Weight Loss Challenge

In November 2010, I started a weight loss plan.  This plan was more on my own than with the help of a gym or anything like that. 

After my Papaw passed away in March, I began spending the night with my Mamaw at least one day a week.   During those sleepovers, I caught up on the news in Franklin by reading the newspaper.  On one particular visit, I saw an ad for the Franklin Health and Fitness Center.  They offer a 12-Week Weight Loss Challenge to their members.  The ad stated that the following week they were hosting a seminar as to the ins/outs of the program.  I decided that I would at least go to the seminar and see what it was all about.  At the seminar, I was presented with a lot of positive feedback and positive results from past contestants.  I was discouraged about the price as it was expensive.  But I knew I wanted the weight off and in a healthy manner.  I wanted to tone and strengthen as I lost weight.  I finally decided that I would join the challenge.  I knew if I spent the money required that I would make 100% sure that I took the challenge seriously as to not waste a penny of my hard-earned money. 

The Challenge uses the BodyBugg calorie management system.  The bodybugg is a device that sits on the backside of your arm.  It is able to calculate how many steps you take and how many calories burned.  I would wear my BB all day everyday and would log foods consumed into the website.  This would show where I needed improvement and where I was succeeding.  The kicker was...not only could I see the website and my daily results, but so could my trainer.  She would review the daily/weekly activity as well as any foods I had logged.  If I stepped the least bit out of line on my eating, Tiff was there to crack the whip.  We also had to meet with the trainer at least 2x/week for a training session.  We could meet more times, but that cost additional.  I was satisfied with my two weekly sessions. 

Prior to the beginning of the Challenge, I had to meet with my trainer and log my beginning weight, measurements and fitness capability. I had to do as many crunches and push-ups that I could in 1 minute; as well as documenting the time it took me to run a mile. For a girl who hadn't done a lot of physical activity such as this in a looooong time...it was painful to say the least.

At the end of each week, we had to weigh in and log it in our charts. Depending on our weight loss, determined whether or not we were on the leader board.  This is definitely a place you wanted your name!  It meant prizes in the end!  At the end of each 4 weeks, I would do the fitness test again (crunches, push-ups, and fastest mile) and retake measurements to document the progress made within the month.  It was nice to see the numbers go down. 

The first day of the actual Challenge found me to be absolutely scared to death.  I was afraid I was setting myself up for a epic failure.  I arrived for the training session and by the time the one hour session was over, I thought I was going to die.  The next day I was horribly sore but as time went on, I found the soreness to subside and my endurance to increase. 

A typical training session would go something like this: 

-5-10 minute warm up on the treadmill (this meant running...NOT walking)

-walking lunges (with at least a two 10lb-15lb weights)

-side stepping squats (with at least two 10lb-15lb weights)

-50 crunches on the bosu

-50 oblique crunches on the bosu

-arm throws with a 10-20lb medicine ball

-5-10 minutes on the Stair Master (I loathed this part)

-stretching

I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but let me tell you....I was near death at the end of each session.  The workouts ranged from flipping tires, juggling ropes, boxing, spinning, running to the water tower, stairs, etc.  It was hard work, but it really built up my stamina and endurance.  At the end of the first month, I was a little discouraged because I had only lost about 6lbs.  BUT I was singing a different tune, when I realized that I had lost 9 inches!  I didn't feel like I was doing it all for nothing.  I was seeing results and THAT is what I was after!

I was so please at the end of the third month that I decided to sign up for the next 12-week challenge.  Mainly because I had been engaged during the first challenge and I wanted to continue my efforts to look amazing for our wedding day. 

This is a breakdown of my measurements from the first challenge to the end of the second challenge:

            04.13.11    10.06.11      TOTAL LOST

Neck:     14.25         13.25                 1.00

Chest:    40.00         37.00                 3.00

Waist:    33.50         31.25                 2.25

Abs:        40.50         32.00                 8.50

Hips:       46.00        41.00                  5.00

Thigh:    27.50         23.00                 4.50

Calf:       16.00         15.00                 1.00

Arm:      13.50         12.00                  1.50

                                                           26.75 inches lost in 6 months

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with my trainer and the other people in the challenge.  They all made a deep impression on me in one way or another.  Although I'm currently not in the challenge, when time and money permits, I would love to do it again. 

After coming back from our honeymoon, working and being a part-time student I've let myself go. 

I've not gained too many pounds, but the fact is, I have gained.  But what upsets me most is the fact that I've lost the muscle tone I was rocking.  Not that it was a lot, but I felt the best I ever have. 

Since November 2010, I have lost a total of 39.6lbs and a total of 35.75 inches.  I am proud of my accomplishments, but I want more.  I would like to lose another 40lbs this next year.  With that, Operation Skinny Cow is back in full swing and I am so excited!!!