Squats, squats, squats, squat, squat, squats, squats, squat, squat, squats, squats, squat, squat, squat, Everybody!

I think that pretty much sums up my workout for today.  I felt like the Coach Kathleen was saying, "how about some rows...with a side of squats!"  Yep, that seems about right.  Please understand that it was a GREAT workout and I feel amazing right now.  I have a lot of sore spots (if you saw me right now you would think I was a muscle-head with how I am holding my arms), but it is a good sore.  The sore that you know you did something right.  The sore that makes you ache for more (see what I did there?)!  Yep, I'm getting addicted...and I like it!

In addition, I just have a really good mind set right now.  I spoke with Coach K about some things that I wanted to clear up about nutrition & progress.  I wanted to be sure that all these things I had learned before (like don't drink diet soda) were accurate.  She explained that aspartame really isn't good for your body, and it makes your body crave sweets because it's not getting the sugar it thinks it is.  Ok, well I guess it's good that I have mostly kicked that Diet Coke habit (every one in a while I get a HUGE craving and cave in, thank God I've never been addicted to crack or anything serious!).

Now progress was a little different.  I asked if we could do a Week 3 review, to see if I am reaching my goals.  Take measurements again, photos (maybe), and review my initial set of goals.  I want to do this for me, so that I can see the progress.  I already feel better in 3 days, but that is only focusing on energy levels & listening to how my body feels.  I do need to see the scale go down, and the numbers from my measurements decrease.  However, as many of you know I am a realist. Meaning that I know that I cannot expect miracles (I am not on the Biggest Loser and only eating 1000 calories a day).  I know that realistically by week 3 I could (or should) see around 4-8lbs gone, probably around 2-3% body-fat, and 3-5in from places on my body.  Do I wish it would be higher, YES (duh!)?! However, I know that weight loss takes time.  I didn't put 70 pounds on my body overnight, so it won't come off that way either.  I also know that when you start a new exercise program that you may initially see a weight gain & some times even a few inches in some areas.  Your muscle fiber is changing.  This can cause all sorts of changes, and some that you may not want.  However, in the long run I know that it will create the results I want.

So, here's Day 3, and I had measurements and photos today. I wasn't happy when I saw the photos (it's amazing how your perception can change when you see yourself in a photo).  Normally I think that I look okay.  I know that I'm over-weight, but I always tell myself that I carry it well.  I don't always like what I see in photos, and today was no different. I was pretty sad, but then I did my workout with Kathleen and just was ecstatic at how well I did with her.  I guess it just goes to show that strength is not always easy to see.

Measurements:
Neck: 14"
Shoulders: 45.5"
Chest: 38.5"
Arm: 14.75"
Ribs: 36.5"
Belly Button:  39"
Hips: 44.5"
Upper Leg: 29"
Lower Leg: 21"
Calf: 17"
(photos will be posted soon)