since I’m feeling sore still from weeding yesterday, I took it easy and did level 6. I didn’t push myself too much. I wanted to do just enough exercise to stretch my legs out in hopes that I can run tomorrow. After the stair-master, I went upstairs and did some weights for about 10 minutes. It was really crowded and I was pretty done with the gym. So I did my arms and I did the ab machine and I headed home. Calories burned in under an hour: 350.
When I got home, drank the rest of my Atkins Shake and I did my Foam Roller for a bit. Note to self: using the Foam Roller on SORE HAMSTRINGS feels like TORTURE. I seriously wanted to whine and cry and scream! OUCH! But I know it will help my legs feel better. Reach the Beach is in 4 days. 4 days!
Ivie
I can see my body changing, but mostly how I “feel” keeps me motivated to make the right decisions and continuing in a healthier direction.
One thing that caught me a little of guard, was phrase the….”probably shouldn’t be shown off”, if you were comfortable (at the time) and wanted to wear revealing clothes, I think “more power to you”, feeling comfortable in your own skin is a wonderful thing, large or small. When you make the decision to better your health, you know you’ve already started with a good self-esteem and can love yourself, no matter the size. You’ve done a great job and are an inspiration to me, but you shouldn’t put your “larger” self down, you just had a healthy self-esteem (I would guess). I myself, was never afraid to wear a swimsuit. I knew I was overweight, but I was still out to have fun and loved myself.
(If I am taking this wrong, please forgive me.)
Just my thought.
hundredtenpounds
No offense taken. I just look back at my old self and wonder why I let myself get so far.
Ivie
I understand and I feel the same way. Around my 30th birthday, I saw the pictures and didn’t recognize myself. But I like to think I’ve had a pretty good self-esteem through the years, which is a good thing.
vengeanceandvanity
My upper pooch is gone! Also, my face is thinner and my torso is firmer. I’ll take it!
I like what you have to say about liking your stamina–I think it’s incredibly important to focus on ability and goals that have to do with being able to do something rather than just shooting for a number on a scale.
hundredtenpounds
I’ve been trying hard to rethink things and focus less on the scale.
Kellie
I work out because I see it as a gift. God has given me a body that moves and there are so many people out there who would find it such a gift to be able to run, even when I look at it as a chore. I always try and remember that when I don’t want to work out.
hundredtenpounds
Kellie-that’s a good point too! I know that during times when I was injured and couldn’t exercise I was sad and missed it so much. Since I’m currently healthy and not injured, I try to remember that feeling and value the fact that I can work out.
Rachel
The most exciting change I’ve noticed is my ribs. I’m still overweight with a bmi of 30 but when I lay on my bed (for example in bed) I can feel the side of my ribs with my hand. It’s been years and an extra chin ago since I’ve been able to do that. I’m very excited with the peculiar changes I discover on my journey. I’m also a little surprised I didn’t notice these changes going the other way. Oh well, it’s fun. 🙂
hundredtenpounds
Aw yes–I remember the first time I saw my ribs and hip bones! I was like “What is THIS?” 🙂
Beth
The most exciting change for me has been seeing my collar bones come through! I could never really see them before, but now when I wear a shirt that shows off my neck/chest, they are clearly defined. Also, my hip bones. I actually got scared the first time I felt them because I had no idea what they were!
hundredtenpounds
That’s a good one! I can see my collarbones too!
fightingwithfood
As much as I love the changes that I can see, I enjoy the internal feeling that exercise has brought more than anything! When I get into the weight room and lift with the big boys, I feel empowered and amazing! It’s almost like it’s own drug! I go back every day just to get that endorphin high!