Friday, May 6, 2011

First Friday Fitness - May Edition

April was not a good month for me.  I totally lost my fitness mojo.
I was unmotivated.
I was tired of logging.
I was tired of counting calories.
I was tired of feeling deprived.

So I ate more calories, just trying to make healthy choices as I did, not always succeeding.

Right now I'm struggling with finding that magical balance between eating healthy and enjoying life.  Between what number on the scale will satisfy me and how much more time I need to spend obsessing over every bite  and logging every calorie.  At what point is it enough?

I quit going to the gym and went back to real basics where exercise is concerned - strength training at home with exercises using body weight (planks, bridges, push-ups) and free weights.  When I started I could barely do a single "girl" push-up (on your knees).  I can now do 8 or 9 in a row, with about 5 of those being in good form.  Ultimately, I want to be able to do real push-ups - from the toes - and be able to do 15 or 20 in form.

Here's the outcome of a month totally lacking in mojo:



My weight is exactly where it was a month ago. But I have to be honest and tell you that in the past month I've only seen the down side of 170 on three or four occasions, most of them fairly recently.

Yesterday I actually saw 169.  But today no amount of leg shaving, nail clipping, or foot buffing was going to budge the scale.  Oh well, the ritual is a good excuse for a little personal pampering, right?

I realize this means my goal of 165 by my birthday is simple not going to happen.  Short of a miracle or radical surgery, neither of which I'm counting on.  But I'm okay with it.  And still learning to love me.

15 comments:

scrappyjacky said...

It's interesting,Cheri, that what you've said here is very similar to what Kathy Z said this month....and you're right...it's finding that 'magical balance'....because there's no point in being fit and slim if everything you have to do to get there makes you miserable....being healthy and happy is more important.

Melissa said...

Cheri - that is an awesome photo of you. You are looking great! I'm totally with you on wanting to do the real push-ups; I can do about five of the on-your-knees ones right now in good form also.

Anonymous said...

You are looking so good! There will be bumps, everyone has them, I think the main thing is you aren't letting you stop you - inspirational. :)

alexa said...

And how courageous you are, keeping going.:) No gain in a month is still a plus, right? And I can't even do any sort of press-up!

furrypig said...

I think you have done so well, it does get really hard at times and really boring! I think given that you weren't doing as much calorie counting etc etc you haven't put anything on so that is brill!!

Tammy said...

Good for you for sticking with it! I've been struggling with it a lot lately and because I'm so busy with moving, I'm not beating myself up over not working out. But the scale is going up, so I know I NEED to work out more. Working out at home can be just as effective as going to the gym. Just stay with it and keep making good choices!

Anonymous said...

Finding that balance is the trick! I've been trying to find it for at least ten years. The older I get, the harder it seems to find it. I truly admire your tenacity; I know you'll succeed. It just may take more time than you'd like.

MonicaB said...

Balance is the trick and that balance will always be shifting so it makes it even trickier. Your doing great! Just keep trying different things until it feels right.

Kelly Miller said...

I have advice about balance, but I do want to say that I think you look great! Perhaps you needed a month to tread water so that you can find something else that motivates you. Maybe a different type of exercise or a group challenge?

Anonymous said...

Seriously, I admire you for doing any kind of food watching and exercise. Scales don't always tell the whole story, you really are doing great! scrappysue

Clair said...

Cheri. I popped over to tell you take the plunge and join the counterfeit challenge this month even though neither of us like the kit - try one of the other kits. Then I got hooked by this! I cannot tell you how brave I think you are, sharing all this. It's an inspiration. I totally need to shift a few...I was going to say pounds but I think limbs might be more appropriate.

Keep going. It will be worth it x

Cheryl said...

Mojo or no, you look fantastic, Cheri!

Denise said...

I seriously admire your tenacity too - it certainly gets harder as you get older.The minute I start to think 'diet' I rebel against myself !!! well done you for keeping going :-)

Ginger said...

You look absolutely fantastic!! Think of how far you've come Cheri! Things will happen for you, and your quote on the layout says it all!

Julie Ann Rachelle Interior Design said...

You look GREAT!!!! I'm jealous. I would love to be at 170 or 169. I'm at 190 right now. :( :( :( I think it's perfectly ok to take time off and then get inspired again. You can do it! xoxo