Hello friends!
Happy Monday!
The 2018 Bikini Series officially wrapped up on Saturday. I can't believe it's over already. This summer is flying by!
I have to say, I'm proud of myself for sticking with it for the entire eight weeks. I encountered a few bumps in the path, but that's life. I persevered and kept going, even when I wanted to give up. (Which was a few times. haha!)
This was my third Bikini Series, but this year was a little different. Most of you know I suffered an injury earlier this year and I was having a hard time getting back into my daily habit of working out. No matter what I did, I just couldn't get my mindset in the right place. The structure of this fitness challenge, combined with the accountability I felt I had really helped me succeed. It's easy to skip workouts when you haven't told the entire internet what you're up to, why you're doing it, and your goals. Not so easy to write out excuses every week for a check-in post. That's a good part of why I always plan on making the re-cap posts for each challenge I do. Knowing I have to create the post is sometimes the very reason I get up and get a workout in when all I really want to do is lay on the couch and binge on Netflix.
So.. results.
I took my measurements this morning. I will admit, I wasn't expecting any real change. Yes, I have been sticking with my workouts. In the past few weeks, I have also altered my diet a little bit. I'm backing off the sugary treats and simple carbs that my body just doesn't need. I'm haven't eliminated them, just cut back a little. I was very surprised at what happened. My clothes still don't fit as loosely as I would like them to, but I did actually lose inches all over, minus my arms, which stayed the same as a few weeks ago when I took
measurements.
This is the result from week 1 to now:
Stomach - same measurement as week 1, but down .25 inches from week 6
Waist - down 1.75 inches from week 1
Hips - down .5 inches from week 1
Thighs - My right was one inch bigger around than my left on week 1, now they are the same size - so essentially I lost one inch around my right thigh overall, while my left one is the same as on week 1. But they are both smaller than on week 6.
Arms - My right arm is currently bigger than my left by .25 inches. On week 1, the left was one inch bigger. One inch total lost on my left arm, .25 inches total lost on my right arm.
Total inches lost overall: 4.5 inches lost from week 1 to week 8
When I look in the mirror, I definitely see some changes, but again, my clothes are still a little too tight for my liking. I no longer own a scale and I haven't had to step on one for the doctor since December, so I'm not actually sure how much I weigh.
Those are the numbers. While, it doesn't seem like a lot, I'm happy that I at least lost inches, or stayed the same, instead of gaining.
But that doesn't necessarily concern me because I gained something far more valuable.
The reason this round of the Bikini Series was a success for me was that I reclaimed my mindset. I was able to breakthrough those mental roadblocks and rediscovered my passion and love for fitness. I realigned my priorities and found my way back.
These past eight weeks were a journey and I learned (and re-learned) some important fitness and life lessons.
- Being 30 really is a lot different than being 29.
- As you get older, your body will change.
- It is a lot easier to gain weight and a lot harder to lose it.
- Your body will respond differently to exercise as you get older.
- Things that were once easy to do, may become challenging. That's okay.
- Modifications are wonderful.
- Take breaks. As many breaks as you need.
- Slow is still progress.
- Work on strengthening your core everyday.
- A heating pad is the greatest gift anyone could ever give you.
- Always have Icy Hot or Bio Freeze on hand.
- Epsom Salt soaks are luxurious.
- It's not that serious. It's not that complicated.
- Laugh.
- It's okay to take a day off.
- Flexibility is a constant struggle. You have to work on it everyday.
- Warming up is important.
- Cooling down is important.
- Fitness is 98% mental.
- Don't allow yourself to sabotage your hard work.
- Remember to have fun, especially when you find yourself getting too serious.
Thank you all for your encouragement and support. I appreciate that you've come along with me on this journey. It's not over. I'm just getting started.
<3
-A
