Documenting

Welp, here it is- the beginning of a long-term effort (rather, life-long effort) of working towards a healthier me. I know. Nothing new. Everyone’s doing it. Or… at least wanting to do it. But, nevertheless, I’m still on board. Lord help me.

I’ve always enjoyed documenting- whether it’s writing, blogging, journaling, taking pictures and video, or creating scrapbooks. I’m quite sure that many people share the same pastime…as made obvious by the many blogs that are now available online that are filled with pictures, facts, data, recipes, videos, and anything else you can possibly think of. So why am I doing this? Well, I guess it’s the very reason why I enjoy documenting- to be able to look back and see what I’ve experienced, both good and bad.

I’ve been seriously working towards making changes towards better health for the past year or so, but the newest chapter started last week. While it was a long, thought out decision, I finally hired a personal trainer to help me work towards my weight loss goals. I first learned of Lydia’s position as a trainer a few months back when I was talking to some of her clients that she had worked with. It sparked my interest and I finally had the chance to sit down and talk with her. I learned that she was a trainer at NFPT at a convenient location (for me!) downtown, and a week later I came into the studio she works at for a tour. I found a clean, private, inviting studio, and when I walked out, I already had made up my mind that I’d be back regularly, and that Lydia and I would probably be seeing each other much more often.

Fast forward to week one! Lydia had me set goals, which are now hanging on a tack board in my room….clear for me to see each and every day. She also suggested that I add before/after pictures of other women for even more inspiration. I even snapped a few ‘before’ pictures of myself, in hopes that I can look back (remember….documenting!) on them and see that I’ve accomplished some results.

When I came into NFPT on day one, my heart was racing in anticipation to get this new chapter started. Lydia took a few measurements, looked over my goals, gave me some feedback, and I was on to the weights. She had me max out to find the highest weight I could lift in high repetition, and soon the hour was up and I was on my way home feeling inspired.

Day two: I came in and Lydia took a few last measurements, one being super helpful for me and certainly gave me more hope that my weight loss goals were attainable. I learned that an average, healthy woman’s body should be made up of 19% body fat. Lydia used a device that accurately measured my body fat and gave me good, realistic perspective on what my goals should be for my body type. We moved onto my workout, which was made up of high rep weight training as well as using my own body’s weight to break down my muscles. Honestly, when I was finished, I got home and just about collapsed on the floor. I talked with a friend who helped me to remember that even though this was super hard, it would get easier. Lydia would continue to push me, but my body will certainly become conditioned and stronger. Right?

On day three, I walked out of NFPT after another difficult high rep workout- once again, feeling like I could probably throw up. Despite the nausea, I went home thinking of the previously stated thought- that my body will get better at this, and it won’t always be so hard.

With week one behind, I’m proud of myself for making it through, and I’m looking forward to week two, in hopes that I’ll push myself harder, and accomplish even more goals.

Woot.