I’ve known for a long time that weight on the scales is not the best measure of whether exercise is having the desired effects but without the right kind of tape measure I stuck with it as an indicator of my success or failure, quite often allowing them to dictate my behaviour and mood. I recently started having a personal training session once a week, part of which was to get myself measured. Having seen the results and the difference made in just 5 weeks, I can safely say I am 100% behind using measurements as a marker for success so it’s time to ditch the scales and invest in a tape measure! And, some people might not even need or want to do that as how your clothes fit and how you feel is probably the best indication you need.
In the last 5 weeks I have lost:
- 2.5cm from my chest
- 2.5cm from my waist
- 0.5cm from my hips (this must be where I am storing all the ice cream. A moment on the lips and all that!)
- 5.5cm from my bum (no wonder my shorts are all too big!)
- 1cm on one thigh and 0.5cm on the other (bit gutted I no longer have even thighs though!)
- 3lb in weight
And since I began my weight loss mission back in February, almost 5 months ago, I have:
- Dropped from a dress size 14 to 12
- Lost 1st 10lb (this is more than my 7 month old currently weighs!)
- Progressed from walking 1-2 miles at a time to running 6 miles
- Progressed from lifting no weights to being able to do full push ups and lift 15kg (just about – it was a struggle to get to 10 reps!)
- Learnt to enjoy the gym (and even tolerate a lunge), as well as classes
Now I’d say that’s pretty impressive results. And in all honestly, I’ve done this with very little spare time and while still affording myself some of the food I love.
Unfortunately chances are all this will go out of the window this weekend as it is the HEN DO this weekend! Without giving too much away to the bride-to-be I can confirm there are a lot of naughty treats on the menu and I fully intend to get involved! The good news is that I currently a little slimmer than I was expecting to be by this point so I’ve got some buffer room to go wild!
A little while back I set some goals for myself to achieve by the end of June. I’m a firm believer in having goals and / or a target to work towards. Most people now have to set SMART objectives as part of their job (in a former job, I was also responsible for getting people motivated about doing them) and in a personal setting the sames rules apply -ensuring your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timebound as follows:
- To reach 10 stone 7lb by end June and maintain this weight – am now 10 st 3lb
- To go for a run at least twice a week, building up to 5 miles by end June – did 6 miles
- Start ‘no more mummy tummy’ exercises again and complete them 6 times per week – haven’t been keeping up
Looking back on the goals I set above, I have over achieved two out of three – well, two out of three ain’t bad! I haven’t been doing my daily core exercises, which I know I should because it will help tone my middle, as well as improve my pelvic floor. My only excuse is that organising this hen do is like having a full time job so I should make the time now.
Once we’re back from the hen do, we have one month to go until the wedding. The time has flown by! I’ve been fitted for my dress so the key right now is maintenance so it’s not too big or small. The bride is also looking super trim after (literally) working her butt off on a daily basis – and steering clear of the booze. This might not be a good thing when she hits the prosecco this weekend! I will, of course, report back….
WedFit Mum 