~I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now~
I started my weight training journey in 2012 and I’ve never looked back. Alright, maybe a little.
In 2011, after having my two kids, I decided I wanted to take off the extra baby weight. I didn’t like how I looked. So I made a change. Only the change was too drastic.
You know how they say crash-dieting is bad for you? Yeah, well, I didn’t listen.
I started eating less and the weight started coming off.
Motivating!
So I ate less. And guess what? More weight came off.
Even more motivating!
I then introduced the elliptical machine into the equation.
HIIT? Ooh, what’s that? The latest cardio craze, you say?
So yes, of course I was doing cardio intervals on the elliptical like a madwoman.
The whole time I was losing weight I kept thinking to myself, “Why do they say crash-dieting isn’t good for you? I feel fine.”
I wish I knew then what I know now. The clichéd phrase has never been more true in my life.
When I reached my pre-pregnancy weight, I wasn’t exactly happy with what I saw in the mirror: skinny arms, skinny legs, flat butt, and a flabby–NOT flat–belly.
It was then that it dawned on me why they say crash-dieting isn’t good for you. Well, surely it’s not the sole reason, but my vanity knew no bounds. Gone were the round, perky butt, shapely shoulders, and toned legs I’d sported pre-pregnancy. Instead, I’d become “skinny fat”; a term I’d never heard before, but would become intimately familiar with in no time.
I started reading up on how I could fix this. And so started my deep dive into the world of weightlifting.
I found out that in order to maintain a fit and firm look while losing weight, I had to incorporate resistance training, too. Without that one important piece of the puzzle, I was burning valuable muscle mass, not just body fat.
Over the years I’ve researched tons of info on fitness, resistance training, bodybuilding, and nutrition, and implemented them in my daily life.
The articles I write stem from things I’ve researched and experienced for myself. They are in no way meant to be taken as medical or certified personal training advice. They are simply what I’ve found works for me.
I am not a certified personal trainer, nor a medical professional. I encourage everyone to take what they read and research it for themselves, too, and certainly consult a professional should they want to undertake a new fitness method mentioned in this blog.
The purpose of this blog is to share my passion for fitness, and help others discover that building muscle mass has so many benefits. I hope you stick with me as I share my findings, my musings, and my affection for this hobby of mine.