I decided to Google and the first thing I came across was jumping rope. We have one and after seeing the benefits, I decided I would start off each workout day with it. It’s great cardio that works the whole body and burns calories in less time. It helps with bone density, agility, balance and coordination. Plus it’s great for the heart and a more efficient cardiovascular workout than jogging! I started small with only doing 30 seconds and am now doing a full minute before my workouts.
The second thing I tried was rollerblading. I bought blades about a year and a half ago and haven’t used them. From what I was reading, you can get the same benefits as running but it’s easier on the body. I got the younger two in the stroller and went around my neighborhood. The road was too rough and the wheels were getting caught so we ended up on the sidewalk. The problem was just getting going and then having to cross a street. I couldn’t just go! On the way home I was really worn out and barely made it home. I wouldn’t mind trying again but I’d have to find a decent place to do it.
After that fail, it was time to add in weight training. Muscle burns more calories at rest than fat does. My brother was also telling me that with cardio, you burn while doing it but with weight training, you keep burning calories up to 24/48 hours after doing it. At the end of Week 2, I was trying to switch days between cardio and the next day weight training. This continued into Week 3 with a random rest day as needed.
I started Week 3 weighing one pound more than the day before. I know I shouldn’t weigh myself daily but I can’t help it. I also had my first cheat meal. After being strict for 15 days I decided to grab sushi. No guilt here about it. There has to be a balance. I’m working hard to reach my goals but I am still going to enjoy a meal here and there within reason. I also go by something my brother says; "Make it a cheat meal, not a cheat day. A cheat day could ruin a whole weeks worth of progress."
My brother has been my rock through all of this. Halfway through Week 3 and I was feeling a little defeated. The pound I had gained was not coming off and I was working out daily, eating clean with only one cheat meal and just crushing it in general. He has lost a ton of weight, built a ton of muscle and now working on reaching a 12% body fat. After talking about not dropping any weight, he sent me a video and it really put things into perspective. Titled; Lifting Weights & Not Losing Weight. It goes on to explain when you first start using weights, your muscles will store glycogen, energy for your muscles. When you store glycogen, you are going to store some short term water weight. Also when you workout you tear your muscle fibers apart which lead to inflammation. This also stores some short term water weight. But after about 3-5 weeks, the water weight will start to go away.
This really changed my attitude for the week. I know I am making progress even if it is not on the scale. I am doing things that are great for my body and the scale should not be an end all be all for my motivation and goals. I ended Week 3 yesterday with my weigh in and I was still up that pound. I am okay with it! I’m still at a five pound loss for the month, with one more week to go. I worked out for seven days straight so that I could close out all three rings on my Apple Watch to earn a Perfect Week badge. Only to realize this morning that it has to be from Monday- Sunday. I’m okay with that too! It was a great motivation and gives me something to work towards next week. I’ve even noticed some non-scale victories. My stomach and chest both look smaller when I look down, as well as in the mirror. I’ve also noticed a huge difference in cellulite. I had a lot on my legs and hips and it is almost completely gone. I’ll take that as a win for this week. At the end of my next week I’ll be taking measurements along with my weigh in and I’m excited to see the difference off the scale.
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