Movin' on Up...and Down at the Same Time!

This whole work out gig is just one big numbers game! If you stop to think about it, everything about your work out goals involves numbers: goal weight, clothes size, body fat composition, weight lifting, repetitions...I could probably keep going. Like I said, just a whole bunch of numbers.

What do these numbers mean? Which is the most important? How do you know what to do and when? It can definitely seem overwhelming at times, especially to those just beginning on this journey to health. I can understand why so many give up, or just start looking for a "miracle pill"...this stuff is hard work! I will let you in on a little secret...shhhh, don't tell anybody...there is no EASY way!!! This is the "easy" way; all you have to do is make the right choices, PERIOD!

Many years ago now, I worked in a gym. I lived, slept, ate, and drank working out; I lived in that place!  I knew what I was doing then, and I had trainers all around me that I could learn from. But, as the years passed and I let all that go, I reached a place of desperation and didn't know where to start. In this case, there was no picking up where I left off.

I did take the first step all by myself, but that just got me in the door of Redefined Fitness. I have been blessed to have two awesome people take my under their wing and kick my bootay into gear. Donte and Laurie Anglade, of Redefined Fitness, are my "miracle pill". Mixed with my determination and hard work, there is no way that I will not reach my goals; they won't take "no" for an answer. I just needed a fire lit under my butt :)

Here are a few pictures, from over this past last year, that will give you a glimpse at where I started -

Exhibit A - Easter 2012

Exhibit B - June 2012

Exhibit C - July 2012

I've been sitting here staring at these pictures trying to figure out what to say...and there just are no words! All I can muster up is, "Holy Cow!" - literally!

The last picture is from less than 3 months ago. Now let's take a look at a few recent pics -

Now let's do a few number comparisons...

Before Numbers:
Weight - 161 lbs.
Clothes sizes - Large shirts/6, 8, & 10 pants
Sit Squats - 35 pounds
Lunges - no weight
Sumo Squats - 25 pounds

Now Numbers:
Weight - 149 lbs.
Clothes sizes - Medium shirts/4 & 6 pants
Sit Squats - 70 pounds
Lunges - 50 pounds
Sumo Squats - 45 pounds

I'm not going to list out everything, just wanted a little glimpse into the accomplishments and improvement I've made in LESS than 2 months and how I was able to make the transition from the first set of pics to the second. I'm proud and mind blown at the same time. Was it really this "easy"? I will attest to the fact that having a trainer makes ALL the difference in the world (Thank you, Donte & Laurie!). They have knowledge that you don't have, regardless of how smart you THINK you are; and they will push you, like you will NEVER push yourself. It is a fact, don't even try to argue with me on this one!

As for the numbers, I would have to say at the end of the day, the most important number is your body fat composition percentage; but, in order to get that where it should be, you've got to work! That being said, you cannot get to where you need and want to be without making the right exercise and eating decisions. So, I'm going to have to conclude that the most important numbers are those that you pump out in the gym...so just give up the crap and laziness and get to work! Take those gym numbers up, so the others can come on down!

Phillipians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Till next time ~ Allison