IDK if you knew this but I've lost 20 lbs since November.
It all started with me weighing myself in October and realizing that I was at the most that I've ever weighed before in my life. I was not taking care of my body and was not prioritizing my health. I was having a busy semester and was very involved with many organizations and involvements that did not allow me to have a lot of free time. When I did have free time I would spend it being lazy watching Netflix, playing video games and eating entire Domino's Handmade Pan Pizzas in one night (Kinda impressive if you think about it).
I made it my goal to live a healthier lifestyle in November with help from encouragement from the Movember foundation. I started having smaller portions for my meals. This adjusted my stomach to require less food for me to get full. I started eating foods that were good for my body. Honestly, I had my very first salad last year at 22 years old. I also took into consideration of being a conscious eater where I reduced the amount of meat and dairy foods I was eating and I looked into the origins of where my food was coming from. Lastly, I drastically cut the amount of sweets and junk food in my diet. I noticed from doing this that my skin was clearer and that my acne had been reduced greatly.
I also began working out during November. My workout routine was not concrete and I did just a lot of random workouts. I would typically run on the treadmill for a mile and use machines for a 40 minute workout. I would ride my bike around Mount Pleasant for 3 mile rides to get out and explore the town a little bit when staying active. I also would occasionally go and play a few pick-up games at the SAC to get in a good sweat.
Winter break rolled around and there was a few things in my life that encouraged me to make some changes. I was home alone, was kinda feeling down, and I was really bored.
So I began a fitness routine of doing 100 push ups, sit ups and squats a day. I found this as the easiest routine that I could do throughout my day, in any location, and with no requirements or reservations to deter me. Additionally I would do curls with a curling bar to increase my muscle mass in my arms. When I was home I also had the chance to do boxing workouts. My brother got a punching bag and speed bag for Christmas and he barely utilized it. I looked on YouTube for boxing workouts and started to see a difference in my hand speed and coordination once I got into a rhythm. I did jump rope and and running exercises to compliment my boxing workouts.
I found it difficult to eat healthy at home. It was the holiday season and my family do no champion a healthy lifestyle. Both of my parents are overweight/ obese and the do not care for foods with ample nutrition. I felt proud of myself for restraining on binging on holiday candy and other dedicates that would have set me back with my health goals.
When I returned to school, I had my mind set that I was going to continue my tends of eating right. I discovered new healthy foods that I had previously shunned. I stocked my room with healthier and organic options. It has been difficult to refain myself from indulging in junk food but I eventually replaced those snacks with foods such as raisins, apple sauce and bananas. Since my diet changed, started to see some results.
I started my workout regiment with my boots on the ground and ready to go. I continued to do 100 push ups, sit ups and squats a day. I began a new routine at the SAC where I would play some pick-up basketball games and then I would run a circuit on the track where I would run a mile and would do intervals where I would do 25 push ups, sit ups, and squats in between laps. After that I go to the Pool and swim a few laps to get a full body work out. Lastly I would end my time in the sauna where I would de-stress and sweat until I was unbearable.
Working out at the SAC wasn't the only way I stayed active. I began going to residential fitness classes that were free and put on through the university. I engaged in workouts that included cardio drumming where cardio exercises were fused with drumming motions in a fun and intense environment. I attended body blast workouts that engaged my core and other key muscles. I went to a dance fitness class that challenged my coordination and agility. My favorite class that I am involved in is the Sunrise yoga and relaxation yoga classes. These helped me come to a calm mental state that I really needed during the past few months.
Another pastime of mine is to ride my bike. It has been difficult to ride because of the grueling weather and the state of the roads lately. But that has not stopped me. I have done weekly 3 mile trips around Mount Pleasant to work on my legs and endurance.
I also took the opportunity to do more extra curricular exercises such as rock climbing and hot yoga. I got into rock climbing at Adventure Seminars this semester with one of my fellow RA's. She encouraged me to keep on pushing through and to keep climbing. It has been a fun bonding experience for us. I also have been experimenting with hot yoga at MI Hot Yoga with workouts as another way to find balance and cleanse my body. I found that the Vinyasa style of yoga is an excellent way to challenge your flexibility and strength.
I also have been dancing a lot. I love dancing.
Being healthier was my goal at the beginning of November and It has lead to me losing 20 pounds. It's awesome! But now I need to shift my focus to gain more muscle and to tone my body more for beach season. I want to give thanks to everyone that has provided me space, training, equipment, and encouragement during this time. Thanks the Movember Foundation, CMU University Recreation, CMU Res Life Fitness, Adventure Seminars, Michigan Hot Yoga, and Trek Bikes.
Also, thanks to all my haters.